The Actual Drinker’s Information to Cincinnati’s Important Dive Bars

Milton’s

301 Milton St., Prospect Hill

Prospect Hill’s neighborhood joint is chatty, diverse and full of character. A great place to have a beer, relax and chat it up with the regulars.

Photo: Holden Mathis
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Milton’s

301 Milton St., Prospect Hill

Prospect Hill’s neighborhood joint is chatty, diverse and full of character. A great place to have a beer, relax and chat it up with the regulars.

Photo: Holden Mathis
” itemprop=”image” />Gypsy’s

641 Main St., Covington

Located in the heart of Covington, Gypsy’s is a neighborhood bar that has a back patio, specials on beer and bourbon and over 60 different beer options. If you need a push, they’re dog-friendly.

Photo via Facebook.com/GypsysCovington” data-title=”

Gypsy’s

641 Main St., Covington

Located in the heart of Covington, Gypsy’s is a neighborhood bar that has a back patio, specials on beer and bourbon and over 60 different beer options. If you need a push, they’re dog-friendly.

Photo via Facebook.com/GypsysCovington” itemprop=”image” />Miller’s Fill-Inn

52 Donnermeyer Drive, Bellevue

Surprisingly, there are plenty of cozy spots and corner bars in Northern Kentucky with vintage electro-mechanical coin-op bowling games, but something about Miller’s Fill-Inn makes it one of our favorites. Enjoy live cover bands or a Blues jam over affordable suds and a basket of popcorn, then head to the side room, past the pool tables, and bowl to your heart’s content at just a quarter per game. Six players at a time can play on the bar’s vintage Champagne machine, which was made by the Chicago Coin company (a noted pinball machine manufacturer) back in 1969.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Miller’s Fill-Inn

52 Donnermeyer Drive, Bellevue

Surprisingly, there are plenty of cozy spots and corner bars in Northern Kentucky with vintage electro-mechanical coin-op bowling games, but something about Miller’s Fill-Inn makes it one of our favorites. Enjoy live cover bands or a Blues jam over affordable suds and a basket of popcorn, then head to the side room, past the pool tables, and bowl to your heart’s content at just a quarter per game. Six players at a time can play on the bar’s vintage Champagne machine, which was made by the Chicago Coin company (a noted pinball machine manufacturer) back in 1969.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
” itemprop=”image” />Fries Cafe

3245 Jefferson Ave., Clifton

Before opening as a bar in the 1930s, Fries Cafe was a Kroger grocery store. It offers a large selection of craft beers on tap. If you’re in the mood for games, Fries offers three floors of shuffleboard, dart boards and pool tables. Head out back and check out the massive patio set-up.

Photo via https://www.facebook.com/friescafe” data-title=”

Fries Cafe

3245 Jefferson Ave., Clifton

Before opening as a bar in the 1930s, Fries Cafe was a Kroger grocery store. It offers a large selection of craft beers on tap. If you’re in the mood for games, Fries offers three floors of shuffleboard, dart boards and pool tables. Head out back and check out the massive patio set-up.

Photo via https://www.facebook.com/friescafe” itemprop=”image” />City View Tavern

403 Oregon St., Mt. Adams

A hillside dive and home of one of the best spicy bloody marys and best views in town. The burgers are damn tasty, too. Meet the Big Ted Deluxe: eight ounces of griddle-cooked, handmade beef patty with American cheese, mustard, lettuce, pickles, mayo, onion, ketchup, tomatoes, served in a plastic basket with a bag of chips.

Photo: Holden Mathis
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City View Tavern

403 Oregon St., Mt. Adams

A hillside dive and home of one of the best spicy bloody marys and best views in town. The burgers are damn tasty, too. Meet the Big Ted Deluxe: eight ounces of griddle-cooked, handmade beef patty with American cheese, mustard, lettuce, pickles, mayo, onion, ketchup, tomatoes, served in a plastic basket with a bag of chips.

Photo: Holden Mathis
” itemprop=”image” />O’ Malleys in the Alley

25 W. Ogden Place, Downtown

O’Malleys in the Alley is a straightforward imbibing experience with homemade dishes that have stood the test of time. Daily drink specials and its proximity to Great American Ball Park make this a must before Red’s games.

Photo via Facebook.com/OMalleysInTheAlley1” data-title=”

O’ Malleys in the Alley

25 W. Ogden Place, Downtown

O’Malleys in the Alley is a straightforward imbibing experience with homemade dishes that have stood the test of time. Daily drink specials and its proximity to Great American Ball Park make this a must before Red’s games.

Photo via Facebook.com/OMalleysInTheAlley1″ itemprop=”image” />Junkers Tavern

4156 Langland St., Northside

This proud dive bar serves the usual, low-cost domestic beers in a down-to-earth pub. It hosts karaoke nights and live music. If you get hungry, select something tasty from the infamous wall of chips.

Photo: Holden Mathis
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Junkers Tavern

4156 Langland St., Northside

This proud dive bar serves the usual, low-cost domestic beers in a down-to-earth pub. It hosts karaoke nights and live music. If you get hungry, select something tasty from the infamous wall of chips.

Photo: Holden Mathis
” itemprop=”image” />Dunlap Cafe

1926 Dunlap St., Over-the-Rhine

This joint has been open since 1936, making it one of the longest-running establishments in Over-the-Rhine. It offers cheap beer and cheap food as well as merch for especially dedicated regulars.

Photo: Paige Deglow
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Dunlap Cafe

1926 Dunlap St., Over-the-Rhine

This joint has been open since 1936, making it one of the longest-running establishments in Over-the-Rhine. It offers cheap beer and cheap food as well as merch for especially dedicated regulars.

Photo: Paige Deglow
” itemprop=”image” />JD’s Honky Tonk and Emporium

2406 Spring Grove Ave., Camp Washington

This dive bar is known for its burgers, fried bologna sandwiches, bloody marys and jukebox.

Photo: Liz Davis
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JD’s Honky Tonk and Emporium

2406 Spring Grove Ave., Camp Washington

This dive bar is known for its burgers, fried bologna sandwiches, bloody marys and jukebox.

Photo: Liz Davis
” itemprop=”image” />C&D Cafe

1714 Hanfield St., Northside

This Northside dive offers pool, Friday night Euchre, to-go beer, happy hour specials and a $6 charity cocktail.

Photo: Liz Davis
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C&D Cafe

1714 Hanfield St., Northside

This Northside dive offers pool, Friday night Euchre, to-go beer, happy hour specials and a $6 charity cocktail.

Photo: Liz Davis
” itemprop=”image” />Madonna’s Bar & Grill

11 E. Seventh St., Downtown

This cozy downtown dive bar has a pool table and jukebox, friendly bartenders (say hi to Downtown Scott Brown) and a great BLT.

Photo via Facebook.com/MadonnasBarandGrill” data-title=”

Madonna’s Bar & Grill

11 E. Seventh St., Downtown

This cozy downtown dive bar has a pool table and jukebox, friendly bartenders (say hi to Downtown Scott Brown) and a great BLT.

Photo via Facebook.com/MadonnasBarandGrill” itemprop=”image” />Stanley’s Pub

323 Stanley Ave., Columbia Tusculum

A favorite spot for live, eclectic tunes along the river. Local and out-of-town bands with cheap drinks make Stanley’s an area favorite. A big place for Jamgrass.

Photo: Liz Davis
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Stanley’s Pub

323 Stanley Ave., Columbia Tusculum

A favorite spot for live, eclectic tunes along the river. Local and out-of-town bands with cheap drinks make Stanley’s an area favorite. A big place for Jamgrass.

Photo: Liz Davis
” itemprop=”image” />Murphys Pub

2329 West Clifton Ave., Clifton

Established in 1969, this college dive bar offers every day deals on pitchers, bar games and team sports, frequent free pizza and hot dogs. Murphy’s represents its Irish roots on Saint Patrick’s Day.

Photo via Facebook.com/MurphysPubClifton” data-title=”

Murphys Pub

2329 West Clifton Ave., Clifton

Established in 1969, this college dive bar offers every day deals on pitchers, bar games and team sports, frequent free pizza and hot dogs. Murphy’s represents its Irish roots on Saint Patrick’s Day.

Photo via Facebook.com/MurphysPubClifton” itemprop=”image” />Olde Towne Tavern

32 W. Seventh St., Covington

One of the oldest neighborhood bars in Covington, this dive is right across the street from Braxton Brewing Co. and serves a variety of local craft beers. It also has a pool table, dart boards, occasional live entertainment, ping-pong and karaoke.

Photo: Liz Davis
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Olde Towne Tavern

32 W. Seventh St., Covington

One of the oldest neighborhood bars in Covington, this dive is right across the street from Braxton Brewing Co. and serves a variety of local craft beers. It also has a pool table, dart boards, occasional live entertainment, ping-pong and karaoke.

Photo: Liz Davis
” itemprop=”image” />Old Timber Inn

4330 Spring Grove Ave., Spring Grove Village

This dive bar is more known for its unusual food than its alcohol. Old Timber Inn is infamous for its fish logs, a thick slice of savory cold-water Atlantic cod, fried to a perfect crisp and served with a sliced lemon. Served alongside housemade tartar sauce, it is perhaps the best in the city.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Old Timber Inn

4330 Spring Grove Ave., Spring Grove Village

This dive bar is more known for its unusual food than its alcohol. Old Timber Inn is infamous for its fish logs, a thick slice of savory cold-water Atlantic cod, fried to a perfect crisp and served with a sliced lemon. Served alongside housemade tartar sauce, it is perhaps the best in the city.

Photo: Hailey Bollinger
” itemprop=”image” />Knockback Nats

10 W. Seventh St., Downtown

Come early for this bar’s daily happy hour between 3 and 7 p.m., where you can try beers while eating their popular smoked wings or burgers. Enjoy dart boards, video golf, video bowling and a jukebox for extra fun.

Photo: Liz Davis
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Knockback Nats

10 W. Seventh St., Downtown

Come early for this bar’s daily happy hour between 3 and 7 p.m., where you can try beers while eating their popular smoked wings or burgers. Enjoy dart boards, video golf, video bowling and a jukebox for extra fun.

Photo: Liz Davis
” itemprop=”image” />The B List

343 Division St., Bellevue

According to their Facebook page, they’re a “quintessential neighborhood ‘hole in the wall.'” The bar includes a 100+ bourbon selection, over 100 cans and bottles of craft beer and cider, a $3 craft beer special everyday and 10 craft and domestic beers and cider on draft.

Photo via Facebook.com/TheBListBvue” data-title=”

The B List

343 Division St., Bellevue

According to their Facebook page, they’re a “quintessential neighborhood ‘hole in the wall.’:: The bar includes a 100+ bourbon selection, over 100 cans and bottles of craft beer and cider, a $3 craft beer special everyday and 10 craft and domestic beers and cider on draft.

Photo via Facebook.com/TheBListBvue” itemprop=”image” />Hometown Heroes

517 Sixth Ave., Dayton, Kentucky

In addition to cheap drinks, this bar is known for its great wings, cheese curds, and ooey-gooey fries covered with goetta and queso, plus an outdoor patio.

Photo: Liz Davis
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Hometown Heroes

517 Sixth Ave., Dayton, Kentucky

In addition to cheap drinks, this bar is known for its great wings, cheese curds, and ooey-gooey fries covered with goetta and queso, plus an outdoor patio.

Photo: Liz Davis
” itemprop=”image” />Coaches Corner

317 E. Sixth St., Newport

This Newport sports bar boasts a friendly crowd and menu featuring burgers, Cajun fries and, of course, craft beers on tap. Head out back to the spacious patio for some fresh air.

Photo: Liz Davis
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Coaches Corner

317 E. Sixth St., Newport

This Newport sports bar boasts a friendly crowd and menu featuring burgers, Cajun fries and, of course, craft beers on tap. Head out back to the spacious patio for some fresh air.

Photo: Liz Davis
” itemprop=”image” />Crowley’s Irish Pub

958 Pavilion St., Mount Adams

Crowley’s Highland House has made a name for themselves offering Smithwick’s, Guinness and Killian’s on draft in an unpretentious atmosphere. As Cincinnati’s oldest Irish bar, the bar was established in 1937 by Bill Specs Crowley. They put on quite a party for Saint Patrick’s Day and the Labor Day fireworks.

Photo via Google Street View
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Crowley’s Irish Pub

958 Pavilion St., Mount Adams

Crowley’s Highland House has made a name for themselves offering Smithwick’s, Guinness and Killian’s on draft in an unpretentious atmosphere. As Cincinnati’s oldest Irish bar, the bar was established in 1937 by Bill Specs Crowley. They put on quite a party for Saint Patrick’s Day and the Labor Day fireworks.

Photo via Google Street View
” itemprop=”image” />Crow’s Nest

4544 W. Eighth St., West Price Hill

The Crow’s Nest opened in 1895 by husband and wife duo Mike and Mary Crow. Now, the pub is owned by the O’Dell family, who are the descendants of Mary. When you drive by, you’ll see a plethora of Irish fanfare. But their claim to fame is their fish sandwich.

Photo via Facebook.com/crowsnestcincy” data-title=”

Crow’s Nest

4544 W. Eighth St., West Price Hill

The Crow’s Nest opened in 1895 by husband and wife duo Mike and Mary Crow. Now, the pub is owned by the O’Dell family, who are the descendants of Mary. When you drive by, you’ll see a plethora of Irish fanfare. But their claim to fame is their fish sandwich.

Photo via Facebook.com/crowsnestcincy” itemprop=”image” />Boswell Alley

1686 Blue Rock St., Northside

A casual Northside townie bar and grill in a historic building that dates back to 1886. The menu features inexpensive items — soups, salads, sandwiches and burgers — with plenty of vegetarian-friendly dishes and a daily steak special. A renovated back patio houses an al fresco bar and yard games.

Photo via Google.com/maps
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Boswell Alley

1686 Blue Rock St., Northside

A casual Northside townie bar and grill in a historic building that dates back to 1886. The menu features inexpensive items — soups, salads, sandwiches and burgers — with plenty of vegetarian-friendly dishes and a daily steak special. A renovated back patio houses an al fresco bar and yard games.

Photo via Google.com/maps
” itemprop=”image” />Brew House

1047 E. McMillan, Walnut Hills

The Brew House has been a Walnut Hills institution since 1978 with funky décor, friendly people, good burgers and cheap drinks.

Photo: Liz Davis
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Brew House

1047 E. McMillan, Walnut Hills

The Brew House has been a Walnut Hills institution since 1978 with funky décor, friendly people, good burgers and cheap drinks.

Photo: Liz Davis
” itemprop=”image” />Golden Fleece Lounge

4918 Glenway Ave., Price Hill

This full-service lounge was created by the same folks who run Price Hill Chili (it’s inside/attached to Price Hill Chili), and you can order any item from the chili menu while enjoying a drink there. It has a glassed in patio as well as big-screen TVs for watching sports.

Photo: Liz Davis
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Golden Fleece Lounge

4918 Glenway Ave., Price Hill

This full-service lounge was created by the same folks who run Price Hill Chili (it’s inside/attached to Price Hill Chili), and you can order any item from the chili menu while enjoying a drink there. It has a glassed in patio as well as big-screen TVs for watching sports.

Photo: Liz Davis
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