The Most Flavorful Dive Bars in Cincinnati

Gypsy's Mainstrasse

★★★★☆ 3.8 (45) • $

"Covington, KY is a super cool place - who knew? After a rough morning in that city across the river, I walked across the imitation Brooklyn Bridge into Kentucky, and walked over here looking for a place to decompress. Mind you, this is about 1PM on a Thursday, so not everything was going to be open.But Gypsy's was. Naturally it wasn't super busy at the time, just the bartender and two lovers on the back patio, but it was chill, and the drafts were working, and there was sports on television, and nobody to concern troll me. I only wish this place were closer to California."

Pelle's Cafe

★★★★☆ 4.4 (12) • $

"Pelle's...oh Pelle's! We stopped by this unassuming dive bar almost as a joke after hitting up the Silver Grove Dairy Bar. It's dark exterior with no windows and creepy bud light signs flickering in the distance drew us in. Once inside you are greeted with a cloud of smoke and a raspy voiced bartender. "We got bud, miller, coors" she says, "all two bucks." We grabbed a brew, headed to one of the plastic covered bingo-hall type table tops and began admiring this incredible decor. From fo-exposed brick painted on the wall to pictures of athletes from the 70's this really is a dive bar in it's truest form. If you can stand the smoke, this is great stop, if not avoid it like the plague."

Red Star

★★★★☆ 3.7 (9)

"My husband and I have been to Red Star twice in 2 weeks and really love this place. The bartenders are friendly and down to earth. The flavor infused vodkas deliver what they promise. We enjoy playing darts and lounging on the plush sofas. Great decor! Just an all around good time. Would only be improved by the addition of food."

Bertie's Music Bar

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (7)

"This is a dive bar that has a respectable menu. 4.5 stars rounding up.We've passed here many times and this bank holiday seemed like a good time to scope it out. I looked it up on Yelp - eek, one star? Hmm, three angry reviews from three Yelpers with single digit review counts. Combined. I gotta see for myself!Annette was the barmaid, great positive attitude and welcoming to newcomers. About 10 other people eating, drinking, and smoking. Everyone seemed happy. Food was decent although the fried bologna slice was way too thin for a sandwich. Tasted great though. They have TouchTunes jukebox and a pool table. Plenty of seats. Bathrooms very clean and the hot water was hot. Big parking lot.There were at least three employees on the premises. I learned that the current owners took it over about a year ago. They do not yet have live music but that may be coming. Six taps, bottles included PBR and Mich Ultra. No IPAs, reasonably stocked liquor shelves. Three beers, cheeseburger & fries, fried bologna sandwich = $25.Maybe in the past this bar was not a good place- that would've been before my time- but it's fine now. Come on in."

Phone Booth Lounge

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (19) • $$

"Excellent service and food! Jacob was our bar tender today. He was very outgoing. We had so much fun socializing and playing pool tabs here! Even won on a few today! They have pool tables as well if you like playing pool! They do have food menus. I got the chicken wrap it was fantastic!"

Al's Bar

★★★☆☆ 3 (9)

"What makes a great dive bar? How about when the bartender finishes her shift, she comes to the other side of the bar, sits down with you and starts drinking??? Years ago, Al's was the bar you were never allowed to take your boss to. Mostly because at any given time, any number of my co-workers might be in there drinking during work hours. Now, it is just the great little dive bar it aspires to be. Cold beer, really cheap. Nice location. Park around back, your boss, or your wife will never see you!!"

Mack's Tavern

★★★☆☆ 2.8 (27) • $

"Mack's is a local bar with a divey-feel. It is clean and the bartenders are always nice. I personally love the be-dazzled women's room with rhinestones glued on the walls, toilets, and stalls.There's a good selection of beer on tap - your traditional stuff, and a full bar for cocktails. If you're looking for your glass of wine ladies, be prepared for the dive-bar selections.They have a popcorn machine which levels them up in my opinion. Mack's Pizza is supposed to be great, but it reminds me of typical Dayton bar pizza: thin, cardboard-esque, and greasy. It does the trick though if you're snacky. Darts in the front and pool in the back. There's a few other games as well.In the summer you'll note a larger biker crowd which has reserved parking near the front. Mack's boasts a small patio, but usually I find this is for the smokers.I will forewarn you, while I've had several great nights at Mack's with friends. I've also encountered a "rougher" crowd looking to start something with my friends for no reason. They crowded us out of the back pool table where we'd been all evening, and one of the drunk guys threatened violence against my sister. It didn't come down to fists, but was close. While these people are no reflection of Mack's as an establishment, it does bear warning that you might encounter problem people.Overall, I like Mack's and would likely go back. I will however, quickly leave if I get the slightest feeling that an unsavory group is around."

Dana Gardens

★★★★☆ 4 (39) • $

"My favorite spot in all of Cincinnati. It is a Xavier tradition!! The bartenders here are what make Dana's so great. Shout out to Pierce, he's the best! If you are in the area, stop by and try a Hershel. One of the best drinks, but beware, they are strong!! Also y'all, they have some DELICIOUS food here. Highly recommend their spicy balls, their Mac and cheese bites AND their fried pickles. I am getting hungry just thinking about it! Such a great spot, every time I am visiting Cincinnati, I always stop by!"

Edge Inn Tavern

★★★★☆ 3.8 (22) • $

"I came to Edge Inn on a dive bar crawl we were having. This is one of those places I have driven by 1,000 times. It is right when you get on the highway taunting you to come in with it's old school liquor sign. There are no windows and this place is as dark and dingy as it gets. There was a mix of people in here everyone from old vets, to middle age dudes, to some service industry folk just getting off work for the night. The electric mix of people made for a fantastic night of people watching. The bartenders were as friendly as can be and made us feel right at home. I ordered up a Heineken on draft and it was $3 bucks. My friend order a Makers neat and it was only $3 too! This has got to be one of the cheapest bars in Cincinnati. I also fell in love with the electronic dartboard! It sucked that this bar was cash only and you have to pay to play darts, but we had such a blast. I am definitely going to add this bar to my "bars where it's okay to go in Yoga pants" list. If you haven't been I highly recommend it!"

Hole In the Wall

★★★★☆ 3.5 (19) • $

"Hole in the wall is dirty, grimy, dark and FUN! But like any place, you have to set real expectations before going in. This is a dingy dive. Don't come here if you don't like those places. We came, ordered some cheap beers and played a few games. They had classic arcade games like mario, streetfighter was broken (UGH!), pac man, taxi driver, and the simpsons. We laughed so hard at all of the 90's references here. There was a clear landline phone which if a kid saw today would probably be like WTF is that? They have a huge 90's cartoon mural with hey arnold, and rocko's modern life characters on it. Not to mention lava lamps everywhere. It was a kitschy, dirty dive and we had fun. A place you come after you've spent all your money on fancy craft cocktails and you want to let your hair down."

Old Village Tavern

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (45) • $

"This place is a local bar done right!The staff is friendly and accommodating, they are quick with a smile and very helpful to discuss the menu and drink choices. I have been there on multiple nights and have yet to experience anything bad with any of the staff.There are daily specials for both drinks and food. I have tried many of the specials and they are all done from scratch and have been very tasty. The menu consists of a lot of the typical bar fare but they take there time and do them right.The absolute best thing about this place is the wings. Lenny's Sweet and Spicy mixed with his Jalapeno hot sauce! The can cook then right! Crispy yet succulent!The after work crowd is usually there so things settle down from 7-9 and start ramping up again till close. So time your ordering accordingly.On Wednesday nights they have been having some really good acoustical musicians come in to play. The weekend they have karaoke.This place offers an immense beer and spirit selection as well. over 12 different flavors of vodka alone. They also fill growlers!I highly recommend stopping in for happy hour and checking it out."

Oak Grove Tavern

★★★★☆ 4.1 (13) • $

"While Google mapping a route for the hubby & I to ride our motorcycles on the first nice spring evening in awhile, I discovered Oak Grove Tavern, so we decided to check it out. Oak Grove Tavern is tucked away along Alkire Rd right by a main entrance to Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park. I was delighted when I pulled into their parking lot & saw designated motorcycle parking spaces. The Tavern sits on a pretty decent stretch of land. They have picnic tables, a big pavilion/stage area outdoors, as well as your regular indoor seating and bar. It definitely has a local, hole in the wall, "everyone knows each other" vibe but everyone was very friendly to us newbies and made us feel welcome. Even the other customers greeted us when arrived and wished us a safe, fun ride when we left.The food isn't fancy, your normal bar grub, but it was tasty. They make a mean basket of fries! And their food and drink were cheap too.The bartenders were saying that Friday is their best night-steak night and Sundays are fun too-bike night. I look forward to coming back and checking out both."

Madonna's Bar & Grill

★★★★☆ 3.9 (108) • $

"I have been working in Downtown Cincinnati for 10 years, and had never been here. This week I was told that they served a great burger. So on that recommendation 3 of us made the walk up to try it out. The inside is cozy, inviting, and clean. I felt comfortable as soon as I walked in. The service was great, never waiting on anything. Then the burger. I ordered the "Big Daddy" which is a double cheeseburger made with two 1/3 size patties, bacon and the works. It really blew me away. The burger was hot, toppings were fresh, and the patties had a great grilled flavor to them. The recommendation was a good one, I will definitely be back!"

Friendly Stop Bar and Grill

★★★★☆ 4.2 (138) • $

"Been driving by Friendly Stop twice a day for 4 years. Literally on my way to and from work. Finally the boss took me there a couple of months ago. Wow, what is wrong with me? It's pure comfort food. Sandwiches, meat loaf, fries, etc. My ruben was delish and onion rings perfectly crunchy. Needless to say I've been back and won't drive by every time from now on."

Stanley's Pub

★★★★☆ 3.6 (37) • $

"Great venue for up coming bands!!! Great sound in the room. Yes it has a bit narrow quarters but it's just right!! They have an outdoor patio that you can get away to chat a bit with your fellows. They have a plethora of alcohol drinks!! I had their Wild Turkey bourbon straight which is one of my favorites that has a huge kick so ladies be careful unless your tough to handle it!! Enjoying the music tonight!! Stringbreakers and Stuffbreakers band from Brazil They made their first debut in the States at Stanley's Pub!! How awesome.....the manager has a huge heart and was a pleasure to meet all of them!! Gone Solo!!"

Fries Cafe

★★★★☆ 3.8 (47) • $

"Fantastic venue for live music and cold beer! We enjoyed INOA band over the weekend and the patio out back was perfect. Only downside was bar was down some steps but that didn't stop even this guy with a broken leg since Taft, Braxton and Reinguiest were on tap. Highly recommended for a great evening out around Clifton."

City View Tavern

★★★★☆ 4 (163) • $

"The menu was not expansive, but everything our party of 5 ordered was good. I wasn't sure what to expect as I couldn't find a website to browse prior to stopping in. The lone employee worked the bar and the grill and was super personable. A nice fellow. After we placed our order, it seemed a couple dozen more patrons rolled in and the worker really jumped into action! The environment felt like Cheers LOL. The historical pictures and paper clippings and beer artwork just felt comfortable. The view of the city--hence, the name--was gorgeous, despite the gray weather."

Happy Hollow Inn No 1

★★★★★ 4.5 (4)

"Bring cash! Went here on Saturday night and ordered drinks, then was told that they didnttake debit or credit cards, cash only. Karaoke was a lot of fun! Would definitely go back!"

Monk's Cove

★★★★☆ 3.8 (44) • $

"If you are in the area searching for a bar to visit and you have come across this review know this: if you are not a fan of the rowdy drunk college scene, don't come here after 9-10pm. However if you are looking for an open airy dive bar on a Sunday afternoon, GET HERE. Just use your noggin and know what you are getting into before you come. Why this place is hilarious -- I was hosting an out of towner this weekend and we generally into cocktail bars, and cheese plates. However on a Saturday afternoon we were in the window where a lot of those fancy pants places were closed for lunch. It was a nice day so we decided to venture up to Mt. Adams and ended up at Monk's where the rest of the night was history. After going to nearly 30 different places over the weekend we both agreed our time at Monk's together was one of our favorite memories in our nearly 4 year long friendship. There were probably around 5-7 other people in the place with us on this sunny Easter weekend afternoon. We sat at the bar and were greeted right away. Having heard about their legendary jello shots we thought - when in Rome? (WE NEVER DO THIS) Three syringes later and the boomerang app and viola instant memories are made. They have standard jello shots for $1 or the larger syringe style shot for $3. They also have a shot wheel with specials and a beat the clock game which could really get you into trouble on a Saturday afternoon. Venture into the back for some free popcorn and table games, or find yourself a bar seat to people watch through the front open-air style window. This place can either be your worst nightmare or your best friend depending on the time you go which is the reason for the mixed reviews. For me, and the times I have visited, I have really enjoyed myself and Monk's is quickly becoming one of my favorites which is something I never thought I would hear myself say. Pay them a visit this weekend!"

Sandy's Stagecoach Saloon

★★★★☆ 3.8 (8) • $

"We had been meaning to stop by and get a beer for a long time and finally did. We are always looking for a cool local bar to get cheap drinks at and this fits the bill. We got seats at the bar and enjoyed a few beers. The service was great. We were there at shift change and both bartenders were super nice and welcoming and the beer was ice cold. What more could you ask for."

Cozy Inn Bar & Grill

★★★★☆ 4.3 (9) • $

"Best dive bar in Chillicothe, and this blue-color factory town has plenty of dive bars! That being said, to truly enjoy and appreciate this spot you need to keep your expectations in check before you visit. Don't expect a long list of craft beers, signature cocktails, wine flights, gourmet appetizers, yada yada yada. What you do get is cold beer, strong drinks, the best freaking burger within 50 miles, dim lighting, neon beer signs, loud juke box (with a lot of base) and a loyal local following. Long live The Cozy!"

Elbo Room

★★★★☆ 4.4 (8) • $

"Good old school dive bar. They make a good stiff drink! If swearing doesn't offend you and you like a good drink with a blue collar crowd, you'll like the Elbo Room!"

Billie's Skyline Tavern and Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4.2 (26) • $

"I was told this was a dive bar, but I left feeling good that I stopped by this place. Billie's is easy to get to and it's the perfect place to watch a sporting event on one of their 4 big screens or get a brew before or after an NKU game. The bar is clean with many regulars willing to spark up a conversation with you. I really liked that there was a lot of tables near the bar to watch the games. There's also some classic arcade games. And if there's nothing on the tube, they got plenty of board games above the fireplace which adds to the comfortable homey ambiance of this place.There menu is simple bar food items with burgers, wings, wraps and other apps. I had a delicious chicken caesar wrap with a generous portion of chips. In my opinion, this meal blew away what I had at Smashburger nearby. I would suggest this place to anyone in the area because I left happy, and I will come back."

Milton's Prospect Hill Tavern

★★★★☆ 4.1 (54) • $

"Cheap drinks. Fun crowd. Shuffleboard. Milton's makes for a fun dive bar! Milton's was our last stop of a fun night out in Cincy. We were quickly able to get our drinks from the bar.And extra points go to Milton's for having Rhinegeist's Bubbles on tap. I had been looking for it ever since having a sip a couple months prior. I even took a pic of the tap handle because I was so excited.Then upstairs we played shuffleboard. I hate to admit -- I was a shuffleboard virgin before my trip to Milton's. And after playing ... I don't think I'll be leaving my day job to go on any shuffleboard circuits. But it was so much fun!We came across a birthday party of friendly folks to play shuffleboard with -- another plus.And while Milton's is a dive, it's a clean dive -- my favorite kind. If I lived in Cincy, this place would be my go-to."

The Barrel

★★★★☆ 3.5 (37) • $

"It's nice and spacious here. The music is great! I was surprised to see that there weren't any masks being worn during COVID. I was able to keep my distance. There's a wide variety of drinks. I liked the draft varieties. They had liquor and bottle service too. They even serve fishbowls. The pizza looks really good. They've got a big patio out back and a pool table inside. They even have a party room. I'm digging these barrel tables. I came for drinks and music. It was nice to get out and it's calm. The service is fast and friendly and there's a dozen televisions to watch sports."

Dive Bar

★★★★☆ 3.9 (61) • $

"A large group of us came here to grab a drink after a Yelp event at Bogarts. There was a perfect large table in the corner with plenty of seating for all of us. They had some great beer specials going on adn a large selection of local craft cans for super cheap! The bartender was very helpful and attentive. I sure expected more of a college crowd, but on this night it was a strange mix of hipsters and locals. For sure this place lives up to its name, it is divey, but good place to grab a cheap drink if youre in the area!"

Andy's Cafe

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (9) • $

"Divey neighborhood bar with great music and drinks. If you're looking for a casual good time and a quick bite to eat, this is a good place to get it. Bartenders pour strong shots and the wings were cooked well. Not my go to, but a fun night out on occasion."

Yellow Cab Tavern

★★★★☆ 3.5 (23) • $

"Yellow Cab Tavern is a laid-back spot for pizza and beer. Order at the counter, choose from a few pizza options by the slice or pie, and pair with a decent beer selection. Friendly staff and relaxed vibe make for an enjoyable night out."

Laff's

★★★★☆ 4 (54) • $$

"Food is as good as it ever was in the old days and they have painted the walls and ditched the pool table to make way for a few more tables which are all improvements. On the downside portions appear to be reduced, at least the nachos are about 2/3 scale of what they used to be. Wait staff were running ragged and kitchen was struggling to keep up."

Deer Park Tavern

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (9) • $

"If you're looking for a good dive, this one is a step above the rest. - It's clean.- The bartenders are friendly. - They have amazing specials! (A bucket of domestics was 5 or $9)- They have featured product lines. This occasion was Old Smokey Moonshine all drinks were on special. - They have TWO patios.- And last but not least they have corn hole! The inside is very dark, but make your way outside and you will see a long narrow patio with plenty of patio tables surrounded by Ivy growing up the walls. It's covered so it stays shaded on those hot summer days. The main patio is basically a giant backyard. It is a very large rectangle shape with a nice concrete slab with nice wrought iron patio furniture and fire pits. There is also a bar outside (although it looks like it hasn't been used over the winter) and even stage! Not sure if they have live music or not, I wish I would have asked. We grabbed a few pints and went outside to play corn hole before long we had an audience up on the patio near the bar. I don't think they get very lively people here, they were all so excited to watch us play. It looks like another reviewer mentions that they switched ownership a few years back and you can certainly tell. Everything here is in great shape and I would totally make plans to come here again and settle in for the night on the patio."

Back Door Saloon

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (6) • $$

"My gut says give Back Door Saloon a break on being a locally owned and operated pub in little old Greenhills, Ohio. But really folks. Aren't we supposed to YELP so that others can make clear and uncluttered decisions on nightlife, food, shopping and all the rest? I think so.Back Door Saloon sits in the bowels of Greenhills Shopping Center. Either park in the front and walk down the long flight of steps that splits the center and turn right, walking past Greenhills Lanes.... or drive 'round back and park at the bar.The minute you walk in (as a friend of mine and I did on a weekday afternoon) you'll get the once over by patrons. Back Door Saloon is a local pub and "everyone knows their names",... just not yours. Light in the front and darker as you walk back into the place. The long backroom has pool tables, Golden Tee golf and some seating, along with a DJ station and small dance floor. I don't see dancing there but perhaps the locals wind 'er up and grind 'er down.There are a few HDTVs but at the end of the bar where we sat and consumed drinks was a TV circa 1990; color but tube. I thought I was going blind watching The Masters. Golf balls looked like chalks marks moving across the screen.I would wager the Back Door Saloon will continue to deliver on its offer to serve as Greenhills best watering hole. They do actually have an outdoor patio for spring and summer (area of the parking lot that's been fenced off by chain link fence). Yeppers. It's a beauty. But when you've only got one oasis.... why be over the top? Cold brew. A hideaway. A local bar. Back Door.... and make sure you call home and check on the spouse's whereabouts once in a while."

Rosie's Tavern

★★★★☆ 4 (38) • $

"Rosie's Tavern was fun and I had no idea this place even existed! Thanks Yelp ;) First off, jello shots. I don't know why maybe because they are often only $1 but I love ordering them. And this place has some crazy ones! The watermelon sour tasted like a Jolly Rancher and it was delish. Smoking always ruins everything, but if you can stand it - they have pool and a touchtones jukebox. The vibe here is more hipster/trendy than any other dive in Covington. Other positives? Drinks are dirt cheap -- $5.50 BOURBON Tuesdays from some of the best distillers around like Blantons, Basil Hayden, Angel's Envy, Bookers and more! Call for details.Every Monday, free pool, $2 wells, and $6 domestic pitchers - yes you heard that right. $6 for a PITCHER."

Vogue Cafe Inc

★★★★☆ 4.2 (6) • $

"I'm totally digging Vogue Cafe Inc! It's basically everything you want in a dive bar. They have a pool table and darts in the back room, and a great outdoor covered patio. The tables outside followed through with the theme, covered in Vogue magazine pictures. My favorite part of the night was that everyone seemed to be selecting super-sexy R&B jams all night which definitely added to the mood of the room :) It's cash only, but they have an ATM if you forget. OH WAIT...the ATM has a fun little feature to! But I can't describe it well and I should leave you something to look forward to. I'll just pull you in with this clue: "rotating light feature". Have fun dive-baring!"

Uncle Leo's

★★★★★ 4.5 (15)

"Re-opened as Uncle Leo's and it's such a blast! Came for their opening last night and the place is so beautiful - warm pink light and vintage pieces covering the bar and walls. Beautiful bar with a limited selection for now but I'm sure it will grow. The bartenders currently offer 6 classic cocktails but can make anything you like. Think of it as an upscale dive bar. Extremely fun place to get a drink."

O'Malleys In the Alley

★★★★☆ 3.8 (200) • $$

"A great neighborhood hanging out spot. Good bar food and solid drinks. Highly recommend the smashedr, a pressed sandwich that dips well into ranch!"