For a college student, Cincinnati has hundreds of bar options, from local watering holes in Clifton to the up and coming OTR scene to Newport on the river and everything in between. We have our favorites, but do you ever want to get out of your comfort zone? Try something new? Go somewhere different? Here are a couple places I've been to that most college kids have probably never been to, but should check out for a happy hour, a drink after work or a night out.
1. Plum Street Cafe
This little bar is tucked away across from the Duke Energy Convention Center, and you'd walk right past without a second glace. It's quaint and always full of locals and my favorite bartender (Linda). It's a great place for lunch, and their drink prices are super cheap all of the time (happy hour is every hour). It's a fun place to stop by before a Bengals or Reds game, and everyone there is like family.
2. Pompilios Restaurant
The Kentucky bar for the history buff. A part of "Rain Man" was filmed here (the matches scene), and the bar is like stepping back into time. They have an amazing Italian menu and great drink prices. There's tons of history in the restaurant from rumors of Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra dining there to the 1886 hand carved back bar that's still in service today.
3. Arnold's Bar and Grill
Arnold's is another bar someone would walk by and never think to walk into. Big mistake. Cincinnati's oldest tavern, Arnold's hosts a beautiful courtyard, great food and awesome drink prices. The upstairs of the bar used to be home to the original owners and has been converted into more seating. There's a bathtub on the second floor, and legend has it, during the Prohibition, the tub was used to hold gin. You can still walk upstairs and check out the tub and old bedrooms. Arnold's has great live music, and makes you forget you are in the center of a city.
4. Wiseguy Lounge
If you don't know about Wiseguy, you'd probably miss it. Tucked above Goodfella's Pizza in OTR, you have to walk through a little alley to get upstairs, but it's well worth it. The cozy atmosphere and specialty drinks are one of a kind. It's pretty pricey, but worth it if you're only planning on enjoying one or two drinks.
5. Murphy's Pub
OK, I know we've all (hopefully) heard of Murphy's. But if you haven't been, you're really missing out. It's a bit off the Clifton bar path but well worth the trek. The bar has a courtyard, pool, darts and four separate rooms make it unlike any other place in Clifton. Their Friday happy hour draws a huge crowd and is always a good time. If you are legally of age (trust me, they will know) and you haven't been, drop everything and get there. Now.
6. Taft's Ale House
This brewery is one of a kind. Located inside an old church and named after William Taft, Taft's Ale House serves their own beer brewed in house and a great menu of food. It's a fun place to start out a night of bar-hopping in OTR, and the atmosphere is lively, open and fun.
I know there are dozens more bars in Cincinnati I don't even know of, but these six are fun to visit if you're looking for something new.
