oh, my HEART. The Blind Lemon's back patio feels exactly like a balmy night in Barcelona-- the communal setup of the seating, the rich canopy of greenery, sweet and friendly chatter surrounding live music. I am absolutely obsessed. When you arrive, the staff will give you the option of inside or outside seating, and I'd highly recommend outside. Walking down the stone steps into the back patio area feels like discovering a secret bungalow complete with twinkle lights. We sat in a wicker double seat in the back to gain the best vantage point for people watching, and had an amazing experience just sitting back and truly relaxing in the atmosphere. My boyfriend ordered a strawberry colada and myself a spiked lemon ice tea, which were both delicious and delivered very promptly! I was HIGHLY impressed with the Blind Lemon, and I am certain we will become weekend regulars at this wonderful bar. read more

Blind Lemon - Wine Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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This place is real find! The atmosphere is very home town and cozy. Their service was great! The waitresses were really friendly. I ordered the strawberry colada. It was very tasting and the whip cream added the sweetness balance. read more

Blind Lemon - strawberry colada and tropical mike - Wine Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I am obsessed with the inside of this place! It is so cozy and intimate! The patio is bigger than I anticipated it being while also still feeling cozy. The drinks can get a little on the pricey side so order with caution. I got a martini and an old fashioned that were okay but I did expect a little better after reading so many reviews before going. Walter (I think that is his name) is definitely a cornerstone of the place and very much an acquired taste. He is a bit sassy and can see how he would rub some people the wrong way but he grew on me the more we talked. No wonder it is considered a Mount Adams gem! Would make a great date night spot! They do not serve food so be mindful of that. I will definitely be back! read more

I love listening to live music on the patio with a strong cocktail or snuggling in the wood paneled bar reminiscent of Europe. Amazing place and great drinks. Cozy and historical. read more

My favorite little bar. I have loved this bar from the moment I visited. It's quaint and has a wonderful outdoor area. I LOVE the live music and bartender they completely make this bar. I don't go often but when I do it's always a great experience. read more

We love this bar! It's such an essential part of Cincinnati's bar scene and a true gem of Mt. Adam's. We love sitting outside and enjoying music during the summer months. Inside, it's cozy and warm for the winter months. All the staff is great and friendly. Cocktails are delicious and worth the price. read more

Great place! We sat outside by the large fire pit, next time we will be venturing in to see the fascinating deco.

Walking into this little gem in the Mt. Adams neighborhood, you feel like you've been transported into a storybook. Even getting in heightens this feeling of visiting something hidden and magical, as you step down steps into a narrow stone alley and into an unobtrusive door nestled off to the side. As a note, I did hear there is a bit more commonly accessible street entrance, but I never found it. Once inside, you are mixed with an odd combination of a charming, old-world pub that is distinctly evocative of a Hobbit hole - combined with live music of a distinctly guitar-strumming American style (aka James Taylor covers an the like). Everywhere you poke, there are tons of detail in this cozy space. The bathroom doors are stained glass. Wooden models of trucks and trains are perched in display shelves just below the rafters and hanging from the ceiling. Copper cups and brass taps abound. Every surface is glossy, dark wood. A working fireplace separates the two main areas. The "stage" is a little area tucked into the corner of the main room, and the musician who played stayed on beyond his set. The music was great. Our waitress was welcoming and explained things, and the pretzels are free. I had the buttered rum (a shot-and-a-half of rum in hot water with a pat of butter mixed-in) and it was delicious. My wife had hot tea. Our friend had apple cider, which she reports was good. One thing that was a bit odd is that in some places, the sign says "Blind Lemon Café", but they don't serve food. That's probably not the best. I liked that it was a bar, but had none of the sleazy edge you find in many. Bottom Line: I had a great evening when we stopped by, and if I lived anywhere near the neighborhood, it would be a regular haunt. read more

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Coziest bar in the city. You feel like you've escaped into a small European city and are 1,million miles from Cincinnati. Top 50 bar in the USA what do you expect. read more

Watered down drinks. Not sure if it was too much ice. My wife tried it and she agreed. Her drink didn't taste right but it was strong... maybe they poured my shots in hers. read more

The Blind Lemon, my slice of Ireland in Ohio. This bar is probably my favorite in Cincy. Its dim lights, cozy space, fireplaces, and Guinness on tap had me thinking I had walked into a pub in Kinsale. Pair that with the live music, the hot drink menu, and the complimentary pretzels, and I was hooked. This Mount Adams gem is a laid back spot to enjoy a Moscow Mule or coffee and Baileys while listening to live music. Everyone at the Blind Lemon is friendly, you'll find yourself making friends with the bartender and starting conversations with the servers. The drinks are reasonably priced, and even though it's a more laid back scene, there seems to always be a good sized crowd, making for an social atmosphere. Next time you want to grab drinks somewhere new, check out the Blind Lemon. read more

What a wonderful semi-hidden gem in what is often considered an area full of D-bags and barbie girls. I consider this place a great date spot and even though there is often a live musician, one is still able to converse and enjoy the company of each other. I LOVE PRETZELS and this place is on point with complimentary bowls of them! Their drinks are reasonable considering the area. I recommend their hot drinks, like the Milky Way, a warm fell good drink with Amaretto and other yummy liquors. My server was not only cute but very attentive and friendly. The other staff I've encountered in the past have been great as well. The interior is, unique and homey, akin to your Grandfather's workshop or something. I'd say the bathroom leaves a little to be desired, but then again, all the other stuff makes up for this. Enjoy. If you take the time to read the plaque outside the staircase, you can see that you're in great company. Side note: can you imagine Kiss and Jerry Springer chilling here? Ha! read more

Romantic. Cozy. Small. Delicious. Aesthetically pleasing. It's a hole-in-the-wall. So holy, that I accidentally walked into somebody's apartment. The door was open and someone had a guitar so can you blame me? Luckily, they were super nice and lead us in the right direction. I had a great time here even though it was short-lived as we were in a rush. read more

Milky way and tootsie roll are great. The tea, which I was skeptical about at first, is fantastic. It's a 'lighter' drink if you don't want anything with a bunch of sugary ingredients in it. I'm pretty sure they don't serve anything bad. Always have a good music playing, and a fantastic atmosphere. The music is usually perfect in volume, and you can still have a good conversation with others. The patio is so pretty at night. Cozy and relaxing. read more

Blind Lemon - Patio entrance - Wine Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

One of the best places to experience in Mt. Adams! A great atmosphere that is quaint, fun, and relaxed. I love going to the Blind Lemon with friends for drinks, it's always a great experience! They don't serve food, only drinks-- but you can order from the restaurant next door if you need food, and can eat it at the Blind Lemon. They always have great, relaxing music outside and do a good job keeping the music from being too loud/crazy. Their drinks are great-- always fun, experimental martinis and a great seasonal menu. Would be a great date spot as well, it is really intimate and a great setting. read more

Blind Lemon - Martinis in the summer! - Wine Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

My favorite gem in Cincinnati. The staff is so kind and their drinks are amazing and well priced. I go here for the atmosphere because it is so cozy and you feel like you're being transported to a different time and place. read more

This is such a beautiful little spot to have a cocktail and listen to music. The courtyard is perfect in the warmer weather, but even in the winter it is wonderful inside. It is such a beautiful traditional old bar. I love to bring people visiting Cincinnati here. It is not what people would expect to find in Ohio. Just make sure you are not hungry because there is no food, and parking can be a challenge. Other than that I would highly recommend it for the atmosphere alone. read more

I love this (probably not so secret) gem. The cool courtyard accessed through a short and dark roofed alley passage provides a nice respite after walking up Mt. Adams on a hot day. A pretty nice selection of wine and beer on offer, and some wonderful acoustic guitarists playing relaxing sets. I feel spirited away to similar courtyards in New Orleans! The interior looks old-school and cozy, but for summer, the courtyard can't be beat. Unfortunately, the service is a little uneven and there are some loud bros living next door, whose antics (pong?) rise above the soothing acoustic stylings. read more

Randomly stumbled upon this adorable place while waiting for a Lyft. Fantastic drinks and an amazing vibe.

I really enjoyed the vibe of the bar and the drinks, however our waitress made me feel awful for what I felt was a minor thing. After asking twice for a menu, and being ignored for 10+ minutes, I grabbed a menu from near the bar. She immediately came over and harshly scolded me for taking a menu, which I instantly offered an apology for. I truly did not mean to disrespect her and make her job harder. Absolutely, I am glad she explained to me what I did wrong, and now realize I should not have done that. I tried my best to make amends, including leaving a 30% tip and genuinely apologizing to her in the moment. I also imagine she is very stressed and busy, which I can't blame her for. However, she ignored my table for the rest of our time there, which put a sour taste in mouth and kind of ruined my night (I know I'm pretty sensitive). read more

A friend and I spent the weekend in Cincinnati for a shot getaway. On Saturday, October 1st, After a wonderful dinner at a fine dining restaurant we asked for suggestions of a bar to go to for an after dinner drink. The Blind Lemon was highly recommended so we went. When we got to the bottom of the stairs there was a guy sitting in a chair talking to others. We didn't know if we had to be seated or if the guy in the chair was staff. After waiting a few minutes, we realized he was talking socially and we didn't think he worked there. We decided we would go in the room to our left as the other space seemed like outdoor seating. As we headed that way, the guy in the chair blocked us with his hands and said we needed to wait. This was abrupt and rude. Very rude. We had been standing there for several minutes and not addressed which is why we assumed we could seat ourselves. Since he was working there he could have told the people he was talking to to hold on one second and address us, even if it was to tell us to wait a moment. Or, he could have addressed us and told us he would be with us in a moment. Either would have been better than what he did. As guest we had no idea that he even worked there, especially since we were not addressed. He told us to follow him and took us to be seated. Even how he snatched the table back for us to be seated was rude and unkind. Then he just walked away. We were just stunned at this treatment and couldn't make sense of it. We absolutely loved the environment of the bar but our experience had ruined it for us. We both quickly decided that there was no way we could stay at this establishment. We left minutes after being seated, before a waitress/waiter came to our table. There was no reason to be treated like this. There was nothing to indicate he worked there or was seating people, least of all him NOT addressing us. He could have easily told the people he was socializing with to wait a second, or told us to wait a second. It was unnecessarily mean and showed no kindness to patrons, which we would have been had our encounter been different. We had nothing but wonderful experiences in Cincinnati. Everyone we'd met along the way had been extraordinarily kind. People had been overly helpful and friendly. This experience was awful and could have been easily addressed. If it is his job to greet and seat people, socializing should not take priority. Even still, we would have been alright if he addressed us and told us to he'd be with us shortly. One should assume that it's a person's first visit and direct them accordingly as a greeter/seater. This was by far our most disappointing experience in Cincinnati. read more

oh yes, one of Cincinnati's best spots. Oh yes, it was packed tonight, inside and outside (outdoor heaters make this possible). Pleasant entertainment (James Taylor vibe). Good drinks. good prices. Oh yes to this place. Iconic. Perfect. A jewel. A bonus to living in Cincinnati. but oh no, parking is awful, awful, awful. We went into public parking, it was full, and we had to pay $5 just to get out--that's not right but it's not blind lemon's fault. read more

I cannot believe I have not reviewed the blind lemon yet! I don't remember how I first discovered it, but I am so glad I did because it quickly became my favorite bar in the city. I've been more times than I can count at this point. I love that it's tucked away, because it makes me feel like I know this really cool secret. When I take new people there, they are always surprised when we head down the concrete steps and impressed when we walk into the bar or courtyard. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and you cannot go wrong with their live music, I've never heard a performer that wasn't excellent. I love their menu, they have a great selection of hot and cold drinks to coincide with the seasons. My favorite drink is the Goombay cocktail. My only complaints are that their frozen drinks will often have large chunks of ice in them that clog up your straw, and that service is not always as impressive as the rest of the bar.... but really, nothing that would stop me from giving five stars and going here as frequently as possible. read more

This is a staple for us when we go out for a date night - we always end it at the Blind Lemon for a nightcap before we Uber home! We have always been seated inside, but I am dying for a night when it is not too cold to sit by the fire. Once you are seated there is someone there to bring you menus, pretzels, and a smile - no wait. And the live music has always been great - exactly the best way to end a date night! It is a great little gem in Cincinnati! read more

I don't want to post this review because this is my favorite cocktail place in the area and I don't want it to get more crowded and popular than it already is. Menu is great for all sorts of drinks but I'm a fan of just asking what the bartender recommends and trusting their judgement. So don't go here. I love it too much to share. read more

We went on a rainy March night, which was the perfect weather to cozy up in this spot. I got a hot toddy which was sweeter than most. I'd give it 3 stars, but the atmosphere was good enough to bump this place up to a 5. We headed out right before the live music started, but I definitely plan to go back. read more

Great place for live music and drinks. Only giving three stars because of the very disruptive person who thought it was alright to rearrange patio furniture during a live music set. read more

Blind Lemon - Wine Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

If I were to take a friend to just one bar in Cincinnati, this would be it. And we'd go on a Sunday night. What's special about Sunday nights, as many have discovered, is listening to Jeff Henry sing and play the guitar. They have live music most nights, but he is simply the best. I didn't believe it when my friend first told me about this, but it truly is magical. Best way to cure the Sunday night blues. On any night, this little place is quiet, intimate--perfect for a date or to chill with a few friends. The outside garden is lovely, and in the winter you can sit around an enclosed fire pit while nursing your Blind Bailey. The inside is cozy and decorated with antique toys and china. Drinks are simply delicious. In the summer (right about now) I love the Peaches n Cream and Pearl Harbor. They also do perfect daiquiris and coladas. No food here, but you'll get a bowl of pretzels or nuts to munch on. read more

Looking for a romantic spot to have a quiet convo with your special someone while listening to some acoustic beats? This is the place to go. I went here last summer with my lady on a Friday night and we were lucky to get a seat. This place is packed on the weekend so be prepared to wait. The atmosphere is very cozy and warm for an outdoor venue and in my opinion is best experienced during a warm summer or fall night. There are flowers hanging along the brick wall and are several candles and lights as well. They have a few people taking drink orders but they might take a while to get to you. There are no tables outside its just a group of seats facing an area where live music is played. There is an inside area that also looks inviting but I was not able to check it out on this visit. In strange contrast to most of Mt. Adams bars, this place brings in mostly older clientele, is quiet and is for people who are in a relationship not looking for one for the night. So if you are looking for a place to chill after a night out with your date, this would be a good start on the way to the bedroom. read more

This is my new favorite bar and gives me way more reason to get to Mt. Adams on the regular. This bar is a gem among the many jock-type bars in this area. Yes, there are other good ones as well, aliveOne is a favorite of mine too. Walking down the steps to get to this bar, it's very unassuming. But the outside garden area is quite big and cozy. There are tons of chairs and tables outside facing a small band area. There was a solo guitarist/singer when I was there. Inside the bar are a couple different rooms with friendly servers. They'll even pop you fresh popcorn! The drink menu is broad and the mixed drinks are really good -- there's a unique tasting one with cinnamon I recommend. The decor inside really makes this place stand out; some stained glass and copper saucers and cups hanging all over. Go here! read more

Regretting that it took me this long to try the Blind Lemon. Easily the best spot in Mt Adams for a relaxed evening. Great drinks, beautiful outdoor area, well-executed theme + atmosphere. It was packed on Friday when we got there, my friends and I were quickly found a place outside by the host. Our waitress, Bethany, was extremely attentive and speedy, despite having at least a dozen other tables to tend to. Definitely an older crowd. If you're looking for a crazy "college feel" type bar, this is not it. If you're over 35 or feel like you're over 35, the Blind Lemon is the best spot to hit in Mt. Adams. read more

The Blind Lemon is a must, especially if you're just visiting. We came in and hung out at the bar. It was a Friday night and so it was near impossible to get a table. That was fine though. We kept ordering the Bar's Choice and were never disappointed by the different cocktails they brought to us. These bartenders know what they're doing! read more

There are two places in Cincinnati that I waiver back and forth between calling "the best patio in the city", and Blind Lemon is one of them! They have great cocktails (there's a menu both for the summer and the winter), and a decent craft beer selection. Sitting in the outdoor area in the summer is fabulous because they have some comfy seating where you can listen to the live acoustic music. In the winter, the outside area has heaters and fire pits, so you don't get cold! There are servers, so you are able to sit and listen to the music without having to get up. The outside area is covered in lush greenery, with climbing vines going up the walls surrounding you. There is also an inside area, but with what I just described to you, who needs to be indoors? If you insist, the inside has some very unique decor and is dimly lit, making Blind Lemon a perfect place for a date night. My only tip is to be careful with the bathrooms - they aren't labeled well, and you don't want to find yourself wandering into the wrong one! :) read more

Man, are you kidding? How is a bar this cool in Cincinnati? I mean don't get me wrong, there are plenty of really neat bars that are really populated and fun... But nothing like this. It's like you have stepped into J.R.R. Tolkien or CS Lewis' mind. I'm a huge sucker for places with such ambiance as this. Definitely cozy, good for any season. The beer selection is marvelous, and the bar tender and servers, even the owner are all very attentive and kind. They will definitely accommodate you to the best of their abilities. Maybe the only thing that might be nice is bar snacks. They have hard pretzels, but it would be nice to have maybe a snack option. Definitely go visit! read more

This place has a very cool vibe. Walking down the stairs into a garden cove and then into the bar that is like a secret spot was very appealing. We got there around 930 and the garden was full. The host really was the best host I've ever come across. Impressive staff overall. We were seated in the back and it was very cramped with lots of classic car models, old photos, records, and copped cups, kettles, and pots everywhere lit dimmly with Tiffany style lamps. Odd, but it really works. They only do drinks here. Food is next door at Mt. Adams. Why not 5 stars?, you might be thinking. Well, their drink menu was not all that creative and pretty limited. I really thing they would excell making pre prohibition speak easy style drinks. I'd love to have seen a moscow mule, side car, or classic dacquiri, but instead a miriad of overly sweet martinis and coffee w/ liquer drinks + a PERFECT mojito. You must get the mojito. One of the best I've had. Our waitress was super friendly and attentive. The other patrons were friendly. The place had a good energy. I'd have loved to have been on the patio, but no one seemed to tell us we could have asked for it and waited at a table inside. So, if you go and the patio is full, ask for the wait list, grab a drink and table inside, and they'll come get you when the patio spot opens up! Tip: This was the most "adult" bar in the area other than a wine bar amongst a bunch of college style frat bars. read more

The Blind Lemon is one of my favorite places in Cincinnati for a drink and a chat. You enter Mt Adams knowing parking is epically difficult to find so I won't dock them on that. You walk down some stairs and a brick walkway to the Blind Lemon's awesomeness. There's both an indoor and outdoor section, but the outdoor is only used once its warm enough. Which in early March it wasn't. I was meeting an old friend here to catch up a bit and have a few drinks. She had a gin & tonic and seemed to like it. I had Gran Marnier on the rocks and found it to be about right. The ambiance here was what I was after. Warm and inviting, the lighting was comfortable and the live music wasn't too loud. The decor is tidy and interesting. Lots of old photos and brass teapots and mugs hanging about. I do truly recommend a visit. Especially when the weather is warmer. There are few places in Cincinnati where a guy just strums on a guitar and you can chat without raised voices. A one of a kind place. read more

Seriously - this was our first time here. I know, I know...we should probably be kicked out of Cincy for that. Good thing we live in NKY. So, we crossed the ocean and grabbed dinner at The Rookwood (updated review in-process) and walked a few blocks to this cool spot. I think the charm of the Mt. Adams neighborhood is really the beginning of the Blind Lemon. Ivy covering the building, a narrow walkway to the back patio - which is where you should hang out, according to everyone and their brother. The name comes from an early 20th century Jazz musician from what I picked up, so, their 'thing' is the live music. You're not going to get screamed at, though, from what I could tell. The musician for this weeknight was an acoustic guitarist playing Neil Young and other classic hits. The volume was pleasant and my wife and I were able to enjoy some adult conversation. Often times at other bars it's like a yelling match with the music - not here. They'll serve you pretzels with your beverage, they do not offer food. I had a "Pearl Harbor" (seriously...could you come up with a more positive name) and they brought it out to me with a massive strawberry and mint leaf on top. I felt manly. My wife had a Malbec that was OK. We arrived early in the evening (~6pm) and we had the patio mostly to ourselves, which was nice. As the night progressed, more and more groups came. There was plenty of seating, and didn't feel super crowded. Personally, I'll probably avoid this place on a weekend, though, as being cramped isn't my style. So, for a weeknight date - this is a new 'place' we will frequent. If you're like us, and hadn't checked this place out, do it! ...on a Wednessday. read more

Literally the most magical bar. Doesn't seem real. They have lots of delicious drinks. Great live music. What's weird is they have fresh squeezed orange juice and I get that every time. Love this place so much read more

This is a wonderful place to have a drink on a first date or when you want to spend quality time with your SO. The courtyard is beautiful. The firepit provides excellent ambiance. It seems like they have live music every night. Nice touch! The music is generally acoustic, so there won't be a problem hearing conversation. I have to say that the interior of the building is absolutely cozy in the wintertime. It can get a bit cramped when busy though. I sat back and sipped sambuca on a cold evening. I felt like I was in a movie. And my date's eyes began to twinkle.... ok back to reality. Blind Lemon is a fabulous place for an after dinner drink or drink for no reason drink. They are very close to Daveed's and Mt. Adams Bar and Grill, so it works out nicely. read more

This is the place in Mt Adams for hanging out and having drinks. Wonderful atmosphere inside and out with cute patio outside and cozy bar inside. I love being outside in the summer and look forward to drinking hot tatis in the winter with the fireplace fuming. There is live music every night and each time I have been there it has been spot on and enjoyable. Service is friendly and attentive and the bouncer remembered my name after going three times. Drinks are well made and there is a decent beer list, not the best tap list though. Overall this is my place of choice for a night out on the hill. read more