Knockback Nats is my new spot for wings and nachos! I recently visited before attending a matinee at the Aronoff. My husband and I were greeted with multiple friendly faces from behind the bar. I immediately felt at home. My husband ordered wings which come with a dry rub and a selection of sauces to dip into. I'm not at all a spicy person, so I felt like the wings by themselves already had a good kick to them. They were delicious without any sauce! I got a MOUNTAIN of chicken nachos. This plate of nachos could've easily fed four people. I ordered the jalapenos on the side, and they came chopped up so I could add just a teeny bit to each bite. They were amazing! We were in a rush, so I had to just eat what I could in a couple minutes and take the rest home. I can't wait to return when we aren't headed to a show so I could just sit and enjoy them. Good food, great drink selection, good people. We have a lot of great places to eat in Cincinnati but I feel like this place is a real gem. I can't wait to go back! read more

I love this bar. It is quickly becoming my favorite hangout before or after an downtown event. I like it better than all the bars in OTR! I think I only ever go to OTR to remind myself why I like Nats so much. It is one of the few downtown dive bars... though it really isn't a dive bar. It clean, with great service, plenty of seating, lots of light and an outdoor patio in good weather. All you can eat popcorn rocks my world. I have only eaten here a couple times, but every time it is great. The BBQ chicken sandwich was amazing and cheap. Definitely hit up Nats when you want to chill with friends, have good conversation, and cheap drinks. read more

A downtown Cincinnati sports bar that came through! We couldn't find a liquor store or bodega within walking distance of our hotel. Unfortunately, the one we did find on Yelp was closed for good so we wandered up and down until we stumbled upon Knockback Nats. After 6 hours in the car, all you want is a beer. (You feel me Yelp nation?) And beers we had, one each. Lovely beers and on draft to boot (it was an IPA that seemed pretty local.) The bartender and other patrons were terribly friendly, and this place apparently has some seriously killer wings (touted as the best in the city, though we regretfully didn't partake of said wing-y goodness). Knockback Nats = AOK spot to grab a beer and maybe some of those stellar wings when in the downtown area! read more

My my my! The best wings I've ever had. The smoked flavor was superb! Super Yum! ..........

An all time favorite. Trouble is the place is so good sometimes it is hard to get a seat! best wings and awesome BBQ!

I went to Knockback Nats to watch one of the NFL games over the winter. The bar wasn't anything too impressive, pretty much a long dive bar with lots of TVs. But it was exactly what I wanted, I didn't need to be at a bar with glitz and glam and expensive cocktails, I just wanted to watch football and drink some reasonably priced beer. They had a decent selection of brews and the bartenders were very friendly. What impressed me most was the food. That's right, the food. They probably had some of the best wings I've had in Cincinnati. And they had free popcorn. Free popcorn, delicious wings, and beer? I really can't imagine a better NFL Sunday. read more

So my friend and I had a great lunch experience here. It was a college game day, so the bar was pretty busy, but we were still able to get in and get food pretty easily. The bartenders we interacted with were very personable and levelheaded, especially given the fact that a bunch of drunk people came in while we're eating and began ordering copious amounts of alcohol. And the food? Well, I'm a wing lover, so I had to get the wings. Not only were they prepared well, but they were a pretty good size. I definitely felt like I got my money's worth. And while I wasn't quite a fan of the flavor of sauce I chose, I did appreciate that it was actually spicy as opposed to most other places that claim to have hot sauce. If I'm ever in the area again, I'll definitely be going back. read more

Knockback Nats - Sports Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

My girl and I saw this place on TV, which was featuring their smoked wings. As wing lovers, we had to try the place when in town for work. Luckily, it was just down the street from our hotel. This place is a total dive bar, but in a great way. I loved it. It was crowded and busy and loud, but that's how it should be . The staff was great and on top of it! We sat outside, which was nice (like I said, it was crowded). The "patio" continued the dive-bar motif. Everyone we spoke with in the bar was very pleasant as well. Totally friendly and helpful. Warning- this may vary from night to night, it is a dive bar after all. The bouncer at the door seemed to know what he was doing though. They didn't have many draft beers, but had a couple of local offerings on tap. They seemed to have a pretty complete bar too. I'm a beer man, so couldn't tell you for sure. They did have lots of bottles:) I will definitely return the next time I am in town! read more

I heard from everyone that Knockback Nats had the greatest wings in Cincinnati, I finaly got to try them before the Bengals monday night game and was left completely unimpressed. Although the food was not up to what I was told the environment was great and everyone seemed to be having a good time. read more

Cool bar, stiff drinks, and an internet ready jukebox ($5 min for credit card) made for a nice night of too many drinks to some good metal. I'd go back. FYI - The music box charges your credit card from some company on the east coast, so try to remember what you did and don't cancel your card for fraud like I did =D read more

Any dive bar that serves great food gets a thumbs up from me. Knockback Nats fits that bill to the T. They have a smoker in the back and smoke their wings (definitely worth trying), as well as their brisket and pork. They serve nachos with smoked brisket, creamy horseradish sauce, and bbq sauce. It might be the perfect appetizer to share with a group of drinking friends. They also have tallboy PBR's wrapped in coozies. There are two dartboards in the back area, a couple other gaming machines, and an outside patio for people watching. The only negative I would mention is the lack of bathrooms. There is one bathroom for men and one for women... both one person at a time. That seems like a dangerous combination when people are drinking heavy and it proved to be the downfall of this place when we shifted bars halfway through the night as people got tired of waiting in line for the restroom. Of note, I was told that Monday is 50 cent wing night. Smoked chicken wings for 50 cents a piece??? I'll be there tonight to verify this claim! read more

Last time I came I gave it 5. It took a left turn since. Open til 2z got here at 1230. Once side closed, other side over filled, couldn't find a seat. Says it's open til 2 but was told the kitchen closed in ten so 1240????!!!! Horrible, won't ever return. I've raced about this place ever since the last time I came but won't ever recommend it again read more

When you're out of town it's always great to find a place that sort of reminds you of home. Knockback Nats is definitely one of those places. It's definitely a dive, but that's what I love about it! I didn't try the food, but it looked relatively standard. The one thing I like about the dives where I live is that they're integrating local foods and doing great, simple bar foods with fresh ingredients--for little $$! So, that's sort of hard to beat in my eyes. Other than that, this place is totally money AND one of the only places that was actually open on the 4th of July. One thing I didn't get to take advantage of that I wanted to was the free popcorn. I saw the glorious glow from behind the bar and was tempted, but ended up ordering shots and a Strongbow to drink instead. Whoops! Drinks are cheap, bartenders are fast and efficient. This place is definitely a must visit if you're visiting Cincy and you want to go where the locals go! read more

There are a number of chickens that are happy to give up there wings for this place. Well first I have to start with the staff. They are awesome! They know how to treat a guy from out of town. I also saw them handle other customers, everyone is treated with the best respect. The bar is a clean dive. In my most humble opinion the best of all dives. The food... The laminated menu is no indication to the talent sitting in back rubbing each wing with love and rub. Yes from what I got they put a rub on the wings and then smoke them. Oh and I get a sense that they go for a smoke of green as well. These blessed wings are then transferred to a spa of sorts... Chilling and given the treatment. There these wings wait for a customer to order. You have a choice of sauces. The wings are pulled, and the lucky ones get this next treatment of saucing. What happens next is technical and is a bore to Explain. The wings are delivered to you. Nothing fancy but you hear each one screaming out, "Eat Me".... You take the first bite.... The meat just falls off the bone, the flavor is complex but still working class, the sauce is all over your hands, face, clothes, bar, your neighbor, and the bar tender. I have eaten close to 1000 wings in my life and feel I can be trusted with an expert opinion. Best wings ever! read more

The chicken wings here are the best wings! They have a smoky charcoal taste with a hint of pepper. I ordered the sauces on the side to dip!!! Best idea ever! The bartender was a little slow, but polite. Wings are a must if you're in the area. read more

I love everything about this place. Knockback Nats is casual, laid back, and has everything you need for a fun night out. Let's start with the bar atmosphere - it's can range from a low key hang out spot, to sports goers watching the game, to a rowdy group of barcrawlers on their way to a ridiculously good time. All are welcome and easily accommodated for. In terms of the food, I recommend 3 things: wings, quesadilla, tall boy (I think beer can count as a food item). The wings fall right off the bone and smoked! I will say that when I went, they seemed a bit dry, but I wouldn't let that deter you from not trying them out. The quesadilla is filling, has all the goodness you'd expect, smothered and gooey from the melted cheese, and perfectly crisp like it should be. Lastly...tall boys! Where else do you go in Cincinnati knowing that the tall boy is a guarantee? What makes it even better is you get a coozie to go with it! read more

drinks were good, waitstaff was awesome, but the cheese fries don't use nacho cheese; it's shredded. wasn't a dealbreaker for me! :)

Best. Wings. Cincy. Murph is awesome bar tender and took really great care of us. The atmosphere is friendly and very casual. Noisy but not so loud you couldn't converse at table. Highly recommend. read more

THE BEST WINGS EVER !!!!!!! Absolutely amazing !!!!!! Bar staff, NOT so much. They were rude and acted like it was bothersome whenever a drink as ordered. Would've walked out if the wings weren't so amazing. read more

People may tell you what the best bar is in Cincinnati, but if they say something other than Knockback Nats, then they are lying to you. To start off, FREE POPCORN! And not just boring old popcorn...amazingly delicious popcorn! They always have a crazy amount of beers on tap and a few cider choices as well, and they can mix you up any drink you could possibly want. Now onto the good stuff...GET THE WINGS! They have a full menu but the smoked chicken wings are the best in the city! I am drooling right now just thinking about them! read more

Love this place! Great wings, cheap booze. This bar is always full whether it's a week night or a weekend! Parking is free downtown after 9pm. Tall-boys of domestics are $6. A true gem of the Queen City! Recommend to all chicken lovers. read more

Free popcorn, 22oz canned beers, free coozies, eclectic crowd. Those are the things I think about when I hear Knockback Nats. The strange crowd is what sticks out the most. On one side of you can be a mid 20's designer and on the other side can be some 60 year old man with a grizzled beard and smoke stained mustache. The beers are cheap, $5 for the 22oz cans. I've never had the wings but I've been told by numerous people they are the best in the city. Yadda yadda yadda... good bar read more

I've been searching for a good wing spot here in Cincinnati and I was told by everyone that this place has the best wings in Cincinnati, so I finally decided to stop it. Maybe it was all the hype I received prior, but I was unimpressed with the wings. Thought they would be smoked and tasted no smoky flavor in them and they just weren't very special. Nats is your typical dive bar with average food and free popcorn at the bar. Meh, can't say I'll be rushing back anytime soon. read more

This place doesn't look like much from the outside. It screams "unassuming". Inside, however, it's a delight. Is 'classy dive bar' a Yelp designation? Nat's fits that description perfectly. A warm, inviting place, full of character and accommodating service. We cozied up to the bar as complete strangers but were instantly made to feel like regulars. Our drinks were strong (good pours!) and the food we ordered came quickly. They're famous for their wings and it's easy to see why. Rubbed/smoked to perfection, they come with your choice of sauce. The non-carnivore missus ordered the vegetarian nachos and declared them a value-for-money hit. My plan to is work through a few more of the menu items in this fun laid-back neighborhood bar. Our advice is don't be put off by the exterior, get yourself inside for the full glory! read more

Their wings are crazy. Best I've ever had in my life. And I'm a wing connoisseur. Waffle fries are good too. Shoot, I've made myself hungry just writing about this place. read more

We were in town for a wedding and the bride suggested this as a good spot to catch the World Series game the night before. We had the best time! Awesome popcorn, helpful staff, and when the game went into extra innings, they kept refilling our waters which was much needed after a full game of drinking! It's a dive bar but was very impressed with clean restrooms. We didn't eat but everyone around us seemed to be all in on their wings. Looked good! Super fun spot and would highly recommend. read more

This place is a straight up bar. They've got good food here and lots of drinks. They have this burger topped with slaw and BBQ plus a fried egg. I got the brisket sandwich. The burger was really good, but sort of messy. The brisket was kind of strange, it had broccoli, spinach and green peppers on it. I expected more cheese. The fries weren't very good. There was basically no seating. We were like lurkers in a parking lot looking for a space. We finally located two bar stools, knocked back a beer and got some free popcorn while waiting for our meal. We scarfed that down and took off outta the crowded place just before the band began. They have dart boards, shuffleboard and some kind of hook and nail game. It was to packed to play anything. I've got to go back and try those wings though. read more

I had a lot of fun here. The food was very good and the huge beers were ice cold with complimentary coozies for them. When we got in and sat at the bar they gave us a bowl of very tasty popcorn which was a great start. We got a few beers and hung out for a bit. We were a little early to order food. I think the kitchen opens at 5:30. When we were able we ordered the brisket nachos which were some of the best nachos I have ever had. We got the wings and the hanky panky's for our main course. The smoked wings were the best smoked wings that I have had. They were meaty and moist. I really liked their signature hot BBq sauce too. It got pretty crowded and was a very lively crowd. I'm looking forward to a return visit. read more

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If I'm downtown, it's likely that I'll be here at some point in the night. I suppose this is the 'Home' Bar even though I live in College Hill. You can't beat this place though - it's a smaller, almost 'hole-in-the-wall' bar that draws a regular crowd. There's only 1 or 2 draft beers, but their bottle selection is nice and the price for beer and cocktails is very minimal. read more

My boyfriend and I were just in Cincy for a quick visit/concert! This place is laidback and some of the best wings we've had (and we love wings)! The popcorn is bangin' too! read more

exceptional wings.. great flavor, and good sauces. these are certainly some of the best wings I have had in a long time.. great job! read more

i was always a fan of knock back's - way before i moved downtown. however, i love it more now. coming from pleasant ridge, i was accustomed to the neighborhood bar feel. well, downtown that feel is at knock back nats. brooke, the bartender, is the tops - and natalie, the owner is awesome. everyone is super friendly and they have a state of the art golden tee machine (a big plus in my book). additionally, they have the ONLY digital juke box in the city worth anything. it is not crazy expensive and you can find ANYTHING you want to listen to - from matchbox 20 to kanye to crazy rare widespread panic cuts. on top of all this, they have $1 jello shots ALL the time if you feel like reliving college. only recommended if you have nothing to do the next day:). i love this spot, and hope to be playing there soon. much love, knock backs. read more

Knockback Nats - X mas @ knock back's - Sports Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

When the idea is to avoid the rest of the 7th street crowd, I'm here. The crowd doesn't try to out-cool itself, out-dress itself, out-party itself, or out-do itself. And that's what it is, a great neighborhood bar west of Vine, right where it needs to be. Traffic coming up Vine either keeps going or turns on 7th, in the other direction. Keep "that" crowd headed that way and it will all work out fine at the end of the night. Although it is narrow, seats at the bar are usually available. That makes it even friendlier in my book. The juke box has about everything on it, and the big TVs behind the bar take care of the rest of the electronic entertainment. Stop in and have one. Or several. read more

Grunge meets hip in this local dive! I stopped in on a Saturday night with a DJ blasting music. Seems like a very local feel with everyone having a good time. No judgement was passed as people wearing nice clothes to pajamas were there to have a good time. They have great beer and cocktails but most of all they had the best wings I've had in a long time! If I'm ever in the Cincinnati area I would make it a point to come back here for the wings! Too bad I didn't have more nights in town because I'd be interested in trying other menu items. Nonetheless the wings are more than likely "award winning"! read more

Passing through on my way to Nashville. The smoked wings are phenomenal! Definitely worth a stop if you're in town.

Best aspect: when you don't have tickets to a big local sporting event, or the event is taking place out of town with a local team playing, this place has great atmosphere. Everyone there is usually there for the same reason, to watch the big game. I went their during the Home Run Derby when Todd Frazier won. The place was going nuts. It was so exciting and it was like the entire bar was friends and celebrating together. Same has happened for big Bengals and Reds games. Overall, I am giving it a three though. I've never had good experiences with the bartenders. Usually there's at least one if not a few uncomfortable comments/touches from the type of guys who seem to spend a lot of time here. I only go if I am in a group with guys, I would never come here as a girls night out. I would feel uncomfortable. Lots of people rave about the wings, I feel they're just okay. And it's never a setting where I feel comfortable eating. So while this is a lot of fun during the right event, it's not worthy of a raving overall review. read more

Heaven is a place on earth. Best wings in the city. Nats is a chill, delicious, and awesome place. I love this restaurant!

Heard a lot about this place. So we get there door locked doesn't open til 2pm. Come back at 2:05 door still locked bartender standing at the bar staring at us. Never motioned responded or anything so we left...guess we'll never know how good it might have been. read more

Seemed better on paper. Nothing was actually bad about Nats, I was just expecting more. I went on a Tuesday night and it was reasonably busy. Not sure what was bringing the crowd as they weren't showing the Reds on the many TVs. Maybe is the upcoming Karaoke? They had a good selection of beers on tap including some locals and they were very reasonable at only $5 for a 20 oz glass. The service was good as I was helped immediately after sitting at the bar. I ordered the wings with the traditional hot sauce and already tossed in the sauce with some blue cheese. They were good and plump but I have definitely had better. I think it was the sauce throwing me off. Don't get me wrong, I ate them all as quickly as I could so I am not complaining too much. Just hope there may be better wings to come as we will be trying more and more places in the future. I think the whole vibe was a bit different than what I was expecting. More people, less sports, way too much karaoke (for me). I had to leave after the third bad amateur cover. I'm not sure I'll ever go back but if I'm out in the area I would give it another shot. read more

This was a really cool spot my wife and I found while hanging out in Cincy! The atmosphere was great and the bartenders were even better. Great music choices for a diverse crowd. We had a great experience kicking it with the locals and hearing a little about what was going on in the area. The wings were delicious, drinks prepared well and not expensive! We'll be back! read more