This place employs the most unfriendly bartenders. They appear really disgusted with the customers who provide their income. Go ahead, ask for a cocktail and see how customer friendly they're NOT! read more

Love karaoke night everytime I go and the pool tables are always a great Vibe. Great markets and great music always !!!! Love the patio size is pretty big drinks reasonably priced treat customers great no drama read more

We stopped by here for drinks after our dinner, it's a little bit busy with only one bartender at that time. However, she seemed to have a good handle of the crowd, it's a little bit wait to order a drink, but that's understandable. The drinks were priced reasonably- $5 for canned beers and some mixed drinks. After an hour in this bar, I observed that two bartenders joined the lady. It seemed that the bar was well patronized, it's an old building and I love the old feel of it- old beaten hardwood floors and exposed bricks. There's also a functioning jukebox that you can play your old favorites. By 9:30 pm there's a live band which is a bonus, I don't realize this bar has this. Tonight, Maya is playing she seemed pretty good- she played an acoustic and sing at the same t I will definitely come back to this place again. read more

See all

Northside Tavern is a good neighborhood bar. It's located in a hipster neighborhood, but this is very casual. The bar hosts a lot of local bands. It's a good music venue considering it's a dive bar. The atmosphere is good for conversation or listening to live music. I had a whiskey and Coke. It was only about $3 for a good size glass. The happy hour is good, and it's usually not loud until later. In the middle of the week it's a lot quieter, except sometimes if there's a show. Many times even then it won't be that loud though. It has multiple rooms all with varying loudness. The front of the bar is the rowdiest. It has a quieter lounging area in the middle. The courtyard is the nicest place. It's a little better than a pure dive bar. It's kept up s lot better. This is a good place for seeing local bands cheap. read more

Northside Tavern - Whiskey - Music Venues Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

The last stop of my Northside Pubcrawl! My favorite thing about this location is the spaciousness of the rooms. I didn't feel overcrowded walking through or sitting at a table near the bar. My group did end up venturing outside onto the patio which is to the side of the bar and not in the back. I loved the uniqueness of this patio - it included trees and felt more like a garden than a plain patio seen at the other bars. There was a fire pit area, but no fire going. My group spent most of our time hanging out by the empty fire and at one point the bartender came up and asked us if we wanted a fire. He went to get the wood and kindling. Overall, this was one of my favorite places because of the patio. LOVED IT! read more

Great local bar located right next to Melt Eclectic Deli. I have not been here for the live performances yet, but always enjoyed the casual drinks with my friends. It has a cool and laid back atmosphere. I really love the lounge area (right next to the juke box). If you don't want to lounge and want to play games, there is a pool table and also vintage arcade games. This is the only bar where I don't feel so old and like the crowd. Pricing on booze is reasonable and fair selection of beers. I just love it here. read more

See all

The friendliest staff! Scot, Billie, and Shelby rule. Sickest group of people! Tight shows too. read more

Northside Tavern - two shot glasses and a bottle of beer - Music Venues Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

My friends come here every Wednesday night for Live Band Karaoke and I join them whenever I'm in town. I'm always happy to give my money to the locally owned places in my neighborhood. Also, Northside is awesome. I was born a raised here so, yeah, I'm a little bias. Karaoke starts anywhere between 9:30p and 10:30p. There's a somewhat limited list of songs to choose from, but you probably know and want to sing all of them. I believe they play three sets with breaks in between. It's pretty popular, so you might want to get there early and sign up. This place is surprisingly large. The room you enter into is your basic bar, the room behind that has two pool tables and the room behind that has a small stage, where karaoke happens. read more

I was pushed to go to Northside Tavern after a wedding. I've been meaning to try new bars in Northside, so being pushed may not have been a lot of effort. First impression of Northside Tavern was this is going to be a great neighborhood bar, and it is exactly what it was. The bartenders were all very kind, people were sitting at the bar, outside, and playing pool. There was ample room to move around freely without feeling uncomfortable. They have an interesting old school juke box for music, there a ton of bands that from the 70's-80's instead of the normal Beyoncé that you would hear at most bars now. I felt that be bar was a great dive bar, in fact probably my favorite dive bar. This will be a place that I stop in at more frequently, and with groups because it is small enough that you can actually enjoy the people that you came with. I will be back hopefully regularly. read more

Northside Tavern is probably the perfect embodiment of the eclectic nature of the area and probably the first place you should visit if you are new to Northside. Great bar with some of my favorite beers on tap and plenty of room to either escape from people or join in the fun. The outdoor patio is very nice and now that the temps have lowered, there are firepits to help keep you warm. I've been here, I don't know, like a dozen times and I just discovered the little room in the middle has a few arcade games and a megatouch system. Crazy... Anyways, the night I was there a string trio performed a few classical ditties and it was a nice change of pace. They tend to have diverse entertainment, case in point, so check their facebook page or website to see what's happening. read more

Northside Tavern is nestled right in the heart of historic Northside: a part of Cincinnati that has quickly grown from a relatively shady area of town into one of the most thriving areas as a result of a tight-knit collection of excellent bars, restaurants, record stores, independent movie houses, and people with a heart for the area. Northside Tavern is an integral part of that collection, serving as a modern-day watering hole for regulars and newcomers alike. A stripped-down brick decor gives off vibes of English or Irish pubs, and the bartenders stay extremely busy with their surprisingly affordable drink selection which includes both local and import brews. Music can be found there on nearly any night of the week and is now hosted in a newly renovated backroom that has almost doubled the Tavern in size. The music can vary from rock to jazz, a variety that is quite suitable for the diverse culture found in Northside. If you're a Northside newcomer from Over The Rhine or Norwood, Northside Tavern is a great place to get acquainted. read more

See all

I'm always a bit wishy-washy when it comes to stopping by the tavern. It can get a little stuffy with pretentious hipsters at times, which is totally not my scene, but other times it can be a blast. I tend to prefer this place when it's a little less busy. The pool tables are basically always occupied, but they do have them. There's a lot more breathing room when the back section is open for a show or karaoke. The tavern also sports a pleasant and fairly large patio adjacent to the bar. I've sat out here on some brisk nights and enjoyed the fire. There's also a pretty cool natural foods store attached to the building and behind the patio area that I think goes unexplored a little too often. I happened upon karaoke night - which is Thursday night at the tavern. It's maybe the worst karaoke I've ever seen, not the DJ's fault but the performers/audience talent were collectively awful. If you want to see some white people garble up some famous tunes with dissonant and guttural vibrato this is definitely the time and place for you and your posse. I've also stumbled across some pretty great nights here. I was in with a date on a Sunday a couple months ago and a string quartet from CCM did an impromptu performance that was basically amazing. So I guess this place can be pretty hit-or-miss, but since my last few experiences were hits I think I'll be back real soon, plus it's close to home. read more

I stopped in here during the Pride Alive festival to have a beer because the Pride beer was expensive and awful. I was pleased to find out that the Northside Tavern had Moerelein Over-the-Rhine pale ale on tap and it was cheaper than I expected. I had a $5 bill with me and was hoping that would cover it. Then I was shocked to learn that it was only about $2.25 for the beer. During the afternoon hours it was somewhat quiet, filled with locals. There are pool tables in the back and a patio on the side that you can also enter from the street. Later in the day the patio was hopping more so than when I was there. Apparently the place has also been remodeled to have a larger performance space but I didn't see the before so I don't know how much better it is. read more

Northside Tavern - Music Venues Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

One of the last remaining bars from when Northside was gay. Been going here for years, back when the Tavern, Bronze, Bullfishes, and Serpent were the Friday night standards. And I have never not had a great time. Whether it's karaoke nights, watch parties, or just hanging out, Northside Tavern is a great place to spend the night. Drink prices are great, selection is good, and the space itself is always inviting. Some of the best, most soul baring talks of my life have happened right on their back patio. Love this place. read more

Once, for some circumstance or another, I ended up in Texas on a business trip. At the airport bar, a man told me: "You know the only problem with Texas?" and without waiting for me to respond, he said, "Texans." He thought this was a brilliant joke, and he laughed and laughed. I smiled at him politely, then finished my bourbon. This anecdote works perfectly with Northside Tavern. The only problem with it is the damn people. It's an aesthetically pleasing place, they have a good jukebox, but you're guaranteed to run into some girl sporting Doris Day's dress with Axl Rose's tattoos and black glasses making a total ass of herself - with her arm around a guy in Woody Allen's glasses, a sock hat, and a fedora over the sock hat. I'm embarrassed for these people, and that is why I'll probably never be able to have a good time in this place. If you smoke American Spirits, drink PBR, and have a heightened sense of self-worth, this might be the bar for you. read more

Read this like 4.5 stars I really want to be mad about this place.... I know, you are asking, "how can I be angry AND writing a 4.5 star review?? Read on dear reader.... I am in town for work and LOVE to sing.... found this place on Yelp (of course) and away we went. Here is my 4 reasons to be angry: THIS BAR. NEEDS TO. BE IN. AUSTIN! I loved this place. The location (its kinda sketchy driving there but a nice little gentrified area), the bar setup (it has pool, and outdoor area, classic video games, and TWO bars to drink and socialize) AND especially the live band karaoke - sexytime karaoke (this place took that cherry...). This is the place to be on Wednesdays - just know that hipsters will be there (not a bad thing) and fun will be had. read more

Northside Tavern for what it is, is just about as good as it gets! We recently ventured over here for live band karaoke. Yes, that's right as in a live band is playing and you are singing. Turns out this is positive and negative. Positive being the band can drown you out a bit if you stink, and negative because it's super hard if your just doing it for fun and you don't really know the words. But all in all everyone should do it at least once because it was seriously super fun! Onto the bar. This place is HUGE! Who knew? You walk in and it looks like your average dive bar joint then you go back and there are pool tables, then you go back father and there is an entire room and another bar, then you go outside and there is a fantastic patio! Crazy big and not expected at all. A great place for groups. Also the service could not have been friendlier. I thought because this was a neighborhood joint I might get some funny looks, but everyone was really nice and treated me like family. I can't wait to go back! read more

Northside generously devoted their afternoon business to a bunch of road weary, loud, silly scooterists in for the annual WRKP rally. The Northside has fantastic Bloody Marys, I had my first Bells Oberon of the season (yay!), they have an excellent outdoor patio and one of the coolest bars I have ever had the pleasure of strolling through. The space is gorgeous, the main bar area is very welcoming with its open windows, ample seating and big back room for making more party more better. Makes me wish I lived nearby. read more

Northside Tavern was once the best music venue in Cincinnati until MOTR took over. It's still pretty excellent. The layout is wonderful across the board minus the congestion in the middle pool area between the main rooms. There are fully-stocked bars with taps in both the front room and back room. Bell's Two-Hearted is on tap consistently which is the most important thing at any bar, naturally. Their stage area is ideal and far superior to MOTR for shows. If Northside still had the same quality of shows that MOTR does I'd choose Northside. Once the tables are moved aside there's room for a couple hundred people. The outdoor patio is spacious and charming. Parking isn't usually too bad since there's a public lot across the street. Saturdays sometimes require a walk if you get there late. The Kitchen Factory around the corner is open late for after leaving the bar. Good pizza there! read more

I stop in at a little casual bar in Cincinnati, full of college students in their American Apparel going-out clothes and what's the evening's entertainment? The juke box? A dj maybe? The local jam band? Nope. It's not one but two, count 'em, two avant-garde jazz bands just tearing the place up. Unbelievable. Fantastic. World-class. And the kids in the crowd were completely cool, enjoying the ride. Some day I won't be able to believe I did this in Cincinnati. I'll persuade myself that I was in some avant-ueber-hip underground bar in Berlin when I heard that stuff. But you'll know the truth. Also, the juke box is awesome. Look at it sometime. read more

I'm not a hipster, but I do dance like one, and I love Northside Tavern for their hipster dance scene! You will find me many a Friday night to participate in the ever popular Dance MF. And dance like a MF is exactly what I do! They do a great job of having hopping music in the back room for those who like to participate, nay EXPERIENCE, a good dance down after a long week of work while offering a series of other rooms for everyone else to chill, drink, eat or play pool. That's what I really like best about the tavern--that they have a little something for everyone. Along with the dance space, which also hosts live bands (which my husband frequents often) and theatre (we saw Second City Improv there one night with my parents), they have a great indoor and outdoor space for you to just hang out and have drinks with friends. Their patio is one of the best in the area and they have a great array of beer and spirits and you are guaranteed to find something you love! On top of all of this awesomeness it's affordable AND there is parking across the street--which is prime for being located in Northside! It's a space guaranteed to satisfy everyone in your group, whatever they enjoy, which makes it a great spot to meet up with friends! read more

This place encompasses all that is Northside, with it's eclectic mix of various ages, demographics, sexual orientations and social groups. There's something going on every night of the week, just take a look at the chalk board schedule behind the bar. No matter where you fit in, with Northside Tavern's warm, laid-back and cozy atmosphere, you'll feel right at home, especially if Billie is serving you. There's two bars, so if you can't get a drink in front, just head to the back, where you may find a completely different atmosphere. There's also a courtyard with shade trees (do not climb them) and a fire pit for fire gazing, man's most ancient and potent stress reducer. This is also where you can look cool smoking cigarettes. My personal favorite night to go is Wednesday, where you''ll find in the back, Sexy Time Live Band Karaoke. I can't sing a lick and it doesn't matter if you can't either. These guys will make you sound great. Karaoke is what it is, but it's something different all together when you have an awesome live band and legit vocals backing you up. read more

Awful place, awful bartenders, overpriced and very underpoured drinks. Snooty bartenders whose attention is difficult to capture complete the "we are too good for you" experience. I have lived on the area for over a year and it is my least favorite bar within a ten minute drive. I recommend any other bar nearby in northside over the tavern, or just save yourself the time and go bar hopping in OTR. The only redeeming quality of this bar is that sometimes they have good live music. Always pass on the tavern. read more

I have a feeling that if I lived in Northside, the Tavern would feel like an extension of my living room. Back in college, this was the home of $1 PBR cans but I have no clue if they do that anymore. This place is deceptively big thanks to the giant back room. But my favorite place to hang out is the side courtyard -- although it's practically on the street, it feels quite cozy. Decent beer prices and always several local selections on tap. read more

I've been to the Northside Tavern a few times, and I can't say enough nice things about it. I've never actually been there in a "Bar" setting...I've only been there for events. I was there for the "Crafty Supermarket". And, I was just recently there for the Cincinnati Rollergirls end of the year party. Both events were held in the back of the bar and it's an awesome space. There's a whole other bar in the back! Along with a DJ stand and a raised stage. So...I'm guessing they also put on concerts there (I've never been to a concert there) but...by golly I'd give it a try! And, of course, the best part of the Northside Tavern is that it's in Northside! Northside is a great community with awesome shops and restaurants! VISIT NORTHISIDE! read more

Northside Tavern is the best of all worlds, in my mind. Business up front (bar, tables, etc.), pool in the middle and party in back (DJ area, bar, stage). We've been here several times for shows, and for a smaller space, the acoustics are great. No distorted sound with unintelligible vocals and overpowering kickback. Kudos for that. No food here, but the folks at Melt next door will bring you your order, or you can carry in your food. Staff here have always been friendly enough, and willing to get us in before happy hour ends. Good neighborhood bar, good venue bar. Good times. read more

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love a hipster dive bar. That's exactly how I'd describe Northside Tavern. I recently visited on a Saturday night and was worried about it being crowded, as I don't like large crowds. Don't get me wrong, there were a decent amount of guests but it was by no means super crowded. My friends and I were able to find a place to hang out and sit without much difficulty. It was a bit difficult to get the attention of the bartender initially, but she eventually came over and asked if we needed help. The only complaint I had was that there was no music playing. I generally tend to like a little background noise or live music but there were large lulls where there was no music playing at all. Since it's in such close proximity to my job, I can see myself visiting again. read more

I had drinks here when I was back visiting in March and Northside is definitely one of the burbs in the 'Nati that I wished I would have discovered more of before I high-tailed it to the east coast but I wasn't super impressed. The beer was beer, not a super selection, and the patrons were wanna-be hipsters. I can get the real thing in Cambridge. However, there was a sweet bonfire going strong outside, kudos for that! read more

I used to love this place. Essentially lived there from 2002 to 2006. But then I moved away to Brooklyn and I would go back thinking it would be great, but instead it is like going back for a high school reunion. The outdoor area is great in the summer. Those couches inside need to be washed. Or set on fire. Some of the people need to grow up. The popularity contest is ridiculous at your age. read more

What's weird about this is that I went to UC for 5 years and never went here while I was attending. We didn't really go to bars though, so I guess that's why. Big space if you count the patio and the back room, I have been both times on Fridays and while it was crowded, it isn't unbearable. Not the best beer selection but not the worst - prices are comparable to any other bar. I'm just thankful that we didn't get kicked out the last time we were there as we of course broke some bottles. (Maybe this is why we didn't go to bars while I was in undergrad?) read more

It is really easy to find lots of good things to say about the Tavern, and just very very hard to find anything really negative. It's pretty much the ideal neighborhood bar on weekdays and is a big enough Cincinnati draw to keep things packed and lively on the weekends. Pros: Frequent, and frequently very good, live music, for free. My second-to-last musical obsession was a band I 'discovered' on a whim and for free at the Tavern's back room. Actually getting served at the bar. Sure they get very very busy like anywhere but good bartenders keep the lines moving and don't require you to know the secret handshake. The beer selection is good. It isn't a 'beer geek' place where you can take your pick of 6 different 200 year old ale recipes from a secluded belgian abbey, but you can get a good mix of megamicro's, and some good local's. And fair-priced.. $3-5 pints for the good stuff, and the classic hipster stand-by PBR if you need to go cheap (or tragically hip). The courtyard is a great outdoor place for drinks 3 seasons of the year, there are two pooltables (always a game in progress), and a jukebox with an excellent selection for when bands aren't playing the front room. Cons: I don't know, people like to complain about hipsters I guess. read more

Probably my favorite Northside bar. At first glance, this place may come off as divey but it's clean, plenty of space, great patio, and often has really fun DJs or live music. Drink prices are good and bartenders are friendly, and they have a happy hour, I think 5-8. Only downside is the patio is not dog friendly! read more

Probably my second or third favorite bar in Cincinnati. Great beers on tap, including many local beers. Awesome music. Sexy Time Live Band Karaoke (that' what gets it a 5 star rating rather than 4). Huge porch/deck that features a bonfire in the winter. All around a great place. My only complaint is that it's overrun by hipsters and I've had 3 bad first dates there, but maybe that's my fault for dating hipsters! read more

I seriously need to come here more often. I always leave here with a good story. The staff is friendly and the drink prices fair. I always find that the clientele are extremely friendly, and it's easy to make a new friend. The bar is quite large, with three large rooms and an outdoor space as well. Clad with a billiards room, a music venue room, and plenty of places to get a drink, you can't go wrong here. This bar has a great sense of community and I always feel welcomed. I once met the lead singer of Walk the Moon in this bar, who came up and introduced himself to us and hung out with us all night, and ended up coming home with friends to play Cards Against Humanity until 5am....seriously...this could only happen at Northside Tavern. I can't wait to come back to this place and enjoy some good music and be around some of the friendliest people in Cincinnati. read more

**************UPDATE--THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN RESOLVED************** GOOD NEWS, EVERYONE!!! My friends and I went to the police station today, where we were informed that one person was arrested (the drunk woman, I believe) and that the two belligerent employees were fired. We then went back to the Northside Tavern to verify this. The bartender there said that she was present during the fight and that the two people responsible were indeed terminated. She was also very sympathetic, agreed that the conduct of the former employees was inexcusable, and she served us beverages on the house! Nevertheless, we all insisted on paying and each left generous tips. Thus, as far as I am concerned, the Northside Tavern is once again a fine establishment and very worthy of our business! **************************ORIGINAL POST BELOW************************** Friends, If I may make a suggestion, please avoid the Northside Tavern at all costs. My friends and I were trying to help a very drunk woman get home safely after close when the bar staff came out upon locking up. One of the bartenders began yelling at the woman for not leaving when instructed to, and the woman, being incredibly drunk, argued back. The bartender then responded by throwing down her own belongings and striking a threatening pose. My memory of what followed is incomplete, but I believe that the two women began fighting, at which point another employee of the bar, whom I believe to be the bouncer, lunged forward and attacked my friend who had been helping the drunk woman stand. The bouncer grabbed my friend by the neck, swung him around, and punched him. I tried to pull my friend to safety, and as I did, the bouncer let go and began to threaten me. I repeatedly ordered him to stop, but he proceeded to attack me regardless by punching me in the side of the head and pushing me into bushes. At that point, I called the police. My friends and I are all perfectly fine, but we are a bit angry. Perhaps my sharing this story on Yelp is inappropriate, but I find the fact that we were attacked outside of the bar after it had closed --by the bar staff-- to be simply unacceptable. I will never grace the Northside Tavern with my patronage ever again, and I will appreciate it if any of you join me in this boycott. Thank you. read more

Great bar- the backroom has a stage and a bar, and is a fantastic music venue. Very laid back, somewhat divey but still clean and comfortable. I've always enjoyed my nights here. The only negative thing I have to say is that the last time I was at Northside for a birthday, one of the bartenders was very, very cranky at close time, and basically yelled at me and my friends over an obvious miscommunication over the name on a tab. We were trying to be helpful and she wasn't listening at all, just yelling. Kind of was a damper on the night. read more

I've been wanting to try this spot 4-EVER!! Finally made it in yesterday. I've heard they have the best bloody mary's around- it was a good one, for sure! They've managed to take this, obviously historical, building and keep its character but make it a bit trendy as well. While you're there, take a look around. The place is huge!! And how can you not fall in love with a place that has a shrine to Elvis?!? Noticed some folks came in with two ginormous pizzas and pigged out while drinking some beers. That's awesome that you can bring in food. Northside Tavern has so much charachter- will be back! read more

They charged me $2 for water. I brought my friends here and I'm the designated driver. I won't be coming back. read more

I'm a pretty anti-social person. It's not that I don't like people. I do. Just in small doses. There's just very few people I want to be stuck talking to for any length of time and I've been cornered more than once in different bars with someone I've no interest in. A big open room of a bar where you are always within eyesight of pretty much everyone? Not for me. The Northside Tavern helps me out with this. It has plenty of social escape routes. Basically, three rooms that offer slightly different atmospheres and places to have conversation and places to not have conversations and places to go to discreetly when you get sick of the current conversation. That's my kind of place. I've been there a few times - never too loud. The bartenders I've ordered cocktails from don't blanch when I order and they can make a serviceable facsimile of whatever I've a taste for. The crowd is diverse like a Stewart/Colbert rally i.e. lots of different kinds of white people of all ages. Go and go have fun. read more

Northside Tavern is the textbook definition of a neighborhood bar: friendly staff, great location, and a chill atmosphere. I definitely don't agree with the classification of "dive bar" for this place: yes, it has dark wood throughout, it is very low-lit, it has pool tables... but to me, a dive bar is somewhere you go as a last resort - and Northside Tavern is always at the TOP of my list! If I ever can't think of something to do for fun, the first thing that comes to mind is, "Let's go to the Northside Tavern!" They have a well-stocked bar, loyal and knowledgeable staff (I hear the wait list to be a bartender there is 4 years long!), regular live music, a patio that is shared with the neighboring Picnic and Pantry market, and something I've yet to find anywhere else: live band karaoke on Tuesday nights! This is the quintessential bar that every neighborhood dreams of having, but no other neighborhood in the Queen City has it like Northside. read more