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

I'm writing this review after only being there once, so stand by for future updates. I need to explain myself first. My definition of a great bar is maybe very different from others. I want a place that looks nice, with no drunk people, no loud music (live or otherwise). I want a place where I can talk to (and see) the people I'm with. And no smoking. All that said--when I was there on a weeknight, before 9pm, Northside Tavern was all that. Great space (huge space, so I didn't feel crowded). It is NOT a dive bar--dive bars have fake paneling and bud lite and peeling beer ads with girls in bikinis driving monster trucks. Northside Tavern has a gorgeous wood bar and no monster trucks that I could see. It IS a neighborhood bar, so it just feels comfy. I went there in the dead of winter, so I'm super-excited to go back in better weather and try the outside area. It looked great! read more

I can't believe I haven't written a review for this place yet. I am a fan of Northside. One of the coolest things about this bar is the patrons that fill it. The people who come to this bar are anything but homogenous. Diversity is everywhere when you go to Northside Tavern. It's okay to be gay or any other color of the rainbow. This is always super important to me because hanging out in a place that doesn't feel safe and accepting is not fun. But I think there is something for everyone here-whether it is a cool band or drag show you can find something that speaks to you. This bar feels pretty big. They have a great outside space and three different rooms. The drinks are good and the parking is manageable. If you are looking for something to do one night, I would totally tell you to check out Northside Tavern. read more

I hadn't been here in about ten years and I feel like it's doubled in size. I don't remember the back concert room at all. Now it's huge! There's plenty of room for whatever kind of experience you're hoping to have. The front bar is lively but if you're not into the band in the back room, you don't have to hear them. The middle room has some soft seating and video games, then the pool room with about 3 tables, then finally the big room with the stage and another bar. Lots of space and I didn't even count the patio! It was packed when we were there for the Cliftones, so it took a few minutes to get a beer, but it wasn't terrible. Seems like a decent option in Northside. read more

I love the chance to go to this bar. It's huge with live music, pool tables, two bars, and a huge outside area. The beer choices are very good but pricy; $4.50 for a pint. The mixed drinks are made very small. The crowd is hip but still friendly. The bar itself is beautiful and the neighborhood is great with little shops. read more

Oh boy do I like this place. Anchor Steam on tap, for this San Francisco girl. Cute and cozy areas, and then party areas. One of my most memorable nights out in Cincinnati happened at Live Band Karaoke night here- it involved a gaggle of marines, a lot of miller lite, and of course, "Don't Stop Believin'" This is a great place for a drink, no matter if you're looking for some jazz and conversation, or something a little...rowdier. read more

Great people watching! There's not much too add that hasn't already been shared. You'll get a bit of everything in this place. My only complaint/suggestion: add some hooks under bar/counters/ledge that line the room with pool tables. A girl needs a place to hang her coat! read more

With Bells, Barrelhouse, and Moerlein on tap and super cool tunes coming from the jukebox, Northside Tavern is my kind of bar. I almost didn't even notice the nice enclosed patio until we were walking out the door. While this is definitely a local regular bar, I never felt out of place or unwelcome. The bartender was friendly and took our order promptly. We went a bit too early to catch a live band, but I'd come back to see a show here. read more

On our cross country drive to TX, we stopped in for a drink after reading the reviews for this place. (We stopped in each state we drove through for a drink /shot). It was exactly what we were looking for! A local bar w/live music, great service, friendly people, comfortable atmosphere. If we ever take that same route again, we'll stop back. read more

This bar has a lot going on, but it still keeps it intimate. The front has that small, dive-bar feel. The first time I ever went to Northside Tavern I spent the entire night there. It wasn't until the second time I went that I took a walk back and was surprised. There's pool tables here? A courtyard? A live band? It's the bar you can always go to no matter what mood your in because there's something for everyone. The prices aren't bad, I've seen cheaper. I have no problem paying a little more for great atmosphere. read more

Let me put it this way: my friend and I have this tradition, more or less, of looking for Jonathan Coulton songs every time we go somewhere that's doing karaoke. It's always been more of a running gag than anything else; we assume nobody will ever have something that obscure (this guy is best known for doing songs for the Portal video games--yeah, exactly). So when we discovered that this bar had not one but five Coulton songs, we knew where we'd be next Thursday night. Northside Tavern is pretty well indicative of its general area, which is to say it's SUPER HIPSTERY. If that's not your scene, well, I don't know, go to Cadillac Ranch or wherever it is you want to go to not have a good time. Loud, trendy bars are a dime a dozen (though at this point, to be fair, I guess dives are their own brand of trendy), but places like this and nearby Mayday are something special. The patrons are relatively cool, the ambiance is sufficiently cozy and relaxed. It's not a meat market, if that's what you're wondering. The drinks are so-so, on par with what you'd expect from a bar. Not as fancy as Japp's, but they always have something other than Miller Lite on tap. It doesn't have quite the expansive outdoor area that you'd find at Neons or (again) Mayday, but it has something, and that something is nice enough. It's not quite a standout spot for me, not unless you're counting all those hideous places downtown. OTR puts up some stiff competition. But damned if it doesn't have some good karaoke, and a decently sized crowd for you to embarrass yourself in front of. Everything else is at least good enough to make it a regular hangout unless there's some event going on elsewhere. I recommend it over most places, certainly. But it lacks that extra oomph, like the really charismatic bartender or the gaming area (bocce ball, anyone?). read more

My friends love this bar, but to me, it's another Northside dive. Naturally, it's the best bar in Northside, but there's nothing special that would lead me to go out of my way to visit frequently. Karaoke is the biggest draw for my group. We come on Thursdays which tends to get crowded with all the CCM kids. Earlier on, we tend to sneak in a few songs, but after 10:00, the wait for the queue is epic. Local beer is the most popular beverage, but mixed drinks are also available. I wish they had craft cocktails like some of the OTR bars; that would entice me to come here more. Northside Tavern is spacious, with three large rooms: one with the karaoke stage and back bar, one with billiards and lounge seating, and the front room bar and tables. Seating is ample. Pricing is reasonable. While the Tavern is most populated by Hipsters, you won't find belligerent drunks here. The crowd are young urban people who are looking for an evening drink, not a place to get rowdy. If you're looking to wet your whistle in Northside, the Tavern should be your first stop. Live elsewhere? Just go to OTR. read more

I can't think what makes the Tavern so much *less* comfortable than the Comet. There are nice people there. It has good beer. (I frequently wish they would get some real wine, though). And even though they don't serve food, one can easily get delicious meals from the restaurants on either side of it. And it has that patio...! Maybe it's this: the Tavern, because it's so dark and positioned in a hipper part of Northside, feels more like a nightclub. There are no children, and the patrons spend much more time standing up near the bar. If there were no Comet, this would be my bar. ...but there is. read more

I heart this tavern - with sentimental attachment: This nested piece of nightlife fun is in the perfect nook of Northside. One of the first Taverns I had the pleasure of experiencing as a new Cincinnatian, I quickly fell absolutely in love and continue to appreciate the cultured fun it has to offer. Also placed between two of my favorite locals to grab a bite to eat - Melt and the Hideaway, I simply slide into the outdoor patio area, order my PBR or Heineken and begin to dine. Great for happy hour, but even better when looking for a weekend dance off or sweet tunage! Housing Nati faves like the Seedy Seeds (when we get a chance to catch them in town), local DJs, Mr. Jake Speed himself and his Freddies, to amazing rare national and international artists including a concert going down in personal history with Busdriver. Not to forget the Dance Parties with tunes coming from all sorts of generations and genres. I will never forget last years fourth celebrating the Nation's b-day with great tunes from the 70's, 80's and beyond in sweet remixes and o.gs dancing well into the night. Pop tunes are welcomed but so are the classics! Also home to Classical Revolution - catering great tunes from centuries past brought by local and national artists on a monthly basis. Don't pass up an opportunity to snag a VERY reasonably priced drink and some great aural love at Northside Tavern. Stay up to date on their must see events on the web or simply catch a flier from one of their great Cincinnati supporters! read more

Northside Tavern was one of my favorite bars until last night when my friend and I (who were both the oldest out of our group, with two taller guy friends) got denied at the front for having ID's that "looked fake." I recited my info on the ID, showed him my credit cards, asked him to scan. He wouldn't accept anything. Felt super disrespected and ruined our night since we specifically went to Northside for this bar. Seemed ridiculous that our friend who turned 21 only a few days ago wasn't questioned but we were. Wasn't worth it to call the cops and wait forever. read more

I'm a regular, they know me at the door and even though I live half way across town I can walk in any time and see old friends and nemesis' from the past decade of my life. Funny how that Cheers atmosphere feels in a realistic setting. Northside Tavern has been a staple, higher end dive for the aging hipster crowd for years. It's not as coked out as the club kids, not too sweet and is surrounded by great food establishments that will, if you ask nicely during slower hours, deliver your meal to you in the courtyard so you can drink, eat, smoke and be merry all at once. If you visit during colder weather you can also do ALL these things around a small, patron tended fire pit. The music has always been the big draw. Saturdays are a night to avoid unless you like to be armpit deep in Northside's best while your eardrums are assaulted by whatever super loud band Ed decided to book. Don't get me wrong, a lot of those super loud bands have been my favorite acts but the main bar room, with it's tin roof and tall ceilings has never been the best for a loud rock show. Two occupied pool tables sit at an angle in the second room. Be ready to slip quickly behind the tall bespectacled guy in Converse shoes to get to the restrooms. Behind that is the recent addition to the Tavern, a large, beautiful new room with wood floors, a shiny new bar and a GREAT stage (not to mention a booth for an actual sound person). I'd be perfectly ecstatic about this except the same problems with the front room still exist in the back room. The layout of the room, the beam crossing the ceiling and the flat ceiling/wood floors all make for a great echo, not for a great place to hear music. This far room is also easy to miss which could be great for your ears but is devastating for the local, all original band playing to the five people who decided not to sit out in the courtyard smoking all night. If you visit, don't forget to give a nod to the small shrines dedicated to Elvis and Jesus, yell at someone about the new, crappy jukebox and leave before the lights come up (those dingy red couches look bad enough in the dim light). If you decide to return on a regular basis, treat your bartenders like gold, they will return the favor. read more

Great bar with lots of space. I love Northside Taverns outdoor seating area it is really spacious with lots of tables and chairs. The prices here are reasonable. They have 2 bars inside, one in the front and one towards the back. The crowd here is pretty cool. They have a couple of pool tables going towards the back of the bar. read more

I went here on a random weeknight to meet an old professor of mine and her friend for a drink or two and catch up. It was the perfect place for this, on a cool October night, out on the patio. It was just chilly enough to need a jacket and it was a clear black sky. The weather helped make my experience awesome, but I imagine it could be in other ways as well. I only really used the patio and not much else. I know they have their DMF events every so often, which I hear are awesome, and they have some decent looking pool tables and a pretty good bar too. It looks like a potentially awesome place, and if I lived any closer I would probably visit the place a lot more often. But again, I am a Murphy's man through and through. If you want something a little nicer though, while still maintaining the casual vibe, I would definitely recommend this. read more

I really like Northside Tavern. It has everything a good dive bar needs. Top of the list, there are lots of different spaces, so if one room isn't working, there are 3 other different spaces to move into. The back bar has couches, tables, and a stage where they have Karaoke (on of my favorites) and once a week live band karaoke. Do you hear me, people? LIVE BAND KARAOKE. So cool. They also host live music groups/concerts. There's a room with two pool tables, there's a ginormous patio with fire on cold nights, and the front bar has big tables you and your friends can all huddle around chatting. Often times, each space has its own vibe, so it can seem like 4 different bars in one. The drink selection does not suck. Beers are really the order of the day, and they have a nice variety and selection. The bartenders are cool. They are friendly, helpful, and quick with your drink. The best thing about Northside is the bar doesn't get in the way of the reason you are there--to have an enjoyable evening out with your friends! All in all, a night at Northside is sure to please. read more

If you are a grown-up (let's say over 30) and you want to sit down and listen to some music, generally free, with a nice bar and bar staff with affordable parking right across the street, this is your place. My friends and I (definitely over 30) saw Kim Taylor (and the amazing Matthew Perryman Jones) in the backroom a few weeks back. I was so pleased. Crowd was respectful, staff was friendly, plenty of seating. Definitely a place I could see coming to alone even to listen to music. Drinks affordable. Patio looked great also but we didn't hang there. Good spot! read more

I went there for a company function in the early afternoon, and I loved the atmosphere, the place is beautiful and moody, and I love how they opened the back up for shows. Best part was the beer selection, and how COLD the beers were. Great spot to chill. read more

Definitely a great atmosphere! Awesome bartenders, (usually) great live music, hooch priced wallet-friendly, pool tables in the back....what more could you want? Come here if you're in search of the elusive "chill-to-the-max" neighborhood bar. read more

NST FTW! My go to bar for a great time anytime. Home of the ever so popular DANCE_MF. fist sat of every month. live music all the freakin time ... lots of good bands lots of good people. read more

Great jukebox selects. We visited this bar and MOTR as out-of-towners looking for a dive bar, with live music. Bartender Billie was awesome. Hubby and I had a great convo with a local named Mike who works the door some nights, and both Billie and Mike told us of the history of the bar and area. We had such a great time talking to every Cincinnati local that we met. Grateful for a nice time all around. If I lived in Cincy, I would definitely come to shows at this bar. read more

I like this place a lot... Free live music by quality local and national acts, good selection of beverages and a nice patio make it worth the trip. Often I go to see friends perform, and if it's early we'll pick up some Melt and have it in the courtyard. A few years ago you could pop in for a drink after visiting the farmers' market and I even brought my dog in the courtyard. Really lovely and made me feel like I was somewhere much more sophisticated than Cincinnati. Of course, now the market is down the street and I believe they're being more strict about letting dogs on the premises. However, as an "older" patron (talking 29 here!), I can't deal with the insane crowds that descend around 11:30/midnight. The courtyard is outdoors but it gets completely filled with smoke and it's hard to walk through the rooms. Kudos to them for anticipating the growth in attendance with more bathrooms and performance space, but it's still a bit claustrophobic to me. read more

I love this bar, especially the expansion! It was probably the best thing to happen for the local music scene since, wow... I don't know. Remember when the only 'stage' was in the front doorway? It was like scene-sardines in there! It's a really comfortable bar to be in for longer periods of time because there's a noticeable transition between each room and outdoors that makes it interesting. They have the Hideaway too, in case you get hungry. But, yeah, like others have mentioned, a lot of the patrons are too cool for you. read more

This is my favorite bar in town. A few reasons: The bartenders are great people who treat you well and serve up excellent cocktails. The live and original music scene here is one of the best in Cincinnati, plus no cover. The bands that come through here are usually great and it's nice to hear someone new whether they're from Vancouver, Cleveland, Cincy or wherever rock your socks off! The patio is awesome for happy hour and late night lounging next to the firepit. I've lived in the neighborhood off and on from 2002 to now, the NST is one of the gems of Cincinnati. Take advantage of it, and have fun! read more

Eh... It's one of those too cool for school bars in a crap part of town. Overpriced drinks. A lot of college kids and aging artsy fartsy hipsters. read more

Northside tavern is deceptively huge. You walk in to see the main bar on the right, usually musicians playing on the left. If you keep walking, you'll go through a game room of sorts, with pool tables. If you keep walking even further, you end up in the last room (my favorite) with another bar and a stage. This last room is where they have live karaoke every Wednesday nite. It's also where bands play on the weekends, mostly. When we came here last Saturday, the band was set to start at 10pm, but we left at 10:30pm and still no music. Didn't really matter because we had a fun time chatting and could actually hear each other (and the background music they were playing through the stereo was actually pretty awesome). I am a huge fan of their local beer collection, also the fact that they have a full bar and strongbow in cans. Their prices are super reasonable (less than at the actual local breweries!). I enjoy coming here for a drink, and hanging out with the northside locals at one of their coolest hot spots! read more

Great place to see a show, and great bartenders! I run karaoke there on Thursday nights and it's always a fun night! Live Band karaoke is on Wednesday nights! read more

The BF's friends chose Northside Tavern as our New Year's Eve destination & I was pretty pleased. I believe it was chosen mainly because they didn't charge a cover, but they may have inadvertently picked one of the best priced bars in the city. Perhaps I'm used to going to more expensive bars, but 2 Cran&Vodkas plus a beer for $12, fantastic. Great people watching & not too loud so you can actually have a conversation. As far as NYE celebrations go, the bar didn't do much. No champagne toast, no countdown. But I guess that's what you get with no cover. Watch out for the waitresses. They may look tiny, but they are certainly mighty. We watched both the waitress & female bartender strong arm decently sized guys & push them out the door. All while the actually bouncer continued to stand outside. read more

Do you like a homey atmosphere, delicious beer and superb tuneage? Then you should check out Northside Tavern; located in the heart of Cincinnati's thriving Northside community. As someone who has recently made Northside my new home, this venue is quickly becoming my home away from home. On any given night you will find some type of amazing music serenading you, be it a local band, karaoke (including FULL BAND KARAOKE!) or tunes hand selected from the juke box. Their stage is small, but mighty and provides for a very fun and relaxed vibe. I have seen NST completely packed, but on a normal night you're typically able to find a seat at a table or the bar. Another nice feature of NST is that the stage is in the back of the bar, so if you don't feel like dancing you can sit up front and have a drink at the front bar and be able to actually hold a conversation. NST also offers several pool tables and a really nice round table seating area if you just feel like hanging out with friends. Now...the REALLY important stuff...the BEER! NST offers many great craft beers both on draft and in bottles. They have different drink offers every day and in general their prices are very reasonable. They also have a bar up front and one in back with the stage so getting a drink usually isn't too much of an issue. So, if you have not yet checked out this venue and find yourself in the Northside area it's a must see. It may very well become your new home away from home as well! read more

Northside Tavern was awesome! Great jukebox, excellent happy hour specials, interesting mix of people and great atmosphere. Take your Melt sandwich over here and have a beer with your meal. read more

Great craft beer selection. I have stopped into Northside Tavern for a quick beer on a few occasions. The one thing I really liked was the great craft beer selection, a big selling point for me. The prices seemed reasonable for the beers I have ordered and the person behind the bar was always polite and prompt with getting drinks. The space seems quite large, with a pool table in a back room but it still has a dive bar feel to it. You can also enjoy your beer in the courtyard and enjoy the fresh air. If i find myself in Northside again I will definitely return. read more

Absolutely LOVE this place. Awesome for indie shows, or just hanging out with friends. I've met so many great people here just by hanging out near the fire pit or by the stage. I definitely try to come here at least once or twice a week. read more

Came here for one my of Boyfriend's favorite indie bands from Columbus. A very intimate space with people that enjoy music. A high chance to meet individual members of the bands that play. We got to talk to the lead singer that night and another member of the band. Totally awesome venue. Not a lot of people dance here, but stand and move their heads to the music with a drink in hand. Drinks are made strong and good! Great vibes. read more

The place is huge! Live band, bar, pool tables, and a patio. On Monday night the band plays jazz music. The bartender was friendly and served us immediately. Great place to chill out, have a drink and enjoy someone's company. read more

Ventured in here on a Friday night to meet up with some old friends. If I had to describe Northside in one place, this would be it. Historical, eclectic, and a little run down. The beer selection was ok, service was decent. This place is huge, it just keeps going back from a bar, to a pool room, to a concert venue, to a patio. The other people in the bar were a collection of artsy hipsters, and eclectic Northsiders. Maybe it was the Punks snorting coke off of their hands outside that kind of ruined it for me, but it was just ok. It's a decent dive bar, but nothing really special. Do yourself a favor and head up the street to the Yacht Club. Still cool and eclectic, but with better beer and food. read more

This is one of those places where I always seem to end up staying longer then planned, or sometimes, than is good for my head the following morning. It does not look very big from the street, but it is a deep building. Walk in the front and you are in the bar, the tap selection is not huge but they keep it varied enough that you are sure to find something to your liking and there is a good bottle/can selection as well. Bar stools and tables with chairs offer plenty of seating for those who stay in the bar area, but for many patrons, the draw is beyond the bar, in the next room back, where the pool tables reside with a lounge/conversation pit area. Further back is actually the largest area, where there is live music on the weekends and, yes, another bar area. The layout works well, the pool table area acting as buffer between the band and the bar area, so that even when a band is playing in back, you can still carry on a conversation in the front bar without having to talk over the music. Also as a good weather bonus, there is a courtyard with more table and chairs, accessible from the street or a side door in the pool area. Don't expect shiny, new or slick, this is an old style neighborhood bar and I mean that in a good way. Stop in, enjoy the brew, music or good conversation with the diverse clientele. read more

There always seems to be something happening in every room at this bar. I recommend trying it at least once to check out the scene. The front room has a bar, a few small tables, and a small area for a band to play. I first went to the tavern on a Wednesday when a jazz band played in that room. The next room has two pool tables, seating against the walls, restrooms, and a door that leads to the outdoor patio. The outdoor patio has tons of seating and is smoker-friendly. Just past the room where the pool tables are, there is a larger bar area with a main stage and some more tables. For certain events, the tables are cleared to form a large dance floor. So as you can see, there is tons of space to check out and two bars to hit up in case one is busier than the other. Drink prices aren't that great though so I wouldn't go more than once a week, but that's just me. read more