This is the kind of place that could easily be the set of a 1930's speakeasy. The bar itself is small, and there are only a few seats at the bar, a bench running alongside the wall and one picnic table. But every time I've been here, it hasn't been crowded. That's probably due in part that they don't serve Bud Light and blare techno music in a dark room. They don't have beer here, so don't even ask. (This also makes it difficult when going with a group of people and that one person doesn't drink bourbon so they awkwardly sit and watch everyone else sipping their drinks.) My husband is starting to enjoy good bourbons like they are supposed to be enjoyed and since I don't drink it straight, they offer us ladies a few different cocktail options. My favorite is the one made with cherry juice! Go try OKBB when you have the craving for a good bourbon, a cozy fire and great classic rock music. read more

I'm going to go ahead and say it..... This is my favorite bar in Greater Cincinnati (Lackman has been dethroned). It's a tiny hole-in-the-wall, but it's comfortable and still feels trendy. This place mostly caters to the whiskey and bourbon loving crowd. I would suggest they add a vodka or two to the menu to please the wives/girlfriends of us bourbon lovers. This place shines for two reasons: 1.) The bartenders. They all know their sh*t. I literally had a bartender tell me the mash bill for each of the bourbons I had. That my friends, is bourbon knowledge. This place is a bourbon geek's wet dream. 2.) The selection. I went prior to the big bourbon releasing season (which is September/October). I was still able to choose from at least 6 bourbons that are almost unobtainable in stores and other bars, outside of Louisville or Lexington. For reference on bourbon rarity they had on shelf, Four Roses 2013 Single Barrel, Stagg Jr, Black Maple Hill, Old Forester Birthday and many many others. I will be back. I will bring friends. read more

Living in Mainstrasse, I used to come here often after work for their great cocktails and bar service. My most recent visit, about two weeks ago, was on a Friday night. I suggested we head to OKBB to show some business associates from London a great bourbon bar, as they do not get that experience across the pond. After they went into the bar with international IDs, the doorman stopped me, saying he could not take my (Ketucky) ID. I was not offered an explanation why, he only cited his 15 years of experience. I assume he thought that my ID was fake? Needless to say, my party closed their tab and we went three doors down to Gypsy's. After sending my experience in a PM to OKBB, someone promptly responded and said that they would get the message to a manager and look into the situation. I appreciated the quick reply. I did not receive a response that week, so I checked in, curious if management had looked into it. It was plain that someone read the message because that is how FB messages work, but chose not to respond. If I am going to spend my money on bourbon, I'd rather do it at a venue that has enough respect for their customers to respond to bad experiences. This establishment has great bartenders and a great selection, I wish the customer service could match. read more

This place is great if you can find it. A three step walk-up to a very thin building with just the unassuming "OKBB" sign above the door. I am just a novice bourbon drinker and both bartenders at the time were very helpful in helping find one that would increase my knowledge and added some suggestions in crafting a cocktail for my friend. We got there at a good time because we could get a seat at the bar. Soon after it got really crowded even though it was the middle of the afternoon on Saturday. The guys sitting next to me knew their bourbons but the bartender was able to lead them to a couple of new ones. Check it out even if you think you have no real bourbon knowledge. read more

As a fan of everything made of alcohol, I rather like this place. It is the hipster cowboy bar, you never knew you missed. The prices are what to be expected for a "specialized" bar, but not sure if it will fit in with the other, not so "specialized" bars in the area. First of all you get a real glass, which I am a big fan of. They only serve bourbon and bourbon related spirits, which I am a big fan of. They play Johnny Cash regularly, whom I am a big fan of. Downside to this place is the time it takes the bartenders to make a drink(or should I say the time they take to service each of their clients). I know you are suppose to drink bourbon straight, but I pay for it, so spare me the look when I put coke in my Bullet bourbon(that is how I like it...) And the price is a little on the high side, but I don't mind paying for good alcohol. I hope this place stays in business and the populace from across the river, will venture over to sample some Covington hospitality! Because I don't see too many people in the mainstrasse scene, that cares about drinking a well made alcoholic bourbon beverage, in a real glass... read more

This review is going to be one of the more simpler I have done. Go to Mainstrasse, and go to the Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar...as soon as you can. The selection is unparalleled and the bartenders are unique and knowledgeable. Danielle helped us pick out our drinks as well as inform us of the different Bourbons on the shelf. The crowd is eclectic and fun so get there as soon as you can. One of the best old fashioned's I have had read more

YES! This place is such a great spot. My boyfriend and I stopped here while visiting Cincy. We had an hour until our dinner reservation, so we stopped in for a drink. I'm not a whisky or bourbon fan. So I leaned on the experience and suggestions of the staff. I could not have been more pleased with my cocktail. GREAT people. EXCELLENT drinks. read more

My favorite bar in Mainstrasse!! First of all, I LOVE bourbon, so what better place could I go?? I first went on my birthday with a group of friends, and Josh, our bartender was nothing short of awesome, making superb bourbon suggestions and suggesting drinks for the non-bourbon drinkers. His concoctions were delish!! I love the vibe in OKBB, I do not normally go to bars alone, but I am totally comfortable here alone.... the last time I was there, wearing a skirt and heels, sipping a bourbon, neat, I felt very 1948. I dig it. And these dudes know their bourbon, holy hell! Aside from the sick amount of knowledge, they make you feel very comfortable.. GREAT BAR! Although, I'm selfish, and it's a small place, I'd kinda like it to remain relatively unknown, so I can always find a barstool, yet still wildly successful. Anyway, if you like bourbon, a cool vibe, bartenders that are mad knowledgable, this is the place for you!! Maybe I'll see you there!!!! read more

The bartender was very knowledgeable and helpful and they have what you are looking for including the Pappy!

Thanks to yelp, i got to attend their exclusive preview, while the place is very small (capacity is literally 30/40 people) it makes up for it in atmosphere. A friend has explained to me that only the best bartenders from Japps/Neons are filtered in to work at the OKBB, Josh was incredibly helpful & knowledgeable about the many different bourbons gracing their walls. Looking forward to what type of events Miss Wellman has in store for OKBB. read more

The Bartenders here are some of the most friendly I have been around. Being single from the Philadelphia area & most recently, Indianapolis, I have met quite a few! I had never tasted bourbon or whiskey. The bartender asked what my tastes were in alcohol & asked if I was open to try something he would mix up for me? He mixed something that was amazing! Definitely not the service I have experienced with a fully packed bar before. The patrons didn't seem to mind waiting either which made me realize that the bar was well know & well liked! read more

Next time you're dining at one of Mainstrasse's array of increasingly good little restaurants, stop by the Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar for a pre-meal or post-meal libation -- or both! There's nothing in this little place except dozens and dozens of bourbons (plus a few high-end scotches, and one lonely bottle of Rain Vodka, which does come from the Buffalo Trace bourbon distillery, after all), plus some very knowledgable servers and other folks who are happy to talk about Liquid Corn all night long. And that's plenty enough for me. Even if you're not familiar with the world of bourbon, you'll enjoy a visit here. The barkeep will walk you through the whole range of tastes bourbon offers, questioning you about what flavors you like -- as intense as any job interview -- before you're recommended the right "starter" distillation. For an experienced bourbon fan, you'll find all the good stuff here, plus a few you've never heard of. (And there are some Van Winkle products, but not on display -- just ask for them.) Bourbon-centric cocktails are here, too (try the "pre-Prohibition Manhattan), but if you're a serious bourbon fan, just belly up to the bar and have a straight-up sip, savor it for a while, and relax in the company of Kentucky's best. read more

I have been coming to this bar for a long time. The bar staff are extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and talented people. I've never had a bad drink or experience at this place. read more

So fun! I'm trying to learn to like bourbon and this place makes it so easy. They of course have every kind of bourbon known to man, but they also make great mixed drinks with said bourbon. Just watching the bartenders in action makes for a great show and learning experience. If you happen to have a non-bourbon drinker with you, they do have a handful of beers on tap as well. read more

This is whiskey heaven. That's the only way to describe it. From the rarest and most unique to the everyday and most popular, OKBB has it all. The surroundings are attractive and welcoming, down to an umbrella stand behind the front door. From a couple of ladies chatting over a glass of wine or whiskey lovers enjoying a Manhattan or trying a corn whiskey, the atmosphere on my visit was relaxing and cozy, in direct contrast to dreary, damp evening. I enjoyed the enthusiasm of the patron aficionados and their exchange of ideas with the staff. Stop by for one of their tastings or just listen to Molly, Rich or their knowledgeable staff and you can get a real education and appreciation of whiskey. read more

One of the many things I love about this place is that the bartenders have their own individual personalities and are all very different. Getting to know them has been a great time. I have several favorite cocktails at OKBB. Cocktails are influenced by the bartender's personality, so I have my favorite cocktails based on the bartender. Aaron - the Improved, Hibiscus Whiskey Sour Taylor - Rum Job (drink hasn't been officially named yet, but it's YUMMY), Scofflaw Val - De la Lousianne, The Kids are All Spice I'm still undecided for Josh, Lilly and the rest (need more testing). read more

Three dollar whiskey on "thrifty thirsty Thursday" is a great deal. Maybe its cause I live in l.a., but it is refreshing to go to a legit bourbon bar without a hint of attitude. My bartender was amazing, remembered exactly how I take my drink. His recommendations I loved. There is a great selection of whiskey from the bottom shelf to the top and hard to find items for the geeks and fools. Depite the fact that my bartender looked like Jack Sparrow, and the other one had on suspenders and bad handlebar mustache, I recommend this place without reservation. read more

Great selection, great staff. We showed up with oranges, nuts and chocolate to enjoy while sipping bourbon...the staff cheerfully supplied plates and a knife. Build you own bourbon flight or pick one of the menu flights. Sit on the front patio for people watching, back patio for chilling. read more

This is my favorite bourbon bar in the country. The selection is incredible and the bartender Lilly is incredibly skilled and phenomenal.

This is one of those bars that I hope makes it and sticks around for a long time. I love the concept and I love bourbon and anything that Molly Wellman is involved in has got to be good. I still have a problem with paying too much for a drink though. $6-$7 for a small glass of bourbon is too much for me. The place it super small too, which I think will be ok, I'm not sure if the place will be packed once the newness wears off. This is a pretty specific bar and if people don't know they like bourbon they may not even try it. On the rare occasion that I get down to Kentucky to drink if I can talk friends into it maybe I'll make a stop in for a beginning drink because I do love me some bourbon! read more

I was there during the Oktoberfest this weekend, so the place was packed. But even with the crowd, the bartenders were amazingly friendly and helpful. They encouraged us to come back so they can really "do their thing," which meant making sense of the VERY large selection of Bourbons. I loved the little bar and look and feel of the place, and will definitely be back when it's a bit quieter. The area itself is pretty small, but it's well crafted in a woodsy, very bourbon-appropriate feel. The whole wall behind the bar is full of many, many bourbons, but like I said, the bartenders know them all well and can help anyone make sense of them. We tried a flight of bourbons, which was three small pours (the total they said amounts to about one shot) and was served with spring water. They also have a few bitters so I believe they can make a good cocktail, too. They also usually have related beers (Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale- my favorite!) but were completely out due to the crowds. read more

LOVE the OKBB! It helps that I love bourbon. If you don't love bourbon, or don't want to attempt to--then you really have no business here. There isn't anything else, except for mixers, to make bourbon cocktails. And it's very small. But if you DO love bourbon, or love the idea of bourbon and want to know it better--this is your place. We went to a bourbon tasting event here, and it was WONDERFUL. Because it's so small, essentially everyone there was there for the tasting. That created a really fantastic experience, with everyone focused on the same thing and learning and drinking together. It's run by the brilliance that is Japp's and Neon's, with the incomparable Molly Welllmann, so that should encourage you even more. Go on, give bourbon a shot! :) read more

Place to be if you're a bourbon or rye drinker. Lots of options. Not the cheapest place. But awesome selection.

I love this place. It's very small, as other reviewers have noted, and thus, it's best enjoyed alone or in a small group, earlier in the evening or on a low-traffic evening (like a Tuesday). One of the bar's best features is its staff. As with all of Molly Wellman's establishments, the bartenders know their liquor. And here, the name of the game is bourbon, whisky, scotch. They are incredibly knowledgable, interested and interesting, and wonderfully attentive to the customers. When you go to drink at OKBB, you get a lesson as well as a drink, and both are equally excellent. Other than that, the space is charming, bright, and warm. The bathrooms (well, at least the ladies') are really a darling cross between speakeasy and Old West charm. I'm eager to return, and I hope to see you there. read more

I had the opportunity last night to stop by this spot. Between the rustic ambience, the amazing selection of bourbon, and the awesome music this is a bourbon lovers dream. I would definitely recommend getting one of their unique flights of bourbon, the bartenders are extremely knowledgeable, and their selection is second to none. read more

Cincinnati hits it out of the ballpark again! This is not a pretentious bourbon bar, nor is it really a dive. It's a cozy establishment in a well-loved building that manages to be clean, trendy, and very conducive to whiskey drinking all at once. They have a wall o' whiskey, as well as "everything else," a shelf with all the clear liquors (which are obviously only for rich women on diets). It can get crowded on weekends, but definitely don't let that discourage you from stopping by to try an excellent cocktail or whiskey pour! read more

Husband says the Manhattan he ordered tonight was the best he has ever had!! Great bar, great street, great atmosphere!! read more

Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar - Bars Near Me - Covington, Kentucky

Cool little bourbon bar in the Mainstrasse section of Covington. Unique mixed cocktails even for the lesser experienced bourbon drinkers. Loved my drink which was blended with chai tea and an egg white. My husband's Old fashioned was delicious too. It was a nice sunny day and we took our drinks out to the back patio by the fire chimnea. Thoroughly enjoyed chatting up the bartender too. read more

Nice and clean place. Great atmosphere. Bartenders were really nice and lot of knowledges. Their spice sour mixed was flavorful. The whiskey sour with white egg makes a great texture. Love this place. read more

Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar - Nice warm cider and spicy whiskey sour. - Bars Near Me - Covington, Kentucky

This place was incredible. The selection of bourbon was delightfully daunting and the atmosphere was classic (copper bar, exposed brick, etc.). If you're in the area and like bourbon/ryes make sure you put this place at the top of your list. read more

Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar - All of the Van Winkle's. - Bars Near Me - Covington, Kentucky

After a recent relocation, I have found myself within walking distance to a bunch of decent bars, a couple of good ones and one great one: OKBB. The bartenders are some of the most knowledgeable and affable that I have ever met. Forget the fact that this place is hip, sleek and new age, all in a high-end Bluegrass-meets-steampunk package. The guys and gals in front of and behind the bar are friendly and conversational. The lighting is dim, the music is Johnny Cash-esque and the 150+ bourbon and whiskeys behind the bar are begging to be imbibed. The staff is great. I recommend asking them for their opinions and preferences. If you are lucky, you may get a short course in bourbon-ology. Either a neat whiskey or one of the daily cocktail specials (can you say world's best Manhattan?!?) is my favorite. Do yourself a favor and grab a drink at this bar. read more

Amazing tasting of local and beyond bourbons!! No food in here but the lesson it worth it

Stopped in Saturday prior the the Mardi Gras parade for a taste. ........once again a great atmosphere and can't be beat selections. read more

Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar - Bars Near Me - Covington, Kentucky

Absolutely love this place. Just when I thought I couldn't love bourbon any more, this place has taken my love for bourbon to an entirely new level. I had the white Russian and the Sangria. I would never put bourbon with these drinks, but these guys make it work. The bourbon took these drinks to another level of flavor and excitement. And Mike. My friend, you are the man. I will come back to this place just off the strength of your service and hospitality. read more

I stopped at OKBB this last weekend with a group of five for the first time. I'd say they have a nice atmosphere - they've renovated to include a modern and clean look that mixes nicely with the classic features of the old building they're in. I'm not sure this place is great for groups that want to sit and hang out together, though.. we were there on a Saturday day and they've only got one table to sit at. Luckily they weren't too busy so we could snag it, but otherwise all they've got to offer in terms of seating is the bar. I've subtracted a star because we weren't really impressed with our beverages. For being a Bourbon bar, the Bourbon cocktails were just not up to par. Two of our group ordered Manhattans and there was so much vermouth that it completely overpowered the Bourbon. It's not supposed to be an equal parts ingredient.. it's more of a splash or two to complement the flavor of the Bourbon. The New York Sour was also off balance. If you're looking to enjoy some Bourbon here, it looks like a cocktail isn't the way to go. Also, for the wine drinkers they don't have much to accommodate. This is fine because they're a Bourbon bar, but they've just got a red, a white and a Prosecco. read more

What a cool little bar located in the heart of Mainstrasse. They have an amazing selection of bourbon and a really cool cocktail list. We also enjoyed the patio out back. It offered a nice setting to just relax and enjoy the place. read more

Best old fashioned I've had in Kentucky. Lovely staff. Very friendly place. Be sure to stop by here. read more

Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar - Bars Near Me - Covington, Kentucky

Went in to try some bourbon, had a great OT paycheck since tHought I would treat me and a friend to some George t stagg. My friend asked how much for OFG BiB and he said 40. Buddy said "wow that's almost as much as retail" (just a statement. Not rude.) . We were still going to buy some high end stuff. We were just making conversation to which the bartender got defensive and said "can you find a bottle?!" My friend said yes he could. Bartender got mad and told us "you can't crowd the bar, get out" this was around 4 pm on 9/19/20. Kentucky and bourbon is all about the experience and the hospitality. It's southern hospitality in a glass. To treat people like that and literally kick them out just from a conversation is ridiculous. I will just hang out at home from now on. Crazy. I'll go back because they h e a good selection but never if that guy is working again. Terrible experience read more

Was only in Kentucky for a meeting but had been told about this place. Daily special whiskey of the day, 3 daily flight specials and best Bourbon Old Fashioned I'd venture to say in the South. Worth making a trip to this cool little town! read more

Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar - Bars Near Me - Covington, Kentucky

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Try anything here and you will not be disappointed--you may have a hard time tomorrow remembering what you tried tonight if you order the flight but it will not disappoint on the way down! read more

Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar - Cool art. - Bars Near Me - Covington, Kentucky