One of Mt. Lookout's classics. Great service and atmosphere. You feel like you're in a special place and you feel appreciated for being there. The owner has obviously imbued much love into the place and staff. Bill O'Donnell you're a pillar of our community. read more

Why have I not come here before?! I've missed out on so much. My Mr. discovered a band on Instagram and they happened to be playing here at Stanley's Pub. The timing was great! This is your neighborhood dive bar and this will definitely be our go to if we wanna just grab some drinks. Or watch a band! They have a full bar, with beers on tap or bottled. Great wine selection too! We were shocked with the bill at the end of the night because it was cheap! The inside is small but has so much to offer. Their outdoor patio is also relaxing and inviting. At the time they had an outdoor food truck. A fan and can't wait to go back! read more

See all

Sometimes you just want a good little local dive bar to enjoy some cheap drinks and some good music. I'm honestly surprised my lady and I hadn't been here sooner, but when I found out Hot Like Mars was playing here live recently, I knew we had to go. The place itself feels like a classic local dive bar for sure. I can tell there are a plethora of regulars so they're definitely doing something right. They also have an outdoor patio with lots more seating. They have a small stage near the front inside and feature lots of live music on weekends. Their beer selection is pretty nice, wine list isn't nearly as big but has a couple nice selections, and of course there's a full bar loaded with spirits. The bartenders were are very friendly and attentive even with how busy and loud it was while the band played their set. Plus the price we paid for our libations was very nice. I may be a beer geek but I'm not above a $3 Miller High Life. I think this is now one of my top dive bars in my area. Is it THE TOP? I might need another visit to make that decision. I'm sure my lady won't be against another visit. read more

Stanley's Pub - Get your drank on! - Dive Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Great Music, great time! Local, regional and even some national acts. You never know who you will see.

Bottled beer was as if it wasnt cold enough, good music from Jam Band Jovi, but i had a creep who said unnecessary comments that made me leave after being uncomfortable. Bartender was easy going and did not bad service either . With my encounter, i wonder how much that guy had to drink - not sure if she cut him off ? The back outdoor setting was nice and chill - maybe the highlight with exceiption of the music tonight . Id traditionally give a 3 star, but going to lower it a bit cause of the uncomfortable experience ... if a man feels creeped out, cant imagine how a feel would've felt . read more

Lovely place, lovely people, wonderful bartenders, great music! Outdoor seating, pet friendly.

Tried to charge a $10 cover to get in an empty, grungy bar with rude staff. Way better bars to go to in the area that aren't this one

Great venue for up coming bands!!! Great sound in the room. Yes it has a bit narrow quarters but it's just right!! They have an outdoor patio that you can get away to chat a bit with your fellows. They have a plethora of alcohol drinks!! I had their Wild Turkey bourbon straight which is one of my favorites that has a huge kick so ladies be careful unless your tough to handle it!! Enjoying the music tonight!! Stringbreakers and Stuffbreakers band from Brazil They made their first debut in the States at Stanley's Pub!! How awesome.....the manager has a huge heart and was a pleasure to meet all of them!! Gone Solo!! read more

Stanley's Pub - Stringbreakers and Stuffbreakers band from Brazil - Dive Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

We went there last night to listen to some music. Even though there was only 50 minutes left of music, we were charged the full cover. We went outside where the band played 2 songs, then took a break and sat at a table with their friends and smoked pot from a pipe. Without telling me, my wife went inside and asked for our money back and was ridiculed and laughed at by the older bartender and her local patrons. Nasty people who deserve each other. This place used to have a good reputation but now it is a nasty dive. Not a place I would recommend to anyone. Stay away!!! read more

The people in this place were SOOOO NICE! Bartenders and patrons. Random strangers saying hello. I was so overwhelmed with kindness. I went on a Sunday when they had their jam. They told me music 7 days a week, jam on Sunday. I got there late and still saw 4 jam acts come up. Singer songwriters, jam folks, and C&W guys & gals. It was great fun live music. Wesley the bartender, whom I now have permission to call Wes LOL, was super nice. He was prompt with service and a real nice guy to talk to. I couldn't have felt more welcome. Whatup Wes?!? LOL There aren't many people here who will judge you for anything as long as you're kind. I literally wandered into circles and met people just by arriving within their sight. Shoutout to Nick and Wolf as being the friendliest patrons I met tonight. I'm new to the neighborhood from nearby Dayton and have always heard good things about this place. They're all true. This is my newfound bar in my new Cincinnati home. read more

When you close your eyes and picture a neighborhood bar... This is probably what comes to mind. Cheap beer ($1.50 bottles during happy hour) and the basics when it comes to cocktails. The back porch is amazing! They could use some nicer furniture, but the landscaping and tall fences make you forget that your so close to civilization. I couldn't stick around late enough to hear the live music but they have some impressive acts coming to town judging for the posters on the walls! Check this place out of you want to get away from your usual spot. read more

Stanley's Pub - Chants of Diplomacy setting up! - Dive Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Came here for a reggae concert. I'm not a huge reggae fan (I'm like, sure, I can dance to reggae and it's fun, but not more than that). However, it seemed like the people who know about reggae thought that $12 for 5 different bands was a really reasonable price. The outdoor patio is great! Just such an easy going vibe about it, very relaxing! The indoor was nice because of the air conditioning but otherwise not special at all. In fact, I'm really not very likely to come here just for a drink inside because it felt a pretty dirty - a typical dive bar I guess. Would definitely come back if there would be another outdoor concert evening of a genre I like. Otherwise, I'll leave the dive bars to the real dive bar fans! read more

Stanley's Pub - Reggae party - Dive Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Stopped in with a friend to check out the Trash Grass Boys. Name of the band piqued my interest. Facebook said band would start at 9 pm... arriving at 10, band still had not started. I think they started at 11 or so. The band was located inside and it was very crowded and small, so we only stayed inside for 1 song. Then we went outside and sat at a patio, where a guy sat down at our table, pulled out a bunch of weed, and started rolling a joint, making zero attempt to hide it. He even went on to inform me that he could roll a joint with his eyes closed while driving. Stanley's didn't need to hire a comedian, this guy was awesome and free! But seriously, it's a comfortable, friendly, dive bar, but be warned that lots of people smoke there and it ain't just cigarettes. The smell and smoke got overwhelming after awhile for those of us not partaking! read more

This place is like going back in time when bars knew how to rock! It's a reliable watering hole for anyone that needs a landing pad. On slow nights it is a nice refuse. read more

The good -relaxed atmosphere, for the most part. -cool place to see up and coming bands. -the bartender really gave us the liquor in our drinks that we paid for (some places seem to skimp on alcohol). -loved the patio area, it was the best place to hang out there. -plenty of parking space (parked across the street). The bad -$5 cover charge at the door to see the show. -the bartender was not as attentive as I would've liked... I was waiting for a few minutes and had to keep calling out to him to place my order. The ugly -needs renovated... especially inside where the bar is. -BATHROOMS. Need updated and cleaned. It was something I avoided going to unless I really needed to. read more

I ventured here on Sunday to see my friend's band play. They travelled all the way from Minneapolis - so I definitely give props to Stanley's for bringing in out of town bands. The place itself was low key, small, cozy with cheap drinks. They had $5 pitchers of PBR and I always take this as some sort of personal compliment to my homeland - PBR, the featured Wisconsin beer!! Love it. Anyway, my one and only complaint is that they allow SMOKING in the bar. This was such a disappointment. I hate smelling like smoke the next morning and was looking forward to experiencing a smoke-free evening in Ohio, seeing as the state IS smoke-free. read more

Stanley's Pub is A-OK! Located right in the heart of Columbia Tusculum this charming little dive bar is welcoming and has a killer line up of live music nightly. We used to come and watch my friends band play here all the time. This place brings back fond memories. There is nothing like drinkin' cheap beer and listening to live music. I certainly wouldn't want to do this every day, but when the mood strikes--Stanley's is one of my go to's! read more

Ahh Stanleys. Living in Columbia Tusculum, Stanley's is my go-to place for an after work drink. While it is partly for the convenience of being within walking distance of my apartment, I really do love the charm of Stanley's. It is definitely a dive bar, with cheap drinks, a cozy atmosphere, a low-key vibe and an eclectic crowd. The bartenders are great and there's a great patio out back. There's also live music pretty frequently, with both local and out of town bands. There is usually a cover with the bands, which I'm not always a fan of, but if you're into live music it's a great spot to catch a show. Definitely worth a visit for the experience...and some cheap drinks! read more

Stanley's Pub - a row of liquor bottles on a bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I love this bar. This bar is awesome. I am sitting here with bill the owner and he is awesome! And I feel like I am a part of the family here, I love everyone! Inexpensive drinks, great time, touch tunes. You walk in and you feel at home. I promise this is awesome. Never had a bad time here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

Just a regular friendly neighborhood bar, a great place for locals to come in, have a drink, chat it up. Seems like they have bands here all the time and a place that is known for good music. I personally wasn't into the music that was playing the night I was there. On a positive note, it did have a nice outdoor section in the back where you can enjoy some fresh air or a cigarette. the venue/bar is quite small and can get a bit crowded. read more

Good music, strong drinks, kinda smells like a fart. Five stars. Will definitely be returning. read more

Stanley's Pub - Not actually disappointed. - Dive Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I had a lovely time listening to splendid music Maritime Law, covers and original tunes, with my friend El Guapo drinking delicious sunflovver Guinness served by the Delightful Monica! Wish more people remembered to write reviews, searching for photos now, read more

I like Stanley's a lot and have been coming here for over 10 years since I used to play here in multiple different bands. They are getting 4 stars from me, but don't go thinking that it's a nice bar. It's dirty and dark and can get crowded and loud and bumping into people and elbows and spilled drinks and hippies....but it is the perfect little grungy live music dive bar and really captures the essence of the Cincinnati music scene. They have local bands and out of town bands and definitely lean towards jam bands and reggae bands but it is a great place to drink and listen to music. If you get tired of the loud band or the crowd you can head to their great patio out back that is bigger than the inside. It's fully fenced in with a high fence and plants and seems kind of like a wonderful hidden garden when you first stumble out into it. The pool table is outside since it won't fit inside. There is also a grill and sometimes there is a cookout offering hot dogs and hamburgers outside. Sometimes they even have bands play outside with a stage at the back of the patio and even have mini music festivals here. At the bar, you can order your standard run-of-the-mill drinks and macro beers but they do always offer a couple craft or local beers as well. Currently they have a wonderful bar staff and while they have had some lousy bartenders in the past, right now you can stop in and get served by a friendly and attentive bartender. read more

Stanley's Pub - The Ark Band - Dive Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Your average dive bar, good live music tho. The regulars there seem to get really drunk and really..animated (?) as the night goes on..so watch out for that. The regular bartender there is cool as hell. read more

Stanley's Pub - great live music here just about every night - Dive Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Great dive bar with live music every night. Several good beers on tap and a nice patio in the back. Happy hour pricing until 8. I'm a fan! read more

For some reason I hate paying a cover charge when visiting this tiny music venue in Columbia Tusculum, even if it is going towards gas money for the numerous jam bands they bring in from surrounding cities. Stanley's is probably one of the best places to spot nappy dreadlocks on white boys, jam out to the latest hippy rock and cram a lot of warm bodies into one small spot. The view of the small stage area is blocked in many places by support beams but the place is filled with friendly people and the courtyard is large and welcoming. In the winter they put up a 10' x 20' shelter with a propane heater for smokers to huddle around. read more

This place maybe the epitome of a dingy dive bar but honestly where else can you go and get a $2 beer on a Friday or Saturday. The drinks are always cheap and staff are friendly. A lot of times there is live local music and as long as you get there a little earlier on those nights there isn't cover. This place definitely isn't for everyone, but if you are willing to accept the laid back atmosphere and enjoy reasonably priced drinks you will enjoy yourself. read more

I guess I should say that this review is for older people who don't like bars just because they're dives or grungy. If that's what you want, and cheap beer also, that's cool, and consider my rating to be 3 star instead of 2 stars. For you older folks who still like to go out and have a good time, I'm not sure I can recommend this place. Yeah, the beer is cheap (though not that much of a selection, for a Cincinnati-area "pub"), and they have a very good selection of bands. But my experience was that the place was dirty, smelly, too small (unless you're willing to hang outside away from the music), and doesn't have enough parking. Also, I found the people working there to be unfriendly. Maybe that's because they didn't recognize me or because I was old enough to be their father ... either way, it didn't help things. Anyway, if you're a young person looking for a grungy dive, this is the place. Otherwise, you're more likely to put it into the "I don't get it" category. read more

Great local bar. After a tough softball game, this a great place to grab a drink with your team and fans. The bottle were some of the cheapest prices I've seen: $1.50. We went on a Wednesday night and they had live music from a national tour. The artist was really nice and sounded great warming up. I will definitely go back - probably after a softball game. read more

This is the quintessential neighbor hood bar. By that I mean, not the best place, but definitely not the worst. This is the type of bar I love. They have all the basic drinks and a few local cool things to try. The bartender was super nice when we went in and the place isn't too big so they remember what you are ordering. I wish I could have stayed longer; they had a local band playing and I would have loved to have hear them jam. Next time that I am in the area I will definitely go back. I wish it wouldn't have been so muggy...they have a cool looking patio with an outdoor pool table! read more

I've seen this place before, driving by and it never even crossed my mind to ever go in but this time I went in with a group of people and maybe that's what made me feel comfortable. It's a true neighborhood bar that hasn't been updated probably since the neighborhood started. I had one drink: sprite and vodka because that was all the bartender could come up with when I asked her to make me something sweet. Well, she actually suggested vodka and cranberry which I feel is the drink a bartender offers when they really don't care. They do have an awesome patio but as everything else, I wish it was a little more updated, maybe even just adding a splash of fresh paint to the fence surrounding it would transform the place. I did notice two stages, one inside and one outside where local bands play and one of those bands started playing right before we left. I am just not a person that listens to bands but some other people could appreciate this more. read more

This is my kind of bar. It doesn't take itself too serious while still meeting all the expectations of a great dive bar. The bartenders know how to make a good drink and always have recommendations on hand for shots and mixed drinks. Live music pretty much nightly. I love that this place has a huge outside patio area with pool table. Any bar with a working pool table is a win in my book. I haven't been here yet during the warmer months but I can't wait to enjoy many a beer out back. read more

Friendly staff, a decent jukebox, and a long happy hour (4-9pm) make the smoky hole-in-the-wall, Stanley's Pub, a fine place to grab a pint for Columbia-Tusculum residents. read more

Typically a $5 cover and nightly live music. It is a small house with a bar and has a large backyard patio area that is full of hippies, musicians, and a pool table. No food. It is usually fun and relaxed. read more

This dive bar kicks ass. They have an awesome patio out back with a pool table. Live music almost every night. Cheap beer, fun bartenders, and good crowd. read more

Classic dive bar with insanely cheap drink specials. They also have a huge outdoor area. It's not in the safest part of town but borders Mt. Lookout if you're willing to venture a little further. They bring in some great musicians but it can get a little stuffy since the space for the crowd is a little on the small side. If you're a somewhat attractive woman, be prepared for a couple random (society underbelly types) to accost you; it seems to be the rule. read more

Stanley's Pub - Frankly Speaking on Stanley's Pub's stage - Dive Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

This is about the best place to catch original live music in Cincinnati. The place is a hole in the wall so be prepared. Cheap drinks. Awesome Bartenders. Awesome patio. Awesome music. What really makes this place besides what I've just mentioned is the people that come here. It's a diverse group but really some of the nicest people you could meet. You'll never be a stranger here. read more

An average bar in Columbia tusculum. Be prepared to pay cover. And don't have high expectations for the live music.

I will say I've never written a review but we were excited to meet friends for a beer. They happened to have a band .. Charging a 5 dollar cover . Asked the door man if my 5 friends could just come for one beer .. Not only did he take my question as rude n offensive .. Not at all said that way .. But when he said no .. We turned to leave n not only was he telling me he did not appreciate my question .. But as we were climbing In The car he proceeded to tell us "we could not afford a beer". Coming from a guy who had dreadlocks and smelled like feces! 2 dudes playing bluegrass... Really???? I'm thinking he had a bad day if owned Stanley's I'd actually care ! Whoa read more

Stanley's is a great little bar with much more to offer than you may expect. Stanley's offers live music every night and many of the bands are worth the small nightly cover charge. ($5-10). The drinks are cheap at Stanleys which is always a bonus but the real draw for me is the back patio. A huge patio with plentiful seating and a colorful crowd make Stanley's a great spot to unwind. There is also a pool table which is a must in my opinion. Plus playing 30 min of pool approximately burns the calories of the beer you are drinking (blame Men's Fitness magazine if that's incorrect). read more