Partying at The Birdcage was a highlight of a recent trip to Cincinnati. I was in town for the Young Democrats of America conference, and the bar hosted a DJ and extended an invitation to us. While the club was open to others that night as well, they gave YDA shout outs on social media and welcomed us with open arms. There was no cover, and they hosted karaoke one night, even calling in another bartender when the bar got busy. I can only speak for the night I went and the fact that the party was catered to young people between the ages of 20-40, but the DJ played a good mix of songs from modern to hits from the 2000s. For us older partiers, it was a fun chance to introduce the "littles" to the music we liked growing up. While LGBTQ+ mainstream inclusion has expanded over the last 10-15 years, a lot of LGBTQ+ centered bars have closed. I've always felt more comfortable at those bars and we have few in my area. Plus, Birdcage is LGBTQ+ and Latinx owned. I had a Hot Boy Summer cocktail, which came in a 16 oz. pouch. The cocktail was about $11.50, which seems expensive at first, but it's 16 oz. and the pouch makes it safe. There's little chance of spilling your drink or having your drink spiked. I don't think that would happen here, but as a lady, you can't be too careful. I wish we had the "pouch drinks" when I was younger. The pouch cocktail is ice-free, so it doesn't water down. You can get regular cocktails, too. I had to wait a while, but it was worth it since I felt at home in the bar. If you're in Cincinnati and looking for a fun place to dance or do karaoke, check it out. read more

See all

I have come to this bar countless times throughout college and it is one of my absolute favorite spots! I have been able to bring and make a variety of friends here to enjoy the dancing and drinks. They offer pretty professional drag shows that are a lot more organized than other shows around the area. A wonderful spot for acceptance and pride! read more

The Birdcage - Gay Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

See all

Walked in the door and knew I was home. Great music, atmosphere and staff. I've never felt more comfortable anywhere. Real talk. Do yourself a favor and catch a show. read more

The Birdcage - The Birdcage - Gay Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

What a great inclusive bar in Downtown Cincinnati! This bar is known as a dance LGBTQ+ bar, where you can dance the night away. If you are looking to visit this bar on the weekend, there will likely be a short wait. Also, it tends to get packed so the dance floor will be shoulder to shoulder. If there is a downfall to this bar, it would be the drink prices as they are slightly higher than other bars. However, I'd be willing to pay more for drinks when the music and company creates a great vibe. If you are looking for an LGBTQ+ dance bar, then this is your place! read more

This is my favorite place to go dancing in all of Cincinnati!!! It's the perfect size, the drinks are just the right price, and I always have a blast here. I hadn't visited this place since the pandemic hit, but the new layout is awesome. I haven't been to a drag night yet, but I can only imagine how much fun it is. The music is a constant bop after bop and I like that their patio is equally big enough for people but small enough to not feel isolated. Anyway, I'm a fan and you can find me here most Friday nights. read more

It's a pretty rare occasion that I put on my dancing pants and paint the town red, but I decided to venture out this weekend and do just that. After seeing a show, I met up with a friend at The Birdcage and despite the hot temperature outside we were bound and determined to get our dance on. We did just that. For as many people there were in the bar, It took no time at all to get a drink in my hand and stock up on some liquid courage. The entire staff was noticeably polite and the drinks noticeably strong (in the best possible way). The venue isn't huge, but the vibes were great and the outdoor patio area is a great place to step out and get a breath of fresh air when you've busted a few too many moves. I think what I appreciate most about The Birdcage is the openness of it. Gone are the days of boarding up/fogging windows of LGBTQ bars as if there is something to hide or be ashamed of. Strolling past this place on a Friday/Saturday night, you'll quickly see the lights and commotion, alerting you that a party is raging inside. Stop what you're doing. Go enjoy the party. read more

The Birdcage - Gay Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Such a fun place! I went here in June with some friends for one of the drag shows (it was my first too!) and I was not disappointed. The people are so welcoming, the drinks are good, and I felt like it's one of the only places I feel genuinely safe going out at night as a woman. This is probably one of the top three places to visit for nightlife in Cincinnati! read more

Great to see a new venue in the old Shooter's location. My friends and I visited The Birdcage on Opening Day. This was a nice spot to watch the parade. They cordoned off their patio and allowed people to enter using a side entrance. The Birdcage got into the swing of things by providing a hot dog bar for its guests, and it discounted domestic beers. The bar was not terribly busy and the service staff was friendly and prompt. I enjoyed some local beers. We had a wonderful time and I wouldn't hesitate to visit again. read more

The best LGBT bar in the city, hands down. This bar hold so much space for all members of the community, is so inclusive, and they make it a point to take feedback and grow because of it. They host all sorts of parties- tea dances for Bears and Fishbowls for Queer women, along with tons of themed parties and such a good weekend dance crowd. Really good tunes from some super fun DJs and stellar cocktails. read more

The Birdcage - Super fun atmosphere! - Gay Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

See all

Busy bar on the weekends. The bartenders work hard but it can be very hard to get a drink some nights. I wish the bar would have more events during Pride month to support the community. read more

Went here this past Friday while visiting Cincinnati with my girlfriend. We were curious what the gay bar options would be in Cinci so checked this one out on a whim. We were pleasantly surprised by The Birdcage! We got there around 10:30pm and it was still pretty quiet. There were a few other couples just having a drink but there was a definite club vibe which did pick-up as the night went on. There was a great lounge that we initially thought might be a "VIP" area but it was open so we settled in on the couch and were soon joined by two other couples. We both got the "Hummingbird" which is one of their signature cocktails (made with bourbon) which was delicious! We had a lot of fun here and will definitely consider returning the next time we are in Cincinnati! read more

Visited The Birdcage while in town for a wedding and was served by Savannah who was amazing. Not sure what it is about Ohio but she was the -only- server/bartender my entire trip who introduced herself without needing to be prompted. Not only that, she was attentive and hilarious to talk to. It's because of people like her that trips become especially memorable and I'm truly grateful for the experience and would happily visit again so long as she or bartenders with similar energy were still there. ‍ read more

If I could rate this place less than a one, I would! Yeah, they were friendly enough but thats only a small bit of how to run a successful business. I hadn't been to The Birdcage since Shooters had closed and I had HIGH HIGH hopes going in but they were quickly extinguished! The bartenders, while nice, were snobby and gave the impression that they were better than others. Also, their drinks are pure shit and WAAAAAYYYYYYY over priced. If I wanted a knock-off cocktail, I'd go to Kroger, buy the same BS, make it myself and while doing so, save gas, time, and expectations. What really bothers me is these fuckers never EVEN watched the MOVIE! How TF are you going to run a gay bar named after a MAIN GAY STAPLE when you haven't even watched it OR know what it's about. Pitiful. Save your money and go to an actual bar over in Covington. read more

Lydia, the assistant general manager, was so kind and made me feel so welcome! She is the best!! It was Halloween night and she took the time to make sure everything was okay and made sure she was so kind! read more

Came here on 5/23- the 2nd night after re-opening from COVID19 shutdown. The entire staff was amazing- they explained everything that was happening with capacity limits, spaced the tables 6 ft apart, cleaned up/sterilized each area after every customer, and ensured that everyone felt safe and comfortable. They couldn't have been friendlier, nicer, or more welcoming. It was a terrific way to regain some sense of normalcy and I can't thank The Birdcage team enough! Bravo and can't wait to see you again soon. read more

I really enjoyed my visit here. I was actually in town on a layover and found this place with a few of my friends. We got a little bored hanging out with the girls and decided to come check this place out. It's a very popular and busy place and they do a great job of maintaining a good atmosphere. You can always see staff or security walking around and keeping things under control. The drinks were affordable and the music and performances were great! Definitely worth checking out if you have some time! read more

I've only been here once, but I definitely plan on coming back! The service was extremely quick and efficient, and the staff was super friendly. Personally, I think the inside isn't much to look at -- it's a relatively simple looking bar, which is not a bad thing, especially because the vibes are so fun. There was plenty of room on the dance floor which is refreshing! The drag show was very entertaining too and I loved that the space was small and felt so intimate. My only "issue" that I have is that the music that was played was mostly older stuff and I was in the mood for today's hits. But, that's a minor thing and something others may not mind. Overall, it's nice to see another fun gay bar in Cincinnati. read more

Fantastic bar if you want to get manhandled by their very strong bouncer if you don't notice the bathroom line. Both my and my friends were aggressively shoved by the Bathroom Bouncer for misinterpreting where the line was, resulting in us being permanently banned and the cops called on us. The decorations are nice though. read more

People openly do drugs on the dance floor. There's no real security. If something were to happen I really don't think they would be able to handle it properly. The drinks aren't made consistently and aren't very good. Would not recommend read more

visited the birdcage on a wednesday evening and was greeted by such kind bartenders (anthony & jake). it was my first time in cincinnati and they were so nice in telling me more about the city :) the cocktails were yummy and they had a lot of local beers available to try. wish i were staying longer to see a weekend night but this place is cute and kind and has nice prices and a sweet crowd. highly recommend!! read more

Very fun and lively. Small venue. Fun lighting and decor. Good bar service. Limited seating. We had lots of fun and will go back. Refreshing new venue since we last visited Cincy. read more

This is it girls...The Birdcage is where you need to be. Forget about Shooters, it's gone. Downtown Cincy, Birdcage is the Newest, Hip, and place to be. Say hello to Big Mama at the door, yes...you need your I.D. But once they approve your snarkiness...you're in. Awesome ambieance, hip atmosphere and the best bartenders and drinks in all of Cincinnati. I don't usally rave on about a place to spend the evening, but if you're looking for a trendy, but unprententious place to have fun, then, Birdcage is THE place. read more

Best LGBT Bar in Cincinnati, me and my boyfriend love going there when we come in town.

Absolute favorite bar in Cincinnati. It offers a variety of events for different facets of the LGBTQ+ community. They are constantly evolving and doing their best to improve the bar and its offerings. There are even a few mocktails on the menu. read more

Worst place I have ever been to in my life. You have a few Drinks and they kick you out for some reason they won't explain. Tony was a good server. Shelly sucked read more

Wish I could give 6 stars. The dj had all my favorite tunes spinning all night. Great place to go dancing and feel safe

They should rename this bar "bird box" because once a bartender does grace you with their presence, you are on the verge of suicide from waiting. Had one bartender turn around and look at me (waiting patiently) turn around and finish an order, a girl walks up next to me and the same bartender took her order before me. Really? That was my last straw. Many staff members walking around (one female in particular, with a mean look on her face) just walking around staring, but everybody had the obligatory bottle openers strapped to their bodies. People at the door were very nice though. We left and went to Below Zero where service was excellent. read more