Cincinnati is a premier destination for individuals seeking active nightlife. Located at the junction of the Licking and Ohio rivers, Cincinnati is the Midwest’s historical and cultural hub. As a river town positioned at the crossroads of several U.S. regions, Cincinnati arose as a stabilizing force in the era of railroads and steamboats.
Residents of the city developed strong annual traditions and have retained a reputation for hospitality ever since. With nicknames like “Little Paris” and “Queen City,” this metropolis has some of the top bars and clubs in the state. The following guide can help you make the most of the excitement Cincinnati has to offer.
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The Cincinnati Bar Scene
Cincinnati has a warm and vibrant bar scene from its intriguing local history. For one, Cincinnati’s nightlife heavily influences the nearby state of Kentucky. Located just across the Ohio River, the culture of Kentucky brought bluegrass traditions to festivities and a distinctive type of bourbon to the bar scene. In addition, Cincinnati was historically a free city, making it a prominent travel route for African Americans.
This steady influx of culture brought in live music and performance styles that remain popular in the city’s casinos and dance halls. Perhaps most famously of all, Cincinnati was the newfound home of many German-speaking immigrants who arrived in the early 19th century. These German settlers brought along their unparalleled brewing abilities, making Cincinnati a one-stop destination in Ohio for great-tasting beer.
With over 50 breweries still in operation, this bar scene remains unmatched. One of the best ways to experience the iconic beer as well as the light-night bar scene is to go on a pub crawl. Also known as a bar hop or Cincinnati bar crawl, this strategy enables you to visit multiple bars in a single night.
The Cincinnati Club Scene
Deciding to go on a bar crawl in Cincinnati does not just end with drinking and dining. The city is also famous for its exhilarating nightclub scene. Specifically, the Over-The-Rhine (OTR) district is a famous center of activity for clubbing in downtown Cincinnati.
Historically known as a working-class German neighborhood (called über den Rhein), this district now has trendy dance clubs and pubs. For example, The Hub in Over-The-Rhine is a famous venue for open mic nights and live music shows. Its central location makes scheduling The Hub into your bar crawl easy.
Fishbowl at The Banks is another party spot in downtown Cincinnati with an energetic environment of strobe lights, multi-level dance floors, and live entertainment. As the name implies, this nightclub is also famous for its creative tropical drinks served in large fishbowls. Add this venue to your bar crawl and share a giant fishbowl margarita with friends. Tin Roof Club is another solid nightclub and music joint to add to your itinerary.
Described as an “unpretentious shotgun shack,” this club allows you to enjoy craft beer and live shows right in the city’s heart. With this variety of options to blow off steam, it is no wonder that Cincinnati often ranks among the top 10 cities for young professionals in the 21st century.
The Cincinnati Outdoor and Street Scene
Located within America’s Rust Belt, Cincinnati has a rich outdoor and street scene that can add color and character to your bar crawl. The number of festivals and events throughout the year means that you rarely have to limit your partying to the indoors. For example, the city’s Celtic Fest Ohio is a perfect way to celebrate Gaelic heritage and culture.
Guzzle down Guinness or craft beer, sample various flavors of Irish cider or mead and dance to the tune of Scottish pipes and drums.
The Cincinnati Juneteenth Festival features African-American culture’s food, music, and crafts. Festivities last into the evening, with parties located throughout the city. Cincinnati also hosts a colorful Festival of Lights right before Christmas as well as a vibrant Pride festival with LGBTQ-focused events in various clubs.
Conclusion
With its world-famous history and diverse options, Cincinnati nightlife has something for everyone. Consider going on a bar crawl rather than limit yourself to one event. This strategy allows you to sample a range of venues and create memories to last a lifetime.
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