Best Bar in Cincinnati, Round 1 Part 4

This is the final set of matchups for the first round of TCM’s 2nd Annual Best Bar in Cincinnati tournament.  Note that you can click on “Best Bar Tournament” at the very top of the page to see ALL of the current polls in this round.  Try it–it’s awesome!

Voting in this round ends next Sunday at noon.  It’s gonna be a fight.  You ready?

The first set of four is between Hofbrauhaus, Murphy’s Irish Pub, Champions Grille, and The Blue Bar.

Hofbrauhaus: Hofbrauhaus Newport is the first Hofbrauhaus in the United States, reinforcing the sister city connection between Cincinnati and Munich, home of the original. Where else can you get liter steins of quality German beer? Two or three of these steins will render an average man sufficiently lubricated for the night, and with heavy German fare to supplement, make sure to come with an empty stomach. http://www.hofbrauhausnewport.com/ (Hipp)

Murphy’s Irish Pub: Murphy’s is a good old neighborhood bar within the framework of an Irish Pub; their regulars and bartenders are welcoming and the place can get busy over the weekend.  Rumor has it that Nirvana, circa 1989, pre-Nevermind, performed there.  Wild.  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cincinnati-OH/Murphys-Pub/131923302196 (maoglone)

Champions Grille: This perennial West Side favorite is the best spot for sports, with a ton of TVs.  We haven’t visited for a while, but a little birdy (OK, OK it was Google) reveals that CG may have lost the lease on its establishment and closed last month.  We haven’t visited in a while, but if so then this is an entrance for posterity.  Does anybody know if it’s true? http://www.championsgrille.com/photoTELL/champions.asp (JasonB)

The Blue Bar: LGBT-friendly Blue Bar, located on Pike Street in Covington, has probably the hippest interior of any of the nominated bars on this list.  You’ll also be pleased with their extensive wine list, back patio, and various weekday specials.  They also have an open mic night on Sundays, if you’re so inclined.  (maoglone)

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The final first-round set is between Neon’s Unplugged, Nicholson’s, The Comet, and Mayday.

Neon’s Unplugged: Neon’s on 12th has been reborn.  The second coming looks a lot like the first round, minus the neon signs- hence the unplugged.  Also missing- the bras hanging from the ceiling.  But the bikers are back (they recommended I restart the bra tradition; I declined).  The dogs on the patio are back.  The grill is back.  The best part of Neon’s is that it never felt like a bar- it felt like a party at someone’s house.  OTR’s backyard party is back, and better than ever (including free snacks on the regular).  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cincinnati-OH/The-Famous-Neons-Unplugged/140206284265?v=photos#!/pages/Cincinnati-OH/The-Famous-Neons-Unplugged/140206284265?v=wall (theworldofdale)

Nicholson’s: This charming, upscale gastropub on Walnut downtown is sandwiched between the stark modernity of the CAC and the glitzy kitsch of Bootsy’s, yet manages to have an air of comfortable class.  An absolutely enormous mahogany bar dominates the main room, holding a wide selection of scotch for every palate and budget as well as a limited if expertly chosen beer list.  If you’re new to Scotch, their excellent bartenders will quiz you on your tastebuds and interest level and bring you a perfect amber glass.  The food is pricy and well executed, but largely nothing to write home about.  Seating is plentiful in both the bar area and in the back dining rooms, which feature fireplaces that enhance the comfy atmosphere. http://www.tavernrestaurantgroup.com/nicholsons.html (JasonB)

The Comet: Another of the popular bars in Cincinnati’s Northside neighborhood, The Comet regularly has really great bands on the weekends, a solid craft beer selection, and some of the better burritos you’ll come across in the city.  Top all that off with what is likely the best jukebox in town, and you’ve got yourself a pretty good place to be, especially if you’re into the hipster-type crowd.  http://www.cometbar.com/ (maoglone)

Mayday: Like a phoenix, Mayday has risen in Northside from the Gypsy Hut’s ashes to provide drinks from qualified mixologists paired with a menu chock-full-o-hotdogs.  Yes, hotdogs.  And I’m serious about the mixologists (they’re more than just bartenders.)  Anchored by Molly Wellmann, formerly of the Jean-Robert Group’s Lavomatic in the Gateway Quarter, The Rookwood in Mt Adams, and elsewhere, the helpful folks behind the bar can do so much more than your standard vodka cranberry.  Ask for a recommendation and don’t be afraid to try something new!  The crowd is very Northside, which is of course to say hipsters with ironic mustaches and rolled up right pants legs.  If you can stomach their almost painful attempts to be cooler than each other, it’s a fun spot to hang out and a great venue for live, local music.  http://www.maydaynorthside.com/ (JasonB)

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Best Bar in Cincinnati, Round 1 Part 3

This is part three of the first round of TCM’s Best Bar in Cincinnati Tournament.  Note that you can click on “Best Bar Tournament” at the very top of the page to see ALL of the current polls in this round.  Try it–it’s awesome!

The first matchup is between City View Tavern, Milton’s, The Avenue, and Mr. Pitiful’s.  Shall we?

City View Tavern: City View has history out the deck.  The second-oldest tavern in the city (after Arnold’s) has enough lore to fill a book.  Sit at the bar long enough and one of the regulars (or one of the owners) will tell you true tales of crazy times on the hill.  The story about Charles Manson?  It’s true.  Haven’t heard it?  Ask the bartender.  While you’re there, order one of the best burgers in Cincinnati or a famously secret recipe Bloody Mary. http://www.cityviewtavern.com/bar.html (theworldofdale)

Milton’s: Milton’s is the kind of place where you are a regular by your second visit.  Everyone is welcome here, and you’ll find one of the most diverse crowds in the city.  On a Monday evening, you might see a puppy weaving in and out of the bar stools while a spirited political debate swells at the end of the bar.  The other end will have a group huddled around an excellent jukebox, ordering yet another Christian Moerlein OTR pale ale in its namesake neighborhood. (theworldofdale)

The Avenue: The Avenue is a nice little jazz-centered bar on Madison Avenue in Covington, KY.  It exists in the space that used to be a legendary-ish place called The Pad, home of Kentucky’s Most “Beautiful” Girls, and totally outclasses its former tenant.  It’s got a relaxed atmosphere and the exposed brick walls make the room feel hip. http://www.facebook.com/theavenuelounge (maoglone)

Mr. Pitiful’s: Located on Main Street, Mr. Pitiful’s has been downtown for ten years.  Billing themselves as “Just a bar with live music,” and accurately so, they offer a solid selection of drinks and bring a little bit of a “Huge city bar” feel to what can sometimes seem like a small neighborhood.  Couple that with the possibility of seeing people you probably know hanging out there, and you’ve got a recipe to work with.  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cincinnati-OH/Mr-Pitifuls/329406739203?v=wall (maoglone)

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The second matchup pits Tonic on 4th, The Blind Lemon, Adonis, and Dana’s against one another.

Tonic on 4th: In the space formerly occupied by Twist and the oft-acclaimed Pigall’s, Tonic on 4th is the Yin to Local 127′s Yang.  The focus here is on mixology and craft cocktails, and you’ll find a host of drinks on the menu that you can’t find anywhere else like a Satan’s Whisker or a Blood & Sand.  The ambiance is upscale and the clientele match, so dress accordingly.  If you’re looking to impress a date or your social routine feels like it’s dragging, a visit to Tonic just might be the ticket.  Happy Hour prices are advertised as low as $5.  For the rest of the menu?  As the saying goes, if you have to ask… http://www.toniconfourth.com/ (JasonB)

The Blind Lemon: Classy and relaxed, the Blind Lemon is Mt. Adams’s perfect tiny getaway. In the winter, sit near the fireplace and enjoy a hot cider with rum while listening to the accounstic guitar player and admiring the antique firearms hanging on the wall. When summer rolls around, head out to their patio to enjoy the weather and some great company. http://www.theblindlemon.com/ (David Ben)

Dana’s: I hear that if you graduate from Xavier without going to Dana’s, they refuse to give you your diploma. On weekends, the bar is filled with current students, most of whom are of legal age. For Xavier Grads, Dana’s is the rallying point before and after basketball games. http://www.danagardens.com/ (David Ben)

Adonis: Nobody is driving all the way out Kellogg Ave to “Adonis the Nightclub” for their beer selection.  A lot of money was spent on the interior of this club to create atmosphere.  Adonis looks to be a big-time nightclub for the gay-friendly crowd.  http://www.adonisthenightclub.com/ (JasonB)

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Best Bar in Cincinnati, Round 1 Part 2

This is the 2nd part of the first round of TCM’s 2nd annual Best Bar in Cincinnati tournament.  Two more deathmatches, eight more great Cincinnati bars.  Also–you can click on “Best Bar Tournament” at the very top of the page to see ALL of the current polls in this round.  Try it–it’s awesome!

Ready?

The first matchup here sees The Establishment, Grammer’s, Northside Tavern, and Molly Malone’s (Covington) fighting for position.

The Establishment: Located in The Hyde Park/Mount Lookout area, The Establishment seems to be well-known for its pub-grub as much as its large back patio, which is a nice feature for any bar (and surprisingly few have them).  You’ll also find a full complement of video and bar games to occupy yourself while you’re imbibing.  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cincinnati-OH/The-Establishment/72611100508 (maoglone)

Grammer’s: If you’re looking for a glimpse into Cincinnati’s German history, look no further than the leaded glass, ornate tiling, and old school feel of this Over the Rhine institution.  Located at the corner of Liberty & Walnut, the recently reopened Grammer’s features both local and national craft brews on tap and a healthy dose of Cincinnati history.  It’s an eclectic bar with an eclectic mix of clientele.  Its full sized parking lot is a real rarity in downtown establishments, so don’t worry about parking.  The operators of Grammer’s have embraced the true role of the local public house and host a wide variety of events, parties, music, and dancing. (JasonB)

Northside Tavern: Located in the always hip Northside (again, hence the name), Northside Tavern, or “The Tavern” as regulars call it, boasts a plethora of new and old beer faves, including the not-to-be-out-hipstered PBR and Burger. A beautiful courtyard with plenty of seating and small fire pits abuts a couple of restaurants, which openly allow feasting while drinking Northside Tavern’s beer. They have also opened a large back room for bands to play, so drinkers can hang out unmolested by the music. Weekends will find you standing in line for a drink, but weekdays, the place is relatively depopulated. Bartenders are efficient and friendly-ish. Great jukebox. Pool tables. Bathrooms usually clean. http://lisalouuu.com/northsidetavern/html/ (Megan)

Molly Malone’s (Covington): Nestled near the Roebling Suspension Bridge in Covington, you might be surprised to know that Molly Malone’s is probably the biggest soccer (or futbol, or football, or whatever you might wish to call it) bar in the area.  They also sport a reasonable menu containing good ol’ American Pub Grub as well as some Irishy selections, a solid selection of domestic and imported beers, and a reasonably selection of spirits for the adventurous types.  http://covington.mollymalonesirishpub.com (maoglone)

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The second match pits Fries Cafe, Molly Malone’s in Pleasant Ridge, Hap’s Irish Pub and Holy Grail against one another.

Fries Cafe: Fries Cafe is a well-loved place right in the UC area’s wheelhouse.  They offer one heck of a beer selection and what seems like a nice, neighborhood-type vibe that their regulars love.  It’s been around for about 70 years and isn’t showing any signs of stopping.  http://www.friescafe.com/ (maoglone)

Molly Malone’s (Pleasant Ridge): This Molly Malone’s is located on Montgomery Road near Ridge Ave. and, like its unrelated, similarly-named bar, is what you’d expect and want from an Irish pub located in the heart of Cincinnati: good pub grub as well as solid Irish food, and Guinness.  Lots of Guinness.  http://www.mollymalonescincinnati.com (maoglone)

Hap’s: Hap’s is a friendly Irish pub in East Hyde Park. Without overbearing music, it’s somewhere to relax and hold an actual conversation, whether having a pint of Guinness at the bar or playing a round of darts. Besides showing standard American sports, Hap’s also shows international soccer and rugby. If you show up on a Saturday afternoon, you may enjoy the spectacle of a Kelts rugby post-game social on the back porch as well. http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Cincinnati-OH/Haps-Irish-Pub/46652561555 (Hipp)

Holy Grail: Corryville’s Holy Grail is pretty much a UC-and-sports-centered bar, but it’s reasonably comfortable.  Mainly a domestic beer sort of place, Holy Grail also offers your standard pub fare with a small kid’s menu to boot–for, you know, the rough afternoons. http://www.holygrailclifton.com (maoglone)

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Best Bar in Cincinnati, Round 1 Part 1

Okay, let’s get this business going. This is the first of four parts for the first round of our 2nd annual Best bar in Cincinnati Tournament. Again, each matchup in the first round pits four bars against each other, and only one makes it out of each match. You can vote multiple times, but only once every two hours, so keep that in mind, champ.  Also–you can click on “Best Bar Tournament” at the very top of the page to see ALL of the current polls in this round.  Try it–it’s awesome!

The first matchup involves Mainstrasse Village Pub, Arnold’s, Dilly Cafe, and Mainstay Rock Bar.

Mainstrasse Village Pub: The winner of TCM’s first Best Bar tournament is located in Covington’s Mainstrasse neighborhood (hence the name) and boasts a vast bottled beer selection. You’ll find it pretty crowded weekend nights, but during the week, you can sit down and have a chat about beer, the Reds, and the Bengals with the knowledgeable, affable staff. www.mainstrassevillagepub.com (maoglone)

Arnold’s: Established in 1861, this is the oldest continuously operating watering hole in Cincinnati. Although not known for the quality of their food, their continuously evolving menu has won many recent fans. They also sport a solid if unremarkable beer selection, with several local favorites. The unique space at 8th St and Main downtown features an enclosed interior courtyard in the center of the block with a retractable roof for the seasons or times of inclement weather. The courtyard’s raised stage features prominent local music acts such as Jake Speed, Ricky Nye, and the Cincinnati Dancing Pigs Jug Band. http://www.arnoldsbarandgrill.com/ (JasonB)

Dilly Cafe: If you consider yourself a beer aficionado, you deserve it to yourself to make the drive to Mariemont for a beer here. Voted as one of the Top 50 beer bars in the USA by Beer Advocate, the continually rotating taps of import and craft brews is unparalleled. If carryout is more your style, their bottled selection is also spectacular. The food can be hit or miss, and the printed beer list is always out of date so make sure to quiz your server before ordering. http://www.dillydeli.com/index.html (JasonB)

Mainstay Rock Bar: Located in the same space as what was the Poison Room, Mainstay Rock Bar offers what you’d expect from its name–rock–in an atmosphere that’s at once, “Hey, this is a comfortable spot to be seen,” and “Hey, where are Kyle McLachlan and Michael J. Anderson?” Nice drink selection, and cool stuff going on all the time. http://www.facebook.com/mainstayrockbarcincinnati/ (maoglone)

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The second matchup pits Cock and Bull, Crazy Fox Saloon, The Righteous Room, an O’Malley’s in the Alley against one another.

Cock and Bull: A self-styled “English Pub,” the Cock and Bull sits at the busy corner of 6th and Main in Covington.  An approachable gastropub during the week, it quietly converts itself into a thumping night spot on the weekends.  Featuring a good-bordering-on-great selection of draft and bottled beers and a ton of outdoor seating, it’s a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. Thursday night “Pint Nights” with free glasses and cheap refills and an ever changing cast of draught selections make this one worth repeated visits. http://www.theenglishpub.com/ (JasonB)

Crazy Fox Saloon: The Crazy Fox Saloon is yet another Cincinnati bar not in Cincinnati. Located just south of the Levee on Washington and 9th, this low-key place is full of friendly staff who literally know your name after hitting the place a couple times. They have free pool most of the week, a FABULOUS jukebox, and sometimes a live band or two. Regulars are cool and non-regulars who randomly stroll in aren’t shitheads, unlike, say, Cadillac Ranch. This bar is Gay owned and everyone friendly, and they support a surprising array of Absinthe for a “neighborhood bar”. They also have a pretty cool softball team. http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Crazy-Fox-Saloon-Fan-Page/119141044763035 (Megan)

The Righteous Room: Anchoring the North end of the Backstage District, Walnut St’s newest bar features a modern and stylish interior and a hip vibe.  Specializing in craft cocktails, your wallet will thank you if you stop by during Happy Hour (til 8pm) when drinks are half price.  Try the Godfather (Glenlivet 12 & Disaronno Amaretto) or the Paris to Moscow (Stoli Raspberry & Champagne).  http://www.therighteousroom.com/ (JasonB)

O’Malley’s in the Alley: This hole in the wall is hiding in an alley just north of 3rd St between Vine and Race downtown.  The beer list is decidedly pedestrian, but the free barrel of peanuts (throw your shells on the floor) and a large number of TVs make this a nice place to catch a game.  It’s a sports bar, like they used to be.  O’Malley’s is cheap, comfortable, gritty, and easy going. (JasonB)

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The Saturday Rock Box: J Church

Continuing on the theme of the last couple weeks, we’re looking at another “J” band: J Church.  It’s important to note that J Church, along with its precursor, Cringer, shaped me in a number of very important ways late in my high school career and for the couple years I spent between high school and college.  First of all, J Church was flat-out prolific.  It seemed like they always had something coming out somewhere in the world, and it was all very difficult to keep track of.  But here’s the thing: every last bit of it was awesome.

If you’re interested, or keeping track, and want a good place to start with J Church, I’d go with the Nostalgic for Nothing singles collection–it’s can’t miss and you get a decent cross-section of their earlier work.  So, yeah.

Anyhow, a few years back, their singer/guitarist and principle member, Lance Hahn, died after a long illness.  He was, in a word, awesome, and the fact that he’s gone bums me out to this day.  There are a couple positives to take away from the lot of it, though: first and foremost, he left behind a bevy of awesomeness for us to enjoy.  Second, I was lucky enough to get to see them way back in ’99 (or sometime around then) at Sudsy Malone’s and it was, in a word, brilliant.  There was some kind of large streetfight going down on Short Vine outside while they played, and the room couldn’t have felt safer or been more fun.

Without further adieu, let’s get into some J Church, shall we?

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Comment of the Week, 5/21/10 Edition

Each week, TCM chooses a comment  as CotW and collects these for a drawing for fabulous prizes.  The first drawing of this kind will be at the end of August, and we couldn’t be more excited.

This week’s comment of the week comes from Randy Simes, who wrote this in response to our post about The Phony Coney’s disappearance:

Maybe The Provost has been summoned for other more important things, or maybe The Great Streetcar Conspiracy got to him. Whatever the reason may be, it sure is a loss because The Provost did some excellent investigative reporting and connected the dots on several complex issues that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. I can’t think of one thing on The Phony Coney that could be held against The Provost legally…seemed like everything he did was within legal realms.

So, congrats, Randy, and thanks for joining in with your nine cents (which is to say, that much more valuable than everyone else’s two cents…).  We appreciate it!