7 Pubs to Hit Up Before the Next Reds Game

Like all U.S. cities, Cincinnati holds a special place in its heart for baseball. Whenever there’s a Cincinnati Reds game, you can find dozens of people cheering on their team at the bars or heading to the Great American Ball Park. Thanks to the numerous bars sprawled around the city, you can always enjoy a live game with great food and refreshing drinks. Looking for a new spot to enjoy a Reds game? We’ve searched high and low for the best bars in Cincinnati for catching the game. Here are our top 7.  

The holidays are coming up, which means it’s time to find the perfect gift for your friends and family members. If you’re stuck on finding a fun, yet practical gift to surprise them with, consider purchasing a virtual GiftYa card! GiftYa cards can be applied to a number of different pubs and restaurants around the city, including the ones we featured below. The next time your best friend or favorite cousin goes out to eat in Cincinnati, they can enjoy a meal on you! 

1. Nicholson's Tavern & Pub

Downtown pub known for its delicious food and fun drinks

625 Walnut St. | Downtown | nicholsonspub.com

Even though this pub is located in the American Midwest, much of its design and character was inspired by the culture of Great Britain. The Cafe Royal Circle Bar in Edinburgh, Scotland, in particular, strongly inspired Nicholson’s design. Most of the furniture is from Great Britain too. Even Scottish soil is found beneath the bar. 

Nicholson’s Pub is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner. On the menu, you’ll find delicious meals including the Pork Loin Sliders, Pan-Seared Salmon Salad, and Nicholson’s Fish and Chips. If you managed to save enough room for dessert, we recommend trying the Scottish Pod de Creme or Butterscotch Pudding. 

“I have tried fish & chips at a large number of different restaurants in NKY and Cincinnati. However, none of them compared to the quality of the food I got from Nicholson's. Most places will cover the fish with too much batter and place it in the fryer for far too long. Nicholson's found the perfect combo. And they had the perfect selection of beer to pair with my meal.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Nicholson's Tavern & Pub. 

2. MOTR Pub

Lively pub located in the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood

1345 Main St. | Over-the-Rhine | motrpub.com‍

Since 2010, MOTR has served as a top destination for live music and delicious food. During non-COVID times, MOTR hosted live music seven nights a week. While they listened to some great live music, guests could also enjoy savory sandwiches or fried appetizers. If you’re also looking for a new brunch spot, you’ll love the Saturday and Sunday brunch menu MOTR offers. Breakfast tacos, pancakes, breakfast casserole, and more await you at this popular pub. 

“MOTR is a great place for cheaper eats and drinks OTR, at least around happy hour. I ordered the Greek salad with tofu added (veganized without feta). The salad was good, but the tofu was phenomenal. It tasted kind of like bacon, so I would imagine it is the tofu they use for the BLT. I am definitely going back soon.” - Yelp Review 

Purchase a GiftYa card for MOTR Pub. 

3. O'Malley’s in the Alley

Bustling Irish bar with a lot of character and personality

25 Ogden Pl | Downtown | omalleyscincy.com‍

If you’re looking for a good old Irish pub, you’ll love O'Malley'sO'Malleys in the Alley. Its laid back, rustic setting is perfect for enjoying a couple of beers and sharing an appetizer with friends. Speaking of appetizers, O’Malley’s offers great options like Loaded Nachos and Jumbo Wings. While you enjoy your appetizer, make sure you order a draft beer or cocktail. Sandwiches, salads, and wraps are also available to enjoy for your main meal. 

“Leann and the gang give the best possible service you can imagine. Great people good food and great times. But it's the ambiance that makes this place. A great date night spot that would shock any date partner.” - Yelp Review‍

Purchase a GiftYa card for O'Malleys in the Alley. 

4. Taft’s Ale House

Casual and contemporary bar perfecting for catching a Reds game

1429 Race St. | Over-the-Rhine | taftsalehouse.com‍

Located in the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, Taft’s Ale House is a prime destination for dining on delicious food while watching the Reds game. You don’t have to come only for game days though. Taft’s also hosts regular trivia nights, mixology classes, and discount nights! Both indoor and outdoor dining are available at this popular pub, making it the perfect place for dining out on a nice, sunny day. So remember to put Taft’s Ale House on your Cincinnati restaurant bucket list!  

“I got the Billy's Philly with a kale and brussel sprout salad while the fiancee got the Alehouse with roasted potatoes. The beer cheese definitely made the Philly.  It was packed with flavor and really brought the steak, onions, and peppers together like a genuine Philly cheesesteak.” - Yelp Review‍

Purchase a GiftYa card for Taft’s Ale House. 

5. Street City Pub

At this bar, you can enjoy Classic American dishes and fun drinks while you watch the game

580 Walnut St. Apt. 400 | Downtown Cincinnati | streetcity.pub‍

Located in Downtown Cincinnati, Street City Pub is the perfect place for grabbing a quick bite before attending a Reds game or sitting down and cheering them on. While you watch the game on the bar’s large flatscreen TV, you can enjoy some delicious beer and bar food. 

Happy Hour is held all day and offers great deals on beer, wine, and well cocktails. On the menu, you’ll find savory options including Jumbo Chicken Wings, Irish Nachos, Reuben Sandwiches, and more. Street City Pub also offers regular specials like Burger-Mania Mondays, Taco Tuesday, Wine and Whiskey Wednesdays, and Trivia Night. No matter when you stop by Street City Pub, you are sure to have a great time! 

“For our meals, we ordered the reuben sandwich with sweet potato fries and the cajun salmon salad. They were both excellent. The salad had the perfect amount of spice to it without being overwhelming. It was plenty to take home for another lunch as well.” - Yelp Review‍

Purchase a GiftYa card for Street City Pub. 

6. Mainstrasse Village Pub

Laidback bar offering classic pub dishes and a fine selection of drinks

619 Main St. | Covington, KY | mainstrassevillagepub.com‍

Even though this bar is technically located in Covington, KY, you can easily drive or catch a bus here and enjoy a hearty meal before the Reds game! Inside this charming and rustic pub, you will find an extensive beer list. India Pale Ales, Red Ales, Seasonal Beer, and more are served at this popular pub. While you sip on your beer, you can play some pool or chat with friends. Nightly specials, and live music are also available for non-game days. 

“We're new to town and stumbled across this place on Saturday night when walking around in Covington! There was no wait, we sat outside and had great service. They are known for their fish and chips so I had the fish sandwich and it was the perfect portion! A nice casual and inexpensive spot in Covington.” - Yelp Review‍

Purchase a GiftYa card for Mainstrasse Village Pub. 

7. Olde Towne Tavern

Neighborhood bar known for its craft peers and recreational games

32 W 7th St. | Covington, KY | oldetowne.bar‍

Olde Towne Tavern is another popular pub located just across the river in Covington, KY. Since 1986, guests have gathered at this old neighborhood bar to enjoy some fine beer, play some pool, and enjoy live music. Draft beers such as New Belgium Fat Tire and bottles like the Braxton Storm are available for your enjoyment. Olde Towne Tavern also features multiple TVs, making it a great place to catch a Reds game. 

“The more I am in Olde Towne, the more I enjoy it's divey nature. It's a cheap, relaxed place to drink. Will you see a few....interesting characters there on occasion? yep. But that's what happens in dive bars.” - Yelp Review‍

Purchase a GiftYa card for Olde Towne Tavern. ‍

One of the best things about Cincinnati is that there is no shortage of sports bars to try here. Which ones are your favorites? Let us know!