MECCA OTR — Restaurant in Cincinnati

Strangely enough, one of Over-the-Rhine’s best bars—and certainly its most interesting one—is all but hidden from view. That’s Mecca, which when it first opened in 2016, you basically needed a cheat code to find.

I’m exaggerating, of course. Mecca isn’t exactly covert. It’s just not in an area of the neighborhood (Walnut at 15th) that’s very well-trafficked at the moment.

Emphasis on “at the moment,” considering that block is gonna see some big changes soon. Yet for the moment, Mecca has it nearly to itself. And if that weren’t enough, it’s lacking an obvious front. You enter through a minuscule breach in a brick wall on 15th Street, which, if it’s your first time, you’ll likely pass right by. But once you find it, you’ll see what all the hubbub is about.

To say Mecca is a creative use of space is to undersell just how, er, nondescript the space used to be. Imagine a shipping container in a junkyard and you’ll only have overshot it by a bit. But thanks to the folks behind Cheapside, now it’s a real looker, an extravaganza of luscious murals, hanging plants, and ever-changing neon lights.

Those hanging plants, by the way, are something special. Not only are they gorgeous, they also (third-grade science alert!) create oxygen, to noticeable effect. The nights just seem to last longer there. You’ll need that oxygen too, because the art will leave you breathless. (Ba dum chhhhh)

But seriously, it’s great. The bathrooms are Instagram famous, the murals are backlit so they look alive, and the tables are covered in doodles. It’s the sort of place artists and the artistically inclined will feel right at home.

Also great is the outdoor seating area. Throw in some free popcorn at the bar and you've got as close to a sure thing as there is in Over-the-Rhine.

Just gotta...

I waited a long time to come to Mecca, and was really glad that I had. We had spent the evening having an adventure downtown and realized that both of us had always wanted to visit Mecca. We comically attempted to find the entrance, which had proven to be a bit of a challenge ( it's around the corner BTW) and walked through the large outdoor seating area to enter the bar.

Inside the decor was fun and eclectic, especially in the restroom (so make sure you visit the bathroom while you're here). Also, we of course ordered the "chunker" which is kind of their signature thing. It's a can of flavored San Pellegrino which a small bottle of liquor, think airplane bottles. It's a fun drink that was actually quite tasty.

We had a really nice time and I am happy we finally had the chance to stop by! I look forward to returning in warmer weather to enjoy the...

Mecca used to be a casual, eclectic and fun place to grab a drink. The bar is now overrun by obnoxious frat bros, and the “security team” (the bouncers) are outright combative and violent. Last night, they were very rude to my friends and I while checking our IDs. We almost left right then and there. Moments later, we watched one of the bouncers follow and punch a young man in the back of the head on the sidewalk outside the bar, without physical provocation. The police and paramedics were called and the scene turned into a total mess. Based on what I saw, I hope the bouncer is fired. Regardless, I will not be returning. This bar has lost its fun,...