Northside Tavern — Restaurant in Cincinnati

★★★★★ Food & drink quality ★★★★★ Service ★★★★★ Ambiance ★★★★★ Value ★★★★★ Menu selection ★★☆☆☆ Location/Accessibility Date visited: 12/14/2023 I'm not particularly keen on drinking, but my friend MW is a nightlife queen. It was her idea to visit this establishment, and I must admit, it's one of the better bars in the area. My night began like any other with MW: a spontaneous invitation followed by my eager acceptance. We managed to secure a spot in the street parking lot, feeling fortunate amidst the sea of cars lining the streets. Before going all in for the drinks, we primed our bellies some curry at a nearby restaurant. The bar didn't immediately catch my eye, as its exterior blended in with the surrounding buildings. However, through the glass window, I caught a glimpse of the warm glow and familiar silhouettes inside. A small yet distinctive sign hung above the entrance, signaling our destination. Inside, dim light washed over the worn wooden counters, creating a warm, almost conspiratorial ambiance. Unlike the bar stereotypes in my head, here was a haven of hushed conversations and gentle murmurs. No blaring music, just the clinking of glasses and the occasional outburst of laughter – a symphony to my non-musical ears. We approached the counter, where a respected older lady with a voice like aged whiskey took our orders. MW, the drink expert, naturally handled this. The bar buzzed with activity, a mix of solo sippers and lively groups huddled around tables. Finding a large but unoccupied round table, we settled in, only to move deeper into the establishment seeking a different energy in a corner overlooking a mysterious back room rumored to host live music shortly thereafter. Music, however, was absent in the main bar. Instead, a unique soundscape emerged: the gentle clinking of ice, the low rumble of laughter, and the occasional dull thud of a pool cue. In this unexpected serenity, conversation flowed effortlessly, and connection mattered more than anything. As MW and I chatted, I couldn't shake the feeling of gratitude for her company, despite me being a Plain John. We departed the bar shortly after 9, just as a gentleman with long, flowing black hair entered with equipment. Overall, I would recommend Northside Tavern to any bar-goer out there, although its popularity is already...

Overall I've personally had a good time at this place, so I'll at least give it a couple stars. However, employees and possibly the owner need to better familiarize themselves with laws on service animals, and I don't consider this a place that's friendly towards people with disabilities. If you require a service animal I would NOT recommend this place. I observed a bartender ask for documentation for a service animal, which is not something they can legally ask for. You're allowed to ask if it's a service animal and what function it performs. That's it. The people with the service dog had to leave since the bartender refused to allow the dog to be there without documentation. There is no such thing as legal documentation of a service animal. The ADA specifies that the person can train their own service animal and no documentation is needed. I'm fairly disappointed since I've had a lot of positive experiences there...

BAR TENDER CALLED MY FRIEND SLOW, I WAS NICE ENOUGH TO LET HIM KNOW HE WAS MENTALLY SLOW, THE BAR TENDER THEN PERSISTED TO CALL MY FRIEND SLOW UNTIL HE CRIED AND WALKED AWAY. I THEN TOLD THE BARTENDER WHAT JUST HAPPENED AND HE SAID I DONT F-ING CARE WHAT HE IS, GET OUT. (I only had 2 beers at this point - prior Marine - does not want to lose control) I THEN LEFT TO FIND MY FRIEND SLITTING HIS WRISTS IN THE BATHROOM WITH A RUSTY PIECE OF THE BATHROOM STALL DOOR THAT HE HAD RIPPED OFF BEFORE IT WAS JUST ABOUT TO FALL OFF.

WE RUSHED HIM TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM WHERE HE STILL IS NOW.

I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED AND IN A RAGE ABOUT THIS UNCARING BAR LOCATED IN A NICER PART OF CINCINNATI.

MOST PEOPLE HAVE A GOOD TIME HERE, BUT PLEASE, FOR THE SAKE OF MY DEAREST FRIEND... NEVER.... AND I MEAN NEVER... SUPPORT THIS TWO FACED, HALF ASSED PART OF THE GREATER...