Oddfellows Liquor Bar — Restaurant in Cincinnati

My girlfriend and I met at Oddfellows on our first date nearly six months ago and decided to come back last Saturday to celebrate our relationship. The first experience was a solid one; met up at 7:00 p.m. and stayed for more than six hours until walking her home near closing time. Our tab was around $65 and money well spent, service was great and the drinks on point.

Unfortunately, our second visit was quite disappointing. My Jack & Coke was essentially Coke with a few drops of whiskey, girlfriend’s mixed drink wasn’t any better. Second round of drinks were the same. The employee who initially greeted us was kind and personable, but once her shift ended we were “greeted” by a new bartender. After reading recent reviews, I’m 100% positive it was the same apathetic worker bearing a strong resemblance to Vincent van Gogh (red beard, light skin, arm tattoos, hipster hat).

Didn’t introduce himself, barely said a word, rarely made eye contact. Couldn’t even bother filling our glasses to the top, etc. Perhaps he was having a bad night, I have no idea so I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. However, as someone who used to tend bar and wait tables it was discouraging to see someone barely put forth effort or make us feel welcome.

We had no intention of going anywhere else, but after realizing he’d be serving us we left (had been there a little more than an hour) and walked to a nearby brewery (won’t mention the name because I don’t want to give the impression I’m affiliated with them). Had a wonderful time there and will definitely be back.

As for the bar itself, very unique and great ambiance. Would absolutely recommend checking it out. It’s unfortunate one employee caused us to abandon our original plans for better service and some semblance of communication, but I don’t think it’s fair to put that all on the establishment itself.

I hope whatever’s ailing that bartender is taken care of, because he clearly did not want to be there. With so many other options for entertainment in OTR, i think it’s imperative Oddfellows address the gentleman and stress the importance of customer service/sound interpersonal communication. It’s not like I expected the guy to juggle cats or tap dance for us, and I have a lot of respect for those who work in the service industry. But, c’mon….is it that hard to thank us for stopping in? Using complete sentences? Making eye contact?

4.5/5 stars for the first visit A well-deserved 1/5 stars...

Dear management,

I’m reaching out to share a disappointing experience I had at Oddfellows last night. As a bartender and a bar manager myself, I’ve always appreciated the great service at your establishment, which is why I was excited to introduce a coworker to the bar for the first time. Unfortunately, our experience was far from what I’ve come to expect. We arrived at 2 AM, 30 minutes before closing. I was carded at the door and again at the bar, which is standard practice, but my coworker’s ID was taken and passed around between bartenders for nearly 10 minutes. Ultimately, we were told they would not serve us without a clear explanation. A second bartender then informed us that we had "a few options," including getting the police involved—an unnecessarily escalated response to a simple ID check. As someone who works in the industry, I would never allow my staff to treat customers in such a dismissive and unprofessional manner. I completely respect the importance of ID verification, but the way this was handled was uncalled for. I’m disappointed that my coworker’s first experience at Oddfellows was so negative, and I hope this is not the standard of service being set for your patrons. I would appreciate a response regarding this situation. I truly hope this was an isolated incident, as I’ve always valued Oddfellows as a great spot to...

I showed up on a Monday at 12:40. Google maps said the bar closed at 2:30, so I didn't think anything of the time. I went to the bar to order drinks and which started pretty standard. I ordered 2 Vegas bombs and the bartender interrupted to tell me that they had already started closing the bar down and were only doing simple cocktails with limited mixers. I was a little flustered trying to think of replacement drinks and she was clearly annoyed that I was ordering anything. I got two vodka red bulls and went on the patio. 10 minutes later she came over to tell me it was last call and the bar would be closing. We finished our drinks and left. Was there a total of 40 min.

I get bars close early sometimes, especially when things are slow. But communication with your guest goes a long way. When she saw I was trying to come up with a new drink, she could have suggested one. Or if she didn't want me to order at all, a kind apology that they were closing would have been sufficient and I would have left.

It was my first time there and I chose it because it looked like a chill spot where I could talk with a old friend for a few and catch up. Not the worst experience I have ever had in my life and I'm sure highly circumstantial. However, I won't be going out of my way to...