Somerset Bar — Restaurant in Cincinnati

Update Dec 2023 (2/5 stars): Somerset is still an incredible space, but as the bar turns 2 years old, prices are unfortunately AGGRESSIVELY on the rise, especially Rare Whiskey Wednesday and cocktails. $14 is just a lot for a batched cocktail anywhere — the highest in OTR by a margin — even at Sundry & Vice for instance, theirs are $11. From the whiskey side, for example, they are now charging $50 for a 2 oz pour of the popular Buckner's products that can be found for $18–25 at other bars nearby. Just a couple months ago, they were selling the same 2 oz pour for $25, which was already the highest of everyone around. The gouging here has just gotten insane... I just can't recommend this place to any bourbon drinkers anymore... it's the single most expensive place to drink bourbon in all of OTR and NKY at this point. I shared their recent pricing with other serious bourbon drinkers and everyone just laughed and said no thanks... I encourage you to take your business to one of the other bars that doesn't price to maximize their profits over the interest of their patrons. I had a group try the new food truck and it was unanimously felt that the prices are just too high for what you get... not sure I'll try that again. They also have now started disallowing bringing in water bottles after a certain time of the day (even if they're empty), instead, you have to sit your water bottle on the ground by the door and just hope no one takes it — it's a real unnecessary inconvenience if you have an expensive water bottle or you're coming from somewhere else before / after. No idea why they won't let people refill their own empty water bottles here... that's something every other bar & restaurant in the city allows. I have started taking people to other bars more instead for these reasons. These are some unfortunate changes at an otherwise cool bar, so I hope they reconsider increased prices and disallowing water bottles, but for now, Somerset has become a 4/5 for me.

Earlier review (5/5 stars):

After being in OTR for a decade and trying hundreds of bars, Somerset is my favorite nice bar in OTR (and all of Cincy), and also favorite bar to take friends too. It's also the most "ambiance-forward" bar in OTR / Cincy. My favorite aspect is probably just how many different and various spaces there are throughout the place. There's not too much else to say — just go check it out for yourself and you'll definitely have a good time.

Weekends are very busy, but they batch cocktails so it's still fast service (bartenders are great, and management emphasizes creativity). Weekdays are more chill and Wednesday is Rare Whiskey Wednesday for the bourbon drinkers. 🥃

There are really no critiques, just "keep doing what you're doing", making things constantly fresh and new and fun and lively and eventful. Watch their Instagram for the various events and...

This bar is super amazing very great I really enjoyed my time here. I came here with a tinder match and it was really good atmosphere and the environment is very welcoming very fun very chill and I really enjoyed my time there and I really like how they got the outdoor indoor vibe. One cool thing is some of the features here are kind of hidden like the bathroom doors are blended in with the wall I thought that was really cool and fun and my favorite room was a room that looks like a library with a lot of books involved I thought that was super cool. I also enjoyed that to go there you have to kind of dress up a little bit but it's not a requirement and I thought that was very good for anyone who may want to just come and see friends or stop by I thought that was very cool and I really enjoyed the staff there with the drinks the drinks were really good really great we ordered some cocktails and it was really good and it was also really good that if you need a snack or maybe some gum to freshen up your breath it was a convenience store about 2 minutes walking distance from the bar lol (since I was on a date lol) . I would definitely recommend coming to this bar and stop and buy if you are in the area with friends or even by yourself or if you happen to bring a beautiful person with you on a date it will be a great time during the day or at night it's definitely a vibe and it's super amazing super cool . Big shout outs to this bar because I was able to win a second date so...

I've been going to Sommerset about 2x a year since it was opened. I did go durring the soft opening. I love the atmosphere and space. I always ordere one of the infused cocktails, and am always shocked by the low price. I frequent downtown Chicago multiple times a year, and even the mediocre drinks at nice restaurants aren't anywhere in comparison with this place! The only concern I've ever had in the past was wishing there was more space, then I learned that there was a second bar/lounge, and it's perfect for small events. I'll be visiting soon with my pocket size dogs, i hope it goes well and I'll keep everyone updated. If there's one thing that I want to change about this bar, is that it was bigger, but that's my because it's so popular! I know I'm one of the OG's to go to the bar, and I don't prefer large crowds, but I do love the fact that it continues to stay busy. That means that it's doing great! I also love that there are streets with free parking right around the corner. The secret to getting those spots is being really great at...