Queer Owned Bars in Cincinnati, Ohio
Now more than ever we need to support the queer owned businesses in our community. While I’ve been running Midwestern Lesbian for the past few year, I have found that Cincinnati’s queer community is vibrant, resilient, and ever-growing. While we are creating community and surrounding ourselves with similar folks, we need to remember that without intentional support, the spaces that bring us together can struggle to survive. Queer-owned bars are more than just places to grab a drink; they serve as cultural hubs, safe havens, and gathering spots where LGBTQ+ folks can be themselves without fear or judgment. In a city where queer nightlife has historically faced challenges, supporting these establishments isn’t just about having a good time, it’s about ensuring our community continues to thrive. Whether it’s through hosting drag shows, creating inclusive dance floors, or providing a meeting space for grassroots activism, these bars play a crucial role in shaping Cincinnati’s LGBTQ+ culture. Here are the queer owned bars that we need to continue to support, so we can have safe spaces to be in community.
Bar 901, located at 901 Race St. in Cincinnati, is your downtown corner gay bar! Great drinks in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere.
The Orbit Room is a relaxed neighborhood bar, located a few blocks away from Findlay Market, on Vine Street. Enjoy cocktails, music and a great atmosphere!
Located between Cincinnati's Central Business District and Over the Rhine, QCE offers a drink concept unique to the city with craft beer offered anywhere from $4 to $9 solely dependent upon customer demand.
Located at 1714 Hanfield St., C & D Northside is a neighborhood dive bar with strange regulars and regular strangers! No Cover. Happy Hour Specials. Furry Friend Friendly (leash required).
Tillie’s Lounge is a queer owned bar and patio, located in the Cincinnati neighborhood of Northside. With events every week, this is a great place to grab a drink, be in community, and support a queer owned LGBTQ+ bar!
Located on the edge of Clifton on Vine Street, just north of Over-The-Rhine, Homebase Tavern is a great place to sing karaoke, drink and play pool! Join them for their butch nights on Wednesdays! Happy hour Tuesday-Saturday 7pm - 9pm!
Unwind is unlike any bar in Cincinnati. You know when you walk in Unwind that you are walking into a true wine bar. It has a rustic upscale wine bar feel that features a cozy ambience of stone and wood, wine scenes on the walls and bottles of wine everywhere. The fireplace will draw you in to relax, socialize and sip some great wines.
Great Cocktails for All Walks of Life! Just a Warm and Friendly little Neighborhood Bar. Play pool in the back, or sing karaoke in the front! Patio seating available outside
Covington needed a bar that was accepting of everyone in the community -- Rosie's Tavern is that place for our neighbors. Our team is dedicated to providing a safe place where customers can come in for a variety of great drinks and a fun time. When you stop by, you’ll quickly see why we’re known as the friendliest bar in town. It’s because of our attentive, talented bartenders, our positive atmosphere, and our friendly, cheerful patrons.
The Crazy Fox Saloon first opened its doors on Washington St. in 1999. This neighborhood bar, named in honor of the owners late father, is a safe, friendly, and fun environment. The patio is dog and smoker friendly, but the inside is smoke free.
A small, neighborhood gay bar, Old Street Saloon has entertainment on the weekends and special events throughout the year.
