3620 Harrison Avenue
Price of a Guinness: $6.00 | Overall Rating: 8.05
People don't realize just how many Irish Pubs there are here in Cincinnati. Fogarty's is a great example of a children-free joint that only the locals know about. There were three bars that nestled inside the building before Fogarty's stepped in. Now, it's running on over 14 years and shows no signs of closing it's doors; and for good reasons.
It's an old school pub that has all of the unique stuff that the commercial/chains don't offer, such as a pull tab machine, a cigarette vending machine, authentic wall decor, a fun layout, and an old beat-up car on the patio that's been transformed into a grill. You're not going to find stuff like this inside a Beef O' Brady's or nationwide chain. They do have the other stuff like a pool table, plastic darts, keno, and a few TVs for watching the games.
The bathroom is pretty nasty; it smells, it's hot, it's grimy, and it makes you want to do your business and get out as soon as possible (sometimes the hidden Irish gems have these kinds of bathrooms, it's just a thing). The layout of the place is neat as well, it's got different levels and the patio is not only large, but it's got a great landscape. You'll find plenty of tables, greenery, games, and standing room for music/smoking/conversating during your outside sipping session.
Fogarty's may provide one of the best selections of draft beer in Cincinnati; that's a very big statement, too. They have all of the basics from across the pond with all of the local favorites. Of course, you'll also find the cheap stuff like Bud, Miller, and Coors, and they surely provide the lovely Miller Highlife for those looking to be fancy on a budget. The whiskey selection is pretty weak, however, so long as you're not a snob it'll get the job done.
The Guinness pour is average at best, and it comes after a $6 handshake. The bartender(s) aren't the chattiest amongst those who aren't regulars. To be honest, the couple of times we came the experience was the same; here's your beer and politely don't talk to me until you need another one. So the craic is lacking here.
Fogarty's is the neighborhood spot that most people are coming for to find cheap drinks and complain about life for a while. They come to smoke a pack on the patio, gamble a little bit, throw some F-bombs, watch a game or two, and stumble home without remembering too much. Not many people are coming to Fogarty's because they necessarily love the Pub's ora, but more so because it's close by and they have all of the basics. Nothing about it really screams "holy smokes, you have to come to this place".
Don't get the wrong idea, it's a really neat spot. Everything is authentic with that fun touch of 'used and abused' feel to it. You can really let loose here and just have a blast. They do a great job providing a superb atmosphere where people don't have to worry about a kid running around or spending their entire paycheck on a night out. It's not worth traveling to Cincinnati for but it's certainly worthy of a pop-in when you're looking for a new spot to kill time in.
We'll be back at some point. Well done, Fogarty's. Slainte!
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