Most people in America have no idea that Cincinnati is the home to well over 10 Irish Pubs. That doesn't even include the handful across the river from downtown in NKY such as Molly Malone's in Covington. Here are the best ones, handpicked and dissected by The Drunken Mallard. What you'll find below are quick recaps of each place so if you want more details about a particular pub then you're in luck; we've already made full articles and videos about each pub below for a more in-depth look! Check out the full video recap of this entire list down at the end of the article. Slainte!
(Heavy reminder to check out the actual, full article on each Pub if you're looking for a better analysis of each location)
#5 Fogarty's Irish Pub
3620 Harrison Avenue
Price of a Guinness: $6.00 | Overall Rating: 8.05
Fogarty’s on the West Side has a fun layout that offers everything the chain restaurants can’t provide; including pull tabs, a cigarette machine, a beat up car that was transformed into a grill, and a bathroom that smells like ass cheeks. Fogarty’s just might have the best selection of draft beer throughout Cincinnati and trust me when I say that 'THAT' is one bold statement.
The Guinness pours are average and the people here enjoy gambling on some pool and darts while smoking inside one beautiful patio. There’s a slight lack on the craic and the whiskey selection is just good enough. The prices keep you coming back and the atmosphere sizes up to the rest. A worthy pub for the locals but don’t cancel your day plans to get here.
#4 O'Malley's in the Alley
25 West Ogden Place
Price of a Guinness: $6.50 | Overall Rating: 8.55
O’Malley’s in the Alley is a beautiful pub that offers all of the American style eye candy with TVs, authentic wall decor, a perfectly lit ambiance, and a great pint of Smithwick's. 10 years ago this place was perhaps number one, but ever since opening up the Blind Pig down the hall it’s lacked a bit on the craic. The demographics and nightlife surely bring the place down a bit, but it’s turning itself around by the day.
The food gets the job done and the Guinness pours are worthy of a shout out. It’s nestled inside an old alleyway and if you happen to be visiting Cincinnati then I demand you grab a barstool for at least a pint.
#3 Hap's Irish Pub
3510 Erie Avenue
Price of a Guinness: $6.50 | Overall Rating: 8.15
We give Hap’s Irish pub the worthy nod at number 3. A true nostalgic pub that offers locals perhaps the best place to throw some darts. Steel tip that is, we don’t have time for that plastic bullshit here. The bar-staff is always on point with friendly conversations, the regulars are some of the best people on the planet, and the atmosphere gives you that warm feeling that keeps you coming back.
Hap’s gives you the craic and then some, alongside a worthy patio and a whiskey selection to tickle the fancy. I can’t say enough just how splendid the people that drink here truly are, a true Cincinnati staple that will always serve you a lovely pint of Guinness. They even offer Watershed Bourbon, Ohio's most brilliant bourbon.
#2 The Crow's Nest
4544 West 8th Street
Price of a Guinness: $7.00 | Overall Rating: 9.05
The second best pub in Cincinnati comes from the west side, an old pub that's had many different owners, however the place has always stayed true to its charm. Don’t let the neighboring area fool you; this place will give you the craic that you crave.
If you’re looking for a beautiful pour of Guinness then you’ll want to plop your potato here. The conversations at hand are always on par and there’s a large room in the back offering Golden-Tee for the athletes and live music for the foot tappers. The ceiling tile are painted with the Irish colors, the light fixtures are magnificent, and if you come alone you won’t feel like a loner for long. The regulars here will greet you with a warm welcome and if you’re looking for a fun place to watch a Reds game then this might be your ideal spot.
They’ve got well priced food for the hungries and the blemishes that do arise under this roof are underwhelming. A large recommendation from me and I assure you that The Crow’s Nest is the perfect spot to bend the elbows for an hour or three.
#1 Crowley's Highland House
958 Pavilion Street
Price of a Guinness: $6.00 | Overall Rating: 10.00
Crowley’s Highland House sits at the top of the peak as well as the top of Mount Adams; a steep little mountain that overlooks the downtown area of Cincinnati. It's an old school pub that gives you an overdose of the craic alongside perhaps the best pour of Guinness throughout the city. They provide a toilet for those drinking light beer and a few TVs for the spectators.
If you come during the daytime then it’ll be just about impossible to close out your tab. The regulars here know how to keep the conversation flowing and they essentially force you to join in on the conversation at hand. A true Irish Pub that delivers the duty. The whiskey selection gets the job done, the atmosphere is splendid, and the bartenders are picked perfectly.
Ran by the same family longer than any of us have been alive, Crowley’s gives you all of the feel goods. We rated it a 10 out of 10 for good reason, you’ll just have to find out for yourself as to what makes them so spectacular. For a pub without a steel tip dart board, it surely delivers on everything you’d want out of an Irish Pub. There’s no food, there’s no dedicated parking, and there’s no gimmicky shenanigans. There is however, a popcorn machine, a game-ball from the Cincinnati Bengals, and all of the craic. If you happen to be in Cincinnati and don’t make your way into Crowley’s then consider your trip a waste of time.
Slainte!
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