Igby's

Igby’s – The Pre-Game Cathedral of Cincinnati If you’re rolling into a Cincinnati weekend looking for the perfect pre-drink spot, Igby’s is the move. This place nails the balance between upscale and effortlessly cool—the kind of bar where the bartenders don’t just pour drinks; they own the room. The swagger is real, the cocktails are on point, and the energy sets the tone for a proper night out. Good music, dim lighting, and just the right crowd make it a spot where you can kick back with friends, get into the night’s groove, or wrap things up with a final round. If you’re out on a weekend in Cincy and not stopping by Igby’s, are you even doing it right?

Great vibe and cocktails well done …. The crowed is great and the atmosphere is vibing.

Very classy and trendy cocktail bar. The drinks they serve here are elevated and expensive, but the quality of their cocktails is exceptional. I really enjoyed the ambiance. The staff was super accommodating and attentive for our large group (with no reservation). We had a fantastic visit here. The restrooms are down a flight of stairs, though they may have an accessible way to get down there. I can't wait for a reason to come back here again!

My first impression of Igby’s was great. My wife & I popped in here on Thursday night for some cocktails and were thoroughly blown away by the creative cocktails we tried there. The old-brick interior, dim lighting, and classy feel of the bar created a great atmosphere that is great for a date night or a few drinks with friends. Its location near Fountain Square makes it easy to walk to from much of the downtown area, and it’s close to several other bars and restaurants.

Nice place, service was great. Definitely gets busy around normal bar hours, and can get a bit cramped on the first floor. The patio is quite large and spacious. The second and third floor reservable areas are perfect for small events and get-togethers. Happy hour is great, and prices are otherwise reasonable. Parking and access can be difficult depending on the time.

While I only stayed here for a few drinks, it is worth noting that this is a great establishment. The staff were very courteous and genuinely kind. The mixology drinks were fabulous.

It was a very nice establishment, we did only stay for one drink because we were bar hopping and site-seeing. Very quick service, and tasty drinks. We both had the Tito's Austin Blossom. I loved the Alice in wonderland themed drinks! We will definitely be stopping by here again next time we are in Cincinnati!

This upscale bar serves great cocktails and has comfortable seating throughout. Good for happy hour and after dinner. They have lounge areas and bars on both levels, a balcony, and the side patio is perfect for larger groups. On the weekends, their DJs spin top tunes and there's room to dance. It's around the corner from Fountain Square as well as The Aronoff Center.

Do you like good drinks? Do you like good vibes? Do you enjoy bartenders that rule the drink world like Gandalf rules the seven realms of Mordor? Ok I didn't read the Hobbit, but I definitely came to Igby's. You should do the same.

We stopped by for a drink before the Gillian Welch concert as we got there a bit early. It was crowded for early evening on a Thursday. My friend said he had the mule before which was really good and I had an excellent cocktail as well. Cool spot.

Nestled in the center of Cincy's financial district, Igby's exudes an air of sophisticated urban charm, beckoning patrons with its sleek decor and lively ambiance. The Civil-War era building is adorned with plush leather seating and exposed brick walls, radiating an effortlessly chic vibe. The multilevel building with an open atrium allows patrons to look up and down onto the other floors and also includes outdoor patios if you prefer to be outside. Additionally there is an outdoor area on the 2nd floor as well that looks out over 6th street. But it's not just the ambiance that sets Igby's apart - it's the impeccable service and expertly crafted cocktails that truly elevate the experience. These unique drinks not only taste excellent but also are perfect for pictures. My personal favorite is the Tito's Austin Blossom which has Tito's, pineapple juice, lime juice, and agave with a sprig of rosemary on top. Each sip was full of flavor and the smell of rosemary only heightened the experience. Make sure to stop by for their happy hour Monday - Saturday from 4pm - 7pm or for a late night cocktail/date night!

Love this spot! Perfect for happy hour, drinks with the girls, or date night. Their bartenders are so friendly and come up with the seasonal cocktails themselves. Big fan of their happy hour until 7 every day they're open with $5 wine and half off drafts and liquor.

I stopped by Igby's to grab a drink after dinner. The bar is really cute, and I like the interior decor. The signature cocktail menu was so fun, and I especially love the Greek mythology influence. I had the alrighty, Aphrodite, and absolutely adored it. It's great for anyone who loves gin or aperol spritz. Service was a little bit on the slower side on a Friday night, but overall had a good time!

Great vibes and music after 10pm during the week and not too crowded. Check out the daily happy hour menu for more information.

I went here after a dinner next door! The drinks were delicious! Yes, they were more expensive, but the fact that they were so delicious made up for it! I haven't quit recommending it. I had the Alrighty,Aphrodite and the Golden Fleece

Also ways a good time for drinks before a show! Every time I come, I am greeted with amazing customer service, strong drinks, and amazing music. It's a favorite.

Didn't even make it inside, bouncer was rude for no reason. Yelled at us for having the door open too long ( couldn't have been more than 10 seconds.)

HAPPY HOUR REVIEW: Look no more!! This is the Best happy hour downtown! I'm a Tito's girl and during HH it's only $3.50!!! Until 7pm. Taylor and Sara are literally the best. Love them so much. The ambience is really chill and in the winter you can sit by the fire. Alternatively, in the summer, they have a nice patio that's outside. Highly recommended for any happy hour with friends or coworkers alike. Come on thru!!

Igby's is in a great area to go for a quick drink. I often stop in for a drink either before or after a show at the aronoff. They have a good cocktail list and the bartenders are pretty quick at making drinks as well. I really like the ambiance of the bar in general and they have a large outdoor area as well!

I like the feel of Igby's. It's large and upscale without being over-the-top fancy. It's a two story lounge with an large outdoor patio on the first floor and a small balcony that overlooks 6th street on the second floor. There's usually a small gathering in the front sectioned off for someone's birthday, anniversary, etc. Personally, I'd use the seating in the back so you're not in the middle of everyone's way. To each their own I guess. The decor is cool and trendy without being haughty. I have not ventured out to Igby's without putting myself together a little, but as long as its not a Saturday, I doubt you'd get the boot wearing jeans. Other reviews are correct in that it can get overwhelmingly busy in here and sometimes the service suffers because of that, but I think that a similar experience would be had at any busy lounge/bar. My reason for not giving 5 stars is that I think the drink prices are a bit high. There are times where I've not been paying attention and I end up with a ridiculous bar tab. Bud lites are $4.24? Craft drafts are $8.25? If it weren't for the atmosphere, they wouldn't be on my list on hang out spots. If you're trying to feel a little fancy, I definitely recommend taking a stop at Igby's. Just maaaaybe curb it at one drink or find someone nice to buy you a round, because if your pocket book is like mine it can't afford $8 beers.

Great atmosphere and solid happy hour spot! Seating can be a bit tricky and can be crowded but overall is a great hangout spot with a great aesthetic/ rustic vibe. Highly recommend!

Igby's has a classy atmosphere with a large space with two bars- one downstairs and another upstairs. When we came in the bar downstair was slammed but there was no one upstairs and we were able to get our drinks quick! Upstairs has an outside balcony, great for people watching downtown. I also saw some folks smoking outside on that balcony- so that's something that you may want to keep in mind if you're a smoker or not! Downstairs has a outside patio area as well with some great seating. It was a lot quieter out there than inside, so great for making some good conversation. The drinks were good- I just ordered a local bourbon old fashion. To be honest... I didn't pay for any of my drinks the night I visited so I cannot attest to the prices of this spot. I did leave a $7 (20%) tip for the bartender when a friend paid for a round of drinks for 3 of us. So, I can only infer that the drinks aren't too over-the-top expensive!

My husband and I ventured to Igbys before our dinner at sotto next door and had such a great experience. We were greeted immediately and the bartender made a very tasty old fashioned. The atmosphere was dark (which we love who the hell likes light lit bar). We spoke with Edwin and Kendra during our time there and they made us feel like we were apart of their community. They were both helpful on other great spots in the city to stop by. Thank you for such a great experience - you guys are staffing the right people! :-) I

This was our second to last stop in a night of hopping around town. The cocktails were creative and tasty, and our waitress was super-helpful. We only got drinks, but I've heard they have Impossible Sliders on their food menu, and I need to try them!

Thanks for the response appreciate the update to the website, very cute place and tasty drinks :)

The problem is the prices for drinks but other than the the vibe is cute and professional. The balcony feels like it'll fall any minute.!!!

This is such a cool space! We came for some pre-dinner drinks, and it was perfect. The inside is kind of modern, kind of rustic, and in addition to the bar seating there are cushy chairs and a fireplace! We each got a beer, and these were ?half off because of their happy hour! The beer selection was pretty decent, and our bartender was very knowledgeable about all of the beers on tap and available in bottles. This would be a great spot for a date or to just hang out with friends to drink and talk. Love this space, and I'd definitely recommend!

Had the best time here 3 nights in a row while visiting Cincinnati. Can't wait to come back again!

Love the vibe here - we went in for a drink before dinner and sat by the fireplace to sip our cocktails and chat. The drinks are wonderful, by the way. We didn't interact with the staff much, but from what I saw, they were attentive and pleasant. Can't wait for the spring when they open up the side alleyway. I love that this place has an open air section. One of the best places downtown to do it since it's not right on the main drag. So it's a little bit quieter. Really a nice place for parties, as well - there are some fairly large tables in the back.

Checked out this place for the first time over the weekend. I was pleasantly surprised with the venue - I'm a sucker for bricks and wood and cool lights. I also liked this bar because it had multiple levels & made me feel like I was at a bar in Nashville. While a super crowded bar on a Saturday night isn't necessarily my scene (it was packed), I was pleasantly surprised with how fast the service was each time I went to the bar. I'll definitely check it out another time.

I live in downtown Cincinnati, and have been going to Igby's for a while now. However, I have to say the last few experiences have not been the greatest. Most recently, my friend and I were excited to have a drink after dinner before heading in for the night. Igby's seemed like it would have been the perfect place. After arriving, we waited at the bar for over 30 minutes without any acknowledgment that we were present let alone service. We ended up abandoning ship at the bar, and settled with the idea of just enjoying the environment. Unfortunately at that time, I realized that a personal item of mine had slipped out of my pocket. I retraced my steps, and was looking on the ground around the entrance. We eventually gave up looking, and decided to leave. As we were leaving, the man checking IDs at the door started calling out to us asking why we looked so "unpleasant". He then proceeded to yell at us as we walked down the street. I was literally shocked that he took the time to walk outside the bar and address us in this way. It was extremely rude and unwarranted. This bar is in a great location, but the customer service has been extremely disappointing .

I went to igbys tonight and had an awful interaction with the bartender that approached me. I ordered a paper plane and he verbatim said " I'm not making a paper plane right now." For context, it was late, about 1:30am and they close at 2:30. I asked him why he wouldn't make it and he replied with "what do you mean why" with an annoyed tone. I didn't know how to respond to that because I didn't understand the problem with my drink order to begin with, so I asked to have the manager come up. That was an issue also. He tried to kick us out immediately and I pushed to have a manager approach us because I felt none of it made sense. Thankfully, the manager was walking by as is and came over. The manager very nicely explained that at a certain point in the night they stop doing speciality cocktails. I told him that was understandable and simply not how the interaction with the other bartender happened. I placed my order for my simple mixed drink and the bartender came back to tell me how I should've acted and how I was rude. I literally was ordering a drink and was scolded for ordering something apparently unacceptable because of the time. How am I supposed to know that? We had just walked in and we don't go there often. We are also in the industry and it takes a lot for me to complain about something to this extent. It felt super disrespectful for no reason. And to come back to me to tell me that I was wrong for how I reacted because I was approached so aggressively is crazy. Really awkward overall. The manager was very nice and i want that to be recognized. I get it can be hard sometimes but I've never in my life had an experience like that with a bartender, especially not at a place that's supposed to be a little more up scale.

Great bar. Very sensitive to COVID-19 but still provides great service and fun atmosphere!!!

Fun place for a networking happy hour with a pretty legit selection of interesting beer and $5 cocktail of the month specials. Sadly their $5 special was some pink apple drink but it was drinkable. Their beer selection included lots of local and unique beer including some nitrogen coffee beers. They have a wood sorta industrial vibe but have more like a neighborhood feel rather than a pretentious hipster theme. I'd head back here if I'm back in town and maybe try some food next time.

We made a quick visit here for an after party. We arrived around 11:30 or so and stayed for about an hour. We went upstairs to a great private area overlooking the rest of the lounge. At this time of night the music is loud and venue crowded so the private area was a nice getaway. It had elevator access and several seating areas...small but nice. We also had a private bartender up there so that was very nice serving a limited menu of drinks. The crowd was younger 20's/young 30's maybe. I thought all in all it was a nice semi upscale place to have a drink and enjoy music. I would be interested to see it during the day or early evening with less volume on the speakers :) but I'm old so take that with a grain of salt.

Igby's is one of those places that is *this* close to getting a five star review from me. This is a gorgeous bar with delicious craft cocktails, tasty snack, a cigar patio, and a balcony that overlooks the street below that gives you a very New Orleans type feel. At first glance, I would assume that it's a no-brainer five star establishment...that is until it hits about 10 PM, then everything changes. Sure, the menu doesn't change, and the interior is still amazing, but the atmosphere of the entire bar completely switches from a high end lounge to an obnoxious club. I've endured this place past 10 PM on two occasions, and both times I've had the opportunity to witness a fight between two drunk guys. I'm honestly not sure why the atmosphere does a complete 180, but it's unbearable. The lounge area gets closed off unless you have a reservation and plan to spend $300+. If the club atmosphere is your thing, definitely stop in and get your drink on. Even then, I'm sure there are some better options out there where you can get Miller Lite on draft significantly cheaper. If you're looking for a high end lounge atmosphere then absolutely swing in, but like Cinderella, get the hell out before this place turns into a pumpkin.

We came here on a Friday night with a large group for a birthday celebration. In the past I had remembered not liking the atmosphere much, but on this night it was a great vibe! We posted up on some of the nice couches upstairs infront of the fireplace (they also have this same setup downstairs). Bar service was prompt, despite how crowded it was. They have a wide selection of cocktails and def have some great craft beers. I had a great West Side brewing irish beer on tap. There is a really nice, very large, outdoor balcony upstairs. The music selections on this night were pretty awesome, and on one side of the bar, some dancing broke out. After this I would definitely consider coming back here more often!

If Haley Joel Osment visited he would say, "I see white people". Heck, Haley Joel Osment may have visited, I couldn't say. Igby's is three stories of wall-to-wall yuppies. I can't really say much else about it, other than it is crowded. It seems trendy, but I truthfully couldn't tell you what the walls, floors, ceilings, or bar even looked like, it was that packed. I might revise this once the hub-bub and scuttlebutt have died down, but for now, this place is more annoying than anything else. I like my classy bars a little less nouveau riche and a little more quiet and old school. Igby's is like Hansel, "he's so hot right now". I'll take a second look later.

Very cool spot! The renovation in this old building is worth a look. Nice staff. A little pricey but great happy hour. $5 cocktail special was worth it for us.

A very nice bar and recently opened after much remodeling I hear. This is a great white collar bar. The drink prices are a little steep. The music is a bit loud which makes it tough to carry on a conversation. You need to go out on the balcony if you actually want to have a conversation with someone. One thing I've noticed about this bar that sets it apart from any others I've been to so far (admittedly still exploring) is the clientele. The bar seems to be packed with beautiful people both men and women. It is this reason why I give it the 4th star, otherwise 3 stars.

Igby's claims to be so excited to have customers back, but our server/manager/unpleasant human Jacquelyne muttered displeasures under her breath (bad breath) with every request when we arrived at 9:30 p.m. We rarely come out and we were trying to support bars during this horrific time and left with nothing but a bad taste in our mouth and nostrils. Igby's is mandated to close at 10:00 p.m., but it doesn't seem like they even desire to be open that late. It's crazy that someone can be so angry at paying customers, while taking your money and talking bad behind your back while requesting a music change. We were nothing but friendly and happy when we first approached this venue for the first time in our lives and needless to say, we will NEVER be back. Please do not waste your time, unless you would like to be disrespected and treated like a piece of gum stuck to the bottom of your shoes.

Every time I visit Igby's since they've opened I've never been able to duplicate my great experience that I had the on my very first visit. On my first visit, we were actually able to go up to the second floor and chill on the catwalk or sit in the upstairs balcony while enjoying a drink. Since then, not once have I been able to venture upstairs because it is literally always closed for private parties. I understand this somewhat, but not on a Friday/Saturday night when people actually want to hang out up there. When you ARE able to get up there though I suggest checking it out. It's pretty cool. Another problem is that when it is crowded the main entrance is absolutely impossible to navigate through. People stand at the bar and there are tables behind the bar so you are forced to put your butt in people's face as you try to get through. Lastly, the drinks are overpriced. They seem to be a lot smaller than I remember them being. They are now served in real glasses instead of the weird plastic ones now however so that's a plus. Igby's is never first on my list of places to go anymore, especially with the arrival of great new places neighboring them (Sotto, Boca, etc.). I might stop in when I'm passing by for a quick drink, but only if the upstairs is open.

Very cool vibe!! Would go back again and could sit there and drink al night. I was indifferent about the service, but it was a busy night during COVID and the election was just announced. All things considered would highly recommend. The decor was fantastic!

Very accommodating! Called ahead to book a happy hour for a large number of people for our executives who were in town. We all really enjoyed the upscale vibe of the bar and the semi seclusion the space offered for large parties. The manager took great care of us and the drinks and heavy appetizers were delicious. We got our own server and received wonderful attention!! Would book this place again 10/10 for happy hour events!!!!

Great vibes, even better music. The space is very inviting and just draws you in. We spent most of our time on the 2nd level and balcony that overlooks 6th street. Amazing decor, lighting and drinks. This has quickly become one of my favorite spots downtown.

Beautiful space, but typical we're the new "in" place so we can be a little pricey vibe and that kinda bothers me. But, whatever... people are going to come here and hopefully have a good time. Igby's is fancy and will impress almost everyone with the soaring high ceilings and great balconies. I would start my night here and have one drink then move on to a more wallet friendly (and less crowded) place. I enjoyed sitting by the fire with a tasty chocolate martini, girly I know, don't judge. :) And like Joe T mentioned, the plastic "glassware" is kind of unusual and off-putting but makes sense due to the multi-level design of the place. (Would you want a glass falling on you from the 3rd story?) The shared sink/mirror area is I guess becoming a 4EG trademark copied from Lackman and I guess it's kinda cool but sometimes a little privacy might be nice. I have yet to explore the 2nd and 3rd floors and can't wait to see what they look like. Parking in this area is probably best served by utilizing Nada's valet service, or parking in Fountain Square and walking over. (Coat check is downstairs by the bathrooms)

This place really took me by surprise! I was not expecting to love it as much as I did! Great drinks and the bartenders were phenomenal! They were friendly, fast, and knew their stuff. Also LOVED the Marimekko wallpaper used in the bathroom.

Great venue for chilling with friends but honestly the beer selection could use some attention. Not much on tap and for all the breweries around our area I wasn't impressed.

Consistent service, consistent quality drinks. Not the fastest service, but we're rarely in a hurry so it's usually not a big deal. Their specialty cocktails are pretty stellar and they have a good wine list. If you're hungry, the charcuterie board is always a solid option.

I checked out 4EG's newest establishment last night. From the huge fireplaces to the exposed brick and steel, this 100+ year old building has been turned into what will be Cincinnati's best location for an upscale, yet unpretentious, night out. It seems no detail was overlooked in this renovation. 4EG, known for their perennially clean bathrooms and great lighting, has outdone themselves with this newest addition and has raised the bar (intended) for nightlife in Cincinnati. Igby's is unlike any other place in Cincinnati and would easily seem at home in Chicago or New York City. There's 3 floors of open space showcasing reclaimed timber from the original floor joists and vantage points of the entire bar. Be sure to check out the heated patio and balcony overlooking 6th Street. This area will be a huge hit year-round. It is also worth noting they will be serving food in the evenings. I have tried the fresh oysters and they were excellent. All in all, Igby's is an excellent addition to the developing 6th Street area and the Crown Jewel of the 4EG empire.

Best company and bar staff in town. Literally, beyond talented, friendly, and amazing. Beautiful venue. A must see in Cincinnati.

The atmosphere seemed nice but we went to shoot pool and there was no pool table as indicated on Yelp ....

Happy hour is 4-8 and the drink specials are pretty good - I don't drink beer so I only pay attention to the cocktail list...$6 well drinks and $3 off specialty cocktails. The atmosphere is dark & warm but trendy. Great place for happy hour with colleagues or for a drink before a show at the Aronoff.

Like the place. Really swank without being over the top. Lots of young professionals go there. Bartenders are top notch. Enjoy it most every time I visit.

Went back in August following a Reds Game; the atmosphere and layout is phenomenal. Upscale without being stuffy. If i'm ever back in Cincy I'll surely stop by once again. Drinks are very reasonably priced as well! Awesome introduction for someone who had never been out in downtown Cincinnati before.

Met a friend for happy hour. My friend paid for my drinks, so I cant speak to any prices. We both had Tito's and Diet Coke, drinks were strong but not too strong. Service was attentive, my water glass was never empty. But service was also not intrusive. We were able to have a good conversation. Decent parking options within a block. Would recommend and visit again.

I had a less than favorable experience in this establishment tonight. There was techno ish music playing loudly and my friend asked a woman to change the station. The white female bartender changed the music station to something that ended up being slower. I understand that this is a bar, but to only play a certain type of music, makes me feel like they do not value my business. I own my home in OTR and thus I frequent the area. I often find that my interests and money do not matter, and are not welcome. I know it may seem silly to whomever is reading this, but it matters to me. It matters to other 30 something's, in this city who happen not to be white. OTR caters to whites, and it is unfortunate. I did not feel welcomed in this establishment. There are a myriad of bars downtown and hopefully I will find one that is more accepting and inclusive. The white female bartender changed the Pandora station from techno to Lauryn Hill (which she said was too slow-fair enough) changed the station to the oldies (but refused a suggestion of Michael Jackson) then changed back to techno once the bar started to fill with white women. It was obviously more important to make those white girls happy, than to make me and my 2 Puerto Rican friends happy, or in the very least not alienate us. I do not want nor do I expect music that is native to one particular ethnicity such as salsa or rap music, but I do expect staff to listen to my reasonable request. I also expect staff to try and compromise on a music station. My money is green just like everyone else's, and if I am spending my money and time in an establishment, I would like voice to be heard.