The Blind Lemon

This is one of my favorite bars in Cincinnati- the atmosphere is incredible whether you choose to sit indoors or on the patio. Sometimes there is live music. The cocktails are also delicious- I personally recommend their hot drink menu when it’s chilly outside. You need to stop by!

This was one of the most interesting bars I’ve been to. It almost gave me like an oldies speakeasy vibe. They had a fireplace both inside and outside and the place felt very intimate and cozy. One of the workers pulled out the chair for me and also helped me get my coat on which felt very high in. Our waitress was very nice and made sure to come back quite a few times to check on us (I don’t personally like when waiters do this, as it makes me feel rushed, but I still wouldn’t change my rating). The live music was cool and they have speakers outside so you could hear if you sit out there. They don’t have prices on the menu which sort of stinks. I thought it would be very expensive because the prices were not shown but my drink (Milky Way) was only $9 ( I wish they would put the prices on the menu. My friend mentioned she would have gotten another if she knew it wasn’t too expensive). Wonderful atmosphere. My drink was also amazing; it was amaretto with hot coco.

What a lovely place! I enjoyed the chill vibe here. The live music was great. Drinks were great too. The have a fireplace outside in the patio/garden area. Overall, great place for a date or if you don’t like loud music and want to be able to talk comfortably.

A unique experience with a menu of high-end, fancy cocktails. An eclectic mix of antique Elegance. The most romantic bar in Cincinnati. Great live music.

Worst experience I have ever had at a restaurant/bar. Don’t go here unless you want to be berated and made to feel unwelcome. Some friends and I planned to meet there and catch up as we have not seen each other in a few weeks. Our party planned to spend some time there and buy a few rounds of drinks. We were not in any rush. As soon as we entered, the host was incredibly rude, asked us how many there were (2 because our group was already there), and then rudely commented, “So there ISN’T two of you then,” after we said we were looking for our friends. I thought, ok that was my mistake. But then, the host threw menus at the server and told her to take us to our friends. We found them and there weren’t enough seats for us, so the host came back over, pointed at two of our friends, and demanded that they move. He and another woman (I would assume a manager?) then grabbed a bunch of chairs and threw them down and tossed menus on our table before storming off. This entire time, they were both grumbling and making comments under their breath. When our other two friends arrived, they AGAIN said to us “so you have MORE people?” like we were inconveniencing them by supporting their business and wanting to spend our hard earned money at their establishment. The woman and male host again dragged chairs over and tossed a menu in the laps of our two friends who just joined. At that point, we had felt incredibly uncomfortable and unwelcome. Still, we felt like we at least should get a drink since it was clearly such a great inconvenience to them for our party to be there. The least we could do at that point is make their ~GREAT~ troubles worthwhile. I want to be clear, however, that our waitress, Bella, was so nice, sweet, and attentive, so we were very grateful to have, at the very least, encountered a little bit of kindness and compassion after all that had transpired. Regardless, I will certainly never be returning after being made to feel like a burden and unwelcomed at their establishment. Do better.

This place is up in Mt. Adams and the people are very nice, polite and helpful. It was my first time there and it’s a very nice relaxed place. They own the restaurant right next door also and the food is delicious. You can order it from the blind lemon and they will bring it over to you. I will be going back. It’s a must check it out place for sure.

Such a nice whole in the wall speakeasy place!

Too hot to be outside tonight but for a few pictures,however, the Lemon is a charm to visit (inside or out).soothing acoustic tones,and pleasant company with eclectic decor and very cold beer. I love this place.Amazing history of patrons. And great service

Tucked away in the storied streets of Mount Adams, The Blind Lemon is a portal to a dreamy, bygone era. Step inside and be charmed by softly flickering candles, rustic brick walls, and an intimate outdoor patio adorned with twinkling fairy lights. With music and perhaps a bit of magic gently caressing the air, every visit feels like a fairytale --a secret escape where romance and nostalgia waltz in perfect harmony. Service Was Incredible!

Blind Lemon is such a vibe - hidden gem. The stained glass, copper, and wood paneling really transports you into another world. It feels like you should be in the mountains, not in Cincinnati which is really awesome feeling and experience when decoration can do that. The little miss sour cocktail is absolutely amazing and will be added to my top 10 cocktail list for sure! The waitress was so nice and had great recommendations. Live music was a plus, but kind of loud. I'll for sure be back!

As a former resident of Cincinnati, boy, do I miss the Blind Lemon. Its counterpart in Portland, ME, is Bramhall, another below-ground, dimly lit, eclectically-decorated cocktail bar that is incredibly charming, somehow never jam-packed, and always delicious. The ambience is what makes the Blind Lemon a go-to spot in Mount Adams. While you're dining, you're surrounded by autographed portraits of old-timey stars, stained glass, and a unique interior reminiscent of a local pub in London, perhaps. In the summer, the Hibiskiss is the way to go. They have great, hot drinks for winter as well--my personal favorite is the Snuggler (peppermint schnapps, cocoa), or the Hot Toddy. A must try for those looking for an elevated cocktail experience without the elevated price tag!

Hot buttered rum on a cold rainy evening was a great way to cap the girl's night out. Our server was attentive without being clingy and the popcorn was hot and fresh and came quickly. The only complaint was the second batch of popcorn was a little burnt. The live guitar music provided by Nicolas Tuttle was the cherry on top!

The service is spot on personal and casual. They have great music down to earth chill guitar and the drinks are superb . Jacks literally on every order doesn't skip a beat ! There is a list of famous people on the wall when u walk in. So famous people assemble! For a chance at the wall!!!

Great place! Wonderful music & local live acts. Kind of a "hole in the wall" comfy kind of neighborhood place. Small & might take some patience to get in, but if you're early & have no where to be, grab a chair at the end of the bar, and enjoy the entertainment!

A cute little spot in Mt. Adams. We walked down the alley to get to the bar and were quickly greeted by a man who sat us inside. He shared with us that we would have to sit at a table of 5 right inside the door even though we only had 2 and that we'd need to share the table - we were okay with this and said yes. Later on 2-top tables opened and I wish our servers would have offered to move us over to them and away from the open door where there was a cold breeze coming in. For beverages we had the Little Miss Sour, Hot Toddy, and another hot beverage with benedictine liqueur in it. The Little Miss Sour was very unique, the Cabernet Float was a fun touch. The hot drinks were nice for a cold winter night, the Benedictine drink had lots of unique flavors, and was sadly a little too hot when it first came out. The space is very eclectic with lots on the walls and ceilings to look at. The servers were very nice and attentive, and it's nice how they help move the tables to allow you better access into your seat as the place is so small. It gets very loud in the space especially with live music, but it's great that they offer live music at all. Overall a good experience and would love to come back and sit at inside in another part of the restaurant to get to experience the whole place.

Absolutely in love with this place. Visiting cincy for a concert and found the blind lemon on yelp. Wish we would have gotten there earlier and could have spent more time in the courtyard but it's an adorable space. Had an acoustic performer that was also very good.

If you're looking to drink at a bar with a quaint aesthetic to it, sit on an outdoor patio that'll have your hands clapping to the best live music while drinking a signature cocktail. Blind Lemon might be for you! Couple of things to note: if you come on a weekend with a large crowd it might make it very difficult for everyone to sit together. There is not a food menu, but surprise! They have popcorn to enjoy while you listen to the band! The staff is insanely nice and caring. The drinks might be a bit small to some, but are very strong. You're guaranteed to have a blast no matter what brings you to town.

Incredible vibes and ambiance, great service, and good drinks too! Feels like a relaxed but classy place tucked away where you can enjoy live music and each others company. Love coming here to play cards

Best chocolate martinis ever!!! Love the courtyard...reminds me of New Orleans. Service was spot on. Wish they opened early every day, but just on weekends.

Didn't even go to dine or anything. We had heard such great things about the place and just wanted to check out the place, but god forbid we do such a thing. Felt extremely unwelcome by a bartender who yelled at us from inside and when we calmly explained that we were just looking, he continued to say "no you're walking past the sign that says 'please wait to be seated'" in which I calmly repeated myself and said we were just looking sorry. A waitress came over and was very sweet and understood but we definitely did not feel welcome, so we left. Just says a lot about the bartender's character, which is a poor reflection on the business. I pray he figures himself out, poor fella.

I have been here a handful of times and I just LOVE everything about this place!!! Such an intimate, cozy vibe. Fabulous drink menu, I especially love their hot drinks.

This is such a great place to sit and listen to music in what is a very quaint and cozy backyard. This place is so charming from the inside small basement bar to the that outside patio/ backyard. Street parking.

Great service and a really cool vibe for this underground bar close to Eden Park! Our server was fantastic and friendly, the bartenders were on it with delicious cocktails, and the live music was perfect for the space. Can't wait to come back!

Blind Lemon is such a Cincinnati and Mount Adams treasure. So when my husband and I visited, we had to stop by, even though it was a bit chilly outside and we wanted to sit outside due to COVID. Happily, Blind Lemon has a great patio. It was slow when we arrived and were among the only people on the patio for a while. We were able to warm up thanks to a fun winter drinks menu. My husband got a hot buttered rum, and I got a virgin hot chocolate. The hostess was fast with the drinks and accomodations. The back patio has a large fire pit as well as heaters, which help to make the scene cozy. It also has a weathered look that lets you know that many a good time have been had there. The inside is also great. Definitely peek in if you get the time. And don't pass by the sign by the entrance of all the famous people who have enjoyed a drink at the Blind Lemon.

Great drinks and service. Such a fun atmosphere that never disappoints. I love the presentation and quality of the drinks.

I have been wanting to come here for the longest time and finally got to this weekend, and it did not disappoint! The patio is beautiful and the live music was perfect. I had a great experience with both the service and the drinks. I already can't wait to come back!

The ambience of this amazing place was wonderful. They had a lovely lounge area and music playing and also the service was wonderful.

60 year tradition something has to be right In all the years Iv been visiting Cincinnati I have to make a stop at this small but ambience rich spot in Mount Adams I make a beeline to take friends and family for the music and killer tasty cocktails. I call it my secret spot but it's hardly a secret. people from all walks of life wonder in and I'm sure it's a local favorite. Weekend music in the garden is a must when it's warm, bring friends. Atmosphere: 5 Service 5 Price $$

I want to give this bar 5 stars, but a young - possibly old -bald employee wearing an audacious lemon-printed shirt ruined it all on May 7th, 2024. Upon arrival, despite being well within the advertised opening hours, we were met with hostility and aggression from an employee who seemed more inclined to wield confrontation than hospitality. Despite arriving 30 minutes after the posted opening time, we were absurdly accused of rudely barging in before the bar was ready to receive guests. What ensued was nothing short of a bizarre display of aggression as this individual, rather than diffusing the situation with professionalism, chose to escalate matters by chasing us out onto the street. Such unprovoked hostility not only soured our evening but also left us feeling unwelcome and utterly disheartened. As a patron, I expect to be treated with basic courtesy and respect, especially when visiting an establishment that prides itself on providing a welcoming environment. It is deeply regrettable that the actions of one employee tainted what could have otherwise been a pleasant experience. I sincerely hope that management takes this matter seriously and addresses the behavior of their staff to ensure that future patrons are spared from such unwarranted hostility. Until then, I cannot in good conscience recommend the Blind Lemon to others.

Love this spot. I've sat on the outside before during summer and it was great. I was looking for a quiet nice vibe with GOOD drinks like well made martinis & old fashioned. I knew this place wouldn't disappoint. My boyfriend and I shared a couple drinks and listening to the acoustic set. Service was great and very attentive. Thanks Blind Lemon!

This was just a absolute favorite place of our weekend getaway. Check it out when you're in town.

I absolutely love how you walk down an alley and there is a nice garden seating area with a fire going. Then you go inside and it's so much better. Small setting but that's what makes it great. Has an awesome speakeasy feel to it with natural rock walls. Live music and a pretty good selection of drinks.

I was in town for a conference, and looking for live music. The Blind Lemon appeared on Yelp, and sounded like a nice place. I was not disappointed, as the music was very good, and the drinks were very flavorful. I would go back again for sure. Cute venue, and friendly staff.

I LOVE BLIND LEMON! The outdoor space with fire pit, the eclectic interiors (there are copper mugs hanging from the ceiling), the cozy space and dim lighting, the live music- everything! I went here to beat the chilly blues with some Hot Toddy. That's an Irish inspired warm cocktail with Jameson and apple cider. It is so good! I loved it. The service here is always nice. There's no food- but they do give pretzels to munch on. There's no dedicated parking lot, but there's on street parking options in adjacent streets. One of my favorite speakeasies in Cincinnati!

Blind Lemon is the best bar in Cincinnati. The atmosphere, cleanliness, service and quality of drinks are truly unbeatable. The outdoor area is beautiful and no other place has anything like it. It is clean, relaxed and classy. Blind Lemon has been my go-to for years - I've always had a fantastic time catching up with friends here and listening to the live music. When ordering, I recommend getting the chocolatini or the hot chocolate. I received great service from our waiter, Patrick, tonight! He was friendly and very quick with our drinks/checks. I highly recommend coming anytime, but especially when he's working. The greeter was also awesome (I failed to catch his name). Thank you Blind Lemon for another great evening!

Super unique bar and the best White Russian around. Great old fashioned as well. Great for a low key date night

We loved the blind lemon. Such a cozy atmosphere, especially around Christmas time. The Milky Way (hot amaretto drink) is a must!

An amazing ambience, cooler than cool tunes and artisanal cocktails. What More can anyone want in life? I'm sure they have good food. I hope to find out first hand in a next trip. Thanks! The next door Mt Adams is similarly good but nothing beats this patio.

This place somehow felt centuries old and new and trendy at the same time. I wish I'd gotten a few pictures but I can tell you the atmosphere was absolutely lovely. Our waitress was so helpful walking us through the menu and made great suggestions based on my tastes. They specialize in hot alcoholic beverages I highly recommend trying one! There was also live music playing which they apparently have every night! It is a little $$ so not something I'll to do every week but I'll definitely be back! I'm thinking it would be a great place to take my mom for her birthday.... Also if you're having trouble finding it you have to go down some steps next to another bar, the entrance is at basement level. Sounds weird but it felt cute and romantic!

been visting the Lemon for nearly 50 years (initially once a week, every Sunday nite, a bit more rarely of late but love it still on occasion ; ) ...Walter is the best host I have ever had the pleasure to meet!

This little bar is such a gem! The bar itself is so cozy and beautiful, the decoration and the whole atmosphere is warm, you can actually sit, drink and enjoy the soothing live music. As you arrive they come with menus and pretzels, which it's pretty nice. Their menu has a variety of options (they have a regular menu and winter menu). I had the old Kentucky and it was very strong, but had good flavor, I algo got to try the hot toddy, and since its winter it was indeed a great choice. If you haven't been there yet you are surely missing out!

Awesome nook. Outside fire pit. Maybe the most chill place to grab a drink after work (if around the Downtown area). It's one of those places that I'd miss terribly if I moved from Cincinnati, because I know I'd never find another place like it. Vibes aside the drink menu needs an overhaul (IMHO), but I still love this place.

I wish there's less than one , they are so weird especially the owner , not recommended for any one , not professional they don't know anything about welcoming or greeting customers or respect clients... so badddddd experience

Many years ago, my husband had went to the blind lemon and he play the piano with Jimmy Buffett. I've never been to the restaurant. Maybe someday I'll get to go there anyway my husbands name is Bruce Beckerich.

I love the vibe of the place! However, the owner is very aggressive!! From the start, he was very passive aggressive! We came with a group and we informed them that we are meeting our group and he said "no you're not." which caught us all off guard. The employees apologized for his attitude which tells us that this is normalize. It is so sad that this place comes with an attitude that we did not ask for. This owner needs to learn how to respect his customers. ALSO, he physically put his hands onto two of my friends and push them to the direction of our table. You should NEVER put your hands on another person. Truly disrespectful.

Tucked away in a magical little alley way of the Mt. Adam's district this is a must if you're in Cincinnati! Live music weekly, a stellar staff, amazing vibes. No food but the grill next door is always a great choice and apparently owned by the same people. Really looking forward to seeing the garden in the summer. Fire pits for evening drinks outside as well. 10/10 recommend

I'm sorta a three/four on Blind Lemon. Don't get me wrong; I love the atmosphere. It really can't be beat for historical, charming, intimate spaces. It's great in the summer with the outdoor patio and winter with the cozy fire going and live music in the back corner. However, the drinks are pretty pedestrian and the service has never impressed me. All that being said, it's still on my Tour of Cincy and I almost always take out-of-town guests here to give them a feel for Mt. Adams.

The funniest thing about this place is that it is still just as cool in 2018 as it was when I first came here in my early 20s. That is much longer ago than I'd like to admit. This place is just cool. It is beautiful. It is neat. It transports you away from Cincinnati and the city with just a walk down the uneven staircase to the patio. Everyone who is anyone famous in Cincinnati has been here. It is just... bottom line... cool to come here. It gets busy and it gets crowded, but every single person I've ever brought here has liked it. When I was a young guy looking for cool spots, you couldn't just call up cool places on your phone, you had to KNOW someone who knew all the places to go. This older friend of mine said "If you want to impress the ladies John, take them to the Blind Lemon." He even drew me a little map and told me landmarks to look for. I had to find it. Worse, I had to find a place to park. The best part is all these years later, I took my wife, her sister, and the brother-in-law down those stairs. Her sister whistled low and said "Wow, John, this place is really cool." and I knew the BL still had it!

I haven't been here in like.. 6 years but it will be my favorite bar until I die. It's magic.

It has been decades literally since my last visit. I live on the West Coast and was home visiting family and friends. Met some friends here and this place still has the best atmosphere in the city. I do have to say that the patio needs not so much a make over, but an updating of seating and the plants that provide the ambiance need some care. The chairs didn't were a bit dirty, and before or after a night out that's unacceptable for a place held in high regards. The drinks were great and some snacks from the bar and grill ( another favorite ) were savory. The cozy fire and music were just as I had remembered. Still one of the best atmosphere's around the country to meet friends for drinks and conversation.

Eclectic setting with great drink menu and wonderful range of entertainers/musicians.

I am obsessed with the inside of this place! It is so cozy and intimate! The patio is bigger than I anticipated it being while also still feeling cozy. The drinks can get a little on the pricey side so order with caution. I got a martini and an old fashioned that were okay but I did expect a little better after reading so many reviews before going. Walter (I think that is his name) is definitely a cornerstone of the place and very much an acquired taste. He is a bit sassy and can see how he would rub some people the wrong way but he grew on me the more we talked. No wonder it is considered a Mount Adams gem! Would make a great date night spot! They do not serve food so be mindful of that. I will definitely be back!

Perfect place for date night, night out with friends, or a group! Be prepared to be squished due to limited space but staff is awesome, drinks are creative and delicious, & did I mention that the music is awesome! There was a live acoustic soloist the night we went for some drinks- he was really good and really set the tone! I got the nutty martini which was perfect! Reminded me of a nutty Irishman (after dinner drink). My friend got the hot toddy which she also said was delicious. Our waitress was very informative and helped us pick the best drink. ++Bonus: they also have a fire pit which is awesome in the fall/ spring (cooler seasons). HIGHLY RECOMMEND

This isn't the bar I frequent the most- but it is the one I love the most. Part of that is because I used to spend evenings here getting drunk with my fellow grad students and talking about literature over a shared bottle of wine... part of that is because the long alley you traverse to get to it, and the courtyard, remind me of New Orleans. Overall, I just love this place. If the weather is nice, sit outside. There are high walls with lush overgrowth all around you and it's cozy and intimate while still being outdoors. If it's chilly, there's a fire going. The waitstaff will come out and make sure to keep you supplied with drinks so you don't even need to get up. Very fun. Inside is cozy and decorated in a rather eclectic style. Great for an intimate chat (over that bottle of wine I mentioned). It can feel a bit tight in there, but not in an uncomfortable way. They have some interesting special drinks - love the hot drinks. While the bottles of wine aren't anything too fancy and can be purchased at half the cost at a grocery store, they're still well curated. I've never had a bad experience. Of course, this is in Mt. Adams and that means parking can be rough. Be prepared for a bit of hiking up some hills. Totally worth it, though.

This place was recommended to me for a date night and the vibes were on point. The inside is super interesting and there was good live music playing. The only thing that keeps it from a 4star review was the service. The staff wasn't awesome, but not to the point where I wouldn't go back.

Wow. So cool. Crazy cool. Had me my bday drinking party at that grotto bar I'll never forget it. Ever

SUCH a gem. First opened in the 1960's, the original owners only passed it off once. You can feel the history of this place in the air. My absolute go-to choice when I'm in town, you must make a point to snuggle up in this cozy slice of heaven. I love everything about this place: from the hidden entrance that looks like an alleyway, to the patio that's open even in the winter when it's equipped with a bonfire, to the historical speakeasy feel inside. The live music element adds an even more alluring element to the place. With photos of those who have played in the past on their walls, your visit will leave its own mark on the history and future of this place.