The Lackman

The Lackman is hands down one of my favorite bars in the city, and a huge part of that is thanks to Cindy. She’s the kind of bartender who instantly makes you feel welcome, always remembers your drink, and somehow keeps everything running smoothly even when the place is packed. Super friendly, fun to talk to, and just all-around great at what she does. The vibe at The Lackman is always on point, cool without trying too hard, with a solid drink selection and some really creative cocktails. But honestly, even if the drinks weren’t as good as they are, I’d still keep coming back just to sit at the bar when Cindy’s working. She really makes the place special.

I’ve been passing by The Lackman for so long now and finally gave it a shot. They did NOT disappoint! I was interested in their seasonal drinks and after asking the bartender some questions I started with an espresso martini. It was smooth and what I would consider PERFECT, then I switched to their harvest spritz which was light and delicious especially if you love apple cider like me. The space was unbelievably clean and the perfect setting for meeting friends or a date. I will for sure be back and recommend you give it a shot when looking for your next cocktail bar!

Nestled on the vibrant corner of Vine and 13th in Cincinnati, OH, Lackman Bar and Grill stands as a beloved sanctuary for locals, a place where camaraderie flourishes and time seems to pause, inviting one to savor the present moment. As you step inside, the warmth of friendly smiles from the bartenders instantly envelops you, their geniality setting the tone for an unforgettable experience. The ambiance is a delightful blend of rustic charm and contemporary comfort, where the echoes of laughter and clinking glasses create a symphony that lulls you into a state of contentment. Amidst the offerings of this cherished locale, one dish emerges as a true culinary masterpiece—the patty melt. This succulent creation is a testament to the culinary prowess that Lackman Bar and Grill proudly showcases. Each bite of the patty melt reveals a scrumptious harmony of flavors, the juicy patty nestling between perfectly toasted slices of bread, adorned with a melty embrace of cheese and caramelized onions. It is a culinary delight that beckons patrons back time and time again. Lackman Bar and Grill is more than just a place to dine; it is a haven where friendships are forged, stories are shared, and memories are made. The locals’ affection for this establishment is palpable, their presence adding to the vibrant tapestry of life that unfolds here daily. In essence, Lackman Bar and Grill is a testament to the soul of Cincinnati, a place where the essence of community thrives, and where each visit feels like coming home.

We had Hefeweizen Sonder beer. It was pretty lite and good. They weren’t serving any food, it was just alcohol. The place was pretty small, we had to sit outside.

Attempted to go here on a Monday night. I’m from New Jersey and I have not updated to get a “real ID” with the star on it since that law is not beginning until May 2025. The lady working apologized and was nice but said “they’re strict” and she can’t accept my ID since it says “not for real ID” on it. No hate to the bartender, but to owners this is ridiculous. It says not for real ID because I don’t have the star, not because it’s fake? As I mentioned that law isn’t even beginning until May. I am well over 21, a well paying customer, and it was a Monday night.

Cute little spot! Reasonable prices and in a location that's near a lot of places. Very chill and laid back.

Good spot. More of a neighborhood dicey bar vibe. Worth stopping in on a cincy bar crawl

Stopped in randomly for an early afternoon drink and Garet was amazing! We really enjoyed the conversation and the information about the city! Can’t wait to come back and visit again soon.

We were asking around for a good bar to check out and then one came up multiple times! We had to pop by to give it a go. They had a great selection of liquors and a fantastic seasonal cocktail menu. They even offered bourbon tastings as an event! What a great idea for a bar. Very quaint spot! Loved the cozy open booths!

This girl below in the picture was serving 16 year old girls at the bar who she hugged. They were absolutely not of age. I almost called the police. Instead I just left. I use to come here many years ago and this place has gone wayyyy down hill. I couldn't believe my eyes.

One of my favorite neighborhood bars in OTR. It's not pretentious but still has great quality. Solid heavy pours with reasonable prices. I love pretty much everything about The Lackman, it's the perfect size of a bar, the design is great. I do wish they brought back the pretzels. Service is top knotch, great bartenders especially Terry.

Wonderful cozy dive bar! Friendly staff and patrons. No food but they have a great happy hour that goes until 8pm.

Good little spot in OTR for an after show drink. We went and seen the high kings at Memo and the came here to grab a Guinness. Lovely dark atmosphere and service was knowledgeable with their drinks.

My hubby and I stopped by this bar after a day of exploring Cincinnati and it's a very comfy neighborhood bar. They were serving hot drinks on a chilly day. It's a great place to relax and unwind

I was a little apprehensive about this place. It seemed so "basic", and it was-in a good way! It was kinda like your neighborhood bar in the midst of all the hoopla. No matter if you're dressed up or down, no pretentiousness at all. We had a large group. Sam took really good care of us and everyone was happy. I'll definitely stop back in.

Casual location on Vine. Great to sit and watch a game and get caught up with friends and do a few pints.

Just wanted quick, quality cocktails and got exactly that. Ordered a margarita and it was perfect. Not any of that nasty, gross, too sweet, Costco sour mix. It was fresh and made from scratch. Yes, margaritas are simple, but you'd be surprised how many places mess it up. Lackman nailed it. Will be back!

Taylor RB was so sweet and quick with service, she was amazing :) drinks were so yummy and worth the money

This place is absolutely horrible. Bartenders are super disrespectful and wouldn't serve me by saying my Id was "fake" when I have been over the age of 21 for ever a year. Other customers also agreed my Id was real, however the self-proclaimed law officer would rather her ego not get hurt, than admit she was wrong. Would seriously not recommend unless you want horrible people for company. Overpriced and not worth it.

Love this place! It's small but big in fun! The bartenders really care about their craft and will make you an amazing cocktail!! Top not service coupled with amazing drinks in an electric city!!

Lackman is a lounge, so no food was involved. the ambiance was dark yet inviting especially after an evening stomping around the city. i felt welcomed immediately by the bartenders and surrounding patrons. i enjoyed some local craft beers and several upscale tequila shots. it was a nice place to relax and unwind after dinner. i would recommend this place to anyone wanting to sit and chat with friends while enjoying libations. This place does not lack man!

Great atmosphere, awesome location. The service was top-notch, Taylor (bartender) kept a smile on her face and kept our glasses full. What a way to bring in the New Year.

My first review was done on google, but since I rated it a 1, the owner must have deleted the review. I have visited this bar several times and never have received the treatment my group received last night. We were super excited to come to this bar and unfortunately the two bartenders weren't excited to see us. Kasey (KC), not sure if I am spelling his name right, and the other bartender were incredibly rude. They did not listen to my full order and ended up giving me something that could of been corrected when taking my order. They wanted to up-charge my friend for the same drink, but substituting the alcohol. After receiving my god awful drink, the bartenders were whispering about my party in front of us. Some of my party left while others stayed, and the bartenders were openly talking about us to other customers. It made for an extremely uncomfortable environment. This bar is completely unprofessional and I will not be back to visit.

My friends and I were excited to grab a quick drink during a nice OTR night. I like the interior and location of this bar. Unfortunately the two male bartenders we encountered were rude. I've visited this bar several times and was taken back by the way my group was treated. Upon walking in, they acted as if they didn't want to serve us, mind you the bar was not busy. They treated us like we didn't deserve to be there. Just a few feet away, I could literally hear them talking negatively about members in my group. We kept our cool, paid and left. No need to feel uncomfortable when there are plenty of good bars with friendly staff in OTR. Won't ever be back again.

Went here for the second time and it's a really nice kind of cozy place, the actual bar is well set up, the atmosphere and environment is great and very neat. Despite that, the when it comes to the drinks they are not so great, flavorless, and every zip feels as if you were taking a simple shot of alcohol. The drinks are way too overpriced for their quality. On the bright side the service is not too terrible but the bartender is unsure of what she's doing which really blows. I will probably go back but maybe for a regular beer that does not need any kind of skills.

Have been to Lackman's a couple of times, both very good experiences. Love the small, corner bar feel. Great selection of bourbon, even finding a new fave, Little Book. Holly was the best!

Unique taps, tons of bourbon and whiskeys, fun atmosphere! Our group outing had a great time at Lackman Bar for a holiday visit. Service was stellar with quick refills on all drinks, and the menu has tons of unique concoctions. Check it out in OTR - it's near everything!

What a great local bar. It is situated on the corner and it is the most beautiful old building. What a great feel when you walk in, you are enveloped by the old feel, the dim lighting and the warmth of the red leather seating and dark wood. I just loved the feel the moment we stepped in the bar. It made me want to hang out there all the time. When we arrived around 5pm on a random Wednesday there were just a few patrons interspersed throughout the bar. I loved this. I was informed that usually it is busier, especially later in the evening. We checked out the draft and beer bottle menu, we were impressed with their selection and the wide variety of it. I ordered up an Avalanche Amber Ale, a red ale made by Breckenridge Brewery. I then settled in at the bar, sipped my beer, chatted and laughed with my friends in a normal speaking voice (because we could all hear each other without the need to yell) and just enjoyed the laid back, old century ambiance. I just absolutely loved my time here. Try it out for yourself.

Want to kick back, sit by the bar, enjoy a conversation with some friends, bartenders or random new people?? Well come on in. I loved how FRIENDLY the staff was, there are tables to sit and obviously the bar itself. I unfortunately did not get to try their cocktails because I was enjoying a drink that my friend made up but i absolutely enjoyed the vibe here which would make me come back again. It is in a great location in the are OTR which is exponentially expanding and growing in such a positive direction. Thanks for reading, go find that Perfect Taste! ;)

Love coming here!! We can bring our dogs and hangout! Bartenders are super friendly! Love the atmosphere and alcohol selection!!

I love the bartenders here. Terry, Casey, Jacob and Garret are all great! They work hard, keep all of my friends happy and helped with unwanted guests being bothersome. They are the reason this is my new favorite spot to come to in OTR since I moved here.

Great place to stop For a beer. It was freezing and the place was warm and cozy. It wasn't too busy so we quickly got seats. Love that they have a wind break so it doesn't seem drafty when people enter. Just a great little stop

What makes this bar stand out is the space. The way the bar is put together is really comfortable, managing to be posh and masculine and welcoming all at the same time. The staff has always been friendly and inviting, there are nice corners to tuck yourself into. I've never been here during crowded hours so I don't know how loud it gets in the space, but it's another of the long and narrow variety so it probably gets crowded easily. The drink selection is good, the prices are about what you'd expect. Just a nice space.

I visited Lackman with some of my family on a Sunday afternoon. There were a decent amount of people at the bar considering it was a Sunday afternoon, and there was a good vibe. I drank beer while I was there, and I enjoyed the variety of choice. I was really excited about their pretzel rods that were available for snacking. Those were quite delicious! I think Lackman is a good place to go if you have a large group of people, because there's typically room for everyone.

Don't come here Bartenders were beyond rude and unwelcoming. The staff made it very clear from the moment of walking into the door they did not want to serve us. The bartenders stared at us and spoke amongst themselves as to who was going to serve us in an condescending way. When we asked any questions about cocktails and made simple requests the bartender seemed disgusted, and irritated with having to do the simplest of things. Part of our group left immediately after the blatant miss treatment from one of the bartenders, and shortly after their departure, the bartenders took to talking disrespectfully about my friends to each other, and to the other customers right in front of us will never come back here. Beware very unfriendly and uncomfortable environment.

Specialty cocktails. About 10 bucks. Nice place to come for a drink while waiting for a table at one of the otr restaurants

Really cool "old timey feel" bar in the heart of OTR. There's plenty of seating even on a busy Saturday night whether at the bar or a table. For the warmer months there is a cute little outside patio. They had a decent amount of craft beers on draft or can/bottle. Also a cool cocktail selection. After having some beers, I sampled a friends cocktail of Mezcal and hot sauce and had to have one! The bartenders were very helpful. There are also some small TVs to enjoy the game on!

The Lackman can't find a way to disappoint me. I haven't had a single bad experience at this establishment. The wait staff are very knowledgable and usually pretty friendly. Sure, it's a little frustrating if they're super packed, but that's not really something to ding the bar for. Yes, have a semi small space, but that's just the way OTR is. All restaurants and bars have to deal with the space issue. What's cool is that they open up the front walls/windows when it's not too cold outside. There's a decent amount of seating between the bar, high top tables, and half-booths. It is pretty cozy and dimly lit when it's not totally bright outside. Their cocktail, wine and beer menu is consistently awesome. I've tried a few of their crafted drinks and have enjoyed them all. My favorite so far is the Blanche. It's almost like a better version of summer shandy, not too sweet and doesn't taste like lemon cleaning supplies. It was really refreshing. My boyfriend ordered a Negroni the last time we went, and it's the first time I've liked one. Bonus: they gave a cool old school jukebox in the back corner. Fun little touch.

Lackman is a well known staple on Vine St = Cincy's Strip. Very cool place to grab a drink, breathe some fresh air on a tiny cute patio, chat with friends. But I was somehow unaware of their insanely good happy hour! 5 bucks for big pours of wine on a Friday night! Wine me, Lackman! I'll be back!

I came to the Lackman Bar and Tiffany made me an awesome Manhattan. The vibe of this place is really chill. I love all the wood and warmth. Great place!

I was introduced to this space a couple months ago by a friend who wanted to meet here after office hours. Great spot for a quick after work drink and conversation. The bar has a great selection, and I appreciate the bartender for sharing his wealth of knowledge on the different types of whiskey they have and what makes each unique.

Good service, nice music, laid back atmosphere... clean bathrooms! We found it a nice place to grab a drink before dinner.

Honestly, when walking in I didn't initially see anything jaw-dropping or extraordinary about Lackman. I had heard wonderful things from friends, but my initial reaction was honestly, "Wait... is this really the place that everyone raves about?" It's pretty small inside, with that hole-in-the-wall gem feel to it, akin to the kind of upscale hideout you'd find in Chicago or New York. But, once you find a seat (if you can... as it's pretty limited...) and get a drink, you see what is so special. The bartenders are attentive and know their stuff. They will answer any questions about the beers on draft as well as their drinks. Oh, the beer... the number of beers on tap are great! You have quite a selection, and even more if you want a bottle. They have many drink specials, too, so I doubt anyone will struggle to find something to satisfy their tastes. A little secret -- get the pint glass of pretzels. They are absolutely delicious. They're spicy, so be forewarned! However, you won't regret giving them a try! Overall, I'm definitely coming back to Lackman, but I'll be sure to do so early before the small space fills up!

I almost always start an OTR evening with a drink at Lackman. Good chill vibe, knowledgeable, helpful and friendly bartenders as well.

We rolled into OTR Friday evening and lucked into meeting the best bartender in the city, and I'll be damned if we got her name...Lackman's do yourself a huge favor and hold onto her!! She crafted the best Old Fashioned I've had in quite a while. My hat's off...great ambiance to bring a date or a group of friends for cocktails and a few laughs

Awesome place to be! Ask for Kelsey if there, she's great! Great cocktails and atmosphere, definite must go.

My favorite bar in Cincinnati for a few reasons. 1) Happy hours prices are incredible. 2) The staff (Keller) is consistently fun, friendly and welcoming. 3) The building itself is historic and has a great feel. 4) It's just down the street from the new Music Hall, the restaurants of Over-the-Rhine and not too far from Main Street. 5) The ambiance is that of young professionals and fun sophisticated people looking to unwind. Not uptight but not a trashy bar - a very happy medium. This is the absolutely go-to staple for something to do while waiting for a table at Senate, Bakersfield, Lavomatic, Abigail Street, A Tavola...

Perfectly located next to Bakersfield - it's an ideal spot to hangout while u wait or even to just chill and people watch. The place is small and has that closed ambience that makes you feel closer to your fellow guests. The staff was kind enough to chat with and even went out to their way to make a birthday drink for my wife - have to tell you - it was dangerously tasty - referred to the drink as "Happy Birthday to You" haha but it was incredible in taste - felt there was some grapefruit and citrus flavors mixed in. I specifically ordered the Franz - German Heffeweizen - really tasty - can't go wrong with the German twist! Overall a good bar to hang out in with the right ambience!

During my most recent trip to Cincinnati, my friends and I came here while we waited for our table at The Eagle ( I was told this bar is the waiting grounds for that restaurant). This is the second time I have been here and I have to say that I was slightly disappointed. The canned/bottle beer list was not up to date and when I went to order a Mad Tree beer I was automatically cut off with "we are out" even though I hadn't stated which type I wanted while I stared at 3 different cans in front of me. My friends and I sat at the bar and when we didn't have drinks it was as if the bartenders didn't care at all. They actually seemed rather annoyed that we kept ordering...hmm...I mean one would think you would want the business and the higher tip.

LOVE the atomosphere and selections of beer! Love that it is located in OTR. If ever in the area to grab a beer and socialize with friends, swing by this place!

Have you been to Righteous Room? This is pretty much the same bar, with the same owners, and basically the same set up in a slightly different location. If you haven't already, you should read my review of the Righteous Room, I think I'll just copy/paste the rest of the info for this review and totally mail it in. Seriously though, they make some pretty solid dirty martinis and have an unusual assortment on tap including Kentucky Bourbon Barrel, which people who are not me tend to dig. At times the shotgun setup can get a little cramped and there's no place to sit. The communal sink outside the restrooms is the best place in the city to meet someone and also forces everyone to wash their hands (huge plus).

My favorite bar in OTR. Great selection of beers period - the reason why you go here! Taps change daily, you can check out their selection on their website http://www.lackmanbar.com/drink.html or on Twitter @thelackman Just get here or stay away if you wish so I can enjoy more of the best beer in town.

Favorite neighborhood bar. Great for any occasion! Cocktails are real good and change often. The service is good even when busy!

Overall rating: OTR is chalked full of great places to eat and grab a drink, so I recommend trying a different place. Place used to be good when it opened, but now I wouldn't recommend it. Menu Variety: I've ordered drinks here, but the variety of options is very beer-centric, so if you're not a fan of beer, then you're likely out of luck. There is a drink menu, however, it hasn't changed in centuries, and the options are nothing to write home about. Prices/Value: I think outside the tiny happy hour, the drinks here are highly overpriced. Ambiance/Service: The service used to be decent here, but recently all I've noticed is impatient bartenders and immense crowds. On a day with no crowds, there is no reason the bartenders to provide poor service.

Came here for a quick drink on a Saturday night while waiting on a table at another restaurant. There were four of us and we were able to get a couple seats quickly at the bar. Drink prices are very reasonable and Tito's is their well vodka. Bartenders were somewhat attentive, but could have been better. Not a bad place to grab a drink or cocktail, very small if you have a larger party though.

If I could give this bar zero stars I would. The bartender we had was an absolute prick with no personality. I wish I knew his name, or I'd call him out by name (he had sandy blonde hair). No words were exchanged from the start of the visit to when we closed the bill. I could excuse this behavior if the bar were packed, but there were only 3 people in the place. This is Cincinnati, not New York City, so his pretentious attitude doesn't play out very well here. There are far better bars in the area which we will happily attend. Go to Sundry and Vice, it has a better atmosphere and their cocktails are superb.

My friends and I went out for one of our friend's birthdays and while we were waiting on our table at another restaurant, we stopped in here. What an awesome place! The bar was great, drinks were awesome, bartender was soooo nice and it was just, chill. We liked it, a lot. I would love to go back just for an afternoon meal. We got the egg rolls which were very very yummy! Stop in if you're looking for a cool, original place!