Kayla B.
Yelp
I came out in December for their Miracle pop-up in 2025.
As someone who has gone to a ton of holiday cocktail bars and pop-ups over the last 10 years, Overlook Lodge's is probably the best I've ever been to.
Be aware it will be FAST. Look at the order ahead of time if you're a picky eater/drinker. They run your appointment like clockwork, and you'll be in-and-out, gulping down cocktails, through the entire experience. Your two drinks are included (this year, anyway), and I'd honestly be surprised if you managed to have time for a third. Time zips by fast.
That being said, because they do it this way, you essentially have constant service, there's "events" that happen at the end of your reservation time, (I don't want to spoil it, but cover your drink!), and then they kick you out. Service was friendly, though, and I saw the server make time to take group photos for all of the tables (including ours) with someone at the table's camera. (No bullshit "group photo" upsells here)
It's kinda loud, though, and I wouldn't recommend this as a chill meet-up-and-socialize spot. (If you wanna talk, they have an addendum, Christmas-themed laid-back bar next door.) It's more of a "get blasted in the face by Christmas for an hour and then leave" experience. It's pretty loud, and talking can be a bit difficult over the music and constant interruptions (more drinks? Photos? Cute Christmas video montage?)
But this works in its favor as it feels the most Christmas, over-the-top, and seasonal out of all the holiday bars I've ever been to. It also keeps it from feeling too crowded as reservations are required, so you for-sure have a seat and you don't have to stand forever in line to wait for drinks. I'd probably guesstimate that bar staff is making all of their seasonal drinks, constantly, and servers just pick one up to deliver. With the capacity in here, it would make sense.
No idea what the bar is like the rest of the year; this is just a review for the Miracle pop-up which, again, is probably the best I've been to in the Midwest. Cincinnati, you're spoiled down here.
(Sidenote, I was absolutely taken aback by their TV presentation on the wall. It's hard to describe, but it isn't just a projector showing a giant rectangle. It's specifically slotted into the holes in-between holiday decorations. Staff told me that had to hire special technicians to get it to show up that way and that's seriously a level of detail I am so amazed by.)