Beer me Cincinnati Style

If you live in Greater Cincinnati, you can’t turn a corner without running into a brewery. With the Queen City’s heavy German heritage, don’t judge. Just join in! Follow our beery shenanigans to these local beer joints. Hold my beer! (JK)

Cappy’s Taproom and Bottle House (Downtown Loveland)

Satin Smooth Project getting it done at Cappy's

There is no place quite like Loveland Cappy’s. Offering up a crazy selection of beers on tap, they also have a wine and liquor selection other liquor establishments should envy. The vibe is chill and laid back, and you’re almost guaranteed to run into someone you know.

Grab a drink from the taproom then mosey on over to their patio, find a seat and take in the sounds of one of the local bands playing that particular night. In the colder months the bands play in the heated, enclosed patio, but during the summer months they belt our their tunes throughout downtown Loveland on their outdoor stage. You can also bring in food from restaurants or grab a bite from the ‘Bagel and Food Truck’ right outside (they close early though).

We would be remiss if we didn’t plug one of our favorite local bands, Satin Smooth Project, who can be found riffing throughout the year at Cappy’s. They play a mix of soul, funk, R&B and some of the smoothest riffs you’ll hear around. If you can find a place to sit when they play, we promise they’re a real treat for your soul. If they aren’t at Cappy’s, find out where they are here.

Hops and Berry’s Taproom (Downtown Loveland)

Also in download Loveland, conveniently located across the street from Cappy’s, you’ll find this fun drinkery. Their focal point is a wall of self-serve beer, seltzer, cider and wine taps. You’ll find yourself drooling like Home Simpson waiting for a tour of Duff Brewery. Don’t mind if I do!

The first thing you do at Hops and Berry’s is get yourself situated with a bracelet from the cashier stand. Then pick a drink, hold the token up to the corresponding sensor and push that tap down. Then take a seat inside, or outside during the warmer months. They have an outside patio lined with AstroTurf and tables where you can hear an occasional duo or trio playing tunes. You can also order food by using the convenient QR Code on the tables. Before you can say ‘beer me’, they have already delivered loaded tater tots, flatbread, chips and dip, or wings--lots of yummy bar staples--right to your table.

Word to the wise, they do control how much you are imbibing so your bracelet may stop working temporarily until you check in with the cashier.

Narrow Path Brewery (Downtown Loveland)

If you haven’t yet caught on, downtown Loveland is the bomb. It has everything you could ever want, including DORA. Ha! Located on the Loveland bike path, Narrow Path is downtown Loveland’s only brewery. They feature a hefty selection of delicious brews. In addition to the pints, their ambiance is second to none. Order your favorite drink inside, then hang outside. During the summer, the picnic tables and Adirondack chairs are full of people enjoying the outdoors and sitting around fire pits. During the colder months, you can hang inside, but why would you when you can sit inside one of their heated igloos? All you have to do is order $40+ of beer to sit in one. Done!

They also are home to the J’s Fish Tacos food truck which, according to Mullet Review, has the best fish tacos this side of the Atlantic.

Fretboard (Blue Ash)

When we do venture outside of Loveland, OH another brewery we occasionally enjoy is Fretboard in Blue Ash, OH. In a large warehouse, this brewery is set up more like a German bier tent during Oktoberfest (yes, please). It’s roomy and tables are large and made for sharing. Not to mention, their beer selection will leave you starry-eyed. We prefer the Fretboard Light but the Reba is a close second. Light, crisp with a hint of sour strawberry, it’s to die for.

We like Fretboard not only for the brews, but mainly for the large stage for bands. We love to listen to music, watch people dance, throw back a few cold ones and dine on their Cincinnati chili rubbed chicken wings. Seriously, don’t knock these or Cincinnati chili. They’ll have you screaming for your next batch.

Sonder Brewing (Mason)

Located in yet another suburb close to Loveland is Sonder in Mason, OH. And boy, this place is huge! They have plenty of picnic-table type seating inside as well as double the space outside. In the warmer seasons, the outside is bustling with families, co-workers hanging at happy hours, hipsters sipping their craft beers, even dogs. It’s where all of Mason comes to unwind.

One thing I really love about this place is that they also make their own Prosecco. And for two people who adore this Northern Italian effervescent wine, this is pretty darn good! They also serve a plethora of bar food, so come for a drink and stay for dinner.

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There you have it, our round-up of our 5 top beer joints. Remember, drink responsibly. Don’t hesitate to Uber or Lyft if you want to indulge and not worry about getting home. Or, line up your designated driver before you leave. Sometimes we pay our son to Uber us when he is home from college. He gets a bump in his wallet and we get a safe ride. Win-win! We want you to have fun, but also be smart. #emptynestervibes.

If you missed our blog about local wine bars, catch up here.