University of Cincinnati
- Nightlife

Bang Nightclub

Bang is a hot spot for 21-and-up students who are looking for a high-energy night out. Bang has five “rooms” where people can sit, dance, or drink the night away. The club has an upscale feel that is reminiscent of big-city clubs but is still quaint and simple. There is plenty of seating, some of which is elevated, so you can watch the crowd around you. There is no true dance floor but DJs spin the latest tunes to get the crowd pumped. Bang has a dress code, so leave the sneakers and hats at home.

The Mad Frog

The Mad Frog is a popular hangout for college students, particularly those who go to UC because it’s just a block from campus. Mad Frog has different theme nights, so there's something for everyone throughout the week. There are two different rooms at Mad Frog, giving you a choice of what music you want to dance to. And, there’s a bar in each room to alleviate the hassle of waiting in line to be served at the bar. It’s a good atmosphere to catch a live show, but get there early. It’s a relatively small place and can fill up fast, especially when the band is popular. Tuesday is a popular night to hit up Mad Frog, but this happenin’ spot is 21 and up only.

Metropolis Nightclub

If you’re 18 or older and looking for a place to dance, Metropolis may be the place for you. With three rooms covering top 40 hits, techno, and country, there’s something for everyone here. The club is generally busiest on Thursday nights, which is college night, because students get in at a discounted rate with their student ID. The club also holds wet T-shirt contests, pajama parties, and special events, but be advised that this club has a dress code and they enforce it. Be prepared for a bit of a drive too—this club is about 25 minutes away.

The Blind Lemon

This romantic bar is a great spot to enjoy a glass of wine with someone special and take in the unique atmosphere and view.

Blue Wisp Jazz Club

You’ll feel like you’re back in the 1920s at this quaint jazz club. Some consider this joint one of Cincinnati’s best-kept secrets, and others will tell you it’s a must-see place during your time in Cincinnati. It’s wise to reserve a table in advance. The Wisp is open seven days a week, and live shows generally start at 9 p.m.

Cadillac Ranch All-American Bar & Grill

It’s not just all things country at this bar and grill. The Ranch’s DJs spin country tunes but also a nice mix of rock and dance music. Get in touch with your inner-cowboy (or cowgirl) on the mechanical bull.

Lodge Bar Cincinnati

This is a nice bar to catch a game or hang out on college night. Lodge Bar is home to fundraisers and contests and also features live bands from time to time.

Longworth’s

A historical building and feel but with a modern twist. The patio and garden are perfect for a warm night.

Martino’s on Vine

Martino's is sports bar meets dance club. Gather with friends downstairs to drink, be merry, and watch sports, or head upstairs to dance the night away to some of the latest dance hits. This spot gets pretty crowded though, so get there early to beat waiting in line.

Mt. Adams Pavilion

This is a smaller bar has four outdoor patios and is known for its incredible view of Downtown. DJs keep the energy alive inside with the latest dance hits, or you can take your drink outside to listen to live music.

Murphy’s Pub

Murphy’s is a nice hangout bar. The pub has three rooms, complete with TVs, dart boards, and pool tables, as well as different genres of music in each room. There’s also a beer garden/patio where smokers can retreat.

Sully's

This bar has a sports bar feel, but there’s a DJ spinning danceable tunes on weekends. It can be hit or miss on how crowded it gets here, but, generally, the crowd is decent, especially on weekends.

Uncle Woody's

Grab a bite to eat by day, but stop in at night for some drinks. With a lounge on one end and a bar on the other, this place is laid back and a good place for a nightcap drink.

Esquire

Esquire is a popular movie theater in Clifton that shows mainstream films, as well as obscure, foreign films. It is a quaint theater perfect for taking a date, plus it is moderately priced.

Bogart’s

If you’re looking for a good live show, this is the place to be. A lot of big-name acts come through here, and it’s only a few blocks from campus. Tickets range in price depending on the show, and most shows are all ages or 18 and up.

Mad Hatter

This is another small concert venue in the area. It is more for rock, metal, and alternative bands. Mad Hatter is open to all ages, unless designated otherwise, and is a popular place to see a local or national band. Tickets for shows here tend to be cheaper than other concert venues, particularly because the bands tend to be local acts or underground artists.

Newport on the Levee

Although the Levee is a great place for 21-and-up students to bar hop, there is still plenty to do for underage students. The Levee is home to shops, restaurants, and a movie theater that caters to the under-21 crowd. Gameworks is also a popular spot for those who want to grab a bite to eat and play some video games. If you’re under 21, you can stay and play all the games you want until 10 p.m. After that, it’s reserved for the older crowd. Or, once you get worn out from venturing around the Levee, stop and take a look at the Cincinnati skyline from the Kentucky side of the river.

Sitwells Coffee House

Right next to Esquire Theater, this little coffee shop is a nice, quiet place to meet a friend or study. It has a variety of coffee drinks, and patrons range from students to local residents. Occasionally, the coffee shop holds events, as well.