Before I write this review, I would like to say that it's not towards Bobby Mackey in general. I've known Bobby for a long time and he's a respectable man. I came to this establishment for years and always felt welcomed by the staff, Bobby and his late wife. I just returned home for good after 7 years in the military. I brought friends to Bobby Mackey's for birthday, New Year's and just to have a good time in general because it was always a good time...until about a month ago. I went to Bobby's place to meet some friends to see Dallas Moore Band and had stopped in to tell Bobby hello to be greeted by his wife with dirty looks and glares. I went on with my night having a good times with friends and Gary Mackey. Upon leaving and almost to the door, Denise Mackey breezed by my friend rudely and grabbed my arm telling me I was no longer welcome in that establishment. When I asked her what her reasoning was, she could not give me an answer. I then tried to go over to Gary and Bobby Mackey, which are friends of mine, and try to figure out what in the world was going on. She then told the bouncers there to physically remove me when I was already walking out the door. Within that same night, she was in the bathroom calling girls in their 20's bi##hes and telling them not to talk to her husband while my friends were in there using the restroom. She has also treated female performer's this way as well from what I understand. I was told by the Mackey's that I was still welcomed there so my husband and I went to Bobby's after a concert downtown. I was met at the door by bouncers and the woman at the front (which has always been nice) told me I was barred and taken off of Gary Mackey's list. She then apologized to me. I then asked to talk to the Mackey's because I was told I could come there and my husband and I just drove all the way there. I was also invited by Blair Carmen which was playing that night. Great performer BTW! I was then met by 5 Wilder police telling me that I would be arrested if I didn't leave! Great night that turned out to be! My husband had to leave his drinks he just bought and the admission money he just paid because he too was kicked out for being my husband. Seems a bit waste of tax payers money and the time of Wilder police because of jealousy issues of his wife! We're a military family and are respectabe people. I've never in my life been so embarrassed and mistreated by a business. She thinks everyone is out to get her husband that speaks to him. It's a shame that the respect of this establishment is eventually going to be ruined by the jealousy of his wife. She has done this too many and word will soon get around. I know that our friends will no longer go there. What a shame! read more

This place is a blast - plain + simple. While there are plenty of places to go out for the night around Cincinnati, few are as entertaining as Bobby Mackey's. Three reasons it's one of my favorites... 1) Music - If you want authentic country music around Cincinnati, this is your place. Bobby Mackey is the real deal - he plays several sets of classic country music (including some of his original songs) with the Big Mac Band every Friday and Saturday night. There's almost always a musical guest joining the line-up, too. Want to line dance? Sing karaoke? A DJ spins songs while the bands are on break. If you're looking for non-stop music, you'll find it here. 2) Ambiance - I'm not talking quiet, candle-lit dinner ambiance. I'm talking gritty roadhouse juke joint. Because if I'm going somewhere to listen to some authentic country music, it'd better look and feel authentic, too. There's a proper stage, dance floor, mechanical bull... heck, you can even take a tour of the haunted basement. Seriously, though, the building's got a lot of history - the property was originally a slaughterhouse and the building was previously a supper club / casino during Newport, KY's heyday - so that all adds to the vibe. 3) People - Everybody I've met at Bobby Mackey's - from the bartenders to Bobby himself - has been friendly and genuine. Patrons are there to have a good time. What strikes me every time... you can have a couple hundred 20-somethings out on the floor line dancing to the DJ, then Bobby takes the stage, and everybody sticks around to respectfully listen. I don't know why I find this so refreshing, but it's just nice to see everybody giving Bobby and his band the respect they deserve. Any downsides? It's pretty smoky, but that just adds to the ambiance above. And don't expect fancy beers (I was told I couldn't get a Sam Adams because there were no imports aside from Corona - ha!) but the beer they do have is cheap and cold. All in all, Bobby Mackey's is a great time - completely worth checking out whether you're native to the Cincinnati area or just passing through on the weekend. read more

I've been a visitor of Bobby Mackey's for quite some time now, and I always have a great time. They have a little bit of everything you would expect an honest-to-God honkytonk to have. Live country music, line dancing, pool tables, a mechanical bull, and a real down-home atmosphere. What might truly catch you by surprise if you've never been to, or heard of, Bobby Mackey's, is the sign just inside the entrance informing you that the building is purported to be haunted. If you can allow yourself to get past that, you're going to have yourself a wonderful experience. I know the stories of the building's history quite well, but I cannot do them justice. As such, I wholeheartedly encourage taking the tour during your visit. The building has a history dating back to the 1800s that is really quite remarkable. I should also point out, you can buy snacks like chips, pretzels, and popcorn, but they don't serve cooked or prepared meals, leading to my next recommendation: if you find yourself unable to grab dinner before you arrive, they do permit you to order food in by delivery (they have menus for such upon request) or to bring your own with you. Understand, this is a real bar. Real bars serve beer, shots, and more beer. One of the things Bobby prides himself on most, and justifiably so, is the ability to ply his trade in performing traditional country music with his Big Mac Band, and to have a place for other musical acts and guests to appear. Take it from me, there's nothing like live country music. It just brings out the "happy" in you. All said, Bobby Mackey's is one of my favorite places in the area and I encourage anyone to visit at least once, especially if my review was not enough to convince you. read more

My wife and I were traveling to Cincinnati, and I saw a sign that said Wilder , Ky. and I asked her I wonder if this is like the Wilder , Ky. You know Bobby Mackey's , and well it was , we got rained out at the Kentucky speedway , so we had no Idea we were even close to Bobby Mackey's . We arrived there about 8:30 and by nine we were introduced to Bobby , and his Wife they were so welcoming and very friendly just regular everyday folk , as for the Bar , well I don;t drink alcohol but it was on my wife and I bucket list to one day go there . We talked to Mr. Mackey 10 , 15 mins and went in and talked to a paranormal investigator , who was very informative . I even Got to ask mr. Mackey about his take on the whole thing about Haunts he took the same stand as in every other interview , Ive ever heard him in . He is a musician first and foremost , and when he started his set It was apparent . My wife and I asked him if he would play Johanna , so he dedicated us a song for the Leitchfield,Ky. Couple it was an incredibly exciting and wonderful heartfelt experience Mr. Mackey thank you for you humility and your southern hospitality . Their music is polished and crisp he is a perfectionist , and Ive been going to all bands since 1978. So its well worth going to to see his show let alone meeting a very humble man .The Bar seemed to Cater to all ages and from what I could see everyone was having a good clean fun blast. If you miss going there , you've missed something . Mr. Mackey thanks for having the Leitchfield couple you made us feel welcome and special , You sir are a wonderful man .oh The Ghost tour was really good too. you know I couldn,t leave that out Mr. Mackey , LOL Darren and Kim Coleman read more

I had been planning a trip here for years andfor many reasons! The nostalgic history of this location,played an important part in prohibition the gangsters, bootleggers, gambling and showgirls. We paid for the tour in which they walked us through and told us the history. Mark out tour guide was fantastic and was very knowledgeable and made my expience very pleasant. He even allowed me to hold onto him so I wouldnt fall as I was wearing heels. I was greated with open arms by the door girl ( jennifer) she was very friendly! I sat at the bar and actually bobby mackeys wife Denise who was absolutely friendly and an over all great person. She treated us like family ,like I had known her for years. She is a good hearted and kind spirit! The bartender Chelsea was very courtious prompt and attentive and so sweet! The gift shop where I purchased our shirts was also a place that contained display cases on pictures and items that dated back over the years and shared more informative facts about the establishment! I had a few cockatails one of which is called the Marilyn, it was very good and recommend that u try it when you get there! After our tour I met Mr. Mackey who was also super friendly and kept us entertained while he played on stage..overall it was a blast best time Ive had. I even took pics of the riding bull, which I may have tried riding had it not been for my dress and hells. The locals aslo treated us respectfully and that too made it another high point of my night! I wish to thank all of them for showing us a great time that I will cherish always and I promise to be back! read more

THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE OVERNIGHT PARANORMAL INVESTIGATION ONLY My team and I rented Bobby Mackey's out for a paranormal investigation on November 9th. We had previously investigated Bobby Mackey's twice before when Wanda Kay was running the overnight investigations. I can say unequivocally this was hands down the best investigation we have had at Bobby Mackey's. I say this not because of any activity that we experienced but more for the way we were allowed to investigate. Previously under Wanda Kay the order you were allowed to investigate (1st floor then basement), what you could say or do and basically how your investigation was conducted was dictated by Wanda. Even though you paid $600 to do the investigation you couldn't investigate how you wanted to. Well now you have free reign of the building (except the stage and behind the bar of course) and we were allowed to investigate when, where and how we pleased. The new investigative group which helps with the investigations (Gatekeeper Paranormal) was awesome. We had one person who was present to simply watch over the building and help us when needed. She stayed in her car the whole night and only entered the building when we needed her help. I truly could not have asked for a better investigative environment and would highly recommend the experience to any groups who seriously want to investigate what is going on at Bobby Mackey's. Thank you for a great experience! read more

Top Country Entertainment is what you'll find at Bobby Mackeys, in Wilder, Kentucky. Bobby, himself, is a "living legend" country entertainer, and celebrity, featuring always good "real" Country and Bluegrass in his nightclub over the decades!. Line dancing, cold drinks, and FUN are always on the agenda! Some friends and I spent New Year's Eve there in 2013-14 and couldn't have had a better time! As a "haunted" nightclub, it holds its "spooky" ties to yesterday, and a lot of folks, are into the paranormal these days, so it offers not just a musical outlet, but other types of fun as well. Bobby features from time to time quite a bit of Bluegrass and it was here I met the legendary, Ralph Stanley of the Stanley Brothers as well as Rhonda Vincent and many more. It's a must stop on the way through Cincnnati and northern Kentucky!! An all around "Nice guy" as host, Bobby is there with his Big Mac band every weekend, to feature true "Country" music and to ensure a great time! Yes, you can get your stomp on, as much as you want on the weekends. Karaoke with Dj Wanda Kay, between Bobby's or his musical guest sets, keeps the guest singing and dancing and having fun! So, singers dust the cobwebs off the vocal cords! Dancers, line up! I always have a great time at Bobby Mackey's and you will, too ! Thanks for years of good times and fun memories, Bobby Mackey!! read more

Whether you're visiting for a ghost encounter, good music or just a fun time head to Bobby Mackey's Music World! A friend and I came from Ohio to see Bobby Mackey's; we were a little hesitant at first, not knowing anyone but honestly, everyone there is so down to earth and friendly! The staff is phenomenal, from the front desk, to the bouncers, tour guides and of course Bobby Mackey himself. He came out early to greet everyone, sang several classics and just brought such a great vibe to the place. I couldn't help but sing along with every song. Bobby has such a unique country sound, you can't help but love. If you're thinking of visiting Bobby Mackey's for the history/ghost encounters you won't be disappointed! I wanted to learn as much as I could about the place before arriving, so I watched all the videos, shows, etc that I could find and was STILL shocked to find out so many more interesting facts about this place during the tour. I also managed to capture a few orbs.. a green one in particular around Bobby Mackey himself! All in all I would give this place 5 out of 5 stars, for the great service, cool history, amazing people and just plain fun. I will definitely be coming back, thanks again guys! :) read more

OMG where do I start.....Bobby & Denise Mackey rock~!!! My daughter decided to have her wedding reception at Bobby Mackey's. From the 1st phone call to Bobby till the minute we left after the reception we were treated like VIP's!!! Bobby Mackey, Denise Mackey, Chelsea our waitress, RJ the promo guy, the security staff, the ladies at the front door, the bartenders and the mechanical bull operator were all 10's on my rating list!!! I can't thank them enough for making my daughter's wedding reception the "best night of her life"......Bobby and her friend Stefanie sang together to Mindi & Joe's 1st dance song while the band played, they did the garter toss, the bouquet toss, we were able to bring in food and a cake and set up just like for a reception in their party room. The music was fantastic, the atmosphere was exactly what we wanted, it was the most fun we've had at a wedding reception!!! It truly beat any reception that I have been to that cost way too much money. I can't thank Bobby Mackey's enough for going above and beyond to make Mindi & Joe's wedding reception a night to remember!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! read more

We LOVE Bobby Mackey's!! We are the traditional country music duo, "2Country4Nashville", and we have been to Bobby Mackey's as both performers and patrons. The staff were super friendly to us, and the place is not near as smoky as people have said. (We can't stand cigarette smoke, and we really didn't have much trouble with it at ALL!) :) We LOVE traditional country music, and we appreciate that Bobby Mackey makes it a point to make sure that he is keeping traditional country music alive and well in Wilder, KY! The place is nothing fancy at all...but it's downhome, traditional, friendly, and authentic!! We loved watching people try out bull riding! The mechanical bull is very amusing and entertaining!!! (NO, we did NOT try it!) ;) We also did NOT choose to take the tour of the haunted basement....we were ONLY there for the music! But others did. It's not a fancy, high-class place....but we're not either! We just appreciate REAL country music, and appreciate that Bobby has the desire to keep it alive at his club!! FRIENDLY people, GREAT music, and a historic venue!!! It's a MUST!! read more

Where do I start? I visited Bobby macky's music world over the weekend, and no nightclub I have ever been too compares. I came to mackeys first on Saturday night, and the joint was packed. Though the bar was busy I had no trouble finding a seat, and the bartenders were always right there when I needed a beer! The music was spectacular with the bars name sake up on stage playing his heart out. After a full night of drinks , music , and great company I retired to my hotel only to return the next day for a special VIP ghost tour. I was not disappointed! Never have I been a part of something like that. With the rich and dark history preserved in the lyrics of Mr Mackey's songs, and in the various decorations on the walls, I will never forget this place. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Mackey on Sundays event, and was thoroughly impressed with his down to earth attitude. His skill and passion for country music is unmatched. I recommend visiting to anyone passing within 100 miles of wilder to make the stop over to the most haunted nightclub in America! I will be visiting again! read more

Its hard to put into words how this place affected me personally, I felt like an archeologist who had found The Arc of the Covenant. The sign on the door warns that the place is haunted and to enter at your own risk. Although i didnt have the pleasure of seeing a ghostly apparition or being touched by an unseen force i definitly felt the spirit of country music. This is a living breathing HonkyTonk,a glimpse of the past when singers like Waylon Jennings and David Allan Coe roamed the country with 6 strings and Black Hats and sung the songs that made Country Music History. Its one of those places that you want to keep gaurded and make sure the wrong people dont enter and deface the Holy Grounds. The staff is excellent and Bobby Mackey hmself is A true country gentleman and his wife was as pleasant as southern rain. The Big Mack bsnd is second to none in these parts and i urge you to go down to licking pike and enjoy more than a night out, its an experience you will remember for times to come. Thanks Bobby Mackey for being true to your word, the way it was is the way it is!! read more

July 2nd, 2016 was only my 2nd time going to Bobby Mackey's... Wow! For ANYONE who is looking for a that one place to go, to listen to GREAT country music (old time country) do some 2-stepping, East and West coast swing, play some pool, Karaoke and take a try on riding the mechanical bull and yes LINEDANCING then this is your place. I was lucky enough compete in Line dancing at the professional level (Novice Division) from 1993-2000 so finding a place to go that gives me the opportunity to once again get on the dance floor with a lot of GREAT dancers is awesome! Not to mention the DJ is spot on when it comes to the music. Props goes out to ALL the staff at Bobby Mackey's.... A stranger I was, but it didn't take long after I walked through the door that I truly felt like family. And for those of you who are looking for something different? Check out the gift shop and feel free to buy you a copy of "Hells Gate" take one of the Ghost tours that take you down in the basement and listen to someone tell you the story of what had happened long ago. Gghobs Helton read more

Finally, traveling and stopping in the 5th time Bobby Mackey's was open . My husband and I hit it on the right night. Keep in mind that the bar is only open Friday and Saturday nights . It is an old bar that's seen better days so we actually thought that it was closed for good. We decided to book a motel nearby and crossed our fingers pulling up . Thank goodness there were cars in the parking lot . We decided to do the ghost tour which costs $10 per person. Steve was a great guide and had great knowledge about the place. Unfortunately the t-shirts were cash only and being Canadian the ATM inside would've hurt. We did not have drinks as we had to drive back to the motel or stay too late as we had to leave early morning . It was everything I'd imagine it to be in an old honky tonk bar . Mechanical bull , pool , live bands ,and dancing. My husband and I even got to meet Bobby and the band and cannot wait to return next summer . Even without drinks we had a great time listening to the music and taking the tour . read more

Living in Columbus, OH I try to make it down to Bobby Mackey's at least once every couple of months. I'll admit, the first time I went was after hearing all the hype about it being the most haunted place in America. So, the ghost fascination got me there, but the incredible talent of Bobby himself and his band kept me going back. I am a fan of singer/songwriters. And Bobby can certainly tell a story. In addition to seeing a real pro at the mic every weekend, the place also offers a character long forgotten in most modern bars. The smoke can be thick at times, so be ready for that. The bar is also cash only I believe, but I could be mistaken. If you want some hilarious entertainment in between the bands sets, you can watch people try to ride the mechanical bull. Every time someone is thrown from it, it is hilarious! All in all, it's good fun and good times for someone who wants an escape into a world from the past. It's not Nashville, but if Johnny Cash himself lived in Wilder, he'd be seen drinking here. read more

Hi my name is Lisa Courtney Pelfrey I have been going to Bobby Mackey's for at least 27 years now. Bobby Mackey's is THE BEST COUNTRY MUSIC HONKY TONK THERE IS. You get to meet new people, everyone is so friendly, THEY HAVE THE BEST BARTENDERS Who will serve you right up. They have Pool, not to Mention The Best Mechanical Bull there is Out there. In between the music, Bobby has the Best Dj going, you can enjoy You some Line dancing. So something for everyone. I promise you , you aren't gonna be disappointed. Bobby Mackey keeps his music Real. He keeps it Country, when you go there you might hear a lil Haggard, a lil Jones, and you will hear Mr. Mackey sing his own. People it doesn't get any better. So if your looking for some DOWN HOME COUNTRY MUSIC PLEASE DO YOURSELF A FAVOR GET ON OVER TO WILDER KY N GET A LIL WILD AT THE BEST HONKY TONK OUT THERE! Bobby Mackey's is the only place I go. Always have always will. Thank you Bobby for keeping it Country all these years. Don't Change. read more

Bobby Mackey's is a local Honkey Tonk that prides itself in playing the classic traditional country music. Although Bobby Mackey and the Big Band basically only play the classics, every Saturday night there is an opening show from 8-9:30pm which sometimes plays the modern radio country music. All the opening bands are quality entertainers. After the opening show, there is Karaoke where locals display their talents. At 10pm Bobby Mackey takes the stage and after the first set, the dance floor is open to the line dancers. In addition to great music, a mechanic bull is rockin' for all the Urban Cowboys and Debra Winger wannabes. Pool tables are also available. Great place to go with a group, and there is something for everyone for 18 to 80 plus. The Honkey Tonk is staffed by a very professional staff, Team Mackey. Fri and Sat nights get Wilder in Wilder and is a great place for entertainment, dancing and drinks. read more

I went strictly for the country music with hopes of seeing Bobby Mackey. I was in town for a horror convention, & went to the bar with my Northern Buckeye friends who were already bar regulars. I was happy that we could get an Uber to take us to & from Sharonville Convention Center. Showing up, I knew pretty much what to expect, as I am from Lake Cumberland in Southern KY. I did not expect this bar to be so big with a good size stage & dance floor. I went for St. Patrick's Day & stuck to Bud Light $3 cash only and a few shots $5 for the good stuff. There is an ATM inside, mechanical bull, a DJ who plays the best country music that everyone should already know. The place got to popping when the band was on break. Everyone was line dancing or two-stepping, everyone made you feel welcome & our server took very good care of us. Ghost tours are every hour or so $10 &, there is a gift shop. I can't wait to go back!!!!! read more

From the moment you wak in the door you get great service and a smile. Bobby Mackeys just radiates with fun. An escape from a busy week. You sit at tables surrounded by people laughing and smiling your heart races with excitement because you realize where you are. You are about to see the very talented Bobby Mackey live on an old fashioned stage sing complete with a band of very talented musicians. In fact every Saturday he sings after another band that comes to sing. The feeling is much like you are back in time. If you dare to close your eyes you may find yourself wisked away to another time in country music. Don't forget to take a ghost tour. Come to Bobby Mackeys between bands you can line dance on a real wooden dance floor. Take a trip back in history and dance slow to a great country song. I love this place it calls me back Each time I come I get more attached and more excited read more