If you enjoy whisky or bourbon this is a great bar that has a wide selection to choose from. They have a drink menu to order from, and I'm sure the bartender can whip up something special upon request. For it being a niche type of bar, the decor, ambiance and drink menu is exactly what you'd expect it to be. What I hated most about my experience was the seating. All of the seats are backless bar stools. Either they did not think about a customer's comfort when planning the seating or they just don't want you to stick around for a long time. The bar stools are the same height as the barrel "table". Although I understand the barrels match the theme, it's hard to get comfortable leg room and I found myself slouched over and sitting at an angle the whole time. I was more than ready to leave due to being uncomfortable even though I would've liked to stay and try another drink. read more

Century Bar - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

Favorite bar in Dayton. It has a classy atmosphere. That doesn't mean you have to spend lots of money. Even though you still can. The whiskey ranges from cheap to high end to forget about it. It has a terrific atmosphere. It feels like a 1920s speakeasy. There's no annoying country or pop music on the radio, thankfully. It lets you enjoy your drink. There's lots of drinks to enjoy. I had a good Scotch that wasn't expensive. This was about $5 for a pour. It's a bar without bullshit. Just good drinks. Staff is very knowledgeable about products. read more

Century Bar - Scotch - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

If I could only have one drink for the rest of my life - it would be the Century Old Fashioned! An astonishing staff full of knowledge. A great ambiance. Gets a little noisy when the crowds come in (and they do), but worth it. read more

Century Bar - If I could only have one drink for the rest of my life, it would be the Century Old Fashioned. It is unbelievably perfect. - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

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Great atmosphere! Pretty amazing selections of bourbons! And I had a drink called Queen Sophia that took the bartender almost four minutes to make- not because he was slow at all, but because he clearly took pride in the drinks he made and he was good at it. It was fun to watch him make the drinks, never knew you could put an egg white into drink concoctions! read more

Century Bar - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

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An absolutely amazing bourbon and whiskey bar in downtown Dayton. This place has an unbelievable selection of bourbon, rye, and other whiskeys from all over the globe. The staff is super attentive and friendly. They have a great barrel selection program that covers just about every budget out there. Their pour list comes in 1oz and 2oz pours so you can pace yourself and spare your wallet as your try multiple bottles or you can indulge yourself with a healthy pour of your known favorites. They also have a great cocktail menu for those looking for some creativity. They have many classic cocktails that are being done very well, they have a few riffs and spins on other classics, and they even have their own house creations that you won't find anywhere else. Overall it's a great menu. Additionally they also keep a small selection of local beers on hand for those that aren't into whiskey but still want to enjoy a night out with friends. This place is absolutely at the top of my must stops when I'm in Dayton! read more

Love that this establishment remains true to its mission of being a fabulous bourbon bar. I wish that nibbles or some kind of finger foods were available for patrons. read more

The atmosphere is amazing and the cocktails created were delicious and on point. I would highly recommend the Century Bar to those who appreciate bourbon or just that vibe. read more

Century Bar - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

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This place definitely gives me speakeasy vibes and I love it! The whisky selection is great and I love coming here for a drink with friends after dinner. Their cocktails are also delicious! I'd call this place one if Dayton's hidden gems. read more

Wow! If you can't find your bourbon here you can on't find it anywhere. The sheer knowledge of the bartenders is amazing!

We just went for the first time post-renovation and it feels so different inside! They really doubled their footprint with more tables and seating and restrooms, while keeping the same ambiance and amazing antique bar. They also had an extensive cocktail menu, which I think used to be pretty small, so that is a big difference. We tried a couple new drinks off the summer menu, and got my favorite Amaretto Sour made just as perfect as ever. If you ever go in here as a non-Bourbon lover and wanting something sweet, get the Amaretto Sour, they do it perfectly! Still our favorite spot pre or post dinner downtown or before a show. Happy downtown is picking back up so we can stop in Century Bar more often. read more

What an awesome place! This place was suggested to me by a coworker who have been multiple times. I am so glad we took the time to visit. There is not much more that I love in a bar other than a dark, dim place. It reminds me of a speakeasy bar which is right up my alley. Let me start with the Bourbons. They have such a variety to choose from. If you have a favorite, it's likely on the list. Now, if Drinking Street Bourbon is not your thing, they also have cocktails and I believe they have wine as well. I can probably guarantee that you will find something that you would like. Now back to the vibe. From the moment you walk in you feel like you entered into a new city. It's not something that you would typically see in Dayton or any other surrounding areas and that's what I love about it so much. I love how spaced out it was and the different options of tables are bar seats that you can sit at. If you have a group or want something private it's perfect for you either way. I actually can't wait to go back! read more

I make a point to come here every time I'm in town for a show at the Schuster or Victoria Theaters! read more

Century Bar - Nuka-Cola & a Manhattan. Absolutely perfect! - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

This place was amazing if you love whiskey you must go here. Had rare whiskey that I'd never seen in the wild.

Legit bourbon/whiskey bar rivals any in Northern Kentucky! Old fashioned vibe. Long bar, carved wood, Art Nouveau glass

CALEB IS THE MASTER of incredible cocktails, recommendations, and apparently juggling on a busy Saturday night. This person is one hell of a multi-tasked and we were so grateful for our front row seat to his craft. I tried a couple different drinks: -Daisy recovery, a champagne based cocktail that is perfect if you're looking for something light and refreshing. -Grandma's liquor cabinet, which was described as similar to a Long Island but less boozy. I didn't think I would love it but I trusted our bartender and it was great. I would agree that it had a tea vibe but not as sweet as a Long Island. -Macon Moonlight, an egg white cocktail that's sweet but well balanced. It was perfect for my last drink. I'm also pretty sure I haven't had an egg white cocktail I didn't like. I would strongly recommend a reservation because they're busy. This bar is loud, fun, and a total experience. I can't wait to return. read more

Bar was impressive. Long list of Bourbon, Rye and.other whiskey. Mixed drinks we ordered were average at best. Whisky sour served of glass of chipped ice. Old Fashioned lacked flavor and served in glass of chipped ice. Sazarac overly sweet served warm in odd glass. A dissapointment. read more

Dimly lit bar with a cool vibe and good drinks. I was in the mood for a good sour beer and they had more than one on the menu, which was exciting. I got a rehired sour from a local brewery and really enjoyed it. My friend got a whiskey cocktail, which he too seemed to enjoy. This is a local haunt of his, so everyone knew his name and vice Versa. It definitely had a great vibe and was a cool place to hang out and shoot the shoot for awhile over a couple of drinks. read more

I came here on NYE this past year and loved the ambiance, the service, the whole thing. My second return was plagued by restrictions such as on-menu ordering only (what bar can't make a martini?), curt staff, and overall an unwelcoming atmosphere. Disappointing second experience and enough of a letdown to not return. read more

Very knowledgeable bartenders. A huge variety of whiskeys. Quality ingredients. There are other liquors to make other drinks if there's someone in the group that isn't a whiskey drinker. Great place to grab a good drink. read more

Do not miss this place if you're a bourbon drinker. It rates nationally. Still, it's comfortable, and reasonable in price.

This was the last place we visited before leaving Dayton for what will be quite awhile. My son graduated from UD, and we found this place the night before moving him back home to L.A. How disappointing because this is a TREMENDOUS whiskey bar. Living in L.A., means access to a lot of bourbons for purchase. Being at the Century Bar means a lot of bourbons for tasting. The staff is knowledgeable, and the vibe is chill. Such a great find. read more

Came here for my friend's bachelor party and it was a madhouse. The place has a speakeasy old-time feel with bartenders sporting suspenders and bow ties. There is fairly minimal seating so you'll have to be a hawk and quickly claim any tables when they open up. We managed to get a barrel table that seated 5 within ten minutes of being there which was lucky. The bar is lined with countless bottles of bourbon and they even have a few scotches and japanese whiskeys as well. The bartenders are perhaps the most helpful if you have some idea of what kind of whiskies and flavors you like but they can recommend some good starting options if you a complete novice as well. They ran out of pappy vanwinkle a months before we came but we still got to try some pretty old and rare bourbons. There is a small binder that you can take to your table which breaks down into types of whiskey (bourbon vs rye vs wheat, etc) and then by distillery. All whiskies are served in 1 or 2 oz measures and poured into glencairn glasses preferred by professional tasters (has a narrower opening to focus the aromas and slow evaporation). Overall we had a great experience at Century bar and genuinely got to savor a bunch of different whiskies without getting hammered. I'd recommend giving this place a try and recommend bringing a whiskey aficionado or reading a whiskey primer online beforehand to get a greater appreciation of what the distilleries are trying to achieve and the differences between their offerings. read more

Just had the worst drink ever. I was not in the mood for a bourbon drink, so ordered a martini. Instead of saying they had no olives nor any vermouth the bartender put together something so revolting I don't know what to say. Usually we go to this bar early and can sit at the bar and order and be served. In the evening it is packed and you have to go up to the bar to place an order and bring it to your table. I know of an underground bar just up the street, Tender Mercy they take your order, and bring it to you. read more

Service was amazing & the drinks were fantastic . Entire experience was a vibe! Went for my 21st and it was so much fun.

if you are a fan of bourbon or whiskey this your spot. Great old historic place .. newly renovated. Great service and selection. Crazy huge selection ... i dare say best in Dayton. Got to give it a try. read more

I wish I could give this place more than 5 stars! Everyone I have met since moving to Dayton knows that this is my favorite place in all of Ohio. My friends and I take anyone that comes to visit us here. We did a whiskey tasting not too long ago which was such an incredible experience! The owner is an awesome guy, the staff and drinks are incredible, and you can't beat the ambiance. Truly the highlight of the city. read more

Great atmosphere, manhattans were good and price was fair. But the cost for a pour of higher end bourbon is absolutely ridiculous. $80 for a one ounce pour of Blantons SFTB. Bottle is $150 msrp. Four one once pours of BTAC, price was given of $400. Considering they are getting these bottles at Ohio msrp, their prices are outrageous! read more

The bartenders are the best! Very knowledgeable and talented. Great seasonal drinks and the bar is historic!

I cannot believe I have not wrote a review here before! If you are a daytonian for just visiting this place is a must! Drinks are pricey but believe me well worth it and you will feel it unlike some cheap vodka cran. That reminds me don't come in here expecting to order your hole in the wall regular! Try the rotating menu! Not a clue on what you want? Go on a weekday when you can actually have a conversation with the bartender. They are all very knowledgeable and helpful. This is my go to bar no matter if it's date night or just to wind down after a hard day. They rotate their menu often so unless it's a something like a typical bourbon sour, Manhattan, old fashion, you'll always have something new to try. read more

Century Bar - Charlie and the chocolate factory and Century egg nog. - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

Every time I come to Dayton for meetings, this bar is on our destination list to end the evening. Those who are new to bourbon - get the Old Fashioned. You will be blessed. Second to this.... the Sazerac. Then send me a note of gratitude If you don't like bourbon - I don't - you must try a glass (ask the bartender for a recommendation, you will not be disappointed. Smoothest bourbon ever to kiss my lips (seriously, you have to drink it ever so slow like it's Idris Elba) This is hands down one of my favorite bars on the planet, I actually look forward to my travel days just so I can come here. read more

Love it here great vibes best drinks great prices bartenders are great also they'll tell you whatever you wanna know about the drinks no problem read more

This place is really cool. we were in there tonight and it was packed. great atmosphere, great drinks, excellent bartenders . im from out of town and always try to go with my local friend to century bar. its a must if you like upscale, stylish old time bar type fun read more

Century Bar - bartender at the front - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

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Love this place, the remodel only made the space even better, and the bourbon selection is the best in Dayton, the staff are the best, most knowledgeable in the area, if not the best north of Kentucky, which I've yet to find any better bourbon bar in Ohio. Truly the only downside to this place is the bus station across the street, and I find that not to dissuade my patronage read more

Liked this place. Wow wow wow the selection of booze is big. They have a menu lets say about 7 pages top to bottom about 12 inches tall of every booze you can think of. From 5 bucks a shot to 132 bucks a shot!! And a nice mix drink selection and about 5 draft beers and more can beers. Something different that I think was a deterrent was they had NO person who came to your table to take your order! You had to go to the bar between paying customers and order? I have sat a a bar and it really is not my thing when customers have to butt in between you and order. I did not see anything or place as a designated order area? I think they would benefit if they offered someone to take your order table side. But I do not own the place so maybe they have a reason? Cool place to look at and if you ever never ever could not find that special booze I can almost assure you they have it. read more

Century Bar - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

Thoughts and convo upon arrival, "Dang it! They're closed." "Well, it says they're open. Let's at least try to go inside." "Omg this is so scary." *Opens the door and left speechless with the interior.* Okay okay. Maybe that's a stretch, but the interior definitely makes you do a double taken upon viewing the massive selection of whiskeys. I opted for the classic Old Fashioned. It had a ton of ice in it, which I've never seen before (it was piling out of the glass) but I didn't mind it after a few minutes as it had melted down and created a delicious cocktail. The prices were fair, the selections were great, the interior is fancy, and the staff was all very social, outgoing, and helpful! read more

I have been going to century bar since as long as I have been 21 and I have lived in Dayton for 15 years since I started going to college when I was 18. I am now 34 and just moved to FL a year ago. I have seen century bar at its lowest. Literally zero people black tarps all over the place to now the fancy expansion! I moved to Florida in 2019 and did not get to see the expansion finished but came back to visit family for my birthday this weekend in 2021 in Cincinnati and loved century bar so much had to make the 50 dollar Uber ride up to see the place!! Was soo excited for the expansion and the great drinks. See when I went to century before I moved It was so low key u could bring food in order pizza and have it delivered because they don't have a kitchen! Man when I got to Dayton that night I didn't realize u can carry around drinks and walk down Oregon district now soo crazy so much had changed since I had moved! I loved it and missed it!We had ordered a pizza at Oregon express and walked with drinks to century the drinks barley had anything left and I never once saw a sign that said no outside food or drinks....we walked in because we had a reservation got seated by the host who didn't say one word about the drinks or pizza. To then having the owner she is a woman with black hair grab our drinks off our table no explanation saying we can't have these. Ok I am fine with not bringing outside drinks in I get I have my masters in business I'm not a moron but at least talk to me like a human! Than she proceed to storm off and for the next 20 minutes no one came over to serve us. See my husband want to the bar and asked was there an issue and they told us to get out said there was signs everywhere not to bring in outside food and drinks. Ok understandable maybe I missed them I'm only human!! I walked outside took pictures found not one sign that said don't bring outside drinks!! Mind u I haven't been to Dayton in over a year and we ubered to century so I hadn't been to the rest of the district so if there was signs everywhere else I had no clue!! I went back into the bar to explain to the owner I don't understand I went outside the bar and did not see any signs about bringing in food or drink when back I the day u could order pizza there!! She said she didn't care we should know and get out and the people at the bar proceeded to scream in my face saying get out I had ruined there time!!! I had never been so embarrassed and hurt... this is a place I loved in Dayton a place that I had been going to years and now I never want to go to this racist sexist place again. These people are all haters for no reason!! All I wanted was just to be talked to like a normal person apparently Covid people forgot to act like humans because I had no clue what was going on and was completely misunderstood!! If I had known the rules I would have followed them! Trust me I would for sure follow the rules I work for the Air Force I know about rules!! But let me tell u I will make sure I tell everyone in Florida and all my friends that I have known in Dayton and Cincinnati in the Air Force as well as grown up with for 30+ years to avoid century bar like the black plaque since Covid! I used to tell everyone to go there but nope not anymore sorry Charlie unfortunately ur carelessness of not communicating and obviously not taking a business class got u know where....u never burn bridges with customers...5 negative reviews will take you 20 positive reviews to get back up!! Always respect the customer and listen listen listen!! Ur business will end up suffering the consequences. read more

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Watched a black African American couple walk in before we did and get denied due to space. Then Watched my buddy walk up with a party of ten and the lady say hold on let me see what I can do after the couple got upset and asked if I had realized what just happened I confirmed they definitely racially profiled this couple because of there skin color and then realized after we discussed what had happened century bar denied us as well! read more

I was skeptical - but I am now a believer. I've been to some of the most famous bourbon bars in Kentucky and elsewhere. I didn't think that a bar in Dayton would make me want to return. The room is comfortable and welcoming. The cocktails are imaginative and very tasty. The bourbon catalog deep and well curated. The free bottles of water between rounds make it easier to try more things. I will return. read more

This bar is a go-to every time I'm in Dayton! I love the atmosphere and history of the place. The bartenders are really knowledgeable and always help find us the right drink for the night! read more

Century Bar - Sitting at the bar - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

I'm giving the Century a 4.5! Things I love: 1. The doorman. He always seems to know when I'm coming in. 2. The bartenders. They're nice, and dressed. 3. The ambiance. This is old-school at its best in Dayton. Where there aren't many options, I have to say this is about as classy as it gets for fine cocktails I've had in the DAY. It makes me feel like I'm in a bigger city. 4. The sound; the music playing is always classic. Things I wish were better: 1. The lighting outside. If you didn't know where the Century was and you were looking for a bright sign, you can forget it. The little "Open" sign in the middle of the door is all you get. 2. The gin selection. Yeah, yeah, I know they're about the bourbon, but I'd like more than 1 option. 3. I wish, wish, wish, they had cocktail servers. The bar is always so crowded it can be difficult to sidle in and get your beverage. Can I rate the people who go here? I'm going to anyway. People, step it up. I know this isn't CHI or NYC, but seriously, can you dress a little better? Step it up, get dressed, go out for a classic cocktail and pretend, even if just for a few hours, that you're as classy as the Century Bar. Of note: I think the earlier crowd (prior to 9pm) is older and gradually becomes younger and more "hipster." Just an FYI If you're new in town or just looking for a great drink, head on over. (It might be crowded.) read more

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