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    Cocktail Terrace

    3.7 (55 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)

    Cocktail Terrace Photos

    COCKTAIL TERRACE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Trendy
    Upscale
    Classy
    Moderate noise

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    Recommended Reviews - Cocktail Terrace

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    Kimberly M.

    This is a great little bar with a really nice vibe. This would be a nice girls night meeting spot. It's got nice cozy couches and cute drinks made out of popsicles (you know, stuff us silly girls like). Plus, it's on a rooftop which is pretty awesome. I've been here on a couple occasions, actually all birthday related, for drinks and have always had excellent service with fun cocktails. That's the thing about this place, it's fun. I'd come back for sure.

    Penguin and part of the view
    Nicole E.

    The three stars are more so for the view and ambience. What a pleasant surprise to find a chill rooftop in a city that didnt have a line and easily we were able to find seating for a big group. It was a Monday afternoon, but on a gorgeous day in NYC, even on Monday afternoons its difficult to find seating at any outside venue! Makes you think about moving to a city that offers less of a hassle compared to my current city... Anyway, I digress. The rooftop bar access is actually in this alley way past the entrance of the hotel and the restaurant. You'll find a someone standing outside a door and they will direct you to the elevator for the rooftop bar. View is gorgeous! Especially on a warm day. They have tables with stools towards the back of the rooftop and comfy couches to lounge on throughout. LOVE that this chain has the penguin theme and the plastic penguin kept us company while we chilled on that rooftop. Cocktails were nothing to write home about. Except "The Kiki" which was a popsicle in prosecco. It was a fun drink, but I don't think the actual taste was anything life altering. Also, don't expect any substantial food here, ie. dont come here hungry. The service was alright- they were friendly but brought out more cocktails than we ordered. If you are hanging out or staying in downtown Cincinnati, I definitely recommend coming up here to relax and get a different vantage point of Cincinnati. Just dont expect amazing cocktails (which are the price of NYC cocktails), ie. come with the right mindset.

    Cindy G.

    The Cocktail Terrace at 21C Hotel is a new rooftop bar that just opened on to the public about two weeks ago. The atmosphere is stunning! Sleek white couches, and the light up railing made of glass is just awesome. There is a great view of Mt. Adams on the far side. They also have a very unique drink selection: poptails, craft beer, craft cocktails. The first time I came here I got a Lavender Poptail which I assumed was a popsicle in a cocktail. This is actually a huge flavored popsicle in a shot of alcohol. The popsicle was overly sticky and just not good. I wouldn't recommend that one. Maybe the others are good. Cool idea though! The other times we've went I ordered a gin and tonic and it was significantly cheaper than the gin and tonic cocktail that was on the menu. Here is my advice when coming here: - Get a beer, or a mixed drink to save money unless you want to splurge on something because the prices are around $9-$12. - Avoid happy hour after work this place is swamped. - Come here when you can relax and spend some time enjoying the atmosphere. I like to come here after dinner when it's night and the railing is all lit up. It's really beautiful. Would easily get five stars if it wasn't for that uber sticky poptail in the shot for $12. Hands down my favorite place in the city for after diner drinks. Check it out!

    Lavender pop... Yum
    Shelby P.

    The view from the terrace is so nice and it's so cozy you could just stay there all night. The drinks are very good, my favorite was the drinks on the pop menu because they had delicious popsicles in them. Great place to relax with someone and have a good time. Not to loud, not to crowded, and service is good.

    City view!!
    Jennifer N.

    Wow! I felt like I was in another town when I sat on the rooftop at the 21c. It definitely had the New York or Chicago kinda vibe going on which I loved because that is one thing Cincinnati definitely needs more nightlife and needless to say the people at 21c definitely delivered! Cozy couches all around, sweeping views and a cute little plastic penguin add into the mix. The drinks are reasonably priced and they also have small bites if you happen to want something to eat while you drink so you can enjoy those sweeping views!! Come on down to 21c it is definitely a must see!

    Enjoying a nightcap at the Cocktail Terrace @ 21c. Incredible views of the Cincinnati skyline into Kentucky.
    Wyatt B.

    The fact that the Cocktail Terrace exists downtown is HUGE progress for Cincinnati. After growing up in this area, then spending my adult life in New York City, and now having moved back to Cincinnati, I was blown away by this establishment. I have always thought that a Cocktail Terrace-type establishment was possible in downtown Cincinnati and now to see it come into reality is so exciting. For some background for the out-of-towners, back in the 1890s-1950s, I would imagine that swanky joints along the likes of the Cocktail Terrace would have been commonplace downtown in its heyday but the 1960s/white flight/suburban sprawl were not good to Cincinnati and its downtown pretty much hasn't seen this level of sophisticated leisure since. I honestly felt like I had been transported to a SoHo or TriBeCa lounge as I sipped on my cocktail gazing over the Cincinnati skyline and into Kentucky. The layout and the execution of this concept is very impressive--truly cosmopolitan. With establishments like this popping up, it is clear that Cincinnati's urban renaissance is here to stay. Having experienced my fair share of "sleek, contemporary lounges" that put so much emphasis on ambiance and concept that they neglect to actually follow through with quality service and products, I was a bit skeptical when I first heard about this place opening, expecting more or less the same. But I was pleasantly surprised to experience refreshingly attentive service and stellar cocktails. I had the "Oxygin" (essentially a basil lemonade gin & tonic) and it was excellent--light yet flavorful but not too sweet. Our server checked on us every 10 or 15 minutes but not in an obnoxious way--in a very courteous and professional way. I honestly don't have a single complaint about the Cocktail Terrace. This is definitely where I will be bringing all of my out-of-town guests for a taste of Cincinnati opulence. Gone are the days when you had to travel to Chicago to mingle with midwestern cosmopolitans. The hype is justified. The Cocktail Terrace is the real deal.

    Sunset
    Dave M.

    Beautiful atmosphere but sub par cocktail. I had the Bobs Cup, touted as their take on an Old Fashioned. It was made with a house made Strawberry Shrub(strawberries soaked in vinegar). It wasn't that enjoyable and I wish I had gone for one of the Poptails. The breeze was great, as was the view. I definitely recommend checking it out, but don't expect incredible cocktails.

    Can't go wrong with a poptail during the warm summer months.

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    Photo of Will B.
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    8 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Great up here. Perfect for looking at the stars. Great central location and relaxing as ever!

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    13 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    11 years ago

    Great view, but I wish they had a bar outside. I feel like they would make more money doing so and provide better customer service!

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    11 years ago

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    Photo of Drew W.
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    13 years ago

    Definitely a place for the high rollers. Very trendy. Their house made tonic is great with some Hendricks gin.

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    11 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    Photo of Greg S.
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    9 years ago

    The location is great, with a gorgeous view of the city and a nice ambiance. Unfortunately the cocktails themselves were disappointing.

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    Ask the Community - Cocktail Terrace

    Can people under 21 enter? Looking to grab drinks and views for a bachelorette party. Also is it possible to reserve a table for an event like this?

    I don't think so since they check your ID before you can even go through the door to get to the elevator. I'm not sure if you can pay to reserve a table. I think the best way to contact them may be through Instagram or Twitter. The website may have… Read more

    Open to the public?

    Yes, it is. Just go through the alley way they'll check your ID at the door and then go up in the elevator to the top floor.

    View All 3 Questions

    Review Highlights - Cocktail Terrace

    and I had dinner at the Metropole (BTW, I highly recommend their food and service) and wanted to go to the rooftop.

    Mentioned in 12 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Pork Belly Lays
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    Picture from our table notice the golden penguins.

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    WOW! This place is so cool! I was in Covington for a wedding and the entire wedding party decided…read moreto stop by for a few drinks. Despite having such a large group, drinks were out fast and there was plenty of seating. 2 things stick out here: Decor and the Drinks. Both were impeccably done. The nature meets wood and brick aesthetic is so purposefully laid out and when the eye cruises across the landscape it's so satisfying!! We had a LOT of drinks, but the jade river, el toro rojo, and pacific muse were our favorites. The drinks are priced pretty well ($12-$14) and the service was very prompt, always cleaning up empty glasses and clearing space for more people to sit. I for SURE recommend this place as a spot to come and throw a couple rounds back. We stayed for hours and drank and talked our hearts out! Thank you for such a wonderful night. 5 stars.

    If you haven't been to Second Story, you NEED to check it out! This place has the best vibes! They…read morehave one of the coolest bar designs I've ever seen, it's perfect for grabbing a drink or two with friends, date night, or hanging out! They offer delicious seasonal drinks, and every drink & shot I've tried has been amazing! My absolute favorite thing I've had here (and one of the best drinks I've ever had period) is their S'mores Espresso Martini! It's literally perfection; aesthetically it's fun but still well composed as any espresso martini should be; it's has the right balance of sweet & coffee, & all of the flavors really make it taste like you're drinking an espresso flavored s'more! If you see this on the menu, it is a must try!

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    Come see us!
    Come see us!
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    Overlook Lodge: A Rustic Watering Hole

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    Oh my! Merry Christmas on overdrive! Couldn't be more excited to share this unique experience with…read moremy adult children. We started with a shot and then the two cocktails. Such an amazing experience

    I came out in December for their Miracle pop-up in 2025…read more 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.)

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    Overlook Lodge: A Rustic Watering Hole
    Overlook Lodge: A Rustic Watering Hole
    So festive

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    Confessions Bar & Restaurant Lounge

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    amazing food !!!!! Great Customer service…read more The ambience was amazing great energy good music vibes overall a great time!!!!

    My friend wanted to come here for her birthday. We dined in on a Sunday for brunch. At the time it…read morewas super busy because they were booked for birthdays and events but we managed to fit a party of 12 around the DJ area near the bar. They made it work for us and were very accommodating. The food menu served was brunch. The menu was simple, but they had a lot to offer. I would best describe southern soul food. Very reasonable in pricing and the drink menu had a great selection as well. My fiancée and I ordered: Drinks: -Pinot noir -Manhattan -Espresso Martini Brunch: -Grilled salmon with side of onions & potatoes - Shrimp and grits For it being super busy, we didn't have to wait long for our food. It was fabulous. My salmon was grilled perfectly. The hot honey went very well with my salmon. The potatoes were delish. My fiancée really enjoyed his shrimp and grits. He mentioned that the shrimp was on point. I tried my friend's French toast . Wow! That was amazing. Nina was our server and she was great! Very polite and attentive. She was working really hard. I want to give her huge props. I highly recommend coming here. The DJ really knows his music and everyone was having a great time. That's all that matters, Right!? Great place!

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Strawberry crunch French toast
    Strawberry crunch French toast
    Pinot noir and manhattan

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    Cocktail Terrace - cocktailbars - Updated July 2026

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