Went for the music, was turned off by the service. The tall bartender aggressively checked me from behind because I was standing too close to the edge of the bar and said I couldn't stand there. I had just ordered through another bartender and wasn't lingering, and there was no sign saying I couldn't be there for me to know any better. No apology or any sign of remorse. The drink the bartender I ordered through was delicious but we left soon after due to the aggressive employee. read more

Venue: (10) The new renovations are great and worth checking out for anyone who has fond memories of Japp's over the years. The place is decorated with beautiful artwork and old Cincinnati photos. There is a wide range of seating options - armchairs in front of the fireplace, accessible low top tables, high top tables spaced along the banquette, or comfy stools that line the bar. This means there is a perfect place for all your needs - whether date night or getting together with a group of friends. Vibes: (9) The bar felt welcoming and had a number of guests without feeling too crowded or loud. We stopped by after dinner for a drink and were greeted by the bartender as soon as we walked in and he was very helpful in recommending drinks based on our likes. I ended up going with a beer (shocker) but was pleased with their selection and look forward to going back to try out some cocktails. Overall I would say the atmosphere is very hip! Value: (9) The prices were good considering the aesthetic they are going for. I'll update when I try the cocktails. read more

Gotta say one of my favorite bars in Cincy. Great cocktails and draft espresso martinis are always a win. If you love live music, definitely go on Friday or Saturday as the ambiance is immaculate. Amazing staff and amazing drinks! read more

I came to Japps on a recent Saturday night with a group of 8. We were waited on fairly quickly at the bar by a friendly bartender, despite how busy it was. My friend asked for a cocktail menu and was directed to a board on the wall of just several specials. She ordered something off the board, but the bartender said he was unfamiliar with it, and then actually ended up being out of the ingredients. He did jump to offering a substitute though. I was somewhat disappointed they did not have a list of signature drinks, as many others in the area do, because they are supposed to have such a vast selection of unique mixes. Another friend suggested I ask for a fairly common drink called the painkiller. The bartender said he was familiar and whipped it up. To me it wasn't great, and my friend having had them before said it tasted way wrong. The atmosphere was ok. It was nice to be able to grab a table and chill in the front, with the craziness of a dance floor far enough in the back to feel separate. For the price, and lack of drink menu, I am not sure id choose this first, nor second, when in the area with so many other unique options in the price point. read more

Japp's Since 1879 - Lounges Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Very charming atmosphere. Owner was so nice drinks were great. Again clean welcoming. Great selection of drinks

So! I'm really on the fence about this place. Decent selection with excellent service. Having said that, I was looking for a place that I could have a drink and smoke a cigar. Drink: Alas, the patio is rather small and uninviting. BTW drink sizes/portion are on the smaller size. read more

Very disappointing. Visited a few years back with the old woodwork. No longer a bar representing the 1879 era. Now just a hipster bar like every other place. Service slow. read more

Japp's is my Friday night stop when I'm in the (OTR) area. The live jazz and great mixologist combo just makes this place the perfect spot after a long week. I usually will pick something from the board, but at times will just describe what I want (for example, something refreshing, or mixologists choice with tequila). Regardless, it's so fun to watch them create their cocktail masterpiece and even more fun to drink. I haven't stayed past 10pm so can't say what the crowd is like later in the evening, but the patrons that come for the jazz varies and there's usually people dancing. It's a great vibe at Japp's, I highly recommend you stopping by. read more

Half price cocktails 4-6. Stood at the bar for 10 minutes waiting to order, finally ordered at 5:56. 4 drinks made and closed bill at 6:01. No happy hour price. After 6. I'm sorry. BS policy. Wake up 4EG. read more

First time visiting this bar and it is exceptional! Friendly staff and awesome recommendations. Molly has so much knowledge to share with a bomb personality to match! Will be returning! 10/10 recommend! read more

In a magnificent burst of synergy, I recognized the proprietress from Mr. Alex S' Weekly Yelp starring said proprietress. I may have made mention of this. She may have smiled uneasily. I may have 'done it again.' While my social norms may be in question, the quality and awesomeness of the lounge is not. Perfectly crafted to a speakeasy/prohibition mentality, it's little wonder why the name harkens back to times past. I felt positively Dillingeresque as I sat in the bar, perused the menu baring names and ingredients that were older than Madonna (and that's *old*). As a wizened old crone once bellowed, "Money can't buy you cla-a-yass." It can't. But class can be impugned by sipping on the right cocktail in the right setting. As for me? I ordered the Communist Cocktail and earned a place on the national watch list. It was worth it. read more

Japp's is the cool bar you go to when you want to be an adult and drink a damn good cocktail, rather than deal with 21 year old's taking jager bombs. It's got a great speakeasy vibe, with cool clientele, ranging from people in their mid twenties to middle-aged people that appreciate a good drink. The bartenders here are truly great at what they do. The cocktail list is always changing, and they come up with their own delightful creations. My brother usually drinks old fashioned's. He asked the bartender to get creative and make him a drink like an old fashioned. Honestly, it was one of the best cocktails I've ever had. My recommendation is to just trust the bartenders...Tell them what you like, and they will impress you. I also noticed that our bartender took a straw, and sampled every drink he made (no germs, he dipped the straw in and took it out, then threw the straw away). He said it was to make sure he did it right every time. That is commitment! We were here last Friday, and they had a jazz band that apparently plays here almost every Friday from 5:30 to 8pm. The band was fantastic, and the cocktails were even better. I'll be back for the live music sometime soon! read more

Japp's Since 1879 - Cocktails are always on point here. It tastes as good as it looks - Lounges Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

The place is cool, but beware of the bouncers. Was sitting in the Annex on a huge sofa next to the window and saw an argument between some patrons and the bouncer. The bouncer lost his cool and almost instantly hit/pushed the guy in his face. All the other bouncers were kind of laughing. Since when are they there to encourage fights? Obviously, the tension was building up and the guy who had been hit was getting angry, so the bouncer hits him again. Unbelievable. There are some guys shouting, some girls crying and there is me leaving. OMG. What an unprofessional juvenile behavior. Ms. Wellmann, please train your staff properly. read more

What a great place to day drink. We walked in and our awesome bartender, Molly, greeted us and made us a strong, beautiful, and delicious cocktail. The ambience of this place is vintage tufted couches meets a speakeasy. We've heard great things about the night life here too. We'll have to go back and check that out. read more

Japp's Since 1879 - Bar area - Lounges Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Historic bar in Over the a Rhine/downtown.... The place was fine until it got busy. Once there were more than 25 people in the bar, it was understaffed. We could not get a drink in a reasonable amount of time. The staff were not friendly. The bar is poorly run and managed. If you want to see this place go early and leave early. There are so many better run places in OTR. I won't be back. read more

The best bar in Cincy with a fabulous old school feel. The one bar that made me feel back at home in Nawlins and they even knew how to make a Sazerac featuring the famous Peychaud Bitters. Loved it and cannot wait to come back to this place. read more

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Every time I go here I feel like I just walked into a saloon from the old west. It's just got this authentic vibe you don't feel at most places. I went for a moonshine and corn whiskey tasting for Northside Distillery and it turned out to be a pretty legit event. The cocktails they made using the moonshine were so good and I still cant figure out which one I like the most. The Rambler was perfect with the flower adding a hint of sophistication but as I write this I'm thinking I liked the Shake a little bit more because it changed in taste from top to bottom..plus any drink with an egg white gets bonus points. I like that this place makes true cocktails and not "mixed" drinks. I really admire how they value and respect the craft. Not so humbly submitted, King Michael C. read more

Japp's Since 1879 - "La Louisiane" rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Benedictine& peychavds bitters - Lounges Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I stopped here with my husband after dinner last night for a cocktail. I had been to Japp's once before and was hoping that Molly would still be behind the bar. She was not there but Jeremy took very good care of us. We each had a cocktail off of their specialty board. I ordered the Bad Girls drink and my husband ordered a Pimm's cup. My drink was too dry to my liking and so I switched with my husband. I enjoyed the Pimm's very much. As there were not a lot of customers last night Jeremy gave us extra attention. We will be traveling to Italy later this year and he gave us a lesson on Italian liqueurs. I really love the ambiance of this old wig store. We were told that renovations will be happening very soon. I am sure that the original details will still be in place due to Molly's love of history but the rest of the bar will be even nicer. read more

Japp's Since 1879 - Jeremy - Lounges Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Japp's is the best bar in Cincinnati. I have no problem saying this. The service and quality has no match in the city. With good prices and a wonderful environment, no bar makes me happier. I would argue that it isn't even right to call Japp's a bar. Its a lounge, a gin joint, a social club. Japp's skips many of the cliche's that annoy me about most bars these days. It is possible to meet friends and have conversation without dealing with party girls and bros. I feel comfortable in Japp's, like a home away from home. My favorite feature hands down are the cocktails. The mixologists are very knowledgeable, without being condescending, and will help you get the drink you have always dreamt of. Just a quick description of your tastes will yeild some truly special. I have been turned on to several variations and new drinks that make the whole experience truly unique. I love Japp's. It is the best. A++++++ read more

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Japps part of the Wellman Brands family in the heart of OTR on Main St an old hair store with character, stepping in the front door, you feel like you're transported back in Cincinnati a hundred years ago with the classic bar, booths, fixtures, true character in this place. My recent visit was for a co-workers surprise wedding shower, she loves cocktails, especially sparkling ones so I contacted the Wellman Brands family to setup an event. Molly created a custom cocktail just for our event, The Christina in our special guests honor with champagne and a variety of amazing handcrafted ingredients. Jeremy was our bartender taking care of our group where we ordered a variety of drinks, he had a special passionfruit cocktail which was my favorite of the night and delicious food from Picnic & Pantry. Stop by Japp's while you're in OTR for a truly one of a kind handcrafted cocktail sit back enjoy the scenery and escape back in time. read more

Came here on recommendation from a friend with an out of town guest. I didn't particularly enjoy my drink (I ordered a mule and he ordered a vodka based cocktail as well). I didn't care for his beverage either. Would love to see this establishment have a small food menu in the future! read more

Hands down the best martini in the city. I like mine with Tito's. The drinks take a long time but that is because they take the care it needs to make them properly so don't be a whiner. I would like a bigger wine selection but I know that's not what this place is all about. I would just go more often if they did. I like the atmosphere and they have a little patio outside which is also nice. The staff is very knowledgeable. If you tell them what you like they will help you decide on an interesting drink you could add to your list! read more

Absolutely perfect. I love it. Molly is a gem, and Cincinnati is sooo lucky to have her. If I were to open a bar, it would be identical to Japp's. The cool, swanky feel relaxes you as soon as you walk in. The decorations are all original to the wig shop from the 1800's. Now that's integrity. It sets the tone for your experience which only serves to raise that already high bar. The service is a bit slower than some of your typical bars where people shove to the bar for domestic bottles and well drinks. This is because each work of art in a glass is hand crafted from scratch, using finely honed techniques as old as the cocktail itself and using fresh, local ingredients. If you are lucky enough to get some face time with Molly, let her delight you with knowledge about the birth of bars and the origin of liquor. She'll give you a "Molly Special" which ends up being whatever she fancies at that moment. You will be delighted by a very rare bar experience in Cincinnati, as you settle into the special concoction. It's a great place to lounge with friends or to make new ones. They also have an intimate patio on which you can smoke cigars if you feel so moved. They have the coolest coffee brewing system in town, using a multi-bulb syphon setup. All their coffee drinks, with or without alcohol, are excellent. They use fresh, local Taza coffee. I recommend the New Orleans. As for my favorite Molly drinks, they are too many to mention, however, do yourself a favor and order the Marlboro Man at least once. She has her own housemade tobacco bitters and washes the glass in Absinthe. It's excellent. Did I mention the liquor selection is unmatched? It's truly great. Local liquor to popular brands you'll hear ordered in the swankiest of NY and DC bars, to 20 year old Jameson. They have plenty of great specials, and events going on. I highly recommend some time belly up at the bar. read more

Japp's Since 1879 - Lounges Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I do really like this place and will certainly continue to support Molly's amazing bar, but I do have to comment on some things that slightly sour the otherwise great experience. Call me impatient, but there seem to be times, even on a slower weeknight, when the bartenders take f---o---r---e---v---e---r to make your drink. Granted, I know that craft cocktails take a heck of a lot more time than a beer, but there probably are some steps that could help streamline things (unfortunately if the bartender gets in a conversation with a customer, the line of people waiting for a drink grows exponentially). Some of the pacing could be the result of an understaffed bar. I know that I've overheard other gripe about waiting, but like the saying goes, "good things come to those who wait". Okay, enough negativity. The variety of drink options are awesome. The clever names and ingredients are a direct result of Molly's hard work and love of mixology. I love that Turophilia Quesadillas are sold here. Wow is that stuff amazing. I attended a trivia night (I think it was Tuesday?) and had a great time proving to myself and others once again, that I really don't know everything. Once it warms up, you can bet yer bottom dollar I'll spend some time in the patio chillin' with friends. *I remember that there is supposed to be a parking lot associated with this place, does anyone know if that is still the case. Usually I have little trouble finding street parking anyway... In the end, this place has enough of a following and loyal customer base, I am quite hopeful that it will be here for many years to come. Thanks to Molly for introducing Cincinnati to specialty drinks in a great setting. read more

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Another awesome creation by Molly Wellmann! As soon as I walked in the door, the atmosphere was amazing. The signature 1800s decor was rehabilitated: a long, cherrywood counter with plenty of plush seating, mirrored cherrywood shelves filled with a variety of unique liquors, a matching cherrywood coffee bar for non-alcoholic drinks, and a row of booth and table seating, complete with decorative awning. Kudos to the renovators; they did fantastic work at keeping Japp's authentic to its origins. Specialty drink menus are available at the tables. This is a nice touch, especially to encourage guests to try a new drink, rather than getting a Budweiser or rum & Coke. I recommend the Summer Breeze, which is a refreshing mix of vodka, citrus, soda, and vanilla Elderflower. The Gimlet and Moscow Mule are also delicious. Mixed drinks are $6.00 - $8.00 for a double. All of the bartenders are friendly and attentive. On our way out, Molly, the owner, thanked us graciously for coming and gave us hugs. Wonderful. What more could I ask for? read more

Japp's Since 1879 - Like fruity drinks? Try the Karalily! - Lounges Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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This is a great place to stop for a drink! Molly does a fantastic job at keeping an up beat bar! read more

One of my favorite bars. This is one of those few places where no drink order will trip them up. I love sitting at the bar on quiet nights to watch the drinks they whip​ up. read more

Japp's is pretty fan-freakin-tastic! It's got a great atmosphere an that sot of old-worldly charm. I love that the decor is salvaged from the old wig and hair care factory that it was in the beginning. There are canopies over the tables, that are actually parts of the old weaving loom. The huge old signs are also proudly displayed. The restoration work that's gone into the bar back, and the lighting is just amazing! The staff is equally great! You can kick back and actually have a conversation with friends, which is hard to come by. Is this different than an other bar in OtR... well yeah kinda. Is that a bad thing? Absolutely not!! I think its the perfect addition! You will wait for a specialty cocktail here. Mainly because they take the time to make it right here. this is no, just give me a Bud Light or Vodka Cranberry here. Oh no... they have specialty craft cocktails. Made from their very own coffee bar in the back of the place, if you're here during the day, or perhaps stuck being the DD. And it's TazzaMia coffee so you know its good. But Rachel... Coffee and alcohol??!!? Yes, and fruit. I tried their Van Gogh mainly because it said it was "on fire over ice" and anything on fire is badass right?! But it was absinthe and ice coffee with a sugar cube and an orange peel. and once i dropped the orange in the glass it was amazing! Some said it had a slight chocolate flavor, but I didn't really feel it. Their mixed drinks are like a step back in time too. They make their own syrups here and its amazing. These are going to be great in the hot summer. A lot of them are nice and refreshing and cooling. They also support local brewery's like Hudy, and Christian Morlien here, which is always awesome! The drinks are a little steep and will run you at least $8 bucks. Even the beers are around $5, which will probably keep me from being a total regular. But I'm way excited to come back and try more offerings and see what crazy awesome concoctions they've come up with next! read more

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This is one of those bars that's worth a visit when in OTR. Its cool that it has 2 sections to it. One is more of a bar almost pub feel to it. The other side is more like a dance club. The place is typically well attended so you can make for a very good social. The one gripe I have is that the dance floor is very sticky. It will give an movie theater a run for its money in that regard!! read more

How to be classy: Step 1: Be classy. Step 2: Don't act like you're classy. Step 3: Don't talk about being classy. Step 4: It's not classy to have a step 4. Japps doesn't light up their sign at night promoting "classy establishment." They don't have to. Japps is classy without forcing it down ones throat. But, golly, I want to force all the drinks down my throat. The craft cocktails that the bartenders whip up are my favorite in the city. I will typically judge a bar by the quality of its old fashioned (and Japps doesn't try to put a new spin on it, which I respect) but you really need to experience the special cocktails that this place offers. It's not just the recipes that are amazing, the bartenders really know their stuff. Put them to the test and you will be pleased. I'm not reviewing the "Annex" because really it feels like a different place. Japps proper is a bar/speakeasy with a very small stage suited for jazz trios and the occasional tap dancer, and the Annex is more of a club-dance-floor-oh-look-the-DJ-is-way-up-there plus they play classic movies on the wall. So, the annex is classier than a club, and has a pass-through to Japps proper. Japps' decor is thoughtful and thought-out. Not the cheesy stuff or pre-fabbed stuff you'll see in modern renovations. It's classy. It's effortless. It's natural and makes sense. It's easy to see how everything makes sense at Japps, and how everything is about the drinks, all of the time. that's part of being classy. If you don't pay attention, you'll find yourself paying too much attention to the things you don't need to pay attention to. So really, I guess Japps is more than just classy, they are classic. Being classic is way better than being classy. read more

Japp's Since 1879 - Fashion: old - Lounges Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Honestly the best overall experience I've ever had at a bar in my life. I came in on a quiet Tuesday night and met the owner Molly who taught me about the beautiful history of her bar as well as Cincinnati! The atmosphere is everything you need to enjoy a unique drink, but also you feel so welcome there. Seriously visit! They care about your health and maintain social distances but also make you feel like things were normal again. Loved every minute of being there read more

Japp's Since 1879 - Drinks, downtown - Lounges Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

During a weekend visit to the horseshoe casino in Cincinnati, my friends and I ventured out into the city for a few drinks. Unfortunately, the first couple places we tried didn't open until 6pm. While sitting at a local pizza place, we met 2 members of a local band. As we talked to the guys, they convinced us we needed to see Japps. Japps is best described as a hipster mixology lounge. They have great craft cocktails and a few local beer selections. Apparently they have an annex (it wasn't open while we were there) which has a lot of local beer on draft. If you go here, order a Marlboro man: basically it's bourbon and tobacco bitters, with a few secret elements thrown in and then lit on fire. Although it's a mixology lounge, the cocktails are very fairly priced, the music isn't too loud (live band), and there are plenty of casual seating areas. If you're in the area and looking for a drink, you found a great place. read more

Japp's Since 1879 - Lounges Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

All of these "classy" reviews must have gone at a different time than me. Also HEA.VY. pours. Prepare yourself. ;) I have been in here a few times. On the weekends it always seems crowded. Last night (Friday) was no different. If you can make your way through the elbows and bumps, you'll find a very large bar. Don't expect to find European beers like Heineken or Baileys; this is a local drink establishment. Over the course of the night, we ordered: - Amaretto Sour (wasted 2 eggs while making it but good tasting) - Kentucky mule (very heavy on the ginger beer) - Caipirinhia (not great Cachaça and light on sugar) - Negroni (very tasty, light and fruity) - Marlboro Man (no tobacco bitters so replaced it with something else; very anise-y) - Johnny Walker proper (two ice cubes for two shots; he knows how he likes his Johnny) Overall the drinks were good. I didn't mind waiting for them. They are heavy pours though; not for the amateur drinker! The environment though was more like a hot mess. I have never seen so many drinks (cans, glasses, whatever) drop to the ground in a bar as I did here last night. People were laying on the ground outside and over others in booths inside, and this was at just 12am. People were stumbling everywhere and knocking others. Getting a booth to sit at is your best way to avoid it until someone almost falls on you! Next time: I'll go earlier and/or check out the back dance floor. read more

Japp's Since 1879 - Malnourished Man and a Negroni - Lounges Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I went back to Japp's last night for a Happy Hour my friend was hosting for his 50th birthday and it was a very pleasant experience! Atmosphere was very chill. Bartenders were very friendly. read more

I've been putting off writing this review for sometime, because I don't feel like I can really do Japps justice. I will try however. Japps is a bar/cocktail lounge that was opened in the location of an old wig store of the same name. The bar is decorated with original items from the store, found during renovations. This includes old signs, parts of looms, and even the liquor shelves back behind the bar are in what used to be the main wig display case. There is a nice little private patio out back as well. This is one of the few places in Cincinnati you can find true mixologists. Molly Wellman (voted best bartender in Cincinnati) will make you pretty much anything you can think to ask for, or if you can't think of anything, tell her what you like and she'll work with it. There used to be a coffee station run by Tazza Mia, but they pulled out for reasons I am not aware, and it is now a snack bar. I know that they are building an annex next door to host private events. Also, if you haven't been here in a while, it seems like drink prices have gone down a little bit. I think that's pretty much it. I love this place, you should definitely come check it out. read more

Japp's Since 1879 - Lounges Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Dropped in here with some girlfriends on a Saturday night... we were able to be seated right away (!!!) and I loved the (very COVID safe) set up inside. I ordered the French 75 (always a favorite of mine) and was super impressed!! I can't wait to come back. read more

El diablo: black currant liquor, ginger, tequila = delicious!!!! Come on a Tuesday night, and the place is practically empty. This gives you a nice opportunity to actually be able to hear your friends as well as a time to chat with the bartender to tell you more about the drinks. THe cocktail menu changes, but you can always ask the bartender to make your favorite cocktail. I always like bars that has a little hook to place your bag. Just make sure to keep an eye on it of course. read more

Japp's Since 1879 - El diablo - Lounges Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Great bar with heavy pours. Worth the money to drink here. Great selections at the bar but No food. We got pizza from Lucy Blues and brought it in. They are cool with this, you just cat sit at the bar. The band was perfect for the space. I would be a regular if I lived in the OTR. read more

Japp's Since 1879 - Da bar - Lounges Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Come see Molly! This place, in the dark times of COVID, is doing it right. Great spacing. Hands free ordering and payment. Sparkling clean everywhere. And still super friendly, welcoming service and the best damn cocktails you can get in Cincinnati. Come try something new and enjoy the beautiful bar and atmosphere. Thanks Molly for a great pre-dinner round. See you again soon ! read more

Japp's Since 1879 - Amazing aperol spritz. - Lounges Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

MY favorite specialty Cocktail Place in Cincinnati. There's always something New and different to try on the specials menu which can be a lot of fun. If you are not sure what you want, the Bartenders are always on top of it either to explain and/or make something up for you. We've been here several times now and seeing how I've never had a bad cocktail here... Its definately top of the Must Try List in Cincinnati/OTR. read more

Japp's Since 1879 - I do love this place.... - Lounges Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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