I'm giving MOTR 3 stars because it doesn't work for me, but it works great for what it is, for other people. Let me explain. As I've said in other posts, I'm weird when it comes to bars. I know normal folks go to them for the scene, and for loud music, but this is not why I go to them. So my review is biased in this way. What they do well: beautiful bar, lots of space (I'm looking forward to weather warm enough to sit on the patio). They are in OTR so big bonus points for that, and practically right across the street from me. They have live music all the time and they have food (more on these two items in a moment). I've only eaten the burger, which was decent...and I'd like to try the brunch one day if I can figure out their ordering system. What I don't much like (and why I rarely go there): it's LOUD. Crazy loud. The band is right there where the bar is, and it's far too loud to carry on a conversation, even with the bartender, to tell them what you'd like to drink. Also, I'm thrilled that they have food here, but trying to figure out HOW and WHOM to order from is exhausting and makes me feel stupid. If I have to work this hard for food and drink, then I need to find another bar. But for all you kids who like losing your hearing, have figured out the ordering system, and have worked out a sign language of sorts with the bartender--enjoy! read more

Sunday brunch! You know you are at the right spot when they offer mimosas and bellinis. I have been in here a few times and each time I have been treated like family. So laid back and inviting. The food is always top notch. I love that even though it is a bar with a kitchen, they have a wide range of options for every diet. Breakfast tacos and loaded fries are my fav! read more

Came here with a few friends for "happy hour" on a Monday, which happens to be "martini Monday" where you can get these cute martinis for $3 (and yes, "cute" refers to their size as well)..but hey they're $3 and quite tasty. They also have great specials on beer and well drinks as well. The menu is smallish but does include a burger, BLT, a veggie option-portabella mushroom "burger" and a few other appetizer items. They also had a special, "black bean and sweet potato burrito" which I overheard others saying was quite tasty. It was a beautiful day on Monday so I very much enjoyed conversation and drinks in their outdoor courtyard! Huge plus in my book. I will have to come back and check out their music scene (pretty much what they're known for). read more

This is one of the best bars in Cincinnati. I went there for the first time during Midpoint Music Fest, but never really experienced the place. While dying to go back, I finally made my return on a Wednesday evening after work. Two excuses to go prompted my return. Since they have FREE music almost every night, I constantly check to see what bands I want to see. I chose to go on a night where Slothpop was playing. They are a groovy band from Indianapolis and I really enjoyed their music. The other reason I went was for a meeting held by the Over-the-Rhine Brewery District. They discussed some interesting changes involving OTR in the basement of MOTR (which by the way, is awesome. I mean, there isn't much to the basement, but the 19th century building is very interesting there). I ordered a Hudepohl Amber Lager and a cheeseburger. The burger was delicious as were the fries. (They have sweet Hudy glasses that I wanted to buy, but they weren't for sale, unfortunately.) The Hudy was ice-cold and I enjoyed every sip. While waiting for Slothpop to start I downed three more Hudy's and enjoyed the show. As I was sitting there, I got plenty of time to collect my thoughts and plan for an event I was hosting. The lighting is enough to allow me to write, but dark enough to remain a bar atmosphere. I plan on returning this Saturday (to see BRAHMS). Maybe sometime soon I will go for brunch too, which I hear is pretty good. Keep up the good work MOTR! read more

MOTR is one of the more eclectic, cooler places in town. If you're looking something rocking, this is a great place to go. They have plenty of art/music/etc. going on to keep you interested on almost any night of the week. I've seen everything from techno bands, to art showings, to rock bands, to poetry readings/storytelling at MOTR. Who ever their booking manager is has a wide array of interests, I'll say that. The coolest and most frustrating thing about MOTR though is their mirror behind the bar. They write their drinks and prices on it. The first time I saw it I thought is was a pretty novel idea, considering most bars are still going "3rd grade old school" (i.e. chalk/chalk board) behind the bar, if they are writing anything at all. But the more times I've shown up, the more I'm becoming frustrated by it. When it's rocking, and there is a band playing, and the lights are down, you read a freaking thing on that mirror. So there have been several times that I've started w/one beer when I came in (I'm a bit of a craft beer conneseur) and wanted to switch for round two. But I ended up drinking the same thing all night because I couldn't read the mirror to see what they had on tap that evening. As my 3-year-old daughter would say, "Awww, bummer!" I personally have never tried the food. So I will leave that for others to debate. The one cautionary word I do have: If you're looking for something low-key on the weekend (or outdoors) this is not the place for you. Just saying. read more

Absolutely class act of bar. The performers there, I would pay 50 dollars per performer, but yet there is no cover. If you go... you HAVE to get the miller lite. It is by far the best in the city!!! read more

I am reviewing the brunch at MOTR- EXCELLENT AND CHEAP! We got there around 10:45 on a Sunday morning, there were only a few other patrons there. She said they usually get busier after 11, because that is when they can start serving booze on Sundays. One person got the special which was an everything bagel with egg, bacon, lettuce and bacon; one got the hash and I had the breakfast tacos. I had a bite of the bagel and it was very good and my tacos were excellent, they were so huge that they were impossible to pick up, but that's ok in my book! Coffee and water are self service and you order at the bar, but I love the laid back feel. Great place to take our visitor to be able to sit right away and enjoy our breakfast. read more

I had brunch here a few weeks ago & it was pretty good! We went on a Sunday & it wasn't really that busy - but they were out of a lot of the options so the menu, which I thought was somewhat small anyways, was even smaller. The server seemed flustered. I got loaded tots & they were delicious! Also had a yummy Bloody Mary! I would definitely get it again. :) read more

I don't care for a burger. Call me un-American, I'm just not impressed. But, MOTR Pub makes an exceptional burger. A burger good enough to make a special trip for. read more

Really great food, the bartender Nanta was really friendly and charming. She recommended the chili over Mac and cheese which was awesome. She also recommended an exclusive new Cincinnati cocktail, the "CinciNanta" which was a tasty ginger-flavored drink. Great service, great conversation, great food and drink recommendations. Also this place has multiple levels, arcade games and a fire pit. Highly recommend if you're in the neighborhood . And make sure to ask Nanta for the "CinciNanta" cocktail! read more

Overall it's not a bad place. Very popular venue for live music, stage is very small but the sound rocks! Nice smaller venue to see some good music. Decent selection of beers, food is typical pub food but good. The reason I give 3 stars is that we went here with my family and some friends to see a relatives band play and my whole family was kicked out except for my wife and me, just before they went on. The only reason they got kicked out was age, everyone was acting normal and low key, not drinking alcohol or anything. These were 19-20 year olds just wanting to see the band. However the guy checking ids didn't even bother looking at some others who came in that their age was questionable. read more

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Last November while I was waiting for a concert across the street to begin, I bought this one apple drink & tipped 2 dollars; the total charge was like $7 or $8. This is correct, and the exact amount showed up on my bank statement just as it should have. What was not correct was the additional and as of yet totally unexplained charge for nearly 30 dollars that showed up on my bank statement later, alongside the correct charge. I can probably guess what you're thinking, so to head you off at the pass: 1. I did not leave my card at the bar. I closed the tab. 2. I literally only ordered that one drink. I was with someone who can vouch for this. 3. My bank did not refund me the charge because I did not keep my receipt for my one drink - what would that receipt have proved, other than that the one legitimate charge...was legitimate. In what universe could I have a receipt for a charge that I did not make? I contacted the business via e-mail & got nowhere, then I contacted my bank. Both unhelpful; so now I'm out 30 dollars for absolutely no reason other than this bar's incompetence. If you're willing to openly gamble with your money, check out MOTR Pub and make sure to bring your debit or credit card. read more

Great brunch! Good food, great bar tenders, and a tasty gluten free option. Nice drinks. Chill music. Not for everyone, but for me, I love this place. Enjoy everything about this place. It is what it is... a music joint with burgers and drinks. But, it's really good at being itself, and that's why it deserves five stars. read more

MOTR Pub - Pubs Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

MOTR Pub is yet another staple of my frequent trips to OTR. The best part...no cover! They bring in a variety of music groups and it's all free! They have a great beer selection and I appreciate that they write it on the mirrors behind the bar. It can be very annoying for short people like me when bars do not have their beer list in an easily visible place. Thank you MOTR Pub for supporting the vertically challenged. Now a warning: It is very very very loud. I mean, they sell earplugs at the bar. That should be your first clue that it's uncomfortably loud. I typically order my beer and quickly find a quieter place to escape to. The basement is a great option and you can still hear the music. It's that loud. If I was ever going to make an evil plan to take over the world, I would hold my meetings in MOTR Pub's basement. It even has swords and daggers. Perfect. read more

Sometimes my body needs to Rock n' Roll and when I am in OTR there is no better place to Rock n' Roll then MOTR Pub. MOTR has all the essence of a Rock n' Roll bar - it is dark, posters/signs on the wall, beer flowing, basement with low ceiling, and pinball. I hear they have food as well, you will have to read another review to find out about that aspect of MOTR Pub, because when I'm there I'm not sitting down I'm drinking and ROCKIN'! read more

I have visited this place twice once on tour and a second time win just visiting Cincinnati for business. It is quite nice and the food is well the only kind I have is that they need to change their Grease more often. The tater tots gave my girlfriend a tummy ache as a result of some very old grease. I do think that the experience was okay can get very loud on the weekends but very enjoyable space. Wish their arcade were bigger downstairs if they opened an 80s inspired arcade the place would be 100% Legit. read more

This is a good bar with space to move around, regular shows, moderately priced alcohol, and a nice courtyard. It can get a little too packed on the weekend despite all the space, though. I don't come here as often as I'd like on weekend nights and I think it's probably because it always feels so claustrophobic. I do really like their brunch, though. Served on Sundays, you can get a variety of good food for a decent price. Two thumbs up on that. It's a really good place in OTR in which to hang out and drink, so I recommend it to all. Just beware the overcrowding on weekend nights. read more

MOTR is quickly becoming my go-to bar for live music, but also for Sunday brunch. Ok, let me explain. MOTR has live music almost every night of the week, and they never charge a cover. Never. Not even for awesome touring bands. Or awesome local bands, for that matter. They also have an amazing jukebox, full of both new and classic albums, and the selection rotates, so you never get too sick of what's in there. Which means it really does live up to its name (MOTR = Music OTR, duh). Also, they have breakfast tacos with kickass salsa, a solid beer selection, and a really nice-looking space. They even have a little outdoor area where you can smoke while drinking your beer (if you're into that sort of thing). Seriously, what else could you want? read more

We went here on a Thursday night, mostly for the food and the music. The food was excellent. We ordered the vegan BLT and there burgers. The place is decorated with eclectic movie and music posters. The band started late and we had to head out by that time. read more

Wow!! Awesome place! Very friendly and attentive staff! Food is incredible!! They have tots on the menu!!! Plenty of space, can eat in the bar area, at the bar, seating in the back, in the basement, and outdoor patio. Street parking and nearby lots available too, read more

Your quintessential dive bar with a twist! The twist is their amazing service and super friendly staff!!! read more

After reading reviews about the BLT and seasoned fries, I twisted a friends are into going for happy hour. Upon arriving and reading the menu, I was sold on the burger because it is topped with an fried onion ring. While the flavor of the burger itself was nothing out of this world, it was a well-made burger and the onion ring and chipotle aioli were a nice touch. I didn't leave my perch at the bar and $2.50 draft to explore the whole place, I figure I'll save that for my next visit, which I hope will be to see some live music and get that BLT! read more

Cool spot not too far from GABP.. Stopped in for a few beers and some veggie friendly food. Noticed the pinball machines in the basement right before leaving.. had I known I would have pumped them full of quarters.. Next time. read more

In holding true to my policy of "keeping it real" I'm going to say that my MOTR review isn't quite complete yet. I checked it out on a busy Friday night and only stayed for a beer. The place seems cool enough. There's a stage in the corner with indie musicians raging to a crowd of twenty-somethings. The crowd was young and "hispter"ish, this seems to be a hangout for UC juniors/seniors and maybe grad students. The bar is long, but the bartenders were taken care of business, and got to me pretty quickly, They don't carry Sam Adams which bummed me out but I was recommended a local brew that I had never tried before. It reminded me of a bar I would find in Allston, Mass for anyone who's familiar with Boston. The place was pretty packed and people were definitely digging the music, but the drunken douch-baggery that usually follows wasn't present. I wasn't bumped, grinded-on, groped, pushed or fondled. So win there. I definitely want to check out the place on a random Wednesday night and will of course update my review accordingly. read more

If you're in to bands and loud music, this is a good place for you, and it's one of the few bars in Over the Rhine that offers food and alcohol. There's also a basement area that is less noisy and less crowded - it's like a little dungeon, so it's pretty fun. Recommendations: The Mac & Cheese is really good! If memory serves me right, they used Pepper Jack Cheese so it has a little kick that makes for an exciting adventure. read more

Finally tried this neighborhood brunch spot that so many have raved about. While, I don't hate it; I don't love it either. My experience was not memorable nor scrumptious, like others have mentioned. For starters, tried the Bellini thinking it would be a good change up from the typical mimosa. If they had it on their menu, why not...? Plus Mimosa/Bellini are currently $5.5 so great price. But.......Big X (Not Good At All). The Bellini tasted like a dump of sugar and we saw them prep it w/ some boxed mix so not going for that cocktail ever again here... We figured something sweet & something savory to share.. So ordered the Waffle w/ all the fixins (granola/yogurt/honey/berries). The bartender asked if whipped cream should be added and while we said , yes, we never got it on our waffle. The waffle itself was at most, standard. The granola/honey/berries bowl was very good. Recommend just order that as a side if you want a sweet... Secondly, ordered the breakfast casserole. It was delicious. A salad accompanied it and it was just ok. More casserole,please! Even though we ate it all, we were both still hungry. All in all, the price is unbeatable for a DT/OTR brunch but the only time I would go back is for a hangover recovery to get a dbl portion of the casserole (no salad) and maybe try a mimosa for the $5.5... The place/setting is alright; nothing fancy but a nice "Main St neighborly feel". The service was quick. Orders placed at the bar. read more

The first time someone suggested we go to brunch at MOTR (several years ago at this point), I thought they were crazy. MOTR, as in the same place where we danced to a live band on a dirty, sticky floor 8 hours before? Yes... and the brunch is actually pretty delicious. I was surprised and thrilled to see that most of their menu is vegetarian/vegan friendly. It's not the healthiest, but it is relatively creative and it's good comfort food. There's always plenty of space for brunch, even for big groups, and the outside is a decent option (although it isn't very picturesque). For MOTR as a live music/going out venue, also four stars. I love seeing bands here and it's always a good old sweaty dance party. Drinks are fine, but we're really not there for the alcohol by the time we make it to MOTR on a Friday or Saturday night. read more

I recently visited MOTR Pub for the first time to celebrate Guy Fawkes night with a few friends and I must say I was impressed. The crowd was very eclectic, which I personally enjoy, and the bartenders were super friendly and did a good job of getting everyones drinks to them in a timely manner. The building itself is very cool and full of space to interact with people as well. There is the main bar room, a smaller dining area behind that, a patio outside, and a basement complete with more seating and a Terminator pinball machine! The walls throughout the pub are also decorated with cool band posters spanning years and genres of great music. MOTR Pub is just the kind of place we need in OTR to keep the neighborhood unique, fun, and flourishing and I for one, plan to visit many, many more times. read more

While I am not typically a fan of live music, I do appreciate MOTR's mission to support music and provide free concerts on an almost daily basis. I love that I can stop in here for half an hour and not pay a cover... That way if you like the band great, but if you don't like them you don't feel like you are throwing away money if you leave. The cooks make some great food for you to eat while drinking their reasonably priced drinks. The vibe is mostly hipster and everyone is cool and nice. I recently had the Greek Goddess Salad (Hummus, Pita, Falafel, and a Salad) and the Shroom burger (Portabella mushroom burger with a ton of toppings and fries). Both were good and I can take comfort in that I am eating about as healthy bar food as possible. Food and drink prices are reasonable and comparable to any other bar in the area. Atmosphere is great... Plenty of seating, including some booths in the back away from the stage. I don't like that bathrooms are in the basement... Its a hassle to get to them! There generally is plenty of street parking in the area, but I don't generally advise a long walk alone at the end of the night in that area if you are a girl. I'll be back, but mostly before the band goes onstage. Ha ha. read more

Went for brunch a few weekends ago and LOVED it. Really laid back and casual atmosphere. I had the corned beef hash with guiness gravy + hot hot hot black coffee. One of the best stand alone breakfast items that I've ever had. Super afordable--$10 for the food + bottomless coffee. It is serve yourself and you have to order from the bar, so definitely be aware of that going in. We got there around 10:45 and by 11:30, the place was jammed. Definitely want to go back for drinks sometime soon! read more

I've only been twice but I do like their burgers. They come with a huge onion ring and some awesome spicy mayonnaise. Fries are good, too. It's not really a friendly server kind of place to eat though. Once they brought us our food, they never checked on us again. No refills, no "are you doing okay?" That might just be the place but I did want a refill on my flat Coca Cola. My friends seem to enjoy the brunch so maybe I'll go back and have a better review. But, honestly, I do appreciate the burgers. Yum. read more

For some reason I cannot get enough of MOTR Pub. I checked it out first during MPMF and just went again on Friday (10/29/10) to see The Tillers. I have not eaten here yet but I was drooling over the menu so I know it will happen soon. I love the atmosphere. They always have good music and the crowd is diverse. They have a wide variety of beer and I will am a HUGE fan of Moerlein on tap and they have other local beer too. There is a massive basement where the bathrooms are with pool tables and TVs. I am a big fan of the stage being elevated because of my short stature and inevitable tall man that stands in front of me I can still see the band. I just love that there is no cover, good music, good beer and rumor has it good food. This is just the place that Main Street needed! read more

First off, I love the space. I couldn't stop looking around at all the framed artwork, the high ceiling, the high tables and bar stools, the food bar in the back. If places could have personalities, MOTR is a hipster, but a distinctly soulful hipster with an indie/alternative edge. Maybe I'm romanticizing because I know this place is home to awesome live music and writers' nights. But there you have it. I'm only reviewing brunch since I've stepped in here only once at night and can't say I remember much. The menu is short but offers both sweet and savory. I opted for the vegan BLT. The tofu was well-marinated but erred on the salty side. My friends enjoyed their casseroles, the tacos, and the waffle. Solid brunch and an unbeatable deal at about 7 or 8 bucks per item. When we left I saw someone eating a delicious-looking cheesy casserole that made me wonder whether there are unwritten menu items. More reason to come back. read more

MOTR Pub is a great casual bar in the center of the new OTR scene . Their niche is playing live rock and roll/indie acts almost every night of the week. I saw Hundred in a Hand from New York here as well some great local acts like The Guitars and Wussy. They also have a nice big courtyard for smoking and mingling. It does get loud in the bar area when bands are playing. There is also a huge downstairs that you'll discover after using the bathroom if its your first time. Everything is dark and cozy inside, lots of wood paneling and high ceilings. And the chairs at the bar are roomy. There are also hooks under the bar comfortably accommodating giant purses like mine. I also got the pleasure of trying their hangover lunch this past Saturday. The fem bartender was nice enough to let my friend and I have some free juke credits as well. I had their pretzel and beer cheese which was pretty yummy, and I don't think it was the hangover talking. I also had some veggie chili that surprised me by being kind of sweet with big buttery croutons and sour cream. My friend got a Bloody Mary that was more vodka than juice, and it also had olives and a pickled spicy green bean. Her Mac and cheese had bread crumbs and was definitely not from a box. I'm not a big bar food fly but this meal was pretty tasty. read more

To start with, I arrived with friends during a break in the music. We found a booth in the back, but still on the first floor. None of us had been to MOTR before. and we were all struck by the interior of the place. Congrats to whomever picked that stuff! I'm sticking to three stars because we soon experienced the music. It was pretty good, but so darn LOUD! Why? Why? Why? We liked the music and the atmosphere, but our group was caught off guard by the sheer volume of the place. Be prepared. Its an easy step to four stars, and I really want to give the fourth and a gesture of support in some sort of way, but I can't. Not me anyway. read more

I love the atmosphere here: the wooden floors, high ceilings, courtyard seating. I also like the staff. The menu is simple and short, but there's always something good on it. There's always something the please a vegetarian and something for a carnivore, and everyone's happy. Great place to sit with friends and chat for hours. read more

This review is going to focus on the Sunday Brunch, not on the actually bar scene here Pros: 1) Delicious food 2) Very friendly staff, very comfortable atmosphere 3) Very reasonably priced Cons: 1) It is kinda weird to eat at noon inside a bar, but it is good food 2) We all ended up ordering drinks because the water is served from a unfiltered tap read more

MOTR is my favorite place to see a band. The space is big enough to hold a nice sized crowd and small enough to feel cozy and intimate. Of course, this means that for more popular bands, it can be tough to navigate the crowd to get to the bar or bathrooms. The drinks are moderately priced. They have a good selection of bourbon and usually some decent beers on tap. I really enjoy that they keep a jug of water and cups at the back of the bar. Someday I'll remember to use it. I've never ordered food there but I have stolen fries from my friends and they were pretty good. Of course, I had been drinking and I didn't pay for the fries, so they were guaranteed to be good. The only thing I dislike about MOTR is a reflection of my age rather than the bar. The bands start too late on weekdays (usually the headliner is playing around 10:30 or 11) forcing me to stay out past my bed time. But, depending on the band and because these shows are FREE, I occasionally compromise my beauty sleep. read more

When we don't want to head to our (very) regular bar on the other side of the river we've more recently been gravitating towards MOTR. If it's not the music that often draws us in - I believe they have live music every night of the week? - it's the selection of afforable drinks, the great food menu, the laid back vibe or the pinball machines down in the basement level. (The 5-ball AC/DC machine is so much fun). Staff have always been friendly and accommodating even when we've arrived "a little bit worse for wear" from another OTR bar and crave little more than glasses of water and a pair of loaded fries. Because, yes, sometimes, we can be "lightweights" too! MOTR is MmmmmmmmmmOTR! read more

Great place to hear free live music local and national acts, which is the reason i'm there most every time. The basement is a hidden gem away from music if you want to chat with friends, or you know PLAY PINBALL! read more