Thoroughly enjoyed the poetry and spoken word night! It's only once a month but I will definitely be back!! One thing is I wish the patrons who are not there for the show would respect the artists more and keep conversation low volume while the people are on stage, but otherwise it was such a fantastic mood! Drinks were on point with some neat cocktails though they don't really have any food service I ate up the street and walked down no problem!! read more

Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge - Vibe and mood - Wine Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Nice place to relax, hear some good music, and receive good service. DJ is fire! It's important to note that the later it gets, the younger and roudier the crowd gets. No real problems but I didn't like the weed smoke wafting through the air to be honest. Believe me, I don't judge. Do you. BUT, I don't like having to get my coat dry cleaned after a night out.. After some rude dude bumped into my table and spilled my red wine all over my coat and the floor without apologizing, I was done! One of the employees saw the incident and replaced my drink and made the guy leave. I appreciate that! I would come back but not after 10pm. read more

Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge - Wine Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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We've been a few times and each time it gets progressively worse. I don't know if they want to be a jazz lounge or a hip hop club. The last time we were there they had a dj. It was so loud we had to scream to hear each other talk. That's a far cry from the pleasant experience we had when we to a spoken word event. Maybe I have aged out of this venue, but I wouldn't make the drive from Louisville again with such inconsistent experiences and service. read more

*This review is specific to the Valentine's Night event with Marlon Wayans as a guest.* My husband purchased "VIP" tickets for $75 each. We drove from Lexington to Cincinnati. Arrived at the venue shortly after 9pm. No ticket taker, Greeter, or security at the door. No direction regarding who to show are Eventbrite code to. Seemed like just a walk-in/walkout as you please. Place was packed!!! No seats, couches, benches, NOTHING. About 3-4 bartenders. Very hard to order a drink, since there weren't any seats people were using the bar to hangout & blocking others from ordering. People were discussing the VIP experience & one person shared that this was the second time attending a special event here & business should know how to handle this kind of event. There were tons of disappointing aspects of the night: overcrowding, extreme heat due to amount of people & lack of ventilation, no seating ANYWHERE, outdoor area was packed, uncovered patio area was not an option due to rain, but I took my hooded jacket to grab a wet seat to alleviate some discomfort in my feet after standing for hours, EMS arriving to take a patron out that had overheated, glasses breaking, one person with a tablet walking through the crowd to confirm paid VIP attendees & give out bands-she had trouble finding our name & didn't just scan QR Code, bartenders were inconsistent (some knew about free VIP Champagne & some gave out VIP bands at bar), a public announcement that if you didn't have a ticket you needed to leave-that didn't help with crowd size, long waits for the only two water closets (restrooms). We stood for over 3hrs against the wall between the water closets just to have a secure space. People continue to pour in...it was obvious that this event was OVER SOLD! Live music performers were great...but announced several times they had one more song upwards of 5 times. Oh, so glad Marlon Wayans showed up & seemed very low-key & approachable. But it was obvious there was no real order for what the experience with him was supposed to be. Some patrons shared that photos were being taken outside with Marlon where the cigar bar was located...business/hosts did not communicate ANYTHING that was related to what we paid for. There was a completely empty section in front of the live band that I guess was being saved for guest. But it was empty for hours. People were making seats outside and inside...For a VIP ticket, this was sad! No food or even light bites were available. Very disappointing & my feet still hurt. Do better Nostalgia! read more

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Always a nice vibe when I come to Nostalgia. The staff is always friendly and makes sure you have what you need. The music fits the atmosphere something nice to dance in your chair to or get up and actually move. The drinks aren't too expensive either. 1 tip when coming is if you have a large party or if you would like to sit down during you visit then you should make a reservation to ensure that that is possible. read more

Here to add that, yup, it's still good! The vibes are always immaculate, and they are always involved in local events. It's an easy decision for a night out. read more

Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge - Drink - Grandma's Pineapple Upside Down Cake cocktail - Wine Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Be been here several times over the years , but I'm just sure why one we gave them a review ! Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge is an absolute vibe. From the moment you walk in, the ambiance, decor, and live music create an unforgettable experience. Whether it's a Friday or Saturday night, you might catch a live band or a singer serenading the crowd, adding to the intimate and lively atmosphere. With a well-curated drink menu, Nostalgia offers a variety of wines and cocktails that keep guests coming back. They also have a wine club for those looking to explore more selections. The staff consistently delivers great service, making every visit enjoyable. Whether you're a regular or a first-time guest, you'll feel welcomed. Street parking is available, but there's also a paid lot next door for added convenience. No food is served, so plan to eat beforehand. But it has never stop me from going to catch a VIBE! read more

Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge - Wine Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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This is a hidden gem for sure! The whole vibe gives me speakeasy / roaring 20s. They have an excellent espresso martini and great wine selection. The live music is a plus. read more

Nice place to pop in for a drink while waiting for dinner at Southern Secrets. Beautiful wine bar with great cocktails. Smooth environment. Nice lounge area with space for live music. read more

Ambiance... Nostalgia is a whole classy vibe, full of culture, a contemporary Cotton Club. Grandma's Pineapple Upside Down drink is an absolute winner! read more

Totally my scene. We were celebrating a birthday on a Friday night. The place was filled with a sophisticated crowd and the live jazz band was everything. The ambiance is that of an old jazz club and beautiful pieces of jazz greats adorning the walls. I selected the Miles Davis cocktail which is Nostalgia's rendition of the old stylish Sidecar that became popular in the 20's. I reviewed the menu prior to going and my first impression was that it was overpriced. However, something to consider is that there is no cover charge at the door. So for the ambience, a live jazz band and great (not good, great) cocktails, it is totally worth it. I wish the owner continued success. read more

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Service Ambiance Black owned selection of spirits Visiting Nostalgia alone was one of the highlights of my trip to Cincinnati! Highly recommend arriving well in advance of your reservation to find a place to park, or just Uber. You will not be disappointed. read more

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I am very disappointed with the experience I and my guests had at this establishment on the evening of Aug. 10, 2023. As someone who had chosen Nostalgia to celebrate a significant milestone in my career, I was disheartened by the unfortunate turn of events that transpired. I selected Nostalgia after reading an article by Betsy Leonidas for Cincinnati Refined, which spoke highly of owner Tammie Scott's commitment to supporting minority women business operators. However, the reality I encountered was far from the inclusive and welcoming atmosphere that was portrayed. From the very beginning, the lack of communication was evident. Despite sending emails with inquiries about our reservation and the possibility of bringing outside food, there was a single response thanking me for my reservation however no answers to my additional questions. Upon arrival, the treatment I and my guests received was deeply distressing. The staff's unfriendly and aggressive demeanor left us feeling unwelcome. Despite my reservation and the presence of my friends at the appointed time, the staff repeatedly conveyed a sense of urgency for us to vacate the premises after two hours. This constant reminder of our time limit, accompanied by the dismissive attitude towards my reservations, was disconcerting. Equally disappointing was the fact that despite my correspondence and sharing of information, there was no effort to recognize me as the person celebrating an important career milestone. There was a lack of acknowledgment or even a basic greeting from the staff, making me feel invisible throughout the evening. Furthermore, the service we received was subpar. The bartenders and other staff members exhibited rudeness and a lack of professionalism. Drinks were denied, orders were refused, and guests were treated as an inconvenience rather than valued patrons. It was unsettling to witness staff members openly expressing their frustration and unwillingness to serve. I was particularly taken aback by my encounter with Tammie Scott, the owner. Despite being an alumna of the same high school, her behavior was far from what one would expect from a fellow graduate. Her aloofness and indifference were palpable, leaving me feeling uncomfortable. The culmination of these experiences has left me deeply disgusted and outraged. It is disheartening that an establishment that claims to support minority women business operators and prides itself on customer service would allow such treatment of guests. Some of my guests spent substantial amounts on their purchases, only to be met with disrespect and hostility. I hope that by sharing my experience, you will take the necessary steps to address the issues that marred our visit to Nostalgia. Customer satisfaction and respect should be the cornerstones of any establishment's success, and it is my hope that Nostalgia will reflect on this and strive for improvement. Thankfully the presence of so my people there to show me love and support outweighed their sheer efforts of aggression. Be careful when choosing this place to celebrate! "The hate is real, the love is fake"! read more

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Excellent lounge ambiance. More on the upscale side. Great cocktails and live music on the weekends. Recommend the Whiskey Sour and Old Fashion. I really like that they enforce a dress code to enter. My only qualms were that I did see dress code exceptions be made, which I wasn't very fond of. If I'm in a button down and leather Calvin Klein dress shoes, I should not be seeing anyone in a hoodie, sweats and pepto-bismol pink crocs... Also there should definitely be more seating options available. High top tables near the entrance that are first-cone-first-serve would make it feel much more welcoming. Getting stuck standing near the restrooms was not ideal. All in all, really great spot. I'll definitely be back! (I'll just keep in mind to reserve a table next time though) read more

Went here while waiting for a table at a nearby restaurant with my daughter. Place was empty. Bartender was RUDE! Not sure if she even put booze in our drinks. Oh, and no olives. A bar with no olives? What the heck? I will never go back there. read more

Love this place! Delicious wines, and great outdoor area. It's right in the heart of OTR, but they did a great job of using space efficiently. Plus contactless ordering and staff completely masked up, make this a nice safe option. I love that they have wines on tap, but also reasonable bottle prices. I really enjoyed the Chaos Theory. They had some treats from The Rhined if you're hungry, but they do allow you to bring food in as well (I recommend grabbing something from Pepp & Delores across the street). Live music starts around 7PM. They're currently open Thurs-Sat, but plan to add more hours soon. If you're into cool vibes and great wine, check this out! read more

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Great atmosphere, great customer service, great drinks! I went for a friend's birthday celebration and the arrangement of the bar had a nice flow. The bar area is at the entrance like most, but there was great space for the walkway through to the back. I liked the spaciousness and their patio was quite beautiful. Had it not been raining that night, it would have been a very relaxing area to chill in. The drinks were delicious. I had a pineapple upside down drink that was SO GOOD! And the bartender was awesome! Great demeanor and patience with all the customers. They had a DJ that night, but I'll have to go back on the weekend to take in their live jazz sometime. read more

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Very aggressive profiling at the door. Don't bother going with even a small group of guys -- you'll get turned away every time even when it's clearly not busy inside. I'm local and tried to visit this place a half dozen times and *never* have gotten in. This is the only bar in OTR I can say that about. But watch a group of all girls with no reservation come immediately after and suddenly they have space. I wish they were honest and let people in first come, first serve instead of playing these shenanigans. Save yourself the hassle of Nostalgia and just go to Ghost Baby instead just a block or two away. read more

I believe I went the first or second week of opening. It wasn't clear for us that if you come after a certain time, a reservation is required. They were nice enough to take our name and number and call us if anything opened. We hung out at another place and Nostalgia called and allowed us 15 minutes for arrival. It's a very relaxed environment with great vibes; nothing super entertaining, just chill. I enjoyed the atmosphere, music and my glass of wine and cocktail were excellent. The price point is higher than average for the area. My 2 drinks were $30 before tip. I do plan to return. read more

Great space to enjoy drinks and live music. The ambience sets the mood for a night out alone, a group of friends, or a date. It will probably be one of my top fave places to go on the weekends while in Cincy. read more

We visited on a Sunday evening to hear the MET Quartet. Not really sure what to expect, we just knew the music would be good. We arrived 30 minutes before the set and was able to get a great table next to the band. We didn't realize that they don't have food (at least they didn't have any when we visited) so we ordered one of the many options nearby. As expected, the music was FANTASTIC- shout out to Myles Twitty - and the atmosphere was my kind of vibe. The drinks were delicious and the service was good too. Make your reservations now!!! One of the hottest tickets in town!! read more

Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge - Wine Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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A wrote a review a couple of years ago but I visit the place again and took my mom! It's still bomb! Great customer service, great wine selections, great music. Again...you can go with a date, your friends or solo!! It's a vibe! read more

Excellent vibe... Grown folks live music with a nice mix of new and ol skool selection.... Definitely will go back whenever we're back in Cincy. read more

Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge - Mr and Mrs. Gough - Wine Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Great atmosphere in Downtown,Cincinnati. Ric Sexton worked the crowd and played HITS. We got there about an hour before the show was due to start and the timing was PERFECT. If you plan to walk in late with no reservations you will probably be standing the whole time. We were seated practically right next to the stage . I had the chance to try the McBrides Sisters Riesling (pretty good , dryer )and the Miles Davis cocktail (DOUSSE in this drink . Very STRONG) but tasty . I can't wait to go again read more

Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge - Sitting near stage - Wine Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Location! Check! Drinks! Check! Vibes?! CHECK CHECK CHECK!! I spent my birthday at nostalgia and it was worth it ! The place is beautiful and black owned ! All of the drinks are named after great artists please get a Nina Simone ! We went during the day so we missed out on the band however even without a band the music was great and this is a place to hang with your girls or have an intimate date ! So duality ?! Check! I can't wait to go back ! read more

Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge - Wine Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Finally was able to check out Nostalgia after hearing about this Black-owned spot making a name for itself in Cincy's historic OTR (Over-The-Rhine) area! My sisters and I planned to visit for one drink, but ended staying the entire night. After sharing a bottle of the McBride Sister's sparkling Rosé (also Black-owned!), we sampled a few of the creative cocktails named after historical figures, which falls right in line with the jazz-era vibe and classic decor. Our favorite was "Grandma's Pineapple Upside-Down Cake" made with delicious rum and served in a beautiful artisan glass. The best part, BY FAR, was the live band that covered R&B and soul music, getting the crowd hype and lifting everyone's spirits on the rainy Saturday evening. The lounge was also appropriately spaced for COVID precautions, with all servers and patrons adhering to local safety guidelines. Being able to spend an extended period of time in my hometown during the lockdown was so special, and spending a night at Nostalgia was definitely the cherry on top! This is one of my newest obses read more

Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge - Can't wait until the band comes on! - Wine Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Came here for the first time on a Thursday for the live DJ, who was great! I didn't have a reservation but the bartender seated me immediately in her section (at a comfy booth right by the DJ) and provided great service. Drinks are strong/good and the vibe, although filled with date night couples, is nice too. #supportourblackbusinesseswithoutaskingforadiscount read more

Amazing experience. Got super crowded though and the layout of the space got hard to navigate. Bathroom situation is terrible at peak hours but band was amazing and outside area is nice read more

Love going to Nostalgia! I've been with girlfriends and other couples. It's always a great time. Love the sophisticated atmosphere with great music and delicious drinks. Check their online calendar for performance info. Love having a place like this in Cincinnati. They don't have food on their menu, so plan to check out some of the awesome restaurants nearby before or after. read more

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I went in there after eating dinner in OTR to see how the place looked. . The place is set out very nice. They have a small outdoor porch off the back. The place is clean and though small I did not feel closed in at all. The bartender greeted me with a friendly hello. They had not started any live jazz as it was a bit early. It appears they have a focus on black pride as there were several books sitting out on race issues, such as critical race theory. I'll go back in the evening when the live jazz is playing and add to this interview read more

I had the time of my life here on Saturday. They had the most amazing live band playing. The place is so beautifully decorated and clean (even the bathrooms were spotless).They have such a comfortable intimate atmosphere. It gives me Jazz in New York vibes. The owner is very nice and the staff is great. The bartender made the most delicious drinks. I had the Blacker The Berry ($15) and it was so good, I had to get 3 more lol. I highly recommend you check out this place! If you are in Cincinnati and haven't made it here on a Saturday night, you absolutely must go! read more

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Everything was so great for our guest who had never been there before and had came from out of town. We came in on Friday, Sept 21, and I only mentioned the date and no name because I told my server at the bar ( a beautiful, light-skin, long hair, thick Black Queen) that I would do the survey only to see that my receipt is damaged and I can't so I will leave this here hoping that her management team and staff will share my sentiments and review. Thank you and the other hardworking young lady for your service on this night. My companion and guest had the most amazing time. You were so accommodating from rearranging our seat location to making us comfortable. What you didn't know is that our guest had to run out because her blood sugar dropped and had to run to the Eagle and grab a food item, she got sick and then came back because the vibe, the comfortability, the ambiance really made her not want to leave and she enjoyed herself. The music was nice, warm, and enjoyable. Thank you, Nostalgia. I wish you all would knock the other wall down and expand. Thank you for keeping us entertained and engaged for the evening. Can't wait to come back! My other friends were so jealous!! They are so ready for the experience! Your staff is amazing! read more

So I had to tinkle on the way to another bar and stumbled across this bar. Granted I wasn't dressed for this type of place but I was still welcomed in. The vibe was so great and the music was spectacular! I will certainly be coming back here to dress up and enjoy a good drink paired with great music. I decided to stay for a whiskey sour, so yummy. I love the names for the cocktail and the vibe. I haven't done my research but I'm assuming it's a black owned business. Which is amazing and the cocktail names certainly gave me an opportunity to educate myself on amazing people of color who made amazing waves with Jazz music! 10/10 recommend! Edit: I was a little disappointed the $14 whisky sour didn't come with a luxardo cherry. read more

Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge - Wine Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I walked into the place and the large bar is right near the front. I noticed the beautiful animal print art on the walls. The drinks are delicious and inspired by beautiful black people. The staff are so genuine and accommodating. The music was perfect. The live band was even better! I've truly enjoyed this experience! read more

Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge - Menu - Classic Cocktails - Wine Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

This is the real grown n sexy crowd. I love this little gem here in Cincy. Sorta makes me feel like I'm in a bigger more diverse city like Cleveland. I've had several cocktails and they never disappoint. My issue with this place is the seating. I just think removing the couches and long benches would allow for small tables and chairs to possibly fit more customers. With a re-vamped seating arrangement, less people would be turned away. We've been turned away twice on busy nights as we are not always able to make a reservation. I don't mind the drink prices and to be honest, a cover charge wouldn't be the worst case scenario either. Drink prices are justified because of no cover. Actually, those prices are in line with other OTR establishments and I don't see people complaining about that. I've been here several times and will return again and again to be with this type of grown grown crowd. read more

Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge - Pineapple upside down cocktail - Wine Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I absolutely love coming here! Best spot for a date night, or to bring people in from out of town. The vibe is amazing and the music is always great. Wide range of drink options! read more

Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge - Wine Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Nostalgia Wine and Jazz Lounge is just a whole vibe! This has become one of my favorite spots in Cincinnati very quickly and for several great reasons. This is an awesome black owned business that deserves all its flowers! The decor and style of this lounge is eclectic yet chic and really set the mood for a nice night out. I love the variety of wines, especially black owned brands, that are available for purchase glass or bottle. There is truly something here for everyone! If wine isn't your thing they have expertly crafted cocktails and a solid line up of spirits to choose from. The music here is simply amazing. From the playlists that set the tone to the DJs that visit on Thursdays and the live bands that play jazz, soul, and r&b there is no shortage of entertainment that really set everything off. The employees are very professional, kind, & laid back which further enhances the experience of visiting here. I would recommend reserving a table ahead of time to make things smoother but they have tables that are walk-in only giving everyone a fair chance. If you are in the OTR area this is a must visit spot! read more

My new top spot in Cincinnati. If you are coming to OTR for dinner, stop here for drinks before having dinner elsewhere. Order drinks and the petite charcuterie and relax for an hour before your dinner at a neighboring restaurant. This is living. The interior is elegant and stylish, yet completely comfortable. There is an outdoor patio with heaters and fire tables that is charming and romantic. The music is eclectic and superb. Did I mention that the team is professional and top notch? The staff at Nostalgia are cohesive, skilled, and make the experience what it is - excellent. The cocktails are expertly executed with top drawer and top shelf ingredients. Wow. I am overwhelmed by the quality of these cocktails. The wine by the glass list is broad and solid - there's something for everyone. I plan to be here weekly. THAT IS HOW FINE, HOW EXCEEDINGLY FINE, IS NOSTALGIA. Kudos to the superb team. read more

This place is absolutely gorgeous; the Convenience of the QR code for ordering drinks is absolutely fantastic. I even posted on IG my QR code for the table i was sitting at & 2 people from my social media sent me a drink . The wait staff is so nice & friendly. But most important i love that the wines & spirits are women or minority owned. read more

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Much better experience compared to my first visit. The gorgeous bartender could've used some help, but she held it down and served everyone quickly & graciously. The music/vibe was great. Outside seating/view was perfect for the day. Don't think it's for my age group during the evening but I'll surely return for a late afternoon outing. I understand the difficulty of finding/keeping employees....so I think once you enter with a positive mindset, a slight wait time shouldn't spoil the experience. Continued success! read more