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    Second Story Bar

    4.5 (57 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 3 months ago

    Second Story Bar Photos

    Business Info

    SECOND STORY BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    DJ
    Live music
    Casual
    Trendy

    Recommended Reviews - Second Story Bar

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    Reviews With Photos

    Christy C.

    Worth coming here just for the cool space both inside and on the patio! But the craft cocktails make it easy to stay. Like their sister bar Somerset, they offer an inventive seasonal cocktail menu that's never boring. The bartenders are also very attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. I'll be back! Second Story is one of my favorites in Covington.

    Paloma and the Hemingway cocktail
    Kyle B.

    By all means this is a dope bar but on a Saturday afternoon, when it wasn't that busy, it took a realllllly long time to get a drink. We asked for a spicy Paloma and it was decent. The Hemingway cocktail was incredible and I'll come back for it. The vibes inside are very cool. Love the furniture. Patio also looked dope.

    Inside
    Wendy K.

    Just love this spot. Great drinks, vibe and excellent service. I enjoy stopping in when I need to get out g my usual routine. Cheers!

    Inside lounge seating
    Neha G.

    A cool setup with a variety of drinks! Located on the 'second story' of a building, this place is uniquely designed. The first thing you may notice is the huge tree at the bar. The bar is basically designed around the tree adding a level of uniqueness of the bar. You'll find casual seating at the bar, more intimate lounge type seating to the left, or venture out to the rooftop area where you'll find the famed football goal post on the roof. Plenty of space for large groups. I imagine this is a popular spot in the summer on the rooftop. Drinks were great and overall good price point. Would come back!

    Paradise Lost
    Nanette B.

    Great bar with creative cocktails, friendly and knowledgeable service and beautiful outdoor and indoor spaces.

    Gem City
    Chloe W.

    What a cool bar! First time here. Our bartender was great and the drinks were delicious!

    Paloma
    Eileen B.

    This place is adorable and has a tree in the bar. There is so much space to relax play cards and enjoy a drink. They have a huge outdoor space some of it shaded some not but it's so homey The drink menu has so many great options. I had the Paloma delicious

    Fire Alarm
    Bailey D.

    Don't miss out on this adorable new Covington bar! It's literally on the "second story" of this building - right above Flying Axes. The outdoorsy, artsy vibe is displayed in beautifully curated decor, and their themed drinks are fun and colorful. I met up with a friend around 5 p.m. on a Wednesday, and was surprised to we were some of the only people there! As we stuck around though, more and more of the "after-work" crowd arrived. We were even more pleasantly surprised to find that we received $2/off our as part of a "happy hour" special, which I didn't see advertised anywhere, but is always a great bonus! I sampled two cocktails during my visit - the Fire Alarm and the El Cristiano. The former was like a spicy-sweet margarita with a fun color from the beet juice (don't worry, you can hardly taste the beets)! The latter was equally as delicious, with some added brightness from the lime and some basil garnish. This seems like the kind of bar where you could order just about anything and it would be perfectly crafted. I didn't get a chance to check out their rooftop patio this time around - but I'm sure I'll be back again soon!

    cocktails were great!
    Kim S.

    What a cute place! My daughter had been here on a weekend date when it was packed and wanted to take us there for Father's Day. We weren't sure if they'd be busy on Father's Day, but since it was a mid Sunday afternoon they were practically empty, which was fine with us! We got a drink at the bar, then relaxed on their comfy sofas. There's lots of natural light and plants and it felt very homey. The cocktails were very good and priced about what you'd expect for a nice establishment.

    Menu
    Rebecca K.

    What a beautiful space! Such a lovely ambience this bar has. It felt like every where you looked there was something new to see. It's very artsy and kinda boho. The most eye catching thing is probably the big tree behind the bar that holds some liquor bottles. We sat at the bar but I'm definitely interested in sitting at the patio when it's warmer! Drink menu was nice, just a couple of "the classics" and some spins on them. Bartender also let us know we can order off menu, too, which is nice. We ended up ordering drinks on the menu and they were perfect! Looking forward to coming back!

    Sanyika K.

    Charming bar with a whimsical atmosphere that transports you to a magical treehouse. The drinks were absolutely delightful, and the bar staff were incredibly welcoming.

    Glenn W.

    I really liked the atmosphere of this bar and the drinks were good and it's a nice place to have a cocktail. I can't put my finger on it, but something little was just slightly missing. The drinks take awhile, but that's to be expected. It's an excellent spot for a pre or post dinner drink. I'd go back.

    The rooftop
    Chris B.

    Cool vibes here. I really like the mellow atmosphere. Their signature cocktail tonight was really good. It is the Amethyst City.

    two people toasting with drinks

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    6 months ago

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    2 months ago

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    20 days ago

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    2 years ago

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    Jeremy M.

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    2 months ago

    So cute but the bar staff is not friendly at All!! I would not recommend to anyone!' Beautiful but rude

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    2 years ago

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    Jeremy M.

    Thanks for coming by, Kyle! Hope to see you again soon.

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    2 years ago

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    Second S.

    Appreciate you coming in and look forward to seeing you again!

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    8 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    Second S.

    Thank you so so much Meera, We love the goal post too <3

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    Jeremy M.

    Thanks, Cathy! We hope to see you again soon.

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    9 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    Second S.

    Thank you so much for the kind review! Glad you love Second Story<3

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    2 years ago

    Fun, unique ambiance with great cocktails and charming outdoor space. Go for happy hour before dinner at one of the many spots in Covington

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    Thanks, Kristen!

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Second Story Bar

    Pilar - Hemingway's Last Choice (mocktail)

    Pilar

    4.8(29 reviews)
    1.5 miDowntown

    Pilar is one of my favorites and it's not just the cheap happy hour prices. The bartenders are some…read moreof the best in the business, not just with their drink creation but their service as well. I don't love the cocktail bars with aloof service that seem to think ignoring you is excellent customer service. The happy hour slaps - the prices are actually really good and it goes until 7pm. My bestie is obsessed with their low price on La Marca. I have tried several of their daiquiris and cocktails and haven't found a loser yet. They don't have food but that just means they are pet-friendly. There is plenty of food in the area (for pete's sake, OTR Kroger is across the street). I wouldn't mind some snack availability but it's fine. I love the Key West/Hemingway-inspired decor. You'll be comfortable no matter how dressed up or dressed down you are. I love when the weather allows for the big windows to be open. The patio is great people watching. There is also several parking options nearby. The meters on Court St, a pay lot on the next block, or if you spend at least $15 at Kroger, you can get three hours of free parking. And that's the perfect amount to spend on snacks! Check out Pilar if you're looking for a laid-back vibe and decor but top-shelf service and cocktail options. Don't forget your dog!

    I tried this place during the Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl and was so excited I found it. It's not large,…read morebut there's a great outdoor area. The bartenders are top notch. The holiday special, the Sugar Cookie Martini was DELICIOUS! I wil definitely be back.

    Photos
    Pilar - Cocktails menu

    Cocktails menu

    Pilar - Sugar Cookie Martini

    Sugar Cookie Martini

    Pilar

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    Overlook Lodge: A Rustic Watering Hole

    Overlook Lodge: A Rustic Watering Hole

    4.5(161 reviews)
    8.1 miPleasant Ridge
    $$

    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.)

    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

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

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    So festive

    The Härth Room - Pork Belly Lays

    The Härth Room

    4.6(86 reviews)
    1.0 miDowntown
    $$

    The Harth Room in downtown Cincinnati is one of those rare places that feels special every single…read moretime. My fiancé and I go often and it has become one of our favorite places not just for a night out but for the kind of experience that makes you feel like you've stepped into a room that was made for good conversation, great music and beautifully crafted drinks. The staff is personable beyond words. You don't feel like a customer here... you feel like you're stopping in to visit friends. The live entertainment is always top notch, with incredible jazz musicians who make the whole space feel warm, intimate and alive. And the cocktails? Beautifully curated and consistently excellent. I've been going for years and have honestly never had a bad drink and I say that as a self-proclaimed cocktail and whiskey snob. If you love pre-Prohibition style cocktails, this is absolutely your place. It's also one of our favorite spots for an espresso or cappuccino. Not many places truly understand how an espresso should be served but Harth Room gets it right every time... delicately brewed, never bitter and served properly with a raw sugar cube and sparkling water on the side. They take their time and you can taste it. Great coffee is an art and they clearly know that. The wooden art, red lighting, live jazz and cozy atmosphere make the whole place feel like a little escape almost like a speakeasy that was never really a secret. Pop in, say hello then order a pisco sour. Thank me later!

    Chill spot for a fancy cocktail…read more The atmosphere here is classy, but relaxed. Great for drinks, coffee, and live music. The relaxed vibe seems to extend into the service team as well. The only things that are high strung here are the instruments.

    Photos
    The Härth Room - Great room with live jazz

    Great room with live jazz

    The Härth Room - Therapy session with a friend.

    Therapy session with a friend.

    The Härth Room - Picture from our table notice the golden penguins.

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    Picture from our table notice the golden penguins.

    The Davidson - Pork chop with kale and squash

    The Davidson

    4.4(192 reviews)
    1.2 miDowntown
    $$$

    We celebrated my parents' anniversary tonight. The staff was so gracious with changes we needed to…read moremake to our reservation. We had great service at the bar and at our table. They allowed us to bring our own cake. They brought it out on a cake stand for pictures and then took it in the back to cut and serve it to us. They also had a card on the table for my parents. It was a wonderful celebration. Dishes that we tried tonight that were new to us: Mushroom Bisque - 8/10 Bread and Butter - 7/10 Burger - 6/10 Scallops - 7/10 Cannelloni - 8/10 Coffee - 5/10 Our favorites remain the fries with the delicious sauce 10/10 and the vodka rigatoni 10/10. Best smelling bathrooms in the city. Love the house wine, the bar, the patio, and the service!

    The Davidson is a elegant spot across from Fountain Square. I've been here twice with my family to…read morecelebrate Mother's Day and they have made each occasion feel special with their kindness. The first time we went they gave flowers to all the women for Mother's Day. This time though they're weren't flowers, they were very accommodating. My grandmother had an issue with her food, they remade the entire meal though it did take a while they gave her a treat for the long wait. The server and manager were very friendly and apologetic for the inconvenience. The food is 7-8/10. It always comes out fresh and plated nicely. I ordered their chicken sandwich and that was good! My family shared a lot of our entrees, I feel their poultry and seafood are their best. The pork chop though tender, wasn't incredibly tasty. I have not tried a beef dish. The dessert was delicious! The manager recommended eating the pan a cotta and pan de crème together and that was soooo good! It was a nice, light dessert but very tasty! I would definitely recommend trying it

    Photos
    The Davidson - The Davidson, with a chocolate, olive, paprika, and gold color palette, was quite inviting.

    The Davidson, with a chocolate, olive, paprika, and gold color palette, was quite inviting.

    The Davidson - Scallops

    Scallops

    The Davidson - Espresso Martini (look at the detail)

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    Espresso Martini (look at the detail)

    Second Story Bar - cocktailbars - Updated May 2026

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