The Readers Speak Out- Favorite Neighborhood Bars Around Greater Cincinnati

It's been a little over a week since I addressed the question to you regarding your favorite neighborhood bars around town, and there were plenty of great responses from our readers!

Neighborhood bars, much like mom-and-pop restaurants, each have their own unique character to them. While they all aren't universally liked, they each bring a special quality to where certain people can feel comfortable in each place. These places do not necessarily have to be the hip establishments downtown, although there's nothing wrong in enjoying that kind of atmosphere. Some of these bars are very down-to-earth and laid back, while others may have a more energetic feel to them, in spite of their location.

Judging by the comments, it seems as if Murphy's Pub right here in Clifton is a very popular place for people to go to. Carly Behringer mentions proximity as a big factor of why she enjoys going there.

"I love going to Murphy's Pub," she said.  "It's right around the corner from my house so it's literally within walking distance. My bartender is one of my good friends so it's always fun to go there and just hang out. Usually on Monday, Murphy's has free pizza around 10 or 11 p.m. and has free hot dogs everyday. There usually aren't live bands, but they have a good music selection. In short, Murphy's is a really cool place with awesome, cheap drinks and super nice bartenders."

Adam Niemeyer also throws his hat into the ring regarding Murphy's, mentioning that the bar is his go-to place when hanging out with friends.

"I don't live in the Clifton area but usually if I go out with my friends we go to Murphy's," he said. "It's got a really laid back atmosphere--at least to me, and I don't like crazy loud places so Murphy's usually suits me."

While we can ascertain that Murphy's is a very popular bar in Clifton, it certainly isn't the only option for students to go to. Eli Johnson mentions another neat bar in Clifton that is friendly to more than just humans.

"Neon's is the place to be," he said. "They have free pool, an Xbox 360 and an awesome beer selection. Also, it's dog friendly. I guess that's a pro and a con. I know more more than one Neon's patron who has left with a "muddy shoe.""

Yikes! Let's hope that you're pretty inebriated if and when such a thing occurs. Hopefully you won't remember it.

Moving toward the East Side, Syndey Benter mentions a great hang-out place where there is a nice, European-like environment.

"The Pub at Rookwood is fun in the summer months when they open the place up and you can sit outside," she said. "They have an authentic London Pub feel and they offer a variety of cool beers."

Heading south on I-71 toward the bright lights of downtown, Gin Ando mentions a hip hang-out for anyone interested in hearing great jazz and great stories.

"The Blue Wisp, bar none," he says. "Every person you meet there (who's been there before, at least) has a story. I've met so many interesting people, heard so many interesting stories and saw Cannonball Adderley's most talented (in my opinion) drummer Louis Hayes there. I learned how to roll a cigarette there and I learned how to drink Scotch there."

"It's the one place I can honestly, truly honestly, say I will never tire of going to," he said. "I went there on dates, I went there after break-ups and, well, it's a jazz club so of course they have good music."

Having personally been to the Blue Wisp myself, I would have to agree with Gin. The place has fantastic music, and some jazz giants will occasionally pass through from time to time, like the aforementioned Louis Hayes.

Switching gears and atmospheres, Ben Grewe mentions a saloon where competition is present on the outside via games, and on the inside by "Cougars."

"It's a little north of town, but Back Porch Saloon is by far my favorite local joint to drink, eat and rock some outdoor volleyball," he said. "They even have cornhole... in the winter if you're brave enough. No particular story sticks out in my mind, but a few of my friends and I practice a skill we refer to as "Cougar Dodging." The place is full of them, and it's always a good laugh watching them stalk their prey. Their black and bleu burger is unreal, by the way."

Rounding out the comments from our readers is Nick Grever, who tells of a lively bar in Northern Kentucky where there are plenty of activities to do while having a good time.

"The Crazy Fox in Northern Kentucky is a few minutes from the Levee, but a world away," he said. "I love the place, it's a great environment, tons of great regulars and the nicest bartenders you'll ever meet. No food is served, but drink prices are great. There's also pool, darts, pinball, a great jukebox and a few TVs placed around for watching the game (but not so many that they're overwhelming)."

This post just scratched the surface regarding great neighborhood bars around town. Perhaps some of you out there may be wondering where to go when hanging out with your friends for a night on the town. Hopefully our readers have enlightened regarding bars worth hitting up for a good time. Thanks again everybody, and take care!