Bar
Unclaimed profileThe Blind Lemon
Cincinnati, OH · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
A nearly 60-year-old institution, The Blind Lemon layers a deep cocktail list with a dedicated cold-weather menu of hot drinks. The wine program spans regions and price points, while the beer list leans on local craft and rotating taps. A brick courtyard and live music complete the setting.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Little Miss Sour, a Watershed Four Peel gin cocktail with a Cabernet float. For rye fans, the 10 Cent Soda pairs Redemption rye with Amaro Nonino. In cold months, the Milky Way or Hot Buttered Rum from the seasonal menu. Wine drinkers can explore the Hogue Late Harvest Riesling or the Angels Ink Pinot Noir.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking a historic setting with a broad spirit selection, including rare scotches and bourbons. Beer lovers will appreciate local craft offerings like Rhinegeist Truth and rotating taps. The dedicated mocktails and non-alcoholic beer also make it welcoming for those skipping alcohol.
- When should I go?
- Evenings are lively with live music seven nights a week, but the cold weather cocktail menu makes winter visits particularly appealing. The brick courtyard with fire pit offers an atmospheric spot during milder weather.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Wine is priced from $9 to $13 per glass and $32 to $45 per bottle.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The Blind Lemon's nearly 60-year history and Tiffany lamplight interior set a distinctive stage, but the beverage program holds its own: a 12-cocktail signature list, a separate cold-weather hot drink menu, and a spirits selection that includes Blantons, Lagavulin 16, and Oban 14. The Bartender's Choice option adds a custom element.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
A robust signature list of 12 cocktails, from the bourbon-forward Great American Lemonade to the mezcal-scotch Old Smoke. A dedicated cold-weather menu adds hot drinks like Irish Coffee and Hot Buttered Rum.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive cocktail menu with creative and classic options.
- — Positive community feedback on cocktail quality and uniqueness.
Standout selections
- — Little Miss Sour: Watershed Four Peel gin, lemon, simple, Cabernet float.
- — 10 Cent Soda: Redemption rye, Amaro Nonino, soda, Luxardo cherry.
- — Old Smoke: Mezcal, scotch, basil, Angostura bitters.
- — Monte Carlo: Redemption Rye, Benedictine Honey Liqueur, angostura Bitters.
Wine
A diverse list spanning sparkling, white, red, and port from regions like Italy, New Zealand, California, and Portugal. Each wine includes detailed tasting notes. Prices are accessible, with glasses starting at $9.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse wine selection including sparkling, white, red, and port.
- — Wines from multiple countries and regions.; Detailed tasting notes provided for each wine.
Standout selections
- — LaMarca Prosecco: Italy, split, fresh lime peel, crisp apples with tiny bubble effervescent.
- — Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc: New Zealand, notes of passionfruit, lemongrass, white peach.
- — Angels Ink Pinot Noir: California, ripe red and black cherry, raspberry, strawberry jam.
- — Fonseca Bin 27 Ruby Porto: Portugal, blackberry and cassis aromas, velvety mouthfeel.
Pricing: Wine prices range from $9 to $13 per glass and $32 to $45 per bottle.
Beer
A wide-ranging beer list covering draught, domestic, import, and craft categories. Local rotating taps and craft favorites like Rhinegeist Truth and MadTree Sway Blackberry are featured. Includes a non-alcoholic option.
Menu strengths
- — Wide variety of beer styles including local rotating options.
- — Includes non-alcoholic beer option.; Local craft beers featured.
Standout selections
- — Rhinegeist Truth: Craft, 7.2% ABV.; Downeast Cider: Craft, 5.1% ABV.
- — Guinness Stout: Draught, 4.2% ABV.; Heineken Non-Alcoholic Beer: Import, non-alcoholic.
Pricing: Beer prices not listed on retrieved menus.
Nonalcoholic
Offers two dedicated mocktails—Lucano Amaro Mule and Lucano Amaro Spritz—plus Heineken Non-Alcoholic Beer and hot tea or hot chocolate. A small but thoughtful selection for designated drivers or abstainers.
Standout selections
- — Lucano Amaro Mule Mocktail: spicy ginger, floral Amaro Botanicals, fresh lime juice.
- — Lucano Amaro Spritz Mocktail: Amaro, citrus, mineral water.
Pricing: Pricing not listed for mocktails or non-alcoholic beer.
Spirits
A substantial spirits list focused on bourbon, rye, and scotch. Bourbon and rye include premium labels like Blantons, Basil Hayden, and Woodford Reserve. Scotch spans from Dewars White to Lagavulin 16, Macallan 12, and Oban 14.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive bourbon and scotch selection.; Includes premium and rare spirits.
Standout selections
- — Blantons: Bourbon.; Lagavulin 16: Scotch.; Macallan 12: Scotch.
Pricing: Spirit prices not listed on retrieved menus.
How it sits with the food
The menu does not detail food offerings, but the wine list's range from crisp whites to rich ports and the beer selection's local craft options offer pairing flexibility. For the Little Miss Sour with its Cabernet float, consider hearty dishes that match the wine's tannins.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
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