The Cricket Lounge - Cincinnati

The Cricket Lounge, located in the Cincinnatian Hotel, is my top pick for happy hour spots. While the decor may be reminiscent of the 1980s, it remains stylish and well-maintained, showcasing high-quality materials and furniture. As Cincinnati's first boutique hotel, it even boasts public bathrooms off the lobby that have won national 'best bathroom' awards for their innovative design at the time. It's my go-to place in that part of downtown whenever I need a restroom break! Every day of the week from 4-7 PM, The Cricket offers an excellent happy hour with great deals on select items. The $5 hamburger is the best in town, served with homemade kettle chips, and I also love their BBQ pork sliders—three for just $5! Both dishes come from the same kitchen as the renowned Palace Restaurant next door. Don't miss out on the handmade pretzels and outstanding desserts; they're both exceptional! Boz tends the bar on many evenings and knows how to craft a fine drink. However, I find the happy hour cocktail specials to be lackluster, so I wouldn’t recommend them. Instead, opt for a well-crafted cocktail at full price or stick to the budget-friendly options of $3 imports or $2 domestics. The clientele mainly consists of hotel guests, local business people, and savvy downtown residents who appreciate a great happy hour deal. My only complaint about this place is the addition of a flat-screen TV in the lounge. Let’s encourage conversation with your companions, the bartender, or even fellow patrons, instead of focusing on the screen!

I visited the Cricket Lounge at 11:15 on a Saturday night. Before heading out, I called to confirm that the kitchen would still be open, as I wanted to ensure I could order food.

This is a lounge that should be part of any trip to Cincinnati; you definitely need to stop for at least one drink here. The ambiance is stunning, and you can expect to see some impressive sights.

Every Thursday and Friday night, the Cricket Lounge offers a special deal: for just $8.99, you can get a burger with standard toppings like lettuce, tomato, and onions. If you want cheese, it’s an extra dollar, and you can choose from a wide variety. Along with the burger, you also get a beer—not just any beer, but quality options like Hoegaarden, Bass, or OTR. So,

I visited during burger week and was quite disappointed. I had high expectations for a place like The Cincinnatian to really step up for the city.