Tillie’s Lounge

Tillie’s is a great little neighborhood bar with deep ties to the history of Northside and of Cincinnati as a whole. Did you know that Tillie was a local circus elephant? She was so beloved that after her death in 1937, the mayor at the time closed schools so that the children could attend her funeral. Just ask owners Nigel and JC. They are more than willing to fill you in on the details of Tillie AND Tillie’s. They’re a wealth of knowledge ready to spill out all over the beautiful serpentine bar – yes, «serpentine” – apparently left from the previous incarnation of the space.
It’s not a huge place, which makes it all the more cozy in it’s intimate purple surroundings with embossed tin ceilings plucked right out of Tillie the Elephant’s turn-​of-​the-​century era. The drinks are reasonably priced (cheap, even) and Anthony, one of the bartenders is especially cordial and efficient.
All this, along with a weekly hosted video trivia night on Thursdays, has somehow managed to make Tillie’s both vintage and modern in one comfortable, regulars type bar. In a word, Tillie’s is COOL.
Four stars only because, they are still working out the kinks with the Trivia system. Otherwise, in all other ways, Tillie’s is five stars. Check them out.

This place is a hidden gem in Northside. Hopefully word gets out about how great this place is! How can a place NOT be fun when its namesake is a famous elephant! The bar is nice and big and the owners are great. The bartenders are very approachable and make the drinks strong! I will definitely be back with some friends.

You have to add Tillies Lounge to your «go to «bar list. Great ambiance and killer cocktails. Check out the live music list and karaōke, if your so inclined.