Somerset Bar

Update Dec 2023 (2/5 stars): - Somerset is still an incredible space, but as the bar turns 2 years old, prices are unfortunately AGGRESSIVELY on the rise, especially Rare Whiskey Wednesday and cocktails. $14 is just a lot for a batched cocktail anywhere — the highest in OTR by a margin — even at Sundry & Vice for instance, theirs are $11. From the whiskey side, for example, they are now charging $50 for a 2 oz pour of the popular Buckner's products that can be found for $18–25 at other bars nearby. Just a couple months ago, they were selling the same 2 oz pour for $25, which was already the highest of everyone around. The gouging here has just gotten insane... I just can't recommend this place to any bourbon drinkers anymore... it's the single most expensive place to drink bourbon in all of OTR and NKY at this point. I shared their recent pricing with other serious bourbon drinkers and everyone just laughed and said no thanks... I encourage you to take your business to one of the other bars that doesn't price to maximize their profits over the interest of their patrons. - I had a group try the new food truck and it was unanimously felt that the prices are just too high for what you get... not sure I'll try that again. - They also have now started disallowing bringing in water bottles after a certain time of the day (even if they're empty), instead, you have to sit your water bottle on the ground by the door and just hope no one takes it — it's a real unnecessary inconvenience if you have an expensive water bottle or you're coming from somewhere else before / after. No idea why they won't let people refill their own empty water bottles here... that's something every other bar & restaurant in the city allows. - I have started taking people to other bars more instead for these reasons. These are some unfortunate changes at an otherwise cool bar, so I hope they reconsider increased prices and disallowing water bottles, but for now, Somerset has become a 4/5 for me. Earlier review (5/5 stars): After being in OTR for a decade and trying hundreds of bars, Somerset is my favorite *nice* bar in OTR (and all of Cincy), and also favorite bar to take friends too. It's also the most "ambiance-forward" bar in OTR / Cincy. My favorite aspect is probably just how many different and various spaces there are throughout the place. There's not too much else to say — just go check it out for yourself and you'll definitely have a good time. Weekends are very busy, but they batch cocktails so it's still fast service (bartenders are great, and management emphasizes creativity). Weekdays are more chill and Wednesday is Rare Whiskey Wednesday for the bourbon drinkers. 🥃 There are really no critiques, just "keep doing what you're doing", making things constantly fresh and new and fun and lively and eventful. Watch their Instagram for the various events and pop-ups etc.