Sometimes called “The Heart of It All” for its central location and heart-like shape, Ohio certainly has the pulse to back up the name. With nearly 12 million residents, making it the seventh-most-populous state in the United States, it’s only natural that Ohioans want to get out and have fun.
Sure enough, they do. From counterculture bars in Cincinnati and parties in the wooded hills of Athens to dance clubs in Cleveland and summer celebrations on an Ohio island, there’s a plethora of party cities in Ohio to get into the Midwestern mood.
Let’s check out the seven best party cities in Ohio for nightlife lovers.
Table of Contents
1. Cincinnati
The Queen City, Paris of the West, Porkopolis… Cincinnati has as many nicknames as it does vibes for Ohio nightlife. This riverside city is known for its patchwork of distinct, vibrant neighborhoods, leading to a nightlife of a thousand options.
The Connector streetcar carries you from the historic neighborhood of Over-the-Rhine through downtown to the Banks. Sports fans catch games at Tin Roof and Holy Grail in the Banks or a rooftop cocktail at the Vista at Lytle Park, while Over-the-Rhine caters to a wide mix of revelers.
Bars in Over-the-Rhine often transcend a bar and become something else, like Pin Mechanical, which offers arcade games and duckpin bowling alongside local craft beer and rooftop views. Perhaps you might like Alice, where queer patrons and allies can dance the night away.
But when it comes to Cincinnati, one of the best party cities in Ohio, nightlife doesn’t stop there. It’s a city with nightlife in constant change — every time I return there are old classics, there’s something, and there’s never a shortage of fun.
In Clifton, home of the University of Cincinnati, there’s a host of dive bars and drink deals for the young and penny-pinching, such as Uncle Woody’s. Alternative crowds flock to Northside Yacht Club and Chameleon in the Northside neighborhood.
Don’t miss drag shows and themed parties at Good Judy’s, or cocktails in the secluded patio of The Blind Lemon in Mount Adams. Some of the best nightclubs in Ohio like Energy allow you to get out on the floor and dance.
Cincinnati also has many breweries you should not miss, like Rhinegeist, Madtree, and Samuel Adams, where you can sample local flavors and enjoy good company.
2. Athens
When it comes to the best party places in Ohio, Athens is small but mighty.
It is home to Ohio University and, like any good small town with a university, Athens is a place to have fun. Athens’ nightlife centers around North Court Street, where you can bounce from bars like The Union and Cat’s Eye Saloon for cheap booze and college sports.
Athens also has a vibrant microbrewery culture, such as West End Ciderhouse and the riverside Devil’s Kettle Brewing. Athens even has the DORA, or the designated Outdoor Refreshment Area where you can bring your drinks out on the street during certain times of the year.
Because of its young university ambiance, Athens’ nightlife isn’t the best for everyone. Nor should it be. The town has many other things to offer as well, given its location nestled among the beautiful Appalachian Mountains
3. Columbus
Looking to party in Ohio? You can’t go wrong in Columbus. The capital of the Buckeye State, Columbus has all the party offerings of a metropolitan center.
When it comes to nightlife in Columbus, you don’t need to look further than High Street, the artery of Ohio nightlife in the capital.
High Street runs for 13.5 miles, passing through the thriving districts of Short North and German Village, past The Ohio State University’s sprawling campus, and north into the laidback neighborhood of Clintonville.
Nightlife options in Columbus extend beyond High Street, but the thoroughfare gives great access to some of the best nightclubs in Ohio, such as Axis Nightclub, an electronic gay dance club in Short North. The Gogo and AWOL are two other gay dance bars.
In addition to nightclubs, Short North and its surroundings have a range of bars, from dueling pianos at Big Bang Bar to craft cocktails and food trucks at The Bottle Shop.
Head south down High Street toward German Village and the Brewery District, another focal point of Ohio nightlife in the capital. The vibe here is a bit more relaxed than in Short North — you’ll find beer gardens like The Daily Growler and Antiques on High to sample craft beers.
Beyond its nightlife options, German Village is a quaint and historic neighborhood of brick houses and old institutions. Take a stroll and pop into whatever German pubs and dive bars catch your eye, like Beck’s Tavern and Hey Hey Bar & Grill.
There’s also a concentration of nightlife around The Ohio State University’s campus, such as Bullwinkle’s nightclub and Midway bar. Further north up High Street, Clintonville neighborhood is a favorite neighborhood for people who prefer dive bars, like India Oak and Brew-Stir’s, over glitzy lounges or raucous bars.
4. Put-In-Bay
Put-In-Bay is not for the faint of heart.
This village on South Bass Island three miles off the Ohio coast of Lake Erie is a destination for college spring breakers, bachelorette parties, and all manner of occasions in between. There are not too many places to go, but that’s part of what makes it one of the best party places in Ohio.
Those looking for lakeside summer fun converge on the same spots and let the party fever take hold. Bars like Round House and Topsy Turvy are great for buckets of beer, loud conversation, and socializing. Once the sun goes down, Level 2 is the place to spend the late hours of the night.
Or play with your palate at slightly classier joints like Put-In-Bay Winery and The Goat for whiskey after dinner. Local flavors can be found at Put-In-Bay Brewery, with its craft beer brand, and the waterfront Joe’s Bar in Stone Cove allows an escape from the hubbub of the port.
5. Cleveland
Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Cleveland is one of the best party cities in Ohio. Sometimes the city is called the Mistake on the Lake, but don’t get it twisted — it’s a hub for Ohio nightlife. Cleveland is famous for East 4th Street, a center of nightlife, gastronomy, and social culture in the city.
Across the river, art and nightlife come together in Tremont. Amid its historic Victorian buildings, live music venues like The Treehouse and the quintessentially-American Prosperity Social Club exist.
Not too far from Tremont, Ohio City fosters a lot of nightlife options. It’s particularly known for its breweries, like the well-established Great Lakes Brewery and Nano Brewpub, with good grub and an intimate beer garden. Don’t miss out on the urban views from the riverside Hoopples.
When it comes to nightclubs in Ohio, Cleveland’s got you covered. The Velvet Dog is the premier nightclub, with multiple floors and unbeatable vibes. The Bop Stop and the Jukebox are two spots in the Flats where you can sip cocktails and enjoy live music.
6. Lakewood
Lakewood is adjacent to Cleveland, but it has its own nightlife scene that sets it apart from the Mistake on the Lake. It’s known for its dive bars and karaoke joints frequented by young, newly-graduated residents.
Nightlife in Ohio’s favorite lakeside town is centered on Detroit Avenue. Belt your heart out to karaoke at spots like Corky’s Place or Eddy and Iggy’s, or enjoy non-pretentious wine culture at Humble Wine Bar.
7. Dayton
Dayton is where insatiable party culture from college students meets a city with broader nightlife options. Dayton is famous for the University of Dayton, around whose campus cheap and messy student bars like Flanagan’s Pub cluster.
The twenty-somethings and older crowds head to the bars in the Oregon District for joints like Toxic Brew Company, and Dublin Pub. There are also some classy spots for craft cocktails like Van Buren Room.
The party scene diversifies with drag shows and burlesque at MJ’s on Jefferson. Or head to Club Evolution, one of the best nightclubs in Ohio.
Conclusion
Some people might not consider Ohio to be a party destination, but people in the Buckeye State know how to have fun. And you can party at places quite cheaper than some more popular destinations throughout the United States.
There’s something for everyone in Ohio and the party culture extends beyond the seven cities I’ve listed here.
Whether you’re moving for work, passing through, or simply curious, Ohio nightlife is not one to overlook. Whatever you end up doing, remember to not drink and drive, to watch out for your friends, and to be respectful of the city or town you’re in.
We also have a list of the best party cities in the USA — worth checking out if you’re up for cross-country partying!
