Two drinks: FB's

Downtown dance club and bar goes for chic and exclusive clientele

By Marianne Cafaro

Special To Metromix
October 14, 2009

 

Two drinks: FB's
FB's
Address:
126 W. Sixth St., Cincinnati, OH, 45202
Phone:
513-246-4333
Overall User Rating:
3 (27 ratings)
Write a review
Hours:
Lounge open daily.

The look: When you walk into FB's you can't help but feel as if you are in Alice's wonderland. Mismatched décor and other seemingly random accents add a fun vibe to what could be just another new bar in Cincinnati. The lower-level dance club creates a feeling that you "fell down the rabbit hole," with exposed rock walls and dark colors. My favorite was the "table service" lounge seating upstairs. You can reserve sections for bottle service, which includes your own bartender who stands tableside to make your drinks. The seating was very chic! I love the area with the big yellow sofa!

One thing that could be taken as over-the-top is the level of exclusivity at FB's. The front door entrance is roped off with stanchions similar to what you see on TV and in the movies. My friend and I passed the "door guy test" and even though we were not on "the list" got in on a recent Saturday night.

The crowd: I was not surprised to see that the crowd was mostly 25-and-up and super trendy (or trying to seem as if they were). I am told they are trying to make the main level a 25-plus lounge and the downstairs club a scene for 21-25-year-olds. But if you are old like me (30 is the new 20!), you can still get into the club for a $5 cover. If you are "on the list" you don't have to fork over the dough.

Being "on the list" might make you feel cool about yourself and you don't have to wait in line, plus your entrance to the dance club is free. It's a good thing, too, if you are coming with a big group or reserve a table for bottle service.

The drinks: I got a Houdini Bellini ($12) which was described as being "guaranteed to vanish without a trace." I watched the bartender make the martini, and what ended up vanishing was the alcohol - it tasted like fruit juice. For $12, I want to know I am having a cocktail! My friend ordered a Three Olives Vanilla Vodka with Diet Coke ($7), which she said was tasty.

The verdict: I think right now they are trying to be a little too exclusive. FB's did knock it out of the park with the theme and décor. The wonderland accents are fun and super chic! Not so chic are the drink prices. I will pay $12 for a nice glass of wine, but not a fruit juice martini.

P.S. There is only one woman's bathroom stall. Be prepared.

What other people are saying...

No-pic-dude

cincioh from DaHood - November 18, 2009 at 2:53 PM

The bartenders, and mainly staff are such poor quality for a venue as such - a venue that does not belong in Cincinnati. I give it MAYBE 6 months....

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new2cincy from Oakley - October 20, 2009 at 12:57 PM

The "Houdini Bellini" is delicious.. the whole point of the signature cocktails are so you DONT taste the alcohol .. you must have already been dru...

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CincinnatiLover from oakley - October 17, 2009 at 12:40 PM

Nice to see more places opening downtown. Long lines stink tho. Tonic on 4th just opened this week- Was known as Twist Lounge. Def. a lot hotter th...

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MidwestPong from Downtown - October 16, 2009 at 12:46 PM

Went here on a Saturday. The bartenders were not fast enough to keep up with the crowd. They need to add bartenders or just get better ones.

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Inside: FB's

Inside: FB's

We took a tour at downtown's newest cocktail...

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