Best bars with patios, decks and more

This iconic Over-the-Rhine bar focuses on quality beers, a top-notch courtyard complete with bocce, keeping dog owners happy and generally being a fabulous gathering place.

Just like the name, Mynt is a fresh new martini bar located right on Fountain Square. This chic venue has mint-colored walls and windows opening up right onto the spacious patio: Imagine sharing drinks while watching Reds games on the Square’s jumbo screen. Inside, there are three bars serving signature martinis and a huge stage set for live music. Dress to impress at night or stop by after work for their happy hour from 4-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, with $5 martinis and $5 appetizers. Also, no greasy apps here; instead, think “green” for healthy menu items, like salads, hummus and yogurt. Happy hour parties for large and small groups are also available.

Mecklenburg Gardens encompasses Cincinnati’s rich German heritage, serving traditional German cuisine in a 19th century building, complete with a biergarten wrapped in grapevines. Try a Reuben, a schnitzel, a "Zinzinnati Wurst"...but make sure to leave room for dessert, like a Bavarian Cream Puff. Mecklenberg also hosts private parties in its historic banquet rooms.

Blind Lemon is a low-key, romantic bar in historic Mount Adams. Tucked away near Mount Adams Bar and Grill (look for the Lemondhead), the bar is covered in old-fashioned décor and pictures autographed by famous celebrities. Live music is played nightly all year round and the New Orleans-ish outside courtyard is a great way to spend an evening drinking with friends or wooing that special someone.

Get ready to see and be seen. Mount Adams Pavilion (also known as The Pavilion) is one of the most popular places in the bustling party scene of Mount Adams. It’s known for the four big patios overlooking the scenic Cincinnati skyline, as well as live music outside during the warmer months. If...

Enjoy a casual, authentic German lunch or dinner at Hofbrauhaus Newport. The Hofbrauhaus is the first Hofbrauhaus in the United States, and serves as both German restaurant and brewery, making freshly brewed German bier onsite. Sit inside or out on the biergarten when the weather's fine. Once the kitchen closes at 10 p.m., the party really gets going, with live German music and lots of dancing on the benches ensues.

Chez Nora evokes New Orleans. It’s a fine place to catch some jazz and savor jambalaya while enjoying the superb skyline view from the rooftop terrace. Go casual for lunch or dress up for an evening of jazz on the rooftop with crab cakes or slow-roasted baby back ribs in BBQ sauce. This place is good for a group outing or a cozy evening out. Daily lunch specials cost $6.95-$9.95; dinner specials are priced up to $20.95.

Arnold’s has graced the area with its presence for years. Just walking into this place brings about old Cincinnati culture through its fascinating décor and its tradition as the oldest bar in Cincinnati. It offers live music Thursday-Saturday from an eclectic variety of genres and happy hour from 3-7 p.m. Monday-Friday. The new menu features 40 additional items – funky ones, the owners say. Looking for deals? Try out the score of $4.99 lunch menu items.

Brazenhead has the traditional Irish favorites, but also American fare to keep everyone happy. Order a true Irish beer and pair that with some Guinness battered fish and chips or Shepherd’s Pie. Happy Hour takes place Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. and a DJ comes in on Fridays and Saturdays. The patio is open for the summer with cornhole Mondays, trivia on Tuesdays, $3 burgers on Wednesdays and All You Can Eat Fish on Sundays.

Longworth’s has a historic and longstanding tradition in Mount Adams. It is named after the one-time owners of the real estate under Mount Adams, and it is actually a converted fire house. This tavern (turned bar at night) is always hopping and has an outdoor patio that is open during nice weather. Food is offered, but Longworth’s is much more of a party scene than a restaurant. Free pool and jukebox on Mondays, DJs and karaoke throughout the week and DJs and bands on the weekends. It is a Mount Adams hot spot for young professionals and college-aged kids looking to have a good time.

Appropriately named for its view of the Cincinnati skyline, City View Tavern is a traditional, unpretentious bar located in Mount Adams. The patio is the most cherished part of this little tavern because of its awesome view of the city. The burgers are said to rival those of Zip’s in Mount Lookout, and the bloody Marys are definitely something to try.

his neighborhood bar is full of flair, featuring an entire wall of caricatures depicting frequent and locally famous customers of the past. Arthur's is known for offering some delectable burgers. The best perennial deal is the Sunday-Tuesday "Burger Madness," which features all burgers for $7 with unlimited toppings. The helpful staff, prime location in Hyde Park Square and cheap appletinis make Arthur's popular for a casual evening out.

Allyn’s is the kind of place you look for when you’re on vacation. It has a laidback and fun atmosphere and serves food you might find if you were on the coast. Allyn’s menu is very diverse, with items like Mexican enchiladas, Cajun catfish platter, alligator, jambalaya, wings and St. Louis ribs. There is a section on the menu for “Blackened Thangs,” like blackened yellowfin tuna or rib eye. Allyn's is now offering a late-night menu seven days a week, from 10 p.m.-midnight.

Come to this cool but casual bar for domestic and craft beers at good prices and a hot dog menu by Flop Johnson's. Free wifi, pool and darts, and dj sets keep up the fun for you while you hang out with the neighborhood crowd. Flop Johnson's, located inside Dive Bar, features one-of-a-kind "Dogwiches," homemade vegan chili and pickles.

If you would like to love Irish pubs, but just can't stand the sound of the accordion or fiddle, R.P. McMurphy's has your back. With all the decor and beer selection of an Irish pub, the music is what makes it a little different than the average pub, playing anything from booming rap you’d hear in a club to songs from the 1960s. The spacious patio in front lets you enjoy some sunshine, and the second floor inside gives you a way to look down on the revelry at the main bar.