Though separated from the coast by a half-day’s drive, Greater Cincinnati is not wholly without the pleasures of the beach. Sand volleyball is thriving at local establishments.
Even if you’re a novice who thinks Karch Kiraly is the capital of Pakistan, you can still sign up a co-ed after-work league or have a pick-up game with friends – all while staying a stone’s throw away from the bar. Those seeking sand without surf won’t have to worry about tidal waves or beach traffic. Just make sure to tread lightly when mixing your kill shots with shots at the bar. At these area more-than-just-a-bar venues, “spike” has a dual meaning.
Sand volleyball bars
Spark your summer at these places with lots of killer shots
By Josh Shreve
Special to MetromixMay 10, 2009
The Sandbar
4625 Kellogg Ave. - CincinnatiThe banks of the Little Miami may be a far cry from Hilton Head, but Sandbar – situated with a prime view of the Four Seasons Marina in the East End – offers a full pallet of summer fun with a scenic backdrop. Seven sand volleyball courts are available and complemented by a fully-stocked “cabana bar.” League sand beach reigns from Monday to Thursday, with Fridays and Saturdays left open to pickup games, private parties and intermittent tournaments. Leagues are administered by Cincinnati Sports Leagues and accommodate a wide range of skill levels.
Dickmann's Kentucky Sports Cafe
479 Orphanage Road - Fort WrightDickmann’s offers open play until around 5:30 Monday through Friday, after which leagues hold court. Weekends see pick-up games breaking out in the daytime and patrons taking in the bar atmosphere until closing time at 2:30 a.m. If you don’t happen to be up for digging out volleyballs and eating sand, try your hand at a selection of games that includes cornhole, pool, darts and Golden Tee golf.
Dew Drop Inn
8956 Harrison Ave. - ClevesDew Drop has been ahead of the curve in outdoor bar games – claiming distinction as one of the first spots to offer cornhole. Dew Drop understands leisure – and its attention to detail is a point of pride. This sort of purism means only Premium White Tennessee Sand is used in their courts – which goes easy on the feet. Leagues are in session Monday through Thursday and incorporate co-ed quad and sixes – with women’s quads on Wednesdays. Saturday tournaments bring competition to a fever pitch. Sand dodge ball is a unique offering that injects a dose of nostalgia from sweaty junior high school days. Dew Drop’s sizeable patio and outdoor serving window keep players well-supplied with munitions.
Back Porch Saloon
9626 Princeton-Glendale Road - West Chester TownshipThe Back Porch offers four volleyball courts, hosting five solid nights of exclusively co-ed 6 v. 6 leagues running 4:30-9:30. Sign-up is available inside the bar or online. The image of a quaint porch with a couple Adirondack chairs conjured by the name underplays the truly full-fledged outdoor operation at the bar, with drinks readily available and an exterior bar accommodating 30 people. There’s plenty of space to spread out, with an ample picnic area and open play cornhole.
Duck Creek Country Club
1942 Industrial Road - Cold SpringDuck Creek Country Club’s unassuming façade obscures the playground-for-grownups lurking out back. The ironically-named bar has four sand beach courts at its disposal. Thursdays play host to quad coed leagues. Whenever critical mass is reached outside, wait service follows – so patrons need not abandon heated competition to satisfy their appetites. Live music and cornhole also entice. If the weather becomes inclement, free shuffleboard is available inside.
Hooligan's Pub & Eatery
3340 Highland Avenue - CincinnatiPleasant Ridge’s Hooligan’s plays host to quad leagues and co-ed sixes most any day of the week until around 6:30 – just in time for dinner. As long as you’re indulging the fantasy of a trip to a tropical locale, you can also pretend to have woken up with the sun and enjoy Hooligan’s breakfast served all day long. The patio is accessible for post-game detanking – or pre-game if you happen to roll that way.
Pier 27 Beer Garden and Grill
2461 Ross-Millville Road - HamiltonPier 27 in Ross Township features well-booked twin sand beach volleyball courts. The bar currently fields 24 teams for league play on Tuesdays and Thursdays in co-ed quad format. The two courts are served by the bar and the refreshingly bucolic atmosphere might just be good for your game. Cornhole is up for grabs whenever. Crank up the indulgence another notch when Lobsterfest hits in August.
» Got another favorite place? Help them get listed.



