Top Cats

Small college venue near the university. Extremely hot for a late July concert. There seemed to be a severe leak from the vents, might have been the air unit trying to keep up with the hot environment. I have other favorite small bar venues that I enjoy more, nothing special or memorable.

I was there tonight to support my friend in the headliner band. I was very nervous going by myself but the bartender was amazing. I sat at the bar all night because she always checked in with everyone to make sure they were OK. She even protected my drinks as I went to the bathroom. If youre reading this thank you so much for the positive experience! ❤️

Had a fantastic time with my son at his first concert seeing our absolute favorite band, The Score! ❤❤❤ This was a great little venue.

Great little concert venue in the heart of the Clifton short vine district. Friendly staff. clean bathrooms.

Small, but fun. Not a fan of the pole in the front crowd area since it left me with bruises in odd places but everything was great

Welcome back, Top Cats. Room sounded great, staff seemed like decent folk. Looking forward to going back again soon.

This might be the worst venue I’ve ever been at. The venue was so incredibly hot with artists expressing concern for concert goers safety with no AC. So take into account when you go. The venue was packed and beyond a limit that felt safe. People were standing on structures and most attendees could not have an unobstructed view. I don’t think I will ever visit the venue again. This was one of the worst experiences. I made it 30 minutes in the main act and had to leave. I couldn’t see the band I paid to see and knew that wouldn’t change with any room to move about and relocate. So incredibly disappointing. No positives regarding this venue.

The best thing about this place is that Babyjake was there and I got to see him. The upstairs bar was big and the outdoor area seemed okay. The music venue downstairs was like a dungeon. The drink selection was lacking and the bar service could have been more engaging.

Came here on Friday September 15th. as i was handing them my ID i was told to “get the f out of my line” because my ID was fake …. i’m 23. then the other bouncer said “get this b!tvh out of my line” i proceeded to tell them to give me my ID back as it’s my actual government ID & they wouldn’t. finally the bouncer threw my ID down the street.maybe if y’all actually knew how to read ID’s this could’ve been avoided 🤗 the power trip these bouncers have is crazy at this bar.

Very nice small venue. Great spot for smaller touring bands. Will come back in the future.

Great little venue! Cozy, intimate, and has had some incredible bands lately! Not too outrageously priced, good drink selection, and staff were both courteous and professional.

Expensive for a student bar, really wasnt impressed when I was there. Small crowd, lazy music choices. Wouldnt pick it as my choice, only if its the groups decision. Not at all impressed. Horrific bathrooms. Like God awful chainsaw massacre bathrooms. Really really really bad.

The venue is nice and the artist rendition of the finished roof looks really cool! BUT the place is not managed well!!! They double booked the room we were seeing a concert in asked the band to stop playing and had us all exit through the green room or the rooftop. We didnt get to buy merch or anything. The sound guy was on his phone a lot, things were wired wrong and the band couldnt get his attention. Really an unpleasant experience

The venue has a lot of potential, but they arent living up to it. It has been disappointing in the past due to the lack of maintenance and upkeep, but their behavior with the Last Band Standing event was appalling. The first rounds were ran with a 50/50 vote between judges and crowd. But the final round was purely based on alcohol sales. The bands were great, but to base who wins off of whose fans buy the most drinks is a ridiculous way of determining who has the most talent. And then to let one of the bands buy enough alcohol that theyre handing beer out to anyone who would take it, just so they could win, is incredibly disrespectful to the other musicians who brought all of this business in. The bar was the most packed Ive ever seen it, and the bands were not given the gratitude and appreciation they deserved nor fair judgement on who was the last band standing.

Went to a show that was cut short because the venue decided to book a second, separate event at midnight on top of that nights show. We were rushed out of the venue when the main acts show ended. In addition, the sound was pretty off and there were several technical issues that delayed the show even more. Felt bad for the band playing as well as their fans. Drinks were priced fair at least.

Saw a sold out show here and had the time of my life. The venue is nice and clean and the size is perfect for making a concert feel like a large party, but it was awkward holding glass cups for the booze..

I wouldnt recommend playing or seeing any shows here. They have lied multiple times about cancelling shows and the owners has taken what was once a very inclusive venue for all music and turned it into a place for privilege and exclusivity. They cancelled a show booked months in advance after the organizers couldnt pay the small fee of $20K to stay at the venue. All of this just weeks from the show. The business practices are questionable and I think that this venue should at least relinquish the name of a very loved, very special venue for music in Cincinnati. Shame on you.

I enjoyed the music. It is a nice cozy place. There is plenty of parking around the place. They have a walk up bar but I didnt see any food. They are in the process of building a deck that will be awesome when finished. I would go back.

Pretty nice little place! I was expecting it to be bigger, but its honestly a really good size for a small venue. It really feels like the space was made for that. The patio is a work in progress but I expect itll be really nice when its done. Nice atmosphere. Had a great time!

A smaller lively music venue right off the University of Cincinnatis campus. I have been to several shows here both with a packed crowd and light crowd, regardless of circumstance I enjoyed my time spent here. The acoustics tend to not be too overwhelming, depends on the band to a degree. The crowd is not always just college students once again depends on the band performing.

Went n saw sueco yesterday and the show was amazing! Nice little venue to be closer to the artist and the staff was also great!!

Worst experience of my life. I told the bartender “Roll tide Roll” and then he tried to kick me out. Then, he found me upstairs and then proceeds to take two full beverages and then dumps them in my lap. Horrible hospitality, I hope that short king learns how to deal with Cincinnati losing to Alabama in the future.Sincerely, an upset and frustrated Alabama fan.Row tide!

Sad situation let alone illegal,happened Saturday night, stopping by the New TOP CAT bar at midnight tonight,after the Thunderstruck concert at Bogarts..In college,I use to tend bar there, when it was called HOTSHOTZ.,so I wanted to see the new makeover,as it had been closed for some time...While showing the doorman our ids to get inside the club,we were verbally told that We were to OLD to be allowed inside,according to what the owner told them.IS THAT YOUR POLICYI asked,yes was the response.ONLY COLLEGE STUDENTS ALLOWEDMy girlfriend along with myself were totally taken back by this behavior from the doorman on the policy of this club....We are not sure what action will be taken,but I can tell you this..If this bar has any chance of making in Clifton,They better follow the law & according to others patrons Ive talked to, they are known to be SHADY in paying bands they book,.. The B.B.B.& ACLU & Ohio State liquor board may want to look at their clubs business practice. Needless to say,what happened tonight was illegal & flat out discrimination on the part of the doorman & the owner of this club....Im sure we will here more comments about this place...They LOST MY BUSINESS & MY MONEY..$$$$$$$$$

Went here for a cheap $10 EDM show. There were supposed to be 4 opening artists, but none of them showed up. What we got was a DJ that changed songs every 20-30 seconds, none of them matching BPM or genre. He was just hitting next on a laptop. The venue filled up with college kids REAL fast, to the point where I began to feel like it was well beyond safety if something were to happen. Wall to wall people, and wait times to get a drink were in excess of 10 minutes standing at a hostile bar.We ended up leaving before the main act we intended to see even went on, which was supposed to be 12:30. After standing outside on the patio, witnessing kids breaking the fence sitting on it, and having the alternative bar options of Fireball, Jagermeister, Miller Lite or Coors, we realized we were strangers in a strange land. Be warned, fellow 25-35 age groups, you will likely want to find a different venue for shows. Maybe Bogarts next time.

The drinks are cheap, and the music they had was pretty good!

The place is a hole in the wall in every sense. I walked in and my shoes immediately began sticking to the floor. There wasnt any soap, not even a dispenser in the mens bathroom. But cool little spot to see live music other than that.

Saw the Fritz who were absolutely amazing! Top cats is such a great little venue that makes a show seem super intimate almost like its your own private vip experience. Plus an amazing outdoor area to get some fresh air and for the smokers (Im not one) to have an easy area to go. Would go back anytime

This venue cancels shows with no notice so they can have college nights no respect for musicians and no respect for their paying customers unless you are a drunk college kid.Also: This place cancelled a festival two weeks before the event, screwing over 40 performers, some of which had flights and hotels booked. They lost sponsorship money, as well as money lost on promoting Top Cats as the venue.What’s worse is that they lied publicly saying the shows were cancelled for renovation.they had booked the event 10 months ago. Just saw a post that they cancelled another show the same week too. The owner and bar manager are classless, disrespectful, and unprofessional.

I would leave no stars if possible. Went there after a concert at Bogarts. My boyfriend bartended there back in the day n had great memories about the old place. He recalls the famous hot shot that was a top seller. Anyway we were turned away at the door because and I quote the owner only wants college students so I cant let you two in. I have never been more shocked than at that moment.I have never been turned away because I was too old! We were already aware of the owners shady business practices but thought we would check it out for ourselves. Wow what a shame.my son D.J.s all over Cincinnati and I have been to many of the bars he works at. Always felt welcomed and respected by the college crowd. Top Cats was the worst.

Great venue! Good atmosphere and sound quality

Top cats just hosted a battle of the bands in which the final round was based off of alcohol sales. If you bought a drink you recieved a ticket. Promoters and venues like this are taking advantage of people who truly support local music. I thought everyone did great, but who truly won was based on alcohol consumption. If you are a true music enthusiast, please stop supporting any promoters or venues who takes advantage of THE FANS. WE are the REASON the music we love can thrive and grow. Thanks.

This concert venue is doing nothing good for the area, cancelling a local music festival after trying to raise the booking rate from 900 to 20,000$ and leaving local artists & promoters scrambling to put on an event that would only have done well for short vine and good for the community. despoicable

Cute place but not really alot of seatingThey are air conditioned so... that makes me give them 3stars. Very basic alcohol selection absolutely no wine.

What happened to safe alcohol practices? When you encourage guests to over drink past the point of intoxication- to the point of vomiting all over the bathroom- youre going beyond your legal obligation to serve alcohol appropriately.

Gave me a tequila sprite instead of a vodka sprite

Would give zero stars If possible. No respect for the music scene in general. Shady dealings trying to screw over artists. I wont be supporting these people and I strongly suggest you dont as well. Dont take my word for it, look into the situation yourself. Its truly disgusting.

This venue was pretty cool, staff was nice, and the artist were awesome. Especially loved watching Flock To Murder perform. Awesome night with great people....

I went there and the security at the door asks for my I.d. plus a second form of identification. Also given Im well over 21. I talk to the bar and the other workers of top cats and they have no clue of this regulation. When have you ever went to a bar or any establishment for that matter asking for a credit, debit, or student I.D. makes no sense. The boss has to get better people with common sense to run his bar. The bar doesnt even vouch for security or the bs. They say they get paid by josh. But anyone else that I ask say no, they werent asked for that.

Top Cats has a history of screwing over performers, most recently by cancelling a festival planned months in advance right before it happened, after performers had flights booked and sponsors had signed up and such. Dont tolerate this kind of behavior, people.

First time coming here for a concert. This was a nice little quaint place. It was a very cute and clean. I would definitely come back when not just attending a concert!!

Not a bad hole in the wall bar .although The Sound guy was Making it Really hard TO Stick around ,The Sound was horrible... and The drinks at the bar sucked. although the bar downstairs was great

Went to a show, two local acts opened for a mainstream rap group from Atlanta GA. Top Cats new reconstruction was more spacious the entertainment was great.

Small venue but nice. Great for more intimate experience. Would recommend 👌

It was overcrowded, and they over sold their tickets. would not go again, and the DJ changed songs every 30 seconds. No transitions and no BPM matching. Very amateur.

Cancelled an event and lied about the reason publicly. Forty performers and the event planner had to find another venue at the last minute. They dont deserve one star. Dont give them your money.

They. Red to get ther act together. If you say Doors open at 6:00, show starts at 7:00 your patrons shouldnt be waiting in the cold for you to open at 7:10.

Great little venue. Definitely wouldnt mind the 3 hour drive here again. Andy Black was great

Whoa. Not what I expected, but a great venue! Just a small word of advice, though... Insist that the bartenders shower or at least use deodorant before their shift. 😜

Local groups SONS OF SILVERTON and TRIIIBE tore up the spot! GooodieMob was SUPER DOPE!! Thanks for bringing back a HISTORIC spot for the Cincy scene to rock at again! Salute TOP CATS !💪

A great venue to see the artist up close. Loved it.

Great atmosphere! The bar tenders were amazing. A great place to go on vine street.

Overpriced me for a nonalcoholic drink (paid for 32 oz of coke) because I didn’t bring my new 21 id.

There is curse placed on this establishment. i saw 4 ghosts here in the corse of two hours. pretty strange but still a cool place

Awesome place for live music however parking is hard to find. Ill be back 100%

Great venue for shows. Excellent staff and great prices on drinks.

Great Customer Service. Good Drink specials. Good Selection of live acts.

They have really cleaned up the place. A fabulous place to see live music in Cincinnati.

Just go and get them positive vibes, network and build on the hip hop scene thats present.

Good atmosphere but the music was lackluster and they didnt take suggestions

You have to be int the mood to stand around and drink if your looking for food or to sit and hang out just you and one other person probably not your place to be

Consistently cancels shows the day of. Charges $20,000 deposit.

JJ Wilde is awesome

Loved super Bob

They are consistently bad at serving crowds. Long waits for drinks, poorly staffed and bathrooms are gross.

Great place to hangout. Mike the bartender was very cool.

Rarely cool little place to see some bands and interact with them

Great place to get some drinks and watch a game!

Great little venue....always has been!!@

Great venue and great selection at the bar!

Nice place to go see concerts however the management there is very rude

Its a fun place to go to chill and have fun , meet new people.

Great show, fairly priced drinks.

Not a bad place fair priced drinks.

Glorious & FreakBass was off the chain! Nice Place I recommend!!!

Great venue, good to see it open again.

Glad this place is back on the music map in Cincinnati... We really needed a venue of its size.

Good music. House night I was there.

Great time with the American Outlaws!! Good vibe good staff

Overpriced. Cancels shows last minute. Not professional on any level.

Waiting 2 hours in the cold for a band to play that isnt that big , Is bs .

No alcohol in drinks. bartender watered down drinks

Far better place to hang out since they remodeled

Great music venue with a bar!

Cute little venue with nice balcony

Great place for live music!

Great place to see shows!

Bathrooms are horrible. Bar service is slow

Nice low key venue!!

Are y’all bored, or do you really just hate musicians this much?

Awesome bartenders, great music

Love the bartenders and good music

Good music and drink deals.

One of least favorite night clubs.

This is the dirtiest place in Cincinnati.

Lots of space and amazing music

Killer music from local to national acts.

Fun place good music

Fun spot!

Amazing place to hang out

Trash venue, terrible owners

Fire the dj

Awesome venue!

Had a great time

Lots of fun.

The spot

Like a phoenix from the ashes.

Nice!!

Music was meh.

LESSTHANJAKE!!

Just don’t.

TAZ

GREAT PLACE TO SEE A SHOW

Great atmosphere

Great

Hecka nice

Its a bar.

Fun atmosphere

Good music

Home of the pride

Awesome venue

Excellent visit