The Drinkery
The bar originally known as Jack Potts Tavern opened in 2010 on Main Street in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine (OTR) neighborhood, aiming to be a neighborhood hangout with live music every night. Two of old bands (In Space!!! and Elk Creek) played there over the years, and it even attracted touring artists some weekends.
The original name was a nod to the new casino being built a few blocks away, and the interior had a firefighter theme as one of the co-owners worked as a firefighter for the City of Cincinnati. Over time, the bar transitioned away from being a spot for OTR locals and into a place where 20-somethings come to party on Friday and Saturday nights. The live music was dropped in favor of DJs; the name changed to JP’s and later The Drinkery.
In 2023, the business was sold to 4EG, a group that operates over a dozen bars and restaurants in Cincinnati and a few in other cities. They continued to operate it as The Drinkery but the following year announced a plan to remodel the space as reopen it as a new concept called Nice Life. However, due to “unexpected delays,” the rebranding was pushed back to 2025. As they are no longer allowed to use the name The Drinkery, they will be temporarily rebranding as The Setback for its final few months of operation before the remodel.
Cincinnati, OH. August 28, 2024. Shot on a Mamiya 7II and Kodak Gold 200. Developed and scanned by The Darkroom.
