Wednesday 21st of April 2010 12:16:12 PM

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For better or worse, I've been to The Comet more times than I can remember. I've lived in the neighborhood for over ten years.

That being said, I think The Comet might just be the best beer bar in town. No shit. It's a dive bar, yes, but it is a dive bar on purpose. A favorite watering hole for hipsters, townies, music fans, tourists and just about anyone else you can imagine.
The service can be surly at times, it's not lightning-fast by any means. On busy nights, the line can be atrocious. I suggest ordering two beers in this situation.
Foodwise, there are mission-style burritos, and other treats. The burritos are massive, you might want to split one. Try the tofu-jerk. Personally, I prefer the queso dip and chicken quesadillas.
menu here: http://cometbar.com/2009_MENU_NEW.pdf

Sunday night is live bluegrass with the Comet Bluegrass Allstars. Quite an event, really packs 'em in! This night is always very busy, starting at around 6:00 or earlier, so be aware of that. Bands also play all weekend, and Monday nights.

A note on protocol:
-There's a drink line at the end of the bar, by the beer coolers. Don't try to skip it. Not cool. The drink line gives you a chance to gaze into the beer cooler, anyway. And don't open the beer cooler.

Speaking of the beer cooler, Comet has a constantly changing selection of bottled beers, as well as 7 taps. Sadly, two of these taps are occupied by hipster beer of the month and guinness. So, for my interest, 5 active taps. But those five taps are generally pretty top notch. I've seen blackout stout, turbodog, double arrogant bastard, etc. A lot of Bell's and Founders. I'm told that it's the top selling Bell's location in Ohio. The beer coolers will have anything from the ubiquitous PBR, to middle of the road AB-type stuff, up to some belgians, steady supply of Bell's and Founders, up to some pretty rare stuff (Black Ops, Nemesis). The highlight of the year, though, is Hopnosis! Three days, ending on December 5 (anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition) of beer heaven. Too many beers to drink. 40 kegs, from open to close, running all 7 taps, and tapping a new one each hour. I hope they have Hopnosis 3 this year as well!

On the downside, The Comet has high beer prices, usually $6+ for 1/3 liter draught. Bottles are around $5.50 and up. I had a Black Ops for $25, and a Nemesis for, I think, $9. BUT they are there when I want them, which is a huge plus.

I'd definitely recommend The Comet to any beer nerds coming to Cincinnati. If you want quiet beer imbibing, go earlier, it's always quiet from 4-7, and you can enjoy a kick ass jukebox.
If you like bands, go later on weekends. There's also a regular band on Mondays (as of my last Monday visit, anyway).
Also Bluegrass on Sunday around 7. If you like crowds and Bluegrass, this is for you.