The 86

As a coffee lover and as a normal human being, I love finding a good coffee shop. The 86 is a hidden gym that deserves all the love it can be given.
The atmosphere is what sold me on this shop as soon as I walked in. The vibe is relaxed and beyond chill. It’s so cool, hipsters haven’t even found it yet.
Besides coffee, I also love a good game. The 86 has these in large supply. From the free pool table to the gaint chess set to the table full of card and board games, the 86 has it all.
The only reason I gave four stars instead of five is the coffee itself. Don’t get me wrong. It’s good. The espresso is everything it needs to be and the cold brew nitro, while not for everyone, is worth a try. Their speciality drinks are good but they lack some of the luster that other shops have. That’s my only minor, minor complaint.
But still this place is awesome.

Best hang out AND coffee spot in ALL OF CINCINNATI.
A must see for both midday meetings in central CINCINNATI as well as an evening date spot.
Try the Cortado for a strong bold non sweet Cuban style espresso shot. You won’t find it many places. Only for the bold.

Found this place a little intimidating from the outside, but once my friend took me there, I fell in love. Nice quiet place to get your work done. Very cozy, and they have live music on the weekends, which I thought was pretty cool. I love supporting small businesses. Another plus, they are a nonprofit! I will definitely go back!

Great place right by my apartment to do some studying! Quiet, chill atmosphere with comfortable seating options and a great drink selection. The «ugly mug» (unlimited coffee and tea) is only $ 4! The staff, all volunteers, is very friendly and chatty. I’ve learned a lot about different coffees just by asking about things on the menu. They also have Nitro coffee, which I haven’t seen available anywhere else around here– definitely a unique taste!

Got the red velvet hot chocolate – very sweet. Hip atmosphere, great place to meet with a group of friends to catch up, play pool, etc. The music isn’t too loud to work on the free wifi. Was a little chilly on a winter afternoon.
The guy at the bar explained that when a restaurant customer changes their order, the waiter has to «86» (cancel, throw out) the original one. But at The 86, everyone is welcome; no matter who they are, they will not be «86ed.» Nice.

loads of room — good coffee — love the cups — nice staff
space was a bit cool so bundle up.

Stopped in here for coffee while I was hanging out on Vine Street. This place is a hidden gem! The whole place is huge, and I can’t believe I’ve never been in here! The second we walked in, the barista greeted us. They have a lot of open space, big tables, games, an outdoor area, and a downstairs area (which I didn’t see). It was cozy and quiet, definitely somewhere that I would come to get work done! I ordered a café mocha and it was delicious (also, they don’t serve alcohol)! They definitely take their time with your drink order and perfect it. I definitely recommend this for any caffeine addicts looking for a new café. I plan on going back to try some other drinks on the menu! I have heard great things about the owner and staff, and I definitely noticed in when I stopped in for just 10 minutes. They are so kind and welcoming!

Ordered a latte with an extra shot and a piece of lemon poppyseed bread. Both were great and the barista was helpful.

A real hidden gem with an old and deathly charm (this place used to be a morgue?!).
I came here with a group of friends interested in checking out the food options available on Short Vine. Several of us had seen the place but never gone in. I have been seriously missing out!
When you walk in you can go up to the right through a series of short steps. Enter and find a large but dark open room with a bright skylight and a coffee bar to the right. To the back left is a stage and back right is a pool table. Inside you’ll find an array of seating, anything from bar stools to a corner couch and a table for oversized checkers. Keep walking and you’ll end up in the enormous courtyard.
If you missed it walking in, there is a lower floor to the left. This is where they roast their own coffee! They also have a stage and some amazing exposed stone walls. Talking with one of the owners, he told us that they have been here over 4 years but originally the building used to be a morgue! (Reading another Unilocaler’s review about the death black walls made me laugh knowing this.) He talked with us for a while about his roasting and the history of the place. A place with a unique history and amazing architecture? Say hi to my new haunt!
As for the food and drinks, they have a small range of nibbles and concert venue snacks. Their coffee house drinks range from coffee to «cremes» and shakes. I asked the barista for his favorite non-​caffeinated drink. He suggested the Red Velvet Crème. I was apprehensive because I don’t care for red velvet cake, but I took his word. It was GREAT! So smooth and creamy (hence the name right)? They also have fruit smoothies made from purée. And the prices? Very reasonable!
Overall a really cool spot. Next time you’ll find me haunting a corner while writing or jamming to their range of musical performances.

I got caught in a thunderstorm while I was in Short Vine so I decided to check this place out since they had coffee. I loved it. The cappuccino was excellent and the interior of the place is awesome. They have plenty of seating, checkers, chess, a pool table, and a stage for live performers. When I went, it was pretty empty probably because it was a random summer day, but I’d definitely like to visit during the semester.

You know what I love most about about this place?
Coffee…community…creativity…and even the occasional concert. This place is all about the things I love!
There’s a great mix of college students, neighbors, and professional from around Short Vine who frequent the place and make it great.
And recently they have begun roasting their own coffee below the shop. Fantastic stuff!

tl;dr good service, and espresso. Deathly ambiance and weird food choices.
On a rainy morning I traipsed into the 86 club. «Coffee, community, Concert» I think the banner said? The place is pretty cool looking, and large. I walked up the set of steps and smelled mainly smoke, stale beer, maybe the essence vomit episodes past? This place needs some freshening up. Some airing out, and maybe a paint for the walls that’s other than, oh I don’t know, DEATH BLACK.
It obviously used to be a bar, I get it.
NOW onto the espresso. The guy behind the bar was kinda and attentive, but most importantly he knew how to pull a shot! Milk steaming, while not the best foam I’ve ever had, was acceptable. My drink was hot and strong, despite the fact of me spilling it out on the street 2 seconds later, due to the steep step down after the door (how did I not notice that coming in?) My only complaint was with the cup because it, like the bar, lacked some finesse. My drink only took up half of it because it was a cortado, but demi cups for cortados and cubanos impress me. It shows the customer the that the product is well thought out.
–1 for the ambiance
–1 for selling MARS candy bars and premade salty nacho chips with processed cheese (NO!!! Buy local, support small business, and I don’t want to feel like I just walked into a drug store!!!)
Their Red Velvet blended crème did look interesting. So I might be back to try that.

This place is cool.
Great place to work or study in the afternoon. Or just hang out and drink coffee. Unlimited coffee or tea is just $ 4 and you get to choose from a unique selection of assorted mugs. They also have siphon and pourover coffee for $ 3.50-$ 4. I want to try their specialty smoothies next time I visit (like the Reese’s)!
Service is friendly and chill. The guy behind the counter also told us they serve free pancakes on Wednesday mornings (8−10am).
Lovely spot on short vine right next to the library and fire station. Definitely glad I found this place!

The 86 Club is an awesome community space! Staffed with great people that really care about our city and great coffee. Their espresso is handmade on a Marzocco and they offer pour overs and even siphon brew!

Fabulous outdoor seating! Great indoor seating! Space for a band to play! Good dairy-​free beverages! Nice desserts! Amazing service! Good stuff!

What an AMAZING Cincinnati gem that I just discovered! I was meeting a friend there and was blown away by this cool, hip & open place.
I got to talk to one of the owners who was so friendly & told me the story about why they created this coffee shop. They wanted a place in Clifton for people to come and hangout that wasn’t a bar since there is an abundance of those in the area!
They have a pool table and you can play for free. They have couches and tables and chairs. Their outdoor patio is huge!
I got the red velvet hot chocolate and it was SO good! I look forward to going back soon! It’s definitely one of my new favorite places in Cincinnati! Yay for small businesses!

This is exactly the place to spend a Friday/​Saturday night! The venue is amazing. I came to see a band play, not really knowing what to expect, but I loved it! I like the fact that it’s a club, but not a club-​like club with alcohol and obnoxiousness. Being able to relax with friends and get a cup of tea or coffee is the perfect idea for a concert hall. I can’t wait to come back here.

I can’t believe I didn’t spend time here sooner.
I had a huge fight with my boyfriend and came here to grab a cup of coffee and just chill out. The guys working were super sweet and were patient while I figured out what I wanted. Bottomless cup of coffee is $ 3.50 and its a great bold, dark roast. Best part is, there’s a wall full of mugs and you can pick which one you want. Love it!
They have some things to snack on too that they warm up for you, like pretzel or nachos. Some baked goods too.
Such a great place to chill out and get work done during the day when the live music’s not going.
tl;dr come here when you fight with your boyfriend and grab a cup of coffee.

The 86 club is an alcohol alternative music venue for high school ages and up. Since no alcohol is served you can wet your whistle with a coffee or a smoothie. The smoothies are delightful. If you’re feeling sassy I recommend trying the peanut butter chocolate smoothie but ask the staff if they’ll blend in some Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Woah buddy, so yummy in my tummy!
Oh and credit cards are now being accepted!

So impressed by your club and the staff! I loved how you had the outside patio as well. I hope to come back for a show again in the near future.