Walking down Main Street in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine, you might miss it if you aren't looking. The sign says Japp's – Since 1879. It’s a date that feels impossible for a cocktail bar in a neighborhood that, frankly, was a ghost town just a couple of decades ago.
But here’s the thing: Japp’s wasn't always a bar. For over a century, if you walked through these doors, you weren't looking for a stiff Old Fashioned. You were looking for a wig.
John G. Japp, a German immigrant, opened his hair and wig shop here in the late 19th century. He built a business so successful that it stayed in the family until 1985. When the current owners took over the space, they found boxes. Tons of them. Filled with actual human hair from the 1800s. It’s a little creepy, honestly. But that deep history is exactly why this place feels different than the polished, corporate lounges popping up all over the city.
Why Japp's Since 1879 Isn't Just Another Bar
Most "historic" bars are just new places with old-looking wallpaper. Japp's Since 1879 is the real deal. When you sit at the bar, you’re looking at the original wooden cabinetry and cases that once held hairpieces and "hair rejuvenator" tonics. The floor is original. The stained glass? Also original.
It’s got this mood. You’ve probably heard people call it a "speakeasy vibe," but that’s not quite right. It’s more like a time capsule that happens to have a world-class spirits collection.
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The Molly Wellmann Era
You can’t talk about Japp’s without talking about Molly Wellmann. She’s basically the godmother of the Cincinnati craft cocktail scene. In 2010, she took a shuttered bar and turned it into a national destination. Esquire even named it one of the best bars in America in 2016.
Wellmann is known for her obsession with "forgotten" recipes from the 1700s to the 1950s. She didn't just want to serve drinks; she wanted to tell stories. Even though she sold the bar to Four Entertainment Group (4EG) in 2022, that DNA is still there. The focus remains on quality over quantity.
What to Drink: Beyond the Basics
If you walk into Japp's and order a vodka soda, the bartender will make it for you. But they might die a little inside. You're in a temple of mixology.
The menu is constantly rotating, but they usually keep the classics front and center. I’m talking about real Manhattans and Negronis made with precision.
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- The Fancy Free: This is a Wellmann-era staple. It’s bourbon-based but hits different because of the maraschino liqueur and bitters. It’s sophisticated.
- The "Dizzy Dancing": A more modern hit featuring Tito’s, chai-honey syrup, and an absinthe rinse. It’s weird on paper, but it works.
- Seasonals: They do a "Copper Stubble" with Crown Royal and ginger beer that is basically autumn in a glass.
And yeah, they have "The Fresh Trim" for the sober-curious. It’s a non-alcoholic gin drink that actually tastes like a cocktail, not just a glass of expensive juice.
The Vibe Shift: Main Street vs. The Annex
Japp's has a bit of a dual personality. On a Tuesday at 5:00 PM, it's the quietest, most romantic spot in OTR. It's great for a first date where you actually want to hear the other person speak.
Then Friday night hits.
The back area, often referred to as the Annex, turns into a full-blown party. They’ve got DJs, a dance floor, and sometimes even karaoke. It gets loud. It gets crowded. If you’re looking for that hushed, library-like atmosphere on a Saturday night, you’re going to be disappointed.
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Live Jazz and Analog Evenings
The bar still honors its roots with live music. On Saturdays, they typically host rotating jazz bands from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. It’s one of the few places in the city where you can still feel that 1920s energy without it feeling like a theme park.
They also have something called "Analog Evenings" on Thursdays. Half-off wine bottles and BOGO signature cocktails. It’s basically the best deal in the neighborhood if you’re trying to look classy on a budget.
Addressing the Ownership Change
Let’s be real: people were worried when Molly Wellmann left. When a big group like 4EG (who owns Igby's and The Lackman) takes over a local icon, there’s always a fear that it’ll lose its soul.
Honestly? It’s held up.
While some regulars miss seeing Molly behind the stick, the drink quality hasn't tanked. The bartenders are still incredibly knowledgeable. They can still go off-menu and build you something based on "I want something smoky but refreshing." That’s the mark of a real bar.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- The Streetcar: Don't try to park in OTR. It’s a nightmare. The Cincinnati Bell Connector (streetcar) stops literally 50 feet away at 12th and Main (Hanke Exchange). It’s free. Use it.
- Happy Hour: It’s Tuesday through Friday, 4 PM to 6 PM. All menu cocktails are half-price. This is arguably the best value in Cincinnati.
- The Patio: There’s a small outdoor space called the John Japp Patio. It’s a hidden gem for catching some air when the inside gets too packed.
- Late Night: If you aren't into the college-age crowd, head there before 10 PM on weekends. After that, the energy shifts toward the "nightclub" end of the spectrum.
Japp's Since 1879 is a survivor. It survived the decline of the wig industry, the riots of 2001, and the massive gentrification of the 2010s. It’s a piece of Cincinnati history that you can actually touch—and drink.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Trip
- Check the Chalkboard: Don't just look at the printed menu. The bartenders usually have experimental "specialty board" drinks that use seasonal syrups they made that morning.
- Ask About the Hair: Seriously. Ask a bartender about the building's history. Most of them are history nerds and love sharing the weird details about the wig shop days.
- Go for "Tequila Tuesday": If you’re not a bourbon person, they do half-price margaritas and $4 Corazon shots starting at 6 PM.
- Budget Tip: If you’re just there for the vibes, they always have $3 Miller High Life cans. It’s the "Champagne of Beers" in a room that actually looks like it belongs in a champagne commercial.