Queen City Exchange Review

I am beyond excited about Queen City Exchange. The concept, the service, the beer, the everything is great, but most of all I am pumped about a bar opening on Court St in downtown/OTR Cincinnati. 3+ years ago I lived on Court St just a block from where this bar now resides and I am just feeling immense pride and joy about this expansion of small businesses through the neighborhood. There used to be nothing nearby when I lived on Court and during the winter the entire neighborhood was empty and quiet by 4 pm. So yes, I was excited and had high hopes about this bar as soon as I noticed the Coming Soon sign a few months ago.

I’m happy to report, the bar did not let me down. The bar follows a new concept that you may have heard of before, but it’s a stock market exchange theme.

Here’s the concept: during happy hour from 4-9 pm the 40+ beers on tap will be served at varying prices changing every ten minute period based on the beers popularity. So a more popular beer is going to rise in price while the beers being purchased less often will lower in price. The bar’s software system records which beers customers are buying and in the next interval it will be reflected by a change in price for that beer and other beers within that style.

So if everyone is ordering MadTree’s Psychopathy in one interval, it’s price will increase in the next interval, while the price of the other less popular IPA’s will decrease. Essentially it’s encouraging everyone to try new beers. You can check the prices of beer displayed on the TV screens behind the bar.

At 9pm the prices are set for the remainder of the evening due to Ohio liquor laws. All draft beers will then be $6 regardless of popularity.

If you’re lucky you will be there when the stock market crashes. You’ll know if it does because there’s a loud bell ringing and everyone gets very excited. When I was there, the stock market crashed and all the beers were half price. $3 IPAs yes!

I’m really intrigued by this concept. I love trying new craft beers and the thought of being “rewarded” for trying out different beers. The price range of the beers on tap is typically between $4-6 so I don’t think the more popular options are even that pricey. So if everyone is drinking your favorite IPA it still won’t hurt the wallet.

Even regardless of this fun concept this bar is definitely worth the visit.

There is liquor and wine for non-beer drinkers.

The decor is gorgeous with copper bar and it’s surprisingly spacious. If you walk in and it’s crowded just keep heading towards the back where there is a huge open space with lots of tables and seating. The service was great – all the bartenders were friendly and excited to be there.

As I already mentioned the location is great. It’s just around the corner of Vine Street’s hub of restaurants so it makes a perfect stop as you wait 2+ hours for your table. ? If you get hungry while drinking, it looks like QCE will regularly host food trucks directly outside their front door.

Also, while you’re here, be sure to peep across the street for one of the best Art Works murals. ?