Styled by Allison Smith//Images via Rhinegeist

The Vibe: Rhinegeist lives inconspicuously among several block-y warehouses on the fringes of Over the Rhine. Walking up three flights of concrete stairs, you wonder if you’re walking into a bar or a factory-- the answer is a little bit of both. Rhinegeist is huge. It’s a warehouse converted into a space where hundreds (literally) can come taste one of the latest chapters in Cincinnati’s rich beer history.

The decoration is sparse, but it works. Huge vats of actively brewing beer flank an alcove where you’ll find the bar and some window seating. The rest of the space features cornhole, ping pong, and picnic benches. An industrial fan (the “Big Ass Fan”) circles somewhat menacingly above you and elsewhere you’ll find a painting of a Dali elephant showing little concern that a tiger is devouring a koi fish beside it.

Rhinegeist definitely caters to hipsters with its repurposed warehouse and sparse yet quirky décor. I got the sense, though, that no one was trying to be “seen” at Rhinegeist.

Style Profile: This isn’t the place to break out your stilettos and party dress. Most girls will feel comfortable striking that delicate balance between not-quite-a-tee-shirt and a bejeweled club top. Jeans, flats, boots, and nice (not dressy tops) were the norm. The industrial lighting makes bright colors seem harsh, so stick with a softer palette.

Must Order: It’s a brewery! A pint of Truth IPA is a good place to start—floral, hoppy, frothy and delicious. If you get a little hungry, you can buy Blue Oven pretzels at the bar (so good!) or Rhinegeist will order Adriatico’s pizza for you.

Must Do: Someone told me they have yoga classes in the morning!

Must Knows:  Since Rhinegeist is so big, it can be hard to hear sometimes with all the conversations echoing off the walls. You’re going to have to shout a bit if it’s crowded.

Finding a place to park can be tough but you can park nearby at Findlay Market for $2.

Rhinegeist is separated from the rest of the OTR bar scene by a couple of blocks, which means a dark, lonely walk back to your car. Keep your group together; otherwise it can end up feeling unsafe.