Wednesday, August 29, 2007 | Cincinnati.Com » CiN Weekly » Dining » Raising the bar: Dirty Jack's in Elmwood Place
Raising the bar: Dirty Jack's in Elmwood Place
KARI WETHINGTON | CIN WEEKLY
I'll admit it: I haven't been to Elmwood Place too many times. But I've been very curious about new-ish bar and live music venue Dirty Jack's. It always seems to have an impressive lineup of up-and-coming bands, and discovering a new (to me) neighborhood and bar always sounds like fun.
So on a recent Tuesday, my boyfriend and I headed over to check it out and to see local band Ellery and others take the stage.
THE EXPERIENCE
I had heard that parking can get tricky on busy nights, but we got lucky and found a meter right outside the front door. We each paid our $5 cover and headed inside, where the music was just starting.
Right inside the entrance is the long bar area, with plenty of seating and a couple of tables scattered around. There were a few people lined up to get drinks, and we each got a bottle of Harp ($3.50).
The back room, much darker than the front room, is where the music goes down. The far wall is the stage, and there are multiple tables and chairs. We lucked into a table near the back (sound was pretty loud, so sitting near the back was ideal) and checked out the first band and Ellery.
The crowd was pretty young for this show - I'd say mostly early- to mid- 20s, and everyone seemed into the music. Ellery put on a great show and we enjoyed our drinks (though we were disappointed that, contrary to the Web site's menu, there was no Shiner Bock on draft).
Luckily, I had called before we came and asked if there was food. The Web site and e-mails that the bar sends out mention pizza - which sounded like a perfect dinner option to me. But when I called I was told the kitchen was not serving that night. Bummer.
DID IT RAISE THE BAR?
For the most part. There were a few random rough spots (we thought there would be food and there wasn't, seating was comfy but hard to come by, the sound team seemed to be having some issues). But this bar has a good thing going and has the potential to be even better!
JUST THE FACTS
WHAT: Dirty Jack's
WHEN: Open 5 to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday (open later when a show is scheduled), 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday; closed Sunday. For live music schedule, visit www.myspace.com/dirtyjacks1
WHERE: 5912 Vine St., Elmwood Place
PRICE: Food $3.95-$8, drinks $2.75-$5.50
PARKING: On street
CONTACT: 513-242-2800 or www.dirtyjacksrocks.com
ONLY AT DIRTY JACK'S: FREE WATER ON THE COUNTER
It's just a little thing - but it's very thoughtful. You're thirsty - not for a beer, but for water. At most places, you're stuck in a long line before you can ask the already busy bartenders for a glass of water (which they're just thrilled about). At Dirty Jack's, you don't have to! On my visit, two small pitchers filled with ice water sat on the far end of the bar - very easy-access - next to a stack of plastic cups. Score!
