Crowley's Highland House. Cincinnati, OH.
- The Drunken Mallard
- Jan 11, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 28
958 Pavilion Street (Mt. Adams) #17
Guinness Tag: $6 | Overall Rating: 10.00
Today's Dedicated Pint: Marjory Elizabeth Clinton
The oldest Irish Pub in Cincinnati does not fail to live up to its legacy. It was near impossible to close out my tab due to how fantastic the atmosphere was. The only reason I did close my tab was because I had mascot duties on a baseball field 40 minutes after I ordered my last drink (Coca-Cola of course)!
When I got home I said to myself "that had to have been a fluke, there's no way Crowley's is that great all of the time." So, I went a second time a few days later, sure enough; it was even better than the first go around. Before I could even plop my potato on a barstool one of the regulars shouted "hey we saw you on TV dancing on the dugout yesterday!" I about overdosed on all of the Craic!
Typically, I get a little bummed when I walk into an Irish Pub that doesn't have a Steel Tip dart board, but at Crowley's I couldn't care less. Nobody is a stranger for more than 5 minutes after walking through the door as all of the regulars give everyone a warm welcome. Not only that, the regulars make it a point to find out who you are and basically force you to join in on the conversation at hand. So, if you're looking for a place to throw darts you won't find a board here, however, you won't even think about throwing a dart after chatting with the fine folks inside this establishment.
The Pub is still being ran by the Crowley family to this day. Word has it that in the 60's they used to have a "midget tossing" night (if only I was born a half a decade sooner). Stop in during the daytime and you'll hear an abundance of terrific stories.
The bartender gave me the best pour of Guinness that I've ever had in Cincinnati (yes, even better than Haps). I mentioned how great the pour was and the guy next to me said "yeah you'll never find a Bishop's Collar in here." I said to myself "wow, I haven't heard that reference in a hot minute!" Perhaps my favorite thing about the place is that they are dog friendly (I played fetch with the cutest pooch who was about 6 months old).
The few bartenders that I've had at Crowley's have always been incredibly engaging whether it's a handshake accompanied with a story or two or introducing me to the conversation at hand upon the bar. Everyone here has some sort of hand within the community and if you're ever in need of something then someone here will at least "know a guy."
Another neat thing about the place is that it sits way high in elevation. I mean that literally as it rests on top of Mt. Adams (a little mountain that overlooks the skyline of downtown Cincinnati). Mt. Adams has incredibly steep streets that has a San Francisco feel to it. Apparently when it snows all of the locals hunker down at Crowley's and drink the day away together; sign me up!
Crowley's Highland House offers tasty popcorn, a fully functioning bathroom, authentic Irish wall decor, a few TVs for Bengals games, and an above average whiskey selection including Paddy's. Speaking of the Bengals; this is one of the Pubs that head coach, Zac Taylor, gave a game ball to after winning a playoff game! If you're not from the area, that is a big deal here in Cincinnati. The Bengals have been known as one of the worst football franchises in the country for decades, but now they seem to be turning a new leaf.
The exterior of the building has a welcoming nature to it while the interior is warm and cozy. The music always caters to the mood and the draft beer selection is better than most. I never thought that I would give an Irish Pub a rating of 10, hence why I had to come a few times afterward just to make sure they didn't get lucky when I walked in the first time.
With the goal of stepping foot inside every Irish Pub in America, you can only imagine how little time I have to spend at each Pub, so first impressions are really everything to me. I can't afford the time (or money) to visit every Pub multiple times while determining what kind of rating to give them. However, if I'm going to give someone the best score on land then you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll be back a few more times before doing so! Sure enough, it's 100% worthy of a 10 out of 10 whether I go alone or with a few friends (just be sure to come when the sun is still shining).
I am proud to know that Crowley's calls Cincinnati home. It may not be the most proper Pub with the finest looking architecture, but you know what? When it comes to an Irish Pub it's not about the size or overall beauty, it's almost all about the Craic. Craic outweighs cosmetics 100% of the time and don't trust anyone who says otherwise. If you ever visit Cincinnati and don't make it into Crowley's then consider your trip a waste of time!
Slainte.
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One last time... a sincere Slainte to everyone in the Mallard's circle of friends and loved ones. You know who you are. Here's til' the next time we raise our glass in The Drunken Mallard!
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