The Southgate House Revival
111 E Sixth St, Newport, KY, 41071
The Southgate House Revival Menu
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Address :
111 E Sixth St
Newport, KY, 41071 - Phone (859) 431-2201
- Website https://www.southgatehouse.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Loud
Music : Live
Good For Dancing : Yes
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : Yes
Outdoor Seating : No
Has TV : No
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Josh O.
It's certainly not the worst place to see a show, but certainly is not the best, either. Beer selections are mediocre, but they are pretty stocked with liquor. Unless you are directly in front of the stage, the acoustics are subpar. The place gets really, really hot when they get the venue filled. As is noted in other reviews, when they fill the place, they REALLY fill it. The venue is very old and it shows. Some parts of the building are a bit run down. The balcony is neat, but I'm not sure I'd want to watch a show that I was interested in from it. They have so many shows here, that some of them are bound to be good. They play all kinds of music and even though it's not my favorite place to see a show, I guarantee I'll be back just because the amount of bands that come through.
(3)Ryan C.
I've been to the Southgate House a few times and loved every minuted of it. You get the feeling you are walking into someone's Victorian house in the beginning and walk into small bedrooms or an library with different bands each room. The Southgate House attracts local bands and even big name acts. There is a huge ballroom downstairs. It's a place like no other to hear great live bands. Until you have actually been there, it's a place you have to actually go to to understand. However, people with ADD, like myself, will have a hard time sitting to listen to a whole act knowing there is another one playing in another room.
(5)John Y.
The Southgate House is a living legend, one that is seeing the close of one chapter of its life and the beginning of another. As a place for bands big and small it is a unique three venue bar overlooking the Ohio River and downtown Cincinnati. There is no other place like it in the entire Cincinnati area. For an intimate setting there is the front lounge where there's either singer/songwriter night or bluegrass playing by the bar. Upstairs is the Parlor which is a bigger space for solo or small band shows. Finally there's the ballroom which is a large open space with a second floor balcony. It's rare to not see a night where all three spaces feature some form of original music. This place is literally pumping out great music every night of the week. If you want to go to a place for variety in independent local music, the Southgate House is your choice. If you want to see the next big thing before they get famous, the Southgate House is your choice. Heck, if you want to see a bigger band, they still typically will book the Southgate House. Sadly, the operator of the Southgate House is moving on to a different venue and at the end of 2011, it will close. It's future as a music venue is unknown but what will be remembered are those long nights where you'd leave the place with your clothes smelling of cigarettes and your ears ringing from the volume being cranked from the band you just saw. It's not everyone's cup of tea but if you read this and there's still time,take the time and see what Southgate House is all about before it closes.
(5)Erika G.
The place was nice and historic. Like most of the old churches and buildings in Newport. Very clean. Nice bartender. The band was scheduled to start at 8pm on Wednesday. It wasn't till 9:20 that the opening band started. For being a work night for most, this was not too cool. It wasn't till after 10 that I started to hear the band I paid to see. Then I was not impressed because I could only hear the bass. In the small place with the acoustics the way they are, this should have been noticed during a sound check.
(2)Daniel V.
To musician friends coming in from out of town and up-and-comers looking to find a place to play their big events, I describe SGHR as "the Apollo of bluegrass". Not just limited to bluegrass, though... blues, rock, americana, or whatever the cut of your jib, this is the place to play if you want an audience who has an ear for good music. I've never gone without being thoroughly impressed and entertained by the performers in every room.
(5)Brian K.
I was a little disappointed with the sound in the main ballroom. I was on the balcony so maybe that is why but I thought it would be better than what it was. Still the place has an amazing vibe. If your in (or with someone in a wheelchair) there is a side entrance that they will open up if you ask the staff. Once your in though there isn't an elevator (or atleast I didnt' find one).
(4)Christopher G.
There are a lot of bars in Cincinnati, and a lot of them have their shtick, but none so much as the Southgate House. The dive-yest of the dive, this place is an old, creaky historical landmark turned music venue and multi-level bar. It's pretty trendy these days, but that doesn't stop it from being determinedly atypical. . . by God. The most spectacular thing about Southgate House is probably its capacity. Every year during Cincypunk Fest, for instance, it hosts as many as three music acts simultaneously--one on the ground floor, one up in the ballroom, and one, the largest one, in the basement. Each area has its own feel, its own events. I've gone to karaoke in one room, an improv comedy show in another, a regular ol' concert in a third. When they put house in the name, they weren't screwing around. The least spectacular thing? I don't know. . . the bar? Sadly, this place doesn't have any amazing drinks or drink makers. Not that it needs to; it's certainly sufficient, at least, in that department. A lot of people don't even go there for the booze. They go there because it's a badass place, with one of the best schedules for independent and local music in the city. But if you want a place with really interesting, friendly staff and impressive drink recipes, take it from me: go to Neon's in Over the Rhine. This place is all about the experience, which, unless you're there for a specific show, is free. It even has a comfy front porch for you smokers.
(4)Juliane S.
THE singular place to see a national or regional act in Cincinnati. Intimate but large enough to pull in cool acts - different stages (my fav is the parlor on the 2nd floor)...the SGH has many different changes in the decade I've been visiting. The bars are OK but that isn't why you go to SGH - it's the music. As long as the sound does it's job it is an outstanding venue with exceptional sound. I've seen everyone from Nada Surf to They Might Be Giants to Henry Rollins to Sleater Kinney to The Bears in this place. Also been to countless indie shows and the SGH frequently sells out BUT one of the great things is they book well in advance and advertise as such so you have plenty of time to plan ahead in getting tickets. SGH has always had outstanding booking - the names have changed over the years but their bookers come into the job knowing the history and the contacts are already established. Minus the smoke - which isn't their fault - this is a strong edition to the indie music scene and without the SGH the loss could not be calculated.
(5)Luke S.
So I went here last night for the Bunbury Announcement show and I have to say I was quite impressed with the venue. Very cool church setting that has been transformed into a great place for shows. I wish more bands booked here. I realize that the space doesn't allow for huge bands but this would be a great alternative over Madison Theater or Bogarts. The old school stained glass windows are nice and the beer prices weren't hateful. There are technically two stages (each with their own bar) but the main stage is where it was at. I'm hoping that they can book some more national acts here as I would love to become a patron of the place.
(4)Joseph L.
Great venue. Great people running this place. I host a charity pub crawl and they gave us the main room for free to do the ending party! Seriously awesome people. Go see a show here ASAP!
(5)Hollyann H.
As much as I miss the original Southgate House mansion, I do adore the new location and I'm so happy with their choice for the new location. The Southgate House Revival is in an old church that went by the name "The Grace Methodist Episcopal Church". If I recall reading correctly it was empty for more than 12 years before they moved in. I love that they still have different rooms to see different shows. The Sanctuary, The Lounge and The Revival Room. Which some of the smaller rooms may be smaller, but they are still really nice for seeing all bands. You can always see, and it always feels intimate. They still have a great bar, and I love the main bar in The Sanctuary with the old pipe organ behind it. Everyone who works here is pretty chill, the only time I've seen them not be so nice is when there was kids trying to get away with underage drinking. Which then they had every right to be mean, and I don't blame them. You're not going to have to deal with any angry and mean "bouncer" type characters here. I'm so happy they're still around. The Southgate House Revival is easily the best place in Northern Kentucky & Cincinnati to see a show.
(5)Jessi G.
This is a really great music venue! I came here last night to see Kevin Devine and Into It. Over It. so this review is based on only one music concert that I have seen here. For one thing, musicians sound REALLY GOOD in this venue. The acoustics are great. I hate going to a show and it's so loud it all just sounds like noise and your ears are ringing by the end of the night. This place had really great sound and it carried throughout the whole venue without blowing your ears out. It doesn't hurt that Kevin Devine is a vocal genius...He put on a really great show and definitely took advantage of the amazing acoustics at the Southgate House Revival. There are chairs in the concert area for those of us who are too old/tired to stand up the whole time. But it is general admission so make sure you get there early to grab a seat before the show. For the bar, my fiance and I both ordered Rhinegeist cans which were $6 each. Kinda pricey, but I guess I should have expected that at a concert venue. Our tickets to get in were only $15 each so I guess I can't complain about the prices. The audience was 21+, mostly people in their early 20's. This might be because the concert was on a Wednesday and no self-respecting older person is going to go see a show that ends at midnight on a work night (well...except for us I guess). My only real complaint was that it was super cold in the venue last night. It was about 4 degrees outside, and I'm pretty sure they just didn't turn on the heat so it felt like 30 degrees inside. I was freezing the entire show which made it very hard to enjoy the music. But overall, a really great venue. I can't wait to come back for a bigger show later!
(4)Sarah H.
My husband & I went to the Southgate House Revival this past weekend for the WNKU benefit concert. It was the first time we'd been to this venue. We had an absolutely wonderful time. The building itself is fun to visit, the bartenders were nice, and the atmosphere was very enjoyable. I thought it was cool that three rooms offered separate bands at the same time, and yet we couldn't hear the other bands playing thru the walls. Also, it is smoke free which is great. There were tables to sit at. Awesome. Great time. Fun place.
(4)Ron T.
Cool venue. But the staff are often rude and pissy. The bar sucks. And there's almost no parking.
(2)Donna O.
Southgate House Revival is a way cool place to see a show. I've been here for several events now, and there have been improvements every time - paint, acoustic tiles, making the venue completely non-smoking. There are two big bars serving everything but draft beer, with lots of local cans and bottles available. The staff are attentive and easy going, especially if you are polite. It's easy to move around, and if you get there early, they have plenty of seating and a pool table to pass the time. Also a big plus - a large, clean ladies room right near the back bar. Clean as in not horrifically grungy; the bathroom walls are covered with graffiti. SGHR gets in local (Bad Veins), regional (Lydia Loveless) and national (Marshall Crenshaw) acts - we check their website often. The stage is large in the sanctuary space, so you can be a bit back from the stage and still have a view from the floor. Free on-street parking is available in the blocks around SGHR, just no on-site parking. There are restaurants in the area too, so it's easy to park, eat, and hit the doors within a couple of blocks. Can't wait for the next trip back.
(3)Katie D.
I think this is overall a pretty good venue. I've heard a lot of people complain about the sound quality, but they have made some recent efforts to fix this. When I went last night I saw soundproofing boards that I don't recall seeing in the past. This is of course a renovated church. They sometimes have three shows going on at once, which is pretty neat. Some people on here claim that they allow smoking throughout the place, but I believe they only allow smoking in the bar, which offers free shows. I have never seen them allow smoking in the main hall where bands play. The parking situation isn't great, but I usually park in the lot across the street. Shows are generally after business hours, and lots of people do it, even if it is technically illegal. Now that I've addressed others' complaints, I'd have to say my one complaint is the fact that there is seating! Last night as Los Straitjackets people were actually sitting at tables! I think that is ridiculous considering the type of music. It makes sense to offer seating at a symphony, or very mellow music where people don't dance, but not at rock shows! I feel that it brings down the mood. If you are coming from out of town, or even if you aren't, I highly recommend getting tacos from La Mexicana first! You can walk there and they are amazing!
(4)Julie W.
I love the architecture, the stained glass and the acoustics were just fine. I saw 4 bands; two were awesome and two were so-so but for 15.00 tickets. no disappointments. I was impressed with the beer selection for a small venue. The staff is friendly, ladies room was surprisingly clean. I will go again
(4)Mindy W.
Being from out of town, When I looked at the reviews, I wanted to know 2 things: Was there any seating, and where do I park? If you're on the smaller smoking side for a show, then yes, there are some tables. If your show is on the larger side, no tables and no smoking. Parking...well, there is some street parking, but it all seemed to be metered at 2 hours a pop. Easiest is a lot directly behind the venue, which you get to by driving around the block. It was $3, paid to one of those slot-by-numbers on a pole. Worked for me. The venue itself is very similar to the Bluestone in Columbus. Renovated church. Nice venue. Nice stained glass. It's not everyday you get to rock out with Jesus. :)
(4)Meredith M.
Everything about our experience as a group was appalling. Came to see a band and members of other bands, the bartenders, AND management were incredibly rude to all of us. I would caution not only customers but bands to avoid this establishment. Bartenders insulted the band loudly to the crowd. Threatened to kick the band out for asking to be paid after their set that they were INVITED to play, banned them, after there was not even any incident caused by the band. I have never had such a terrible experience and been so insulted not only on behalf of the band, but myself and our whole group. Will never return and will only discourage others as strongly as I can from even bothering to give this place a chance.
(1)Beggars D.
this place is kick ass!!! be sure to get the tommy gun(holy roller) shot! great venue! we hope to return!!!! long live rock n roll!!!
(5)Luke T.
The second reincarnation of the southgate house is housed in a humongous old church with lots of stained glass. The space features three distinct music/stage areas: 1) the main hall, 2) the bar area and 3) an upstairs area. There are likely to be separate shows in each space on any given night. The main hall is way too loud, and this is coming from a punk rocker. With the acoustics in the place, they could have the sound much lower and it would still carry and be an extremely loud rock club. As is, it makes my ears bleed. The bar area is cool and the prices are decent. Always a good crowd on the times I've been as well.
(3)Stacey L.
Great place to catch a live band. An old converted church that has become a live music venue but keeps some of the old trappings, like the stained glass and the organ. Very cool space. Bartenders were quick, but not terribly knowledgeable or friendly. Drink prices were reasonable. Hope someday that they go non-smoking so that I don't have to go home smelling like an ashtray!
(4)Joanne G.
As Bette Davis once famously said: "What a dump!" No seating left on the night of Ricky Nye's 14th Annual Blues and Boogie Woogie Piano Fest. We asked for and received our money back, but I was royally pissed. I have a disability and I and my two friends are all in our late 60s -- but they couldn't scrounge up 3 chairs for us? The last time I attended this event it was in the original Southgate House and it went on for over 3 hours -- way too long for older folks to stand. I guess they've never heard of the Americans with Disabilities Act. They should shut it down until they make the place into a decent venue.
(1)Brittany L.
What a cool thing to do with an old church! I'm still not altogether sure why the Southgate House Revival moved from their old location...in the ACTUAL Southgate House, home of the Tommy Gun. However, this location is great too. It still has multiple live music areas and multiple bars. The church's sanctuary is now "the ballroom" where the big acts play and it has its own bar. There are plenty of tables and chairs if you want to sit, or you can stand in front of the stage and dance. Just off the entry (which is around the side of the building) is a 2nd stage and another bar. In the upstairs portion (way upstairs) there's a 3rd stage. You get carded at the door and then proceed to the area for whichever show you want to see, and buy your ticket when you get into that show. On the night we went, it was $15 to see Scott Miller & the Commonwealth, $5 for someone else, and the third act was free. The only thing I wasn't impressed with is that the restrooms are hard to find. Word to the wise, they're right by the main entrance. You can wander around the ballroom all night and you won't find them because they aren't there. Parking is a LOT easier (and cheap/free) at SGHR compared to trying to park along the Levy at the original SGH. The thing I'll miss the most is the balcony...the Revival doesn't have a balcony in the ballroom and is just a bit smaller.
(4)Bill E.
Went here on Thursday night for the sold out show of Cincinnati's own Seedy Seeds and the opening act Rodeo Ruby Love. : This was my first time at the Southgate house and it was really neat especially with the balcony seating which fills up very fast. : Sure there is smoking, after all we are in Kentucky. The prices for beer were a bit high, but not high enough to persuade me from not purchasing. The sound system needs to be worked on and I hope they also work on the uncomfortable floor.
(4)Gretchen K.
I went to the Southgate House Revival for the first time last night to check out Hot Buttered Rum in the Sanctuary Room. Pros: Beautiful, new surroundings. Almost a speakeasy vibe. Still amazingly clean and even smells good. Smoking was limited to one room, so smokers could stay inside, but non-smokers didn't have to stick around it. Clean bathrooms. We could move between two rooms, so there were two (both great) music options. Cons: No beer at the bar, just fairly pricy mixed drinks. Staff was confused about bar prices, and sold us the same drinks for different prices.The show we were at stopped very early, even though tickets were free with a moe ticket stub. People got there after moe and the music was already over. Lighting in the Sanctuary was overly bright. This place has huge potential and I can't wait to see who they bring and how it turns out.
(3)Sandra F.
I had so many great memories here at the Southgate house. I've had my first gallery here, watched many great bands (from Band of Horses, The New Pornographers, Enon, Josh Rouse Camera Obscura, etc) and had photoshoots with some local bands. The building itself is historical and has great character. I am sad that they are closing down New Years Eve, it will be hard to find another music venue that promotes/supports great bands like Southgate House did.
(5)Michael E.
I know this place for one of two reasons. First, it is a good place to watch live music. Whether it is a single solo act on the 2nd floor, or a big show in the main ballroom in the back. The sound is great here and there is room to move. There 2 levels to watch a show from in the main ballroom. Pricing for shows is very affordable and there are more than enough bars located throughout the main house to make sure you are never thirsty The other reason I know this place was it was where I did my first art gallery showing of my photography. At the top of the house is a nice open space that does periodic art showings which is a nice change of pace to the standard stuffy art gallery scene in the area. A solid place that promotes all kinds of art - music and otherwise and an establishment that should be supported.
(5)Alex S.
The Southgate House is one of the more famous performance halls in Greater Cincinnati. If you're a fan of music in the area, you'll be here eventually - no question. The beauty of The Southgate House is they do EVERY type of music, from local and national bands. Into bluegrass, punk, rock, folk, country, heavy mental, indie, etc.? Keep an eye on the site's calendar - one of those types of shows is coming up. (And more importantly, more often than not, it's cheap!) It also was the birthplace of the Tommy Gun, so that's kind of neat right there. The ugly of The Southgate House is just that - it's not a pretty place to be, It's old and dark and always feels gross to walk through, whether you're in one of the smaller rooms on the top floor or in the main stage area. It also can be ridiculously hot, especially when the floor is packed in with people (they will sell tickets until they absolutely cannot anymore, and people are arm-to-arm). They also have a $10 minimum on credit cards, which kind of stinks if you only want one beer (it does teach you, though, to carry a little bit of cash at all times). If you're on the floor, facing the stage, the acoustics are fantastic. If you're on the balcony to the right or the left of it though, you're going to be disappointed. Everything is just a little muffled, a little distorted. I'm never overly thrilled when a show I want to see is announced at The Southgate House, but that doesn't stop me from going and having a pretty good time.
(3)Jessica S.
Just the feel of the place when you walk up to it, enter, and look around at the history that the Southgate House holds is enough to give this place an A-OK 3 stars. There are old paintings, lots of old books on even older bookshelves, and everything (EVERYTHING) is made of dark hardwood. And, hell, the inventor of the tommy gun lived here! I give it an additional star for having cheap beer (we ordered a Corona and a Guinness and our bill was under $7) and good entertainment (karaoke, live bands, Underbelly sketch comedy). If you're around the Cincy/Newport area and want to have good, uncomplicated, legitimate fun for cheap, check out Southgate House.
(4)Paige M.
I been to several shows here; some evenings are fun, some are a bummer. The bands have all been good, but the venue environment is hit or miss. PROS: - Balcony seating, even during rock shows - Multiple floors of historic rooms and decor - Coat check - Hosts local and national bands - Usually cheaper than going to a corporate venue CONS: - The entire venue is smoking, and it gets overwhelming. - Parking is impossible. Meters for street parking are enforced until midnight. Otherwise you have to park at The Levee, which is a $5 charge. Sometimes The Levee garage is filled to capacity, then you're out of luck. - Although Southgate House is a historic landmark, this is no excuse for the venue to not update their sound system. Unless you are front and center at the ballroom stage, the music is muffled and distorted. Anyone to stage left or right, or in the balcony does not get the best show. - Mixed drinks are $1-$3 more expensive than other bars and smaller in serving. - Minimum $10 tab to pay with a credit card - Coat check costs a whopping $3, and is not protected from the smoking environment. - The upstairs gets ridiculously hot in the summertime. The Southgate House is an icon for music in the Cincinnati area, however I never get excited about seeing my favorite bands here. The show selections have always been fantastic, but the venue itself needs some improvements.
(3)Leigh H.
I may be biased, because I saw one of my very first and all-time best shows at Southgate in college, but it's still hands-down the best place to see live music in the Cincinnati area. Even if you're up on the balcony, which is where I've been sitting lately due to old age and anxiety disorders, you still get just as good of a show as you would down in front, right by the speakers, destroying your eardrums and loving every minute of it. Southgate's ballroom is more spacious than many of the old theatre venues in the city, yet somehow seems more intimate and closer to the action than any other place. The stage is small and utilitarian, but lends itself well to multimedia presentations on backdrops while keeping the performers front and center. Their beer selection is also excellent--they feature a good selection of local craft brews along with your cheapo hipster favorites. I've never been to Southgate on a night where there's not a big show going on, and I'm always curious as to what goes on in those smoky, neon-lit front rooms with their low-hanging lights and ancient billiard tables. One day I'm sure I'll check it out, but until then I know I can always rely on the Southgate House in all its historic glory to provide the best music at the best prices with the best ambiance around.
(5)Scott G.
Southgate House is an interesting place. I very much value their support of musicians, especially local artists. But clearly, the Cincinnati music scene is passing them by. Some might like the "cozy" interiors of Southgate. I do not. Space is not used well and there aren't enough viewing angles for the lounge & parlor spaces. The ballroom is a good place to see an act, though. Parking is generally terrible. Either streetside or in the caverns of Newport on the Levee. Neither is a particularly good choice. There is almost always a cover. That is a negative in a climate where MOTR never charges a cover for bands. Drink selection is just ok and not aggressively priced. Southgate is certainly not your neighborhood tavern. The overwhelming negative of the Southgate House is that they still permit smoking in the building. The venue absolutely reeks of smoke. Being in the building on a busy night for 20 minutes will insure that your clothing will be indistinguishable from an ashtray. At this point, I simply do NOT want to go to Southgate House because of the smell. There was a time when Southgate was the place to see music in Cincinnati. That time has passed. The Ohio side has recovered that ball with many new/refurbished venues and I'm not sure that even a smoking ban could recover Southgate.
(2)Adam B.
Third show I have been to see at the Southgate. It is a great place to see a concert. Lots of space and the bands have always sounded good. Also, there are bars EVERYWHERE in this place. You hardly have to walk five feet to buy a drink.
(5)Jeremy O.
In a city where the music scene always seems like it is just hanging on by a thread, the Southgate House has always stood as a beacon of light and hope for a better and brighter future, at least as far as music venues go. Located directly across the street from the Aquarium and Newport on the Levee, you have probably walked by or seen this gigantic historic mansion more than once. On a side note, it was also in a Hawthorne Heights video. I know, I know, I don't like them either, but hey, it was kind of cool to see the SGH on TV! Anyways, as I mentioned before, the Southgate House has served as one of the best venues Cincinnati/NKY has to offer for as far back as I can remember caring about music or shows. Yeah, the acoustics might not be the best, but come on. When you are listening to amazing music in a historic mansion while enjoying your favorite drink, acoustics are the least of your worries. This place is grimy and gritty and thats what makes it so awesome.Whether you are enjoying a show in the ballroom, or the parlor, or anywhere in between, the Southgate House offers an experience you will not likely be able to reproduce anywhere else. If you are in the area and looking for some great music, this is the definitive place to go.
(5)Corbin C.
By far the best place to catch live music within 200 miles of Cincinnati. Stages: Large ballroom with a second story balcony for the sitting types. Upstairs parlor with awesome paintings and real creepy 19th century feel, and a downstairs bar that can house small local acts. Three stages; many nights all are rockin' simultaneously. PLUS there's a large outdoor porch that always plays the most excellent vintage country/western/soul music through a nice old school speaker setup. Love it. Drinks: Lots of Bourbon to choose from and decent canned beer selection. No cheap beers, so just suck it up, get the Bourbon special, and take it to the dome. Sound: Incredible. They upgraded a few years ago (I think to an all JBL setup) in the ballroom and it's just awesome. If you're up front the subs under the stage will make your clothes vibrate. If you want balanced sound then sit in the middle of the first floor. Less volume, sit up on the the balcony and chat with friends. The parlor has monster stacks that really push sound. Hard. They're not the highest fidelity monitors every but they rock none the less. The setup at Juney's Lounge depends on the band but is usually decent, much better than other small local live act setups around the city. Smoking: Yes, there's smoking and sometimes lots of it. This is Kentucky, people, and they reserve the right to smoke as much as they damn well please. Bottom line: If you want to sit in a padded chair and soak up a band's music without audience interaction other than the occasional hand clap the Southgate House isn't for you. If you really want to rock out and get wild in a venue that sounds great, offers a really diverse music lineup on multiple stages, and oozes character then the Southgate is perfect for you.
(5)Logan S.
Pros: A wide variety of shows pass through this place, smaller shows are intimate and you can get really close to the band on stage. Cons: It's kind of a dungeon. It's smoker friendly so that can get overwhelming fast, it gets hot as hell inside and I've been a couple of times when the audio is a little off. I've seen about seven shows here, the smaller shows were great, because I was able to see a good band in a larger venue with plenty of room to get close to the band. The alcohol is cheap compared to most of the other local venues, which is nice. It's also cool to buy a shot for someone in the band, and you don't often get a chance to do that, let alone watch them slowly start getting drunk mid-show due to everyone buying them shots. I have mostly been for music, but I have also seen some more themed shows, like the Barnyard Burlesque show that rolled through on new years a few years back. It was also a lot of fun and it fit in well since it is so easy to interact with the crowd. The facility itself is grungy, but it fits well with the punk/metal scene. I don't really mind since I am there for the show, but I have a feeling a number of people would be irritated by the lack of upkeep in the place. Their website is up to date and accurate, I actually recommend checking it out because they have a lot of bands come through that are great but still under the radar.
(3)Brian B.
There isn't really much I can say about SGH that hasn't already been said so I'll try to keep it short. This is one of the better places to see live music in the tri-state. First I'd just like to say that as a musician it's a great place to play no matter which floor you're on. The only killer is having to load gear to the parlour upstairs. My favorite thing about Southgate House is their commitment to bringing up and coming acts to the area. With Bogart's usually catering to the hard rock and metal crowds, it's nice to have a place for bands like Margot and The Nuclear So and So's, Justin Townes Earle, and and Ryan Bingham to play without having to be the opener for some band I don't want to see at a venue that is just too large to feel any connection to the show (cough, cough... riverbend). Before I finish, I'd like to address a few negatives mentioned by some of the previous reviewers... 1. Smoking - the last 5 or 6 shows I've seen in the ballroom have been no smoking. I'm not sure if that's a new thing for SGH or a request made by the bands, but is has made the experience more enjoyable. 2. Lack of upkeep and ambience - I actually really like the look of the place. I think if it were all shiny and new looking it would lose a lot of the character and the history the place has garnered over the years. That's what makes it unique and different than every other venue in the area. Keep it clean, but keep it true to what it is. 3. Cover Charge - I'll pay $5 to see original music over a free cover band any day.
(4)Bradley G.
If you're seeing live shows in Cincinnati, you can't ask for anything better than to see it in Newport's historic house of music. The quality, price, and performances are always at the level of just right. Sure, Cincinnati has bigger venues. And those venues are usually packed with bigger artists, with big expensive tickets. But if you want to spend a sweaty Saturday night in the pit for a band that tomorrow's gonna be the next big thing? You come to Southgate. Talk to anyone in Cincy about who they saw, and you'll start to add up the different amount bands that have played this intimate venue right before getting too big to ever play a venue this small again. And with the building's underrated and unique charm, you don't want to miss out. So the venue is a sight-to-see all by itself, and that's before taking into account their decent sound quality, and friendly staff. The drinks aren't too bad either, and the multi-tier level of performances always provide patrons with something good to see. If you're a metalhead like I am, take comfort in knowing that the main stage of the house provides ample room for going nuts, and a second floor for casually avoiding the action, but still seeing your favorite bands. I've even caught a few artists walking around to enjoy the openers before, casually exchanging pleasantries with fans. The stage brings fans and performers together, without alienating anyone in the room. Hillbilly nights, rockabilly nights, comedy shows, art shows, this place does it all. Truly, Graeter Cincinnati's best venue. (Bonus, the Southgate House is a usual tour destination for Southern Lord Records)
(5)Jennifer P.
LOVE Southgate House - such a great vibe and intimate setting to watch the great talent that they bring. Wish they had better beer choices since I am stuck drinking Sierra Nevada and of course KY is smoking so that is a bummer too . Overall Southgate House rocks my world.
(4)Michele G.
I love the Southgate House. It is sad that it is closing. I have seen many unknown bands local and from far away. I have seen bands that have "made it" after being there. The music seen is not going to be the same in Northern Kentucky. The only bad thing is that you can smoke. The drink prices are better than that area (Newport on the Levee). Parking use to be great but the city decided to put meters up everywhere. Just park at the levee it is easier than looking around and if you need to take a taxi home you don't have to worry about getting a ticket.
(4)Andrea R.
I went to Southgate House for the monthly Underbelly performance, and while there were definitely a few funny moments throughout the show, my date and I were ready to leave after the first few acts. We stayed through the entire thing, in hopes that it would get better, but by the end, we both agreed that we wouldn't be coming back. The videos that the group showed at the beginning of the evening were actually very entertaining without trying too hard. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for most of the other performers. They seemed to be performing more for each other than for the broader audience (it sounded like there were a lot of inside jokes), but then again, maybe that's how the show is set up, and perhaps the Underbelly show is just an off night to visit Southgate. While I don't feel like the $5 ticket was a great loss, I don't plan to spend another $5 to see an Underbelly performance again.
(2)Brandon S.
The Southgate House is one of the more interesting bars in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area. It is also one of the hardest to review. Located by Newport on the Levee, this run down, decrepit, could almost pass for the Addams Family mansion bar sits in stark contrast to the more upscale offerings that neighbor it. Not only does this place look run down, but once you get inside it just "feels" run down. Everything from the scorching hot temperatures in the summer to the dirty looking floors should be a turn off. And yet somehow, against all odds, I have a fantastic time every time I go here. It is one of the go to destinations for anyone that considers themselves a fan of live entertainment. There is always something going on here, be it national touring acts, local artists, open mic night, karaoke, or even strand up comedy. And with multiple levels you are usually given a choice. Worried about seeing one of your favorite bands in what amounts to a giant house? Don't be. Southgate has some of the best acoustics in the area for live music and there's not a bad seat to be found. Not interested in shelling out your hard earned dollars to catch a concert here? Grab a spot on the first or second floor where there is almost always free performances by local artists as a nice alternative. The beer selection here is nothing to write home about and they don't really make any drinks that will blow your mind. They do, however, have a fantastic selection of bourbons and whiskeys. And let me tell you, watching a stellar live performance with a glass of Booker's on the rocks in your hand is a beautiful thing. If there weren't so many negative things about this place (it's hot and smoky, and looks like it could fall apart at any time) Southgate House would easily be a five star establishment. But for anyone into live music that doesn't mind putting up with what is essentially a giant dive bar, this is the place to be.
(4)Allison J.
Here's a quick test anyone can perform to check and see if you were at the Southgate House last night: 1. Do you smell like cigarette smoke? 2. Have a ringing in your ears? 3. Dull headache? 4. Did you have an awesome time last night? You were probably at the Southgate House if you answered all of those questions with a 'yes.' You're pretty much guaranteed to have a good time when you walk in the door. They book great local and national bands. They host a sketch comedy night that goes by the name of Underbelly. And plus, the inventor of the Tommy Gun lived here. Last time I was there, I saw a Tommy Gun-shaped bottle of vodka behind the bar. That's incredible. The good times are spread out across three floors. There's an intimate front parlor for karaoke night and small, intimate musical acts (I saw Daniel Martin Moore play one night, so dreamy). Upstairs is where I saw the comedy show, with a few rows of bench seating, some tables, and a bar. Downstairs is where the big acts go. The balcony and the floor fill up to the brim when shows are sold out, so get there early if you're really passionate about a band playing. My only qualms - I leave smelling like smoke, always. And the acoustics in parts of the balcony are really bad, but I guess that's what happens when you put a huge music venue in some dude's old basement. And be sure to bring cash for the bar, they want you to spend at least $10 to use a credit card. That never seems to matter though, because I love the Southgate House. I can hang on to my concert memories and wash the smoke smell out of my jeans.
(5)Tim J.
Been to the Southgate House many times and agree fully that it is a premier venue to see great music in the Cincinnati area. It is also a place to get reasonably priced booze, which is pretty cool, too. But that is not what my review is about. I wanted to highlight something that I just discovered last Saturday night: the simple joy of sitting on Southgate's huge porch knocking em back and enjoying good company in the crisp, almost fall late-night early morning air. The meal? Occasional morsels of yummy people watching peppered the savory main course of rich conversation garnished by round after round of barley and hops. And for dessert? A shot of bourbon, a beer to chase it, and a Camel light cherry on top. Yes, I do like Kentucky Sundaes.
(5)Joe L.
There isn't a better place to see live music in the Cincinnati area, hands down. Southgate House has been around forever, long before the behemoth Newport On the Levee that now shadows it from across the street and despite that consumeristic eyesore, the Southgate house continues to shine. Three floors of adventure await you in this amazing place. The ballroom is the biggest for live shows and sits on the bottom level. This is where Arcade Fire, Interpol and The Strokes all played before hitting it big. Upstairs (or the level you enter on) houses a great cozy bar where karaoke nights take place, along with smaller live gigs as well. Upstairs might be my favorite though, the parlour is an awesome room that can handle about 100 people and might be the best place to see music in the place. Overall, what looks like the outside of The Munsters home is actually about as inviting as a music venue can get inside, and don't forget about the front porch, which is also nice for a beer and conversation pre or post concert. The best of the best.
(5)Rachael W.
This house is amazing! Was here with Jesco White and Pick up the Snake and had a good time. Everybody was super accommodating and helpful. The merch/VIP area was on point. Did have some problems with the sound, but that might have been our drummers fault. Did find it annoying that I couldn't step out into the alley with our trucks to smoke, but guess it does cut down on the riff raff and people trying to sneak in (sold out show!). I did hear from some people that the sound wasn't that great up in the balcony. Hope we can do another show at this venue again.
(4)Zack F.
This place rocks. Literally. It's a great casual place that feels like home the instant you step over the threshold. There are multiple rooms for different types of entertainment. The liquor selection is great and the bartenders are quick and friendly. I plan to be a regular here.
(5)Dan J.
Southgate House is an amazing venue. In fact, it isn't just a venue, it's actually three venues in one. The ballroom in Southgate House has provided Cincinnati with a mid-sized venue that is able to take some of the bands that are too big for smaller venues, but not quite big enough for a place like Bogart's. The Parlour is a great place to have smaller bands and singer/songwriters play, and it's sometimes fun to see what's going on there if whatever you came for in the ballroom isn't living up to your expectations. You even have a third option if the parlour isn't delivering. Head down to the lounge and grab a seat at the bar to check out a local singer/songwriter during an open mic or sometimes they even host karaoke, which is always good for a laugh. A historic building that has continued to add to its history, I hope the Southgate House is around for many years to come.
(5)Mike D.
One of the best places anywhere to see a show. 3 floors that can handle just about any kind of live music act. The beer prices can be a bit steep ($2.50 for a PBR?) The best nights are when there's great weather, there's a great band rocking the ballroom, some honky tonk in the lounge, some solid local bands playing for free in the parlour, theres an art show in the gallery up on the third floor and you can unwind on the front porch, watch people come and go from the show and the levee, smuggle some beer up there from the holiday house and realize "it really doesn't get any better than this." The people that book here really know what they're doing too. Go see a band any day next week and in less than six months time you'll be hearing about how they're the next big thing, "totally killed it at SXSW" or are getting rave reviews on their latest album. Bands like The Strokes, Death Cab For Cutie, Modest Mouse, and Peter Bjorn & John have all come through here on their way to gold-plated diapers of rock stardom. 100 points if you get that reference. Hint: Don't Fear The Reaper.
(4)Anthony M.
The Southgate House is my favorite place to watch a concert. The sound is great here and there is room to move. There are 2 levels to watch a show from in the main ballroom. The security is cool in the fact that they will let kids dance, but the moment it looks like a fight is about to break out, they sweep in and remove the offending parties. On top of this Southgate has more bars than Spinal Tap had drummers and the prices are very reasonable especially for a concert venue. Go here, rock out.
(5)dale d.
Good Karma all around. Through the years I've seen some of the best bands on Earth at this place. I love the sound in the main ballroom, and the art gallery on the top floor is really nice. I've seen some hidden gems at that gallery. The only downfall of the place is that it allows smoking, which sucks. Best show last year is, by far, The Band of Horses.
(4)Lauren F.
I wish I could have experienced this haunted music venue before the Levee was constructed, obstructing the view of Cincinnati across the Ohio River. It's still nice to sit on the porch with a beer. SGH has been a long time supporter of great music and has multiple rooms for a variety of shows. On any given night you can experience bad open mic nights, karaoke, rock-a-billy, punk, world, indie, costume balls, benefits, local acts, touring acts and pretty much anything else you might expect from a medium music venue with a good reputation. The condition of the space is less than desirable, don't expect clean or new, don't use the ballroom bathroom when it's cold out, don't try to sneak in the back, don't be afraid of the ghosts. Do say hello to Junie in the lounge area, do be careful which red chair you sit on, do visit the merch area if you're seeing a touring band, do visit the galley on the top floor, do admire the gig posters in the front hall. If you make it to the third floor consider testing the lock to the tower, sometimes you get lucky and it's unlocked. It's a good place to sneak away and do naughty things.
(5)Jeff O.
I don't even know where to begin.... In a nutshell: This place is a huge, gothic mansion converted into a multi-floored live music and media megaplex!! Located right near the Ohio River, this venue is both charming and creepy at the same time. Once owned by the inventor of the Tommy Gun (as mentioned in the other reviews), there is a surreal and eerie feel to the whole place... The last time I counted, there were 4 floors of activities! The rooms on these floors allow for multiple events to be occurring at the same time, e.g. 3 bands can be playing simultaneously on the different floors and you won't hear the overlap (in most cases). Live music promoters often times book showcases of live music, for under $10 which is a fantastic way to see a whole lotta music for little money. This is a huge selling point for locals who may want the freedom to rock out in the Ballroom for a while, then go to the Parlour to see a smaller band, then maybe to Junie's Lounge for an acoustic act or a quiet convo with your friends, away from the live music. This venue is usually the go-to venue for touring indie bands. Some of the bands I saw there: Interpol, Beulah, The Black Keys, The Fall, etc. The highest (4th) floor is usually reserved as a gallery, for local artists. You'll never forget this establishment if you're lucky enough to visit it.
(5)Lindsay W.
OMG. I vote YES. great live music cheap booze beautiful venue hot kentucky boyz old black dude singing funk. oh yeah, and you can still smoke in bars in this state....that was the funkin' best.
(5)Becca E.
I liked the idea of the Southgate House, the idea that I was sitting in a room watching a local band that few others knew about in a home like sitting. I did not like how hot it was, how smoky it was and how watered down the drinks were. I saw the concert in the Parlor room so maybe other rooms are better but it was a good thing the band was good. Also, the paintings in the room are odd and one kind of reminded me of a scene from Anna Karenina a bit.
(3)Florian E.
I would say Southgate consistently has the best shows in the area. The mood is always comfortable and the people are always very pleasant on the whole. The building is a great old mansion and the only interesting site on the block (Newport on the Levee sprung up around it). The huge haunted house is the best thing about the place. The ballroom is a big two level space with seats around tables, but usually people stand. Also, the ground floor has a nice bar where open mic and karaoke happens. The upper floor houses the parlour which hosts smaller shows and can accomadate 30 or 40 people. Last three shows I saw at Southgate were Sonic Boom, Why? and Animal Collective, so that gives an idea of the kind of thing that happens there. The sound is always just right, too The negatives: Drinks are always a bit pricy, around 3 or 4 for a beer no matter how cheap. I find myslef leaving 20 bucks in the hole most times. AND above all the door guy - a complete dud of a person. I've seen the dude probably 50 times over the years, always an abyss of a personality. A t this point that guy is such a bore that it's funny. Almost.
(3)Peter J.
I've been here a few times and it is a great place to go after a game or to catch a great alt rock country or blues act. I can't complain about a single thing except closed on Sunday.
(4)Ed M.
Visited Southgate House May 5th specifically to see Ronnie Baker Brooks who played in the ballroom. Did not visit any other area of Southgate House except for the bar in the front while we waited for the doors to open. This place is 69 miles away and takes about 90 minutes to get to so it isn't a place I have been before. First the area: Have never been to this area and was surprised by the number of new places in the Newport side of the river. Lots of restaurants etc. The parking is not easy to find and it seems that every empty lot has a fee to park there. It really sucks that the parking machines say "the machine will take $10 and $20 bills but does not give change." WTF when the maximum parking fee is $5.00. The Southgate House has been described by others in their reviews so I won't re post here, especially the places I didn't see. The ballroom is down a set of stairs. The main room is large enough and has lots of small tables. The chairs that must have been left over from the 50's as they are all what you would envision in a kitchen of that time but now duck tape is the major item holding the padding together. But hey, at least you can sit down. There is a balcony that goes around three sides of the stage area. Didn't go up there but it appears that all parts of the balcony had decent views and it had its own bar. Ronnie Baker Brooks always puts on one of the best shows anywhere and he didn't disappoint. I do think that whomever was running the soundboard confused volume with quality. I actually was wondering if my left ear would have permanent damage. Distortion is a result of too much volume, maybe this person was already deaf. The bar has enough selection different beers that we did not have to drink Bud or its tasteless cousins. Actually the price was reasonable having paid twice as much at certain bars. Would I go back? If there was a great act that I wanted to see then I would , but not otherwise. One further note, there was no smoking in the ballroom on this night but other areas seem to not have that rule.
(4)Sean B.
One of the best places (and unfortunately only places) to see international touring acts. Junie's Lounge on the first floor is a great place to unwind and have a drink. Or get yerself a ticket and head downstairs to the Ballroom from tunage from some of the finest artists on the indie rock and alt-country scenes. Great sightlines and cheap beer make this a must visit for any music fan. Revised 7/24/07: I've changed my review from 5 stars to 3 for the simple reason that the last 3 times I've been to the Southgate House the sound has been absolutely dreadful. It doesn't matter how cheap the beer and how easy it is to see the band, the main reason I come to a show is to HEAR the music. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to do that at recent SGH shows.
(3)Sarah B.
Ah, what to say about Southgate? I only had the chance to go to two shows here (Detroit Cobras in June, and Rocket from the Tombs earlier this month), and they were both fantastic. You can tell it's a special place. Here's hoping whatever this place's next iteration is is just as good, if not better. (If I could change one thing, it would be to make the whole place smoke-free, but I know that's a tall order south of the river...)
(4)Alexandra K.
I've been to this concert venue several times for various performances. The artists they bring in range from national acts to local bands. It's located in a giant and gorgeous Victorian house overlooking Newport on the Levee and the river. The venue has several different rooms. I haven't been in any of the upstairs rooms but instead have gone down the stairs to where the larger concert hall is. The downstairs was somewhat grungy and dirty, but I wouldn't have expected any better. It's a great venue for the bands that play there. Right size, right atmosphere, and right acoustics. The drinks are okay, but I would go with beers rather than get a well drink. They didn't mix very well when I was there (pardon the pun).
(4)Pete P.
Historic, cool place to hang and meet new people. Support of the local and national touring artists is commendable. Ballroom, Ballroom bathroom, and Ballroom greenroom are old and disgusting. Somebody please donate some new couches and chairs for the greenroom. I was afraid to sit on the couch. The whole room needs to be cleaned and painted. I understand it is a very utilitarian place, but heck just cleaning it would be cool. Cover ranges from cheap to moderate depending on who is playing. nationalregisterofhistor… Scroll down to find the Southgate-Parker-Maddux House listing.
(4)Karina M.
A gem in the heart of Newport. Whether you're there to see eclectic music offerings, ranging from bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley to indie rockers Yeah Yeah Yeahs, or enjoy an art show by local artistes, Southgate House is the place to be. Many reviewers have already spoken of Southgate's architectural charm so there's no need to reiterate that the place has a Munster-esque vibe. Perhaps my favorite feature is the jukebox in Junie's Lounge that plays everything from the Clash to Patsy Cline. Only two minor complaints: the acoustics aren't that great and the cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon (yes, they sell them by the can!) are over-priced.
(4)Christoffer M.
Supposedly it's haunted. People always say that but no one has any real details on how or why or when. Even the mysterious is a mystery here. The place gets a selection of well-known acts (Rilo Kiley, Josh Ritter, Richard Thompson) and a slew of smaller bands that you'll either love or hate. When it's love, this is a great place for the show. Only the big names really pack the place out (which is great, because the energy is fantastic in the small ballroom), so you'll be able to stand nose-to-toes (it's a raised stage) with your secret idol. Big drawback/asset: being in Kentucky, smoking is permitted. Depending on your views on smokiness, this may be a draw or a repulsion. If you want a place to chill with some local folk/country singers, the parlour area is a good call. Cheap, bad beers are available along with typical liquors. That and the lounge are almost always free, so you can confidently wander down there knowing there's a spot for you if you feel like it.
(4)Keally D.
I think the thing that I like most about the Southgate House might be the womens' bathrooms. A strange affinity, yes. But they're usually reasonably clean, and you can still feel the pulsing of the music from the main stage while you use the facilities. But, most importantly, the graffiti on the stalls is intriguing, conversational, and at times inspirational. I've seen some great singer-songwriter, rock, roots, bluegrass, and punk shows here. But, the spirit of a place isn't necessarily in its most grandiose attractions. Sometimes it lies in the scrawl on a privy's metal door that urges you to be yourself, declares Shauna's undying love for Fountains of Wayne, or allows two strangers to publicly share their individual-and diverging-ideas on war and tax cuts, all with a captive audience. I like the vibe of the place and the musical acts that it brings to town, but I love the words and wisdom of its ladies bathroom stalls. Rock, on, you anonymous potty poets, immortalized by Sharpie markers and muses unknown.
(4)Matthew H.
The Southgate House will probably forever be my favorite venue for live music in the entire world. I've seen shows at famous venues like the Fillmore in San Francisco, Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, the Black Cat in D.C., and beautiful (stunning even) venues in London and Barcelona - nonetheless, nothing else holds up to the awesomeness of the Southgate House for me. For the uninitiated, the Southgate House is an amazing old mansion that was the former home of the inventor of the tommy gun. The ballroom is usually home to an awesome national touring band (I think the first show I ever saw here was Elliott Smith with Grandaddy opening for him almost 7 years ago). The 2nd floor often offers an interesting local band/musician - sometimes occurring simultaneously as the downstairs shows in the ballroom. Finally, the top floor often exhibits some beautiful local art. Oh, and though I shouldn't admit to this, but I have many beautiful memories sneaking out the top floor window and staring up at the stars and talking about whatever show we just watched downstairs. Great place.
(5)Michael G.
The Southgate House is one of the best places to catch live music in the Cincinnati area. Three levels of music. The ballroom downstairs hosts the touring acts, the parlor upstairs usually has the local upstarts, and the lounge on the main floor is where you'll find your weekly events and open mics. The building itself is enough to warrant a visit. Historic, slightly creepy, and likely haunted, this place has character out the wazoo. You're favorite indie band has likely played this place and loved it. Though they seem to be catering more to the americana and rockabilly crowd lately, it's still worth keeping an eye on their calendar for good indie bands. You never know which next-big-thing will be playing.
(5)Robert M.
I have been several times, very cool place. Several venues inside, usually about three bands playing. Can be a little hot in the summer.
(5)Sarah M.
The charm and authenticity of the Southgate House provide a welcome contrast to the mass-market manufactured quality of the rest of the Newport-on-the-levee area. It offers a great variety of bands and has a big front porch & upstairs art gallery when you're in the mood for a more chill experience, but I docked a star for the sound quality. As one of the previous reviewers mentioned, we should be able to expect more from a place whose bread and butter is live music.
(4)Jennifer K.
The *best* concert venue in Ohio (though it's technically located in KY :-) Happily watched Stephen Malkmus from the balcony and was close enough to read the writing on his amp. I don't think there's a bad seat in the house, though. Only downside is all the cigarette smoke, but not such a downside for the smokers, I suppose.
(5)Claire M.
Hands down my FAVORITE place to go see some national indie acts. It's not exactly high class, but it's such a small venue that the show is amazing from any point in the room. It's fun to go hang out in the art gallery on the top level in between sets. I only wish more big names came to Cincinnati, and that I didn't have to cross the river to go see some decent live shows.
(5)Rich T.
intimate, funky and beatiful all at once. great place to catch a show, conveniently located just a couple blocks from the levee. you could get some grub, see some fish and then see a show in a truly unique venue all without getting in your car and driving all over the place.
(5)T P.
Love everything about this place....except the smoke.
(4)Julie W.
I love the architecture, the stained glass and the acoustics were just fine. I saw 4 bands; two were awesome and two were so-so but for 15.00 tickets. no disappointments. I was impressed with the beer selection for a small venue. The staff is friendly, ladies room was surprisingly clean. I will go again
(4)Hollyann H.
As much as I miss the original Southgate House mansion, I do adore the new location and I'm so happy with their choice for the new location. The Southgate House Revival is in an old church that went by the name "The Grace Methodist Episcopal Church". If I recall reading correctly it was empty for more than 12 years before they moved in. I love that they still have different rooms to see different shows. The Sanctuary, The Lounge and The Revival Room. Which some of the smaller rooms may be smaller, but they are still really nice for seeing all bands. You can always see, and it always feels intimate. They still have a great bar, and I love the main bar in The Sanctuary with the old pipe organ behind it. Everyone who works here is pretty chill, the only time I've seen them not be so nice is when there was kids trying to get away with underage drinking. Which then they had every right to be mean, and I don't blame them. You're not going to have to deal with any angry and mean "bouncer" type characters here. I'm so happy they're still around. The Southgate House Revival is easily the best place in Northern Kentucky & Cincinnati to see a show.
(5)Jessi G.
This is a really great music venue! I came here last night to see Kevin Devine and Into It. Over It. so this review is based on only one music concert that I have seen here. For one thing, musicians sound REALLY GOOD in this venue. The acoustics are great. I hate going to a show and it's so loud it all just sounds like noise and your ears are ringing by the end of the night. This place had really great sound and it carried throughout the whole venue without blowing your ears out. It doesn't hurt that Kevin Devine is a vocal genius...He put on a really great show and definitely took advantage of the amazing acoustics at the Southgate House Revival. There are chairs in the concert area for those of us who are too old/tired to stand up the whole time. But it is general admission so make sure you get there early to grab a seat before the show. For the bar, my fiance and I both ordered Rhinegeist cans which were $6 each. Kinda pricey, but I guess I should have expected that at a concert venue. Our tickets to get in were only $15 each so I guess I can't complain about the prices. The audience was 21+, mostly people in their early 20's. This might be because the concert was on a Wednesday and no self-respecting older person is going to go see a show that ends at midnight on a work night (well...except for us I guess). My only real complaint was that it was super cold in the venue last night. It was about 4 degrees outside, and I'm pretty sure they just didn't turn on the heat so it felt like 30 degrees inside. I was freezing the entire show which made it very hard to enjoy the music. But overall, a really great venue. I can't wait to come back for a bigger show later!
(4)Stacey L.
Great place to catch a live band. An old converted church that has become a live music venue but keeps some of the old trappings, like the stained glass and the organ. Very cool space. Bartenders were quick, but not terribly knowledgeable or friendly. Drink prices were reasonable. Hope someday that they go non-smoking so that I don't have to go home smelling like an ashtray!
(4)Donna O.
Southgate House Revival is a way cool place to see a show. I've been here for several events now, and there have been improvements every time - paint, acoustic tiles, making the venue completely non-smoking. There are two big bars serving everything but draft beer, with lots of local cans and bottles available. The staff are attentive and easy going, especially if you are polite. It's easy to move around, and if you get there early, they have plenty of seating and a pool table to pass the time. Also a big plus - a large, clean ladies room right near the back bar. Clean as in not horrifically grungy; the bathroom walls are covered with graffiti. SGHR gets in local (Bad Veins), regional (Lydia Loveless) and national (Marshall Crenshaw) acts - we check their website often. The stage is large in the sanctuary space, so you can be a bit back from the stage and still have a view from the floor. Free on-street parking is available in the blocks around SGHR, just no on-site parking. There are restaurants in the area too, so it's easy to park, eat, and hit the doors within a couple of blocks. Can't wait for the next trip back.
(3)Sarah H.
My husband & I went to the Southgate House Revival this past weekend for the WNKU benefit concert. It was the first time we'd been to this venue. We had an absolutely wonderful time. The building itself is fun to visit, the bartenders were nice, and the atmosphere was very enjoyable. I thought it was cool that three rooms offered separate bands at the same time, and yet we couldn't hear the other bands playing thru the walls. Also, it is smoke free which is great. There were tables to sit at. Awesome. Great time. Fun place.
(4)Ron T.
Cool venue. But the staff are often rude and pissy. The bar sucks. And there's almost no parking.
(2)Katie D.
I think this is overall a pretty good venue. I've heard a lot of people complain about the sound quality, but they have made some recent efforts to fix this. When I went last night I saw soundproofing boards that I don't recall seeing in the past. This is of course a renovated church. They sometimes have three shows going on at once, which is pretty neat. Some people on here claim that they allow smoking throughout the place, but I believe they only allow smoking in the bar, which offers free shows. I have never seen them allow smoking in the main hall where bands play. The parking situation isn't great, but I usually park in the lot across the street. Shows are generally after business hours, and lots of people do it, even if it is technically illegal. Now that I've addressed others' complaints, I'd have to say my one complaint is the fact that there is seating! Last night as Los Straitjackets people were actually sitting at tables! I think that is ridiculous considering the type of music. It makes sense to offer seating at a symphony, or very mellow music where people don't dance, but not at rock shows! I feel that it brings down the mood. If you are coming from out of town, or even if you aren't, I highly recommend getting tacos from La Mexicana first! You can walk there and they are amazing!
(4)Mindy W.
Being from out of town, When I looked at the reviews, I wanted to know 2 things: Was there any seating, and where do I park? If you're on the smaller smoking side for a show, then yes, there are some tables. If your show is on the larger side, no tables and no smoking. Parking...well, there is some street parking, but it all seemed to be metered at 2 hours a pop. Easiest is a lot directly behind the venue, which you get to by driving around the block. It was $3, paid to one of those slot-by-numbers on a pole. Worked for me. The venue itself is very similar to the Bluestone in Columbus. Renovated church. Nice venue. Nice stained glass. It's not everyday you get to rock out with Jesus. :)
(4)Luke S.
So I went here last night for the Bunbury Announcement show and I have to say I was quite impressed with the venue. Very cool church setting that has been transformed into a great place for shows. I wish more bands booked here. I realize that the space doesn't allow for huge bands but this would be a great alternative over Madison Theater or Bogarts. The old school stained glass windows are nice and the beer prices weren't hateful. There are technically two stages (each with their own bar) but the main stage is where it was at. I'm hoping that they can book some more national acts here as I would love to become a patron of the place.
(4)Joseph L.
Great venue. Great people running this place. I host a charity pub crawl and they gave us the main room for free to do the ending party! Seriously awesome people. Go see a show here ASAP!
(5)Meredith M.
Everything about our experience as a group was appalling. Came to see a band and members of other bands, the bartenders, AND management were incredibly rude to all of us. I would caution not only customers but bands to avoid this establishment. Bartenders insulted the band loudly to the crowd. Threatened to kick the band out for asking to be paid after their set that they were INVITED to play, banned them, after there was not even any incident caused by the band. I have never had such a terrible experience and been so insulted not only on behalf of the band, but myself and our whole group. Will never return and will only discourage others as strongly as I can from even bothering to give this place a chance.
(1)Beggars D.
this place is kick ass!!! be sure to get the tommy gun(holy roller) shot! great venue! we hope to return!!!! long live rock n roll!!!
(5)Luke T.
The second reincarnation of the southgate house is housed in a humongous old church with lots of stained glass. The space features three distinct music/stage areas: 1) the main hall, 2) the bar area and 3) an upstairs area. There are likely to be separate shows in each space on any given night. The main hall is way too loud, and this is coming from a punk rocker. With the acoustics in the place, they could have the sound much lower and it would still carry and be an extremely loud rock club. As is, it makes my ears bleed. The bar area is cool and the prices are decent. Always a good crowd on the times I've been as well.
(3)Erika G.
The place was nice and historic. Like most of the old churches and buildings in Newport. Very clean. Nice bartender. The band was scheduled to start at 8pm on Wednesday. It wasn't till 9:20 that the opening band started. For being a work night for most, this was not too cool. It wasn't till after 10 that I started to hear the band I paid to see. Then I was not impressed because I could only hear the bass. In the small place with the acoustics the way they are, this should have been noticed during a sound check.
(2)Brittany L.
What a cool thing to do with an old church! I'm still not altogether sure why the Southgate House Revival moved from their old location...in the ACTUAL Southgate House, home of the Tommy Gun. However, this location is great too. It still has multiple live music areas and multiple bars. The church's sanctuary is now "the ballroom" where the big acts play and it has its own bar. There are plenty of tables and chairs if you want to sit, or you can stand in front of the stage and dance. Just off the entry (which is around the side of the building) is a 2nd stage and another bar. In the upstairs portion (way upstairs) there's a 3rd stage. You get carded at the door and then proceed to the area for whichever show you want to see, and buy your ticket when you get into that show. On the night we went, it was $15 to see Scott Miller & the Commonwealth, $5 for someone else, and the third act was free. The only thing I wasn't impressed with is that the restrooms are hard to find. Word to the wise, they're right by the main entrance. You can wander around the ballroom all night and you won't find them because they aren't there. Parking is a LOT easier (and cheap/free) at SGHR compared to trying to park along the Levy at the original SGH. The thing I'll miss the most is the balcony...the Revival doesn't have a balcony in the ballroom and is just a bit smaller.
(4)Bill E.
Went here on Thursday night for the sold out show of Cincinnati's own Seedy Seeds and the opening act Rodeo Ruby Love. : This was my first time at the Southgate house and it was really neat especially with the balcony seating which fills up very fast. : Sure there is smoking, after all we are in Kentucky. The prices for beer were a bit high, but not high enough to persuade me from not purchasing. The sound system needs to be worked on and I hope they also work on the uncomfortable floor.
(4)Gretchen K.
I went to the Southgate House Revival for the first time last night to check out Hot Buttered Rum in the Sanctuary Room. Pros: Beautiful, new surroundings. Almost a speakeasy vibe. Still amazingly clean and even smells good. Smoking was limited to one room, so smokers could stay inside, but non-smokers didn't have to stick around it. Clean bathrooms. We could move between two rooms, so there were two (both great) music options. Cons: No beer at the bar, just fairly pricy mixed drinks. Staff was confused about bar prices, and sold us the same drinks for different prices.The show we were at stopped very early, even though tickets were free with a moe ticket stub. People got there after moe and the music was already over. Lighting in the Sanctuary was overly bright. This place has huge potential and I can't wait to see who they bring and how it turns out.
(3)Sandra F.
I had so many great memories here at the Southgate house. I've had my first gallery here, watched many great bands (from Band of Horses, The New Pornographers, Enon, Josh Rouse Camera Obscura, etc) and had photoshoots with some local bands. The building itself is historical and has great character. I am sad that they are closing down New Years Eve, it will be hard to find another music venue that promotes/supports great bands like Southgate House did.
(5)Michael E.
I know this place for one of two reasons. First, it is a good place to watch live music. Whether it is a single solo act on the 2nd floor, or a big show in the main ballroom in the back. The sound is great here and there is room to move. There 2 levels to watch a show from in the main ballroom. Pricing for shows is very affordable and there are more than enough bars located throughout the main house to make sure you are never thirsty The other reason I know this place was it was where I did my first art gallery showing of my photography. At the top of the house is a nice open space that does periodic art showings which is a nice change of pace to the standard stuffy art gallery scene in the area. A solid place that promotes all kinds of art - music and otherwise and an establishment that should be supported.
(5)John Y.
The Southgate House is a living legend, one that is seeing the close of one chapter of its life and the beginning of another. As a place for bands big and small it is a unique three venue bar overlooking the Ohio River and downtown Cincinnati. There is no other place like it in the entire Cincinnati area. For an intimate setting there is the front lounge where there's either singer/songwriter night or bluegrass playing by the bar. Upstairs is the Parlor which is a bigger space for solo or small band shows. Finally there's the ballroom which is a large open space with a second floor balcony. It's rare to not see a night where all three spaces feature some form of original music. This place is literally pumping out great music every night of the week. If you want to go to a place for variety in independent local music, the Southgate House is your choice. If you want to see the next big thing before they get famous, the Southgate House is your choice. Heck, if you want to see a bigger band, they still typically will book the Southgate House. Sadly, the operator of the Southgate House is moving on to a different venue and at the end of 2011, it will close. It's future as a music venue is unknown but what will be remembered are those long nights where you'd leave the place with your clothes smelling of cigarettes and your ears ringing from the volume being cranked from the band you just saw. It's not everyone's cup of tea but if you read this and there's still time,take the time and see what Southgate House is all about before it closes.
(5)Daniel V.
To musician friends coming in from out of town and up-and-comers looking to find a place to play their big events, I describe SGHR as "the Apollo of bluegrass". Not just limited to bluegrass, though... blues, rock, americana, or whatever the cut of your jib, this is the place to play if you want an audience who has an ear for good music. I've never gone without being thoroughly impressed and entertained by the performers in every room.
(5)Joanne G.
As Bette Davis once famously said: "What a dump!" No seating left on the night of Ricky Nye's 14th Annual Blues and Boogie Woogie Piano Fest. We asked for and received our money back, but I was royally pissed. I have a disability and I and my two friends are all in our late 60s -- but they couldn't scrounge up 3 chairs for us? The last time I attended this event it was in the original Southgate House and it went on for over 3 hours -- way too long for older folks to stand. I guess they've never heard of the Americans with Disabilities Act. They should shut it down until they make the place into a decent venue.
(1)Alex S.
The Southgate House is one of the more famous performance halls in Greater Cincinnati. If you're a fan of music in the area, you'll be here eventually - no question. The beauty of The Southgate House is they do EVERY type of music, from local and national bands. Into bluegrass, punk, rock, folk, country, heavy mental, indie, etc.? Keep an eye on the site's calendar - one of those types of shows is coming up. (And more importantly, more often than not, it's cheap!) It also was the birthplace of the Tommy Gun, so that's kind of neat right there. The ugly of The Southgate House is just that - it's not a pretty place to be, It's old and dark and always feels gross to walk through, whether you're in one of the smaller rooms on the top floor or in the main stage area. It also can be ridiculously hot, especially when the floor is packed in with people (they will sell tickets until they absolutely cannot anymore, and people are arm-to-arm). They also have a $10 minimum on credit cards, which kind of stinks if you only want one beer (it does teach you, though, to carry a little bit of cash at all times). If you're on the floor, facing the stage, the acoustics are fantastic. If you're on the balcony to the right or the left of it though, you're going to be disappointed. Everything is just a little muffled, a little distorted. I'm never overly thrilled when a show I want to see is announced at The Southgate House, but that doesn't stop me from going and having a pretty good time.
(3)Jessica S.
Just the feel of the place when you walk up to it, enter, and look around at the history that the Southgate House holds is enough to give this place an A-OK 3 stars. There are old paintings, lots of old books on even older bookshelves, and everything (EVERYTHING) is made of dark hardwood. And, hell, the inventor of the tommy gun lived here! I give it an additional star for having cheap beer (we ordered a Corona and a Guinness and our bill was under $7) and good entertainment (karaoke, live bands, Underbelly sketch comedy). If you're around the Cincy/Newport area and want to have good, uncomplicated, legitimate fun for cheap, check out Southgate House.
(4)Scott G.
Southgate House is an interesting place. I very much value their support of musicians, especially local artists. But clearly, the Cincinnati music scene is passing them by. Some might like the "cozy" interiors of Southgate. I do not. Space is not used well and there aren't enough viewing angles for the lounge & parlor spaces. The ballroom is a good place to see an act, though. Parking is generally terrible. Either streetside or in the caverns of Newport on the Levee. Neither is a particularly good choice. There is almost always a cover. That is a negative in a climate where MOTR never charges a cover for bands. Drink selection is just ok and not aggressively priced. Southgate is certainly not your neighborhood tavern. The overwhelming negative of the Southgate House is that they still permit smoking in the building. The venue absolutely reeks of smoke. Being in the building on a busy night for 20 minutes will insure that your clothing will be indistinguishable from an ashtray. At this point, I simply do NOT want to go to Southgate House because of the smell. There was a time when Southgate was the place to see music in Cincinnati. That time has passed. The Ohio side has recovered that ball with many new/refurbished venues and I'm not sure that even a smoking ban could recover Southgate.
(2)Adam B.
Third show I have been to see at the Southgate. It is a great place to see a concert. Lots of space and the bands have always sounded good. Also, there are bars EVERYWHERE in this place. You hardly have to walk five feet to buy a drink.
(5)Jeremy O.
In a city where the music scene always seems like it is just hanging on by a thread, the Southgate House has always stood as a beacon of light and hope for a better and brighter future, at least as far as music venues go. Located directly across the street from the Aquarium and Newport on the Levee, you have probably walked by or seen this gigantic historic mansion more than once. On a side note, it was also in a Hawthorne Heights video. I know, I know, I don't like them either, but hey, it was kind of cool to see the SGH on TV! Anyways, as I mentioned before, the Southgate House has served as one of the best venues Cincinnati/NKY has to offer for as far back as I can remember caring about music or shows. Yeah, the acoustics might not be the best, but come on. When you are listening to amazing music in a historic mansion while enjoying your favorite drink, acoustics are the least of your worries. This place is grimy and gritty and thats what makes it so awesome.Whether you are enjoying a show in the ballroom, or the parlor, or anywhere in between, the Southgate House offers an experience you will not likely be able to reproduce anywhere else. If you are in the area and looking for some great music, this is the definitive place to go.
(5)Corbin C.
By far the best place to catch live music within 200 miles of Cincinnati. Stages: Large ballroom with a second story balcony for the sitting types. Upstairs parlor with awesome paintings and real creepy 19th century feel, and a downstairs bar that can house small local acts. Three stages; many nights all are rockin' simultaneously. PLUS there's a large outdoor porch that always plays the most excellent vintage country/western/soul music through a nice old school speaker setup. Love it. Drinks: Lots of Bourbon to choose from and decent canned beer selection. No cheap beers, so just suck it up, get the Bourbon special, and take it to the dome. Sound: Incredible. They upgraded a few years ago (I think to an all JBL setup) in the ballroom and it's just awesome. If you're up front the subs under the stage will make your clothes vibrate. If you want balanced sound then sit in the middle of the first floor. Less volume, sit up on the the balcony and chat with friends. The parlor has monster stacks that really push sound. Hard. They're not the highest fidelity monitors every but they rock none the less. The setup at Juney's Lounge depends on the band but is usually decent, much better than other small local live act setups around the city. Smoking: Yes, there's smoking and sometimes lots of it. This is Kentucky, people, and they reserve the right to smoke as much as they damn well please. Bottom line: If you want to sit in a padded chair and soak up a band's music without audience interaction other than the occasional hand clap the Southgate House isn't for you. If you really want to rock out and get wild in a venue that sounds great, offers a really diverse music lineup on multiple stages, and oozes character then the Southgate is perfect for you.
(5)Logan S.
Pros: A wide variety of shows pass through this place, smaller shows are intimate and you can get really close to the band on stage. Cons: It's kind of a dungeon. It's smoker friendly so that can get overwhelming fast, it gets hot as hell inside and I've been a couple of times when the audio is a little off. I've seen about seven shows here, the smaller shows were great, because I was able to see a good band in a larger venue with plenty of room to get close to the band. The alcohol is cheap compared to most of the other local venues, which is nice. It's also cool to buy a shot for someone in the band, and you don't often get a chance to do that, let alone watch them slowly start getting drunk mid-show due to everyone buying them shots. I have mostly been for music, but I have also seen some more themed shows, like the Barnyard Burlesque show that rolled through on new years a few years back. It was also a lot of fun and it fit in well since it is so easy to interact with the crowd. The facility itself is grungy, but it fits well with the punk/metal scene. I don't really mind since I am there for the show, but I have a feeling a number of people would be irritated by the lack of upkeep in the place. Their website is up to date and accurate, I actually recommend checking it out because they have a lot of bands come through that are great but still under the radar.
(3)Brian B.
There isn't really much I can say about SGH that hasn't already been said so I'll try to keep it short. This is one of the better places to see live music in the tri-state. First I'd just like to say that as a musician it's a great place to play no matter which floor you're on. The only killer is having to load gear to the parlour upstairs. My favorite thing about Southgate House is their commitment to bringing up and coming acts to the area. With Bogart's usually catering to the hard rock and metal crowds, it's nice to have a place for bands like Margot and The Nuclear So and So's, Justin Townes Earle, and and Ryan Bingham to play without having to be the opener for some band I don't want to see at a venue that is just too large to feel any connection to the show (cough, cough... riverbend). Before I finish, I'd like to address a few negatives mentioned by some of the previous reviewers... 1. Smoking - the last 5 or 6 shows I've seen in the ballroom have been no smoking. I'm not sure if that's a new thing for SGH or a request made by the bands, but is has made the experience more enjoyable. 2. Lack of upkeep and ambience - I actually really like the look of the place. I think if it were all shiny and new looking it would lose a lot of the character and the history the place has garnered over the years. That's what makes it unique and different than every other venue in the area. Keep it clean, but keep it true to what it is. 3. Cover Charge - I'll pay $5 to see original music over a free cover band any day.
(4)Ryan C.
I've been to the Southgate House a few times and loved every minuted of it. You get the feeling you are walking into someone's Victorian house in the beginning and walk into small bedrooms or an library with different bands each room. The Southgate House attracts local bands and even big name acts. There is a huge ballroom downstairs. It's a place like no other to hear great live bands. Until you have actually been there, it's a place you have to actually go to to understand. However, people with ADD, like myself, will have a hard time sitting to listen to a whole act knowing there is another one playing in another room.
(5)Brandon S.
The Southgate House is one of the more interesting bars in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area. It is also one of the hardest to review. Located by Newport on the Levee, this run down, decrepit, could almost pass for the Addams Family mansion bar sits in stark contrast to the more upscale offerings that neighbor it. Not only does this place look run down, but once you get inside it just "feels" run down. Everything from the scorching hot temperatures in the summer to the dirty looking floors should be a turn off. And yet somehow, against all odds, I have a fantastic time every time I go here. It is one of the go to destinations for anyone that considers themselves a fan of live entertainment. There is always something going on here, be it national touring acts, local artists, open mic night, karaoke, or even strand up comedy. And with multiple levels you are usually given a choice. Worried about seeing one of your favorite bands in what amounts to a giant house? Don't be. Southgate has some of the best acoustics in the area for live music and there's not a bad seat to be found. Not interested in shelling out your hard earned dollars to catch a concert here? Grab a spot on the first or second floor where there is almost always free performances by local artists as a nice alternative. The beer selection here is nothing to write home about and they don't really make any drinks that will blow your mind. They do, however, have a fantastic selection of bourbons and whiskeys. And let me tell you, watching a stellar live performance with a glass of Booker's on the rocks in your hand is a beautiful thing. If there weren't so many negative things about this place (it's hot and smoky, and looks like it could fall apart at any time) Southgate House would easily be a five star establishment. But for anyone into live music that doesn't mind putting up with what is essentially a giant dive bar, this is the place to be.
(4)Allison J.
Here's a quick test anyone can perform to check and see if you were at the Southgate House last night: 1. Do you smell like cigarette smoke? 2. Have a ringing in your ears? 3. Dull headache? 4. Did you have an awesome time last night? You were probably at the Southgate House if you answered all of those questions with a 'yes.' You're pretty much guaranteed to have a good time when you walk in the door. They book great local and national bands. They host a sketch comedy night that goes by the name of Underbelly. And plus, the inventor of the Tommy Gun lived here. Last time I was there, I saw a Tommy Gun-shaped bottle of vodka behind the bar. That's incredible. The good times are spread out across three floors. There's an intimate front parlor for karaoke night and small, intimate musical acts (I saw Daniel Martin Moore play one night, so dreamy). Upstairs is where I saw the comedy show, with a few rows of bench seating, some tables, and a bar. Downstairs is where the big acts go. The balcony and the floor fill up to the brim when shows are sold out, so get there early if you're really passionate about a band playing. My only qualms - I leave smelling like smoke, always. And the acoustics in parts of the balcony are really bad, but I guess that's what happens when you put a huge music venue in some dude's old basement. And be sure to bring cash for the bar, they want you to spend at least $10 to use a credit card. That never seems to matter though, because I love the Southgate House. I can hang on to my concert memories and wash the smoke smell out of my jeans.
(5)Tim J.
Been to the Southgate House many times and agree fully that it is a premier venue to see great music in the Cincinnati area. It is also a place to get reasonably priced booze, which is pretty cool, too. But that is not what my review is about. I wanted to highlight something that I just discovered last Saturday night: the simple joy of sitting on Southgate's huge porch knocking em back and enjoying good company in the crisp, almost fall late-night early morning air. The meal? Occasional morsels of yummy people watching peppered the savory main course of rich conversation garnished by round after round of barley and hops. And for dessert? A shot of bourbon, a beer to chase it, and a Camel light cherry on top. Yes, I do like Kentucky Sundaes.
(5)Josh O.
It's certainly not the worst place to see a show, but certainly is not the best, either. Beer selections are mediocre, but they are pretty stocked with liquor. Unless you are directly in front of the stage, the acoustics are subpar. The place gets really, really hot when they get the venue filled. As is noted in other reviews, when they fill the place, they REALLY fill it. The venue is very old and it shows. Some parts of the building are a bit run down. The balcony is neat, but I'm not sure I'd want to watch a show that I was interested in from it. They have so many shows here, that some of them are bound to be good. They play all kinds of music and even though it's not my favorite place to see a show, I guarantee I'll be back just because the amount of bands that come through.
(3)Brian K.
I was a little disappointed with the sound in the main ballroom. I was on the balcony so maybe that is why but I thought it would be better than what it was. Still the place has an amazing vibe. If your in (or with someone in a wheelchair) there is a side entrance that they will open up if you ask the staff. Once your in though there isn't an elevator (or atleast I didnt' find one).
(4)Christopher G.
There are a lot of bars in Cincinnati, and a lot of them have their shtick, but none so much as the Southgate House. The dive-yest of the dive, this place is an old, creaky historical landmark turned music venue and multi-level bar. It's pretty trendy these days, but that doesn't stop it from being determinedly atypical. . . by God. The most spectacular thing about Southgate House is probably its capacity. Every year during Cincypunk Fest, for instance, it hosts as many as three music acts simultaneously--one on the ground floor, one up in the ballroom, and one, the largest one, in the basement. Each area has its own feel, its own events. I've gone to karaoke in one room, an improv comedy show in another, a regular ol' concert in a third. When they put house in the name, they weren't screwing around. The least spectacular thing? I don't know. . . the bar? Sadly, this place doesn't have any amazing drinks or drink makers. Not that it needs to; it's certainly sufficient, at least, in that department. A lot of people don't even go there for the booze. They go there because it's a badass place, with one of the best schedules for independent and local music in the city. But if you want a place with really interesting, friendly staff and impressive drink recipes, take it from me: go to Neon's in Over the Rhine. This place is all about the experience, which, unless you're there for a specific show, is free. It even has a comfy front porch for you smokers.
(4)Juliane S.
THE singular place to see a national or regional act in Cincinnati. Intimate but large enough to pull in cool acts - different stages (my fav is the parlor on the 2nd floor)...the SGH has many different changes in the decade I've been visiting. The bars are OK but that isn't why you go to SGH - it's the music. As long as the sound does it's job it is an outstanding venue with exceptional sound. I've seen everyone from Nada Surf to They Might Be Giants to Henry Rollins to Sleater Kinney to The Bears in this place. Also been to countless indie shows and the SGH frequently sells out BUT one of the great things is they book well in advance and advertise as such so you have plenty of time to plan ahead in getting tickets. SGH has always had outstanding booking - the names have changed over the years but their bookers come into the job knowing the history and the contacts are already established. Minus the smoke - which isn't their fault - this is a strong edition to the indie music scene and without the SGH the loss could not be calculated.
(5)Bradley G.
If you're seeing live shows in Cincinnati, you can't ask for anything better than to see it in Newport's historic house of music. The quality, price, and performances are always at the level of just right. Sure, Cincinnati has bigger venues. And those venues are usually packed with bigger artists, with big expensive tickets. But if you want to spend a sweaty Saturday night in the pit for a band that tomorrow's gonna be the next big thing? You come to Southgate. Talk to anyone in Cincy about who they saw, and you'll start to add up the different amount bands that have played this intimate venue right before getting too big to ever play a venue this small again. And with the building's underrated and unique charm, you don't want to miss out. So the venue is a sight-to-see all by itself, and that's before taking into account their decent sound quality, and friendly staff. The drinks aren't too bad either, and the multi-tier level of performances always provide patrons with something good to see. If you're a metalhead like I am, take comfort in knowing that the main stage of the house provides ample room for going nuts, and a second floor for casually avoiding the action, but still seeing your favorite bands. I've even caught a few artists walking around to enjoy the openers before, casually exchanging pleasantries with fans. The stage brings fans and performers together, without alienating anyone in the room. Hillbilly nights, rockabilly nights, comedy shows, art shows, this place does it all. Truly, Graeter Cincinnati's best venue. (Bonus, the Southgate House is a usual tour destination for Southern Lord Records)
(5)Jennifer P.
LOVE Southgate House - such a great vibe and intimate setting to watch the great talent that they bring. Wish they had better beer choices since I am stuck drinking Sierra Nevada and of course KY is smoking so that is a bummer too . Overall Southgate House rocks my world.
(4)Michele G.
I love the Southgate House. It is sad that it is closing. I have seen many unknown bands local and from far away. I have seen bands that have "made it" after being there. The music seen is not going to be the same in Northern Kentucky. The only bad thing is that you can smoke. The drink prices are better than that area (Newport on the Levee). Parking use to be great but the city decided to put meters up everywhere. Just park at the levee it is easier than looking around and if you need to take a taxi home you don't have to worry about getting a ticket.
(4)Andrea R.
I went to Southgate House for the monthly Underbelly performance, and while there were definitely a few funny moments throughout the show, my date and I were ready to leave after the first few acts. We stayed through the entire thing, in hopes that it would get better, but by the end, we both agreed that we wouldn't be coming back. The videos that the group showed at the beginning of the evening were actually very entertaining without trying too hard. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for most of the other performers. They seemed to be performing more for each other than for the broader audience (it sounded like there were a lot of inside jokes), but then again, maybe that's how the show is set up, and perhaps the Underbelly show is just an off night to visit Southgate. While I don't feel like the $5 ticket was a great loss, I don't plan to spend another $5 to see an Underbelly performance again.
(2)Joe L.
There isn't a better place to see live music in the Cincinnati area, hands down. Southgate House has been around forever, long before the behemoth Newport On the Levee that now shadows it from across the street and despite that consumeristic eyesore, the Southgate house continues to shine. Three floors of adventure await you in this amazing place. The ballroom is the biggest for live shows and sits on the bottom level. This is where Arcade Fire, Interpol and The Strokes all played before hitting it big. Upstairs (or the level you enter on) houses a great cozy bar where karaoke nights take place, along with smaller live gigs as well. Upstairs might be my favorite though, the parlour is an awesome room that can handle about 100 people and might be the best place to see music in the place. Overall, what looks like the outside of The Munsters home is actually about as inviting as a music venue can get inside, and don't forget about the front porch, which is also nice for a beer and conversation pre or post concert. The best of the best.
(5)Rachael W.
This house is amazing! Was here with Jesco White and Pick up the Snake and had a good time. Everybody was super accommodating and helpful. The merch/VIP area was on point. Did have some problems with the sound, but that might have been our drummers fault. Did find it annoying that I couldn't step out into the alley with our trucks to smoke, but guess it does cut down on the riff raff and people trying to sneak in (sold out show!). I did hear from some people that the sound wasn't that great up in the balcony. Hope we can do another show at this venue again.
(4)Zack F.
This place rocks. Literally. It's a great casual place that feels like home the instant you step over the threshold. There are multiple rooms for different types of entertainment. The liquor selection is great and the bartenders are quick and friendly. I plan to be a regular here.
(5)Dan J.
Southgate House is an amazing venue. In fact, it isn't just a venue, it's actually three venues in one. The ballroom in Southgate House has provided Cincinnati with a mid-sized venue that is able to take some of the bands that are too big for smaller venues, but not quite big enough for a place like Bogart's. The Parlour is a great place to have smaller bands and singer/songwriters play, and it's sometimes fun to see what's going on there if whatever you came for in the ballroom isn't living up to your expectations. You even have a third option if the parlour isn't delivering. Head down to the lounge and grab a seat at the bar to check out a local singer/songwriter during an open mic or sometimes they even host karaoke, which is always good for a laugh. A historic building that has continued to add to its history, I hope the Southgate House is around for many years to come.
(5)Mike D.
One of the best places anywhere to see a show. 3 floors that can handle just about any kind of live music act. The beer prices can be a bit steep ($2.50 for a PBR?) The best nights are when there's great weather, there's a great band rocking the ballroom, some honky tonk in the lounge, some solid local bands playing for free in the parlour, theres an art show in the gallery up on the third floor and you can unwind on the front porch, watch people come and go from the show and the levee, smuggle some beer up there from the holiday house and realize "it really doesn't get any better than this." The people that book here really know what they're doing too. Go see a band any day next week and in less than six months time you'll be hearing about how they're the next big thing, "totally killed it at SXSW" or are getting rave reviews on their latest album. Bands like The Strokes, Death Cab For Cutie, Modest Mouse, and Peter Bjorn & John have all come through here on their way to gold-plated diapers of rock stardom. 100 points if you get that reference. Hint: Don't Fear The Reaper.
(4)Anthony M.
The Southgate House is my favorite place to watch a concert. The sound is great here and there is room to move. There are 2 levels to watch a show from in the main ballroom. The security is cool in the fact that they will let kids dance, but the moment it looks like a fight is about to break out, they sweep in and remove the offending parties. On top of this Southgate has more bars than Spinal Tap had drummers and the prices are very reasonable especially for a concert venue. Go here, rock out.
(5)dale d.
Good Karma all around. Through the years I've seen some of the best bands on Earth at this place. I love the sound in the main ballroom, and the art gallery on the top floor is really nice. I've seen some hidden gems at that gallery. The only downfall of the place is that it allows smoking, which sucks. Best show last year is, by far, The Band of Horses.
(4)Lauren F.
I wish I could have experienced this haunted music venue before the Levee was constructed, obstructing the view of Cincinnati across the Ohio River. It's still nice to sit on the porch with a beer. SGH has been a long time supporter of great music and has multiple rooms for a variety of shows. On any given night you can experience bad open mic nights, karaoke, rock-a-billy, punk, world, indie, costume balls, benefits, local acts, touring acts and pretty much anything else you might expect from a medium music venue with a good reputation. The condition of the space is less than desirable, don't expect clean or new, don't use the ballroom bathroom when it's cold out, don't try to sneak in the back, don't be afraid of the ghosts. Do say hello to Junie in the lounge area, do be careful which red chair you sit on, do visit the merch area if you're seeing a touring band, do visit the galley on the top floor, do admire the gig posters in the front hall. If you make it to the third floor consider testing the lock to the tower, sometimes you get lucky and it's unlocked. It's a good place to sneak away and do naughty things.
(5)Jeff O.
I don't even know where to begin.... In a nutshell: This place is a huge, gothic mansion converted into a multi-floored live music and media megaplex!! Located right near the Ohio River, this venue is both charming and creepy at the same time. Once owned by the inventor of the Tommy Gun (as mentioned in the other reviews), there is a surreal and eerie feel to the whole place... The last time I counted, there were 4 floors of activities! The rooms on these floors allow for multiple events to be occurring at the same time, e.g. 3 bands can be playing simultaneously on the different floors and you won't hear the overlap (in most cases). Live music promoters often times book showcases of live music, for under $10 which is a fantastic way to see a whole lotta music for little money. This is a huge selling point for locals who may want the freedom to rock out in the Ballroom for a while, then go to the Parlour to see a smaller band, then maybe to Junie's Lounge for an acoustic act or a quiet convo with your friends, away from the live music. This venue is usually the go-to venue for touring indie bands. Some of the bands I saw there: Interpol, Beulah, The Black Keys, The Fall, etc. The highest (4th) floor is usually reserved as a gallery, for local artists. You'll never forget this establishment if you're lucky enough to visit it.
(5)Florian E.
I would say Southgate consistently has the best shows in the area. The mood is always comfortable and the people are always very pleasant on the whole. The building is a great old mansion and the only interesting site on the block (Newport on the Levee sprung up around it). The huge haunted house is the best thing about the place. The ballroom is a big two level space with seats around tables, but usually people stand. Also, the ground floor has a nice bar where open mic and karaoke happens. The upper floor houses the parlour which hosts smaller shows and can accomadate 30 or 40 people. Last three shows I saw at Southgate were Sonic Boom, Why? and Animal Collective, so that gives an idea of the kind of thing that happens there. The sound is always just right, too The negatives: Drinks are always a bit pricy, around 3 or 4 for a beer no matter how cheap. I find myslef leaving 20 bucks in the hole most times. AND above all the door guy - a complete dud of a person. I've seen the dude probably 50 times over the years, always an abyss of a personality. A t this point that guy is such a bore that it's funny. Almost.
(3)Peter J.
I've been here a few times and it is a great place to go after a game or to catch a great alt rock country or blues act. I can't complain about a single thing except closed on Sunday.
(4)Sarah B.
Ah, what to say about Southgate? I only had the chance to go to two shows here (Detroit Cobras in June, and Rocket from the Tombs earlier this month), and they were both fantastic. You can tell it's a special place. Here's hoping whatever this place's next iteration is is just as good, if not better. (If I could change one thing, it would be to make the whole place smoke-free, but I know that's a tall order south of the river...)
(4)Alexandra K.
I've been to this concert venue several times for various performances. The artists they bring in range from national acts to local bands. It's located in a giant and gorgeous Victorian house overlooking Newport on the Levee and the river. The venue has several different rooms. I haven't been in any of the upstairs rooms but instead have gone down the stairs to where the larger concert hall is. The downstairs was somewhat grungy and dirty, but I wouldn't have expected any better. It's a great venue for the bands that play there. Right size, right atmosphere, and right acoustics. The drinks are okay, but I would go with beers rather than get a well drink. They didn't mix very well when I was there (pardon the pun).
(4)Claire M.
Hands down my FAVORITE place to go see some national indie acts. It's not exactly high class, but it's such a small venue that the show is amazing from any point in the room. It's fun to go hang out in the art gallery on the top level in between sets. I only wish more big names came to Cincinnati, and that I didn't have to cross the river to go see some decent live shows.
(5)Rich T.
intimate, funky and beatiful all at once. great place to catch a show, conveniently located just a couple blocks from the levee. you could get some grub, see some fish and then see a show in a truly unique venue all without getting in your car and driving all over the place.
(5)Pete P.
Historic, cool place to hang and meet new people. Support of the local and national touring artists is commendable. Ballroom, Ballroom bathroom, and Ballroom greenroom are old and disgusting. Somebody please donate some new couches and chairs for the greenroom. I was afraid to sit on the couch. The whole room needs to be cleaned and painted. I understand it is a very utilitarian place, but heck just cleaning it would be cool. Cover ranges from cheap to moderate depending on who is playing. nationalregisterofhistor… Scroll down to find the Southgate-Parker-Maddux House listing.
(4)Karina M.
A gem in the heart of Newport. Whether you're there to see eclectic music offerings, ranging from bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley to indie rockers Yeah Yeah Yeahs, or enjoy an art show by local artistes, Southgate House is the place to be. Many reviewers have already spoken of Southgate's architectural charm so there's no need to reiterate that the place has a Munster-esque vibe. Perhaps my favorite feature is the jukebox in Junie's Lounge that plays everything from the Clash to Patsy Cline. Only two minor complaints: the acoustics aren't that great and the cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon (yes, they sell them by the can!) are over-priced.
(4)Christoffer M.
Supposedly it's haunted. People always say that but no one has any real details on how or why or when. Even the mysterious is a mystery here. The place gets a selection of well-known acts (Rilo Kiley, Josh Ritter, Richard Thompson) and a slew of smaller bands that you'll either love or hate. When it's love, this is a great place for the show. Only the big names really pack the place out (which is great, because the energy is fantastic in the small ballroom), so you'll be able to stand nose-to-toes (it's a raised stage) with your secret idol. Big drawback/asset: being in Kentucky, smoking is permitted. Depending on your views on smokiness, this may be a draw or a repulsion. If you want a place to chill with some local folk/country singers, the parlour area is a good call. Cheap, bad beers are available along with typical liquors. That and the lounge are almost always free, so you can confidently wander down there knowing there's a spot for you if you feel like it.
(4)Keally D.
I think the thing that I like most about the Southgate House might be the womens' bathrooms. A strange affinity, yes. But they're usually reasonably clean, and you can still feel the pulsing of the music from the main stage while you use the facilities. But, most importantly, the graffiti on the stalls is intriguing, conversational, and at times inspirational. I've seen some great singer-songwriter, rock, roots, bluegrass, and punk shows here. But, the spirit of a place isn't necessarily in its most grandiose attractions. Sometimes it lies in the scrawl on a privy's metal door that urges you to be yourself, declares Shauna's undying love for Fountains of Wayne, or allows two strangers to publicly share their individual-and diverging-ideas on war and tax cuts, all with a captive audience. I like the vibe of the place and the musical acts that it brings to town, but I love the words and wisdom of its ladies bathroom stalls. Rock, on, you anonymous potty poets, immortalized by Sharpie markers and muses unknown.
(4)Paige M.
I been to several shows here; some evenings are fun, some are a bummer. The bands have all been good, but the venue environment is hit or miss. PROS: - Balcony seating, even during rock shows - Multiple floors of historic rooms and decor - Coat check - Hosts local and national bands - Usually cheaper than going to a corporate venue CONS: - The entire venue is smoking, and it gets overwhelming. - Parking is impossible. Meters for street parking are enforced until midnight. Otherwise you have to park at The Levee, which is a $5 charge. Sometimes The Levee garage is filled to capacity, then you're out of luck. - Although Southgate House is a historic landmark, this is no excuse for the venue to not update their sound system. Unless you are front and center at the ballroom stage, the music is muffled and distorted. Anyone to stage left or right, or in the balcony does not get the best show. - Mixed drinks are $1-$3 more expensive than other bars and smaller in serving. - Minimum $10 tab to pay with a credit card - Coat check costs a whopping $3, and is not protected from the smoking environment. - The upstairs gets ridiculously hot in the summertime. The Southgate House is an icon for music in the Cincinnati area, however I never get excited about seeing my favorite bands here. The show selections have always been fantastic, but the venue itself needs some improvements.
(3)Leigh H.
I may be biased, because I saw one of my very first and all-time best shows at Southgate in college, but it's still hands-down the best place to see live music in the Cincinnati area. Even if you're up on the balcony, which is where I've been sitting lately due to old age and anxiety disorders, you still get just as good of a show as you would down in front, right by the speakers, destroying your eardrums and loving every minute of it. Southgate's ballroom is more spacious than many of the old theatre venues in the city, yet somehow seems more intimate and closer to the action than any other place. The stage is small and utilitarian, but lends itself well to multimedia presentations on backdrops while keeping the performers front and center. Their beer selection is also excellent--they feature a good selection of local craft brews along with your cheapo hipster favorites. I've never been to Southgate on a night where there's not a big show going on, and I'm always curious as to what goes on in those smoky, neon-lit front rooms with their low-hanging lights and ancient billiard tables. One day I'm sure I'll check it out, but until then I know I can always rely on the Southgate House in all its historic glory to provide the best music at the best prices with the best ambiance around.
(5)Matthew H.
The Southgate House will probably forever be my favorite venue for live music in the entire world. I've seen shows at famous venues like the Fillmore in San Francisco, Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, the Black Cat in D.C., and beautiful (stunning even) venues in London and Barcelona - nonetheless, nothing else holds up to the awesomeness of the Southgate House for me. For the uninitiated, the Southgate House is an amazing old mansion that was the former home of the inventor of the tommy gun. The ballroom is usually home to an awesome national touring band (I think the first show I ever saw here was Elliott Smith with Grandaddy opening for him almost 7 years ago). The 2nd floor often offers an interesting local band/musician - sometimes occurring simultaneously as the downstairs shows in the ballroom. Finally, the top floor often exhibits some beautiful local art. Oh, and though I shouldn't admit to this, but I have many beautiful memories sneaking out the top floor window and staring up at the stars and talking about whatever show we just watched downstairs. Great place.
(5)Michael G.
The Southgate House is one of the best places to catch live music in the Cincinnati area. Three levels of music. The ballroom downstairs hosts the touring acts, the parlor upstairs usually has the local upstarts, and the lounge on the main floor is where you'll find your weekly events and open mics. The building itself is enough to warrant a visit. Historic, slightly creepy, and likely haunted, this place has character out the wazoo. You're favorite indie band has likely played this place and loved it. Though they seem to be catering more to the americana and rockabilly crowd lately, it's still worth keeping an eye on their calendar for good indie bands. You never know which next-big-thing will be playing.
(5)Robert M.
I have been several times, very cool place. Several venues inside, usually about three bands playing. Can be a little hot in the summer.
(5)Sarah M.
The charm and authenticity of the Southgate House provide a welcome contrast to the mass-market manufactured quality of the rest of the Newport-on-the-levee area. It offers a great variety of bands and has a big front porch & upstairs art gallery when you're in the mood for a more chill experience, but I docked a star for the sound quality. As one of the previous reviewers mentioned, we should be able to expect more from a place whose bread and butter is live music.
(4)Jennifer K.
The *best* concert venue in Ohio (though it's technically located in KY :-) Happily watched Stephen Malkmus from the balcony and was close enough to read the writing on his amp. I don't think there's a bad seat in the house, though. Only downside is all the cigarette smoke, but not such a downside for the smokers, I suppose.
(5)T P.
Love everything about this place....except the smoke.
(4)Ed M.
Visited Southgate House May 5th specifically to see Ronnie Baker Brooks who played in the ballroom. Did not visit any other area of Southgate House except for the bar in the front while we waited for the doors to open. This place is 69 miles away and takes about 90 minutes to get to so it isn't a place I have been before. First the area: Have never been to this area and was surprised by the number of new places in the Newport side of the river. Lots of restaurants etc. The parking is not easy to find and it seems that every empty lot has a fee to park there. It really sucks that the parking machines say "the machine will take $10 and $20 bills but does not give change." WTF when the maximum parking fee is $5.00. The Southgate House has been described by others in their reviews so I won't re post here, especially the places I didn't see. The ballroom is down a set of stairs. The main room is large enough and has lots of small tables. The chairs that must have been left over from the 50's as they are all what you would envision in a kitchen of that time but now duck tape is the major item holding the padding together. But hey, at least you can sit down. There is a balcony that goes around three sides of the stage area. Didn't go up there but it appears that all parts of the balcony had decent views and it had its own bar. Ronnie Baker Brooks always puts on one of the best shows anywhere and he didn't disappoint. I do think that whomever was running the soundboard confused volume with quality. I actually was wondering if my left ear would have permanent damage. Distortion is a result of too much volume, maybe this person was already deaf. The bar has enough selection different beers that we did not have to drink Bud or its tasteless cousins. Actually the price was reasonable having paid twice as much at certain bars. Would I go back? If there was a great act that I wanted to see then I would , but not otherwise. One further note, there was no smoking in the ballroom on this night but other areas seem to not have that rule.
(4)Lindsay W.
OMG. I vote YES. great live music cheap booze beautiful venue hot kentucky boyz old black dude singing funk. oh yeah, and you can still smoke in bars in this state....that was the funkin' best.
(5)Becca E.
I liked the idea of the Southgate House, the idea that I was sitting in a room watching a local band that few others knew about in a home like sitting. I did not like how hot it was, how smoky it was and how watered down the drinks were. I saw the concert in the Parlor room so maybe other rooms are better but it was a good thing the band was good. Also, the paintings in the room are odd and one kind of reminded me of a scene from Anna Karenina a bit.
(3)Sean B.
One of the best places (and unfortunately only places) to see international touring acts. Junie's Lounge on the first floor is a great place to unwind and have a drink. Or get yerself a ticket and head downstairs to the Ballroom from tunage from some of the finest artists on the indie rock and alt-country scenes. Great sightlines and cheap beer make this a must visit for any music fan. Revised 7/24/07: I've changed my review from 5 stars to 3 for the simple reason that the last 3 times I've been to the Southgate House the sound has been absolutely dreadful. It doesn't matter how cheap the beer and how easy it is to see the band, the main reason I come to a show is to HEAR the music. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to do that at recent SGH shows.
(3)