This 100-Year-Old Restroom Has Been Transformed Into The Most Beautiful Bar In Cincinnati
By Andrea Limke|Published July 10, 2019
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Andrea Limke
Author
A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
If you drive through Cincinnati’s historic neighborhoods, you’ll see a variety of buildings that each tell a story. Some of these structures have been given a new life and, sadly, some are torn down to make way for something else. We love when a piece of Cincinnati’s past begins again, as a spot we can visit and appreciate. Walnut Hills has many of these buildings and over the last several years, its streets have been revived to include some of the best restaurants, bars, shops, and even housing in the city. But perhaps the most unique transformation has recently been completed, and a 100-year-old restroom is now quite possibly the most beautiful cocktail bar in Cincinnati. Comfort Station is now open – and be prepared to become enchanted by this historic, yet modern watering hole in the Queen City.
Walnut Hills is a historically significant neighborhood in Cincinnati that has seen quite a few changes over the years.
Recently, many of these buildings have been transformed, including some in the Peebles Corner Historic District (shown above). Here, you'll find a restroom that first opened in 1914 but then sat empty for decades. You can see the previous men's and women's doors on the front of the building.
But you'll now find a bright blue door under "Women" and many incredible surprises inside.
The restroom took on the appropriate name - Comfort Station - and has joined the other successful businesses popping up in the area. However, this cocktail bar is truly unlike any other space in the city.
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The bones of the building were strong and were mostly left alone to pay tribute to its history. The walls, floors, and ceilings remain original and create the perfect canvas for the new, vibrant decor.
The interior of the bar has a long, bright blue sofa that is just as comfortable as it looks. Along with colorful pillows, you'll find many natural elements, plants, and flowers throughout the space.
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As enchanting as the inside is, step outside onto the most magical outdoor patio in Cincinnati.
There is a whimsical swing, which - of course - makes for a great photo op. Comfort Station a delightfully unique spot to meet up with friends or enjoy a date night.
The nook area of the patio may be the most enticing, as it's difficult to ignore the bright yellow mattress and pile of pillows.
While there are plenty of places to unwind inside the bar, Comfort Station also hosts live music and you can catch the game during your visit. The best way to keep up with what's going on is to follow along with them on Facebook (linked below).
After you pick your jaw up off the floor from looking around, be prepared to be dazzled by the cocktail menu as well.
The historic appreciation and modern vibrancy make this a must-try cocktail bar in Cincinnati and a spot you'd never guess was once a restroom for those coming and going through Walnut Hills.
Cincinnati is a beautiful city thanks to its architectural past, which has been brought back to life in a variety of ways. Comfort Station is the perfect example of taking a historic building that comes with a unique story and transforming it into the most beautiful cocktail bar in Cincinnati. Are you excited to try this new destination in Walnut Hills? Share your thoughts with us in the comments and tag anyone who would meet you for a drink!
For more information on Comfort Station, follow along with them on Facebook here. The bar is open Tuesday – Friday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Address: 793 East McMillan Street, Cincinnati, OH 45206
Many thanks to photographer Amy Elisabeth Spasoff for generously providing photos for this feature. See more of her work here and here.
If you need to grab a bite to eat before a visit to Comfort Station, try this nearby restaurant that is also housed inside a historic building, featured in our previous article here.
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