The Mt. Adams Bar & Grill backbar reportedly came out of a speakeasy owned by the infamous Cincinnati bootlegger, George Remus. Speakeasys were illegal bars operated during the Prohibition of alcohol decreed in 1919 by the 18th amendment to our Constitution. Remus, a Chicago criminal attorney, moved to Cincinnati and bought a distillery to produce legal bonded whiskey for medicinal purposes by prescription only. Not surprisingly, a great deal of Remus’ whiskey found its way into speakeasys.
At the height of his success he employed 3,000 people and $20,000,000 in bribes to local police and officials. His success brought him $45,000,000 in profits and the unwelcome attention of Federal agents. Scheduled for trial he gave his diamond collection to his wife. For unknown reasons she promptly filed for divorce, but in a diabolical twist, just two hours before the trial was scheduled to begin, Remus tracked her down in Eden Park and killed her. He pled guilty due to insanity, spent three months in a state mental hospital, after which he was found sane and released.
Prohibition was repealed in 1933 with the passage of the 21st amendment and the Bar & Grill in its present location was the first drinking establishment in Ohio to obtain a liquor license.
In 1987, Eddie Sheppard purchased the Bar & Grill after creating the Blind Lemon next door. He set his sights on recreating a tavern of years gone by filled with antiques, stained glass and memorabilia that captivate customers while they enjoy cocktails and great comfort food.
It is within walking distance to Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati Art Museum and Krohn Conservatory as well as being in a historic hilltop neighborhood overlooking downtown Cincinnati.
