HomeMakers Bar in Over-the-Rhine offers a taste of home to both locals and out-of-towners
There’s joy to be found in collaboration. There’s even more joy to be found in giving back to the community. Making the world a better place through collaboration and giving back is the founding principle behind HomeMakers Bar, a retro yet modern cocktail bar and bottle shop at 39 E. 13th St. in Over-the-Rhine that believes in drinking easy and good times only.
The bar’s founders, Catherine Manabat and Julia Petiprin, say that the inspiration behind their business came from wanting to make a home in a place that’s unfamiliar. Neither of the two is from Cincinnati, but the city has become a place where they’ve blossomed, grown, collaborated and given back to the community.
“We aren’t from Cincinnati, and while you can find offerings at HomeMakers that are familiar, we also offer spirits that are new and unique to Cincinnati,” says Petiprin. “We open our doors to all and all are welcome here.”
While Manabat and Petiprin founded the bar together, Manabat has since moved on to working in a nonprofit, something Petiprin says speaks volumes to the work they’ve been able to accomplish at HomeMakers Bar. And Petiprin said she aims to continue building on all that they’ve accomplished thus far with a unique and exceptional menu.
“We have a full selection of house cocktails crafted by our bartenders, we offer classic cocktails and snacks, and we make our own pickles,” says Petiprin.
Additionally, HomeMakers Bar offers a wide variety of beer and wine as well as other unique beverages. “We really like to drink the way they do in Europe. Try a reverse Manhattan or an equal parts martini to stay level and drink easy, you may surprise yourself,” she adds.
In addition to the bar portion of the business, HomeMakers Bar also offers a bottle shop full of low proof spirits, vermouths, liquors, mixers, bar tools and vintage goods. Essentially, Petiprin says, you can find everything you need to help set up your home bar, and the staff is knowledgeable about any questions you may have.
“They can write down recipes for you or help you decide which is best for your needs,” she says. “Anything we have open behind the bar, you’re welcome to get a taste of.”
When it comes to what makes HomeMakers Bar unique, it’s a variety of things that exquisitely blend together to offer a one-of-a-kind establishment.
“HomeMakers is a craft cocktail bar that doesn’t look like your average craft cocktail bar,” says Petiprin. “Instead of dark, serious interiors, we prefer to be playful. You can look around HomeMakers and find something hand-crafted everywhere. The millwork, the bar top, art. It’s all a collaboration with makers and artists. We always say we take our craft seriously but not ourselves. I think the space reflects that.”
