I’ve visited Lachey’s Bar at 56 E. 12th St. in Over the Rhine twice since it opened to the general public on New Year’s Day, both on busy Friday nights.  Lachey’s is the highly anticipated sports bar/gastropub from Cincinnati natives Nick and Drew Lachey of 1990’s boyband 98 Degrees, and 4EG, the gurus behind Keystone Grill, Igby’s, The Lackman and several other popular bars and restaurants. The Lacheys bring the star power in the form of a reality show (currently filming) that will air on the A&E network in the spring and 4EG brings the marketing genius to this particular venture, both with great success. Lachey’s is the perfect venue in the perfect location at the perfect time.

Up to this point, the Over the Rhine restaurant scene has been known for its boutique sized restaurants with epic weekend wait times. Lachey’s Bar is a much larger venue and so far, they seem to have a handle on the crowds. Once your name is on the waitlist, not only will the staff text you when your table is ready, they also text you a link so that you may check your place in line. And to top it off, the 13 flat screen TV’s and giant tickers keep you on top of the latest sports scores, games and stories while you wait for your table.

On my first visit, which in the interest of full disclosure was on Lachey’s second day of business, I arrived around 6:00pm and put my name on the waitlist. I was dining with ten friends so I expected a long wait, however we were surprisingly seated by about 7:30. As we waited, I enjoyed a Bloody Mary. While it was a little less spicy than I prefer, it was definitely above average for a sports bar. Many of my friends ordered specialty cocktails from the drink menu as well. Of particular note were the Cincinnati Street Railway and the Counting Stars. Several wines are on draft (yes, wine!) as well as local brews including Rhinegeist and MadTree.

After we were seated in one of the large red banquettes under the windows facing 12th Street, we ordered food that took well over an hour to arrive. (On my second visit it arrived much more promptly.) The appetizers were exceptional, especially the Buffalo Chicken Dip served with Ritz crackers for dipping, and the Tater Tots, served in a choice of three varieties, jerked spice, bacon and cheese, or garlic parmesan. While my Bison Burger was not cooked to the temperature that I ordered, it was still delicious. The second time was perfection.

If I have one complaint, it is that the service staff even after my second visit, still seems disorganized and slightly less than knowledgeable about the menu and drinks. I would be remiss if I did not mention that a good friend of mine is employed at Lachey’s and she is a consummate professional. Hopefully her experience will rub off on some of the less well trained staff.

If you decide to visit Lachey’s (and I hope you do), please keep in mind that parking meters in Over the Rhine and Downtown are now in effect until 9 Monday through Saturday and from 2-9 on Sunday. The garages on the corner of Vine and 12th and Vine and Mercer are great places to park as well. As in any city setting, parking is not free, but it is extremely reasonable. (Approximately $1/hour at a meter, payable by credit card, slightly more for a garage.)

Regardless of some small kinks in the service, I am certain that I will return to Lachey’s Bar often. It is exactly what Over the Rhine has been waiting for.