Entry No. 22 — the Cincinnati file — filed under: bohemian
Second Story
Tucked away on the second floor above Flying Axes, Second Story is an ethereal bohemian lounge anchored by a giant indoor tree sculpture and a rooftop terrace.
The story
At street level, 100 West 6th Street sounds like hatchets thumping into wooden target boards—it’s home to Flying Axes, where people hurl wood-chopping tools over draft beers. But ignore the noise downstairs and search for the stairwell. Up on the second floor sits a completely detached realm that trades lumberjack grit for an ethereal, art-infused sanctuary.
The room revolves around a massive indoor tree sculpture, its illuminated canopy spreading across the ceiling to cast a soft glow over bohemian seating and moody corners. Drawing inspiration from 17th-century French salons and historic bohemian cafes, the layout treats a cocktail lounge as a living art installation.
Behind the bar, drinks lean heavily into botanical and seasonal flavor profiles—mixing ingredients like sake, gin, ginger, and lime for concoctions like the Shoga Breeze. When the weather holds, the move is to take your glass past the glowing branches and step through the rear doors onto the rooftop terrace overlooking downtown Covington.
What it's like
You’ll pass the lower-level axe lanes before climbing the stairs to the second floor. The energy shifts immediately from thumping targets to low lighting, quiet ambient murmur, and the canopy of the central tree sculpture. Grab a drink at the main bar, then head straight out to the rooftop terrace. Weekend nights bring out a steady crowd, so arrive earlier in the evening if you want a quiet spot under the branches.
The move: Climb the stairs to grab drinks under the illuminated indoor tree canopy, then step out onto the rooftop patio for elevated views of Covington.
- 📍 Downtown Covington
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 100 W 6th St #200, Covington, KY 41011
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Hierophany & Hedge — Walk a single block away after your drink to swap the glowing canopy for Victorian arcana and tomb sand.
- The Secret Bar at CHAD — Keep the hidden drinking route going by sneaking through an art studio to reach another concealed courtyard.
- HAIL - Records & Oddities — Browse punk vinyl and taxidermy cabinets in MainStrasse before heading upstairs to drink under the tree.
Good to know
Where is Second Story located?
It sits on the second floor at 100 W 6th St (#200) in Downtown Covington, directly above Flying Axes.
Is there outdoor seating?
Yes, Second Story features a rooftop patio terrace accessible right off the indoor lounge.
What kind of drinks do they serve?
They serve artful craft cocktails—such as the gin, sake, and ginger Shoga Breeze—alongside a selection of spirits, wine, and beer.
How do you access the space?
Enter the building at 100 W 6th Street and take the stairwell up to the second floor.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · cincinnatimagazine.com
last checked: 2026-07-21