A friendly, fair-trade coffee establishment with volunteer staff and one whole night per week dedicated to jazz? In Cincinnati?! We were surprised, too. Rohs Street Cafe brings together two things that go together better than peas and carrots: jazz and coffee (the only better pairing, we know, being jazz and alcohol, but we digress.)

Thursday nights feature local artists with the occasional touring group thrown into the mix. Jazz purists should be forewarned that Friday and Saturday nights tend to veer into singer-songwriter territory, so stick to Thursdays if you’re offended by acoustic guitars and folkier vibes.

The cover charge is very affordable, as is the coffee, and being next to the University of Cincinnati, the Cafe caters to late night studiers and caffeine addicts, often staying open until midnight. This gives the whole venue a sophisticated vibe that just might fool you into thinking you’re sipping your chai latte in some artsy Greenwich Village coffee house as the jazz wafts out onto the street.

Rohs Street Cafe Information

• Public Transportation: No
• Handicapped Accessibility: No
• Performances: Live music Thursday-Sunday; Thursday is Jazz Night
• Ticket Prices: $5-10 cover for most performances, no cover for some special events.