The Rowdy Paw on March 31, 2025.
The University of Cincinnati (UC) campus is about to get a new hotspot bar for students, and it's designed with Bearcat pride in mind.
Rowdy Paw, a new bar opening on Calhoun Street, promises to deliver a unique blend of college bar vibes and an elevated atmosphere, making it the perfect hangout spot for students, particularly during the busy football season.
The location, once home to the St. Claire bar has undergone a transformation that retains the original layout but brings a fresh and exciting new concept.
According to Andrew Salzbrun, a partner in Hickory Wald—the company behind Rowdy Paw– the space drew them in due to their previous accomplishments.
“We fell in love with the space because it already had a great case study for success,” Salzbrun said. The area around Calhoun Street is seeing massive growth, with 2,700 student apartments set to be completed in the next 18 months within a five-block radius. Salzburg believes this surge in student housing will help the new bar succeed, especially with the ever-growing UC student body.
Despite the tight quarters of the space, Rowdy Paw's design will focus on flexibility and function. The bar, featuring a sleek and shiny red bar back and oversized historic movie theater speakers, will feature an aesthetic that channels UC spirit without being an overt sports bar.
Guests can expect an eclectic mix of elements, such as an Instagram-worthy chandelier and interactive touch tunes for music control. The bar will also have unique foldable tables that adjust based on crowd size, maximizing the space on busy nights.
Signature drinks and a Shake Shack partnership
The bar is set to introduce some exciting collaborations, including a partnership with Shake Shack. Students can order Shake Shack food right from the bar, and it will be delivered from the nearby restaurant. “We’re the only bar on campus with this capability,” Salzbrun said, adding to the excitement around the bar's opening.
Though the signature drink menu is still in the works, Rowdy Paw aims to cater to its college audience with affordable drink options like domestic drafts and shots. As the popularity of THC-infused drinks rises, the bar is keeping an eye on state regulations to potentially offer these drinks in the future.
The Bearcat vibe
While Rowdy Paw will have a distinct Bearcat theme, it won’t be your typical UC sports bar. Instead, the design will emphasize the school's signature red color and subtle nods to UC’s iconic athletes and traditions. A feature art wall will showcase abstract representations of UC legends, such as Kenyon Martin, without explicitly revealing their full images. "We want to give a nod to the Bearcats without being too obvious about it," Salzbrun said.
The space is designed for students to personalize and make their own, whether it’s by graffitiing the bathroom mirrors or creating their own playlist. The bar aims to create a dynamic atmosphere that changes with every visit, giving students a place where they can truly express themselves.
Hiring and opening details
In preparation for its spring 2025 opening, Rowdy Paw is hiring around four bartenders, four barbacks, and security staff for the door.
Salzburn mentioned that the initial hiring process has already seen impressive interest, with over 200 job applications coming in after a recent announcement on Cincinnati Barstool, "We’re excited to bring in new staff each year to keep things fresh and aligned with the university’s changing student body," he said.
For students looking to apply for positions at Rowdy Paw, the hiring process will be managed through direct communication with the company’s HR department pre-opening, and post-opening, applicants can apply in person.
Opening soon
The goal is for Rowdy Paw to be up and running by April 2025––just in time before the semester ends and ahead of the next football season. With its combination of affordable drinks, fun atmosphere, and Bearcat pride, Rowdy Paw promises to be a popular addition to the campus bar scene.
Stay tuned for more details on the grand opening and upcoming events as the new bar gets ready to open its doors.
