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The Best Bars for Foodies in Cincinnati

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated February 26, 2020

The city of Cincinnati, known as the "Pearl of the West" and the "Queen City," lies in a gorgeous location on the north bank of the Ohio River. Surrounded by hills, it is a largely industrial city in the state of Ohio with a wide range of cultural and recreational facilities and beautiful neighborhoods like Over-the-Rhine and Mount Airy. Check out a Cincinnati Reds game at the Great American Ball Park, visit the Cincinnati Art Museum or wander around magnolia gardens in lovely Eden Park. It's a booming metropolis of sports, entertainment, cultural, historical and outdoor opportunities - and a rapidly growing culinary and nightlife scene! Foodies have an abundance of options to choose from, including vegan joints, haute-cuisine, and trendy bars. If you're looking for a place to enjoy a great cocktail or craft beer with your meal, check out our Tastemaker list of the best bars in Cincinnati.

A photo of Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Centerville, OH restaurant
4.8
4.8 (5271)
$30 and under
American
Centerville
About the restaurant
Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant is a fantastic place to go for award-winning wines, flavorful food and a cool, Napa-style tasting room. Located in Liberty Center, shoppers can head here for a break from the stores and refuel with their diverse menu of dishes specially designed to pair with wine made in their own private winery. Step inside and discover an inviting atmosphere with a sophisticated style and attentive service. The Tasting Room gives you a chance to sample the winery’s latest selections.
Top review
BarryVIP
Dined 4 days ago
Brussel sprouts were delicious, The braised short ribs were tender , tasty and paired nicely with root veggies and mashed potatoes. Our server, Ashley Beers, was exceptional. Friendly, informed and engaging.
A photo of Jag's Steak & Seafood restaurant
4.9
4.9 (7602)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
West Chester
About the restaurant
Jag’s Steak and Seafood, centrally located between Cincinnati and Dayton, is a perfect spot for impressing a client, dancing the night away or relaxing with a date. It’s definitely one of the best bars in Cincinnati for fantastic food and an award-winning wine list. The piano bar is a cool addition to the fine dining experience! Menu items here include Certified Angus Beef Steaks, fresh seafood like Chilean Sea Bass, Diver Scallops, Alaskan King Crab and an extensive raw bar/sushi options.
Top review
Chris
Dined 3 days ago
Terrific. Food and service and, since it was a business dinner we could actually carry on a conversation
A photo of Arnold's Bar and Grill restaurant
4.7
4.7 (704)
$30 and under
American
Cincinnati
About the restaurant
With over 150 years of history, Arnold’s Bar and Grill is Cincinnati’s oldest continuously operated tavern! Located on 8th Street in Cincinnati, it is a legendary downtown destination with a reputation for good food served in friendly surroundings. The popular establishment also has a treasured courtyard for outdoor dining as well as a great stage for live music on the weekends. Whether you’re in the mood for their signature Greek Spaghetti, one of their famous sandwiches or just appetizers and a cold beer, Arnold’s has it all!
Top review
Sandra
Dined 3 days ago
Food was amazing. Service was good. But we had a strange issue when paying our bills. We were a party of 8. 3 people paid with cash. Their bills were under $20. They put a $20 in the billfold and were not offered any change. The server said it was the bartenders decision to not give them change. I’ve NEVER seen this happen before. It should always be the customers decision if/how much they want to leave for a tip.
A photo of Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y restaurant
4.5
4.5 (3090)
$30 and under
Gastro Pub
Central Business District
About the restaurant
Located in downtown Cincinnati across from the Aronoff Center, Nicholson’s is a restaurant and bar serving fine food and drink in a genuine Scottish tavern setting. The bar takes inspiration from the public house found throughout Great Britain and it certainly feels like you’ve stepped into another country! In addition to high-quality food, they offer a wide variety of beer, wine and spirits with one of the best selections of single malt scotch whiskeys in the area. The food menu includes pub classics like Bangers and Mash and Shepherd’s Pie.
Top review
richardVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Service was impeccable, as always. Food was excellent. Nicholson’s never disappoints.
A photo of Bakersfield - OTR restaurant
4.8
4.8 (935)
$30 and under
Mexican
Over the Rhine
About the restaurant
Located on Vine Street in the Gateway Quarter, Bakersfield OTR is a tacos, tequila and whiskey bar owned by Joe Lanni. Many locals consider it one of the best bars in Cincinnati and you can choose from a selection of 45 tequilas, 45 American whiskeys and a menu of authentic Mexican street food. It’s a warm and spirited place to hang out and they have a great selection of Craft beer and wine. The cocktail menu is also fantastic, with specials like the Bakersfield Sour, made with Buffalo Trace, Grand Marnier, St. Germain, Agave Nectar, House Sour and Bourbon Cherries.
Top review
Michael
Dined on Jan 2, 2025
Fantastic food and service. Definitely will be back again when visiting Cincy!
A photo of Coppin's - Hotel Covington restaurant
4.7
4.7 (2271)
$31 to $50
American
Covington
About the restaurant
The Hotel Covington Cincinnati Riverfront occupies the iconic 1910 Coppin’s Department Store building. The space is approachable, intimate and comfortable without giving up a strong sense of style and sophistication. The culinary team here uses sustainable sourcing of meat, fish and game and seeks out the best ingredients from local farmers and artisans. The menu changes seasonally to reflect what is available. Locals and visitors alike love the bar, which offers seasonal cocktails like the Summer Sangria, with Sparkling Wine, Lemon, Peach, Mango, Hibiscus and Lavender.
Top review
Henry
Dined on Jan 1, 2025
We dined here New Year’s Day for dinner. It’s beautiful and comfortable. We ordered the meatball appetizer, which was delicious but we felt it was served a tad on the cool side. The entrée of salmon was perhaps a tad overcooked but the crusted duck was perfection. The caramel cider cheesecake dessert is very rich. We had nightcaps at the bar and enjoyed the seasonal dark Manhattan made with a dark stout beer reduction, very warming on a cold winter evening. Friendly and prompt service from the staff.
A photo of Grandview Tavern restaurant
4.5
4.5 (990)
$30 and under
American
Fort Mitchell
About the restaurant
Located just outside Cincinnati proper in Fort Mitchell, Grandview Tavern is a popular bar and restaurant with lively energy and friendly service. It is the newest addition to Northern Kentucky’s premier food and beverage entertainment business. Not only are they open for dinner on Monday, a rarity for many restaurants in the area, but they also offer half-price bottles of wine with dinner! Come in to check out the fantastic American cuisine from Executive Chef Michael Nelsen.
Top review
SherrieVIP
Dined on Dec 10, 2024
What a beautiful place for a Christmas Dinner with friends! The food was delicious and the service was amazing! The menu has something for everyone! Cocktails were top notch as was the wine selection!
A photo of Carlo & Johnny restaurant
4.9
4.9 (9588)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
Montgomery
About the restaurant
Carlo & Johnny is Jeff Ruby’s 1930s Chicago style steakhouse and supper club. They offer the same great Ruby steaks as his other restaurants, but with an Italian accent! They strive for excellence in the quality of the food, the energy and the elegance of the atmosphere, as well as the impeccable service and overall dining experience. Come in for one of their signature craft cocktails at the exquisite bar, known for the live entertainment and vibrant scene.
Top review
David
Dined 1 day ago
This was our first time at Carlo & Johnny and it did not disappoint. The food was good and the service was excellent. My wife and I will return.
A photo of Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse - Cincinnati restaurant
4.9
4.9 (9220)
$50 and over
Steak
Central Business District
About the restaurant
Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse, located on Walnut Street in the Central Business District, Jeff Ruby’s is a 1940s art deco style steakhouse. It features dry aged-on-premise steaks and fresh seafood along with a selection of salads, Steakhouse potatoes, vegetables and desserts. The convenient location in Cincinnati's entertainment district is within walking distance of downtown hotels and the convention center. The bar is a big draw and features fantastic cocktails combined with nightly entertainment and a swanky atmosphere.
Top review
Shawn
Dined 5 days ago
ABSOLUTELY SUPERB DINING AND SERVICE. IT WAS EVERYTHING I HAD THOUGHT IT WOULD BE AND BEYOND! OUR FIRST DINING EXPERIENCE AT JEFF RUBY'S WAS ABSOLUTELY BEYOND OUTSTANDING. THE FOOD, THE ATMOSPHERE, THE SERVICE, EVERYTHING WAS SPECTACULAR. WE ARE SO GLAD WE CHOSE TO DINE AT RUBY'S BEFORE SEEING LES MISERABLES AT THE ARONOFF ON THE EVENING OF TUESDAY, JANUARY 7. WE WILL CERTAINLY BE BACK AND WILL BE ANXIOUSLY AWAITING BEING IMMERSED IN THE "JEFF RUBY'S EXPERIENCE" ONCE AGAIN!
A photo of Tony's of Cincinnati restaurant
4.8
4.8 (5321)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
Cincinnati
About the restaurant
Tony’s of Cincinnati is a modern steakhouse located on Montgomery Road in the northeastern suburbs. The menu combines the classic American steakhouse with fresh, modern fare, an expansive and diverse wine list, and award-winning service. They do up the luxury without any pretension. And the bar here is famous for having a super vibrant scene! The happy hour is long and generous and they offer live music along with great cocktails, wine, and spectacular food.
Top review
MichaelVIP
Dined 2 days ago
What a wonderful evening at Tony's. Great service, always feel like you are part of their family. Cocktails were excellent. Grouper special was really good in combination with a great steak! Love this place.
A photo of Tano Bistro - Hamilton restaurant
4.7
4.7 (941)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Hamilton
About the restaurant
Tano Bistro, located on Riverfront Plaza in Hamilton, sits directly across from the beautiful Marcum Park. The restaurant offers a fresh dining experience in a contemporary dining space. It’s a classy yet comfortable spot with a menu of seasonal and local fare, including tapas-style dishes like candied bacon, crab cakes, Monfongo, and Baked Brie. Many locals think it has one of the best bars in Cincinnati and love the energetic and friendly atmosphere. Come in to check out the artisan beverages and expertly selected wine menu!
Top review
JackieVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Never a disappointment. Often get salmon. Very friendly staff. Oh, the bread basket starter is great and a treat.
A photo of Moerlein Lager House restaurant
4.6
4.6 (6342)
$30 and under
Gastro Pub
Cincinnati
About the restaurant
The Christian Moerlein Lager House is a world-class restaurant and brewery focused on the heritage of Cincinnati’s storied brewing history. Prominently situated in the dynamic Smale Riverfront Park, this restaurant offers a guest experience unlike any other! They have a working microbrewery that produces a full line of Moerlein craft brews along with delicious food offerings, including sandwiches and smoked rotisserie meats.
Top review
AngieVIP
Dined on Jan 4, 2025
We enjoyed the food, had a great view, and great service.
A photo of Krueger's Tavern restaurant
4.7
4.7 (881)
$30 and under
American
Over the Rhine
About the restaurant
Krueger’s Tavern is from the same group that brought you Bakersfield and The Eagle. It’s a stylish, seasonal New American kitchen with a menu of small and large plates and a rooftop patio. The goal here is to bring cuisine back to a simpler time by preparing and grinding fresh meats in house every day and serving up burgers and sausages with awesome craft beer and spirits. With 44 cans of beer on the menu as well as sausages flavored with a global influence, it makes sense that locals think this is one of the best bars in Cincinnati.
Top review
Bernard
Dined on Dec 23, 2024
Perfect spot for quick lunch, delicious food, and great service.
A photo of Matt the Miller's Tavern- West Chester restaurant
4.5
4.5 (1362)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
West Chester
About the restaurant
Matt the Miller’s, located on Civic Centre Boulevard, offers an upscale tavern experience that’s hard to beat. It features a chef-driven menu of tavern favorites with a unique twist. They offer Original Flatbreads as well as fresh seafood and steak selections featuring the finest and freshest ingredients. They also have an exciting bar and offer premium wines by the glass, craft and local beer and an extensive inventory of fine spirits and artisan cocktails. It’s a high-energy place, perfect for enjoying time with family and friends.
Top review
Cathy
Dined on Jan 3, 2025
We had a very nice evening at Matt the Miller's. We were seated promptly and the service was great. Our party of four each had a different entree. The fish and chips, flatbread, salad and burger were all very good. This was my first time at this restaurant and I will return when I am in the area.
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