Citilites at Schuster Performing Arts Center - Permanently Closed

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1. SN

   SusanN

   Cincinnati

   8 reviews

   1.0

   8 reviews

   Dined on January 10, 2020

   overall1food1service1ambience1

   They didn’t call us that it is has closed down and is longer a restaurant!!
   

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2. ST

   StevenT

   Nashville

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 4, 2020

   overall1food1service1ambience1

   I received a phone call the day before my reservation informing me the restaurant was now closed. But I continued to receive text messages reminding me of my reservation. I finally received the text message cancelling the reservation 20 minutes after my scheduled reservation. The communication between Citilites and Open House is terrible. Doubt I will use this service again
   

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3. r

   returnroller

   Cincinnati

   42 reviews

   1.0

   42 reviews

   Dined on January 4, 2020

   overall1food1service2ambience1

   They closed two days before our reservation. Not good!
   

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4. DS

   DonaldS

   Cincinnati

   2 reviews

   2.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on December 31, 2019

   overall2food2service2ambience4

   roasted chicken was under-cooked. Had to send it back 2 times. In the past the chicken was excellent. A poor experience. Since it was roasted the cooks did not start cooking when they should have. Chef?
   

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5. RM

   RichardM

   Cincinnati

   2 reviews

   4.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on December 31, 2019

   overall4food4service5ambience4

   Great experience, good food, excellent location!
   

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6. BB

   BigBucks4PoorQuality

   Cincinnati

   3 reviews

   2.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on December 31, 2019

   overall2food2service2ambience4

   There were three of us who had a dinner. We ordered wine and french fries for an appetizer. The fries came instantly but the wine did not come until just before our dinner was served. I had the special for dinner which was coconut shrimp with pickled vegetables and a coconut curry sauce and it was delicious. My two companions had crab cakes and they were terrible: about the size of a silver dollar and 3/4 of am inch thick, very dark from over cooking, mostly filling with very little identifiable crab meat, and the tartar sauce was mostly mayonnaise with a bit of pickle relish. The desert which we shared was very good. So over all I rate our experience on the poor side. It certainly was not as good as my previous experiences.
   

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7. DB

   DarylB

   Cincinnati

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on December 31, 2019

   overall3food3service4ambience5

   Is convenient for shows at the Schuster. Food and cost not the best.
   

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8. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Cincinnati

   4 reviews

   3.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on December 31, 2019

   overall3food3service5ambience5

   New Year’s Eve. The service and ambiance were, as usual, exceptional. The menu was very limited (maybe for that night) - and the food was just so so, and overpriced. We are used to a more varied menu and more value for the price.
   

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9. BW

   BobbiW

   Cincinnati

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on December 28, 2019

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Great food!! Great company!! Our waitress, Jessica W.was very helpful and attentive. She took time to explain the items on the menu in detail. She is really a very good waitress! We love eating at Citilites whenever we are going to a concert. It is convenient and exceptionally delicious!! I recommend Citilites to everyone I know!!
   

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10. S

    Sydney

    Cincinnati

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 22, 2019

    overall4food5service2ambience5

    The food tasted great and the selection was great for all diets. Service was slow as it seemed to be understaffed.
    

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11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    12 reviews

    3.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on December 20, 2019

    overall3food1service4ambience4

    I was taken aback by the "weirdness" of the menu. One brief page ( that, in itself was OK), but the lack of variety was puzzling. However, the placement of choices was unusual. In the middle was what I learned was an appetizer, and I mistakenly thought it was a pasta presentation. Much to my surprise, it would have been an OK appetizer--but not great. There was a number of vegan and vegetarian choices which would appeal to those with that taste, but not mine. I had not eaten here for about a year, and I had never been disappointed in my previous visits, but this visit prior to the Nutcracker would make me re-think coming again. Yes, it was disappointing, and no, I will not return for some time.
    

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12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 13, 2019

    overall3food3service4ambience4

    Took granddaughters out prior to Nutcracker for 8 year olds golden birthday. She was 8 on the 8th.
    

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13. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 13, 2019

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    This was one of the worst restaurants my family has every been to. First of all it took over an hour to get our food after orders second my friend who was a vegetarian got the veggie burger and when she got it, it tasted like something they pulled right out of the back alley garbage can. When my son got his grilled cheese the cheese was literally food colored jello. They were out of almost everything imaginable and couldn’t get a single thing right. Thank god we’re not going there again!🤢
    

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14. BA

    BobA

    Cincinnati

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 12, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    It was a little chilly for 3 older women!! Service was wonderful, and the food was very tasty.
    

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15. CG

    ConstanceG

    Cincinnati

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 7, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Citilites has excellent food and is so convenient when attending a Schuester event. Staff was courteous and efficient.
    

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16. KC

    KarenC

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 7, 2019

    overall4food3service5ambience4

    Please have more selections of entrees. Some nice seafood would be great. I have dinner there before many Schuster events and the menu is not inclusive enough.
    

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17. MS

    MarkS

    New Orleans

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 6, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We haven't been to Citilites in some time, and this one turned out great. Short ribs and apple crisp were outstanding. Service was very good. The challenge is always when there is the large crowd just before the shows, and the answer is to just allow plenty of time for the busy kitchen.
    

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18. M

    Mphfff

    Cincinnati

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on December 6, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Excellent food and service, a bit pricey though. The crab cakes were delicious and I hope they never take them off the menu
    

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19. r

    returnroller

    Cincinnati

    42 reviews

    4.0

    42 reviews

    Dined on December 6, 2019

    overall4food5service5ambience5

    Food is always a little unique and always good. Service was very good as usual. The Wintergarden is a unique place to eat.
    

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20. D

    Dayton

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 1, 2019

    overall2food2service2ambience4

    Location and convenience for older people to see the show is the only reason I can think that the restaurant is still in business. The food is overpriced and wait times are far over than other restaurants I frequent. (it took 40 minutes for a cup of soap and gourmet burger) It has been over a year since I have been back to Citilites thinking it may have improved, but I was wrong.
    

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21. BS

    BarbaraS

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 1, 2019

    overall2food2service3ambience2

    I wish you would offer the small plate appetizers again. I ordered the crab cakes. Would like to have had cocktail sauce but was told that it was not available! I ordered a side salad and it was in an enormous odd shaped bowl, making it difficult to eat !!! I can tell you are cutting corners to save money.
    

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22. J

    1Joe

    Cincinnati

    4 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 1, 2019

    overall2food1service4ambience4

    Limited menu. Poor description of items. Not willing to make changes to order, that’s how it’s prepared. Menu changes resulted in favorites being eliminated. Cannot makes changes to a basic hamburger.
    

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23. BD

    BeckyD

    Cincinnati

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Service at Citilites is always excellent - well timed and friendly. The wait staff is very knowledgeable about the menu items offered. Ambience is very good. We like to sit in the open area. This time I had the hamburger and it was excellent. For appetizer we usually get the brussel sprouts and they are excellent! Very tasty.
    

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24. MD

    MasonDad

    Cincinnati

    131 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    131 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2019

    overall3food2service3ambience3

    This was our first visit to the Schuster Center to see a show, so we were excited to see a restaurant right in the Center, but disappointed in what we found. We arrived two hours before the show, and plenty of seating was available. At first they wanted to seat us "outside" in the area near the theater, but the seats had no cushions - and the tables reminded me of what you sit at in a Mall Food Court area. We asked to be seated in the restaurant where the tables are the same, but the seats are at least cushioned. The service was OK, the food was mediocre (my salt cod croquettes were only luke warm). The Menu online looks like a fine dining, but the atmosphere and result in food and service is not as good as even most casual dining places we've eaten. We will clearly be back to the Theater, but will find places to eat in Dayton. It is a shame, since the location is prime. I suggest they upgrade the furniture, menu, and selection and I bet they will not have "Plenty of seating" any longer. Until then, I cannot recommend this option.
    

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25. PR

    PaulaR

    Cincinnati

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Always a nice place for a bite to eat before the show!! Try the Sweet Potato Waffle Fries Very Yummy with Honey on the side! Great service as always!
    

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26. DD

    DanaD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 20, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was amazing - I'm still dreaming of those Brussels sprouts - and the service was top notch! Will definitely go again, and will be recommending it to friends also! A+ experience!
    

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27. J

    Julesgirl

    Cincinnati

    101 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    101 reviews

    Dined on November 15, 2019

    overall2food2service4ambience2

    Always stop here before a performance. Brought friends who had never been after telling them what a treat it is. New menu is hugely disappointing. No shareables or small bites. 2 had bangers and mash which was bland. At least that was a decent portion. Rotolino was a joke. 5 small bites of a Charcuterie rollup and a sprig of grapes $17. Pappardelle was equally skimpy. We were embarrassed after talking it up as a nice evening starter. We’ll be rethinking our preshow dining.
    

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28. GE

    GraceE

    Cincinnati

    14 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 15, 2019

    overall4food5service3ambience5

    Chicken was very tender and juicy, great flavor,. Short ribs are melt in your mouth good!!! Excellent beet sslad. Black stallion cab was great! Definitely coming back!
    

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29. KB

    KathleenB

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 15, 2019

    overall3food2service3ambience3

    Thought about ordering scallops, the special. Could smell them being cooked. Not too appetizing. Menu choices ehh. We decide we will forgo convenience for other restaurant choices in future. Sorry
    

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30. t

    thouse

    Cincinnati

    49 reviews

    4.0

    49 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2019

    overall4food3service4ambience3

    We go to Citilites for dinner before every concert/performance held at the Schuster. And, typically, we thoroughly enjoy our experience. Service is almost always spot on. However, I continue to be dismayed by what, for us at least, is a somewhat limited menu. How about bringing back a nice filet?
    

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31. B

    Becky

    Cincinnati

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2019

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Good food and a little show by WSU students before the show.
    

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32. NS

    NicoleS

    Cincinnati

    48 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    48 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2019

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    We go to Citilites often before performances downtown. I have to say, the dinner menu just wasn't what I was hoping for. I would still go, and love Citilites for lunch, but I've been disappointed in the dinner menu. It's now more of a tapas feel, which is fine, unless you're looking for a large meal as we were. What we had was delicious, but just small portions. The bartender was making EXCELLENT mixed drinks though, and dessert didn't disappoint. Our waitress gave excellent recommendations on what to order, and we REALLY enjoyed the live music provided by Wright State Students. It made for a lovely atmosphere before the show!
    

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33. e

    eatsoutoften

    Cincinnati

    42 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    42 reviews

    Dined on November 1, 2019

    overall2food2service4ambience4

    We have been pleased in recent times with Citilites but are changing our minds with the new menu. To begin there are no "defined" appetizers- they are "mixed in" with the entire menu. No more steak dinners, no side salads, entree selection and wine list have been pared down. Prices have gone up. They seem to know that the people coming to the performances at the Schuster ARE a CAPTIVE audience as well. So sad as the menu previously was easy to navigate and there was a good variety of food. With the "lumped together" menu we saw 2 sets of people actually sit down and leave as they just wanted wine and appetizers and could not find them on the menu... this situation and the selection will not win them any BRAVOS or friends for that matter. Suggest that they sit down and reevaluate their menu offerings and also the design of their menu which is a genuine confusing mess.
    

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34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 27, 2019

    overall2food2service4ambience2

    Service was great. Joseph took good care of us. Dinner however was sub-par for the prices charged. We felt very rushed. During dessert, the hostess was clearing tables and removed the flower vase from our table. Then said while doing so, and I quote, "Gotta get my job done so I can get outta here.". This was our fourth dinner here, we may need to think about the fifth.
    

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35. l

    lisaian

    Cincinnati

    29 reviews

    2.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2019

    overall2food1service5ambience2

    I had the ribeye caps, which is the most expensive of all the meals, the mushrooms on the plate were raw, the meat couldn’t amount to 4 ounces total for both pieces. WAS NOT WORTH $28, in any way, shape or form. The black raspberry frozen dessert had NO TASTE TO IT WHATSOEVER!!! Our server Yosef was FABULOUS, the meals, stunk!!!
    

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36. c

    carolynm

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 27, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    We had a very tasty lunch and it was so convenient to eat and then enter the theatre.
    

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37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2019

    overall3food5service4ambience4

    Seated without any staff assigned to us. After inquiring with Manager as to why we had no wait staff, she took our drink order & food order while she was there. Manager apologized, comped our drinks as courtesy. I would give a 5 overall without this mishap.
    

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38. CG

    CyndeeG

    Cincinnati

    6 reviews

    1.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2019

    overall1food1service4ambience4

    We ordered a hamburger well done , and it came out rare then when we had coffee it was cold. I have eaten here many times but this time it was really bad!
    

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39. M

    Margie

    Cincinnati

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Always a great meal at Citilites. Looking forward to another visit soon.
    

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40. C

    Cvillews2

    Columbus

    19 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on October 25, 2019

    overall3food3service4ambience3

    Hard chairs in atrium are uncomfortable.
    

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