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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 restaurant
4.7
4.7 (5057)
$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
Linda
Dined 4 days ago
This is an upscale but unpretentious restaurant. Their focus is wine but food is excellent and so is the service. Very festive atmosphere with an open, performance kitchen. It’s a real gem.
A photo of Jag's Steak & Seafood restaurant
4.9
4.9 (7387)
$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
soriamvip
Dined 4 days ago
The managers and waitress were excellent. The chef made the alteration I was hoping and came out even better than my desire! We are happy!
A photo of Arnold's Bar and Grill restaurant
4.7
4.7 (678)
$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
Cheryl
Dined on Sep 24, 2024
Glad to see Arnold’s open for lunch again! Good food and service.
A photo of Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y restaurant
4.6
4.6 (3006)
$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
Alexis
Dined 4 days ago
Our server was delightful. Pleasant and efficient. We were seated in a booth and the lighting was quite dim. My companion couldn’t even make out the menu! She asked, and a manager did increase the light some, but it threw cold water on her experience of a restaurant we went to for years of pre-theater dinners.
A photo of Bakersfield - OTR restaurant
4.8
4.8 (897)
$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
Patrick
Dined 4 days ago
Met up here with my cousin who was in town for a few nights, margaritas were great, tacos were great, we were able to talk without having to yell at each other which was awesome, ample space in the high booth we were at too. Will go again
A photo of Coppin's - Hotel Covington restaurant
4.7
4.7 (2198)
$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
Marciavip
Dined 2 days ago
Lisa was great and so was the bar tender and Brooks. Thanks we will return!
A photo of Grandview Tavern restaurant
4.4
4.4 (980)
$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
Nancy
Dined on Aug 10, 2024
We had a fantastic evening at Grandview. Sitting on the patio, we enjoyed delicious food, excellent service, and a really fun band!
A photo of Carlo & Johnny restaurant
4.8
4.8 (9254)
$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
Joan
Dined 4 days ago
Great food with an amazing dining experience! Waiter Jack was the best. He was friendly, attentive, and helped to make it a perfect evening, offering recommendations from the wine list as well as on the menu. It was a Wonderful Evening!
A photo of Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse - Cincinnati restaurant
4.9
4.9 (8903)
$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
Dianne
Dined 5 days ago
Food and service was phenomenal. Staff was friendly and made great recommendations. Very large portions, have enough leftover for another meal! Excellent, excellent, excellent!
A photo of Tony's of Cincinnati restaurant
4.8
4.8 (5219)
$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
Frankvip
Dined 3 days ago
The service was excellent and the steaks were outstanding.
A photo of Tano Bistro - Hamilton restaurant
4.7
4.7 (915)
$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
Jack
Dined on Sep 27, 2024
We had a wonderful dinner. The food was excellent! Our server was very attentive and the chef even came out and introduced himself and checked on our satisfaction. Highly recommend!
A photo of Moerlein Lager House restaurant
4.5
4.5 (6220)
$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
Kim
Dined on Sep 23, 2024
The service and food was very good. We come here a lot before a game and really enjoy it!
A photo of Krueger's Tavern restaurant
4.6
4.6 (849)
$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
amyvip
Dined on Sep 25, 2024
Went for restaurant week and the options were all appealing. The mac and cheese is amazing! Service was great too.
A photo of Matt the Miller's Tavern- West Chester restaurant
4.4
4.4 (1322)
$30 and under
Pub
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
Mary Bethvip
Dined 4 days ago
We were there in a non crowded time at 2:30 but manager and wait staff were amazing, helpful and did everything to enhance our visit celebrating a birthday!
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