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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.

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Centerville, OH
4.7 (5467)
$30 and under
American
Centerville
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
Tonnisha
Dined on Apr 21, 2025
Filet mignon was delicious ❤️. Great experience as usual.
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
Tonnisha
Dined on Apr 21, 2025
Filet mignon was delicious ❤️. Great experience as usual.
Jag's Steak & Seafood
4.9 (7820)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
West Chester
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 on Apr 22, 2025
Absolutely fantastic. Service, vibe, value, and quality was above board
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 on Apr 22, 2025
Absolutely fantastic. Service, vibe, value, and quality was above board
Arnold's Bar and Grill
4.7 (744)
$30 and under
American
Cincinnati
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
Heather
Dined on Apr 19, 2025
Always love a visit to Arnold’s. It was packed with live music that evening, but staff were well prepared for a busy crowd, extremely attentive and courteous.
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
Heather
Dined on Apr 19, 2025
Always love a visit to Arnold’s. It was packed with live music that evening, but staff were well prepared for a busy crowd, extremely attentive and courteous.
Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y
4.7 (3202)
$30 and under
Gastro Pub
Central Business District
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
ChristinaVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Food was good we were seated right away. Service was a little slow (& it was not crowded).
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
ChristinaVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Food was good we were seated right away. Service was a little slow (& it was not crowded).
Bakersfield - OTR
4.8 (986)
$30 and under
Mexican
Over the Rhine
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
jenna
Dined 4 days ago
Tacos were solid, Margaritas were great! I’d go back.
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
jenna
Dined 4 days ago
Tacos were solid, Margaritas were great! I’d go back.
Coppin's at Hotel Covington
4.7 (2358)
$31 to $50
American
Covington
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
Ben
Dined 5 days ago
Great selection of drinks! Very cool ambiance Slightly disappointed in the steak frites, the fries were awesome but the steak left much to be desired.
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
Ben
Dined 5 days ago
Great selection of drinks! Very cool ambiance Slightly disappointed in the steak frites, the fries were awesome but the steak left much to be desired.
Grandview Tavern
4.7 (1008)
$30 and under
American
Fort Mitchell
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
Mike
Dined 5 days ago
Great food and service. We will definitely be back soon!
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
Mike
Dined 5 days ago
Great food and service. We will definitely be back soon!
Carlo & Johnny
4.9 (10023)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
Montgomery
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
Kirt
Dined 1 day ago
Food was great as always. Our server Sarah and her assist did a great job and added to a wonderful dining experience.
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
Kirt
Dined 1 day ago
Food was great as always. Our server Sarah and her assist did a great job and added to a wonderful dining experience.
Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse - Cincinnati
4.9 (9531)
$50 and over
Steak
Central Business District
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
Melvin
Dined 3 days ago
It was a great experience and the food was very delicious and staff was on point will be back again
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
Melvin
Dined 3 days ago
It was a great experience and the food was very delicious and staff was on point will be back again
Tony's of Cincinnati
4.8 (5403)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
Cincinnati
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
Karin-Marc
Dined 7 days ago
Food was fantastic. Only wish there were smaller portion options.
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
Karin-Marc
Dined 7 days ago
Food was fantastic. Only wish there were smaller portion options.
Tano Bistro - Hamilton
4.7 (968)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Hamilton
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
TheresaVIP
Dined on Apr 17, 2025
Tano has a relaxing atmosphere; it is a great place to gather with friends, family and out-of-town guests. The service is prompt and friendly and the food is fresh and delicious; best chicken sandwich, spinach and artichoke dip and crab cake around!
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
TheresaVIP
Dined on Apr 17, 2025
Tano has a relaxing atmosphere; it is a great place to gather with friends, family and out-of-town guests. The service is prompt and friendly and the food is fresh and delicious; best chicken sandwich, spinach and artichoke dip and crab cake around!
Moerlein Lager House
4.6 (6398)
$30 and under
Gastro Pub
Cincinnati
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
LoriVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Great service, delicious food, and great atmosphere!
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
LoriVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Great service, delicious food, and great atmosphere!
Krueger's Tavern
4.7 (929)
$30 and under
American
Over the Rhine
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
RaymondVIP
Dined on Apr 18, 2025
Quaint upscale sandwich tavern. Great stopping point in OTR for a drink and a appetizer and or sandwich. Plus it's close to Music Hall for a bite to eat before a performance.
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
RaymondVIP
Dined on Apr 18, 2025
Quaint upscale sandwich tavern. Great stopping point in OTR for a drink and a appetizer and or sandwich. Plus it's close to Music Hall for a bite to eat before a performance.
Matt the Miller's Tavern- West Chester
4.3 (1429)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
West Chester
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
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Apr 22, 2025
The service was excellent very prompt with drink request and delivery. They were very Helpful with the menu. Our food was delicious and served hot!
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
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Apr 22, 2025
The service was excellent very prompt with drink request and delivery. They were very Helpful with the menu. Our food was delicious and served hot!

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