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Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y, Cincinnati, OH
Dining Room B - Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y, Cincinnati, OH
Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y, Cincinnati, OH
Scotch Wall - Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y, Cincinnati, OH
Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y, Cincinnati, OH

Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y

4.5
4.5
2730 Reviews
$30 and under
Gastro Pub
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. Taking inspiration from the public houses found throughout Great Britain, our goal is to provide our guests with authentic hospitality and a brilliant dining experience. In addition to high-quality food, we offer a wide variety of beer, wine, and spirits featuring one of the best selections of single malt scotch whiskies in the area. Our family of restaurants has grown in recent years to include two new concepts: Horse & Barrel Bourbon House and the Backstage Event Center located next door from Nicholson's Pub. Horse & Barrel is an award-winning whiskey bar with 100+ whiskeys and bourbons, specialty cocktails, craft beers, small bites and a friendly bourbon-loving staff. The Backstage Event Center is a private event venue hosting rehearsal dinners, weddings, cocktail parties, corporate events and more.


Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 43 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Gastro Pub, Steakhouse, Seafood
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (513) 564-9111
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Cameron Bloomer
  • Private party facilities
    Nicholson’s is located directly across from the Aronoff Center for Arts. Nicholson’s has the largest selection of Single Malt Scotch in the region.We are a great destination for your next rehearsal dinner, graduation, business dinner or birthday party.
  • Private party contact
    Kelly Schneider: (513) 550-1869
  • Neighborhood
    Central Business District
  • Cross street
    Between 6th and 7th, Across from the Aronoff Theater
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Entertainment
    Bourbon & Blues - Live music every Thursday 6pm-9pm
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 2,730 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

2,730 Reviews
  1. JeffreyE

    Tallahassee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    We thoroughly enjoyed our meal. The food was as good as expected. The ambience was great. The noise level was low. Our server was trying hard but was not as knowledgeable as we had hoped. A new employee should well versed on Scotch and menu items. He was not. But tried and did get answers to our questions from other employees.

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  2. LindaR

    Louisville

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food - GREAT service!! Thanks for a wonderful experience !

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    Detroit

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall1food1service1ambience3
    Found this place online and thought the atmosphere and menu looked really cool. We were in town for my boyfriend’s birthday and made a reservation to ensure we could get sat and able to eat after a long day of traveling. Once seated for our reservation by a very kind hostess, we never got waited on. Nobody greeted us or even looked in our direction, quite frankly. We waited 25 minutes in our booth at the restaurant, right next to the bar, and never got served. Pretty disappointing experience for a place that had potential.

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  4. Robert

    Cincinnati

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience5
    Had the fish and chips. Fish tasted old and was very overcooked. First time seeing bartender and wait staff not in kilts which was always part of the experience.

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  5. itim25

    Cincinnati

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A very nice dinner and drinks across from the Arnoff Center prior to the show. An overwhelming selection of Scotch so I ordered the Highlands Flight. Very nice sampler. Food was really good for pub fare, a step up in fact. Everything from appetizers to dessert was well prepared and flavorful. The waiter we had was knowledgeable, pleasant and appropriately present. Well done.

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  6. BrookeB

    Cincinnati

    11 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2023

    overall3food4service1ambience4
    Food was good but came out cold, like it had been sitting for a while. Ordered apps and entrees and the apps didn’t come out first. We went long stretches of time without seeing our server. We sat at 6:15 and didn’t have food until 7. I have had better experiences here in the past but the service this visit was disappointing.

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great brunch food! wonderful meal and drinks before the show

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  8. Beverly

    Phoenix

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service and food, came in earlier than our reservation but were able to seat us right away

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Indiana

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was excellent, and we loved the decor/ atmosphere. We started with crab cakes and the bread plate (both were very good). I had the fish and chips and my daughter had the Steak Frites. I highly recommend this place.

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  10. MarkB

    Cincinnati

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We always enjoy the great food and great service before we see a Broadway show!

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  11. JamesF

    Cincinnati

    26 reviews

    4.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Loved our waiter, could not have been more genuine, tried hard to accommodate requests, was willing to chat a bit but attentive to all tables and requests. Immediately acknowledged the restaurant did not have a special menu for the Play ALADDDIN, which they usually do for all the guests attending the theatre across the street. So he had the bartender make a special kiddie cocktail which he called the Aladdin's Treasure. He charmed my granddaughter, and make lemonade out of lemons. A perfect example of how honesty and a positive attitude can make guests happy!

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  12. squirebrandy

    Cincinnati

    102 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    102 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love the food and atmosphere. We had the fish and chips, yum.

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  13. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A respite from your cares, walking into Nicholson’s feels like walking into a warm and inviting home. Cozy and warm, you can sit at the exceptional bar, a high top or low top table, or in a booth. There is even another area with a fireplace and a small crackling fire. The ambience is just the beginning. Beginning with your entrance, you are greeted and enjoy excellent service. I always order a cosmopolitan, which is one of the best in the city. The food is also outstanding. Blackened salmon and fish and chips are two of my favorites, but there are also Scottish dishes, soups, salads, sandwiches and flatbread. You cannot miss at Nicholson’s. Make sure you make a reservation!

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  14. staceym

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    2.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience3
    Service at bar incredibly slow - on a few people there at 4:00 pm on a Sunday Service better at dinner; expensive for what it was

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  15. OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was delicious and our server CJ was wonderful!!

    Is this helpful?

  16. KelleD

    Cincinnati

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fun atmosphere for a date night or meeting friends before an event. Great food and drinks!

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  17. MaureenS

    Cincinnati

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My friend and I both ordered the Wee Fish and Chips dinners. Wee dinner is 2 pieces, full dinner is 3 pieces. This was by far the best fish I've had from a restaurant in years! I ordered the Tavern Old Fashioned and it was also delicious. Very well made. The service was great, from start to finish. The restaurant is beautiful and I want to return there when I have the chance!

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  18. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    If a unique tavern experience with fabulous Scottish flair is your desire, Nicholson’s in downtown Cincinnati is a perfect choice. Relaxed, yet upscale simultaneously, Nicholson’s is a location you shan’t forget.

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a great server, Calab, and typical great service and good.

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  20. theater

    Cincinnati

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Our server Caleb was awesome- made it a very fun luncheon event. The crew were excellent at checking with us to ensure everything was ok. Kudos.

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  21. LindaB

    Cincinnati

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    CJ was fantastic! Really good food. Will come again 😊

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  22. Daniel

    Louisville

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server was Fifi, she was very kind, and made sure we had a Great Dinner, served perfectly. Pot roast was delicious!!! Ceasar salad was awesome. We had 2 drinks, was just enough... Dessert, toffee cheesecake was delightful...Thanks Fifi, you made our night!

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  23. Bill

    Louisville

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Friendly and fast service at a fairly busy time. (Aronoff had just let out.) Food was good. Special Old Fashioned was good. We'll go back.

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  24. Feb2022

    Cincinnati

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The noise level in the front of the restaurant was loud but I sat towards the back and it was very pleasant. The service and food was really good. The cornbread salad with chicken was good but just a little pricey. $26.00 was a little extreme.

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  25. SusanG

    Cincinnati

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and wonderful service as always! Highly recommended!

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Devon was great, the food was great, and the drinks were great. Can't wait till next time!!

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  27. JohnM

    Louisville

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on October 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Took a chance on a restaurant harking back to my heritage (Very Scottish!). And, seeing it a 12 minute walk to Taft Theatre my wife and I gave this very well located restaurant a try: great service, cool decor and way above average Gastro Pub food with tremendous beer selection. Personally I could not resist their showcased bourbon centric Old Fashioned ….perfect. We went on a Thursday night and a forewarning: watch the Arnoff Center calendar: it got crowded closer to their showtime. We were early birds for a 7 o’clock Zach Williams performance (excellent) and the whole evening went well. Our server was knowledgeable and fun. We will be back.

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  28. AngieB

    New Orleans

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on October 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The pot roast was amazing. Try the Old Fashioned it was also very good.

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  29. Dabr

    Cincinnati

    44 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on October 24, 2023

    overall3food4service1ambience3
    This is the worse service we have had for a very long time. We waited for 20 minutes until a server approached our table - and this was only after I went to one of the hostesses and asked about getting a server. When he did finally come - he did not apologize and seemed to have a scowl on his face. The scowl did improve as the night went on. It took almost 10-15 minutes to even get our drinks before he took our order. We ordered an appetizer 1st. Then after we received our drinks we ordered salads and our entrees. Literally, everything came out the same time. After this experience, I wouldn't bother coming back. This was very disappointing and frustrating.

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  30. Grace

    Cincinnati

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful, as always! Adore the Scotch eggs. The shrimp & grits are a favorite. Never a disappointment. Perfect location for a pre show meal with Aronoff Center just across the street.

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  31. MargaretH

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nicholson’s service was excellent in spite of the restaurant being extremely busy. Our food was delicious!!! Great atmosphere! Nice selection of bourbon and other spirits. Looking forward to eating there again.

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  32. KD88KEYS

    Cincinnati

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I often visit Nicholson's. Service, food and ambiance is always great and they go above and beyond to be helpful. I have vision problems and they always accomadate my situation and they'll even walk me to the police crossing guard when I'm going to the Aronoff afterward. VERY great experiences........always!

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  33. ElizabethB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great meal as usual and nice atmosphere. Definitely recommend the salmon or pot roast.

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  34. WifeMomOf3

    Cincinnati

    14 reviews

    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    First time I've had thr shrimp and grits. So glad to see it on the menu. They were absolutely delicious.

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  35. Magee

    Cincinnati

    9 reviews

    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall3food3service1ambience5
    Possibly new server? 1 dinner was messed up and overlooked. 2 others were Luke warm. Had two tables of 5 and different servers so decided to just take care of our own. Every single check was wrong with drinks added or food added. Had reservations for 4:45 as we had show tickets. The server couldn’t figure out how to fix it. Had to run to get across the street by 6:30.

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  36. Terrys

    Las Vegas

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall2food5service2ambience4
    We were going to Aranoff at 6:30 and had reservations at 4:45. Service slow and checkout was horrible. Just made the show. Would not recommend going before a play at Aranoff.

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  37. JenniferK

    Cincinnati

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The dinner at Nicholson’s was excellent. The food and service could not have been better. Our server Natalie was super friendly and sweet. My mom and I had a great time before the show!

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  38. MelissaF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We really enjoyed our time at Nicholson's. Very happy that it was conveniently located directly across the street from the Aronoff. Our server was very attentive and friendly without being intrusive. The food arrived timely and everyone thought the food was delicious. The parmasean encrusted roasted potatoes were exceptional. We'll be back!!

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  39. BethH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The server was amazing as well as the rest of the staff. I appreciate that they were willing to put us in the Hearth Room since my mom has hearing issues. GREAT experience

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  40. fretcom

    Cincinnati

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great experience at Nicholson’s. The salmon was incredibly prepared and the Patron mixed drink was just perfect.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y using the Order Online button. Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y also offers delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (513) 564-9111.

Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y is rated 4.5 stars by 2730 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 43 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y

625 Walnut St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Between 6th and 7th, Across from the Aronoff Theater
  • Neighborhood
    Central Business District
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Gastro Pub, Steakhouse, Seafood
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Cameron Bloomer
  • Entertainment
    Bourbon & Blues - Live music every Thursday 6pm-9pm
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (513) 564-9111
  • Private party facilities
    Nicholson’s is located directly across from the Aronoff Center for Arts. Nicholson’s has the largest selection of Single Malt Scotch in the region.We are a great destination for your next rehearsal dinner, graduation, business dinner or birthday party.
  • Private party contact
    Kelly Schneider: (513) 550-1869
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