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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 (5301)
$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
Lee
Dined 4 days ago
Ashley was absolutely amazing. She checked on us just enough, but not enough to be a bother. She provided an amazing experience. Our food was hot and crispy and couldn’t have been better. I would highly recommend Cooper’s hawk, and requesting Ashley in the dining area!
A photo of Jag's Steak & Seafood restaurant
4.9
4.9 (7630)
$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
Keywest
Dined 4 days ago
Party of four: we had steak, seafood, pasta: everything was well prepared as requested. Christopher’service was quick without being hurried, pleasant while not overly familiar. The room where we were seated had a warm ambience on a frigid night and it was quiet enough to have good conversation. Good night with good friends.
A photo of Arnold's Bar and Grill restaurant
4.8
4.8 (706)
$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
Chris
Dined on Jan 15, 2025
Went here before a show at the Aronoff. It was super close and convenient! Food was great. Service was great. Great experience. We will be back!
A photo of Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y restaurant
4.5
4.5 (3120)
$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
William
Dined 3 days ago
Always an excellent time of food, friends, and what feels like family! Love this place!
A photo of Bakersfield - OTR restaurant
4.8
4.8 (945)
$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
Molly
Dined 4 days ago
Always a great time at Bakersfield! Waitress was super fast and attentive and the food was hot and tasty!
A photo of Coppin's - Hotel Covington restaurant
4.7
4.7 (2277)
$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
Betsy
Dined 7 days ago
My daughter and I had a spectacular meal. From the warm pear poached salad appetizer, her steak, my scallops with beets, and the pumpkin creme bruleé, everything was delicious. Oh, and the drinks were on point. Michelle, our server, was friendly, attentive, and professional. If you haven't been here...GO!
A photo of Grandview Tavern restaurant
4.6
4.6 (993)
$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
Christie
Dined 5 days ago
Great experience for my Mom’s 75th birthday!! We requested a certain table and they were able to accommodate us very easily.
A photo of Carlo & Johnny restaurant
4.9
4.9 (9645)
$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
Lisa Anne
Dined 4 days ago
When you have the opportunity to celebrate a special occasion it’s fun to go somewhere that You really enjoy!  Hank did a great job being our host for the evening and represented Jeff Ruby’s very well with his keen attention to detail. Thank you for always having great food and service , great ambience,  and providing a great backdrop for a beautiful evening (even on the coldest night of the year). 
A photo of Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse - Cincinnati restaurant
4.9
4.9 (9255)
$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
Adrienne
Dined 4 days ago
Another great date night! We had the Wagyu filet and Ribeye - both were delicious and perfectly cooked. We also tried the Air Ruby dessert - so delicious!
A photo of Tony's of Cincinnati restaurant
4.8
4.8 (5327)
$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
Tom
Dined 4 days ago
As always, the food, and service are excellent. We dine at Tony's several times a year and we have never been disappointed. Keep it up!
A photo of Tano Bistro - Hamilton restaurant
4.7
4.7 (946)
$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
Dana
Dined 2 days ago
The food was fantastic! The only complaint comes from having been seated next to the window and a freezing night. Between the chill coming from the window and the metal chairs, it was impossible to stay warm. The food and service were so good though that I’d freeze through it again any time!
A photo of Moerlein Lager House restaurant
4.5
4.5 (6348)
$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
MOLLIEVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Thrio dip was unique and very flavorful dips. The warm pita and chips were top notch. Grilled chicken pita was delicious. Quick and friendly service. Great views.
A photo of Krueger's Tavern restaurant
4.7
4.7 (887)
$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
WendyVIP
Dined 1 day ago
First time there, and we will definitely go back! The food was fantastic, and the service was top notch.
A photo of Matt the Miller's Tavern- West Chester restaurant
4.4
4.4 (1368)
$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
DavidS
Dined 3 days ago
Our Server, Heather, was excellent. Was attentive without being pushy. Food was very good. Manager stopped by and asked us how everything was. Very good overall.
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