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Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y, Cincinnati, OH

Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y

4.5
4.5
3052 Reviews
$30 and under
Gastro Pub

Make a reservation

2 people
10:30 PM
Booked 45 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Charming
  • Lively
  • Good for special occasions
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.


Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Gastro Pub, Breakfast, 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
  • Website
    http://www.nicholsonspub.com/
  • 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.
  • Location
    625 Walnut St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
  • 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

Featured in

Experiences

  • Burns Night Celebration

    $75.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Jan 23, 2025 only
    Come join us for a night of Scottish revelry. Get ready for bagpipes, kilts, and lots of fun! This event will transport you to the heart of Scotland, with Celtic music, dancing, and, of course, a hearty feast. Mark your calendar and get ready to raise your glass to Scotland's National Poet at our Annual Robert Burns Night celebration. 6:00pm Ticketed Event at Backstage Event Center: $75 includes reserved seating, family-style dinner with appetizers, desserts, wine & whiskey tastings, live music by the Columbus Celtic group FinTan, entertainment throughout the evening by Robert Reid and The Cincinnati Highland Dancers, Traditional Toast to the Haggis, and more!

Menu

Starters

  • Belhaven Beer Cheese$12.00

    warm soft pretzels, celery, carrots

    • Guinness Spring Rolls$12.00

      pot roast, potato, root vegetables, creamy horseradish sauce

      • Crab Cakes$16.50

        lump crab meat, topped with seasoned breadcrumbs, fried, mixed greens, malt vinegar aioli

        • Flash-Fried Brussels$9.00

          parmesan, malt vinegar aioli

          • Fried Pork Belly$12.00

            crispy with bourbon mustard BBQ sauce, apple turnip coleslaw

            • Scotch Egg$10.00

              pub mustard, mixed greens

              • Smoked Salmon Dip$14.00

                house-smoked salmon dip, red onion, capers, crostini, celery, carrots

                • Ploughman's Bread Board$12.00

                  artisan bread, house-made cornbread, olive oil, honey butter, jam, goat cheese mousse, pickles

                  • Charcuterie Board$25.00

                    artisanal meat & cheese, crackers, pickles, granny smith apples, jam

                    Soups & Salads

                    Add: Chicken* $7 | Salmon* $9 | Crab Cake* $9 | Shrimp* $9

                    • Soup du Jour$5.00

                      chef's daily feature

                      • Cock-A-Leekie$5.00

                        pulled chicken, chicken broth, leeks, golden raisins, white rice

                        • Kentucky Burgoo$6.00

                          house-made stew with chicken, pork, beef, potatoes, tomatoes, corn, carrots, onion, celery, beans, fresh baguette

                          • Tavern House Salad$6.50

                            spring mix, dried cranberries, granny smith apples, stilton blue cheese crumbles, house-made bee pollen vinaigrette

                            • Classic Caesar Salad$6.50

                              romaine, shaved parmesan, garlic croutons, house-made caesar dressing

                              • Arugula Salad$10.00

                                dried apricots, arugula, feta cheese, walnuts, balsamic vinaigrette

                                Tavern Fare

                                • Nicholson's Fish & Chips

                                  hand-breaded haddock, tavern fries, coleslaw garnish, house-made tartar sauce

                                  • Wee$14.00
                                  • Full$18.00

                                • Bangers & Mash$18.00

                                  Avril-Bleh sausage, caramelized ale onion gravy, mashed potatoes, green onions, braised red cabbage

                                  • Pot Roast$19.50

                                    slow-roasted in house, three cheese macaroni, roasted carrots, topped with crispy onion straws

                                    • Shepherd's Pie$17.00

                                      ground lamb & beef, peas & carrots, mashed potatoes, parmesan breadcrumbs, bordelaise, accent salad

                                      • Kentucky Hot Brown$18.50

                                        turkey, griddled sourdough, bacon, tomato, cream sauce

                                        Mains

                                        • Pan Seared Salmon*$25.00

                                          highland beurre blanc, mashed potatoes, zucchini medley

                                          • Chicken Schnitzel*$22.00

                                            pretzel-crusted, lemon caper beurre blanc, clapshot, roasted carrots, scallions, crispy onion straws

                                            • Steak Frites*$30.00

                                              house marinated choice cut, tavern fries, garlic butter

                                              • Center Cut Pork Loin$21.00

                                                slow-roasted pork loin, cranberry-apple chutney, truffle parmesan roasted potatoes, braised red cabbage

                                                • Shrimp & Grits*$20.00

                                                  creamy sharp cheddar grits, jumbo shrimp scampi, scallions

                                                  Gastroburgers

                                                  tavern fries

                                                  • Nicholson's Signature*$15.00

                                                    sweet onion jam, yellow & white cheddar, arugula, tomato, lemon garlic aioli, butter-griddled sourdough

                                                    • Bourbon BBQ & Bacon*$15.00

                                                      beef patty, sharp white cheddar, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion

                                                      • Shepherd's*$15.00

                                                        seasoned ground beef & lamb, herbed goat cheese, lemon garlic aioli, arugula, tomato, onion

                                                        • Horse & Barrel Sliders*$13.00

                                                          Two hearty beef patties, pimento cheese, pickles

                                                          Pub Sandwiches

                                                          choice of side

                                                          • Highland Haddock$14.00

                                                            hand-breaded, house-made tartar sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, rye

                                                            • Roasted Pork Sourdough$14.00

                                                              jamaican jerk mayonnaise, sharp cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onion, butter-griddled sourdough

                                                              • Welsh Dip$17.00

                                                                prime rib, green peppers, onions, mozzarella, provolone, au jus, pretzel bun

                                                                • Caledonian Grilled Chicken$14.00

                                                                  marinated chicken, bacon, griddled onion, swiss cheese, lemon garlic aioli, lettuce, tomato, brioche bun

                                                                  • Corned Beef Reuben$14.00

                                                                    sauerkraut, swiss cheese, thousand island dressing, rye

                                                                    Sides

                                                                    Side Dish Platter $12 | $4 à la carte; pick three side dishes, bread

                                                                    • Truffle Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

                                                                      • Tavern Fries

                                                                        • Mashed Potatoes

                                                                          • Clapshot

                                                                            Mashed Potatoes & Turnips

                                                                            • Three Cheese Macaroni

                                                                              • Coleslaw

                                                                                • Roasted Carrots

                                                                                  • Braised Red Cabbage

                                                                                    • Flash-Fried Brussels Sprouts

                                                                                      • Zucchini Medley

                                                                                        • Artisan Bread

                                                                                          • House-Made Cornbread

                                                                                            Last updated: January 17, 2023

                                                                                            What 3,052 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
                                                                                            • 4.6Food
                                                                                            • 4.6Service
                                                                                            • 4.6Ambience
                                                                                            • 4.4Value

                                                                                            Noise • Moderate

                                                                                            Review summary

                                                                                            AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                                            Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y in Cincinnati is celebrated for its "fantastic experience" and "delicious food." With a remarkable Scotch selection and Scottish-themed pub ambiance, it's the perfect spot before a concert at the Aronoff Center. Guests consistently praise the "great service" and "excellent atmosphere." Enjoy live music, themed specials, and a cozy setting for a memorable dining experience.

                                                                                            3,052 Reviews

                                                                                            1. Squire

                                                                                              Cincinnati

                                                                                              121 reviews

                                                                                              vip
                                                                                              5.0

                                                                                              121 reviews

                                                                                              Dined 4 days ago

                                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                                              We love the place because of the food, atmosphere service and today was no different. The food was as good as always and the portions excellent. A great value also.

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                                                                                            2. Teri

                                                                                              Cincinnati

                                                                                              1 review

                                                                                              4.0

                                                                                              1 review

                                                                                              Dined 4 days ago

                                                                                              1. Overall 4
                                                                                              2. Food 4
                                                                                              3. Service 4
                                                                                              4. Ambience 4
                                                                                              The food, atmosphere, service was all wonderful. Perfect for attending show at Aronoff Center

                                                                                              Is this helpful?

                                                                                            3. Nancy

                                                                                              Cincinnati

                                                                                              2 reviews

                                                                                              vip
                                                                                              1.0

                                                                                              2 reviews

                                                                                              Dined 4 days ago

                                                                                              1. Overall 1
                                                                                              2. Food 1
                                                                                              3. Service 1
                                                                                              4. Ambience 2
                                                                                              We went on a busy sunday at 11:30. There was a bengals game and a show. Food was cold for half the table.

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                                                                                            4. Jonathan

                                                                                              New York City

                                                                                              2 reviews

                                                                                              vip
                                                                                              3.0

                                                                                              2 reviews

                                                                                              Dined 4 days ago

                                                                                              1. Overall 3
                                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                                              3. Service 1
                                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                                              The restaurant was great, food was better. Our server, well bless her heart. We waited about 10-15 min to be greeted, then another 15 min to get our drinks, finally another 10 to take our order, then waited about 45 min to get our food - it was only until then did the manager come out to sincerely apologize. The server - oh sweetheart, may I suggest some more training and time management. Can’t wait to come back again though - I will definitely make sure she’s A) not working or B) not to be sat with her. I would like to eat in a sensible manor :)

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                                                                                            5. karen

                                                                                              Cincinnati

                                                                                              18 reviews

                                                                                              5.0

                                                                                              18 reviews

                                                                                              Dined 5 days ago

                                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                                              Our food and cocktails were very good, and the menu has some fun Scottish choices. I had the chicken schnitzel, which was very good and a large portion. My husband enjoyed his pasta dish as well, and the cheesecake was delicious. Our server was excellent and friendly. I love the bar area atmosphere with the dark wood. It was a very enjoyable time. I'm sure we'll return.

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                                                                                            6. David

                                                                                              Cincinnati

                                                                                              1 review

                                                                                              5.0

                                                                                              1 review

                                                                                              Dined 5 days ago

                                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                                              Excellent lunch experience before show at Aronoff. Received very nice service from reception desk and our server, Eliza. I enjoyed Manhattan perfectly made to my specifics. My husband was most pleased with his bowl of burgoo and pot roast meal. I was very pleased with my bowl of burgoo and Caesar salad. Eliza promptly corrected misunderstanding with my salad. Price was appropriate for quality of food & drink. Recommend reservations for about two hours before show time. Pace here is more on par with dining in Europe which my husband and I appreciated.

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                                                                                            7. Amy

                                                                                              Cincinnati

                                                                                              10 reviews

                                                                                              3.0

                                                                                              10 reviews

                                                                                              Dined 5 days ago

                                                                                              1. Overall 3
                                                                                              2. Food 3
                                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                                              4. Ambience 4
                                                                                              The service was really good, but the wait time for food and bar drinks was too long. Which is the same every visit. Making the decision to return difficult.

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                                                                                            8. Dave

                                                                                              Cincinnati

                                                                                              8 reviews

                                                                                              1.0

                                                                                              8 reviews

                                                                                              Dined on November 27, 2024

                                                                                              1. Overall 1
                                                                                              2. Food 4
                                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                                              4. Ambience 1
                                                                                              The food was good as long as you don’t want to have a conversation with anyone in your party of four. The music was so loud you couldn’t hear any conversation at the table. When we complained the waiter said others had complained and they lowered it a bit. I can only imagine how loud it was before they complained. When we complained they lowered it a small amount but was still terrible. Too top it off the music was hard rock, not the type of music associated with a nice dining experience. Why in the world would an establishment allow the bartender to control the music? Overall we will not be going anymore it’s just not conducive to a night out with friends.

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                                                                                            9. William

                                                                                              Cincinnati

                                                                                              3 reviews

                                                                                              vip
                                                                                              5.0

                                                                                              3 reviews

                                                                                              Dined on November 26, 2024

                                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                                              Very busy with heavy Aronoff Show customers but service was great and everyone got to show in plenty of time. No rushing.

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                                                                                            10. Rita

                                                                                              Cincinnati

                                                                                              57 reviews

                                                                                              vip
                                                                                              4.0

                                                                                              57 reviews

                                                                                              Dined on November 24, 2024

                                                                                              1. Overall 4
                                                                                              2. Food 3
                                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                                              Cozy by the fire in the back room. Service was great! Pot roast had way too much pepper and Sheperds pie was too peppery also! Fish and chips and Burgoo was tasty

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                                                                                            FAQs

                                                                                            Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y 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 3052 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                                                            Make a reservation

                                                                                            2 people
                                                                                            10:30 PM
                                                                                            Booked 45 times today
                                                                                            Experiences are available.

                                                                                            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, Breakfast, 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
                                                                                            • Website
                                                                                              http://www.nicholsonspub.com/
                                                                                            • 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.

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