About Nicholson's

The idea for Nicholson’s was born from our founder’s passion for all things Great Britain. Nick Sanders traveled the U.K. extensively and fell in love with the amazing warmth, genuine hospitality and unique style of the public houses there. Much of the design was strongly inspired by Cafe Royal Circle Bar in Edinburgh, Scotland. We take great efforts to create a supremely authentic Scottish Pub experience, as the majority of the furniture and fixtures are from Great Britain. There is also Scottish soil underneath the bar and threshold so every guest is stepping onto a piece of Scotland when they walk through our doors. Our primary goal is to deliver an exceptional, unique, and singularly authentic experience every time.

26 years

Bringing Scotland to Cincinnati

100+

Scotch Whiskies

1st & Finest

Gastropub in the Region

Nicholson's Pub
4.4 Stars - Based on 6022 User Reviews
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Kira David AvatarKira David
Great place to stop for a good meal. - 11/11/2024 
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John L. AvatarJohn L.
5 star rating Stopped in Nicholson's for a nightcap and snack. Gorgeous entrance, the interior had a beautiful bar with lots of woodwork, some old world throne looking furniture and an authentic pub look. On tap they have mostly traditional British beers with some local craft. I haven't seen Kilkenny (A red ale in the Guinness family) in forever. Nitrogenated and creamy, it was a simple and delicious ale with a soft/creamy mouthfeel. We ordered Goat Cheese Dip - topped with smokey bacon jam and naan bread $15 and the Belhaven Beer Cheese - warm soft pretzels, celery, carrots $14. Both were delicious and great for a sharable snack. The whiskey list is crazy long. Scotch (Lowland, Reserves, Campbeltown, Highland, Islay, Speyside), Whiskey, Bourbon ..... We were in the twilight of our night and wanted to indulge, but it was not to be. I will say if you want to try a local Bourbon you can find New Riff, Boone County and Northside served here. Our server was great, I loved their kilts. Just look around and enjoy the pub views. I highly recommend a stop in Nicholson's. If I had more time in Cincy I'd have definitely returned to explore their pub menu. Thanks guys! - 11/10/2024 
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Ryan Zech AvatarRyan Zech
Just about everything at Nicholson's is great! Awesome decor, great service, excellent bourbon selection, delicious meals, and somehow it's reasonably priced too! We eat here at least once a month and have never had bad service or a bad meal! It's hard to find a restaurant these days that you can say that about, which makes our experience at Nicholson's that much better. - 11/10/2024 
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Nancy M. AvatarNancy M.
5 star rating Nicholson's was delightful. The restaurant was warm and welcoming, with live music playing in the front. We sat in a smaller room farther from the band in front of a fireplace. It was perfect for a cool evening. Our service was excellent. We started with the Bellhaven Beer Cheese with Pretzels and we both loved it. I had the chicken schnitzel. It didn't seem to fit with the menu but we learned Cincinnati had many German immigrants so it made sense. It was excellent. My husband had the Kentucky Hot Brown, which was so good he wants to make it at home. The spirits list was extensive though we had wine and beer. - 11/03/2024 
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Nathaniel Bond AvatarNathaniel Bond
The atmosphere and decor is amazing, and the food was very good. I would definitely recommend this restaurant. - 11/02/2024 
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Marie R.
5 star rating My husband, two adult daughters) and I went to Nicholson's for dinner before a show later that evening at the Aronoff. We had never been to the restaurant before, and with the location close to the theater, we figured we'd try it. We will be back! The entire staff was friendly, from the greeters and seaters to our server, Fifi. Our service was wonderful--just the right balance of getting us what we needed while leaving us to enjoy the meal and each other's company. We all loved the breadboard. There was something for everyone there: sweet, savory, and even some pickles to enjoy! Each of us had a different meal and enjoyed our orders. My Welsh Dip sandwich on a pretzel bun was fabulous, and the tavern fries were hot, crispy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside. And the desserts (we split a bruleed cheesecake and the seasonal berry crumble with vanilla ice cream) were the perfect ending to our meal. We were pleasantly surprised with the value of the meal and I look forward to returning again with my husband for a date night! - 11/01/2024 
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Jason Fleenor AvatarJason Fleenor
We came to eat here during the Blink Arts wave. So it was busy. It took us a while to be served. When we finally got our food, my wife's fries were soggy, and the chicken sandwich was just not good. Overall I enjoyed the restaurant but might not be back. - 10/30/2024 
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Paul Lappage AvatarPaul Lappage
I've been wanting to try this place and wasn't disappointed. Really cool atmosphere, staff were so friendly - especially the guy behind the bar, service perfect and the Pot Roast was awesome!! - 10/28/2024 
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Lynn C. AvatarLynn C.
4 star rating In town for the weekend and overwhelmed by restaurant options we decided just to walk the streets and see where we found. We walked by this place and the decor grabbed our attention and luckily they had a menu posted outside. When we walked in we were asked if we had reservations and if not we could sit at these side booths newr the bar. This worked great and since it was busy and loud, it made for better conversation. The decor is like an old pub, the staff wear kilts and filled with stories. The menu has old English favorites fish & chips, scotch eggs, bangers and mash. We ordered beer cheese with pretzels which was very good. My husband got chicken schnitzel with bourbon glazed carrots and mash and I had to try the fish & chips (they come in 2 sizes and the small was plenty) l. My husband also tried a smoked old fashioned and he is very particular about these and said Soooo Good! - 10/27/2024 
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Andrew Brown AvatarAndrew Brown
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Nicholson’s, and I have to say, their fish and chips were nothing short of awesome! From the moment I walked in, the inviting atmosphere set the stage for a fantastic meal. The fish was perfectly cooked, with a light, crispy batter that had just the right amount of seasoning. It was flaky and tender on the inside, making each bite a delightful experience. The portion size was generous, ensuring that I left feeling completely satisfied. The chips were equally impressive—golden, crispy, and fluffy on the inside. They complemented the fish perfectly and were clearly cooked to perfection. I appreciated that they were served hot and fresh, adding to the overall enjoyment of the meal. What really stood out was the attention to detail. The meal was accompanied by a tangy tartar sauce that paired beautifully with the fish, and a wedge of lemon that added a refreshing zest. The staff was friendly and attentive, making sure that my dining experience was top-notch. Overall, I highly recommend Nicholson’s for anyone craving delicious fish and chips. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this place is a must-visit. I can't wait to return and indulge in this fantastic dish again! - 10/25/2024 
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Catherine Fiehrer AvatarCatherine Fiehrer
Dinner was so good we came back after the show for drinks and an appetizer - 10/25/2024 
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Richard B. AvatarRichard B.
5 star rating Nicholson's is such a cool place. Love the interior and the food. For an appetizer we got the Scotch Egg. So good. We decided to get the Shepherd Pie and Tavern Salad for our main and it was so so good. Service was super and the food was awesome. Sticky Toffee Pudding was I believe the best dessert I have ever eaten. I would go out of my way to get that again. Definitely 5 stars in my opinion. - 10/24/2024 
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Vik AvatarVik
5 star rating cute place, friendly waitresses and good food We loved the place, the vibes of the pub. The waitress was really nice, he even made small jokes. The food was also really goos, I tried the nachos with beef and the padron peppers. - 10/23/2024 
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Dee Jay AvatarDee Jay
Great Gastropub! - 10/22/2024 
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Seth
Our server was fantastic. He made for a wonderful evening. Is suggestions from the menu were spot on. Great food, good price, well worth the experience. - 10/20/2024 
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Kelly
Great food and drinks. The grilled chicken zucchini medley is my favorite. Husband loves the shepherds pie. - 10/20/2024 
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Ed B. AvatarEd B.
5 star rating We stopped at Nicholson's for dinner before enjoying Blink. This isn't the first time we tried the restaurant, and it won't be the last. Of course, I had to start with a scotch (McCallan's 12-year). I ordered the salmon, and my wife had the pot roast. Both dishes were delicious. After the meal, my wife commented on how reasonably priced the menu was. Cheap, terrible food is never a bargain. But Nicholson's offers outstanding food at a fair price. Plus, they had live music. This is a winning combination. If you're visiting downtown Cincinnati, don't hesitate to try Nicholson's for a meal. And order a McCallan's on the rocks. - 10/19/2024 
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Brent AvatarBrent
Think about your favorite comfort food. Do you feel that? That is exactly what it is like eating the Scottish/British version. Whether it be fish and chips, bangers and mash, or one of their delicious soups. The vibe is a pub atmosphere but the food is like a warm blanket. Parking: There are many paid parking lots within walking distance. - 10/19/2024 
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Timothy
The Fish & Chips as well as the pot roast were AMAZING. If you have not been here before, I would highly encourage you to check them out! If you are in a rush, you might want to check somewhere else, but the pace of the service is intended for you to enjoy your meal and enjoy the atmosphere. - 10/19/2024 
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Megan
Pot roast and burger were great. Had great service too - 10/19/2024 
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Tylor Rivizzino AvatarTylor Rivizzino
Their wine underwood is so good ! Food is always delicious - 10/16/2024 
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513Canikickit Avatar513Canikickit
Josh the bartender made the night! Outstanding service 👌 - 10/12/2024 
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Dale
Have ate here several times before going to the Aronoff Center. Everytime the food is great. Will continue to eat here before the shows. - 10/10/2024 
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Kevin C. AvatarKevin C.
5 star rating Very cool pub/restaurant downtown. Nice atmosphere and friendly staff. The only place I've ever been that offers Guinness 0.0. Our server was top notch and the food was very good, but the lack of vegetarian options limited me to a salad. Good experience and highly recommended! - 10/07/2024 
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Brian Sass AvatarBrian Sass
A delicious meal and great drinks with family. I hope to be back again soon. - 10/07/2024 
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Nick Marquardt AvatarNick Marquardt
Great selection of tasty apps/food and drinks. The whiskey flights are priced fairly (and frankly, cheap, given what other places like to charge these days). - 10/06/2024 
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Elaine Painter
The hearth room was the perfect size and had the perfect ambience for a rehearsal dinner. Elena was great to work with too. - 10/06/2024 
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Rachel Timming AvatarRachel Timming
Absolutely love it here, the atmosphere and the food are perfect. And our server FeFe was awesome. Definitely will be coming back. Fantastic - 10/05/2024 
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Alexis
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. - 10/02/2024 
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Mike W. AvatarMike W.
4 star rating Neat restaurant/bar in Cincy. We came here for a relatively early lunch on a weekday and it was empty so can't speak to much about what it's like when it's packed out but they have plenty of space and the decor is very neat. I really enjoyed my meal and they had plenty of options. - 10/02/2024 
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625 Walnut Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
513-564-9111
nicholsons@dinetrg.com

HOURS:
Sunday: 10am-9pm
Monday-Saturday: 11am-11pm

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