Reviews

Went here for my friend's birthday. It was delightful, as always! Good food, good drinks, nice & quiet. We enjoyed it! - 4/15/2026 

Always absolute best experience before a show! Food & drinks were amazing. Our server was wonderful & chatted enjoyably about the arts venue. This has always been the attractive experience that I have at Nicholson’s.👍😊 - 4/11/2026 

Great service and amazing food! Fun dinner stop before a musical at the Aronoff - 4/11/2026 

Forget best UK/Irish inspired bar in Cincinnati, first trip in and this gets my vote for one of the best in the country. Proper pours of Guinness, a menu clearly inspired by Irish, English, and Scottish pubs (but with American flair) and phenomenal sticky toffee pudding. Its a good thing I'm from out of town, or I'd be here minimum once a week until I'd tried every whisk(e)y they have, and it'd take a good long while.If that's not a good enough recommendation for you, service and staff are fantastic, and vibe is 10/10. Plus they make a mean old fashioned. - 4/05/2026 

Been here with my wife a few times—drinks, food, and service are amazing. It’s a great place to dine without having to dress up (suit-and-tie style) if you don’t want to.Our usual dish is the Walnut Street Sirloin. The steak is obviously the star, but what keeps us coming back is the potatoes. They’re roasted in duck fat and taste incredibly delicious ❤️ - 4/04/2026 

Great time and amazing service Stopped into a pub in the US while out one evening and ended up staying longer than planned—in a good way. It had that easygoing, no-pressure vibe where you can just settle in and relax without thinking about time. The staff were genuinely friendly, not in a forced way, just normal, down-to-earth people who made you feel welcome as soon as you walked in. Service was quick but still felt personal. I ordered some food not expecting much, but it actually surprised me. Portions were generous, everything tasted fresh, and it hit that proper comfort-food spot. Paired it with a cold beer, and it just worked. What stood out most was the atmosphere—people chatting, a bit of background noise, maybe a game on somewhere—it felt real and unpolished in the best way. Prices were fair, nothing that made you think twice, especially for how much you get. Overall, just a genuinely good experience. The kind of place you’d happily go back to without overthinking it. - 4/03/2026 

Nicholson's is our pre-show go to for many reasons: location, great menu, great service and a value. We love Nicholson's - 4/03/2026 

Service a bit slow on a crowd at night but the food was excellent. - 3/31/2026 

Restaurant Great locations, comfortable seats, and good lighting. Absolutely great location if you're about to see a play next door. Service Our server was not so great. Maybe the waitress was new, but she took forever to come and help us, our glasses stayed empty, and it took an extra 15 minutes just to get the check. Appetizer None Main Course - Crab cake and toast was a huge hit with my wife. Though she wasn't sure how to eat it and the egg wasn't runny as she wanted, she enjoyed it. - 9/10 - Steak and fries with chimichurri was quite delicious. The bourbon bbq sauce for the fries I highly recommend. Steak was a bit over cooked but tasty. - 8/10 Dessert - Brulé cheese cake was light and fantastic. The berries consisted of 4 blueberries. Would have been nice with a few strawberries or raspberries- 8/10 - 3/30/2026 

We love Nicholson’s! Great food, and drink, exceptional service, and friendly staff! Their specialty menus that match whatever show is at the Arnoff are fun and tasty. Their regular menu is wonderful and always reliable. Love that they support nonprofit organizations in what they do! Highly recommended! - 3/30/2026 

We love eating at Nicholson’s when we attend shows at the Aronoff. Location is across from the Aronoff, the atmosphere is comfortable and the food is fantastic! Fefee is our favorite waitress, however, the entire staff is always on their A game and accommodating. Highly recommend eating here! - 3/30/2026 

Great place! Food was excellent. Try the pot roast! - 3/30/2026 

Food, service and ambiance are always amazing! My only complaint is, the past few times I have been to Nicholson’s, the hostess makes a point to say they have a reservation for my table in 1.5 or less than 2 hours. This makes me feel rushed, uncomfortable and undervalued as a customer. No other restaurant has said this to me. If they have an issue with tables being available for reservations, I suggest they adjust their schedule, staffing, whatever is causing a need to put a time limit on their customers. - 3/29/2026 

Food was delicious, service was friendly and timely. Would definitely recommend for a fun night out. - 3/29/2026 

Visited after ball games and had an amazing experience. - 3/29/2026 

In part chosen for its proximity to the Aronoff and part for the fish and chips offering for a Lenten Friday, Nicholson’s was the perfect pre-show dinner. We had the crab cakes and flash fried Brussels for appetizer, fish and chips, fish and shrimp, shrimp and grits, and salmon for entrees, and sampled the toffee sticky pudding, bourbon crème brûlée, and red velvet cheesecake for dessert. Also had the Belhaven Scottish ale and Roxie specialty cocktail. In a rare occurrence, we actually had zero leftovers. The haddock, in particular, was a fish fry delight. Crispy and meaty, spritz of fresh squeezed lemon and malt vinegar. Our server, Chani, was terrific. Mindful of our timing for the show, attentive, with spot-on recommendations including the cocktail and sticky toffee dessert. Would make it a regular destination for any Aronoff production. - 3/28/2026 

Went in after show at the Aronoff. Server was Farrah and she was very attentive and nice. Gost cheese dip is delicious. Bourbon sours were good. I had the pasta à la whiskey which was very good. My husband had a New York strip that was off the special menu from the Aronoff show. It was not a New York strip. It was a couple pieces (very fatty) on top of French fries. For $36 would expect a full steak or better description of what the meal was. - 3/28/2026 

Wonderful dinner before our show. Our waitress (Asia? Maybe) was amazing and she was sure to mention the specials and note we were on a timed evening. Overall great experience. - 3/28/2026 

We will always reserve a table at Nicholson’s before seeing a show at the Aronoff. The food is excellent, the service is always great, and we love that there’s always a special menu of features inspired by the show that’s on! - 3/27/2026 

We have never been disappointed at Nicholson's. The food and service are always excellent. They know how to get you finished and onto your show on time. And it's a fun atmosphere! - 3/27/2026 

My rehearsal dinner was hosted at Nicholson's upstairs venue and it was 10/10 great experience. We enjoyed and food, dreamy atmosphere and friendly staff. - 3/27/2026 

Great food, always love the show specials. Fifi was our server and was fantastic, looking forward to next play. - 3/26/2026 

Great location for everything and wonderful staff with great food - 3/26/2026 

Ditto to everything I have said in the past. The food was excellent and was our seat location. We always love coming her before the play. One last item, out server was excellent and very attentive - 3/25/2026 

Haven't been here in a while - so glad I came before seeing Chicago last night. Food & drink specials were SO GOOD! Service was GREAT! - 3/25/2026 

Food was good, service was a bit slow due to a large crowd. - 3/25/2026 

Wow. Just wow. Nicholson's has been on my radar for a while, but I'm not in Cincy all too often. It wasn't until recently that I found myself staying at the 21C Hotel right next door again and decided to give them a try for dinner. They aren't on any apps and ordering on their website is not an option, so you have to call ahead. That said, they happily took my order and said it would be ready in roughly 20 minutes. When I got there it was indeed ready for me and they truly delivered. For starters, it seems obvious to include utensils in the bag along with ketchup and vinegar for my fries, but I've lost count of how many times I've picked up food while traveling and it's not in the bag (even when I ask for it). When I got back to my room I went to town and holy moly was it good. I ordered the fish and chips (of course!) and I ate just about every bite. The fish was perfectly crispy, piping hot, and had good flavor. I would have liked for the fries to be a bit crispier, but I get that their style of fries is simply not like that. A couple days later my coworkers and I needed a place to grab lunch close by and I was so happy with what I ordered for dinner that I suggested it to them and they were quick to oblige. We got some appetizers to share and everyone at the table was pleased. I could eat an entire plate of their brussel sprouts, seriously they were so good. I pretty much ordered the same thing that I did for dinner, but it included shrimp and those were just as tasty as the fish. They clearly know what they're doing and I would order from here again in a heartbeat. I'll end by saying our waitress, Mack, was an absolute pleasure. - 3/24/2026 

My team and I had the most amazing dinner at Nicholson's after a long day of work. We sat in the back room and were the only people back there, so it was nice and quiet and just what we needed. Our server, McKenna, took great care of us the whole evening. She was friendly, engaging, accommodating, and just did an overall great job. Pro tip, go during happy hour for great prices on appetizers and drinks. The appetizer pricing was so good we were able to order more than planned. We got the duck fat fries, brussels sprouts, and buffalo chicken. The duck fat fries came with a delicious garlic aïoli. The brussels sprouts were just perfect. And the buffalo chicken with some of the best I've had in a long time. I had never had cock-a-leekie before, so I tried that too. It was a nice, warm, comfort food. For our entrées, several of us got fish and shrimp. It was delicious and the tartar sauce and cocktail sauce sauces were perfect. The highlighter of the evening for me was my mocktail. I noticed the drink menu had a cucumber elderberry drink, but I do not drink alcohol, so I ask if they would be willing to make something like it as a mocktail. It was genuinely one of the best mock tails I've ever had. It was so good. I asked if the bartender would mind sharing what she did so I could make some version of it at home. She happily obliged and wrote it down for me. Overall, a wonderful experience that will definitely have me recommending Nicholsons to friends and family! - 3/24/2026 

Overall - great experience. Waitress could have been a bit more attentive and was really hard to hear her at the large table - 3/24/2026 

fantastic food and great scotch. right across from the aranoff stayed here to get food before a show. great fish and chips but the creme brulee was decadent! - 3/23/2026 

Great place for before the show at the Arnoff or downtown - 3/23/2026 

We each enjoyed the Royal Couple lunches. My wife had the Tavern House Salad with Grilled Cheese and I had the Spinach Berry Salad with Fish on Rye. Delightfully light with glasses of Trinity Oak Pinot Grigio. As we lingered on the open patio observing the traffic before going to our afternoon performance at the Aronoff across the street, we decided to share the Chef's Crumble dessert featuring peach slices. Wow! Our server Jesse was there only when needed. This is the second time we've dined on a beautiful warm day at Nicholson's. We will definitely return prior to shows...just cross the street! - 3/22/2026 

My brother tried the lamp chops for the first time and he loved them. I took a bite of his and it was absolutely delicious. I had the Rueben sandwich with fries which were excellent. We really enjoyed everything. Will definitely be back. - 3/22/2026 

Always a good experience at Nicholson's. Food, service ambiance all top notch every time. - 3/22/2026 

First time here for brunch. Very good. Jesse was a good server. - 3/22/2026 

The food is always very tasty, some classic Scottish dishes mixed with a few that feel more American. The only issue I have is that the place can echo quite a bit and makes the noise level a bit on the loud side, but the vibes are excellent regardless and I would highly recommend to anyone who has the time for a longer meal! - 3/21/2026 

Loved it! Great vibes, great service, great food. - 3/21/2026 

Came here for a late lunch after trying to figure out what sounded good in the area! Walked in around 2pm to find the restaurant completely empty but was told it would be a full house within the next hour due to reservations. We were seated all the way in the back, in a separate room. At first, it felt a bit dramatic, but we were happy to see the place actually start to fill up within the hour. We also noticed that The Wiz was playing across the street, so I am assuming that's where most of the traffic was coming from. What we tried: + Brussels sprouts, 8/10 (fan favorite for our group) + fries with truffle aioli, 8/10 + buffalo chicken bites with goat cheese crumbles, 9/10 + fish and chips with fries, 8/10 Happy hour available! - 3/20/2026 

Food was great. Our server seemed like she was not happy to be there and was rarely at our table. Trying to ask her questions about the menu, she just told us to look at the menu. I love this restaurant and this was the first time it wasn’t a great experience. The weather was nice and they had the patio doors open. The constant smell of weed wafting in made us not stay. As soon as we finished our food and found our waitress, we left. - 3/20/2026 

Amazing food and drinks. Gret service. The bartender remembered us from the last time we were there. - 3/18/2026 

I would have loved to give them a 5 start. The dishes were absolutely delicious. The deserts were out of this world. Let’s get to the appetizer. We got the smoked salmon dip. The appetizer didn’t come until we were almost done with our dinner. I tried to reject it as it was too late but the gentleman said we can still keep it but he will take it off our bill. Bill cam and it was on still. Our lovely server took it off right away after I said something. I did try the smoked salmon dip and to be honest, 2/10. It really wasn’t good. I probably would have sent it back anyways. I was actually shocked it wasn’t good because everything else was a 10/10. Would I go beck, I sure would after trying out other restaurants Cincinnati has to offer. - 3/16/2026 

Make sure you save room for the sticky toffee pudding! You'll thank yourself if you did! - 3/16/2026 

The ambiance is a fantastic vibe, laid back with a bunch of smiles. Servers are great! Pricing is worth every penny. - 3/15/2026 

Food was outstanding! The fries are completely different and I would recommend. We had the fish and chips and arugula salad were very good. We had drinks for St. Patrick's which were reasonably priced and very good. - 3/14/2026 

The food is good but why is the coleslaw on the fish fry shown as side but served as a condiment. - 3/14/2026 

Great atmosphere! Feels like a pub in Britian! Complete with servers in Kilts! Across the street from Arnoff Center For The Arts. Friendly staff. - 3/13/2026 

Great overall experience as always! Food and drinks were good abs fast! - 3/13/2026 

Stopped in for a Kilkenny and a quick bite before our concert and ended up staying longer then we thought! When we got to the door, we were told that all the tables were reserved, but the bar was open. Ok, that worked cause we really just wanted one of the most delicious beers in the world (in our opinion)! While watching the bartender pour our beers we decided to order the Belhaven beer cheese...OMG, you could just stick your face in the bowl, it was that good! Instead of killing time back at the hotel we decided to order the scotch egg and the egg rolls. I know, egg roll was a weird thought, but it just sounded good. It was interesting to say the least. But it got better when I added the horseradish, a smidgen of the gravy and some of the beer cheese!!! That just took it to the top! The scotch egg was amazing as well. All of this went soo well with the Kilkennys, yes we had 2 each! They are hard to come by in our area. Overall, the atmosphere was cool, the staff was great, and the food and drinks were amazing. Highly recommend syopping in and savoring a Kilkenny if you find yourself in the area! - 3/12/2026 

Our server, Jessie was amazing. Loved his smile and charm. - 3/12/2026 

Fish and chips is a no miss - consistently good every time - 3/10/2026 

Always love the menu based on the Broadway plays. Service was good -attentive and prompt. Great Bloody Mary! - 3/09/2026 

This was our first time to eat here and we loved it! We will definitely be back again and again! - 3/09/2026 

Dined at Nicholson before a show at the Aronoff. Fish and Shrimp. Food was good. - 3/09/2026 

Dinner after the 2pm theatre. Food was very good. Generous portions. Fife did an outstanding job serving us. - 3/08/2026 

Food was delicious, service stellar. It is a bit loud, but that is to be expected in a lively restaurant. - 3/06/2026 

Wonderful food and excellent service!! Remember to make reservations! - 3/06/2026 

Great place for dinner and show across street. Have a good dinner - 3/06/2026 

Have been going to Nicholson’s before the Aronoff for years. Last night was the first time we were seated in a booth, how quaint! Lainey was a lovely and attentive server. Great job! - 3/04/2026 

We love eating here because the food is always terrific and so is the service. This time was great and we got to celebrate our anniversary also. thank you - 3/04/2026 

We went to eat before the play "Shucked" and had food from the themes page for the play. It was so good and the drinks were fun. - 2/27/2026 

Always amazing food, normally stop in foe dinner before seeing a show across the street. Enjoyed the salmon that was on the show menu for Shucked. - 2/24/2026 

Great food and service prior to heading over to Aronoff. - 2/24/2026 

The beef stew soup was heated in a nuclear reactor. It was VERY hot - burn your mouth heat, and VERY greasy. The fish and chips on the other hand was barely warm. I’ve had much better food quality before and chalk it up to the show across the street - which we were there to see. We’ll try it again. - 2/23/2026 

Food was great but they were out of one of the specials from the shucked menu. That was disappointing. - 2/23/2026 

Had a great dinner before going to a show at the Aronoff. Enjoy the show specials they offer. - 2/23/2026 

We shared the Pot Roast, it was awesome!!! Place was hopping... FC Cincinnati playing, Aronoff Center, Shucked was playing!!! Great Night, Great service!!!Well done!!! - 2/22/2026 

Great pre-show meal. We were seated by the fireplace which was perfect for a very cold day. - 2/22/2026 

The specials for the musical at the Aronoff were amazing! - 2/22/2026 

We all enjoyed our lunch and the service was great! - 2/22/2026 

Reservation wasn’t followed but host fixed it when brought to their attention - 2/21/2026 

My wife had the salmon with risotto special that was delicious. I had the chicken pasta ala whiskey. It was very good as well. Always love Nicholson’s - where we had our first date. - 2/20/2026 

We had a great experience. Hannah was our server and she was super sweet. We were seated pretty quickly, we were smart enough to realize their was a show across the street, so we moved our reservation for after the show started which was perfect! We were seated in a cozy booth with a good view of the place and the decor. The previous time I visited we were in a back room with a fireplace, I just love how many options you have for seating here! The raspberry gimlet drink is dangerously delicious. I actually initially ordered the Strawberry Rose Spritz, it was good, but my husband ordered the gimlet and it was better so naturally I stole his! Highly recommend! We ordered the beer cheese, pork belly and kilted shrimp. Every single bite was delicious!! Both of bourbon caramel desserts were also phenomenal! We left there stuffed! - 2/17/2026 

We had a great experience. Hannah was our server and she was super sweet. We ordered the beer cheese, pork belly and killed shrimp. Every single bite was delicious!! Both of bourbon caramel desserts were also phenomenal! - 2/17/2026 

We had an outstanding Valentine’s dinner at Nicholson’s Pub in Cincinnati. The food was fantastic (the scotch eggs and lamb were perfect), but what really made the night special was our server, Rudolpho. He took the time to walk me through the scotch selection, explained the differences between the Ardbeg, Lagavulin 16, and Macallan Rare Cask I ordered, and helped me build an amazing tasting flight. His knowledge and enthusiasm made the experience feel like a private whisky lesson. On top of that, the prices were very fair for such high-end pours, which was a pleasant surprise. Great atmosphere, great food, excellent service, and an incredible whisky list. We’ll definitely be back—ask for Rudolpho if you want the best experience! Ambiance is outstanding. Food and drinks are top notch especially the scotch. This is my go to spot in Cincinnati! Kilt is encouraged - 2/14/2026 

Amazing place, and very friendly. A joy to come in and enjoy a meal. Thanks guys!! - 2/14/2026 

Stopped in for brunch. The menu changed, but our food was excellent. Decent service. One of my favorite semi-local, almost not very far restaurants. Great selection of scotches. - 2/11/2026 

Stopped in on 12/8/25 after seeing the Heart concert. Just walking in we were greeted by the bar staff. All the staff my husband and I encountered were friendly, polite and helpful. I don't remember our server's name but she was spot on. She was able to explain the items on the menu in great detail and the difference in the Scotch they offered. The restaurant was clean and decorated to the style of food and alcohol they served. They offer dozens of different types of beer. Neither of us were in the restrooms. The Belhaven Cheese Dip was awesome! It was served with soft pretzels, carrots and celery. I could have eaten it as my dinner. I had the Lamb Loin Chops with Truffle Parmesan Risotto. They were cooked to perfection. I make lamb at home once in a while but mine won't ever taste as good as these. My husband had the shrimp and grits. He ate every bite. He then had their bread pudding for dessert. If you are looking for a place to eat later in the evening Nicholson's Gastropub is a good choice. You don't have to have reservations but if you are going to eat earlier in the evening, you might want to give them a call. - 1/30/2026 

We eat here before every Broadway Show at the Aronoff. We love that they have special food and drinks that go along with each play. It's always good and clever! - 1/21/2026 

Good service, nice to have a waitstaff aware of time limitations to make it to evening broadway show on time and without rushing dinner. - 1/21/2026 

Great food, great service and great price! It was just freeeeeezing inside but I’ll come back in the warmer months. - 1/21/2026 

We love going here before a show. Love the show menu and the variety. - 1/20/2026 

Also a great experience! Good food, excellent service! - 1/20/2026 

Our waitress was great! Go us in and out with plenty of time to make our show at the Aranoff! - 1/19/2026 

First time here and it didn’t disappoint. Wasn’t busy when we came for lunch so it was pretty calm and seated quickly. Ordered the Brussels sprouts as an appetizer and oh my gosh, I was shocked at how delicious they are! Then ordered the chicken & waffles, SO GOOOD! Syrup was so good, the honey butter was amazing. Everything tasted so good, can’t wait to go back - 1/18/2026 

The service was great. Our waitress was very attentive and fast. The food was good. I really enjoyed the fried shrimp and fries. - 1/18/2026 

Due to the show Hamilton waitress was focused on what was coming and not what was already there! - 1/18/2026 

Chani was amazing and the caesar salad and brussel sprouts were awesome! Will be back soon! - 1/18/2026 

We got sat right away by a very nice hostess. Our server was there 2/3 minutes after we were seated to get drink orders and we did food then too. Food didn't take to long and everything was delicious. - 1/16/2026 

Yummy French dip they affectionately call the Welsh dip. Loved the ambiance in here as well. Decor leans into the aristocratic theme I think... Enough TVs that you can see one from everywhere in the restaurant. They aren't huge but will definitely have a game on if you need! - 1/15/2026 

Their British food offerings are excellent. The selection of beer, whiskey and wine is also very good. All the meals were very good. - 1/15/2026 

A great place to dine before a show at the Aronoff. - 1/15/2026 

Nicholson's has great food and great service. Value for the money is excellent. It is noisy when busy, but overall a great choice. - 1/14/2026 

They were very accommodating for our group. As always, the food was perfect, and the service was excellent. We love going there. - 1/14/2026 

This was my first time eating here.. The Food is great I had an outstanding waitress her name is “ Shawna” so when dining in I request her - 1/13/2026 

Recently stopped here before catching Hamilton at the Aronoff center! We made reservations the night before and were able to snag the perfect time to line up with our show. Nicholson's is location directed across the street from the Aronoff and within a short walking distance of Fountain Square and the Contemporary Art Center along with several other fun places making it the perfect spot to grab brunch, lunch or dinner! The atmosphere in the restaurant is incredible and the theming is on par with their menu. Very cozy vibes to go with some hearty comfort food. One thing that drew me to this spot is their themed menu's for broadway shows that are playing at Aronoff. Of course, they had a special Hamilton menu available during our visit, which made for a unique experience. To start we ordered the Belhaven beer cheese served with pretzels, celery and carrots. You can't go wrong with cheese dip and this one didn't disappoint! I went light for my meal and ordered the chicken caesar salad, it was decent. Nothing spectacular, but it did the job. My girlfriend got the traditional breakfast with the banger. She enjoyed her meal and said it hit the spot! A couple other folks at our table ordered the Bonnie Chicken sandwich, which everyone raved about for the rest of the day. Our service was excellent, but it did take a while between ordering, getting our food and the check. The crowd was light when we first arrived, but began to fill up quickly. I recommend making reservations if you're set on dining here to avoid any type of wait. Even if you don't want a full meal, this would still be a great spot to grab a beer or drink. I definitely would like to try more items on their menu and I'm sure we'll make it a tradition to come here before seeing a show at the Aronoff. Check it out if you're in the area! - 1/11/2026 

Recently stopped here before catching Hamilton at the Aronoff center! We made reservations the night before and were able to snag the perfect time to line up with our show. Nicholson’s is location directed across the street from the Aronoff and within a short walking distance of Fountain Square and the Contemporary Art Center along with several other fun places making it the perfect spot to grab brunch, lunch or dinner! The atmosphere in the restaurant is incredible and the theming is on par with their menu. Very cozy vibes to go with some hearty comfort food. One thing that drew me to this spot is their themed menu’s for broadway shows that are playing at Aronoff. Of course, they had a special Hamilton menu available during our visit, which made for a unique experience. To start we ordered the Belhaven beer cheese served with pretzels, celery and carrots. You can’t go wrong with cheese dip and this one didn’t disappoint! I went light for my meal and ordered the chicken caesar salad, it was decent. Nothing spectacular, but it did the job. My girlfriend got the traditional breakfast with the banger. She enjoyed her meal and said it hit the spot! A couple other folks at our table ordered the Bonnie Chicken sandwich, which everyone raved about for the rest of the day. Our service was excellent, but it did take a while between ordering, getting our food and the check. The crowd was light when we first arrived, but began to fill up quickly. I recommend making reservations if you’re set on dining here to avoid any type of wait. Even if you don’t want a full meal, this would still be a great spot to grab a beer or drink. I definitely would like to try more items on their menu and I’m sure we’ll make it a tradition to come here before seeing a show at the Aronoff. Check it out if you’re in the area! - 1/11/2026 

My guest and I enjoyed slaw, fish, jumbo shrimp and chips. Creme burlee for dessert. They had 5 choices of Mocktails. I'll be back. - 1/11/2026 

Before show Dinner Stopped in for dinner before Hamilton! and it was wonderful from start to finish. We started off with a Scotch egg, and I could make a meal out of those alone! Hubby ordered tge Kentucky hot brown, and said it was excellent. I had the bangers and mash with a slice of cornbread. It was delicious. Our server was wonderful, she was attentive, knowledgeable, and didn't hover. - 1/09/2026 

Love the place! The food is fantastic. You definitely want to pick a table ahead of time. I don’t recommend the counter tables. They are extremely small and you have to sit on the edge of the bench seat to eat comfortably if you are a petite person. Otherwise, an amazing restaurant!!!! - 1/09/2026 

Fish & Chips a very good meal on a misty afternoon. A warm calm room and a fire place near. - 1/06/2026 

Wonderful vibe, possibly the best location in Cincinnati that you can get a proper pint of Guinness with great true Irish interior architecture The scotch egg was deliciously salty while also being perfectly cooked with a medium runny core The Caesar salad was acceptable and a great accompaniment after a bengals game To finish it off the brûléed cheesecake with blueberries was perfectly balanced outside of the processed caramel sauce, a great finishing course to a great Cincinnati experience! - 1/05/2026 

Nicholson’s was incredibly accommodating for our large group. We arrived a few minutes early and our table for 15 was set up, complete with two throne chairs on either end. 🙂 We were served in a timely manner even though the restaurant was busy. And we were on time for our show across the street. We all were pleased with our apps and entrees! - 1/05/2026 

A very nice experience before the show. I was not aware of these dinner events. The venue was spacious and accommodating. - 1/05/2026 

The atmosphere and staff are wonderful and the food is great. Plan to visit often. - 1/05/2026 

Had lunch before attending a show at the theatre. Will definitely do again. Great food and service. They also had a themed food and drink menu for the show! - 1/04/2026 

Great spot, great food, nice Irish pub atmosphere. Best thing was the service. Deja, Shawna, and Jenny were awesome! We’ll go back. - 1/04/2026 

Great food, beautiful fireplace, and a perfect lunch spot before heading to the Aronoff for a show! - 1/04/2026 

Nicholson's is our go-to restaurant in downtown Cincinnati. As soon as we step inside, we feel transported to a Scottish Pub. It's warm, cozy and unique. The staff are friendly and the service is excellent. We love the fish and chips and bangers and mash. But every dish we order, is perfect. The food is made fresh, not pre-packaged like so many other places. They have an extensive bar and the only place that I know of where you can get imported Belhaven Scottish Ale on tap! I love that they take reservations, especially when we are attending a show across the street at the Aronoff Center. I know we will be in our seats before the performance begins! - 1/03/2026 

Great food great service We had a show at the Aronoff and waiter respected the time - 1/02/2026 

Food was excellent. Great place prior to a show. - 1/02/2026 

My husband and I went her for our anniversary dinner. We lobed everything about this restaurant. My husband was happy with the bourbon selection, and we found the waitstaff kind and helpful. It was our first time trying Scotch eggs and they were delicious. This is a great place to visit downtown. - 1/01/2026 

It was the perfect experience for a New Years Eve dinner ! We particularly enjoyed the band. - 1/01/2026 

Was a great experience, the atmosphere is fantastic had no issues with the server the only issue my party had was some burnt bacon. We were there early with some special hours they had to see a play so that might have been the issue. Nevertheless it was a great time and if you are lucky you might see your waiter or waitress in a kilt - 12/31/2025 

Server was great, food came out quickly before our show - 12/31/2025 

Celebrated birthday dinner after bourbon blending. - 12/31/2025 

A charming restaurant. Feels elevated without being stuffy, staff is awesome, and the food never disappoints! They also have a kids menu now and my nephew said it was the best grilled cheese he's ever had. 🙂 - 12/29/2025 

Service was friendly and attentive. Everyone was very welcoming. Drinks and food were delicious. Great options. The Salmon was cooked perfectly. We loved the experience and will definitely be back. The bar set up and service was impressive. Love the decor, it keeps u looking around the place. - 12/28/2025 

We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner at Nicholson's. Our server was very pleasant, never rushed us even though they were very busy. We had a very nice dinner and drinks before our show at the theater right across the street. - 12/28/2025 

The food was good and our waitress was really sweet and did a great job - 12/27/2025 

Fantastic experience and food! Definitely recommend! - 12/27/2025 

Scottish pub ambiance. Nice pub food. I like their sampler plate and the margarita pizza is so good! Gets busy before &after shows. Outside dining area when decent weather. - 12/26/2025 

Came on Christmas Eve and everyone was dressed up as elves. Super cute. Our server, Jeremy, was knowledgeable and had great recommendations. Came for my partners birthday. The pork belly was to die for! Got the local bourbon flight and it was pretty good. Food was delicious. The smoke and flower drink was pleasant but gave a medicine aftertaste, not bad but just a heads up. - 12/25/2025 

Great night for family dinner! We had wonderful server Lainey - fireplace room / 6 different meals were all delicious from shrimp & grits/ fish & chips/ steak/ lamb! Nice wine selection too. We’ ll return when downtown! - 12/25/2025 

Nicholson's never disappoints! The food is delicious and the employees are always friendly and professional! We love their curated menus for Broadway shows!! - 12/24/2025 

Really nice pre-Hamilton dinner. The value was very good, and our family really enjoyed it. The only quibble was not keeping the appetizers serving dishes filled. Thanks so much! - 12/23/2025 

Ambience impacted Co by noise level. Had to walk the long way around bar to get to tables due to crowd around bar for happy hour. - 12/23/2025 

Excellent location, service and especially food. Very reasonable price for this level of quality and taste - 12/23/2025 

Love the Saturday/Sunday brunch menu! I have to come back to try more things! - 12/23/2025 

Our server was delightful, but became frazzled as the morning picked up. We weren’t in a hurry, but other tables seemed to be. Scotch egg tasty, but over-cooked. Loved the setting and proximity to the theater. - 12/22/2025 

The atmosphere of Nicholson’s was fantastic, and the service was great. The food was good, not great. If you’re looking for a fun and cozy pub for decent food, this is the place. - 12/22/2025 

Always a good experience! Great food and drinks-love the Hamilton themed specials! Fabulous service! - 12/22/2025 

The pre-event worked well before the show. Timing was perfect. - 12/22/2025 

This was our first time at Nicholson’s. We made a reservation and were sat in a quiet back area right next to the fireplace. We ordered the crab cakes as an appetizer, shared two entrees, and ordered a dessert. Everything was amazing, and we really liked the atmosphere as well. We will definitely be back. - 12/21/2025 

Excellent food and drinks choices. Multiple options prepared with care and expertise. The servers and hosts were friendly, welcoming, and professional. The decor and set up is comfortable and pleasant and the vibe is high energy without being overly loud. - 12/21/2025 

Great food. Beautiful space. Service with theater goers in mind. Highly recommend - 12/21/2025 

Love Nicholsons, perfect spot for dinner before or after a show at Aronoff! - 12/20/2025 

Excellent meal,service,and drinks before seeing Hamilton - 12/19/2025 

Outstanding business lunch. Food was excellent as was service, - 12/17/2025 

We went for brunch and all left happy. Very large portions; no one could finish their meal. We got a side of cornbread, which was good as well. - 12/16/2025 

This is such a cute place. Food was great and so was the service. Highly recommend the beer cheese with pretzels! - 12/16/2025 

Nicholson’s is always a favorite. My wife was there earlier in the week for a pre concert dinner with friends and they all loved it. We attended our first bourbon dinner there and thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Food was great. The bourbon pairings were wonderful. (We bought two of the five featured bottles on the way home.) Great night. Look forward to the next visit! - 12/14/2025 

Went there for brunch, great food options. Got the Brussels sprouts as an appetizer and then the chicken & waffles for meal, very tasty! - 12/14/2025 

It was a perfect before the show dining experience! Thank you! - 12/14/2025 

Favorite place downtown. Love the Ruben. - 12/14/2025 

Nicholson's Scottish Pub is one of our favorites. The food is made fresh from scratch (no pre-packaged anything), the service is excellent, the prices are affordable and the atmosphere is warm and cozy. They take reservations and we can count on getting in and out before an Aronoff Show. We visit Nicholson's at least five afternoons every week. It's always a favorite stop on the Riverside Food Tour Streetcar + Findlay Market tour. Guests love the bangers and mash; creamy homemade mashed potatoes, gravy and pork sausage. I's the best comfort food dish! - 12/10/2025 

Server was great. It took the kitchen over an hour to get our food prepared. - 12/07/2025 

Nice pre-theater dinner before Seinfeld. Server was attentive. - 12/07/2025 

Great place for a couple of pints! - 12/07/2025 

Best home-y food in Cincinnati. Have been here at least 6 times and always had a good experience. On this last one they ran out of ice cream, and so the manager literally ran in the cold to Kroger to get it. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for some good food. I could literally eat here every day. - 12/06/2025 

Good service, good food, great atmosphere. Location right on the streetcar line and super convenient to anywhere downtown. - 12/06/2025 

Staff Good food. Good beer. Excellent staff. 5 star - 11/12/2025 

Bartenders were super cool - 11/10/2025 

I love the Reuben! - 11/09/2025 

Nicholson’s in Cincinnati is top-notch! The service is fast and friendly, the drinks are spot-on, and the appetizers are seriously good perfect for sharing or making a meal out of. The atmosphere hits that sweet spot between classy and comfortable, with a lively vibe that makes you want to stay awhile. Highly recommend for a night out downtown! - 11/08/2025 

Best Chicken waffles in Cincinnati - 11/05/2025 

Food was good, atmosphere and service were great. Dessert was amazing. - 11/04/2025 

Wait time: 10 minutes with reservations on a Saturday before a show. Atmosphere: busy, crowded, seats close together hard to walk through Service: slow since they were busy Food: we just ordered apps Price: $$ Cleanliness: 8/10 - 10/31/2025 

Excellent service and good food. It was trivia night so they moved us to a corner so the noise level was fine. Fun place to watch a game. - 10/28/2025 

The best fish & chips EVER! Great atmosphere & service! - 10/28/2025 

There was only one server for our entire section. Considering there are a football game and theater production both beginning at 1:00 yesterday they were way understaffed. Our server worked hard, but it was too much for one person to handle. - 10/27/2025 

Azalea, our waitress, was the perfect blend of attentive and respectful. Our food was delicious and served timely. We always enjoy eating there after the Aronoff. - 10/27/2025 

Waitress was fabulous. Food was slow coming and she kept touching base with us. Received bills early- as requested- so we could make it to the aronoff on time. - 10/27/2025 

Bloody Mary was one of the best I’ve ever had. Scottish Brown was fabulous my friend had the Shrimp & Grits which she said were great. - 10/27/2025 

We were lucky enough to get the booth that is very private. It made us feel like we were in an old pub! Our server FeFe was amazing! We ordered a seasonal cider - a caramel apple one- it was delicious! We started with the bread board and would highly recommend it. Two at our table ordered salads and said they were delicious. One with shrimp and one with the salmon. Another of us ordered the Scotch Egg and that is always her go to here! I ordered the chicken pasta dish. It was excellent fresh made pasta with a spicy tomato sauce. We eat at Nicholson’s a couple of times a year especially when attending shows at Aronoff across the street. They have specialty menus to coordinate with each show and they will work hard to get you served and out the door o. Time for the show! - 10/26/2025 

If I lived in Cincinnati, this would be a go-to place for me. Beautiful bar, great cocktails and solid pub food. 5 stars all the way around - 10/26/2025 

Great service. Food was good. Ambiance was great with the fireplace going on a cooler night. Love the specials they have in connection with the Aronoff Broadway Shows. - 10/25/2025 

Food great. Appetizers missed so we didn’t get them with our drinks. - 10/25/2025 

Fabulous service and amazing ambience. We were pleased to sit by the fire in the Hearth room away from the bar. Less noisy. More cozy. A great place to enjoy a meal and a drink - 10/24/2025 

Fun that they use a menu related to the broadway show. - 10/24/2025 

Place was amazing. Food was great and the atmosphere was fun. What really sold it for us was our waiter Jesse! He was one of the best waiters we’ve ever had at any restaurant! If you plan on coming by ask for Jesse and you won’t be disappointed!! - 10/23/2025 

We changed our seating upon arrival on a beautiful Saturday to the open-air tables by the sidewalk. Our lunch was a Royal Couple pairing of half Tavern House salad/half Reuben sandwich for me and my wife enjoyed the same half salad with grilled chicken. The bee pollen vinaigrette dressing was delightful. With plenty of time before the matinee performance at the Aronoff, we shared the Sweet Memories Bourbon and Caramelized Apples Bread Pudding with vanilla ice cream. Wow! Appropriately named! Our server Heather indicated it to be a favorite with her also. She was there when needed but not hovering. Overall, a great lunch experience! - 10/22/2025 

Our server was amazing. We had a short amount of time before our show and she made sure we got whatever we wanted and needed. The food was fabulous! - 10/22/2025 

We eat there every time before the play. Yesterday I had the special for the Aranoff menue. It was short ribs with mushroom gravy and noodles. It was SUPERB!!!! One of best meals I have had in years. Scotch also was great as always. Well Done Nicholson's!!!!!!! - 10/20/2025 

We enjoy having different choices off a separate show menu. The crab cakes were really good. - 10/20/2025 

Server was great! Food was okay. Love they have a theme for the broadway shows. - 10/20/2025 

Every time I make a reservation two weeks in advance the seating is terrible - 10/20/2025 

Food was outstanding! Dined on the show specials and loved everything. - 10/20/2025 

Delicious lunch before heading to the Aronoff across the street. They had several special menu items themed around the current show (The Notebook, in our case). Service was fairly quick and our waitress was attentive and prompt in placing our order, knowing many of the patrons were dining before the show. The pot roast was EXCELLENT, and very flavorful. We will be back! - 10/19/2025 

Our dinner which was the short rib tagliatelle special was not warm at all. The meat was a little warmer than the noodles, but the noodles were cold. The bread was also very rubbery which makes me wonder if it was reheated in a microwave. - 10/19/2025 

Very good food, interesting and intriguing atmosphere. A bit noisy. - 10/19/2025 

Always a great place to eat before a concert or a play... convenient location, good service, tasty food and lots of drink options. It's our go to place. - 10/18/2025 

My husband and I dined at Nicholson's recently and we had an amazing experience. We had the burger and the fish & chips and both were delicious. Our food arrived within 10 minutes and it was piping hot and well plated. Heather, our server, did a fantastic job! She took our orders quickly and professionally and made sure we had the appropriate condiments and utensils. After the food came she checked on us to see if we were happy with it and she continued to check back with us often. She kept our drinks filled. Heather was friendly and made our dining experience extra nice. Thank you Nicholson's for a wonderful evening. - 10/17/2025 

Great way to start a date night! Arnoff show night and had a fantastic meal at Nicholson's! Server was the best, food came out great and fast. Server perfectly in attendance taking care of several requests, spot on! - 10/16/2025 

I recently dined at Nicholson’s with three other people. I had the fish and shrimp, we also ordered the cock-o-leakie soup, salmon, chicken Caesar salad salad. All four guests were next level impressed with the quality and taste of the food. Our server was a lovely young lady that had great energy and a wonderful attitude. Our beer choices were on point and we thoroughly enjoyed our experience. - 10/15/2025 

Loved the atmosphere and live music (on a Thursday night). The decor and the bar are super cool and authentic! We only came for drinks and an appetizer, wish we had come here for dinner. We tried the roasted Brussels sprouts with Parmesan and a dip, excellent! Reasonable prices, attentive service. - 10/15/2025 

Loved the atmosphere and live music. The decor and the bar are super cool and authentic! We only came for drinks and an appetizer, wish we had come here for dinner. We tried the roasted Brussels sprouts with Parmesan and a dip, excellent! Reasonable prices, attentive service. - 10/15/2025 

Good food, excellent service. Great place to go before the theater or just for a good meal. - 10/15/2025 

We love coming here because of the location, ambiance, but mostly because of the food. - 10/15/2025 

Good was overall excellent. Temperature issue with pretzels with beer cheese( cold) and shrimp appetizer and it was pretty dried out. Rueben was great, bread board was excellent and so was the crème brûlée. Service was ok. Our waiter was very friendly but a chatty Cathy. He talked to one older couple for 10 minutes and we were clearly waiting to order. Thank goodness the food came out quickly because we at 7pm show to walk to. - 10/14/2025 

Loved the chicken schnitzel and pot roast. Nice selection of draft beers - 10/14/2025 

A warm and welcoming spot in downtown Cincinnati. Excellent food and really friendly service. Music could be a bit less loud, but it is a bar, so I understand. Try the Kentucky Hot Brown. I will be back! - 10/12/2025 

Fe fe was an amazing waitress Food came out fresh and hot 🔥 - 10/11/2025 

I just hate it when a server says “are you still working on it?’ I usually reply. “ I’m not working on it, but I am still enjoying it.” When will that expression be eliminated? Am I the only one that despises that? - 10/09/2025 

Ashley the bartender and Kimi the GM were great to work with. Come visit this place on Mondays for Trivia that starts at 7pm. - 10/09/2025 

Stopped in before a football game and despite the big crowd and short staffing we were able to get decent service. The beers were tasty and the food was good overall. Solid experience and would go back to if in town. - 10/07/2025 

Best food! Get the pot roast! - 10/07/2025 

Food was fantastic! Tentative staff! - 10/05/2025 

Excellent time! The Irish coffees were delicious! Good service. - 10/02/2025 

Nicholson's fine food and whiskey. Great food selection. Some of the food is hard to find elsewhere. The quality of the food is more than fair for the location. I was expecting more from the drinks especially when you are paying the prices your paying. The service was good they will remake your meal if its not to order. Every one was polite in the open forum area. I have really good hearing, i heard few remarks said in the kitchen i wasn't really happy about. I will be coming back its has a great atmosphere thats hard to copy! With how much gossip that happen their seems like a good place to ........"you fill it in" - 9/28/2025 

We came here by chance during Oktoberfest. I loved the atmosphere (being Scottish myself). My boyfriend and I sat at the bar. The one female bartender looked extremely overwhelmed and it took quite a while for us to be noticed. She wasn’t the only one tending. We both got the chili which was good but a tad salty. The Scottish larger I ordered was excellent! My boyfriend’s glass was chipped at the rim. They replaced it with no issue(except the overwhelmed part). I would have loved to have purchased a shirt (if it’s not Scottish is crap)but it seemed like it would have inconvenienced the staff to do so. - 9/28/2025 

Was sat at the requested table, so that was great! App. came out quick, hot and delicious. Mains came out hot and delicious. Drinks were great! Great friendly service. Great food experience after the show! - 9/25/2025 

The restaurant is right across from the Aronoff Center where there are Broadway shows. Nicholson's did a great job of serving all play patrons before a show. They had our waters and menus ready for us at the table. The waitress quickly took our order and kept our drinks filled until dinner came out. I had the Belhaven beer cheese and the Tavern house salad. The Bellhaven beer cheese was smooth, creamy and delicious. The Tavern house salad had a lot of blue cheese, more that enough for every bite. The Bee Pollen dressing was flavorful, but not overbearing. The restaurant had huge, awesome chairs at some tables that look like King's and Queen's chairs, so whimsical and fun. It is a true Scottish American Gastropub. I was not drinking that night, but they look like there was a variety of delicious drinks to try. Also, the bar looked like they had a wide selection of draft beers. - 9/24/2025 

Traditional Pub Food in downtown! Staying downtown, after a full day, we wanted someplace close to the hotel. We were not disappointed; we chose Nicholson's. The waiter was awesome, had great recommendations, I enjoyed the lamb loin chops, and my wife had the shepherd's Pie. Both were done very well, the lamb was cooked medium, tender, and juicy, and the pie was excellent; my wife had enough left over for another meal. That said, we also split a Sticky Toffee Pudding. It's a generous size, so splitting it was perfect. Overall, great value, properly pulled pint, solid food, well worth a visit! - 9/24/2025 

An authentic Scottish pub experience in Cincinnati. The place is big, rustic, and feels like you're stepping straight into Scotland. You can tell the owner put real thought into making it authentic. I ordered the bangers and mash and it was excellent. The sausage and potatoes were good, and the gravy tied it all together. Staff were friendly and the place was clean. Between the décor, the size of the space, and the quality of the food, Nicholson's is worth a visit. As they'd say in Scotland, the meal was "pure dead brilliant"...I have no idea what that is, but I looked up things they say in Scotland to add here. - 9/23/2025 

Very accommodating to a change in the party size. Nice outdoor patio. - 9/22/2025 

Great food and fast service. Very convenient to Aronoff - 9/21/2025 

Fun atmosphere in a busy area. Great food and service. - 9/21/2025 

Great food and perfect location. We enjoyed so much. - 9/21/2025 

We had a 5:30 Friday night reservation, but traffic was horrible and we were over 20 minutes late. I called the restaurant on our way down and told them we were stuck in traffic. Most restaurants only hold reservations for 15 minutes, but Nicholson’s said not to worry about it and that our table will be ready when we get here! When we finally arrived we were seated immediately and our server, Justin, was absolutely phenomenal! He was very energetic and his service was outstanding! We had a wonderful experience there! - 9/20/2025 

Service was excellent and food was delicious! We were attending a show at the Aronoff and our server timed every part of our meal perfectly. - 9/20/2025 

We had a lovely time right before the show at the theater across the street. The drinks were outstanding. The service was stellar. And the food was reasonably priced. - 9/19/2025 

I love how they always have themed menus based on the current show that is playing at the Aronoff. - 9/19/2025 

I live downtown & eat out 7days a week. Food is high-quality food at reasonable price. Staff is always friendly and accommodating. In addition , it's the #1 selection for Scotch lovers in Cincy. - 9/17/2025 

Loved the food . Had the salmon , zucchini medley and Brussel sprouts. Great. And the toffee sticky pudding was so yummy. - 9/17/2025 

The drinks are amazing. I had a fantastic cocktail. I had the Welsh dip sandwich as well and it was to die for. I always have a great experience when I am here. It's my go-to dinner place before a show at the Aranoff or grabbing a quick bite for lunch. - 9/16/2025 

Fantastic atmosphere, great service and unbelievable food! My family and I love to go to Nicholson's before our Broadway in Cincinnati shows at the Aronoff. They are conveniently located across from the Aronoff Theater and they create special menu choices based on the broadway show performing. I highly recommend Nicholson's for anyone looking to try something new and for those of us that can't get enough of it. - 9/15/2025 

We enjoy eating here for the shows at the Aronoff Center. Our meals come in a timely manor and there is usually a fun "show" menu if we want to try something different. - 9/15/2025 

We went before the musical at the Arnoff Center and loved getting in the theme with the menu! Delicious and fun! - 9/15/2025 

Great service and wonderful food! I love the unique Great British theme! They had a menu devoted to the show playing at the Aronoff Crnter that we were going to see. Very well-done! - 9/14/2025 

Nicholson's never disappoints. Great drinks, food, and mocktails. Our family of 4 went before a show ar the Aronoff. Get reservations in advance is you go before the show! - 9/14/2025 

Excellent food and service. A wonderful experience and I highly recommend it. - 9/14/2025 

Josh took great care of us. He was knowledgeable an attentive. Never been here before but I will be back. Not sure what type of fish was used for the fish and chips but didn’t care for it too much. - 9/13/2025 

Great food, great service in a grand but not too formal of a setting. Food is fairly priced and well executed. Drinks are good, expect to pay a bit for them. - 9/12/2025 

Never have been upset about anything. Great place to eat then walk across the street for a show at the Aronoff Center - 9/12/2025 

Food is always exceptional. But we were sat at a two top in a glorified closet. It was very dark and claustrophobic. Took away from the enjoyment of the restaurant. - 9/11/2025 

Food is always hearty and tasty. Many classic English and Scottish staples. Extensive beer and whiskey collections from the countries listed above. Great service and amazing decor! One of my favorite local spots! - 9/09/2025 

Amazing food, The staff were on top of everything and the atmosphere was to die for. I will 100% be returning. - 9/02/2025 

Good gathering spot! - 8/29/2025 

Rodolfo was our waiter! He was very knowledgeable about the whiskey’s and scotch available! I had a whiskey flight and was amazed by the difference in tastes! Rodolfo definitely gave us great recommendations for appetizers and main plates. We had the shrimp and kilts for appetizer, which was incredibly tasty! Our party had the steak as well as the pasta al a whiskey, which were also delicious! If you’re in the Cincinnati area, you definitely want check this place out!!! Would highly recommend, excellent service and great food! - 8/26/2025 

Just had their wings for Cincinnati Wing Week 2025, They are excellent!! Put them on the menu! Nicholson's is across the street from the Aronoff Theatre and is conveniently located to other places downtown. Food is above average with usual pub fare. Service is friendly and usually attentive. The atmosphere is unique due to being a pub but it gives a spacious feeling not an enclosed one. Plenty of seating and a large bar formed in a circle. Also some outside seating with a view of the street and theatre. - 8/23/2025 

This was a short walk from our hotel after a long day and it was amazing. The atmosphere is definitely a Scottish bar feel and absolutely beautiful as a building. Our waiter, Jesse, was amazing and very helpful with the menu. We ordered apps, dinner, and dessert because of the authenticity of the food. This is a must stop for anyone who travels a lot...or wishes they did! - 8/19/2025 

Solid gastropub with a wide-ranging whiskey selection. Stopped in for a dinner with some friends last week. Easy to get a table, and they had live music that night. Plenty of beers on draft and my burger was delicious. Jesse our server was friendly and attentive. Really cool inside too, looks like an English pub. Easily would come back. - 8/14/2025 

We come here every time we are in Cincy. Everything is Excellent! - 8/13/2025 

Lovely lunch place spot if you are looking for somewhere classy and quiet. I had the Arugula salad and Kentucky Burgoo stew. Very nice 👍🏻 - 8/04/2025 

The Highlands Scotch flight was exceptional. Perfect to dip your toes into some beautifully aged Scotch. The food was great. Dont sleep on the Scotch Egg. I got the Chicken schnitzel which was perfectly crispy and came with delicious sauce. The pot roast was average but not bad. The architecture of the interior was beautiful and live music tied it all together. - 8/02/2025 

Here in town for a game, second trip to this spot. Zach the bartender is awesome! Food is amazing, drinks are great! A must try! - 7/28/2025 

Great food and even better server! We brought out of town guests who were pleased with the experience. - 7/28/2025 

Favorite for us foodies and love the authentic Scottish mix with current restaurantalist. Update July 2025. Can’t return until the City of Cincinnati is safe to walk on the streets. - 7/27/2025 

Quality food and fantastic build out. Oh, and the staff are outstanding too! - 7/25/2025 

Great service and atmosphere. Banger and mash very good. The blackened chicken pasta maybe a 3. The bartender Zach made it excellent. - 7/20/2025 

My family loved Nicholson’s tonight. Josh was sharing his suggestions with us and we loved everything. Thank you Josh! Give this guy a raise! Oh and make sure you get his Jack Daniels Single Barrel! - 7/19/2025 

Best fish and chips on the Ohio River. Fresh, crispy, and perfectly cooked. Had the accompanying salad w gorgonzola. Fresh, perfect and the dressing wasn't overdone. Seriously, this is a must visit in Cincy. - 7/16/2025 

Very professional and attentive staff. Our Bowen family had a banquet and the food was perfectly served family style. Filet mignon and salmon. - 7/15/2025 

Out of this world experience. Excellent customer service. Don’t walk in expecting peppy and fake but authentic and kind is their vibe. We had SO many different dishes and each one of them blew our mind (chicken Sammy 10/10, salmon 10/10, steak 10/10, brussel sprouts 10/10, BBQ SAUCE 10/10). There was NO Wait! The staff was so accommodating. The ambience was elevated chill. I would live here if I was in Cinci. SO AMAZING!! - 7/14/2025 

Good place to go with a big group, food is decent. Atmosphere is great! Good drinks - 7/13/2025 

Our server was fabulous! Mocktails were delish. Our appetizer initially came out cold but servers were very gracious to send back to the kitchen for us. The rest of the meal was great! We look forward to coming back sometime. - 7/12/2025 

My 2 sons and I visited during Burger Week. Not only was the burger delicious, but so was the Scottish egg and the crab cakes! Our server was super friendly and attentive. Great experience!! - 7/12/2025 

Beautiful atmosphere and we had great food and service. - 7/09/2025 

Good pub grub. Big restaurant, could get too noisy so if you want a very quiet dinner keep that in mind. - 7/06/2025 

The food was excellent, and the menu had many great options. Our server was attentive to our needs and gave us space to talk a while before ordering. - 7/04/2025 

Kendall was fantastic. Very friendly and helped us out with some great recommendations. Guinness was poured perfectly. Will be back! - 7/04/2025 

Warm, inviting pub with great service. The kilts are a nice reflection of the Scottish flavor. Would earn another star for Scottish or Celtic music instead of the loud classic American rock. - 6/30/2025 

Our server was efficient. Haddock did not have a great flavor. Small piece of fish. Caesar side salad had wilted brown lettuce Burger was delicious Corn bread was delicious. - 6/29/2025 

Brilliant Team and Service We turned up early for our booking on the hottest weekend of the year. Thanks to the team on site to welcome us and show us to our table. As a party of 10, we didn't think this would be possible. Food, service and environment 10/10. - 6/21/2025 

Good service and drinks. We only had appetizers, but plan on coming back to try the dinner menu. I recommend this place. - 6/18/2025 

We had tickets to the theater for a 7:30 show. The waiter made sure we were on schedule and guided us on when to order and when to wrap things up. We were at the theater in plenty of time to be seated. - 6/15/2025 

A bit on the pricy side, but great atmosphere. Very bright, but cozy. - 6/03/2025 

The food was good so was the service. The only thing that kept me from giving a 5 was where we were sat. It wasn’t busy and we were sat in a corner with no view. - 6/02/2025 

We were placed in a quiet room away from the bar that had a fireplace. Nice setting. The service was excellent. The food is bar food but at least as good as expected. The wine was a very good value. The Spring Rolls were a very pleasant surprise. - 6/01/2025 

Fish and chips Buonasera, siamo stati in questo luogo ben 3 volte su 5 gg della nostra vacanza, forse una ragione ci sara'😃, la prima volta solo per bere una birra e ci siamo capitati per caso, le altre due per cena;beh devo dire che il personale sia nel pub che nella sala dinner al piano di sopra sempre cortese e molto accogliente soprattutto attento agli allergeni che non e' da sottovalutare. Ottime le portate, le pie noi abbiamo preso quella al salmone veramente buona e abbondante ma il top e' il loro fish and chips strepitoso leggero e per nulla unto, prezzi nella norma, vivamente consigliato provatelo. - 5/30/2025 

We had a terrific dining experience. Food was excellent and the service was outstanding. Heather did a great job! We’re coming back. - 5/29/2025 

We had a very good meal. The pot roast spring rolls were a very unique app and the gravy sauce paired with it perfectly. The chicken sandwich was also very good, if a bit messy with the sauce. - 5/27/2025 

Full disclosure: I need to order more food here before I give this place five stars. I wasn't blown away by the fish and chips, but... The servers here are fun and attentive, and the scotch selection is unmatched. Made me miss Edinburgh. Also: don't pass up Burns Night. It is a total hoot. - 5/22/2025 

The Garden Room was amazing for our rehearsal dinner! We got a lot of compliments for how nice the space was and the patio was also fantastic! The staff being dedicated to just us was great! - 5/11/2025 

They sat us right away even though we were 10 minutes early. Excellent service and the food was delicious. Great meal and great ambiance. - 5/11/2025 

Food was delicious and they have Kilkenny on tap! Our service was great, we were seated and served quickly. - 5/11/2025 

Never disappoints ! Service was amazing food was amazing - 5/11/2025 

crowed on a Saturay "play day" but still great service - 5/11/2025 

Had not been here for quite some time. The food was very good. Think our waitress was a little overwhelmed. Had a small mix up with the drink order and did not have too much time for follow up. It was a theater night and was quite busy. - 5/10/2025 

It was great but we were in a corner and it was poorly lit. Made it difficult to see the menu. Chair was very wobbly - 5/10/2025 

Great food, especially fish and chips and crab cakes! Wonderful service, very attentive. - 5/10/2025 

Came to Nicholson’s before seeing a musical and had a great time! - 5/10/2025 

Walked in and was seated immediately, but we were surrounded by empty tables filled with dirty dishes. Our server was super nice and attentive! The food was okay- I got a salad and added chicken. I felt the chicken was bland but it was hot when it came out. My friend got the pot roast and said it was good! The espresso martini has an interesting flavor, maybe raspberry? - 5/09/2025 

Went before a Broadway Show and Daisha was an amazing server. The cocktails were amazing and the food was delicious. Loved the Goat Cheese Dip! Will definitely be back. - 5/09/2025 

Food can be a little heavy but very good. We share as to not be to uncomfortable. Service atmosphere are great! - 5/08/2025 

We had dinner on an opening night at the Aronooff. The restaurant was really crowded and busy, and yet our food came out hot, correct and delicious! Our server was very attentive during our wait, making sure our drinks were always full. Our server noted we were attending a show so he made sure we had plenty of time to eat! Great experience. - 5/07/2025 

Delicious. Great, friendly, funny service. It's perfect every time! - 5/04/2025 

This place was great. The food was flavorful & delicious. Drinks came out quickly and appetizer was delivered in an ample time from our entrees. Our waitress was very sweet. Super good playlist was playing and it is a definite Irish pub feel of course. Neat decor and great vibe. Would visit again!! - 5/03/2025 

Pot Roast was amazing. Great beer selection too, plus the atmosphere was great. Really enjoyed my visit and hope to return next time I'm in the area - 5/03/2025 

Service was excellent and food, as usual, was outstanding! Reservations were easy to make and confirm. Thank you! - 5/03/2025 

I think our server was very good but the place seemed under-staffed. We waited for every course to order - but do not believe it was the servers fault. - 5/02/2025 

All staff were very courteous and catered promptly to our every need. Food was enjoyed by all in our group. - 5/01/2025 

Always great dining experience before shows at Aronoff! - 5/01/2025 

Food was very good. We had stopped going here because the service was so slow. After several years, decided to give it another try. The first time we went, about a month ago, service was great. This time it took so long for our server to stop by for the first time we had to ask someone else to send her over. It all worked out fine in the end, but being across the street from the Aronoff I would expect speedier and more attentive service. We will go back but will continue to make early reservations and allow plenty of time to get to the play on time. - 4/29/2025 

Everyone in our group of five loved their food and drinks. The waiter fun, quick, and knowledgeable. I had the lamb chops and risotto with cremini mushrooms. The chops had a great crust on the outside and super tender inside. The risotto was creamy and paired great with the chops. We had the blueberry crumble for dessert which was a great sweet ending to a meal. The place is an Irish pub and the decor exudes Irish pub so it was spot on. - 4/27/2025 

We had a wonderful time. Good food and a very nice server. Someone in our party had car problems so they were a bit late. Our server couldn’t have been sweeter! Our only issue was that our server must have been working on the other side of the restaurant as well and wasn’t able to check in with us very often. - 4/27/2025 

My girlfriend and I stopped in here on a recommendation and wow.... the food was some of the best things to have ever graced my lips. I had the three cheese macaroni, which had a beautiful cheese pull, the goat cheese dip which was so much more flavorful than I had expected, and the Kentucky Hot Brown which... I have never had elsewhere to compare but Ho-ly, that was amazing!My girlfriend ordered the wings and their house burger, which she has also remarked as one of the best burgers she has ever had. Truly worth a visit. - 4/26/2025 

Bartender suggested the pot roast and it was the best meal I've had in YEARS!!! A must have!! - 4/26/2025 

Food was good we were seated right away. Service was a little slow (& it was not crowded). - 4/26/2025 

Absurd value for the money. Numerous draught beers are available, and their menu strongly hits home with numerous comfort food options. Definitely check this place out. - 4/25/2025 

What a fun place to dine. It definitely has the Scotish vibe going on. We really enjoyed our evening. Our wait staff were friendly and enthusiastic and did everything they could to make our meal enjoyable. The crab cakes were amazing. My hubby had the Steak and really enjoyed it. I had the fish and chips It was delicious. We will definitely be back. In fact. We just booked my grandsons graduation family lunch for May 2. I will definitely share this experience with friends. - 4/24/2025 

Nicholson tavern. across from the Aronoff. Great traditional Scottish tavern. They have a fine selection of spirits on hand . What would you expect from such a place. Service was very good. I enjoyed a Tenants Lager and lime. Think of a Corona but with this Scottish lager. Parking in nearby lots or on the street...$2.75/hr until 9. - 4/24/2025 

Nicholson’s never fails to impress. I’ve eaten there many times and have never been disappointed with any of the food. Excellent! - 4/24/2025 

Had a party of 8 and was sat immediately though it was a Tuesday, our waiter Rodolfo was super kind and happy to help. We got our food rather quickly and it was delicious. I highly recommend the pork belly appetizer and the risotto that comes with the lamb chops is divine. - 4/23/2025 

We eat there in a group of 4-5 before our Broadway series shows. Everything is great. Servers are well trained and support staff assists to bring out food on occasions . Food is excellent. We are amazed how efficient they are serving such a crowd in a short time span. - 4/21/2025 

I do not comment on any restaurants beyond a star rating. - 4/21/2025 

My grandson and I enjoyed another lovely meal at Nicholson’s. Our favorite item on the menu is the delicious salmon. And we always start with sharing a wonderful Scotch egg. Thanks again for a lovely Broadway Series pre-show dining experience. - 4/20/2025 

Come here to eat before seeing a show across the street. Great food - 4/17/2025 

10/10 Everything was excellent. Wouldn’t of changed anything - 4/15/2025 

Our first time. Pretzel appetizer was very good. Cocktails were delicious. The fries are the best. However the Shepherd's Pie was a little greasy with minimal vegetables. I would go back again but order something different. - 4/13/2025