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 6053 User Reviews
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Bill
The shepherds pie was excellent, probably the best I've had  - 11/21/2024 
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Paula
Our server,Aiden,was the BEST! Food great! Will be back. - 11/21/2024 
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Julie
Good spot to grab a drink and meal prior to a show. The menu seems somewhat limited in terms of standard fare. I had the chicken sandwich and fries and it was good, and my friend had the scotch egg and tortilla soup and she said it was good too. Service was excellent and drinks were above average. Would I go if I weren’t going to a show? Probably not. Would I go back before a show? Sure. - 11/20/2024 
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Brian
Great service - mindful of our visit to Arnoff Center after dinner. Great suggestions from the server and both the pot roast and the shepherd’s pie were excellent. We make this our dinner spot before a Broadway production across the street. - 11/20/2024 
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Lydia
The restaurant was good, great for a pre-show meal. The waiter was slow to respond but not too bad. Very busy for the early seating. - 11/20/2024 
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LINDA
Food took a fairly long time to arrive. 5:30 reservation for 7:30 show across street at Aronoff. Cutting it too close this time. - 11/20/2024 
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Squire
We always love the experience and food here. It truly reminds me of my trips to the UK. - 11/20/2024 
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Eric D.
5 star rating I stopped in for a dram and stayed for some great live music. The Kentucky specialty food was a tasty bonus. The servers were attentive and friendly. - 11/19/2024 
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Brent
Great Scottish-themed pub with remarkably reasonable prices for a place right downtown across from the Aronoff Center. Parking in that neighborhood is a pain, particularly when there's an event at the Aronoff and parking prices are hiked, but this place has Valet Parking. Sadly, we only found this out after paying $20 for "special event" parking around the block. I don't know what the Valet parking costs, but it's probably less than $20, even with tip. The food is pub grub, but with some Scottish-inspired items. I had Cock-a-Leeky soup, a small house salad, and flash fried Brussels sprouts side. The daughter had the Salmon, and the spouse had the Shepherd's Pie. Spouse and daughter split a large salad, and the house served them as two small salads in separate dishes, no upcharge. Everyone greatly enjoyed their food! There were a couple of mistakes in our orders: I initially got the mashed potatoes instead of the Brussels Sprouts, and the ladies' salads did not have the dressing on the side, as requested (my daughter hates salad dressing). The staff made those mistakes right immediately. We didn't order drinks, but this place has over 100 Scottish Whiskies, including some curated flights. I do enjoy a Single Malt Whisky now and again, and I can say they have a very impressive selection. - 11/18/2024 
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Brent T. AvatarBrent T.
5 star rating Great Scottish-themed pub with remarkably reasonable prices for a place right downtown across from the Aronoff Center. Parking in that neighborhood is a pain, particularly when there's an event at the Aronoff and parking prices are hiked, but this place has Valet Parking. Sadly, we only found this out after paying $20 for "special event" parking around the block. I don't know what the Valet parking costs, but it's probably less than $20, even with tip. The food is pub grub, but with some Scottish-inspired items. I had Cock-a-Leeky soup, a small house salad, and flash fried Brussels sprouts side. The daughter had the Salmon, and the spouse had the Shepherd's Pie. Spouse and daughter split a large salad, and the house served them as two small salads in separate dishes, no upcharge. Everyone greatly enjoyed their food! There were a couple of mistakes in our orders: I initially got the mashed potatoes instead of the Brussels Sprouts, and the ladies' salads did not have the dressing on the side, as requested (my daughter hates salad dressing). The staff made those mistakes right immediately. We didn't order drinks, but this place has over 100 Scottish Whiskies, including some curated flights. I do enjoy a Single Malt Whisky now and again, and I can say they have a very impressive selection. - 11/18/2024 
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Debra
Great food, Great Dtinks, Great Seevice, Great atmosphere ♥️ - 11/18/2024 
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Greg
Great Saturday night at Nicholson's! Food--fish & chips and pot roast were both very good. Loved the fish because it was pan fried and not beer battered which I don't like. The service was exceptional! Great atmosphere! Next time would be nice to get a table in the back near the fireplace! Will definitely be returning!! - 11/17/2024 
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Dale
As always great food. Good Value and friendly service - 11/15/2024 
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Logam
It was the perfect pub experience and you have to try the scotch egg! - 11/13/2024 
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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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Jeri D. AvatarJeri D.
5 star rating Only popped in for a few drinks. What a beautifully decorative bar. Our server explained it was brought over from Scotland and assembled here, stunning. Great staff. - 11/10/2024 
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Sarah
Had a great, casual birthday celebration here. The lamb was delicious. Great cocktails, too. - 11/09/2024 
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Tiffany
It was great! We will definitely go back when we are in the area. - 11/08/2024 
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Leo
Great experience all around! Great spot for lunch and the value versus quality of food, service and environment is hard to beat in downtown Cincinnati. - 11/04/2024 
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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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Nathaniel
The atmosphere and decor is amazing, and the food was very good. I would definitely recommend this restaurant. - 11/01/2024 
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Marie
Went to Nicholsons before a show at the Aronoff. Was pleasantly surprised by the menu and prices. Good value and fabulous food. Our server Fifi was attentive and a delight! Would bring my family back and am looking forward to a date night with just the hubby next time! - 10/31/2024 
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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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Jennifer
Nicholson's is always a great go to for dinner downtown. Something for everyone and the atmosphere is grand and cozy at the same time. Consistent food and nice beer/drink selection. - 10/29/2024 
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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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625 Walnut Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
513-564-9111
nicholsons@dinetrg.com

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

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