Reviews
Nicholson's Pub
4.4 Stars - Based on 6226 User Reviews
Mario Gonzalez
Nicholson’s brings the perfect Scottish pub vibe to Cincinnati. The food is incredible—don’t miss the crispy fish and chips, the rich pork belly with apple side, or the chicken schnitzel with a lemon twist. The shepherd’s pie is pure comfort food bliss. Great drinks and a warm atmosphere, but service can get pretty slow when it’s busy, which has happened more than once. - 1/20/2025
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Angela
My family & friends thoroughly enjoy eating at Nicholson's Fine Food & Whiskey for a majority of reasons. The food and variety of drinks are fantastic and we love that they create a "special menu" based on the shows at the Aronoff which is directly across the street. The decor makes you feel like you are stepping into another country, the staff is professional, courteous and very accommodating. I highly recommend checking them out. You won't be disappointed. - 1/13/2025
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James
We went to Nicholson's after seeing Les Mis at the Aranoff. We got out of the show faster than expected, and Nicholson's was able to seat us well ahead of our reservation time, despite being quite busy. They had a menu with features celebrating the show, and the food and drinks were delicious. Would highly recommend. - 1/13/2025
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Elizabeth Pike
Came up from Louisville to see a show at Arnoff. They got us in and out quickly even without a reservation although I would make one on a show night in the future. Both Jack and Jesse were awesome, friendly and welcoming, and the decor and ambiance appealed to my sister’s love of Scotland and my appreciation for men in kilts. The fish and chips were delicious, and the generous portions would have allowed for a take home box; however given that my sister and I weren’t going home, we should have shared the main meal with maybe an added side item. Great experience. I wish we’d been able to stay a little longer. My only reason for not giving five stars across the board is to give extra recognition to Jack and Jesse. - 1/12/2025
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Emily W.
I had such a great first time here. My friend and I walked in on a busy Friday night and were able to get a table right away due to a canceled reservation. The ambiance was warm, brown, and cozy. Our server's name was Phe Phe - she was remarkable, kind, and took such great care of us. I had a Scotch egg for the first time - so tasty and jammy, I could eat 10 more. I also ordered the Welsh Dip and it was worth every penny and bite. My friend ordered The Bonnie and I was a bit jealous of it. I'm so excited for my next visit! - 1/12/2025
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Susie
We enjoyed the back room area with the fireplace and less noise. It felt cozy on a winter night. My shrimp and grits were wonderful, especially when you consider that its a Scottish themed place. The Bourbon Creme Brule was delicious. The wait time for food was short and the service was very good. - 1/12/2025
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Chad P.
Been here a couple of times and I'm always getting good food. Everything from their appetizers to their entrees to whatever special they have on hand is always top notch! Aiden was our server this last time and he made sure we were taking care of. There was lots of room in the restaurant on a Wednesday after work but usually when there's a show going on across the street, it can be pretty full. I highly recommend the Scotch egg appetizer. Delicious! The fish and chips is also usually pretty good as well as any of the specials that they have on file. Everything from their breadboards to their burgers just always really good. Enjoy it! - 1/01/2025
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Dan Hoffman
What a classic place! Atmosphere sets the tone for a vintage experience. Fifi was fabulous and is as entertaining as she was efficient. Drinks and food were outstanding. Scotch served properly with ice & water on the side. Worth a return trip most definitely! - 12/28/2024
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Anna Y.
Came back to Nicholsons and got to try the brunch menu this time- it did not disappoint! We got seated in the back room with the fireplace going and it made the experience cozy! The chicken and waffles and goetta hash were delicious! Will definitely come back for brunch again! - 12/23/2024
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Allison
We were in the back room which was lovely for my older parents who have a harder time hearing. The food was amazing, but not too much that you feel sick after eating! The cocktails were to DIE for! Our waiter was funny and kind. Made a reservation for me and my girls to go there for our Christmas dinner the same week! - 12/16/2024
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Daniel H.
Food was AMAZING. Full of flavor, and true to the country of origin. I had the shepherds pie and my eyes near rolled when I took a bite. The vibes are immaculate, I've been to Scotland and you could plop this place in the middle of a city there and fit right in. Only took one star because service was slow but they are clearly understaffed today. - 12/14/2024
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Frogmore 1790
Works do We had our Xmas works dinner at The Carpenters Arms on Sat 14th in Windsor. The venue and quality of the food was amazing, the service and friendliness was first class. Nobody that went had a fault on the night. Very well done to all and we will definitely come back. Thank you Pete. - 12/14/2024
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Andrea
We sat at “counter seating” and I had my doubts because I felt it would be like bar type seating. For two people it is perfect seating. You can both see the action in the restaurant and yet be able to talk with each other. Our service was spectacular - multiple people checked in with us. Most people there were going to a show after dinner - like myself - the restaurant was on top of it. We did not feel rushed at all. The food was wonderful. We had fish and chips (not battered, but incredible) and shrimp and grits - both were fantastic. Our drinks were first rate as well. I had been here years ago and thought ‘it’s OK but with this visit (again many years later) I thought “I have to come back!”. - 12/06/2024
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karen
Our food and cocktails were very good, and the menu has some fun Scottish choices. I had the chicken schnitzel, which was very good and a large portion. My husband enjoyed his pasta dish as well, and the cheesecake was delicious. Our server was excellent and friendly. I love the bar area atmosphere with the dark wood. It was a very enjoyable time. I'm sure we'll return. - 12/01/2024
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David
Excellent lunch experience before show at Aronoff. Received very nice service from reception desk and our server, Eliza. I enjoyed Manhattan perfectly made to my specifics. My husband was most pleased with his bowl of burgoo and pot roast meal. I was very pleased with my bowl of burgoo and Caesar salad. Eliza promptly corrected misunderstanding with my salad. Price was appropriate for quality of food & drink. Recommend reservations for about two hours before show time. Pace here is more on par with dining in Europe which my husband and I appreciated. - 11/30/2024
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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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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.
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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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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John L.
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
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.
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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Marie R.
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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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
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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Lynn C.
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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Rebekah
Food and service was pretty good. We were disappointed in the pub pretzels & pimento cheese; very little cheese & not very flavorful. Salads were okay. Salmon on my salad had little flavor. Sticky toffee pudding was very good. Just expected more from all the hype. - 10/26/2024
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Andrew 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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Richard B.
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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Ed B.
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
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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Kevin C.
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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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.
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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Sarah LeRoy
I enjoyed our lunch at this restaurant, but I was expecting more! The food was good, but nothing spectacular. The pretzels were rock hard and we sent them back. They were kind enough to remove them from the bill . My reuben sandwich was good, but soggy. They should play more on the Scottish theme with music and food. Our waiter was very attentive and pleasant. - 9/29/2024
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Harvey Long
This is a great pub in downtown Cincinnati the food is above and beyond what we expected drinks are fabulous prices aren't bad atmosphere couldn't be better was in town for a concert and ate there twice Kid-friendliness: Kid friendly Wheelchair accessibility: Defiantly wheelchair accessible - 9/27/2024
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Melinda Newman
We received professional, relationship-based service throughout the entire process: from pre-planning, to day-of pre-event setup, through on-site service throughout our event and post-event tear-down. We were out-of-town hosts and had several food allergies to accommodate, but the Nicholson's staff offered a seamless experience with a wonderful menu and lovely venue. I highly recommend this venue. - 9/24/2024
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Carrie
When we first got seated the restaurant smelled like a bathroom. There was a strong sulfur and poo smell. We weren't going to stay, but the waitress said she could move us to the other side and it would be better. It was mostly better. The food wasn't bad. Nothing incredibly special that I would love to have it again, but the Tavern salad was good. My husband and brother-in-law mainly came for the Kilkenny draft beer, which they search for in every city that we visit since first having it in Ireland. - 9/21/2024
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Christine
Brought my Dinner Group and everything was great! Fish n chips were a disappointment to 1 person. Said fish was overcooked. But 8 of us had very good food! Desserts were delicious-- especially the sticky toffee bread pudding. Everyone enjoyed--- many hadn't been there in a long while. Great job 👏🏻 - 9/20/2024
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Bob
Made a reservation early and was able to get the private area for two. My granddaughter and I were having dinner before going to the theater, and this was the perfect start. The hostess immediately took us to our table, the server was professional and efficient, and the food was very good. - 9/12/2024
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Sarah
It was a busy time, since there was a show at the Aronoff. With that said, food took extra long, and didn’t come out hot. However, our server was super nice and was on top of it. He told his supervisor about the situation and we ended up getting our food on the house. We still enjoyed our time there. They offered to replace our food, which was super nice. We didn’t take them up on their offer, but the gesture was enough. I’ll def go back, cuz it always a fun place to go. This was the first time with this experience - 9/08/2024
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ben hickey
Rare to give out 5 stars. Dined in 8/23 Had a FeFe as my "server," but all she did was get me a water and put in an app order. Her trainee [jack?] did everything from drink order to bringing out food. A+ service and a friendly, welcoming greet/interactions from both of them. The food was great, and the atmosphere was great. Selection of drinks was solid [this close to KY, I would have liked a larger Bourbon selection, but I understand how difficult it is to get some of those nicer shelf space fillers commercially]. 10/10 will return - 8/24/2024
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Dan S.
We wanted to really like the place it is a great interior. Somehow it felt like a cheese cake factory. Over all solid service and a nice selection of beers and whiskey but it fell kind of flat. Maybe it was just my mood I will try again, but I'm not in a hurry. We had dinner here a couple of years ago and left feeling the same way - 8/23/2024
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david o
Just had their Truffalo wings for Cincinnati Wing Week. They are excellent!! 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. - 8/21/2024
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Sandra H.
My first time dining here! The food and service were absolutely incredible. To begin, the salad was so fresh and crispy. The bread seems freshly baked and toasted. The marvelous plate included a portion of delectable salmon. The chicken breast was so tender with the most amazing sage gravy. The Brussels spouts were delectable. Service was impeccable, especially those smiling faces! - 8/15/2024
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yukiniki
Josh was our Server and did a good job! Prompt and attentive--- Hard cider " hit the spot " . Started off with the grilled Brussels sprouts and they were delicious. Fish n chips--- always good. Pasta dish with blackened chicken was tasty.Had a bit of a spicey kick to it. Sticky toffee pudding with vanilla bean ice cream was very good! Thank you--/ good job 👏🏻 and will be back! - 8/09/2024
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Lilly K.
Dinner at the tavern was pretty good and the service at the bar was good. Had the fish and shrimp. Generous portions. The Shrinp were good sized not too small The haddock was tasty. Had a pint of the bourbon ale that was good to wash down the meal. The decor was welcoming. - 8/06/2024
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Lynne G.
We stumbled upon a fantastic experience at Nicholson's when visiting Cincinnati for a concert with friends. Coming from a sports city (Pittsburgh) it was our guess that there were no games the Saturday that we stopped in because there was no wait for seats at the bar or for a table -- in fact the entire city was pretty much empty during our stay. The bar is beautiful -- if you enjoy interesting woodwork, classic lines, and dark finishes this is one you definitely want to visit. The hostess, bartender, and server were friendly, and they seemed genuinely interested in sharing their knowledge of the food and drink. Drink selections were good -- especially for the scotches, whiskeys, bourbon, and beer. Our party enjoyed some imported beer, wine, and their signature old fashioned. The food is definitely the star here though. I finally got my first SCOTCH EGG, and it was incredible. We also tried the Kentucky Burgoo. Our ultimate food compliment is when we decide we need to "replicate this at home", and we've been reading up on how to make the best Burgoo for the last two weeks! The bangers and mash were tasty -- and the slightly spicy cabbage was a perfect compliment. The fish and chips were ok, but I would probably pass it up in favor of trying something else from the menu. For a totally unplanned meal this was a great choice, and I would definitely return next time we're in town! - 7/30/2024
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Asia M.
I had low expectations for Nicholson's but they proved me wrong in every way that mattered. The restaurant was very clean while maintaining an authentic pub vibe. The service was fast. The servers were fun and polite! The food was delicious! We asked the staff for recommendations and they did not disappoint. We had: Appetizers 1. Flash Fried Brussels 2. Pretzels and (Belhaven) Beer Cheese 3. Scotch Egg Main Dishes 1. Fish and Chips (4.5) 2. Chicken Schnitzel 3. Bangers and Mash 4. Pot Roast Dessert 1. Sticky Toffee Pudding Overall, it was a wonderful experience! I would definitely recommend eating here. - 7/30/2024
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Suzette D.
We stumbled upon this place while we were wondering around town. We went to the beautiful authentic Scottish bar to grab a beer, looked at the menu then decided to eat lunch. I had the fish & chips, which was hands down the best I've ever had in a restaurant. My husband said his Reuben was very good, but could've used a bit more sauce. Of course the beer was nice and cold:) The bartender told me her name, but I forgot it. She was so nice and personable, like she was happy to be working. She also knew the menu, along with the history of the restaurant, sharing that the bar actually sits on Scottish soil from Scotland! I love that! She also knew Cincinnati and directed us to some interesting sights. We will definitely come back here when we return to Cincinnati. - 6/27/2024
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Meher swathi Devarao
We loved the service, it was pretty quick. We ordered bread board(4stars) and fish chips (3stars) and shrimp grits ( 4.5star). It was large portions and we couldn’t finish it all. Overall pretty good and our attendant jack was very attentive and recommending well. Parking: There was public parking on the backroad of the restaurant - 6/11/2024
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Ben Berman
Came in and was seated promptly without a reservation. Asked for a water and time to look over the menu, and was left alone for about 20-30 minutes until a server wandered over by chance with a stack of menus and took my order. I appreciate that my order was taken, but I thought the staff would be a bit more attentive. Ordered a Scotch Egg ($11) with Smithswicks ($7.50) and the Welsh Dip ($18) with Highland Flight ($28). The scotch egg was good classic pub food and like most other scotch eggs I've had. Crispy and crunchy, and paired well with the mustard. The arugula salad was refreshing. Definitely recommend as an appetizer. The Welsh Dip is a must-have. A bit messy due to it being a dip, but absolutely delicious in a pub-food sort of way between sips of Scotch. I was really surprised to see that the pretzel bun had actual large cubes of salt on top like any respectable pub pretzel should. You MUST sub out the fries for the house roasted potatoes. Their salty, crispy goodness is divine. You can even pour your leftover au jus over them if you want. - 6/04/2024
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Catherine Salamone
We brought a group down for lunch from Green Township Senior Center- we attended a show at the Aronoff and then walked across the street- the catering staff were very easy to work with in setting up a private room for our group of 35 and setting up a preset menu. Service the day of the lunch was great and we were served our lunch in a very timely manner- the Seniors had a great time and we will be back again! - 5/30/2024
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Larry C.
Right next to the hotel we stayed. And the ambiance, it's like you stepped into a pub in Aberdeen. The staff were beyond fantastic, really. They were absolutely the highlight of the visit. I started with a Belhaven and my wife had a cider drink. My wife had the steak and enjoyed it. The sauce was good. I had the fish and chips, and as much as I wanted to like them, I was a bit disappointed. I'm not a fan of panko and they were just a bit over cooked. But that did not ruin our night. We then stayed at the bar and patio afterwards and had a great evening. - 5/26/2024
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We enjoyed our dinner and the food was good. We did have an issue that was resolved after we complained. There are appetizers and drink deals listed on the happy hour page that are similar to regular menu items. We believed we were ordering from the happy hour menu until our bill arrived and it was $20 higher than it should have been. Be explicit when ordering during happy hour! It would be helpful for the staff to clarify when taking an order. - 5/23/2024
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Gavin Terraria
This place has good food. The drinks are mostly reasonable, and they have a huge selection. They have special event drinks when shows come to the Aronoff Center across the street. Happy hour specials are fantastic, and each table is separated enough to give privacy. The only thing that drops a star from 5 is the absence of Haggis from a scottish menu. If they ever put it on the menu I'll stop by and hopefully give them a fifth star. - 5/23/2024
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KathyK
Nicholson's is a go to restaurant if you are going to the theater in downtown Cincinnati. It is best to inform your wait person that you need to be out of the restaurant due to the start time of the show when seated. They offer several large tables to seat six comfortably. Tables are tight so the noise level can be loud. Food was good and offered a wide variety of selections for our group from soup/salad to a chicken sandwich and crab cakes. Nice selection of beers on draft and cans. Would like selection in the wine offered. Bring back the Biltmore wines to your menu. - 5/20/2024
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Meander14018
A Fun Experience in Every Way I was a single person among a group of 11 others on the Riverside Food Streetcar Tour. There were 12 of us who all sat down to eat at the same time. I was very impressed with the quality and amount of the food we were served. Everyone from the host to the servers could not have been more cordial and helpful. The entire group agreed that ours was a fun, fulfilling experience. - 5/20/2024
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I’ve been to Nicholson’s before, but this visit seemed to be exceptionally good. We were taken immediately to our table and the server was quick to take our drink orders. There is a large selection on the menu, but not too large to be overwhelming. Once we decided on our food orders, the server was readily available to take our orders. The food came out quickly and was really quite good. I had the Shepherd’s Burger and my dining companion had the pot roast. Both very good. I had the cheesecake for dessert without the fruit. Highly recommend it. The one glitch was with my friend receiving a second Manhattan. It took what seemed longer than necessary, but it did not detract from the overall experience. Kudos to our server for being personable and cheerful. I will go back and recommend this restaurant. - 5/19/2024
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GailK
We enjoyed the mystery dinner before "Clue" at the Aronoff. The one thing that bothered my companion was that the food in the chafing dishes was cold: Mac & cheese and taco meat & rice. I must thank your staff, especially Shannen and Chef, for accommodating my need for gluten-free food. The Pad Thai was good, and thanks to their willingness to have coconut aminos available, along with a clean pan and tongs, made my evening!! Thank you!! - 5/16/2024
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We had the charcuterie board, fish and chips and hot brown. The place was packed due to opening night but our service was great. We had Eliza as our server and she was running around serving many tables but attentive to us. Food came out in a timely manner and we were at the show with plenty of time to spare. Manager even stopped to check in. - 5/15/2024
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Andrew Swan
As a Scot loved it, seemed great. Sadly moved to outdoor front as my 18 year old was with me and sun was challenging first half hour. . Strange how policy differs from establishment to establishment in Cincy on adult minors! Loved the beer and food, I had turkey option, (although a 'banger' is fried or baked but never 'gekocht' so disappointed there). As I said it looks great. Wanted to try some bourbon too, as I was in 'Rome', but felt isolated and pushed outside. That said great malt selection as a someone who seeks my national drink normally. At 5pm, I think you'd do better by groups with adult nondrinkers by being more welcoming. Other wise I'd offer 5stars. That said Scottish folk it's a must if in toon! - 5/09/2024
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TimP
The several times that I have come to Nicholson's, I have always enjoyed the food, drinks, and the atmosphere. One thing to note is that if you are needing a quick bite, then Nicholson's might not be the best fit for your needs. If you have the time, the food and drinks are worth the wait! - 5/06/2024
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Service was fantastic. We had a show after eating and they did a great job of managing our order with how busy the kitchen was to ensure we had plenty of time to eat and get to our show on time. Food was very good. My pork chop was just slightly overdone. But, nothing major. Outside of that food was fantastic. - 4/28/2024
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Eric D.
This is an excellent example of how to operate a restaurant! The place was absolutely packed when I arrived. I sat down at the bar and had a bartender almost immediately, I ordered a beer and then food. The entree came out of the kitchen about 5 minutes after I ordered and was fantastic. 10/10 would recommend! - 4/25/2024
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SeafoodLover
Had a wonderful dinner at Nicholson’s! Felt like we were in Scotland! Beautiful decor and atmosphere - our room had a roaring fire that was very cozy on a chilly night. The servers were all attentive; our was Emma and she made some good recommendations. We loved the fact that they all wore kilts. Food was excellent. We started with the Scotch egg and we all had the shepherds pie, which was delicious! And of course, no UK meal is complete without sticky toffee pudding! Prices were very reasonable too. Great find in this busy city. Real men wear kilts! - 4/07/2024
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Libby V.
Always love it here but love even more to find out they do theme drinks for the theater across the street. This will get me here every show! Otherwise I enjoy an afternoon or early evening at the bar, with a few drinks and a cheese tray. Love cutting the cheese with friends. Saw a tiny lady get the largest sandwich I ever saw. Turns out she shared it, but it was big enough for a family of four! She didn't even finish her half. Huge portions are a turn off for me. - 3/25/2024
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I took my teenage grandson to the theater, and this was a perfect place to enjoy our dinner before the show! Located minutes away, we relaxed while eating a delicious appetizer bread tray. The entrees we chose were more than filling (even for a 6’2” growing boy), to the point we had no room for dessert. Our service was excellent, and our waiter treated us like we came here often!! He was friendly, helpful, and on top of our every need. - 3/23/2024
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Amy C.
Had the BEST meal and service today. Natalie was a GREAT SERVER and the special Peter Pan menu was a nice touch before seeing the play. PLEASE keep cocktails sauce as an option for your fish and chips. I don't like tarter but LOVED having it for my shrimp and fish today. - 3/23/2024
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David R.
Nothing is more satisfying than spending time in a true Irish bar. While traveling through Cincinnati on my way to other destinations, I happened to be staying at a hotel in town and my son just, by chance, was in town for a business meeting tomorrow. He had been to Nicholsons before and suggested we go. As a fan of Guinness, we definitely started out with a draft. With an appetizer of Scottish eggs and some bangers and mash, it became a memorable night. Almost felt like we were in downtown Dublin. - 3/21/2024
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Chad P.
I've been here a couple times now and love this place! Want to return often and that's how good it is! Came here on a weekend and it wasn't very busy at all but I can imagine it gets pretty busy during game times. Had some great food including the Scotch egg appetizers, fish and chips, chicken schnitzel, the breadboard, Shepherd's gastro burger, and the horse and barrel sliders through all of my visits here. Every one of them has been amazing! Literally just great. The breadboard was a lot of fun and everything else just tasted so good. Definitely top-notch food here! Came here once before a show at the Aronoff Center across the street and it was pretty darn busy. They take reservations though so keep that in mind. It's pretty loud as well but the food is just so good and the service is always been great. Ambiance is big and classic pub-looking and just overall fun! We've had Imran as our waiter and he took care of his great. Everyone else who served us just took care of us great. This is a great place that is trying to uphold it's great reputation and I'm proud to continue patronizing them! - 3/10/2024
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sencar
This wasn' t our first visit to Nicholson's. The food was excellent, the ambience is very nice. The only issue we had this time was the wait. We don't think it was an issue with our server. It took nearly 40 minutes from the time we ordered until the time we were served. I suspect it was a kitchen staffing issue but given our order was very simple i.e. a salad and a sandwich, Nicholson's has to do better. We will be back but very careful about what and when we order. - 2/25/2024
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The ole ball and chain and I came here for Valentines Day and we were pleasantly surprised. She had the Shrimp and Grits and I the Bangers and Mash. Grits were smooth, just like down south(which is the only way she’ll eat them) and it was my first attempt at Bangers and Mash. Both dishes were more than enough food, we did save room for dessert which was the Brûlée and a dense chocolate pound cake, both were delightful. We will definitely keep this in the special occasion rotation - 2/23/2024
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Came here before a show at the Aronoff. The pot roast was amazing and the fish and chips were some of the best I've had locally. My only complaint was that it took almost 30 minutes to receive our check, pay it, and get our card back. The lengthy delay in cashing out had us scrambling to our seats across the street a few minutes before the start of the show. Still a fantastic restaurant that I look forward to returning to, just probably not before a show next time. - 2/21/2024
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emptynesters
Nicholson’s is always a good bet for a pre-show dinner. I made reservations for 2 and could only get “counter” seating. Not sure what it was, but learned upon arrival it was those short tables across from the bar. The seating was just fine. Glad it wasn’t cold out. I could see those seats being drafty when the door is opened. The pot roast was delicious. - 2/21/2024
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