Reviews
Nicholson's Pub
4.5 Stars - Based on 6348 User Reviews


Jessica
I went to Nicholsonβs with a friend prior to seeing &Juliet, and it was perfect! Jesse was our server, and he was wonderful! We arrived during happy hour, so we split three appetizers, and it was the perfect amount of food. The beer cheese is not to be missed, and the duck fat fries and buffalo chicken bites were delish as well. Weβll definitely go back! - 4/12/2025
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This is a great place for Brunch and not just "a bar". I stopped in after taking in the exhibits at 21C, next door. I wish I would have had a chance to go back to try their famous Fish and Chips as it was I was in a brunch mood so I tried the Goetta Hash. I enjoy Goetta but that is by far my favorite way to have Gotta! So going for brunch, I did try the Millionaire's coffee and it was Yum! I did save some room for the Chef's Crumble too - Berry Goodness! Don't let the authentic bar fool you. This truly is a GASTROPUB. Although my waiter did not wear a kilt, I did receive awesome service from Aidan. If you want to try Whiskey from near and far make this your go to spot. Cheers! - 4/01/2025
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Visting from out of town and stopped in mid afternoon on a Monday after Opening Day weekend. Jack at the bar was attentive and very passionate about his job. He educated us on different varieties and introduced us to new cocktails, including my new favorite- Penicillin! Highly recommend visiting and seeking him out. BTW- he just won a cocktail competition award! - 4/01/2025
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Angela
Dinner at Nicholsonβs is always something we look forward to. The fish & chips are fantastic and our daughter loves the BBQ bacon burger. We had the pork ends & bread board for appetizers and again they didnβt disappoint. We always love the specialty menu for the Aronoff shows. Highly recommend Nicholsonβs for anytime you want great food, great service & great drinks! - 3/23/2025
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I had made reservations for 6:15 Friday 3/21. When I spoke to the woman on the phone she said she got me I was having a very difficult time getting her to understand my name and she hung up on me. Upon arrival we did not seem to have our reservation. The manager was great. He apologized and found us seats at the bar. When I explained that I couldn't get in high chairs due to physical limitations he processed to find us a table. Our waitress CeCe was extremely good- the food as always was excellent. I highly recommend their unusual pot roast filled spring rolls.. our drinks wete.also very tasty. I thank the manager whose name i unfortunately can't remember. I did notice he was not only great with customers but also treated his staff with respect and assistance when needed. We have been to Nickersons several times and always enjoy it. Last night confirmed that my daughter and I will return - 3/22/2025
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Mike
It was a first time for me and my wife. Our friends have been there many times. I had the fish and shrimp as did the other husband. My wife had the Reuben and the other wife had shrimp and grits. Both couples ordered the sticky pudding for dessert. Heather was our server. Everything about our dinner was outstanding! We will be back! - 3/21/2025
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We went here for St. Patrickβs day today. The place was very upscale Irish pub. The food was delicious. We really enjoyed the pot roast and the fixings it came with. Really loved how the chips were cooked in duck fat which is a very European thing to do. Best part of the experience was our waitress Abbie. She had such an amazing cheerfulness attentiveness and hospitality. Great pricing as well. Definitely recommend this restaurant and her as a waitress! We were so lucky! - 3/18/2025
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Charlotte
I had not eaten at Nicholson's for a few years and now I am wondering why. The food was so delicious and a very reasonable price. Our server was prompt, which was especially appreciated on a busy holiday night. We sat in the bar area where the band played the volume was just about right although it made conversation a little more difficult. A very enjoyable evening. - 3/16/2025
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I celebrated my birthday dinner here, and the food was fantastic. The service was very attentive. However, I did have an issue with a menu change that occurred mid-week. My wife had planned the dinner based on the menu from Sunday, but when we arrived today, the item we wantedβthe slidersβhad been removed from the menu. When we inquired about the menu change over the phone, we were informed that there wouldnβt be any changes until April. Aside from this issue, everything else was amazing. - 3/09/2025
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Kathy
Nicholson's is a good choice for food before going to the theater or concert. The menu ranges from a good selection of appetizers, pub sandwiches, and heavier meals. The restaurant offers offer drinks or food options to complement the current running play. Service is normally good but make certain you tell your server if you have tickets to the current play. - 3/03/2025
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Jane
We visited Nicholsonβsβ before attending a show at the Aronoff. The food and service were very good and it was a very enjoyable casual meal with moderate prices. The only issue is that sometimes drinks ordered from the bar are extremely slow in coming as we have experienced this almost every time we visit. Most certainly not a reason to not visit here but wish the establishment could make improvements on this element of their service. But we will definitely return. - 2/28/2025
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MaryV
Our favorite place to eat before a show at the Aronoff. Delicious chicken sandwich with caramelized onions and garlic aioli. We shared carrots, fries and the flash fried Brussels sprouts - so good. Hubby had the fish sandwich which he enjoyed. We shared the Bourbon Creme BrΓ»lΓ©e- snarfed it right up! So good! - 2/28/2025
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Joy
We went to Nicholsonβs prior to a show at the Aronoff center. I had called for reservations and tables were filled but they had counter seating available. Our waiter, Jasper, was very friendly and knowing we had to get to a show was very quick with the drinks and dinner. I had the Kentucky hot brown which was absolutely delicious and my husband had the pot roast which he didnβt think was as tender as it couldβve been but he did eat every bite. Weβll definitely go back οΏΌ - 2/24/2025
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Katie
Hadnβt been to Nicholsonβs in years despite having Broadway Series tickets. It was exactly as I remembered and what I expected. Good, solid Scottish-American tavern food. I had the special - BBQ Brisket over Mac n Cheese topped with onion straws. The flavor was good but the brisket was very tough to even cut let alone chew. My husbandβs fish n chips were delicious! Service was outstanding. Our server was knowledgeable, helpful and efficient. - 2/22/2025
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Great pub environment, lots of seating and large bar for quick drinks. Food comes out quick and cooked exactly to order. The Goat cheese dip was amazing, could use more Naan bread with it. Prices are great for size and quality of food. Wait time for a table is short and take reservations. - 2/07/2025
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Liz
I hadnβt been here in a few years since I moved north of the city, and was excited to have a chance to return today. Nicholsonβs did not disappoint. Everyoneβs meal was delicious-pub burger, pot roast, salmon, and grilled cheese and soup. The flavors were wonderful and, the atmosphere is still cozy and wonderful. - 2/02/2025
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Jennifer
One of my favorite places in Cincinnati! Food is always wonderful and the ambience is top notch. We went for a Robert Burns night and it was a truly Scottish experience with dancers and bagpipes. I recommend this place to all out of town coworkers and anyone going to a play at the Aronoff. - 1/26/2025
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Nicholsonβs brings the perfect Scottish pub vibe to Cincinnati. The food is incredibleβdonβt miss the crispy fish and chips, the rich pork belly with apple side, or the chicken schnitzel with a lemon twist. The shepherdβs pie is pure comfort food bliss. Great drinks and a warm atmosphere, but service can get pretty slow when itβs busy, which has happened more than once. - 1/20/2025
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Stephen
One of favorites in Cincinnati. A great spot before or after theater. The staff and service is excellent but there is a mystery. Wayne, our server was great but the wait for a glass of wine and a pint of Harp was 20 minutes and the wait for food was another 20 minute wait. We like the place and we will be back but this was not the first time an absurdly long wait for drinks and food happened. Somebody should figure out a solution. - 1/19/2025
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Kristin
Everything was delicious and high quality as always. This is my favorite place to come before or after a show at the Aronoff. The service never disappoints, but Jasper was especially pleasant and welcoming this last visit and really seemed to care that we had our best brunch experience. And we did! π - 1/19/2025
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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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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 sisterβs 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 werenβt going home, we should have shared the main meal with maybe an added side item. Great experience. I wish weβd 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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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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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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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.

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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 βcounter seatingβ 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 βitβs OK but with this visit (again many years later) I thought βI have to come back!β. - 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 werenβt 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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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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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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Marie R.

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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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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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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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I recently had the pleasure of dining at Nicholsonβs, 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 impressiveβgolden, 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 Nicholsonβs 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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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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Alexis
Our server was delightful. Pleasant and efficient. We were seated in a booth and the lighting was quite dim. My companion couldnβt 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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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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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 ππ» - 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 didnβt 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 didnβt take them up on their offer, but the gesture was enough. Iβll 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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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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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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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 ππ» and will be back! - 8/09/2024
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