The Exchange Pub + Kitchen

★★★★☆ 4.3 (620) • $$

"Stopped at The Exchange for lunch and everything from the food to the service was top notch. The burgers were great as was the beer. Kelsey was fantastic and she took excellent care of us. We will absolutely come back."

Crown Republic Gastropub

★★★★★ 4.5 (523) • $$

"Service was fantastic. It was clean, organized and everything we ordered was excellent. Definitely a level above for Bistro! Can't wait to go back"

Agave & Rye - Covington

★★★★☆ 4 (597) • $$

"Some places reach a level of perfection in their food and service unmatched by others. These places usually stay hidden, preserved for a special crowd to enjoy them in secret. Once in a while though, those places are smack in the middle of the city, not far from some of the major attractions, and all you have to do is enter their doors and sit down to enjoy some of the best food you'll ever have in a region. Such is the case with Agave & Rye in Covington. Our discovery of Agave & Rye was incredibly fortuitous. I had just landed from South Florida, here to celebrate my niece and nephew's birthday. Half of my family was set to arrive in a hour and a half and we needed something to eat. It was late at night, we looked for a highly recommended spot for food, and lo and behold, Yelp always comes in clutch! But when we arrived at the location suggested they had just closed their kitchen and were solely focused on drinks. Hungry and disappointed, we ventured the streets of Covington once more. And as we were passing by Agave & Rye we couldn't help but notice people still sitting outside enjoying their meals.Luckily for us, there was a waitress passing by at the moment who told us we'd just arrived in time. Her name was Taylor. When it comes to customer service, Taylor's is unmatched. Not only was she in charge of serving the customers in the outside sitting area, but also training a new employee. We asked her for recommendations, and she guided us brilliantly. And so, under her guidance, we proceeded to order. One of the orders was for an Epic Taco - The Bomb taco. I decided for the Grilled Birria Burrito. And Oh My God! What a great decision that was! The burrito was perfect. There was flavor and deliciousness in every bite. Next time I promise to try one of the Epic Tacos. And how can you not. Besides the aforementioned one, you also have on the menu, the Jedi Taco, the Alderman taco, the Bang Bang, the Rooster, the Green Goddess, and the Love Shack 2.In conclusion, we truly ran into a gem. I can't wait to go back and continue enjoying the wonderful food and the great service at Agave & Rye."

Porch Kitchen & Bar

★★★★☆ 3.8 (610) • $$

"I saw an article about holiday pop up bars and Porch was on the list so we checked it out! It was actually the lobby bar with the holiday selection, not the Porch but it was no biggie! We approached the bar and it was VERY busy but that did not stop the bartenders from being incredibly efficient. I approached the completely full bar and was greeted + my order taken within maybe 20 seconds. All four cocktails were then prepared within a few minutes. We were all very impressed with how quick service was. We all got seasonal cocktails, Gingerbread Old Fashioned, Peppermint Espresso Martini and the Sugar Cookie Martini. Those might not be the exact names but thats the gist of what they were. Now let me say, we were in Louisville for the bourbon trail so we had been doing a lot of drinking throughout the weekend. We had a lot of seasonal cocktails and these (all of them!) were on the top of our list! They were all so wonderful! You know when you get a drink that has an amazing description and then when you taste it, it doesn't taste like the description? Well, this wasn't the case here! Our drinks tasted just like they were described! We loved our drinks so much we considered going back to this bar again later in the night! Take advantage of their seasonal menu while you can!"

Agave & Rye - Rookwood

★★★★☆ 4.1 (463) • $$

"Didn't know what to expect. I call it eclectic Mexican. Tacos galore along with burritos and quesadillas. They are not traditional. They have many twists in them. Lots of sauces and creams. You can even get a burger here. Great specials each night food and drinks. Free arcade games in the back, but didn't have time to play."

Lily's - Dayton

★★★★☆ 4.1 (438) • $$

"We decided to try Lily's for brunch based on the menu, which had a lot of interesting options. I had the SLT&E and my husband opted for the omelet of the day. Unfortunately, we were both left feeling underwhelmed. The portions were smaller than expected for the price, and neither dish stood out as impressive.The service was lacking--our server was either over-taxed or inattentive. I had to get up and walk to the bar to grab a coffee refill for my husband.Also, a heads-up for anyone using a credit card: there's an additional 3% surcharge to help offset processing costs. It's not the biggest deal, but it's something to keep in mind.The atmosphere and menu have potential, but we won't be coming back. There are better brunch spots in the area that offer both great food and more attentive service."

Wheat Penny Oven and Bar

★★★★☆ 4.1 (437) • $$

"This is a dining hot spot! I mean, it was Tuesday night at about 6:30 and this place was hopping! Valerie, Libby, and I walked over to explore this place, and we were all pleasantly surprised. It's trendy, upscale, and has an energetic, boisterous ambiance. The dining room seating was on a wait, so we opted for the patio.Our server came right over and was very pleasant and helpful with our questions. Our drinks were tasty and had a good pour. I ordered a Mai Tai / Rum Runner but got something more like a Margarita. Wasn't what I expected, but it was quite good. (I ordered a second drink, just so you know). I decided to go with the "Mr White," which is a delicious white pizza with a nice wood fired oven crust. There was a decent amount of cheese, a pleasing combination of flavors, and a noticeable nutty taste. I also tried Libby's Eggplant and Valerie's Spinach Artichoke pizza, and both were pretty tasty.Good food, good service, and good conversation with long-time friends... What an enjoyable evening! Wheat Penny Oven And Bar is definitely worth checking out for an upscale dining experience."

Agave & Rye - Liberty

★★★★☆ 4.2 (403) • $$

"Twice in one week-that's how good!! The mac n cheese doughnuts!! Dayum! The nacho chips are tremendously thick and crisp. Absolutely awesome twist on tacos and the flavors blend and work so good. We've never been disappointed with our meals and service here. Will always return."

Agave & Rye - Lexington Square

★★★★☆ 4.4 (285) • $$

"What an epic meal in every sense of the word!!!! The food, the service, the ambiance!!!Emily is a gem of a server, and the food was absolutely fantastic! So glad we were all in town for a conference to come here!"

Henry Social Club

★★★★★ 4.5 (257) • $$$

"I've been here two or 3 times before. I've never been disappointed, it's just not necessarily my go to type place. I'm more of a chill beer and burger type girl over a fancy dress up for an expensive dinner type girl. However, if you're looking for a nice place to take someone on a first date or an anniversary or something like that, this is a perfect place in Columbus. But make sure you get reservations! The last time we went, I got the Thai coconut curry tofu. My husband got the salmon. Both were absolutely delicious! Pricey, like I mentioned, but delicious so it was worth it. I'll probably be back again at some point for some special event!"

Chilango Fresh Mexican

★★★★☆ 4.4 (260) • $

"Takeout Only at the time of my visit due to staffing... I almost drove by as it is located in an essentially strip mall, and the parking lot was empty.But the tacos (limited menu) were FANTASTIC!!! Flank steak for the win! I have had plenty from Southern Cal, AZ, NM, and Mexico's Baja itself. These easily rated 5 stars on their own merits.The place was a little stark (again, takeout only) with the stacks of chairs in the dining area. However, the owners were the staff and as friendly as any customer service-oriented people that I have met.I was only "passing through" and I do not know if I will be here again. However, I had zero regrets and I recommend that you try them out asap!!SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES!!"

Cedar

★★★★☆ 4.3 (259) • $$

"Absolutely Delicious! Sitting at the bar for brunch - it was perfect! Service was amazing!"

Gander An American Grill

★★★★☆ 4.1 (280) • $$

"Just had lunch there this past Thursday with a client. The steak tacos and the mushrooms are absolutely amazing!!Highly recommend!"

Grove City Brewing Company

★★★★☆ 4.1 (240) • $$

"I recently discovered this incredible local brewery since moving here one month ago.They have a limited-time burger of the week and I had to try this week's: The Pizza Burger!It's incredibly delicious with a beef patty, pepperoni , a thick slice of mozzarella, pizza sauce, and herbs all on a toasted garlic brioche bun. The burger was perfectly cooked to medium temperature.I have never had fries like the ones at GCBC. They're thick like steak fries, but they have a twist; not a curl, not a spiral, a twist and the accompanying ketchup is delightfully spicy! GCBC has quickly become one of my favorite breweries with a food menu. It has plenty of open space inside and a nice patio area outside. The servers and bartender are so friendly and helpful as well.#BurgerOfTheWeek #PizzaBurger"

Lola's Coffee + Bar

★★★★★ 4.6 (172) • $

"I really liked this coffee shop (plus bar!) in downtown Cincy! It has a cool, relaxing vibe and has friendly staff to help get what you need.I stopped by one morning before an event I was attending started. Because this was one of the places that was open early on a weekend, I was able to grab a coffee drink and a few pastries to enjoy that morning (and as snack later during the day).Through conversations that the staff had with customers, it was clear this place is well loved by the neighbors and community. The staff and customers even know each other on a name basis!Overall, great cafe with good, friendly vibe! Good coffee+pastries for morning eats, too!"

Brown Dog Cafe

★★★☆☆ 3.1 (356) • $$

"It was a busy Saturday night so we had to wait a little longer than usual. We got the hummus platter as an appetizer, burgers, and tofu on salad. The hummus platter is wonderful. 4 out of 5 of us enjoyed it. (My husband doesn't eat hummus.) The curried tofu on salad was filling, but I didn't expect one large piece of tofu. The guys really liked the fries - those were finished but the burgers weren't. We shared the chocolate banana bread for dessert for our daughter's Birthday. The liquid ganache in the center was a really nice touch. My daughter liked the Caramelized banana."

Rosie’s Italian

★★★★☆ 4.4 (174) • $$

"I didn't know this place existed and I am so glad we tried it. Authentic Italian dishes and drinks that will please everyone. Started with lasagna bites and then eggplant Parmesan which is huge. Leftovers for sure. Others ordered vodka rigatoni shrimp scampi and chicken Parmesan. The atmosphere is open and lively and the bar is adorable It's a fantastic experience"

Soul Secrets

★★★★☆ 4.2 (190) • $$

"Absolutely a great experience. Catfish was excellent. Fried chicken delicious. We tried several sides and enjoyed everything. The server was great and we met the owner. She told us all the food was based off her grandmother's recipes."

Agave & Rye - Troy

★★★★☆ 3.9 (202) • $$

"We love this place. Such unique dishes and everything we've tried has been amazing. Service is great and drinks at the bar even better. If you're in the area, definitely come check them out."

Rincon Mexicano

★★★★☆ 3.6 (205) • $$

"Best Mexican place around! We go here all the time weather it be for lunch or dinner! The fajitas always come out sizzling and the elote corn is one of my favorite sides! The queso is nice and thick, not watery like some places. Anytime we have gone the food always comes out quick even when they seem busy. The staff also is very friendly. The vibe of the restaurant is very nice as well, I love looking at all the different art work and tables. Will always be my number one Mexican place."

Minglewood

★★★★☆ 4.2 (150) • $$

"The food, decor and service are stellar! I was born and raised in Lexington, but moved to Georgia after graduating undergrad where I have remained since. We didn't have anything as unique, inviting with such engaging service when I was growing up and going to school in Lex! This collage is from a trip in 2017 and I still think of this place often 7 years later. I only wish I could stop in at least once a week for a bite and the exceptional, kind and genuine people that work and tend to patronize this one of a kind place! Can't recommend enough - if you're considering just do it!"

Queen City Radio

★★★★☆ 4 (159) • $$

"It's a cool place, but a little woke. If you want to be surrounded by pride flags come on in! The slushies are good. The staff is very nice!"

Basil 1791

★★★★☆ 3.9 (165) • $$

"Short story: I cringe when a place does multiple Asian styles. It usually means they do none of them great, maybe all mediocre at best. That was my expectation for Basil, but they quickly dispelled that assumption and have become our go-to Asian food haunt...including sushi and some mean cocktails. Maybe grab a drink, as on to the long story...We first dipped our toes by trying safer fare such as their Pad Thai and Drunken Noodles, which were certainly tasty and warranted a need to try more of the menu, though not the best of those dishes we've had. We have since tried more exciting dishes such as the Spicy Peanut Curry dish, which is now my fav - nice heat, flavor, and great portions. The curry and peanuts combo is just hard to beat. My wife now really enjoys the Spicy Garlic Chicken, but her absolute favorite main dish when we're splurging is the Korean Sizzling Steak, and I concur. It's almost more of a Mongolian Beef (which they also have and is solid) meets premium Asian steak dish like a Thai Crying Tiger - highly recommended.We also love some of their apps. I am not a fan of Crab Rangoons but love theirs and my wife (who loves Crab Rangoons) is addicted to them. They're more like triangle pockets vs the traditional rangoon shape, with fantastically crispy yet chewy dough and what must be a lower cream cheese ratio because I normally don't like rangoons because of too much cream cheese. The Egg Roll great too, as are the Bon Bon Shrimp (when ordering in, to-go they get a bit soggy). I like the Thai Rolls, but my wife finds them to be a bit too meaty and dense. We usually love pot stickers but theirs are strangely more European dumpling like in shape and dough - not fans.Our other love at Basil is their sushi - a total surprise! We used to live in the Pacific Northwest and had access to world-class sushi that's more focused on the fish rather than crazy assortments and sauces on fried rolls. The Cincinnati metro area is more focused on the latter, which is not our preference, but Basil has a great assortment of both including many fresh fish rolls like their Basil Special Roll, Summer Roll, and (our favorite) Rainbow Roll. Surprisingly good quality of fresh fish, though we tend to stay with the tuna focused rolls and the salmon can vary. The best part? They do half priced sushi on Wednesdays (of a limited menu)! On that note, they have specials nearly every night of the week.Another surprising aspect of Basil is their cocktails are fantastic! A huge list of affordable yet unique and well crafted cocktails, including seasonal/event-based special cocktails. I struggle to choose but often go with their Blackberry Bourbon Smash, while my wife usually gets their current variation of the Old Fashioned. They typically have a solid craft beer offering too but the servers rarely know it well and the list is not easy to find/see. But the cocktails are so good that I say save beer for somewhere else.Last but not least, the spot is cool with the book-clad walls by the booths. Definitely get a booth if you can, which sometimes requires a reservation, as the tables can be awkward. They also apparently have an event/music venue upstairs as we've heard it but have never been. Service when eating in has been really hit and miss, usually more on the latter unfortunately. That and the non-booth seating are the main reasons for the 4 stars, along with a few food misses. But hostess staff for to-go have usually been great.Phew, that was a long review! But Basil is quite the complex place with many layers. Definitely recommend, as we certainly frequent it, but keep in mind some of the nuances noted, as this is not your typical Asian restaurant."

Behle Street by Sheli

★★★★☆ 4 (151) • $$

"Oh my goodness. What a gem this place is. I had no idea a restaurant like this was close by. Even sitting outside, I was nice and cozy. I had a glass of white wine and ordered the mushroom appetizer and the lobster penne. My server was so attentive with filling waters and drinks and clearing plates as the night went on. I can't wait to come back."

1Eleven Flavor House

★★★★☆ 4.2 (119) • $$

"1Eleven Flavor House is very inviting. Their staff greets you as soon as you open the door. They're very friendly and attentive. My choice of seating had been the bar. Their fried okra will put Church's to shame anyday. My drink of choice had been a sweet delicious Strawberry Lemondrop. They even made jerk Salmon for me although this isn't on their menu. This Jerk Salmon, Garlic Mashed Potatoes w/ Mac N Cheese entrée is "stop what you're doing/call now to place your order entrée." All items were fresh, decadent and tasty. 1ELEVEN Flavor House delivers top tier customer service and delicious quality food."

The Sage Rabbit

★★★★☆ 3.9 (130) • $$

"I visited with my spouse for the first time tonight. Everything was great!The atmosphere inside was laid back but still elegant. Nothing pretentious. Just nice, with dark blue tablecloths and good music in the background.We started with cocktails. My spouse had the raspberry mojito and I had a negroni. Both were excellent. We shared a starter of panzanella (toasty seasoned bread cubes with roasted tomatoes & red onion with shaved asiago). Delicious and appetizing.For entrees: my spouse had pasta with chicken (homemade pasta with chunks of flavorful chicken and fresh tomatoes); she said it was great. I had pan roasted redfish over vegetables: the fish was cooked perfectly with a crispy exterior, seasoning correct, tasty sauteed fresh vegetables. Very nice.We finished with the two special desserts: zeppole with mocha gelato (killer!) and warm strawberry crisp with cream (quite good).Service was attentive. Pricing typical (about $100 before tip). We'll be back."

Drake's - Hamburg

★★★★☆ 3.8 (132) • $$

"We were driving from Atlanta Cincinnati and were looking for a place to stop for dinner and to watch college football.Drake's was perfect! We enjoyed patty melts and beer at the bar. Delicious melts and lots of beers on tap!! Pro tip, there are 2 big bars, as well as tables available. It is a huge place.The servers and bartenders are SUPER NICE!! Never let our glasses go empty, even when we had switched to Diet Coke and water (had another hour to drive).Will definitely return!! Cheers!!"

Voodoo Brewing

★★★★★ 4.5 (91) • $$

"If you're in Cincinnati and hunting for a post-workout feast (bulking season or not), Voodoo is the move. My son and I stumbled in looking for gains-friendly grub, and boy, did we hit the jackpot. We started with the Three Little Pigs pizza, featuring the spiciest, most flavorful sauce that had us both questioning if it was the secret to PRs. That pizza was so good, it deserved its own workout playlist.For the main course, my son demolished The Hangover in 7 bites flat--a record even for post-leg day. The smash burger paired with homemade chips? Chef's kiss. Meanwhile, I took on the patty melt, which was seasoned so perfectly it felt like a symphony was playing on my taste buds.Shoutout to the attentive staff who tried (valiantly) to lure me into trying their brews. I had to pass because it was only 1 PM, but their soda pop was refreshingly on point. Voodoo's a vibe--10/10, y'all. Let me know how the brews are!"

Blondie & Jim’s Bistro

★★★★★ 4.5 (84) • $$

"Great food! Great atmosphere! The service was fast and professional. They even had everyone sing happy birthday to my daughter."

Don Jockey

★★★★★ 4.5 (81)

"Don Jockey is an absolute gem! Their Enchiladas Poblanas are hands down the best dish on the menu. The three cheese enchiladas smothered in their signature creamy poblano sauce are simply out of this world - rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. I could eat this dish every day!We also tried the Derby Fajitas with steak, chicken, bacon, jalapeños, and melted cheese on top. While it was flavorful and a unique take on fajitas, it didn't quite compare to the enchiladas for me, so I probably wouldn't order it again.The staff and service here are amazing - friendly, attentive, and make you feel right at home. Highly recommend this place and can't wait to return!"

Tickets Pub & Eatery

★★★★☆ 3.6 (125) • $$

"Nice change of pace here as I am not a fan of bars or alcohol. Expecting bar food, I was surprised with the offering here. My sister had a steak with diced potatoes that she thoroughly enjoyed. On recommendation, I had the Philly Cheesesteak that was served in a pita with waffle fries on the side. It all tasted great and the service was very friendly and helpful. Looking forward to returning to try other entrees as they have a lot to offer."

The Tulip Bistro & Bar

★★★★☆ 4 (91) • $$

"I really love this local, neighborhood restaurant with an excellent chef and wonderful atmosphere. We have been there 4 or 5 times and we always enjoy it. Outside or inside, both are quaint and great. It's off the beaten path, in a way, but right in the middle of a great old neighborhood. There is plenty of parking and it is consistently busy on the weekends. Tonight Iris was our server and was fantastic. She was busy as can be but attentive and even made drinks to decrease the wait time when the bartender was busy. She also was bold enough to offer her favorites and recommendations with confidence which I really appreciated. My wife had the short rib sliders and I had the short rib special with mashed potatoes, green beans and fried onions. They were both excellent! My wife had the cheddar broccoli soup and I had the grilled Caesar and we weren't that impressed, but our entrees made up for it for sure!Can't wait to go back."

The Swire Inn

★★★★☆ 4 (82)

"A very cozy restaurant in Middletown. We stopped after a long drive and loved the experience. The waitress was super nice and we loved the food. Can't wait to go back!"

Waldo's Chicken and Beer

★★★★☆ 3.7 (92) • $$

"We visited here on a Saturday evening and around dinner time. We watch college football games on their big TVs. The atmosphere is a five out of five for sure. I love the sports bar. Service was OK. I had to go get my own drinks a couple times which was kind of annoying, but I don't mind doing it, they're really crowded but they weren't really crowded so. Food was just OK it's a two. I'd say the best thing about this place is the atmosphere and the location. Chicken tenders were just subpar to be honest I wish I could say better but they weren't chicken biscuits were the best thing I will say they were the only great thing that we had."

Greenhouse Cafe + Bar

★★★★☆ 4.4 (65)

"Very cute cafe in beautiful downtown Lebanon OHIO. Menu provides both vegan & non vegan options. Casual atmosphere & food was thoughtfully prepared. Small seating area outside & tables inside. Tried the chicken salad that was delicious & my friend loved the potato bowl. Check it out!"