Carlo & Johnny

Review summary

1. M

   Maryann

   Cincinnati

   5 reviews

   3.0

   5 reviews

   Dined today

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   I never thought I’d be leaving less than a 5-star review for a Jeff Ruby restaurant, but the truth is, my experience at Carlo and Johnny was not up to my usual expectations. I’ve dined at all of the Jeff Ruby locations in the Cincinnati area - this was my second time at Carlo and Johnny - and have always been very impressed with all aspects of the experience. And while the food this time was wonderful as usual, the service was definitely lacking. Our reservations were for 8:15, we arrived a little early but were not seated until shortly after 8:30. We had ordered drinks at the bar while we waited, and paid for them before being seated at our table; luckily we checked our dinner bill at the end of the evening because we had been charged a second time for the drinks we had at the bar. Table service was very slow, but we chose to relax and enjoy our evening, so did not complain. However, our server acknowledged the slow service with the explanation being they were also handling a large party, and then comped the three sides we ordered with our meal without us asking, which we appreciated. Because I know from past experience that the less-than-stellar service was not typical for a Jeff Ruby establishment, I will return in the future, but probably not to Carlo and Johnny, based on this experience.
   

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2. T

   Tanner

   Charleston

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   It just doesn’t get better than Carlo & Johnny. With hearty portions, a warm atmosphere, and impeccable service, Carlo & Johnny should be at the top of everyone’s “must-go” list. Phillip was an absolute pleasure and delight. He kept the drinks and laughs flowing, all the while staying one step ahead on the food service. Suffice it to say, we’ll certainly be back.
   

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3. M

   Michael

   New York City

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This is the third Jeff Ruby establishment I've been to in the Cincinnati area, and it was on the same level as my previous experiences at The Precinct and the now-defunct Waterfront. Excellent service from our server Christopher. He was very attentive and his recommendations were perfect. For sides, he said his favorite was the creamed corn, and that was phenomenal. I ordered the boneless ribeye and wanted to do it with chili rub and he recommended it on the side. At first I was confused because I assumed the chili rub was a dry powder rub so I didn't really understand how it would work on the side. But he assured me that the chili rub, while good, you may want to have a break from while eating the steak. So I went with his suggestion and I was glad I did! The rub is more like a paste and it was great for the steak and I was able to apply it as liberally or sparingly as I saw fit. For drinks, I had their "Mingling with Mezcal" and "Pear-Vanilla Old Fashioned." Both were sublime and the Mingling with Mezcal is one of my favorite cocktails I've had in recent years. You absolutely cannot go wrong with Jeff Ruby establishments. I was visiting from New York and Jeff Ruby's steaks are right up there with the best New York steakhouses.
   

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4. t

   tess

   Cincinnati

   9 reviews

   5.0

   9 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This was my first time at Carlos & Johnny. The ambience was great and the service impeccable. Our server, Cameron, was the best!! We had a group of 5 . We had 4 Petit Filets and one fish dish. For sides we had brussels sprout, mashed potatoes, Mac and cheese, and carrots. I was not fond of the carrots or brussels sprouts. Also, my filet was not very tender. For dessert we had cheese cake, butter cake and Kissed by a rose. All the desserts were exceptional. We were celebrating a birthday and he was sent a birthday cake on the house which was very nice. I would go back, but, I would order the more traditional fare, ie, Freddie salad, baked potato and try another steak. All in all it was a lovely evening and we all felt very pampered by Cameron.
   

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5. C

   Chad

   Cincinnati

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Sarah and Kevin were great. Great experience for New Year’s Eve
   

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6. K

   Karen

   Cincinnati

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Our meal was great. Alicia was a great. Liam was also great. Great experience
   

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7. J

   Justin

   Cincinnati

   9 reviews

   5.0

   9 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great NYE experience. Service and food were top notch. Christopher our server was excellent. Might have a new NYE tradition.
   

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8. K

   Kailey

   VIP

   Chicago

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Dining at Carlo & Johnny is always an exceptional experience! Our waiter, Paul, went above and beyond, delivering impeccable service with a side of humor that kept us entertained throughout the meal. His attentiveness and charm truly elevated the evening. Highly recommend this restaurant for an unforgettable dining experience!
   

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9. T

   Timothy

   Cincinnati

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Megan was THE BEST!! We had a magical night for our anniversary. Thank you, Megan! You made it so special!
   

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10. S

    Sarah

    Austin

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Carlo & Johnny always has the best food, drinks, and service. Our server Sarah was amazing. She went above and beyond, providing a personal and memorable night.
    

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