Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y

4.5

3052 Reviews

$30 and under

Gastro Pub

Make a booking

2 people

4 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 31 times today

Experiences are available.

Charming
Lively
Good for special occasions

Located in downtown Cincinnati across from the Aronoff Center, Nicholson’s is a restaurant and bar serving fine food and drink in a genuine Scottish tavern setting. Taking inspiration from the public houses found throughout Great Britain, our goal is to provide our guests with authentic hospitality and a brilliant dining experience. In addition to high-quality food, we offer a wide variety of beer, wine, and spirits featuring one of the best selections of single malt scotch whiskies in the area. Our family of restaurants has grown in recent years to include two new concepts: Horse & Barrel Bourbon House and the Backstage Event Center located next door from Nicholson's Pub. Horse & Barrel is an award-winning whiskey bar with 100+ whiskeys and bourbons, specialty cocktails, craft beers, small bites and a friendly bourbon-loving staff. The Backstage Event Center is a private event venue hosting rehearsal dinners, weddings, cocktail parties, corporate events and more.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Gastro Pub, Breakfast, Seafood
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
Phone number
(513) 564-9111
Website
http://www.nicholsonspub.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Carte Blanche, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Cameron Bloomer
Private party facilities
Nicholson’s is located directly across from the Aronoff Center for Arts. Nicholson’s has the largest selection of Single Malt Scotch in the region.We are a great destination for your next rehearsal dinner, graduation, business dinner or birthday party.

Location
625 Walnut St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Area
Central Business District
Cross Street
Between 6th and 7th, Across from the Aronoff Theater
Parking details
Private Lot
Entertainment
Bourbon & Blues - Live music every Thursday 6pm-9pm
Additional
Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Featured in

Experiences

Burns Night Celebration
US$75.00 per person
Prepaid
23 Jan 2025 only
Come join us for a night of Scottish revelry. Get ready for bagpipes, kilts, and lots of fun! This event will transport you to the heart of Scotland, with Celtic music, dancing, and, of course, a hearty feast. Mark your calendar and get ready to raise your glass to Scotland's National Poet at our Annual Robert Burns Night celebration. 6:00pm Ticketed Event at Backstage Event Center: $75 includes reserved seating, family-style dinner with appetizers, desserts, wine & whiskey tastings, live music by the Columbus Celtic group FinTan, entertainment throughout the evening by Robert Reid and The Cincinnati Highland Dancers, Traditional Toast to the Haggis, and more!

Popular dishes

Belhaven Beer CheeseUS$12.00
warm soft pretzels, celery, carrots
Guinness Spring RollsUS$12.00
pot roast, potato, root vegetables, creamy horseradish sauce
Crab CakesUS$16.50
lump crab meat, topped with seasoned breadcrumbs, fried, mixed greens, malt vinegar aioli
Flash-Fried BrusselsUS$9.00
parmesan, malt vinegar aioli
Fried Pork BellyUS$12.00
crispy with bourbon mustard BBQ sauce, apple turnip coleslaw
Scotch EggUS$10.00
pub mustard, mixed greens
Smoked Salmon DipUS$14.00
house-smoked salmon dip, red onion, capers, crostini, celery, carrots
Ploughman's Bread BoardUS$12.00
artisan bread, house-made cornbread, olive oil, honey butter, jam, goat cheese mousse, pickles
Charcuterie BoardUS$25.00
artisanal meat & cheese, crackers, pickles, granny smith apples, jam

Soups & Salads

Add: Chicken* $7 | Salmon* $9 | Crab Cake* $9 | Shrimp* $9

Soup du JourUS$5.00
chef's daily feature
Cock-A-LeekieUS$5.00
pulled chicken, chicken broth, leeks, golden raisins, white rice
Kentucky BurgooUS$6.00
house-made stew with chicken, pork, beef, potatoes, tomatoes, corn, carrots, onion, celery, beans, fresh baguette
Tavern House SaladUS$6.50
spring mix, dried cranberries, granny smith apples, stilton blue cheese crumbles, house-made bee pollen vinaigrette
Classic Caesar SaladUS$6.50
romaine, shaved parmesan, garlic croutons, house-made caesar dressing
Arugula SaladUS$10.00
dried apricots, arugula, feta cheese, walnuts, balsamic vinaigrette

Tavern Fare

Nicholson's Fish & Chips
hand-breaded haddock, tavern fries, coleslaw garnish, house-made tartar sauce
- WeeUS$14.00
- FullUS$18.00
Bangers & MashUS$18.00
Avril-Bleh sausage, caramelized ale onion gravy, mashed potatoes, green onions, braised red cabbage
Pot RoastUS$19.50
slow-roasted in house, three cheese macaroni, roasted carrots, topped with crispy onion straws
Shepherd's PieUS$17.00
ground lamb & beef, peas & carrots, mashed potatoes, parmesan breadcrumbs, bordelaise, accent salad
Kentucky Hot BrownUS$18.50
turkey, griddled sourdough, bacon, tomato, cream sauce

Mains

Pan Seared Salmon*US$25.00
highland beurre blanc, mashed potatoes, zucchini medley
Chicken Schnitzel*US$22.00
pretzel-crusted, lemon caper beurre blanc, clapshot, roasted carrots, scallions, crispy onion straws
Steak Frites*US$30.00
house marinated choice cut, tavern fries, garlic butter
Center Cut Pork LoinUS$21.00
slow-roasted pork loin, cranberry-apple chutney, truffle parmesan roasted potatoes, braised red cabbage
Shrimp & Grits*US$20.00
creamy sharp cheddar grits, jumbo shrimp scampi, scallions

Gastroburgers

tavern fries

Nicholson's Signature*US$15.00
sweet onion jam, yellow & white cheddar, arugula, tomato, lemon garlic aioli, butter-griddled sourdough
Bourbon BBQ & Bacon*US$15.00
beef patty, sharp white cheddar, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion
Shepherd's*US$15.00
seasoned ground beef & lamb, herbed goat cheese, lemon garlic aioli, arugula, tomato, onion
Horse & Barrel Sliders*US$13.00
Two hearty beef patties, pimento cheese, pickles

Pub Sandwiches

choice of side

Highland HaddockUS$14.00
hand-breaded, house-made tartar sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, rye
Roasted Pork SourdoughUS$14.00
jamaican jerk mayonnaise, sharp cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onion, butter-griddled sourdough
Welsh DipUS$17.00
prime rib, green peppers, onions, mozzarella, provolone, au jus, pretzel bun
Caledonian Grilled ChickenUS$14.00
marinated chicken, bacon, griddled onion, swiss cheese, lemon garlic aioli, lettuce, tomato, brioche bun
Corned Beef ReubenUS$14.00
sauerkraut, swiss cheese, thousand island dressing, rye

Sides

Side Dish Platter $12 | $4 à la carte; pick three side dishes, bread

Truffle Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
Tavern Fries
Mashed Potatoes
Clapshot
Mashed Potatoes & Turnips
Three Cheese Macaroni
Coleslaw
Roasted Carrots
Braised Red Cabbage
Flash-Fried Brussels Sprouts
Zucchini Medley
Artisan Bread
House-Made Cornbread

What 3,052 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y in Cincinnati is celebrated for its "fantastic experience" and "delicious food." With a remarkable Scotch selection and Scottish-themed pub ambiance, it's the perfect spot before a concert at the Aronoff Center. Guests consistently praise the "great service" and "excellent atmosphere." Enjoy live music, themed specials, and a cozy setting for a memorable dining experience.

3,052 Reviews

S
Squire
Cincinnati
121 reviews
vip
5.0
121 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We love the place because of the food, atmosphere service and today was no different. The food was as good as always and the portions excellent. A great value also.
Is this helpful?
T
Teri
Cincinnati
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The food, atmosphere, service was all wonderful. Perfect for attending show at Aronoff Center
Is this helpful?
N
Nancy
Cincinnati
2 reviews
vip
1.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
We went on a busy sunday at 11:30. There was a bengals game and a show. Food was cold for half the table.
Is this helpful?
J
Jonathan
New York City
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 5
The restaurant was great, food was better. Our server, well bless her heart. We waited about 10-15 min to be greeted, then another 15 min to get our drinks, finally another 10 to take our order, then waited about 45 min to get our food - it was only until then did the manager come out to sincerely apologize. The server - oh sweetheart, may I suggest some more training and time management. Can’t wait to come back again though - I will definitely make sure she’s A) not working or B) not to be sat with her. I would like to eat in a sensible manor :)
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k
karen
Cincinnati
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
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.
Is this helpful?
D
David
Cincinnati
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
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.
Is this helpful?
A
Amy
Cincinnati
10 reviews
3.0
10 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The service was really good, but the wait time for food and bar drinks was too long. Which is the same every visit. Making the decision to return difficult.
Is this helpful?
D
Dave
Cincinnati
8 reviews
1.0
8 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 1
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 1
The food was good as long as you don’t want to have a conversation with anyone in your party of four. The music was so loud you couldn’t hear any conversation at the table. When we complained the waiter said others had complained and they lowered it a bit. I can only imagine how loud it was before they complained. When we complained they lowered it a small amount but was still terrible. Too top it off the music was hard rock, not the type of music associated with a nice dining experience. Why in the world would an establishment allow the bartender to control the music? Overall we will not be going anymore it’s just not conducive to a night out with friends.
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W
William
Cincinnati
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 26 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Very busy with heavy Aronoff Show customers but service was great and everyone got to show in plenty of time. No rushing.
Is this helpful?
R
Rita
Cincinnati
57 reviews
vip
4.0
57 reviews
Dined on 24 November 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Cozy by the fire in the back room. Service was great! Pot roast had way too much pepper and Sheperds pie was too peppery also! Fish and chips and Burgoo was tasty
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FAQs

Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y offers delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y also offers takeaway which you can order by calling the restaurant at (513) 564-9111.

Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y is rated 4.5 stars by 3052 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

4 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 31 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y

625 Walnut St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
Between 6th and 7th, Across from the Aronoff Theater
Area
Central Business District
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Gastro Pub, Breakfast, Seafood
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Private Lot
Payment Options
AMEX, Carte Blanche, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Cameron Bloomer
Entertainment
Bourbon & Blues - Live music every Thursday 6pm-9pm
Additional
Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Website
http://www.nicholsonspub.com/
Phone number
(513) 564-9111
Private party facilities
Nicholson’s is located directly across from the Aronoff Center for Arts. Nicholson’s has the largest selection of Single Malt Scotch in the region.We are a great destination for your next rehearsal dinner, graduation, business dinner or birthday party.

Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

100 Cincinnati / Dayton Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

The Best Bars for Foodies in Cincinnati

Burns Night Celebration

Shepherd's Pie

Crab Cakes

12 Sandwich

Starters

Belhaven Beer CheeseUS$12.00

Guinness Spring RollsUS$12.00

Crab CakesUS$16.50

Flash-Fried BrusselsUS$9.00

Fried Pork BellyUS$12.00

Scotch EggUS$10.00

Smoked Salmon DipUS$14.00

Ploughman's Bread BoardUS$12.00

Charcuterie BoardUS$25.00

Soups & Salads

Soup du JourUS$5.00

Cock-A-LeekieUS$5.00

Kentucky BurgooUS$6.00

Tavern House SaladUS$6.50

Classic Caesar SaladUS$6.50

Arugula SaladUS$10.00

Tavern Fare

Nicholson's Fish & Chips

Bangers & MashUS$18.00

Pot RoastUS$19.50

Shepherd's PieUS$17.00

Kentucky Hot BrownUS$18.50

Mains

Pan Seared Salmon*US$25.00

Chicken Schnitzel*US$22.00

Steak Frites*US$30.00

Center Cut Pork LoinUS$21.00

Shrimp & Grits*US$20.00

Gastroburgers

Nicholson's Signature*US$15.00

Bourbon BBQ & Bacon*US$15.00

Shepherd's*US$15.00

Horse & Barrel Sliders*US$13.00

Pub Sandwiches

Highland HaddockUS$14.00

Roasted Pork SourdoughUS$14.00

Welsh DipUS$17.00

Caledonian Grilled ChickenUS$14.00

Corned Beef ReubenUS$14.00

Sides

Truffle Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

Tavern Fries

Mashed Potatoes

Clapshot

Three Cheese Macaroni

Coleslaw

Roasted Carrots

Braised Red Cabbage

Flash-Fried Brussels Sprouts

Zucchini Medley

Artisan Bread

House-Made Cornbread

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y restaurant rated?

Is Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

100 Cincinnati / Dayton Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

The Best Bars for Foodies in Cincinnati