Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y

4.6

3170 Reviews

$30 and under

Gastro Pub

Make a booking

2 people

17 Mar 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 58 times today

About this restaurant

Lively
Charming
Neighbourhood gem

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 Parking
Entertainment
Bourbon & Blues - Live music every Thursday 6pm-9pm
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Private dining

Popular dishes

Belhaven Beer CheeseUSD 12.00
warm soft pretzels, celery, carrots
Guinness Spring RollsUSD 12.00
pot roast, potato, root vegetables, creamy horseradish sauce
Crab CakesUSD 16.50
lump crab meat, topped with seasoned breadcrumbs, fried, mixed greens, malt vinegar aioli
Flash-Fried BrusselsUSD 9.00
parmesan, malt vinegar aioli
Fried Pork BellyUSD 12.00
crispy with bourbon mustard BBQ sauce, apple turnip coleslaw
Scotch EggUSD 10.00
pub mustard, mixed greens
Smoked Salmon DipUSD 14.00
house-smoked salmon dip, red onion, capers, crostini, celery, carrots
Ploughman's Bread BoardUSD 12.00
artisan bread, house-made cornbread, olive oil, honey butter, jam, goat cheese mousse, pickles
Charcuterie BoardUSD 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 JourUSD 5.00
chef's daily feature
Cock-A-LeekieUSD 5.00
pulled chicken, chicken broth, leeks, golden raisins, white rice
Kentucky BurgooUSD 6.00
house-made stew with chicken, pork, beef, potatoes, tomatoes, corn, carrots, onion, celery, beans, fresh baguette
Tavern House SaladUSD 6.50
spring mix, dried cranberries, granny smith apples, stilton blue cheese crumbles, house-made bee pollen vinaigrette
Classic Caesar SaladUSD 6.50
romaine, shaved parmesan, garlic croutons, house-made caesar dressing
Arugula SaladUSD 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
- WeeUSD 14.00
- FullUSD 18.00
Bangers & MashUSD 18.00
Avril-Bleh sausage, caramelized ale onion gravy, mashed potatoes, green onions, braised red cabbage
Pot RoastUSD 19.50
slow-roasted in house, three cheese macaroni, roasted carrots, topped with crispy onion straws
Shepherd's PieUSD 17.00
ground lamb & beef, peas & carrots, mashed potatoes, parmesan breadcrumbs, bordelaise, accent salad
Kentucky Hot BrownUSD 18.50
turkey, griddled sourdough, bacon, tomato, cream sauce

Mains

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

Gastroburgers

tavern fries

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

Pub Sandwiches

choice of side

Highland HaddockUSD 14.00
hand-breaded, house-made tartar sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, rye
Roasted Pork SourdoughUSD 14.00
jamaican jerk mayonnaise, sharp cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onion, butter-griddled sourdough
Welsh DipUSD 17.00
prime rib, green peppers, onions, mozzarella, provolone, au jus, pretzel bun
Caledonian Grilled ChickenUSD 14.00
marinated chicken, bacon, griddled onion, swiss cheese, lemon garlic aioli, lettuce, tomato, brioche bun
Corned Beef ReubenUSD 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 3,170 people are saying

Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.5Service
4.6Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y offers a vibrant atmosphere with "great service" and "amazing food." It's a perfect pre-theater dining spot, conveniently located near the Aronoff Center. Guests rave about the "incredible selection of Scotch whiskey" and the cozy ambiance, often enhanced by live music.

3,170 Reviews

F
Fred
Louisville12 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and service. We will definitely be back!
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C
Charlotte
Cincinnati11 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
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.
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K
Kenneth
Cincinnati3 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was good as always and the server was pleasant and friendly.
Is this helpful?
D
Denise
Cincinnati3 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We love their fish and chips. Our server was great. It’s our go to restaurant when we are attending shows/concerts at the Taft. Highly recommend!
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M
Melissa
Cincinnati8 reviews
5.0
Dined on 9 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The overall experience was excellent!! Enjoy the atmosphere and the food. The service was great between walking into the restaurant and finally leaving for the evening.
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A
Alyssa
Cincinnati1 review
5.0
Dined on 8 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food service and atmosphere! Ready for our next date night back! Also great if you have kids !
Is this helpful?
C
Christine VIP
Cincinnati14 reviews
5.0
Dined on 8 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and good service, as always. One of the nicest dining experiences in Cincinnati.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Cincinnati1 review
2.0
Dined on 7 March 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 5
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
The food was wonderful as always. The service… not so much. We were sat at a quiet, secluded table for two behind a wall of sorts, which seemed nice and intimate. However, we waited for several minutes and realized no one knew we were there. We waited longer, and waited more. Finally we notified the host, and they were apologetic, getting our wait staff immediately. However even after ordering drinks, appetizers, and dinner… the service was incredibly slow and inattentive. The restaurant was uncharacteristically slow for a Friday evening, so the wait and delay in service seemed for no valid reason?
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R
Rodney VIP
Louisville13 reviews
5.0
Dined on 7 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and service. Fish and chips is always outstanding and tried the chicken schnitzel for first time and very impressed.
Is this helpful?
K
Kathy VIP
Cincinnati35 reviews
4.0
Dined on 2 March 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
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.
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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 4.6 stars by 3170 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

17 Mar 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 58 times today

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 Parking
Payment Options
AMEX, Carte Blanche, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Cameron Bloomer
Entertainment
Bourbon & Blues - Live music every Thursday 6pm-9pm
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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

About this restaurant

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

Custom inquiry

Shepherd's Pie

Crab Cakes

Pot Roast

Starters

Belhaven Beer CheeseUSD 12.00

Guinness Spring RollsUSD 12.00

Crab CakesUSD 16.50

Flash-Fried BrusselsUSD 9.00

Fried Pork BellyUSD 12.00

Scotch EggUSD 10.00

Smoked Salmon DipUSD 14.00

Ploughman's Bread BoardUSD 12.00

Charcuterie BoardUSD 25.00

Soups & Salads

Soup du JourUSD 5.00

Cock-A-LeekieUSD 5.00

Kentucky BurgooUSD 6.00

Tavern House SaladUSD 6.50

Classic Caesar SaladUSD 6.50

Arugula SaladUSD 10.00

Tavern Fare

Nicholson's Fish & Chips

Bangers & MashUSD 18.00

Pot RoastUSD 19.50

Shepherd's PieUSD 17.00

Kentucky Hot BrownUSD 18.50

Mains

Pan Seared Salmon*USD 25.00

Chicken Schnitzel*USD 22.00

Steak Frites*USD 30.00

Center Cut Pork LoinUSD 21.00

Shrimp & Grits*USD 20.00

Gastroburgers

Nicholson's Signature*USD 15.00

Bourbon BBQ & Bacon*USD 15.00

Shepherd's*USD 15.00

Horse & Barrel Sliders*USD 13.00

Pub Sandwiches

Highland HaddockUSD 14.00

Roasted Pork SourdoughUSD 14.00

Welsh DipUSD 17.00

Caledonian Grilled ChickenUSD 14.00

Corned Beef ReubenUSD 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