Nice neighborhood restaurant near our B&B and one that our innkeeper recommended. We weren't disappointed. Service was excellent (Amber), food was tasty and the price was reasonable. My mom and I had the pot roast dinner and my sister-in-laws had the cod fish dinner. We all enjoyed it. read more

We really enjoy Bacall's Cafe. We've eaten there several times. It's a great place to meet with friends. It's a cute little family friendly restaurant with an extensive menu, a bar, and several vegetarian options. I have had both the vegetarian "hamburger" and the chicken sandwich. They are both tasty and I would eat again. My husband had the battered fish sandwich and fries on our last visit. He said it was delicious. The staff is friendly and accommodating. There is a parking lot in the rear with access through an alley walkway. Don't park on the street unless you're certain of the requirements! But highly recommend. read more

Still a great place to watch the game, have a few beverages and relax with good food and friends.

Not gluten free, Not Celiac friendly. This restaurant cannot accommodate people with Celiac Disease. Honestly, this review is for Celiac's only, the cafe is beloved by my parents and their friends, so take that into consideration when you read this review. We ate lunch at Bacall's on 12-26-24, and called ahead to make sure they can accommodate my wife who has Celiac Disease and cannot eat gluten. The person on the phones said it was no issue and that the kitchen can accommodate allergies. For lunch she had the Santa Fe Salad, and had them hold the tortilla strips. The ingredients suggest it's gluten free, and the server assured us it would be gluten free. Not True. We at least made it home before my wife suffered from the gluten. In spite of the best intentions of the restaurant, it is NOT Celiac friendly. As the husband, I feel that any restaurant needs to know their own limitations. If you cannot accommodate someone with this disease, do not claim that you can. Since the server was very nice, I'll give her 2 stars instead of 1 for poisoning my wife. The atmosphere is perfectly fine, nothing fancy, 3 stars. But watching my wife suffer pain from the results of their food is why they get one star. read more

I have visited Bacall's on numerous occasions over the years. I would recommend getting a sandwich or a salad when you go here. Most recently I got carry out. I had a BLT sandwich and french fries. There was a good amount of bacon on the sandwich and the bread was crispy. Other items that we carried out were a classic burger, the turkey ranch wrap and beer battered cod. Everyone else also enjoyed their food. I heard that they now have brunch and I'm definitely interested in checking it out sometime soon! read more

Amber was our server and she was spot on in personality and service. The food was delicious. My daughter and I will be back.

We came here for #SundayBrunchday as I saw an ad that they just started Sunday brunch. The section of brunch items was good, but more lunch than brunch. Portions were a good size. My husband got the biscuits and gravy which came with eggs and bacon - a plus as he normally orders a side of eggs; and he said the bacon was cooked perfect. I got a build your own omelet which came with choice of hash browns, fruit cup, or fried potatoes (I think) - the hash browns were cooked perfectly. The bottomless mimosas were good, but I would suggest to them to bring a carafe with the glass that was you don't have to wait for them to refill. Coffee was not good and could have just been way that pot was brewed, but I did not want to find out. read more

BaCalls Cafe - Coffee & #bottomlessmimosa for me & screwdriver for Tommy #Bacallscafe #collegehill - New American Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Some of the veteran staff are sweet and wonderful but the food is reminiscent of being invited to someone's house for dinner and they aren't experienced in the kitchen. I want this place to be good but I always leave regretting spending the money. read more

Friendly service and accurate billing are definitely key aspects of a great dining experience. It's good to hear that Morgan at Bacall's Cafe excelled in both of these areas. Morgan is always checking on our needs and quickly fulfilling any requests. read more

I like Bacall's. I come here often for bar type grub. A good burger in a pinch is kinda what this spot is for me. It has this old timey 1930's vibe with some contemporary flare. I've been coming here for years and it's never really packed outside of lunch hour and I think that's why I keep coming. I know my wait won't be long. It hasn't changed much over the years and I think that's what people like about the place. The owner is cool and his employees all seem on the level as well. I've never had a bad meal or a bad experience here so I guess I will keep coming back! Not so humbly submitted, Michael C. read more

BaCalls Cafe - The bar... - New American Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Bacall's is amazing! I've been impressed every time we've been there. Finally tried their burger. It was amazing! Go, eat, drink and be impressed! read more

BaCalls Cafe - Burger and onion straws. What's not to love??? - New American Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

This place is like Cheers. A nice local spot with bartenders who know what they are doing and pretty good food. The burgers are always good and I love the Parmesan fries. The pot roast isn't anything fancy or a huge portion but it's good and doesn't taste of preservatives or too much salt. read more

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Great restaurant - Great service!!! Morgan is the BEST!!! Love the trivia on Tues nights!!!!

I came here for lunch with a few coworkers, and I would say it was just ok. The decor here is art deco 1920's-ish, but with some diner accents. It's not a very nice looking space, but it seems clean. We ordered lunch off of the Lite Bites menu...You can get 2 of your choice of half a sandwich, a soup, or a salad. I ordered half of the cashew chicken salad sandwich with the caesar salad. They serve all of their salads with the dressing on the side, which I appreciate because I'm kind of picky and think people tend to overdress their salads. The cashew chicken salad had chunks of chicken, cashews, dried cherries, and mayo. It tasted ok, but it needed some more seasoning and a little less mayo (and maybe fewer cherries). Overall, the food was good not great. Our waitress was very nice. However, my friend ordered half a turkey sandwich off of the Lite Bites menu, and the waitress asked her what cheese she would want, so we assumed the sandwich came with cheese. Then when we get the check she sees that she was charged 75 cents for cheese. We didn't dispute it because it's not that much money and we didn't have time, but to me, that just seems deceptive...I don't like to be charged for things without knowing about it. I would come back here for lunch, but I don't think I would go out of my way. read more

BaCalls Cafe - Chicken salad sandwich for lunch - lots of big cashew chunks, and the dried cherries were a nice touch - New American Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

First time I've ever been Ordered the ranch chicken wrap, bacon lettuce diced tomatoes and changed to provolone cheese. I was truly spectacular! 10/10 recommend, the fries were perfect crispy but no soggy the food was hot and fresh! I am the type of girl to eat of my boyfriends plate. He got battered shrimp and it was like I was in Florida! Crazy good and the ranch!!! Out did ourselves on that one:) the pop is crisp as well! Our waiter was very nice and recommended the perfect wrap and it was delicious! Not too pricey either which is a big plus for my young budget very clean and a retro look is very pleasing to the eye! I will be back:) read more

I live nearby and it's the only true bar and grill in College Hill, so I know I'll be back, and probably with frequency, but I've had a few qualms with this place lately that have caused me to think twice about stopping in. I understand the necessity of cutting back in trying times, but it just keeps getting harder and harder to put up with some of the changes lately: Shortened hours The kitchen now closes before the bar The menu has been cut back The prices have gone up...again Some staff members and friendly faces have been fired, quit, or moved to greener pastures-- --but the thing that really irked me: I called up on a Sunday because I needed a quick take-out option before heading in to work. I asked what kinds of burgers were available, and the person who answered the phone (and I know who you are), told me that there were too many to name. I know that there are three basic burgers on the menu now, because that was one of the menu items they cut back on. There are many variations you can get on those, but it's still three basic burgers, so I was a little peeved. The person answering the phone then informed me that I could not purchase a burger on Sunday until after four anyway. This was at a quarter until four and I had to work at four. If that's the actual policy I guess that's fine, but do they honestly think no one wants a burger for lunch on Sunday? The whole conversation had me so flustered that I just picked up some fast food instead. Again, I understand some cutbacks, but the next time I come in I would not be surprised if they had sold all the silverware. I really hope things turn around for Bacall's because this has historically been one of my favorite hangouts in my own neighborhood. read more

In the past few months every time I have showed up they were closed. I got there on a Saturday to find it they didn't open until 4. Their website says 11. You can't trust the hours posted on their website. If you go have a backup restaurant in mind. The food is great and so are the workers. I don't trust Their notes though, been stung too many times.​​ read more

We love trying local places. BaCalls Cafe was family friendly with great customer service. The place was very clean! The food was great. Perfect for lunch for my husband and I. Next time we will definitely bring the kids read more

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The BF and I happened to be in the neighborhood last Saturday, so we decided to try Bacall's Cafe out (not sure why there are two listings with reviews for this place.) We walked in and were seated immediately...it was early and only a few patrons inside. After looking over the menu, I decided on the veggie burger and the BF decided on a club sandwich (even though it was the lure of chicken noodle soup on the signboard outside that drew him in.) The interior of the restaurant is large, with one side dominated by an art deco bar. The dining area has a variety of tables and booths and is a little worn and dated looking. The service is decent and was fairly quick (I would hope so, since it wasn't crowded). The servers seemed intent on chatting with the other parties who were a little larger in numbers or, I'm guessing, regular patrons. That wasn't a problem, as it left us to eat our food relatively undisturbed. The veggie burger was good, but the bun looked like it came straight from the Kroger 99 cents buns, so was definitely nothing special. It came with some weird white stuff in a little cup, which neither of us could identify. So, we asked...it was creamy cucumber sauce. Ok. The BF said it tasted a little like coleslaw. The fries were food, but nothing special. The BF said his sandwich was good. I tried a couple of his chips and they were fresh, not stale (which sometimes happens at places like this.) When I went to pick up our check, I noticed that we got the wrong bill (items weren't what we ordered.) Once they gave us the correct bill, it was the exact same dollar amount as the other check, so easy to understand the mix-up. It was a little over $20 for two sandwiches and two sodas, so not a cheap lunch, but too terribly expensive. If I ever happen to be in the neighborhood again when I'm hungry, I might try Bacall's again, but I certainly won't be going so far out of my way to eat specifically eat there. read more

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I love the hometown feel of this restraurant. The service was great and very friendly. I order a lemon drop martini it's was refreshing . A must have when you dine here. For lunch I ordered the balsamic chicken with spice rice and stir fry veggies. The veggies and rice were average and standard for most restaurant. The balsamic chicken was a little bland for my taste but not bad. I later learned their blackened chicken quesadilla is really good and recommended. The next visit I will order this and the lemon drop martini of course! read more

Best Reuben sandwich ever!! The onion straws are wonderful too!! So happy they are back open. The owners are lovely people and trivia night is fun !! read more

It's in a great place if one is planning to go out for drinks at Marty's Hops and Vines or seeing a show at the College Hill Coffee Company. The food is okay. I had the Reuben and onion straws. I honestly had to go back to the menu online to be reminded what I had... not too memorable. Service was fine. I look at the descriptions that go along with the review stars. For three stars it says, "A-OK". I picture someone holding their forefinger and thumb together, all other fingers up in an "OK" gesture. So I imagine someone outside waiting for a sign... Thumbs down would be 1 star, OK would be three, one thumb up is four and two thumbs up is five. That leaves two, which would have me putting my hand out flat and giving it a tilting wag back and fourth... I think that captures "Meh. I've experienced better". Now don't get me wrong. The food wasn't bad. The service wasn't bad. In fact, it was okay, but I can't say it was "A-OK". read more

We stopped here for dinner on a weekday night and were underwhelmed. They had tasty-sounding cocktails at appealing prices, but they definitely seemed light on the alcohol. We had the cheese nuggets as an appetizer - I thought they were fairly tasty. For our entree, we shared a Veggie Burger and upgraded our side to the Mac and Cheese. The burger was hard and unappealing, and the mac and cheese was neon yellow and disappointing. To salvage the meal, we shared a small slice of Raspberry cheesecake. I don't think I'll ever be able to convince my husband to check this place out again given this first disappointing visit. read more

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The food is much better than one might expect here and a place I've come back to again and again. I had a burger there with coworkers one day and went there for drinks other times The staff is friendly and for me the place is in a convenient location to where I work. Parking availability in the back is fair. Sometimes it fills making you hunt for a spot on the street, but since its a shared lot with other businesses, you can't fault BaCalls for that. read more

This is a great little cafe in College Hill. I've been there more than a few times. Today, there were four of us celebrating Christmas and our birthdays this week. I had their 6 oz burger with the onion straws. It was perfection. My husband had the jack salmon sandwich. It said it was good, but not great. I did notice that it was all gone. He had the parmesan steak fries. They were very good. My brother got the black and blue burger. He never orders anything else when I am with him. I would say that he really, really likes it. My sister had the Yankee Pot Roast Soup and the half chicken salad sandwich. Good stuff. Some day, I will try something other than their burgers. Maybe. I don't like messing with perfection and the burgers were perfect for me. read more

Great tasting food in a comfy, cozy, and friendly atmosphere. I might just have to become a regular. I have been here twice now. Since I live ridiculously close, I'm surprised it hasn't been more often since I am always smelling their onion straws from my apartment! The first time I ordered their burger with onion straws. This is one of only two places I have ever been that cooks their burgers at or under what you order! I like mine medium rare, so red or dark pink in the middle. They hit this one at red in the middle, so I might in the future go with a darker cook. It was also HUGE. I couldn't even finish it. The onion straws, well they're a staple, so they're great! The second time, and most recently, I got a half rack of ribs on special. Thursdays you can get a half rack with one side or a full rack with two sides. My half rack was about $8, and the meat was falling off the bone. I mean, if I looked at it I swear it was already falling off, and super moist too. The BBQ sauce is a nice mesquite kind of flavor. I loved the grill charred bits too. (And of course I got the onion straws again.) Also both times, I had the same bar tender who was very friendly to the regulars and myself. They also turn down the lighting in the evening for a nice feel. :) Next time, I'm trying their trivia on Tuesdays with Last Call! read more

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BaCalls Cafe has gone downhill over the last few years. It used to be my favorite local hangout, but not any more. My last lunchtime visit solidified that for me. Met a friend here for lunch and our Christmas gift exchange. I ordered the turkey club, which used to be a favorite of mine over the years, but even something simple to make like a club sandwich was only mediocre at best. I could have made a better club sandwich at home. Fries were skimpy. Service was slow. Everything is way overpriced for what you get. During our gift exchange, I gave my friend a bottle of alcohol as one of her gifts, and then one of the managers swooped in and started scolding us to put the bottle away because of their liquor license...We're doing a gift exchange; she had just opened the package. We're not stupid enough to crack open a bottle of alcohol in a restaurant. We were putting it away as soon as we finished looking at it. It was a gift that was just opened. Calm down. This place used to be pretty hip, but not any more. At age 48, I was the youngest person in there by far. I would say the average age of the customers was 74, and that's factoring in my age with it. Between the mediocre food, the rude and obnoxious liquor-nazi manager, and the retirement-home dining-hall feel, I'm done with this place. It's nothing like what it used to be. There are so many better options in College Hill now, and even more coming in the Spring of 2018. BaCalls is no longer an option for me. They will get no more of my money. read more

Had a great fish dinner and an excellent old fashion drink. Service was prompt and friendly and prices are reasonable. A great neighborhood place for dinner. read more

I nice local spot for good food, good service, and a pretty awesome Trivia Night. Their menu has some tried and true dishes: the cheese nuggets, the ranch fries, and several salads that are top notch. The veggie burger is also pretty tasty. It is a little diner-ey in its feel and that is a good thing. They lose a star for taking the veggie reuben off the menu. It really limits the vegetarian options to sides, apps, or the burger and I have gone there at least once when they ran out of the vegetarian burger. If it is the only hot main food item that you have for vegetarians, you shouldn't run out. It is absolutely worth a visit, especially for the seasonal cocktail list. read more

If I could I would rate zero I had raw eggs, biscuits were hard and the place reaked of cigarettes read more

BaCalls Cafe - Ordered Over Medium eggs and they came raw - New American Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Just left Bacall's. Went, for the first time in 3 years, for Burger Week. My partner and I both ordered the burger special. A full hour later, whilst watching other tables be seated, receive their burgers, and pay, our server asked us if we were ready for our check. We had yet to eat. She apologized, and told us the kitchen "would fire fresh burgers" for us. Ok...thanks? 20 minutes later, she apologized again. 10 minutes later. we asked for our burgers to be boxed up because we hadn't planned on being there for almost 2 hours and are meeting friends. We got home to place the burgers in the refrigerator for later, I'm gonna Salinas yet barbecue sauce and it was kind of the crux of the special burger is nowhere to be found. Seeing the service industry for a long time, I would have them prioritize the burgers of the people who had been shafted because everyone's getting the special burger. I would've also comped at least something for taking up almost 2 hours of the couples time. We will not be going back. Super disappointing me and reminded me why I haven't been there in over three years. read more

RANCH FRIES! THEY ARE GREAT - GO EAT THEM!!!! Seriously though, the ranch fries are amazing. They also have a nice array of burgers! The look is very old-school - it looks like a very Art Deco Cafe, but don't be fooled - there food and drink selection keeps up to date with modern times. The servers and bar tenders are as friendly as can be, but what else would you expect from College Hill (no joke - I never find a place in that neighborhood that doesn't have pleasant friendly people!) They close early (10 on Sundays, 11 on other days I think), so it's not the place to go for nightlife, but a great place if you plan to keep it low keep and want a good bite to eat! If you sit at the bar, tell them Steeber sent you - they'll either have no idea what your talking about or they'll criticize you for knowing me...haha - enjoy! read more

Stopped in for a bite on the way to see my daughter at the Children's Hospital. Food was good and atmosphere was pleasant. Waitress was OK, nothing spectacular. She brought my soup with my meal, But at least she brought it. read more

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BaCalls cafe is a great place to grab some Americana food and enjoy a warm atmosphere where everyone feels a kinship. North College Hill is more tightly knit than some might expect, and if you're from there, you've probably been to BaCalls. BaCalls sits right next to College Hill Coffee Co. on Hamilton Ave. and is easy to miss if you aren't looking for it. If you are, you can expect a good menu, good specials, and good service. My wife and I really like the sandwiches and wraps, but most people swear by the appetizers. A friend of mine recommended the nacho boat, and it doesn't disappoint. Here's a tip: Be wary of waiting on a Friday or Saturday night if you show up around dinner time. Come a little early to beat the rush or wait until way later, around 9 or so. read more

My family has been going to BaCalls for as long as I have been alive. It is the place where we always meet my grandparents for dinner. And that is exactly the type of place BaCall's is, family friendly. This is not a place I would ever take a date! The decor and menu haven't changed in all the years I can remember. Food is very basic American fare. My family always orders a loaf of onion straws as an appetizer. They come out pipping hot and loaded with fat and calories. Most of my family usually orders a variety of sandwiches that come with chips. There is nothing fancy about the sandwiches- they are exactly what you would expect- nothing more, nothing less. I often get the veggie stir-fry- It is more rice than anything else and comes with a side of soy sauce. It does not live up to the standard of an Asian restaurant, but it good enough. Service is always quick and friendly. There is a parking lot behind the building. I will say sometimes it is a little scary to walk through the alley from the lot to the restaurant, but have never had any problems. Prices are reasonable, probably comparable to a TJI Fridays or Applebees. The reason I choose Bacall's over a chain is because I like to support local businesses. read more

Fucking love their burgers, and boneless chicken wings without the shitty thick hard salty crust. Trust me I'm a professional. Ignore the other reviews, I've been here a jillion times... read more

BaCalls Cafe - New American Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

BaCalls is only 2 blocks from my house but this week was my first time going! I was really impressed! I got the chicken avocado club with onion strings and was impressed! The chicken was flavorful and moist. It's a bit smaller than I expected but nice enough. I'd definitely go back again! read more

Great neighborhood bar and restaurant, and the only place to have a sit down american-fare dinner in College Hill. Ok beer selection. Burgers are very good, and appetizers are yummy. I generally don't think the entrees are very good. They have a fairly standard beer selection with Bud, Miller, a couple of imports and Sam Adams. Tiny wine selection, but a full bar. Friendly staff and great College Hill people are always here. It's usually very busy. The crowd is generally 40 and up, white, and local, and there's usually one big table filled with a family. I really like the spicy southwest burger. Sometimes I'll get it made with the veggie burger patty, which they are always happy to do. You probably won't get enough ketchup with your french fries - just ask them for more in advance. UPDATE: Rating changed from four stars to three, to better reflect the reality of the situation. read more

Interesting, I just read's Scott's review a couple hours after having lunch at Bacall's. I've been an off and on customer for 10 or 11 years, I like supporting a neighborhood restaurant, and have felt they did a decent-to-good job. I do notice the prices have really skyrocketed lately, though. And a couple aggravating things today: a server who was very slow and acted pretty disinterested. We sat for about 10 minutes waiting for her to come pick up the check, while we watched her standing around schmoozing with other patrons whom she apparently knew. And would it kill the management to let customers order a cup of the soup of the day as the side with the day's special, instead of telling them it's the pre-determined choices of side or nothing? I can't believe the soup costs more than the fruit they offer as a side option, for example. All in all, a slightly customer unfriendly experience. I hope it's not a forerunner of worse to come. read more

Bacalls is an amazing establishment but mainly because of the PHENOMENAL bartender Michelle! She makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE! She is the ONLY one there that makes the EXACT drink mic! The food is pretty awesome but the bar is the best!! read more

BaCalls Cafe - New American Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio