This is my absolute favorite courtyard in all of Cincinnati - an amazing place to catch up with a friend or spend some time alone. Lunch is always good. When I go I get iced tea and one of the various specialty baked goods. Perusing the awesome books is an added bonus. I can't recall ever being treated poorly by staff. read more

Was looking for a cozy coffee cafe to sit in and read for a few hours while sipping on a soy latte, but I was disappointed in the drink as well as the seating areas. Wouldn't come back for either the latte or the atmosphere. read more

Iris BookCafé - Soy latte was nothing special. - Bookstores Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

iris is one of the most charming places on main st. so glad that they are back open. their soups and sandwiches are freshlt prepared with love and care. the owner Julie Fay is one of the most respected residents of otr. she has been dedicated to her neighborhood long before it became so hip. love iris, love Julie. -anu read more

Love the vegan and library concept here. The teas are very good and the vegetable sandwich I got was very good as well. The food is kind of on the high price end but I think it was definitely worth trying. Service here was very quick. It's definitely an interesting spot that is probably one of a kind in Cincinnati. I'll be coming back through here again. read more

See all

First place we went in Cincinnati, and it was very good. The book selection is unique, the food was delicious, and the staff was really nice! We sat outside in their absolutely beautiful courtyard read more

Iris BookCafé - So cute, quiet, and comfortable! - Bookstores Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Get's 4 stars for offering a very nice alfresco patio in an unlikely location. Simple but tasty sandwiches, very eclectic and vegan soup offerings. Always a easy going classic coffee house vibe. Not a terrific place if your in a rush, but that isn't what they are catering too. Try the pumpkin bread and a coffee, then stop next door at the tremendous vinyl record store that is all but a secret for now... Great jazz collection. Update: The speed of service has improved to keep up with the volume of customers they get, there are more friendly faces behind the counter these days and an updated menu board helps to galvanize the things they offer and clarify the concept. It's often busy and seems to be taking on an important role to a neighborhood that is again on the rebound. Next door, Another Part of the Forrest, a record and video rental shop with an operational connection to Iris, has evolved a bit more and now has regular hours. read more

See all

I don't get why everyone loves this place so much..... Other than the back patio during good weather, I don't see what it offers over so many other coffee shops in the city. Its cute enough, but the food is only so-so and very overpriced. Given, I had a bad experience here. I read their menu and took their advise and asked about their seasonal salads. They told me they didn't have any, but could make and sandwich a salad. Score.. I ordered a turkey avocado salad. Unfortunately it came as a bowl full of lettuce with a couple slices of tomato, a small portion of turkey, and a minuscule amount of avocado and nothing else.... no cheese, no addition toppings and no dressing... I asked about dressing and the server told me it was on the way. Wait 5 minutes... Ask another girl about the dressing, also told me it was on the way. Finally my meal companion went to the counter and asked. They didn't have any dressings and handed me some MAYO to put on my salad. Nice considering I was trying to save calories with the salad. And all this for $8. My friend had a sparsely topped sandwich and chose the side of carrots. Since when does 5 baby carrots count as a side? Once again, $8. The bowl of soup was the only winner in the bunch. Total bills- $25 for salad, sandwich, soup, and one small chai tea. Should mention that the place is cute enough and all the workers were nice. Think I will be spending my money at the coffee shop down the way in the future though. read more

Such a cool little place tucked into Main Street! A bookworm's haven. Heck, anyone's haven. I can find a dozen gently-used books and curl up for the better half of a sweltering summer afternoon. With a smoothie, of course. You can make your own, but I highly recommend almond milk + mango + banana + papaya juice. Mmm combo made in heaven. Just beware you'll be slurping at a much faster rate than you can read and end up visiting the bathroom every few minutes. With my smoothie addiction, I've yet to try the soups. I have had one of their house-made vegan chocolate chip cookies, and it was so non-vegan-tasting and absolutely satisfying. This place is much bigger than it looks on the outside, with seating in the front, back, and garden. Both times I've been here there were very few people--those who do venture off Vine and onto Main Street probably overlook this quiet, unassuming cafe across from Shadeau Bakery. But look again! It'll feel like being in on a secret once you walk in. read more

If you are looking for a diamond in the rough this is it. Iris looks rather small and easily passable from the outside but once inside it seems to go on. There are shelves and shelves of books and each month there are fresh prints and paintings decorating the walls. There is a a very nice tea list and your standard coffee selection along with sandwiches and such. I tried an iced blueberry tea, which was wonderfully refreshing and just sweet enough without covering the fruity tea flavor. The courtyard is the real surprise of Iris. The courtyard was hidden from street view and was decked out with Christmas lights and lots of shade. I met here for a bit of light studying and Iris almost made that enjoyable. read more

I like Iris and I want to love it. Coffee and tea are great. Food is nice and they have a lot of great choices. The staff is nice. There are just a few aesthetic problems that get me every time. The inside is decorated very peacefully. Yet almost every time I'm there the music is noisy punk or death metal. I usually go to coffeeshops to write or meet a friend to chat, not to get pumped up for a revolution, so that never works for me. In fact, it drives me out and keeps me from going back because I can't focus over the music. I also wonder why they leave the kitchen door open in the backroom with the noisy fan and florescent lights - otherwise it is like a lovely library of artbooks and novels back there. Iris is a conundrum. I wish it was as peaceful sonically as it is visually. read more

This place is so great! Every time I go there, I wonder why I'm not there more often. It has such a great, chill vibe...it's like your favorite sweater (compared to, say, Starbucks, which is like your favorite power suit). Iris isn't a place where there is a massive line of people checking Blackberrys, waiting for their "triple-skinny-whatever-latte". This is a calm place with great coffees and teas, with people curled up in a corner reading, or working on their laptops, or meeting with friends. There is a nice area in the front with some upholstered furniture and tables, and some larger tables in the back, and a sweet little outdoor area tucked away in the back. Each time I go, I think--"This place is so PEACEFUL." I haven't tried the Aglamesis ice cream (I'm new to Cincy and haven't yet had the pleasure), but I heard it's great. And I haven't had any of the food, which I also understand is great (update review will come later once I've had those). What I HAVE had is great, personal, calm service, and no shouting, and no frenzy. The books everywhere (and used vinyl albums) are an added bonus. I also hear tell of a whole DVD rental catalog, so ask about that as well! read more

Cute little cafe offering used books for sale and lots of vegan options! They even have vegan whipped cream

This coffee shop has one of the dopest aesthetics and vibes in the city. However I have frequented Iris to multiple times to the exception of consistently mediocre service. In all fairness, some baristas seem to be more attentive than others, however I noticed the trend tends to be the perception of bothering the staff to do something as simple as place orders. The food and beverage industry is stressful so I try to avoid unrealistic expectations but given the amount of times I have tried to support IBC, I can no longer extend the grace. Great drinks, limited portion but good food, nonetheless abysmal service. read more

It really depends on how you're feeling, so today, Iris feels like a 5 star to me, but two days ago, it was a 4. So I'll stick with 4 just in case I'm not feeling it most of the time. I can't say much for the menu. Modest cafe sandwiches (but great healthy options such as baby carrots rather than Sunchips) ranging from $5-$7ish. I've tried the egg salad which included spinach and tomatoes. It was alright for $5. Today I'm having the recommended vanilla and lemongrass iced tea. It has a hint of vanilla which is nice, and not sweetened so you feel healthy (uh..). The service is amazing. They're so nice (and so rad). You order first, sit if you're gonna stay (which you should), and pay afterwards. The books. Omg. Random books. Come here if you're too cool for B&N and hate Best Sellers lists. I find that Iris is the BEST place to be if you want peace and quiet from OTR. It's more of a work-place than a chit-chat place, in my opinion. It's like it's own world (if you don't believe me, try sitting in the very back of the cafe for about 10 minutes). It's definitely the place I would go to get some work or reading done, because it's not that mod-indie look that Coffee Emporium gives off (almost too corporate). Iris actually makes CE look like a pseudo-indie coffee shop! But since the Iris vibe is so amicable, they probably use coffee grounds from CE (I really think they do). Iris is more vintage-indie. More genuine, shall I say? They have an awesome patio too. It's like this odd, wooden cage/hut. Go if you dare. PS. I'm at Iris right now (so meta). Internet is a little patchy in the back. Boo hoo. read more

See all

I didn't partake in most of the wares here (just iced tea and coffee for the hubs), but I really liked this little cafe. Anywhere that I can caffeine up in a bookish setting gets two thumbs up from me. Service was pretty OK. The barista gave me the wrong iced tea, but fixed it. She maybe could have been less weird about it but she was nice enough. They had a really cute little patio that looked like a great place to sit in the summer; it's private and lined with plants (and a fake pig). Also? Really posh bathroom. I mean, more posh than you'd expect. Which isn't a reason to go here, but it's notable, I guess. read more

I absolutely love this place. It is the perfect little get-away in the middle of the city. I can think of no better way to pass a few hours on a hot afternoon than with an amzing sandwich (think fresh produce, yummy local bread, avocados!) or cup of ice cream while sitting tucked away in the shade on their back patio and flipping through an interesting book. The owners are fantastic, the book and record selection is fantastic, the coffee is fantastic, the atmosphere is fantastic. :) Can you tell I like this place??? I think this is a great type of place to have on Main Street, and it has a fresh urban feel about it. I stopped by once to get a coffee and there were some amazing brownies for sale on the counter. It was during bockfest I think, because one was made with a bock beer reduction and was probably the most delicious brownie I've ever eaten. Stop by often, and you just may find some other special treat available. :) read more

Agreed!! Quant little haven on OTR's Main street. Great coffee and specialty drinks. There are some limitations to the menu but with their great soups and Aglamesis in the summer time- what else would you want anyway?! But food and drinks are not all Iris has to offer. Check out the used vinyl and books shelved all over the store and for a one stop shop- grab dinner, a drink, a tastey dessert- AND rent a movie!!! Yes, this cafe comes equipped with it's very own DVD rental. Choosing to stay and read or surf the web? Iris also has a great sitting room and a beautiful outdoor patio in the back with an all natural covering designed and structured by Cincy artists. Speaking of artists, don't forget to gaze at the featured pieces for sale on the walls inside!!! Next stop, yoga two doors down? read more

Serene, Urban, Oasis pretty much sums up Iris Bookcafe. This little spot rates high on my list of coffee shops in Cincinnati. Located in the middle of the North Main Street business district, with it's nondescript front, you may simply walk by and not give a second glance. However, for several years now the locals consider this the go to place for good eats, coffee, and free wifi in a great setting. Upon entering the space you see a long seating banquet with several tables and might think that is extent of the space. Don't miss going down the narrow hallway to the back area where there are more tables and the access to the outside patio (one of the best outside spaces in the city). This lovely space has tables for dining while being surrounded by surrounding buildings, tall trees and a interesting art installation. A review of Iris wouldn't be complete without talking about the food and beverages. Coffee is sourced locally from Coffee Emporium. The food menu is pretty simple but what they serve is excellent quality. Normally 4-5 good quality soups are paired with sandwiches using many local products (ie,Shadeau bread.) However, in my opinion, the real standout is small selection of baked goods. The owner ensures the local Vegan community has several cookie options while non-vegans would never know the difference. My personal favorite lunch is to have a bowl of the Chicken Mulligatawny paired with either a chocolate chip cookie or a slice of pumpkin bread. read more

Overall it's a very artistic cafe but not a coffee house. The espresso drink is watery and the baristas don't know how to make latte art. I got a cappuccino with very light roast espresso (like drip coffee) and thick big bubble foam. You could serve a better drink by watching tutorial from Youtube. Tables: someone pointed out already the tables in the front are flimsy. The tables in the hallway are sticky and filled with water/coffee residue. Just get some coasters. Wi-Fi: not fast. Bad signal in the back yard. Biggest turnoff: the location of a cleaning room on the hallway to the back yard. Baristas constantly bring stuff to clean in this room, so it It's lound and disturbing to sit around. Food provided here is tasty and I could spend 4 hours working in the afernoon and having dinner. Last thing: don't sell branded konbucha for $4.5 if I can buy it for $3 from grocery store. Make it yourself if most customers are cool people. read more

All in all, I love Iris. This love partially has to do with the fact that I simply love books and Iris has so many of them! If you go on a lovely day, be sure to check out the patio out back after you order a delicious beverage. In terms of food, I ordered the egg sandwich when I was there, and honestly, I wasn't overly thrilled. I don't think I'll be getting that again. However, I do think I missed out by not getting a soup, so I'll be sure to hit that up next time! Overall, I LOVE the ambiance, records, and books all over the place! (You can buy these gems too!) It's a great spot, so be sure to check it out the next time you're looking for a quiet coffee spot to get some work done! read more

This is my favorite place to get lunch in the OTR. Quirky, quiet, with amazing food...this place has ambiance and delicious, affordable meals that highlight local, fresh fare. If you're in a rush, you probably don't want to try your luck here. This is a place to relax and open a book with a cup of coffee and a vegan oatmeal bar. My suggestion: edamame salad...it's not always in, but when it is....Oh lawd, it is so good. Imagine if you will a bed of fresh, tender spinach topped with buttery avocado, sweet, fresh tomato slices, mushrooms, sprouts, and then slathered with marinated edamame. So facking healthy and so, so good. You don't even need the amazing hoisin dressing that comes with it (but save it for something else...the dressing is, as I said, amazing.) read more

Writing a review for a book cafe can be a little bit hard when you've never had them swipe your credit card Yes, I've never bought a book there or tried any snack But the patio deserves a review and will make me go back If you wander to the end of the adorable store You will discover a secret if you've never been before It is a secret garden hidden in the downtown city in fact, it's the main reason for my little ditty The trees, shade, and tables make for a wonderful escape gorgeous detail to art & nature make a poetic landscape So if you find yourself needing a little quiet tranquility Head to Iris Book Cafe for some peaceful serenity read more

This is such a cute little place in OtR that it's kind of hard to spot just driving down the road. Just walking in you can tell it's a cozy little place. There's a few bookshelves when you walk in a some tables, and even some records in boxes! A local artist is featured in a mini display running along the wall, to a back room in this place. I love the back area! There's more tables and even more shelves with all sorts of books to pass the time. There's also a patio out back, and I've heard rumor one of the painted pigs is there as well. I love that they serve you in actual nice big coffee mugs instead of styrofoam here. They're hot chocolate's ok, but there apple cider is to die for!! It's pretty much amazing. When I went, our little group were the only ones there on a weeknight, which was nice actually. But its truly a cozy little place to just chill, if you're looking for a relazing evening. read more

This place is so much bigger than I expected. Walk towards the back wall and realize that it opens up to another hallway and then a room. And half the walls are covered with tall bookshelves that are full of books. There's a patio in the back that would be lovely when the weather is nice. read more

A hidden gem emphasizing local offerings. Features Coffee Emporium coffee, Aglamesis Brothers ice cream, and nice sandwiches on Shadeau breads. Iris brings back a piece of something that was lost on Main Street when Kaldi's closed. Yet other than the books that line the walls, the former Kaldi's and Iris Book Cafe are not particularly similar in most other aspects. The patio is a particularly great place to relax, with an interesting sculpture to keep you company. Iris has fee WiFi, but the WiFi can sometimes be a bit spotty. Iris Book Cafe has friendly, helpful service and a unique, tranquil atmosphere. Great place to read a book, get some work done on the computer, or relax on a free afternoon. read more

I want to give this little cafe more stars. I really do. I come here to write, and the atmosphere is calm and inspiring. I love the ambient energy. But the coffee here breaks my caffeine-addicted heart. Iris's coffee is, somehow, terrible. I have yet to gulp down a cup that is worth the price tag. I just had a latte here that tasted as if I had scraped some detritus from stove into the brew. With Coffee Emporium just around the corner, it's getting harder for me to justify spending my scant dollars on Iris's offering. I'll surely still come here for the soft alt rock/rockabilly playing in the background and the quiet company of good books and other laptop junkies. But a girl can't work on good prose, Wilco, and free wifi alone. There's gotta be a palatable caffeine-fix in the mix. read more

Cozy, quaint, vibrant happy little place. This is what makes a cafe a cafe - celebrating the joy of the bean and the joy of having the 'third space' between work and home. I'm writing this from Iris, and I like it here so much I haven't even seen the outdoor patio yet. I'm particularly impressed by the quality of food - their smoothies, pumpkin bread and lattes were all delish, and their staff are sweet and chill. Could rival anything you'd find in New York - but with the Cincy charm. read more

Extremely cute place to study, get work done, or catch up with a friend. There is free WiFi and the food is absolutely delicious (they have vegan options too!) I will deffintely be back soon :) read more

Iris Book Cafe is my new favorite hidden gem of Cincinnati. My husband and I stumbled upon the amazingness that is this coffee shop/used book store last Sunday during Second Sunday on Main in a very roundabout way... we were in the record store next door and saw this amazing wooden structure just outside the record store. So of course we wandered back there to check it out. Lo and behold it was a lean-to/pergola/shade-providing structure made of Ohio River driftwood in the courtyard of Iris. So of course this meant that we needed to get a coffee and sit beneath it for a bit. I chose to order a smoothie and I love their ordering system: you choose your milk, juice, and 2 types of fruit. For milk options you have almond and soy in addition to the traditional skim, 2% and whole options. I opted for traditional milk and pomegranate juice with strawberries and blueberries - it was delicious! The atmosphere in the courtyard was amazing... far from the hustle and bustle that was Main St. at that time. My husband and I vowed to return to try the rest of their drinks and relax under the driftwood sculpture again and again. read more

Iris Book Cafe is amazing! They stay open until 10pm most nights and open very early. The free wifi and good music make this the ideal place to read, study, or work. They have thousands of books available to buy or read at your own leisure. I found a book called Recycled As Restaurants which showcased buildings across the country that were reused as restaurants. Cincinnati even had two in the book: Rookwood in Mt. Adams and Zino's Firehouse in Corryville (now closed). Come in to Iris and simply explore. They have a great courtyard they share with Another Part of the Forest. Every month they have new photographs up and have the photographer come in to talk about them. Sometimes an acoustic show is played here, but pretty rarely. There is so much in this space that you discover something new every time you come in. read more

We went there this afternoon and we each got a 16-oz. size caramel latte (somewhat pricey at $4/each, but very good). The two women working there were very friendly and it's a nice place; it has a decent selection of (used) books and it was very peaceful. There's also a garden area, although it was too cold to sit out there today. read more

Wondered down here one Sunday while waiting to get into Fork Heart Knife down the street. Everything about his place is what you would expect a local book store and coffee shop to be. There are bookshelves full of all kinds of books and they are all reasonable priced. Black and while photos hang on the wall and my guess is they are changed out and different artists are featured every now and then. I am not a huge bookworm but I was till able to entertain myself for a while. I found myself reading about architecture in new york city in the 60's, then reading about the soviet style of chess playing. They also seem to have a good amount of French literature as well. Most of the books were under 10$. One of the ones I wanted to buy had no price and the staff was very helpful in finding out how much it was. I will come back again next time I am in the area and I will try the coffee and sample one of the treats they have laid out as well! read more

I go to this place about once a week for lunch - it's a short walk from my office. That is the biggest draw for the place is it's location to me, it also has a monopoly on the area because there really is nothing around. The atmosphere is really relaxing, and the workers are really nice! The food is not completely extraordinary, but it hits the spot at lunch. I suggest the Chicken Mulligatawny or Lentil Kale soups. The Tempeh Salad Sandwich is also a good choice. The coffee is fine, but there's not quite enough flavor - they may not use enough grounds when brewing it. The book store portion of the place is really cool. It's not your average book place, so you won't be able to find the popular titles, but it has a large selection of random books. I've personally purchased a Superman History Book and a completely illustrated book of how NYC works on a daily basis. There is a large variety of subject matter as well. read more

This patio may be the best kept secret in OTR. I almost left it out of my review, because I don't want you all to rush there! It's spacious, shady, comfy. The only thing its lacking outside is an outlet so I can plug in and work there all.day.long. (Don't worry, I thought about running an extension cord out the window/door.) This is a great place to browse the bookshelves, meet up for a coffee date or meeting, or buckle down and do work. There are tables in the front of the store with plenty of outlets and there's also seating in the back (larger table for groups as well). The staff is helpful and chill. I'm a pretty plain-jane black coffee drinker, but their selection of drinks looks solid for those needing a bit more pizazz, there's also a tea list, and lunch menu (with seasonal/daily specials). Unlike other coffee/alternate workspaces in the OTR area, Iris isn't as fast-paced, or loud, and finding a place to park it and work is nearly a guarantee. This place feels like a local's mainstay, and for me, it can be a great, quiet get away when I need that atmosphere to be productive. read more

Yay! Just the thought of Iris makes me happy. Where do I even start? First, perfect location. Second, quiet, free wifi, and, most importantly, GREAT HOURS. I love Coffee Emporium but honestly, those hours are impossible. Third, food. I have dreams about their Avgolemono soup. Must try. And their sandwiches are simple but delish. Not cheap, but not expensive either. I can't wait for the weather to warm up to really check out their patio! Thank you, Iris, for making my day more than once! read more

This is one of my most favorite coffee shops in the Cincinnati area. The environment is really conducive to relaxing, or to being productive. I think part of it has to do with the fact that the surroundings are just very comforting - books, neutral decorations, a simple coffee bar area. The food is always really great here, but where Iris really shines is with their coffee. I have had a lot of lattes in my time and only two have stood out as being the Best Latte of My Life and Iris has one of those two spots. The espresso was *perfect* and the balance of milk, espresso and flavor is exactly right. I'm craving one just thinking about it. Iris also has free wifi which is fab. In the warmer months there is a beautiful patio where you can hang out. Iris is easy to miss when you're walking down Main so keep your eyes opened for it because it's not to be missed! read more

Cozy quiet and very relzaxing is the best way to describe it. The place is decorated with old books all over. The shelves are packed with old classic books collected by the owner. If you ever need a place that is stimulating for a good read this is the place. The cafe menu is great and the baristas are very welcoming. read more

Iris BookCafé - Bookstores Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Iris is a cute coffee/tea hole-in-the-wall on Main. I never even knew it was there until recently, and I absolutely love it! The patio out back is really quiet and calming, and the inside is too. There's just something about being surrounded by books that makes you want to get things done while you are there! The coffee is so-so (I like the iced mocha latte), but the tea is really incredible. I've never tried their smoothies but I really want to next time I go back! They have a big selection of drinks. Their food is nothing to write home about but it's exactly what you'd expect from a place like this. You come for the atmosphere and the tea, not the food! Iris is always very quiet and never busy. Honestly, it's probably the best place I've been in Cincinnati to get work done. The staff is really friendly and very helpful. My only complaint is that it takes FOREVER to make your drinks. But that's okay because they bring it out to you when they're done so you don't have to wait at the counter. read more

Great little study spot! Love the little library and awesome service. Coffee was great as well.

I adore Iris Book Cafe so much that a visit to the coffee shop has become part of my daily ritual. Granted, the coffee is delicious - you can't go wrong with locally roasted Coffee Emporium coffee - but I mean, lots of coffee shops have delicious coffee. What brings me back are the cafe's community ties and love of the arts. Stop in any day and the window ledges and back wall are covered in postcards, fliers and posters for community events. Noisy DIY show, art gallery opening, political salon - Iris encourages the promotion of diverse creative events. The owner Julie is actually such a supporter of artists that she employs many of them in her own shop. Iris Book Cafe's staff is mostly made up of musicians and artists. Really chill, friendly ones to boot. Meanwhile, the shop sells a great selection of records and, as you could have guessed from the name, even more books. Of course, if art and music aren't your thing, the atmosphere certainly draw you in. The cafe itself seems like it's tucked away, though it's right on Main Street. Despite the mustard yellow storefront, it's somewhat subtle and easy to pass by if their sidewalk board isn't out. Once you walk in, though, you're welcomed by great music - many times the playlist is made up of local music - and pockets of people quietly chatting or working on their laptops. The courtyard can only be described as whimsical, and totally perfect for drinking a cup of coffee on a breezy fall afternoon. As for the food, it's always been great. Iris serves sandwiches on fresh Shadeau Bakery breads and often use local vegetables. Plus, they proudly offer vegetarian and vegan soups, sandwiches and locally baked goods. read more