We came on a Sunday for my uncle's birthday. It was pretty busy inside with the game and another birthday. This meant we had to wait a short time for a table. Some of us sat at the bar and had a few drinks while waiting. The bartender, and other staff, were super kind. I didn't take a picture of my fish log but I really enjoyed that, too. Once we finished eating I went outside to look at their small lake. read more

Lake Nina Restaurant - blackberry cider on tap - Cafes Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Heard so much abt this place so we had to try it. Known for their fried chicken and fish log we ordered both. Had hot slaw as a side which was OMG DELICIOUS! The fish log was good. Decent size for the price. The fried chicken was just "ok". It had literally no seasoning and tasted like and smelled like old burnt fryer oil. The onion rings were really good. The sides were all good. But everything seemed to lack any seasons at all. The service was really great. Our waitress was great. The seating was good, plenty of places to sit. I can see when they're busy it would be more of a challenge. But we went at an odd time so we had no issues. Would we be back? Probably not. But if in the neighborhood, I'd definitely order a couple hot slaws to go. Probably the best hot slaw I've had in years! read more

We had lunch here with some friends and were very pleased. Decor is not their strong suit - it's sort of a local dive bar - but the food and prices can't be beat. Their specials are chicken and fish but there's a lot of other choices as well. I tried their classic "fish log" with fries and hot slaw ($20.99). It's a massive piece of breaded fish that was perfectly deep fried. The hot slaw is coleslaw doused with a warm vinegar dressing and topped with lots of chopped bacon. It's quite unique and probably has a German pedigree. The service was prompt and courteous. The house fries were deep fried sliced potatoes not the long thin fast-food variety. They have a full bar with lots of beer choices. Parking is free in their lot. They also have an outdoor dining area that's open in warm weather. It's a very popular place with the locals so you should call ahead for a dinner reservation on the weekends. read more

Lake Nina Restaurant - Parking Lot and Building Exterior - Cafes Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I am very confused by the reviews. Probably the worst fish n chips I've ever tried. Not a pinch of seasoning or salt on any of the food. Nothing was freshly prepared, Seemed like they just toss frozen unseasoned gfs food in the fryer and serve. read more

Chicken Livers were the hit for our group of six. We shared appetizer size and still had some left for the air fryer. Frog Legs were good. Three of us ordered double Decker and I thought they were skimpy. Onion rings were to few. Home fries were empressive with loaded bacon and cheese. We were here around lent and back again. Both times were LOUD! but we knew it was a bar. read more

Meals were fresh and hot and tasty ! Our server was efficient and anticipated our needs.

Lake Nina is a hidden gem. Been around for over 60 years. Known for thier Fish Log and Fried Chicken. We ordered Pretzels and Cheese. Very good. Fried Pickles which I believe are the best I have ever had. Chicken Livers with gravy. They are just really really good and Frog legs with 2 orders of hot slaw. That was just the appetizers for us 7. Very good stuff. We were pretty full by the time we ordered. We ordered for our dinner the famous Fish Log with onion rings and green beans. The fish was great. Can't go wrong there. The onion rings were very very good. Green beans the same. Service was awesome. They were really busy and our waitress was really moving. Beautiful scenery looking out over the lake at beautiful fall colors. Absolutely a solid 4 on everything. I would think whatever you order you can't go wrong. read more

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Our group from the Y ate at Lake Nina today. As always, the food was awesome. My fried chicken tasted very good. Our large parties always puts a strain on the wait staff, but she tried real hard. read more

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3rd visit to lake Nina. Lunch specials all with two side choices 9.99$ Small mini portion dinners all with two side choices 10.99 Beautiful view. Relaxed atmosphere read more

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Great fish dinners to be had here! I ordered the highly acclaimed fish log and the fried potatoes. Both were fantastic and didn't disappoint. They will actually make the fish well done which most fish places won't but I like mine Great Britain style, crunchy and with lots of flavor, this one for the bill for sure. Fried potatoes with onions were good too, showstopper though was the onion rings. Truly GB style! Crunchy, flavorful, made with fish batter and not breaded like the ones you get do often these days. The meal was BIG so maybe if you're going for lunch grab the half log or pan to take some home. Great place for truly one of a kind fish for the landlocked Ohio! read more

Lake Nina Restaurant - Fish log, onion rings and fried potatoes. - Cafes Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Always tasty,large portions,good service,moderate cost! What's not to like! I like that it's been here for many years and has been a stable,well liked,establishment for the northern Cincinnati area! read more

For starters Very friendly staff and service. They have the "good" ranch, that is a plus for me. I ordered that famous fish log. It was really lacking flavor, the breading or fish either or could really use some seasoning. Just tasted like cod dipped and fried in flour. My company got the chicken livers which im not a fan of in general. Mashed potatoes were ok the gravy was decent. Portion size for price is fair. They dont nickel and dime ya. I understand it's a hole in the wall but food was tasteless JBH. Yelp is for food reviews. But would like to reiterate that staff and our server was excellent !! read more

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When we had an office nearby, Lake Nina was a regular spot for lunch. We still stop by when we're looking for some comfort food without the frills. If you're looking for fancy or bougie decor and color coordinated servers this is not the place for you. Lake Nina is a very unassuming spot on a pond for over 60 years with a bar and an dining room. Don't let the old-school decor fool you. It may seem like a dive, authentic, not fake, but the food and service is divine. They're known for their fish log, which is really just a very large piece of fresh cod. Well, it's a large piece, more like a log. But there's more to Lake Nina than fish. Burgers, wings, even comfort food like open face sandwiches, and more. Try the hot slaw, a warm coleslaw with real bacon. Sounds weird, tastes great. Their lunch specials are an unbeatable value. $11 for a dinner sized entree and two sides. You can't go wrong. Quick note, you can't see it from the road, but turn in at Lakeridge Hall and it's immediately on the right. read more

We eat here a couple times a year especially during lent because of the fish. I may have left an old review but they updated their menu and they condensed it down and looks like they added new items and removed others. We probably will come back to try their sandwiches and way's for lunch one day. The Idaho nachos were new and we tried them. The waffle fries made it. We got the half fish log as the whole is huge. For that size of a slab of fish, it always is cooked well and never had an issue. The hot slaw is what they are know for and is one of my favorites from the ones I've tried from other restaurants. The service was good and the place has been around a long time and has been updated but it has the tavern feeling. We will always go back but I will be trying the other items on their menu and will report back. read more

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While you can tell they haven't updated the decor in a while this place is FANTASTIC! I had heard about the fish log so had to try it and my husband had the fried chicken as our very lovely waitress suggested. Neither one disappointed. The tartar sauce tasted homemade. The portions were so big Neither of us could finish. All the staff we interacted with were delightful. Definitely making this a regular place. read more

The food is sooo good (especially the fish logs and the bacon slaw), the service is good, the ambiance? Well, it's called LAKE Nina for a reason. If I lived closer, I'd go several times every week. read more

This is definitely a dive bar of a restaurant and Lake Nina is not on a lake, it's more of a pond. The restaurant was recommended to me because I wanted fried fish and was told of the "famous fish log." A full serving is a dinner for two I was told. With most fish stories, size is exaggerated, but not in this case. My husband and I shared the famous fish log dinner. It was a delicious, flaky cod, cooked to perfection in a very delicate batter that crisped beautifully. Delicious! I recommend it highly. It came with crinkle cut fries that were hot, crisp and also delicious, and "hot slaw." Don't let the name fool you, it's not spicy. It is a slaw, served warm in a German potato style vinegar dressing with loads of bacon bits. (They also offer a traditional slaw for purists). I never would have stopped here in a million years to eat, but what a pleasant surprise the food was. They could use some sound dampeners and updated decor, but there is something to be said for the simplicity - even with the rye bread and butter that comes with your order. They let their food sell you. And I'm sold. It is noisy, especially during a Bengals/Browns game. Sound is super amplified. Beware. But, if you want really good dive bar fried cod, you've got to give this a try! read more

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This place has great food at very reasonable prices. The fish log is excellent and a large portion. The service was very good. We will be back. read more

We love Lake Nina's fish logs, rye bread and hot slaw! Service is great and watch the pond is fun!

Unbelievable VALUE for 2024. A four piece fried chicken dinner for $14.99? More than you can eat chicken livers (the APPETIZER!) for $10 or so? You just need to be careful WHAT you order. The fried chicken, chicken livers and hot slaw were all AWESOME. To me the frog legs had way too much breading and the fish logs needed more spices...tasted like nursing home food. But overall for the value you can't complain! read more

It was our first time going to this local classic. It was amazing! We got there at 6 PM on Saturday, and it was very busy. We were able to find seats for two at the bar, and had drinks and dinner there. The food was incredible, fish and fried chicken and onion rings and coleslaw and hot slaw. The ladies behind the bar were friendly and helpful, and took great care of us. The restaurant is not fancy or large, but it was clean and felt like home. read more

We were in a couple of nights ago and are usually very pleased. Service was friendly, but not very attentive. I was a bit indecisive on what to have for dinner. I settled on the frog legs which I haven't had for years. Started with hot slaw, which is always incredible. I ordered the frog legs with home fries. Both were very disappointing. The frog legs were very small in a batter, which was absolutely flavorless no seasoning whatever. The home fries which were touted on the menu were simply deep-fried potato slices with some sautéed diced onions on top. When I think home fries, I think of something grilled steaming crispy with fluffy interior, grilled with the onions and seasoning this doesn't happen here as I said the service was not very attentive. We had drinks drop the hot sauce then the entrées . Our other entrée was the fish log with fries and green beans. The green beans never arrived waitress never checked that back on us until she brought the check. Then we asked for the green beans to go. This is always been a place that we could rely on for comfort food. I don't know if they have different recipes or this was the recipe for home fries should not be advertised the frog legs for the price were so subpar. I certainly will never eat them again at least until they do some work in the kitchen. I will be back no doubt, but it will be for the fish or chicken livers or something I know they do well never again frog legs never again home fries. read more

Great food. Fish log is good but the wings were our favorite. Sat at the bar and the bartender was very nice and helpful. read more

Lake Nina Restaurant - Hot wings - Cafes Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Fish log is fantastic quality. Thin breading and full of high-quality fish. Make sure to try the bacon slaw as well. Portions are huge and at a great price; be prepared to take home some for leftovers. Many thanks for a great dining experience. read more

Great food with large portions, the chicken liver picture is a half (senior portion but available to everyone). If you go on a Friday during lent expect a long wait. Only thing negative I can say is it's very noisy read more

Lake Nina Restaurant - Chicken livers - Cafes Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Food was cold when it came. It was a two hour experience, from being seated to leaving . Waitress was rude , and blamed us for her being too busy. I've been there several times in the past with my family and have never been treated this badly ! Reading other patron' s reviews, I see a pattern here. One rotten apple can spoil the whole barrel. read more

We love the fish log and the chicken, the hot slaw is yummy and the chicken liver appetizer was enough to feed the 3 of us and still have leftovers! read more

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Classic hole in the wall tavern with great food! I always go back for the Fish Log with Home Fries and Hot Slaw. So good. My family has been going here for years and years, and it never disappoints. read more

Lake Nina Restaurant - Fish Log with Home Fries - Cafes Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Food is great. Place is always clean. You sure could tell the owner wasn't there. The first time in the 40 plus years I have been coming here when the service was bad and the workers were in the kitchen cussing and talking terrible about other employees. Extremely frustrating read more

Great service and fantastic food. I meet with a group of retirees for lunch about once a month and Lake Nina is our go to place. The lunch specials are all delicious and the portions are huge. One of the few places left that still serves chicken livers and mock turtle soup. read more

Been hearing about this place for years and finally went and checked it out and it was exactly what we had heard! Now this place is nothing fancy but it is exactly what you're looking for if you're seeking good fried fish and great sides. Service was fast and friendly despite the place being packed. You can tell it's a local favorite and we will definitely be back to try other things. read more

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We love lake Nina. It's an old fashioned restaurant good food good service. Wings are huge and the slaw is to die for

Bar with food on a small ?lake? more like pond but anyway. Busy and loud especially if you sit with a view of the water. We went for the frog legs and chicken liver. If you like either, this is the place because these are hard to find culinary delights. The liver dinner is enough for 3 people. The frog legs could have had more flavor in the batter or less batter. read more

I have been to Lake Nina Restaurant a few times, with some positive and negative results. On this occasion, I visited Lake Nina Restaurant to have one of my favorite foods: Fish. They offer a decent sized Fish Log, and a Half Fish Log at a lower price. I had ordered the Half Fish Log, which was decently fried, (though I would have preferred it on the crispy side). The taste was a range between mild, which is what I was expecting, and almost bland. I didn't find that a bad thing, as a mild fish will retain a mild flavor unless marinated or has a flavored batter. If I had a choice, I would probably order the Fish Log, the regular size. The fries were decent enough. The food, the view and the person I placed the order with are what I liked about Lake Nina Restaurant. What made me give only a 2 star review? The Atmosphere. The times I had called in an order for a Half Fish Log, the person on the phone would usually be nice. When I would go to pick up my order, however, every person in the restaurant would stare at me as if I were on fire. Worse, I could deal with this happening once. This has happened to me the few times I had visited this place. Perhaps it is my business casual clothing, or my race, I'm not certain. I am certain I don't wish to support a business which makes me feel "unwelcomed" upon entry. All in all, the food is decent, but the atmosphere is not. I would give them another try, but only if I had another person with me, or if they had a designated area for carryout orders. read more

Excellent food and service overlooking a lake. By far the best fried cod I have ever had. The serving was large even at the half fish log). Fish was fresh, hand battered, not salty with no heavy feeling after eating. Will definitely be back. This place has been around a long time and is still going strong. Told my dad I visited and he said he used to go there weekly when he was my age. read more

Great food! Service a little slow but it was a Wednesday evening, nice view of their pond and kids loved it.

This restaurant deeply reminds me of when I was a child and my family had a burger place. Everything that they serve is an excellent example of americana. I ordered the fried liver and my friend ordered the cheeseburger both of which were excellent. They also have a hot German slaw and a fish log special. read more

Lake Nina Restaurant - Cheeseburger and coleslaw with sides - Cafes Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Food and Service always spot on. Tried the mock turtle soup today and it was excellent. Also had the lunch special of the Chicken livers loved them like always. And for a lunch special of 10.49 with 2 sides.You can't beat. Ambiance also great. read more

I enjoyed the experience. I had the hot roast beef lunch special. Took me back to my childhood. Real mashed potatoes. Good service. Older crowd, but really nice. read more

Great fish Great staff good service. I and my wife eat there at least once a week if not two. read more