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Mellotone Beer Project

4.1 (63 reviews)
Open • 12:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)

Mellotone Beer Project Photos

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MELLOTONE BEER PROJECT ATMOSPHERE

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Happy hour specials
Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - Mellotone Beer Project

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Darah F.

Dropped in here the first night of Blink to grab a bite. Had the most amazing pork belly skewers! (I'm in love.). Two others in the group had the smash burgers but we agreed that the skewers were a reason to return. Nice little spot - cozy.

Bar
Stacia G.

Wow! Amazing decor, solid eats, and great beers. Went in early on a Friday and it was quiet. Staff attended to us quickly. Service was great. Had a salad and the chicken was a bit underwhelming. My companion had the chicken sandwich - apparently a slow build heat- not immediately as spicy as you would expect given the description. Had the kölsch also- great and good pour. The Mac and cheese is worth price of admission- lactaid worthy for sure! Would come back if can find parking!

Smash burger, fried chicken sandwich
Shirley X.

My boyfriend and I came before an FC Cincinnati game and it was busy with other fans! They couldn't seat us at a table but we were able to find some seats upstairs and order at the bar. The food was great and we finished both our plates. It is in a former church and the beautiful windows are still kept, with lots of plants in them now. I would definitely come again.

Cowboy burger - good
Amy J.

Would really give a 3.5 because the food is as good, but service was meh. Squash croquettes are really crispy, taste good, the cheese and pepper jam is a great addition. Does have a tiny bit of spice from the fresh peppers but not overpowering Crinkle cut fries are crispy and good nothing special. We did not try the sauce because we don't eat mayonnaise/aioli. Cowboy burger is good, wasn't messy like others. Patty could have been crispier. Smash burger is good but could be juicier and saltier. Service was friendly but not super attentive, food was slow, we received the app and entrees at the same time. Also saw other tables getting their apps that sat after we did. The water person was more attentive than our actual server. We were never checked on or asked about our food. It took about 45 minutes to get our food. Drinks were very fast though. (For context we got there at 4:25 pm before the rush arrived around 5 on a Saturday - it was not busy when we arrived.) I like what they did with the place. I had been to the prior business, and they totally refreshed the look for this one. Clean and simple. We would return and try other menu items, but maybe try a week day night.

GRIDDLED PB&J 
 
 (PEANUT BUTTER, FRESNO CHILE JAM CHARRED BANANA. SALTED RYE)
Kim S.

What started out to be two disappointments from items that weren't available, turned into trying two of the best sandwiches I've had in a long time! We had looked at the menu online and wanted to just get the burrata and roasted grape appetizer but when we got there, they were only serving brunch and that dish isn't on the brunch menu. So, we ordered the breakfast poutine to share. The server came back and said they were out of gravy, so the poutine wasn't available. So, after a 3rd deliberation, we had narrowed it down between the breakfast smashburger and the griddled PB&J. The server recommended the smashburger, so we ordered that to share. (Candied Bacon Patty, Fried Egg, Arugula, Havarti, Hashbrown with Chipotle Mayo) OH MY GOODNESS It was delicious! So much so that we decided to order s the PB&J as well. This wasn't an ordinary peanut butter sandwich (Peanut Butter, Fresno Chili Jam, Charred Banana, on Toasted, Salted Rye) I know the rye bread sounds like an odd choice but honestly it made the sandwich. It was to die for! The restaurant itself is in an beautiful old church. It has a really cool vibe but it is very echo-y and LOUD. We were there at the end of brunch time, and it was pretty empty and it was still loud from the way all the sound bounced around. There are stairs to get into the building and right when you walk in the door, you have to go up another large set of stairs to get to the check in station. Service was solid. We started with one server but when she went on break, another server seamlessly took over. I'm already planning our next visit to Mellotone to try some of their other dishes!

Chris B.

Located n the Old Taft brewpub on Race St downtown, they offer up 8 beers currently with more on the way. They offer brunch , lunch and dinner meals. Parking on the street. It's just about a block or two north of Washington Park. I felt pretty safe in the area at 1pm in the afternoon.

Happy er's day!
Erin M.

Brought husband here for Father's Day and we are so so excited that once Taft's closed someone else took ownership because this space is absolutely stunning and it would be a shame to waste! We loved the food and brunch options and everything tasted amazing! Service was a little slow at first but once they realized we had been waiting they were quick to apologize and serve us without any further issue.

Undertone
Molly S.

I dream of this place. The food's incredible, the drinks are lovely and the space is stunning. What else can I ask for? Maybe a cool ground floor basement with DJ sets? Well yeah, they have that too. Undertones is chill vibe on the ground floor with the same menu as upstairs.

Makayla H.

Food was a 10/10. We got the chicken sandwich, fries, mac and cheese, and smashburger. Beer was alright. Cocktails were good. Loved the ambiance. Overall 4.5/5

Burrata & Roasted Grapes
Ed P.

I recently tried Cincinnati's latest brewery, Mellotone Beer Project, which occupies the old church that was previously Taft's Ale House. After a nearby event, my wife and I popped in to meet up with a couple of friends. We only had time for a couple of drinks and a quick snack, but I was impressed by the slight renovations to the space. The seating options are a little better than they were before, and the acoustics seemed to have a nice refresh. I enjoyed a Golden Hour West Coast IPA while others in the group loved seeing a cocktail menu in addition to the made-in-house beer selections. The taps seem to be changing pretty quickly as they try to determine what styles will stick. The food menu was fresh and features their modern take on the American brewpub. Things like smash burgers and hotdogs are featured alongside grilled swordfish and and spaghetti squash. We only had time for a quick bite, and really enjoyed the burrata and roasted grapes, served with Blue Oven Bakery sourdough ($15). The grapes were sauced and gave a nice sweetness to the dish and the pistachios were a great touch. Highly recommend this one!

Spaghetti Squash
Isaac S.

Formerly Taft's Brewing, the space has been transformed into a beautiful space. The warm lighting and vaulted ceilings really make the space feel grand, but cozy at the same time. Feels like a place you can bring a large group of friends or go out for a date night. Food and drinks are phenomenal. We opted for the Kolsch and Al's Paloma, both of which were delicious and refreshing. We started with the grapes and burrata - the portion size was small with four slices of buttered toast, but the flavors meshed well. For mains, we got the spaghetti squash and crispy chicken, both of which came out piping hot and well seasoned. Finished the night with the olive oil citrus cake, which wasn't overly sweet and refreshed the palate. The only qualm I have is that the value might not be there for some people. Specifically the main dishes - although delicious, the portion sizes felt small for the price. But otherwise, very solid first impression! Excited to come back.

Beer menu
Heithem E.

This is a new establishment where Taft's used to be. The decor was fresh - bright in spots and warm in others. Tables downstairs (small or long) and picnic tables upstairs. Food was delicious! I started with charcuterie and then had crispy confit chicken leg quarters on greens and polenta. The chicken was rich, crispy, and tasty. I ate it all! Almost forgot to mention dessert: citrus olive oil cake! Delicious and not too sweet! Beers were solid! I had the American pale ale - crisp and smashable. I tasted the IPA - mix of piney and floral/fruity hops - very nice! They also had an English bitter and a kolsch on tap and my dining companions loved them. Service was attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable.

Menu
Aubrey U.

This space is just as beautiful as it was when Taft's filled it. Mellotone has a large and varied menu of food along with some good beers. We had a large group so we were given the opportunity to try a lot of dishes. Additionally, they have a kids menu if you ask, and the kids portions are generous. Unfortunately the same could not be said for some items on the regular menu, like the smash burger. Yes, it was delicious, but it came buried under picnic paper and looked like a cheap, little, fast food value menu burger with little to no toppings(not even lettuce) that someone left on a huge plate as a joke. For $12, it should look nicer or at least be served with something to make you feel less like an idiot for paying that much for it(especially when the kids burger was pretty much the same size came with fries fruit, and a soda and was seven dollars) The pork belly, on the other hand, is by far the best value for the money and one of the best preparations I've ever had of pork belly in a restaurant. It will not disappoint and is a must order. It was also well plated with Shishito peppers, herbs and drizzle. The only major disappointment that we had was in ordering the lemon orzo soup. The description on the menu sounded perfect and exactly what I had been craving that day. It sounded like a light chicken broth based soup with fresh vegetables and some orzo pasta. Instead, it was one of those nasty earthy tasting curry broths, which was NOT stated on the menu or mentioned by the server when ordering. Think boxed-curried lentil soup. BLAH! So besides some slightly overpriced items or issues with portions and that awful soup, the flavors were really good, the service was really great, and I'd be happy to come back again!

Matcha espresso martini & stout beer

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Reviews are generally positive. People highlight the modern, welcoming atmosphere, friendly and attentive staff, and quality and variety of beer. Food is often described as fresh and flavorful.

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1 year ago

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11 months ago

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1 year ago

Interior was gorgeous, and food was yummy/well priced. Slow service. The burger and fried chicken sandwich were amazing

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2 years ago

Good service and food. Atmosphere is enjoyable and trendy. Great place to visit in Cincinnati. Would go again!

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

Loved this place! Upscale atmosphere, great beer, nice service, and good food. Highly recommend to try pork skewers and danger dog.

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Ask the Community - Mellotone Beer Project

Is this place kid friendly?

Yes it is , their were kids there that evening . And the menu is accommodating.

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Mellotone Beer Project - cocktailbars - Updated October 2026

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