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    Pilot Inn

    4.2 (29 reviews)
    InexpensiveBars, American
    Open 10:00 am - 2:30 AM (Next day)

    Pilot Inn Photos

    PILOT INN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Pilot Inn

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    Love this sign
    Sonam P.

    The phrase "don't judge a book by its cover" applies to bars as well! I've driven past The Pilot Inn many times as I spend a lot of time in Rookwood. I never even knew this place was a bar but one day my friends and I decided to go dive bar hopping on a Sunday afternoon. I was there again just recently to expand the knowledge of this place to another friend. The Pilot Inn is much better than what if expect of dive bars, but with all the feels of a dive bar. From the patio furniture chairs and cheap drinks (but still quality) to the chips on the wall, you get a whole new experience. You will average $4-6 for most mixed drinks on any given night. They also have a few TV screens to watch sports games so you can come drink and enjoy for 1/2 the cost at other bars on game day. A great little neighborhood dive bar if you're looking to get away from your typical bar scene. The staff is also friendly for the most part (though some look cranky at times) and the crowd not as rowdy. They also take CC and aren't cash only. I've not tried their food so that's what I'll have to do next. The only thing I do wish for would be the kitchen to be open at night (vs. lunchtime only) for those late night munchies after a day of drinking, but next time I'll need to ask if we can just have food delivered and I'd be set!

    the bar and lounge area at night
    Cindy G.

    The Pilot Inn! I finally found you! Last night after a Yelp elite event a bunch of us wondered over here. From the outside the Pilot Inn doesn't look like much, but this is a great neighborhood tavern. The bartender was very friendly and who knew they have been open since 1937?! They have a great happy hour from 3-7pm daily and they also serve food, but only during the day. I think she said they are our a night cook for right now. They have an insane amount of candy bars on the wall, and there is a nice choice of chips and popcorn as well. The drinks are cheap, and the people are friendly this is a great stop on a neighborhood dive crawl.

    There have a generous selection.
    Austin S.

    Great specials. Bartenders are knowledgeable about drink pairings. They are attentive but not over bearing. They have touch tunes. They'll change the TVs to anything.

    a bar filled with alcohol bottles

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    2 months ago

    Heather is perfect - service has always been great. Best hidden gem In Oakley/Norwood.

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

    best dive bar in Oakley/Norwood. Cold beer and solid prices. Cash only but there is an ATM.

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    8 years ago

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    Craig W.

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    12 years ago

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    Craig W.

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    13 years ago

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    Craig W.

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    11 years ago

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    Craig W.

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    7 years ago

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    Craig W.

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    11 years ago

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    Craig W.

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    6 years ago

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    Craig W.

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    5 years ago

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    4 years ago

    i love this place. they are hospitable and the drinks are very fairly priced. I highly recommend them.

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    9 years ago

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    Craig W.

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    7 years ago

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    Craig W.

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    7 years ago

    I stopped by last Friday and this place is the best. The beer is as tasty as a tube of toothpaste. I'll definitely be back.

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    Craig W.

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    5 years ago

    My favorite real bar there is in Cincinnati. You won't leave without a smile on your face.

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    10 years ago

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    Craig W.

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    16 years ago

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    Craig W.

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    15 years ago

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    Craig W.

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    7 years ago

    Great portions for well priced tasty lunches and the coldest most refreshing bottled domestics

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    Craig W.

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    12 years ago

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    Craig W.

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    8 years ago

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    Craig W.

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    9 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Incredible sandwiches. Great lunch spot. Diamond in the rough in area. Highly recommended.

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    13 years ago

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    Ask the Community - Pilot Inn

    Is there smoking in there?

    No, outside patio

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    Review Highlights - Pilot Inn

    From the outside the Pilot Inn doesn't look like much, but this is a great neighborhood tavern.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    $$

    Pleasant Ridge

    I came out in December for their Miracle pop-up in 2025…read more As someone who has gone to a ton of holiday cocktail bars and pop-ups over the last 10 years, Overlook Lodge's is probably the best I've ever been to. Be aware it will be FAST. Look at the order ahead of time if you're a picky eater/drinker. They run your appointment like clockwork, and you'll be in-and-out, gulping down cocktails, through the entire experience. Your two drinks are included (this year, anyway), and I'd honestly be surprised if you managed to have time for a third. Time zips by fast. That being said, because they do it this way, you essentially have constant service, there's "events" that happen at the end of your reservation time, (I don't want to spoil it, but cover your drink!), and then they kick you out. Service was friendly, though, and I saw the server make time to take group photos for all of the tables (including ours) with someone at the table's camera. (No bullshit "group photo" upsells here) It's kinda loud, though, and I wouldn't recommend this as a chill meet-up-and-socialize spot. (If you wanna talk, they have an addendum, Christmas-themed laid-back bar next door.) It's more of a "get blasted in the face by Christmas for an hour and then leave" experience. It's pretty loud, and talking can be a bit difficult over the music and constant interruptions (more drinks? Photos? Cute Christmas video montage?) But this works in its favor as it feels the most Christmas, over-the-top, and seasonal out of all the holiday bars I've ever been to. It also keeps it from feeling too crowded as reservations are required, so you for-sure have a seat and you don't have to stand forever in line to wait for drinks. I'd probably guesstimate that bar staff is making all of their seasonal drinks, constantly, and servers just pick one up to deliver. With the capacity in here, it would make sense. No idea what the bar is like the rest of the year; this is just a review for the Miracle pop-up which, again, is probably the best I've been to in the Midwest. Cincinnati, you're spoiled down here. (Sidenote, I was absolutely taken aback by their TV presentation on the wall. It's hard to describe, but it isn't just a projector showing a giant rectangle. It's specifically slotted into the holes in-between holiday decorations. Staff told me that had to hire special technicians to get it to show up that way and that's seriously a level of detail I am so amazed by.)

    Oh my! Merry Christmas on overdrive! Couldn't be more excited to share this unique experience with…read moremy adult children. We started with a shot and then the two cocktails. Such an amazing experience

    Pilot Inn - bars - Updated May 2026

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