So this place just had a weird vibe - the decor is beautiful and upscale and from the pictures on their website, we kind of thought we needed to dress up a bit. But no. This is basically bar food in an expensive looking setting. We both wanted to order their chicken wings, but were told that they only had 10 wings left. Which was puzzling since the place was relatively empty. And speaking of that, we made a reservation online thinking the place would be hopping for dinner. Not so much. I had the taco el pastor. It was good but was basically pulled pork on a corn tortilla with bbq sauce. I also ordered the Brussel sprouts which would have been really good if they weren't drowning in white sauce. I recommend asking for all sauces on the side, btw. TVs on the wall all around the dining room are tuned into blooper reels and trivia. All in all, the menu wasn't intriguing enough for us to want to go back. read more

Rarely does a restaurant manage to feel like a neighborhood secret while delivering a high-caliber culinary program, but Sanctuary Social has mastered that delicate balance. Tucked away in Villa Hills, it has quickly established itself as a "hidden gem" that defies traditional categorization--part sophisticated lounge, part high-end bistro, and part soulful community hub. The design of Sanctuary Social is its first masterstroke. It captures the paradox of being "upscale-casual"; you'll find plush velvet sofas and warm, modern lighting that evoke a high-end city lounge, yet the energy remains as approachable as a favorite dive bar. The addition of live music on the weekends elevates the space from a mere eatery to a destination, providing a vibrant backdrop that feels both intimate and celebratory. It is a "sanctuary" in the truest sense--a place to disappear into for a few hours. The kitchen leans into "Elevated American" with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and shareable plates that encourage conversation. Small Plates & Boards: The Artisan Meat and Cheese Board is a standout, curated with a level of intentionality often reserved for dedicated charcuterie houses. For a more modern bite, the Fresh Tomato Bruschetta with whipped burrata is a bright, creamy essential. The "Handhelds": The Wagyu Brisket Sammie and Wagyu Brisket Elote Tacos showcase the kitchen's ability to take casual comfort food and apply premium techniques. The brisket is consistently tender, balanced by the acidity and creaminess of the elote corn salsa. Craft Cocktails & Mocktails: The bar program is formidable. Their seasonal cocktails (like the Blackberry 75) are balanced and inventive. For those seeking non-alcoholic options, the Blackberry Lemonade Spritz or the Jalapeño Lemonade offers a complex profile that far exceeds standard soda fare. Sanctuary Social is the kind of place that Northern Kentucky has been craving: a spot that respects the craft of food and drink without the stiffness of formal dining. It's a "destination" restaurant hidden in plain sight, offering A1 surroundings and a menu that hits its mark with precision. If you haven't made the drive yet, you are indeed missing out on one of the region's most compelling new additions. read more

Fresh Clean and friendly staff Located near my house! Food was delicious. Excited for Spring and brunch at this place. read more

Stopped in for dinner on a Saturday evening. The staff were amiable and we were seated promptly. They offer a full service bar along with a menu consisting of pub favorites and new American cuisine. They did have live music the night we stopped. Our food arrived in a timely manner. The prices seemed a little high considering everything. But the food was good. read more

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I returned with a work colleague and was great! More photos of the great food we enjoyed. Served promptly and with friendly service. read more

Sanctuary Social - Flatbread pizza, delicious! - Bars Near Me - Villa Hills, Kentucky

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Nice place to come in for a drink and a sandwich or a flatbread. I had the brisket Sammie and something called a potato bomb. It was 4 small spuds topped with sour cream and bacon. Brussel sprouts were good too. Service was good .... A little late on one plate of the spuds but all was good. read more

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Brunch was great!! Bloody Mary superb and they had an adopt a dog event Great afternoon good music and fantastic service read more

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My husband and I had an excellent brunch here today. We are so excited to have a restaurant close to our home; the space is beautiful and cozy. The service was personal and thorough. The potato soup was cheesy and delicious. The avocado toast had perfectly grilled crostini and my husband said his brisket breakfast taco was amazing - gravy and brisket is an unexpected but awesome combo. I had a mimosa sunrise and he had a pineapple strawberry mimosa - both were great. read more

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A real hidden gem. Friends turned us on to this lovely restaurant and we jumped right in making reservations. This is a small but mighty restaurant that has a menu full of wonderful unique offering's. The manager introduced herself and described the specialities of the house which we bought right into. Started with their in house smoked chicken wings to next up the brisket. Totally recommend. read more

When we initially turned into the neighborhood while following the gps, we thought for sure we had the address wrong. But no, this place just really puts the "hidden" in "hidden gem!" As soon as we got our drinks, I knew I'd be back soon. The service was outstanding, with our server succinctly explaining the menu and what they're known for, and whom I can only assume was the manager moved us to a bigger table after we were originally seated without us even asking for more room. The food was great and the atmosphere was outstanding. I immediately signed up for their rewards program and can't wait to get something else on the menu to try next time! read more

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Four of us dined here for the first time tonight for their Valentines Dinner special. Everything was delicious, and they know how to make good cocktails! The owner, bartender Lauren, Amanda our server, buss boy, and hostesses were all on point and super friendly. The acoustic singer tonight was very good as well, and played a wide variety of classic tunes. We will definitely be back and pass the word around about how good it was. Thank you for a great evening. read more

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One of the best espresso martinis I've ever had! The service was outstanding, ambiance is beautiful, upscale and relaxing. This place is a must if you need a new restaurant to try read more

Sanctuary Social - The espresso martinis are made with real, fresh espresso! The staff is so nice and the ambiance is 10/10. Must try in the area! - Bars Near Me - Villa Hills, Kentucky

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This place is a hidden gem! The surroundings are A1 with the food to match. Was so excited to see them move so close to where I call home. They have live music most weekends. It has the feel of a dive bar but the beauty of a high end restaurant. Check it out, if you don't you're surely missing out ! read more

Wow! What a great gem of a place! I was most impressed with the service and the owner Andy, who was hands on in serving and helping the staff. I loved that they give you the option to give your phone number, not to sell your info or send adds, but to create a profile for you so they can remember your favorite drinks, food preferences, and make each experience specially catered to you. The food was amazing! We got the wings (didn't even get a picture because they went so fast), the wagyu Sammie, and meatballs. I will say the meatballs were on the sweeter side, so if you're looking for a savory option you might want to choose something else. The drinks were top notch. I had the Blackberry 75, a seasonal cocktail, and boyfriend had a manhattan that was classically made and phenomenal. The other thing I noticed while there was that I didn't see but one person on their phone the whole night. The atmosphere was truly a "be social" atmosphere that invited relaxation and conversation. Our waitress, Sydney, was also fantastic. She was very attentive, knowledgeable, and communicated with us clearly (our food was marginally behind due to kitchen back up, but she apologized for the wait even though none of us at the table noticed). Truly impressed by the whole experience and can't wait to go back! read more

Sanctuary Social - Wagyu Sammie - Bars Near Me - Villa Hills, Kentucky

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An absolutely gem right inside a subdivision. The service and food were impeccable. The owner even sat down and chatted with for about 20 minutes. Definitely worth the trip. read more

OMG!!!!! What a surprise!!!! You have got to check this place out! The mint lemon drop-WOW! The brisket slider and Brussel sprouts - so good and for dessert...a s'more martini. This place made my day. Beautiful interior. Live music...yummy small portions. What more could a girl as for? read more

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Great small gem. Drinks and wine are top notch. Fantastic service and ownership. Food is excellent.

The food is good but extremely small portions for the price. I understand they have a small kitchen but they need to rethink their menu or reorganize the space. Service was good but getting drinks was extremely slow. This place could be an oasis but I don't think they could manage being very busy. Many seats in the restaurant plus outdoor space were available. Good luck. read more

I always like to give a place a second chance and did so for the sanctuary social. The first time I sat on the patio, which had a wonderful ambience. This time we sat inside and it too had a nice ambience. But that's where it ends. Again The service was extremely slow. The food is overpriced. We ordered a simple cup of coffee and the waitress came back with what looked like hot tea and she even said she put two bags in, but couldn't get it any darker. Obviously it was tea and not coffee. We told her to just forget about it. I ordered the avocado toast and a side of bacon as well as eggs. I asked that the eggs be Over easy. The waitress told me she didn't think that they could not do that on sundays?!? But put my order in. She showed up with scrambled eggs, which I returned immediately. I think they prepare the scrambled eggs in advance, and then just warm them up. The eggs she tried to serve me looked very dry and overcooked. She said she could put in the order again but it would be at least 10 mins. The avocado toast was not made fresh and served on Melba toast and was soggy. There were 5 of us having brunch and not one enjoyed their food. My friend even got hers for free because it didn't come until way after the rest of us were served. read more

Sanctuary Social - Avocado toast - Bars Near Me - Villa Hills, Kentucky

This is the perfect place to hang out, grab a drink, meet neighbors and fill the belly! A restaurant on this side of town was very needed and they exceeded expectations. The brisket items are all phenomenal, savory and filling. The Mac and Cheese is a true guilty pleasure. And my family loves the chicken Alfredo! What an asset to nky and the villa hills area. We're glad they are here. read more

Coming out of my Yelp hiatus to review this new local gem! We stopped in for dinner tonight, around their 3rd week of operation. Even before stepping in, I was so impressed with their website. It was so easy to view the menu with prices, make a reservation, and learn about their programs. When we entered, we were impressed with the decor - the ambiance was great! We were quickly seated and greeted by the owner, Andy, who gave a great overview of their drink and food menu. All of the staff were great, our waters were never empty! We enjoyed our cocktails, all freshly made. The bruschetta appetizer was super good, the bread was perfectly crisp! For dinner, my husband ordered 2 sammies. Both were good but he was blown away with the brisket one. I got the Cajun Alfredo and oh my, that sauce was soooo good. The prices were super fair for the portions, we left perfectly content. We are so happy to have this spot so close to our house, and look forward to coming back for brunch soon! And so looking forward to the patio in the summer. read more

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First visit - great service and wonderful food! Ange took great care of us - and the live music on Saturday evening was fantastic!

This a cute gem in Villa Hills KY. It's in the Sanctuary Village subdivision. The ambiance was great. They have a nice patio and have music there. In the front of the restaurant is cozy area with a fireplace you can sit and chill and read etc. The main restaurant is also very nice. We had brunch. There were 4 of us and we all enjoyed our breakfast. The breakfast plate was a good choice for my husband. Scrambled eggs and potato's were very tasty. I had a strawberry waffle which was good. There are some items that are smaller portions(French toast) My friend enjoyed her baked egg bowl We didn't have any drinks so I can't speak to the price or taste of them. We don't have enough nicer restaurants around here. If you are looking for a nice place to eat , I highly recommend this restaurant. But this is not like Cracker Barrel or Waffle House. read more

the food, service, and ambiance was amazing. The restaurant gives the feel of upscale, homey, casual, all in one. All the food and drinks are so fresh. Beautiful place to go with friends, to go on a date, have a family meal or even have a nice business meeting. They have live music, trivia up on the tv screens, etc. If you like cocktails, this is the BEST place for a good/unique cocktail. Try their mint lemon drop. Most importantly - the service. Sydney was our server. She is extremely knowledgeable of the restaurant, has great recommendations, and is such a joy to be around. She makes you feel so welcomed, as if you're a local/regular that comes in all the time. Such an amazing person, and she really made our visit there feel special. Andy - the owner is AWESOME! He spent time to meet us, shake our hands, and took time to get to know us/tell us about how and why we started his business. He was great. If you're looking for a place where the servers and everyone makes you feel at home, while having great food and an upscale experience. This is the place for you! Thank you so much Andy and Sydney!! read more

Such a cute place with alot of potential! Unfortunately our experience was not one to rave about. Had a party of 14, which longer waits are expected with a large party. Good thing for us, the place was empty at 10:30 on a Sunday. As soon as we were seated, we were told they were out of eggs and waffles (which is basically their full menu). The waitress told us that the eggs would soon be there so we stayed. We all ordered drinks, they all came out at different times over the course of 30 minutes. Orders were taken, food came out about 45 minutes after. Multiple plates were served cold. It was offered to remake those, but at this point we had been there for 2 1/2 hours. The one positive about this place is that the mimosa was good. Will not be returning. read more

The service staff was amazing, but the kitchen was on the struggle bus! We ordered four appetizers as our meal and they came out one at time over the course of about 20 minutes (and yes, the last thing ordered as a substitution for brussels sprouts came first). However having worked many years in the restaurant biz I know this sometimes happens. Their response is what matters. The manager was cooking (A+ for them). The espresso martinis were top notch and Summer was amazing and likely the reason we'll give this place another shot. read more

The only upscale restaurant in Villa Hills...very nice dishes, cocktails, ambience and service! Bravo to the owner for boldly stepping out and providing this little city with its very own sit down eatery! read more

Great to have a neighborhood option with good drinks and food. Menu is a bit limited but dishes were good. Service was great and owner was engaging with customers. read more

Service is good and really friendly! Portions are very small but what was there was pretty good! I hope they can figure out a good compromise between price and portions of the dishes to be successful. Nice atmosphere! read more

Sanctuary Social is awesome. Great vibe, super clean, great food and service. Checks all the marks! Southwest Bowl with Waygu beef brisket is my go to. Pair that with a smoked bourbon old fashioned; man was it good. All this at very fair pricing! read more

Amazing new place in Villa Hills. Great food, drinks, and service! All the food is fresh and perfect portions. The drinks are all made with fresh ingredients. Best mojito and old fashioned in the greater Cincinnati area!! Lots of high end liquor choices. read more

Very quaint restaurant in the sanctuary village. Staff is extremely friendly.bartenders are awesome servers are very pleasant. Owners are outstanding. read more

Very welcoming venue. The food has been excellent every visit. The Tasting Tuesday's have been a plus too. Have taken friends and family several times and everyone has been impressed. Definitely recommend. read more

Love the atmosphere and the small plate foods! Very relaxing, great place to unwind, relax and forget about worries!

While I can hang with the best of them, I'm usually in a pair of boots, twill pants, and a flannel - it's a very classy place, so I was pleasantly surprised to be treated like family! The owner was very engaging and made some great recommendations. (Get the brisket taco for brunch!) Passionate staff, great drinks, and a wonderful atmosphere - looking forward to a visit for dinner. read more

An excellent addition to the NKY culinary scene . The facility is very tastefully decorated and is conducive to socializing if so inclined. They have a beautiful bar and small lounge area. The food is excellent . There is a nice variety of menu offerings. The service is attentive and efficient. As a resident of the Sanctuary, I'm glad this restaurant is here. read more

The service here is a real sXXt show. Totally understaffed and untrained at that. They need to figure that out and get a better manager who steps up and own the experience. It was not evident who was in charge. Additionally, they totally messed up the check and had to recalculate it all. That said the place is very nice and would be fun with the right service. The food was also very good read more

Food took over an hour for scrambled eggs and every meal came out cold. Very disorganized.

We had a reservation for 14 at 11am and when we showed up, they told us they were out of eggs and waffles, but they did end up getting eggs after we ordered our drinks. We received the drinks staggered over 15 minutes, and they told us the espresso machine wasn't working correctly after bringing out a couple of lattes that were just milk and cream. Eventually, that got fixed too. At that point we ordered our food, which took about 40 minutes to come out, and again one dish at a time over the course of 20 minutes. 5 of the orders were ice cold and inedible. The breakfast bowls were 90% gravy and the sandwiches were too small for the prices worth. The food tasted like it was either from a can or freezer. When we told them about the cold food, they did offer to remake it but it had been so long we just wanted to leave. When we got the checks, not all the cold food was taken off so we had to ask for it to be. There was not a manager available that we could talk to. The servers did what they could but too many issues to solve everything. The place was cute and had a good atmosphere but as of now, we wouldn't go back. read more

This was the 2nd time we ate here when traveling in from Michigan. It was amazing (food/drinks) and fun(atmosphere and music) the first time, and it was as good as we remembered it this time. We sat on the patio which we loved - the setting is quiet and relaxing (lunch time so no music) The food was delicious and fresh. The wait staff was so friendly and attentive. The manager even personally brought me my Espresso Martini as I ordered it with tequila because I cannot drink vodka and he wanted to ensure I got the right one As other ones with vodka were ordered at our table. Definitely a stop whenever we are in Kentucky. read more