The folks at Sitwell's were willing to be flexible with a request for the tofu bahn mi over lettuce instead of with bread. It ended up being a bahn mi lettuce wrap instead. It was delicious. The tofu was a little under-seasoned, but it was expertly grilled. All of the veggies were crisp and tasty. Next time I'll definitely get this with a side salad. The side salads looked very fresh and had generous portions. I also really appreciate the live music. I got to hear Queen City Vintage Vibe perform. Sitwell's hosting that group has allowed a number of regulars to build a community around a shared love of music. Their commitment to the neighborhood goes beyond just being a cafe. I encourage everyone to give this place a try. read more

Sitwell's Coffeehouse Act II - Bahn Mi with tofu in a lettuce wrap - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

The hummus is great I wouldn't get the raspberry latte but I wish they had the wildflower I guess they no longer carry it. The apple pie empanada was good I wish there was more Brie but amazing! Great cute place lots of charging ports read more

Sitwell's Coffeehouse Act II - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

The cutest eclectic coffee shop! Not only is the decor cool, but the coffee is quality. The espresso had great flavor and was not burnt at all. The Americano gets my stamp of approval. I went here to get some work done and it was perfect for that as others were working on their laptops as well. They have WiFi available for free. read more

Sitwell's Coffeehouse Act II - Interior - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

What a cute coffee house. I adore the feel and vibe of Sitwell's I ordered a traditional macchiato and a mushroom Gruyère quiche. The macchiato is a little stronger than I'm used to because there was slightly less milk than I've had at other places. Still very good. The quiche was warm and the outer pastry was nice and crunchy. They served it with hot sauce, which typically I would not use, but tried and it was and awesome pairing. read more

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Oh. My. Gosh. 10/10 everything! The seating options were fantastic and the interior decor was so cute. There was such a great vibe. The service was great too, literally everyone was so kind. My smoothie was literally the best I'd had in years. So good. Their chocolate chip cookies are also SO GOOD. If you're in the area, you better check this place out cause it's amaze. read more

Sitwell's Coffeehouse Act II - Smoothie/cookie - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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this is one of my fav coffee shops in the city. all mismatched tables and chairs that go so well together in a cutie eclectic way. excellent vibes and super ice staff. one of my fav lavender lattes around. read more

Sitwell's Coffeehouse Act II - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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I love this place for a casual hang! The look and feel of this place is pretty eccentric and I like it. My friend and I came in here on a Sunday afternoon. I got the cafe mocha and their tofu banh mi. My friend got the quinoa salad in a wrap. As expected, everything tasted great. The coffee was what my brain needed after the Daylight savings change kicked in. The food was delicious. So fresh and flavorful. They had trivia in the booth we sat in, so we played a little trivia too. read more

Sitwell's Coffeehouse Act II - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Our coffee was decent, though not great. My main issue with Sitwell's was the thick dust all over the vents and upper walls/ceiling- they desperately need to clean their hvac system it seems. Unfortunately I don't think I'd visit again. read more

Great latte, very nice staff! Lots of seating options and very cool decor on the walls. Fun tunes playing as well!!

Sitwell's is a unique coffee shop on Ludlow that is buzzing with character. Its old timey vibe and friendly service makes the vibe very pleasant. The coffee was smooth and rich and the quiche was very flavorful, albeit slightly overcooked. It is a great place to get work done or to just hang out and I cannot wait to come back! read more

Atmosphere was super casual with fun seating. The show we went to see (Ánno) was really good! Had a great selection of cocktails and cans. Service was great and everyone was super friendly! read more

Sitwell's Coffeehouse Act II - Live Show - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

One of my all time favorite coffee shops! Beautifully decorated and has cozy seating where I wrote my capstone. Try the hummus plate!!

I used to frequent Sitwell's from 1999-2017. Then life got busy, and I just didn't have time to get out much. Fast forward some years, and I FINALLY got to visit Act II. First, it smells the same! I don't know what I expected since it's in the same location, but it has that musty smell so many old buildings have, and it reminds me of my Grandpa's basement. It's not unpleasant. Just felt very comfortable and familiar (heart emoji) Anyhoo, I am watching the ole carb intake, so I passed on the bahn mi, even thought I REALLY wanted it. I know my body responds well to buckwheat, so I ordered the soba noodle salad and a cold brew coffee and found a place to sit. Both arrived quickly. The salad wasn't much to look at as it was was tossed in peanut sauce that had just a hint of spicy heat. It had plenty of veg in it, primarily sweet peppers and cucumber. But, man! It was very tasty! If I were at home I would've licked the bowl clean. I sat at a table in one of the back corners just like I used to back in the day. The walls are decorated differently, but the laid back vibe is still the same. Already looking forward to my next visit. read more

Sitwell's Coffeehouse Act II - Soba noodle salad and a cold brew coffee. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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We met here for brunch. "Trivial pursuit" cards are on the table in old tea tins. Good menu options. I got the avocado toast with poached egg and a strawberry smoothie to drink. Enjoyed the avocado toast. Great smoothie - you can taste the fresh strawberries! The mozzarella cheese sandwich is served on focaccia bread. A bit thick on the bread. My husband got the Caesar wrap. He enjoyed it. The place was busy and had a constant flow of patrons. read more

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The ambiance was fine, but due to them running out of ingredients for the things I could eat, I can't comment on the food. The latte I ordered was good, though. Service is a little slow, but the workers seem friendly enough. My husband and son said their food was decent. read more

Super cute place! Great for doing some work outside of the house. The latte was barely hot but tasted delicious. The beyond burger was just okay. I like how they serve chips with the burgers. The spring rolls were fresh and tasty. Lots of vegan options. read more

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Dirty environment. The bathrooms are disgusting. I am 100% fine with all-gender restrooms, I dont care, but keep it clean. Also, I ordered a matcha latte, one minute later I came back and told the barista by the way its iced sorry. And she told me its too late to change it, as she already put in the order, and just did not care? Like I spent 40 dollars, for the wrong drink, food that felt dirty, and an attitude? Not to mention by the time it was 4:00 pm, a waiter walked up to me and told me that they close at 5:00 so I should get ready to leave? Like why did she only tell me specifically? I'm irritated I spent money here, and I am grossed out from being here. I feel sick after eating there, and I will never come back. I regret spending money here, because I feel so sick. read more

I love sitwells!!! I have been coming here since undergrad and have always enjoyed the ambience: soft lighting and fun things to looks at, thrifty funky decor. I always have to order their caramel macchiato, it is to die for, but their other coffees have always been nice too. I have no complaints about the food, it is simple and fresh and nice- nothing too crazy. It really is the perfect study spot, a lovely place to get a drink with friends and gossip, or even just fabulous to stop in and grab a drink before shopping around ludlow. read more

empanadas were amazing and i got a matcha. i love the ambience of the cafe and everyone was so friendly! :)

Eclectic coffee shops are always my favorite type of coffee shops. This place is truly a staple of Cincinnati. It's a bit out of the way for me, but I love going here when I can. A great study spot, plenty of privacy if you need it. The chairs and booths are always very comfy. The staff is very kind. The food is very yummy, especially for a coffee place. Their drinks aren't my favorite, they're still very delicious!! I just prefer the food more. read more

The vibes are cute and the employees are delightful. Sitwell's has a great local reputation and they have a TON of vegetarian/vegan or gluten free options. I definitely plan on returning and trying more of the menu. I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt that I ordered poorly. I ordered hot chocolate and an asian noodle salad wrap. The hot chocolate was ok, but not worth $5. I did not like the wrap so much that I was not able to finish it and I considered asked for my money back. read more

Sitwell's Coffeehouse Act II - vegan cold asian noodle salas wrap - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Still the same great little coffeehouse it was 30 years ago. It's not changing the world with it's food/drink, but it's a quaint and comfortable place to chat and chill with a good cup of crafted coffee. I like their Dirty Chai, iced. read more

Ever since we visited Sitwell's a few months ago, it's been on our mind to go back for another Gyro - and to try their tasty and well-priced cocktails! This cafe has kind of an alternative, comfortable vibe, and it's a surprising mishmash of a coffeehouse and a vegetarian restaurant with a full bar. I am all in for that combination. It's fairly spacious, and each table included a selection of thought-provoking trivia cards. I had Grandma's Meatball Sub, which I didn't love. The meatballs were a little soft. My husband had the Greek Gyro (which would've been my first choice if he hadn't claimed it), and we both thought that was fantastic. I also need to try their Beyond Burger with tempeh bacon. Since we weren't looking for cocktails during our visit - something that will definitely be remedied in the future - we tried a wild berry smoothie ($4) - delicious! Overall, I found some items on the menu to be a little more pricey than expected, but sometimes that's the price you pay for specialty food - and when it's delicious and comes with good service, it's all worth it! read more

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Great vibe, service, and food. Tons of delicious vegan options too! They also have a small bar and coffee bar inside. Get a Bloody Mary or Dirty Chia Tea Latte. Either way, you won't be disappointed. The vegan banana muffin and carrot cake are to die for. Sadly, I inhaled them before I could snap a pic. read more

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Stumbled into this place while walking around Gaslight District in Clifton and WOW was I lucky. The menu here is surprisingly upscale for a laid back place and the coffee is also quite good. I highly recommend the Tuscan Eggs (poached eggs topped Parmesan and polenta on the side). I think the coolest part of this place though is that every table has some cards from Trivial Pursuit. It's a unique way to stay engaged with whoever you are with/or by yourself and not have to be on your phone. read more

As a former Clifton resident, I frequented Sitwell's under prior ownership. It was okay before -- a decent place to get work done with the coffee flowing, despite slow service. I'm happy to say that things are MUCH better now under new ownership. The renovated space is positively warm, bright, and inviting now, with the feel of a cozy family den. The coffee is much improved, and the service is prompt and friendly. This place makes me wish I still lived in Clifton! I will be returning when I can, for sure. read more

Sitwell's Coffeehouse Act II - Caramel apple cobbler muffin and medium roast coffee. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Sitwell's is back and has revived their hippy-dippy vibes that give the coffee shop it's unique charm to an already eccentric neighborhood on Ludlow Avenue. It feels good to have them back. The decor felt mostly the same, but it definitely felt brighter on the inside. I only had coffee, but the lattes looked great (clad with some great latte art)! Sitwell's also has some boozy options, if you want to mix your uppers and downers. This is a great spot to pop in with some friends on an evening when they have some acoustic tunes, or to camp out to get some work done during the week. There was something missing on Ludlow when they left and I'm super glad they're back. I'd love to come back to check out the food (promise to post an updated review when I do!). Our server was friendly, though and the cashier was quick to crack a joke share a laugh with us as we were checking out. Definitely sending some authenticity high-fives to the staff! Definitely pop in remember all the things you loved about Sitwell's and take in all the great improvements that have been made. read more

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Sitwell's is back from the dead! Out of nowhere I was walking down Ludlow Ave. and had to do a doubletake: my old favorite had risen from the ashes. I enjoyed many a coffee here in its yesteryears. Back then, the staff was surly and the coffee was, "meh." Now: everything seems cheery and bright. My quick impression is that they've improved a lot and I am glad they are magically and inexplicably back around. I had the Nutty Irishman and a Spiced Cider. On a cold December night strolling down the Gaslight District I could honestly say nothing could have tasted better. A hot alcoholic coffee beverage really hits the spot! All things considered, I am very happy to see this old favorite revived. If Sitwell's gets better each time it unexpectedly closes and reopens, show me Act III! read more

I live right near Sitwells and go here all the time. It's everything I would want in a neighborhood coffee house. The drinks are great, and the espresso is never burnt, which is surprisingly hard to find. The service can be a bit slow when they're busy, but that's because they only have two or three people working at once, which is understandable. I love sitting there to get some work done since the whole place is cozy and has some great decor. read more

It's hard not to give a 5 star. I think the new Sitwells or "Act 2" is very interesting. But I really miss the old Sitwell's. The new sitwells is loud, and cramped, and pricey. I still love to stop by, but it's not a coffeehouse feel at all. It's much too loud for that. Aside from that it is a unique environment and stop on Ludlow. But if it wasn't in love with house comfortable, colorful, and safe the old sitwells was, then I would rate "Act 2" 2.5/3 stars currently. I hope we see it feel more like a coffeehouse and less like a small restaurant soon! read more

This place was okay! I'm glad to have a vegetarian restaurant nearby! I had the tofu po boy with a side of the Thai noodle salad! The tofu po boy was decent! I wish the sauce was spicier / had more flavor! The Thai noodle salad was weird in my opinion. It was really slimy so I ended up turning into a savory pancake which tasted much better. I might consider trying the other things on the menu when I get the chance! But so far, it's just been okay for me. read more

The space is gorgeous, the drinks are great, and the food is amazing. Decided to stop in for a quick bit to eat and was pleasantly surprised by the quick service, live jazz and affordable food! read more

Amazing spot, very cute on the inside and great coffee! They even have a piano to play

The food and decor here are great. My reason for giving it less than five stars has been my multiple experiences with slow, unfriendly service coupled with the high tipping expectations on the kiosk. There's no good reason why this can't be fixed. read more

During poetry night it occasionally gets very LOUD! Lots of slamming of crockery, pots and pans and the unruly moron who seems oblivious to the notion that this is a performance venue as well as a cafe. A brief, general announcement advising guests that poetry reading is about to begin might enable patrons to actually hear the poetry. read more

My favorite place on Ludlow. They have ton of vegetarian/vegan options as well as meat options. Everything I've had here is good but my favorites are the caprese sandwich and the beyond burger. I don't know how they make their tempeh bacon but it's super good. All the coffee/tea drinks I've had have also been great. I'm here at least twice a week. read more

Sitwell's Coffeehouse Act II - Beyond Burger to go - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Just ordered from Sitwell's on DoorDash! Food came on time and was overall really tasty. I had ordered a vegan banana muffin, the empanada of the day, the soba noodle Thai salad, and the tofu po boy sandwich. When I received the order, I saw a handwritten note explaining that they were out of baked goods but had replaced my muffin with an extra empanada - I really appreciated this gesture. Tofu Po Boy Sandwich: (3/5) This was actually the only underwhelming item I ordered. The French bread was really nice and fresh, but the sandwich didn't have enough flavor or taste. I got a little hint of flavor from the sauce and tofu, but could have used a lot more. Soba Noodle Thai Salad: (5/5) Awesome flavor - has a little bit of a kick to it and it tastes really good when cold. I would absolutely recommend. Empanadas: (5/5) I am a huge sucker for empanadas (I visit Che's in Cinci often), and these blew my mind. I couldn't tell exactly what the two flavors were probably because I ate them so quickly! One has cheese and a mix of cooked vegetables and the other has corn and cheese. The chimichurri sauce that came with was also a nice touch. Overall, I look forward to ordering from these guys again and trying some of their other sandwiches and baked goods next time! read more

This is one of my favorite coffeeshops in Cincinnati. It's located in the Gaslight district of the University of Cincinnati campus, which host a diverse collection of stores, restaurants and a movie theater. The first thing that this place is known for is their ambiance. The walls are decorated with eclectic ensemble of framed artworks and photographs. I've been inside this coffeeshop before their renovation, and they have kept that same warm, cozy and homey environment, now with brighter lighting and a few cosmetic touch up. They now also offer a wider range of food selections in their menu and have plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. This is a must stop coffeeshop if you're in the area. read more

Sitwell's Coffeehouse Act II - Cappuccino with Gooey Butter Cake - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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As soon as I walked into the Ludlow coffeehouse I immediately loved the vibe! There was an old-timey, retro, hipster feel and I was all for the style and decorations. I was visiting Sitwell's for a coworking session and it was a great spot to take a call and talk to my colleague. I ordered a large caramel macchiato and it was DELICIOUS - and had amazing foam art. The staff was also extremely friendly and helpful throughout my two hour visit. I will definitely back to do some school work another day read more

Sitwell's Coffeehouse Act II - I really loved these old hair salon chairs. So cute! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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I love coming here, it's spacious enough to find peace to work at, but also has a bar in case you need it for a break from everything. The food is super vegetarian and delicious. Often, I come for the bahn mi and a frappe. I also recommend staying away from their matcha, not sure why, but hot or cold it never tastes like matcha. Brunch here is delicious and decently affordable and sometimes they do drag brunch which is a blast. The service is super friendly and will help out in case you need a recommendation. read more