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    Soul Secrets

    4.3 (265 reviews)
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    Updated 3 months ago

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    SOUL SECRETS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Soul Secrets

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    Breakfast Belle
    Alexis N.

    I went on Saturday at 11am. Experienced a 20 minute wait but it was sooooooo worth it. I had pancakes, bacon, eggs, potatoes, grits. When I say EVERYTHING was perfect. I mean EVERY. THING. Taste just like grandma made it. & the music was nice, not too loud. 10 out of 10 highly recommend. My platter was just $20. Support local + black business ‍ @lockedinwithlexi

    Chicken and waffles.
    Denetria T.

    Everytime I go the service and quality are the same. I have not been let down yet. I hope they prosper and flourish.

    Outside signage
    Jeremy W.

    The wait time I feel was a little excessive. The space is indeed small as mentioned in other reviews. The food is as advertised. The chicken was a little bland. I feel like it was sitting in a warmer for a long period of time. The fish, was the star of the show. Nice, hot and fresh. Well seasoned, with a little hot sauce was the best thing I tried by far. The Mac and cheese was also good. Black eyed peas were just ok, meh. I would come back for more fish. It was worth the drive from Louisville, Kentucky.

    Catfish, greens and mac/cheese
    Val B.

    My visit to Soul Secrets was average. I had the catfish, greens and mac & cheese. The best part of my meal was the catfish. Large serving and flavorful. The Mac and cheese needed a little work. I will try again for different menu items.

    Decor
    Brieyanna B.

    First time here and I'm already hooked. I order the cate fish after with Mac and hoppin John. Also tried the yams and greens. Everything I ate was delicious the fish and chicken had great flavor. The yams and Mac go perfectly together. I can't wait to go back and eat!

    Fried Catfish Fried Chicken Dark Meat
    Mysel O.

    The service is cool. The ambiance is ok. They play good music but yall over hyped this food. The catfish was the only thing I ate in full. The chicken pieces were too big like dinosaurs I picked over it. It was seasoned but I can't eat dinosaur chicken.

    3 piece southern Fried Chicken Dark Meat
    My’Yion O.

    The food was good . It came out very hot and fresh. The service was decent the waiters were very nice although they switch are server in the middle of our visit. The restaurant it self was pretty quiet a side from some low church music. (To be fair it was Easter Sunday .) overall I would rate them a 9/10

    Pancakes
    Leah S.

    A pancake as big as your head. That should be the description because the crispy edge delight is the draw of the new breakfast offering. Hours are limited Tues-Sat, but worth getting up and making it in. Service was really nice as well and we were seated promptly.

    Nathan T.

    Clean and friendly check in process, not a large waiting area but there is a small bar that seats 5 when you walk in if it isn't full. The food was pretty good. Our server was friendly, but not present very often. Had to utilize the bartender to get service. The food was pretty decent. I'll try it again to determine if it was worth the price point.

    If you know... you KNOW. Natasha was so good to us! Maybe the best soul food in Cincinnati! We're not saying it's official... but brunch today at Soul Secrets Cincy as AMAZINGLY good. Comfort food done right. Flavor on another level. Zero leftovers. #CincinnatiEats #CINCINNATI WhoDey from Bengal Jim!

    Lunch/dinner menu since
    Kizito N.

    WOULD DEFINITELY recommend (general). Was in town for pharmacy conference and came by for lunch with my acquaintances. They said they don't do reservations but they might do actually, still unsure so I would call them just to make sure. We were sat and they had gave us both the brunch and lunch menu since we came in the afternoon. The menu had a wide selection if soul food options, anything you name it. Our server was really nice and patient with us while we were ordering. I ordered the 3-piece dark Fried Chicken with Collard greens and Mac & cheese. I got my food a little later than everyone else and before I even got it, everyone at the table was raving about good quality the food was (other things that were ordered were Fried Catfish, Yams, Breakfast quesadillas, Catfish & Grits, Potato Salad). When I got my food, it was still steaming hot, freshly made. I first tried the chicken, it was tender and full of joy. I next tried the Mac & cheese, and it was almost perfect (just a slightly bit too salty); that's a compliment coming from me because I don't play about mac & cheese. The collard greens were juicy and had perfect ratio of greens/meet. They topped it off with cornbread that wasn't hard, which you would think wouldn't be the case for most soul food spots. This isn't a flashy restaurant by no means but the quality of the food is what stole the show, it was just AMAZING. Overall, this place was definitely worth the visit, was the best thing we ate during our time in Cincinnati. The inside is real small and intimate, perfect for bringing friends/family from out of town or if you want a lowkey spot for casual date. For the price, you are getting real good quality food, which is all we ask for. I will definitely stop by next time I am in Cincinnati.

    Myself
    Monica R.

    I enjoyed my meal the environment is different but because it's downtown but this place deserves a bigger more upscale place.

    Fried Chicken Dark Meat
    Blair R.

    By far one of the BEST places I've ever had chicken from. Simply jaw dropping. It was during a work trip, that I came here with a co-worker. I am forever grateful that my co-worker found Soul Secrets from TikTok. Not sure when I'm coming back to Cincinnati, but I certainly know I'll be coming back here if ever given the chance to!

    Good cooking from the roots.

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    6 months ago

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    7 months ago

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    7 months ago

    Love their food and atmosphere the staff is always so nice. The shrimp and grits chef's kiss!

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    4 months ago

    Good Food Selection ....Great Customer Service and timeliness for meals being served .. Food also very fresh ..

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    10 months ago

    The best soul food in Cincinnati without question. Get there early because the food be selling out quickly especially the dessert.

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    9 months ago

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    6 months ago

    OMG!! I'm stuffed, the food is good I drive from Dayton monthly to visit. Perfect size menu items so that they can focus on the good food.

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    11 months ago

    AMAZING FOOD! Came here on our family vacation, the food and the service and atmosphere were so amazing! I would definitely come back here.

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    Page 2 of 7

    Ask the Community - Soul Secrets

    Can this establishment accommodate a group of 10 or more people?

    Yes. Y'all may be a little tight. But they could do it! Enjoy!

    Do they accept Apple Pay?

    Yes they do!

    Are they still open for sit down dining?

    Yes they are.

    How do I set up reservations?

    They aren't taking reservations or carry out orders right now.

    View All 5 Questions

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    Overlook Lodge: A Rustic Watering Hole

    Overlook Lodge: A Rustic Watering Hole

    4.5(161 reviews)
    6.7 miPleasant 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

    Photos
    Overlook Lodge: A Rustic Watering Hole
    Overlook Lodge: A Rustic Watering Hole
    Overlook Lodge: A Rustic Watering Hole - So festive

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    So festive

    Pilar - Hemingway's Last Choice (mocktail)

    Pilar

    4.8(29 reviews)
    0.4 miDowntown

    Pilar is one of my favorites and it's not just the cheap happy hour prices. The bartenders are some…read moreof the best in the business, not just with their drink creation but their service as well. I don't love the cocktail bars with aloof service that seem to think ignoring you is excellent customer service. The happy hour slaps - the prices are actually really good and it goes until 7pm. My bestie is obsessed with their low price on La Marca. I have tried several of their daiquiris and cocktails and haven't found a loser yet. They don't have food but that just means they are pet-friendly. There is plenty of food in the area (for pete's sake, OTR Kroger is across the street). I wouldn't mind some snack availability but it's fine. I love the Key West/Hemingway-inspired decor. You'll be comfortable no matter how dressed up or dressed down you are. I love when the weather allows for the big windows to be open. The patio is great people watching. There is also several parking options nearby. The meters on Court St, a pay lot on the next block, or if you spend at least $15 at Kroger, you can get three hours of free parking. And that's the perfect amount to spend on snacks! Check out Pilar if you're looking for a laid-back vibe and decor but top-shelf service and cocktail options. Don't forget your dog!

    I tried this place during the Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl and was so excited I found it. It's not large,…read morebut there's a great outdoor area. The bartenders are top notch. The holiday special, the Sugar Cookie Martini was DELICIOUS! I wil definitely be back.

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    Pilar - Cocktails menu

    Cocktails menu

    Pilar - Sugar Cookie Martini

    Sugar Cookie Martini

    Pilar

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    Soul Secrets - southern - Updated May 2026

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