Soul Secrets

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430

2 years ago

I love having this great option for soul food right in OTR! We walked right in on a Friday night to an empty dining room that quickly filled up with hungry diners. My husband and I ordered the catfish platter and added on three pieces of chicken. There was more than enough food for two. Our server recommended chicken and catfish as the top dishes. so we were glad to try them both. I liked the chicken best while my husband preferred the catfish, but you won't go wrong with either. The seasoning on the chicken was perfection, but it was a little dried out. The mac and cheese and greens rounded out the meal nicely. It didn't quite rise to the level of homemade for me, but it was an enjoyable meal and I will definitely be returning. read more

Soul Secrets - 2 Piece Fried Catfish - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Jordan C.

1 year ago

This isn't the first time we've been here. I was excited to come back. The fish and chicken are seasoned well. Cornbread is always good and I enjoyed my sides. The service was fast even though we came at a busy time. Food was hot and the sweet tea was on point. They play good music inside and I enjoyed my time! Unfortunately, there's no alcohol on the menu at this time. Maybe it'll change but we were told the bar was closed when we came. read more

Soul Secrets - 3 piece whiting, macaroni n cheese, potato salad, cornbread - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Soul Secrets - 3 piece chicken, macaroni, greens, jambalaya, and cornbread - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Nikki J.

348

713

3515

3 years ago

Stopped by here solo on a Sunday afternoon for a late lunch. There was a ~15 or so minute wait. I was sat at the bar with a few other solo diners. Our server was really nice, and tried to strike convo with us while we waited for food. Huge portions, I thought the 3pc chicken would be smaller. Everything was good, though the chicken could have been a bit juicer/flavorful. Pro tip: you can join the waitlist here on Yelp before arriving. read more

Soul Secrets - 3 Piece Fried Chicken White Meat with sweet potatoes & mac/cheese - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Candace O.

7 months ago

Soul Secrets has exceeded my expectations. I came all the way from Chicago to try this place. The food was amazing. Service was on point. Very polite and accommodating. The ambiance is warm southern style. You could smell h southern smell of home from the parking lot. read more

Soul Secrets - Meat loaf, jambalaya , and Mash potatoes and gravy - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Soul Secrets - Catfish, jambalaya and greens - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Soul Secrets - Catfish, greens, mac & cheese - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Hope G.

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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Briana S.

Elite 24

186

159

128

1 year ago

Got carry out here for my birthday dinner (and wasn't asked for my ID despite that being part of their pick up order rules) and I didn't get around to eating until a few hours later so the food got nuked (sharing in the spirit of transparency). The greens tasted like absolutely nothing to me, I was genuinely almost confused at first as I thought it was me, my mother says they're sweet to her but either way they were a total disappointment. I was most excited about the hoppin John but that was just ok, not something I'd order again but I did at least finish eating it. The pièce de résistance was the three piece dark fried chicken. It was excellent, truly 10/10 no notes, didn't even need fried chicken. I'd give this place another try just because of that. Their website sucks though so look at the pictures of the menu before ordering online if you can as it wasn't clear what sides had dairy and which didn't. read more

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Kayla F.

9 months ago

This is the definition of soul food! The servings are big. We had catfish plate with green beans and sweet potatoes. And chicken with mac n cheese and collard greens. Everything was absolutely delish. We also tried the sweet tea and lemonade, both very good! The service was welcoming and quick! I will definitely be back!!! read more

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Hayley S.

8 months ago

Our waitress was extremely nice and attentive. I asked her for some of her favorites so I got the meatloaf, green beans, and mac and cheese. Everything tasted amazing. It truly felt like an intimate experience because the chef came out and asked how everything was. The food was nostalgic to me and it felt like home. read more

Soul Secrets - Meatloaf, Fried Chicken White Meat, Mac & Cheese, Green Beans, Cornbread, French Fries. - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Denise H.

4 months ago

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

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Jade W.

291

10 months ago

Stopped in while visiting Dayton for the weekend. This was some of the best soul food I've had. My mom and I split the catfish dinner with four of the sides - sweet potatoes, greens, hoppin Johns and mac and cheese and everything was absolutely delicious. The fish was well seasoned and the batter was so good and didn't fall of the fish before it hit your mouth. The sweet potatoes were divine. The Mac and cheese was super thick and yet creamy...REAL CHEESE! I would fly back into Cincinnati just to get another meal. read more

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Stephanie S.

2 years ago

Visited OTR last night (Sat) and tried this restaurant for the 1st time. We walked in at about 7pm, was immediately greeted and seated. Although the restaurant is small w/limited seating, it was busy with guests. Small view of Vine Street and people walking/driving by. Bar offered TV; music playing at conducive level for all to hear. Loved the family portraits on the wall. Rum Punch was my drink of choice, highly recommended. Ordered the 2 piece catfish with vegetarian sweet potatoes and vegetarian mac n cheese. OMG was the mac n cheese delicious!! Fried chicken was very tasty and on my list to try next time we dine here. They ran out of a few staple menu items but offered apologies upon ordering. Black owned small business doing what they do best...serving up delicious food! Must try if you're in the area. read more

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Marvetta S.

9 months ago

In from Nashville,TN visiting Cincinnati on vacation in Aug.2025. We annually come for the Music Festival, but have never been able to visit Soul Secrest. It was totally worth it the food was fantastic!! Had catfish w/2 sides & a friend had 3-piece white w/ mac& cheese we shared the sides soooo good! read more

Soul Secrets - Catfish, collards, yams & mac&cheese, corn muffin. - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Tony W.

9 months ago

This will be my 2nd review of Soul Secrets, only because I felt the need to point out an issue. In full transparency, my first review in Nov. '24 was a 5 Star review. With that being stated, I placed a scheduled online order in advance of the restaurant opening, and I noticed that the platters that allowed you to pick (2) sides, did not include Collard Greens. Mind you, I have had the collards before and they were really good, so i wanted a side of collards with both platters that I was ordering. Since I was not able to order the greens I selected something else, since they specifically state that you can only place an order online and not via phone. When I arrived to pick up my order, the first thing I did was mentioned the Collard Green issue and the woman working at the register stated that I could not order the greens because they would remove them from being ordered online when they run out. I told her that I placed my order as a 'scheduled order' prior to them opening, so that could not be the case. I mentioned to her that I also checked the previous (2) mornings with the same results. Now, to get the greens that I really wanted, I had to spend an extra $15 for the (2) extra sides instead of having what I wanted to begin with. Once my greens came out to add with the rest of my order that was already available for pick up (which caused me to not only pay an extra $15, but lengthened my time waiting by about 10 minutes), the woman spoke to the owner, which I witnessed from a distance and stated that the owner said she was going to add them back to the online order platform right away. One hour after picking up my order, they still were not on there to be able to order. All of this was on top of having an automatically added 20% Gratuity to my carryout order, prior to the option of me adding a gratuity if I so choose. It was itemized on my emailed receipt as "Large Party/Auto Gratuity (20%)." Not wanting to be over critical, but these issues that I am pointing out definitely had an affect on my overall experience and the question that was raised from within, would I return just because the food was good? Answer is yet to be determined. read more

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Claudette W.

10 months ago

The food was phenomenal! The service was great it was like being at a family restaurant. I can said we really enjoyed ourselves and definitely will be back! read more

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Tamara M.

1 year ago

Absolutely a great experience. Catfish was excellent. Fried chicken delicious. We tried several sides and enjoyed everything. The server was great and we met the owner. She told us all the food was based off her grandmother's recipes. read more

Soul Secrets - Catfish green beans and mashed potatoes with gravy - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Soul Secrets - Fried chicken dark meat with fries and Mac and cheese - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Soul Secrets - Chicken and waffles white meat with a side of sweet potatoes - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Donte P.

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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Shawty R.

9 months ago

Came out all the way from CHICAGO ! saw a tik tok on how good the food was , and it did NOT DISAPPOINT! chicken was so tasty and fell off the bone , had you wanting more ! On top of that all the sides complimented the meals perfectly. Would definitely come and eat again , and recommend yall to come and check them out ! 10/10 !! read more

Soul Secrets - 3 piece chicken with Mac and cheese and sweet potatoes - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Quajah F.

1 year ago

I was craving soul food and, after seeing the amazing reviews, I can confidently say they did not lie! I tried the fried catfish, candy yams, macaroni, and string beans, along with a side of cornbread, and everything was fantastic. It's hard to find catfish fried to perfection, but this was it. The food was bursting with flavor, no need for additional salt or pepper. It's definitely a must-try! read more

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Deonna E.

185

208

306

2 years ago

OMG. This place was worth the wait! I'd been trying to get here for two years, and it was just as I imagined. We were lucky and had no trouble getting seated. Our servers were amazing. I felt right at home. The drinks were good, but the food was just phenomenal. I had the hot chicken sandwich and loved the seasoning. My husband had the fried whiting with two sides, and it was so much food. Apparently, it was really good because he ate it all! It was perfect for our date night. read more

Soul Secrets - Maya's Hot Chicken Sandwich - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Soul Secrets - Menu - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Lonna F.

7 months ago

I thoroughly enjoyed the soul food and will definitely go back again! The macaroni and cheese and greens were amazing. I did not like that they were out of deserts for the second time. read more

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John B.

539

1078

3943

2 years ago

Parking is horrible and expensive. You will pay almost $9 for 2hrs. We sat on high chairs which I don't like but that's all that was available we thought. We found out later there was another area. The menu will tell you if you don't like your food you can't send it back. Once it's made it's yours. Nice artwork inside. The speakers for the Music are bad. It sounds like it's in a can and can be a little loud which makes everyone talk louder and louder. I never liked loud music when I'm eating because you want a conversation with your guess. Moreover you want to talk to the staff without yelling or being yelled at. It's Color coordinated well and the greater is right at the door when you walk in which is very nice. Collard Gumbo is a small portion for the price . It's good. The cornbread is more of a muffin and is not buttery at all. Mac and cheese is ok not memorable. Waffles taste like they were not cooked. The texture felt like it was reheated or just not cooked thoroughly. The chicken has the texture that comes from a pressure cooker and is very juicy and Has an above average flavor. The Sweet potatoes didn't come from a can at all and were delicious. I would say perfect. I wouldn't return because it didn't wow me. I wanted to try the fish but I think I will pass. read more

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Emery G.

1 year ago

Can't make reservation online And no one answers the phone. I have had a meal there before the food is great. I was flying back in town for work and wanted to take my coworkers there but cannot make a reservation. read more

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Melanie U.

219

336

1994

4 years ago

Yes, amazing dinner and I plan to come back as soon as possible! My friend and I have been wanting to visit for so long and finally made it for an early dinner. I visited soul secrets when they worked out of Findlay Kitchen and was ecstatic when they opened their brick and mortar. We ordered the fried catfish and fried chicken, with various sides (mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, collard greens, and Mac and cheese). The fried entrees were perfectly done, and I really enjoyed both potato sides and the collard greens! The Mac and cheese is good, and I think I wanted a little more cheesiness to it. Service was great and friendly. See you again soon soul secrets! read more

Soul Secrets - Catfish with sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Soul Secrets - Fried chicken with Mac and cheese and collard greens - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Michael W.

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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Renee T.

6 months ago

Had the shrimp and grits. Absolutely delicious. I also shared a plate size pancake that was light and fluffy. I I'll definitely go there again. read more

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Yvonne B.

Elite 25

1 year ago

The food was absolutely delicious! I had the fried catfish, greens and mac and cheese. The fish was seasoned and fried to perfection. Something to be mindful of is you can not place a in person to go order. I went to the bar and was told I had to go online to place an order. I thought that was weird but the food was so good I'm not gonna complain. read more

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Breanna B.

1 year ago

The food was immaculate. We were in town for a basketball tournament and we drove 45 minutes to try this spot out. It was well worth it. The hospitality was top tier as well. Ms. Gwen made sure our needs were met. She was kind and knowledgeable. Support! Support! Support! The catfish and chicken was fried just right. Everything was cooked to perfection and made with love. Thank you Soul secrets! We hope to be back soon!!! read more

Soul Secrets - Catfish meal - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Rebecca A.

1 year ago

We received a warm welcome when we arrived and were given great recommendations. One woman in our group had the fried chicken (which she said was fantastic) and the rest of us ordered fried catfish (which we all enjoyed). The entrees and sides were delicious and the portions were generous in size. The waitstaff were friendly and attentive. We will definitely be back! read more

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Natasha J.

2 years ago

This place is absolutely amazing. My boyfriend and I walked in and the wait was 30 mins and we ended coming back 2 hours later and still got the table. The servers are amazing, hostess was the nicest ever, music while eating was great and the food was the best part!!! The pictures speak for themselves! Definitely will be coming back! P.S a little pricey but where else are you going to get the best soul food around! read more

Soul Secrets - Sweet potatoes - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Jediah E.

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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T J.

1 year ago

The service and food were Amazing!! This is our second time coming, but the first time with our kids. We had no complaints! The portions were so generous. Everything tasted excellent. We will be back soon!! read more

Soul Secrets - Catfish Fried Chicken White Meat - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Jay N.

177

165

3 years ago

Best soul food in Cincinnati. Been coming to Soul Secrets for only the past ten months and in ten months I have been here five times. A small unassuming corner restaurant in OTR just routinely killing it. Lots of space and full all day. Even if you come here around 3 or 4 pm, you will be waiting. The owner works regularly and the place is generally run by family. The staff is welcoming, polite, and treat customers as their own. The atmosphere is casual and full of history. The menu is straightforward: soul food. Fried chicken, fried catfish, and a bunch of sweet and savory, irresistible sides. You can, understandably, expect the food to take a while once ordered as some items are made to order. Comes to the table hot and perfect. Every time I take a bite of that chicken I am transformed. Perfectly spiced, perfecty breaded, perfectly cooked. There is another fried chicken place about a city block away that people rave about. All I can do is shake my head and wonder when locals will wake up. Soul Secrets is the place. read more

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Judy S.

197

2 years ago

Delicious food, very large portions! I had the hoppin John, loved it! Nice upscale looking restaurant, with down home good cooking-style food!!! read more

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Robert J.

2 years ago

I'm happy to recommend this establishment whenever you're in Cincinnati. My wife and I went in while in town for festival weekend and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit and food. I can't remember the last time I've had fried chicken cooked this well at any restaurant. Seasoned perfectly, cooked thoroughly, and had that crunch. The catfish and whiting was also to die for. Sides were great too, so was the staff. They also had a table amongst the vendors outside the stadium and we ate them again before going in. That's saying something. Please don't lose this touch! Queen City: y'all got a good one! read more

Soul Secrets - Catfish - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Soul Secrets - Whiting - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Soul Secrets - Fried chicken - Southern Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Steph B.

3 years ago

This is my second time having Soul Secret. I got takeout. I ordered online. Customer Service was good. My food was ready when I arrived. You need an ID to pickup your food. I ordered the catfish, Mac n' cheese & collard greens. When I got home everything was still hot. The fish was very good, seasoned well, cooked hard like I like it. The Mac n' cheese was also very good, nice and cheesy. The collard greens were good. They were not can greens, and not a lot of stems. Also came with a moist corn muffin. The portions were huge, 2 large pieces of fish. I couldn't finish all the food in one sitting. Very good, will definitely order again. read more

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Back

Page 2 of 7

1434 Vine St
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Over-the-Rhine
Directions
(513) 721-7685
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.soulsecretscincy.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Soul Secrets open?

Soul Secrets opens at 8:00 AM on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Soul Secrets opens at 9:00 AM on Saturday.Soul Secrets opens at 12:00 PM on Sunday.

What time does Soul Secrets close?

Soul Secrets is closed on Monday and Tuesday.Soul Secrets closes at 7:00 PM on Wednesday and Thursday.Soul Secrets closes at 8:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.Soul Secrets closes at 6:00 PM on Sunday.

Mon-Tue ClosedWed-Thu 8:00 AM - 7:00 PMFri 8:00 AM - 8:00 PMSat 9:00 AM - 8:00 PMSun 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Food & Alcohol

Does Soul Secrets have catering options?

Yes, Soul Secrets does have catering options.

Does Soul Secrets serve alcohol?

Yes, Soul Secrets serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does Soul Secrets allow dogs?

Yes, Soul Secrets allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Soul Secrets have outdoor seating?

No, Soul Secrets does not have outdoor seating options.

Does Soul Secrets have parking?

Yes, Soul Secrets has parking options. Street Parking, Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Is Soul Secrets wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Soul Secrets is wheelchair accessible.

Does Soul Secrets allow outdoor smoking?

Yes, Soul Secrets allows outdoor smoking.

Does Soul Secrets have free WiFi?

Yes, Soul Secrets has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

At Soul Secrets, we blend authentic soul food with a modern twist. Everything is homemade, passed down through family recipes. We offer something for everyone, including vegan options, custom cakes, and catering services for all occasions - from joyful celebrations to times of bereavement. We're proud to be a Black women-owned business in Cincinnati, and we'd be honored to welcome you into our Soul Secrets family. Come taste the love in every bite!

History

Established in 2022.

Our journey started at Findlay Kitchen with corporate catering. During this time we were able to grow and develop old family recipes and add a modern twist. The demand for our food grew and as a result we are in the process of opening our first brick-and-mortar in OTR.

Meet the Business Owner: Candice H.

I am Candice Holloway, owner of Soul Secrets. Soul Secrets started as an opportunity for me to connect with my teenage daughter who was dealing with depression. I began baking recipes that my grandmother shared with me to connect with her, it was an opportunity for me to create a safe space for her to open up, as well as teach her recipes that had been passed down by my great-great grandmother. Food brings families closer, it's a way to connect and share.

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!

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Do they accept Apple Pay?

Yes they do!

View question details

Are they still open for sit down dining?

Yes they are.

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How do I set up reservations?

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

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Seating area

Lost & Found OTR

4.6(88 reviews)

0.1 mi•Over-the-Rhine

I was in town and wanted a cocktail before heading back home. Thankfully this place opened early…read more Loved the vibe as soon as I walked in. I asked the bartender what the prettiest Valentine's drink was. I ended up ordering the Disco T**S. It was the perfect V-Day cocktail.

We stopped in after dinner. We were celebrating my son's birthday. We came on the perfect night…read more There was a DJ killing it! The vibe was fun, funky and chill all at the same time. They also make good cocktails, some unique like the banana bread old fashioned. I was rocking from the beginning. I ended up dancing before I knew it. I have not been in a space or bar that made me want to move in years. No issues, just cool people and vibe. We had a ball.

The patio wall pretty well sums up the eclectic vibe of Lost & Found.

Grilled Cheese

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Second Story Bar

4.5(57 reviews)

1.9 mi

Locally owned & operated

Takes reservations

Great spot to stop for a drink and enjoy the vibes. This place is patronized by people of all ages…read moreand styles, it's one of my favorite and most versatile bars - before/after date night, great. Before/after a sporting event, great. Girls night out, a birthday gathering, happy hour with colleagues, all great!

Wow, what a fall from Grace... When second story originally opened the bar was incredible. The…read moremusic was great, the drinks were really well made, and they had a great selection and were willing to make specialty cocktails for anybody who asked. Sadly not the case today. Each and every time my friends and I have returned it seems that things are getting worse and worse. The menu has been cut in half, the service is not as good as it used to be, the prices have increased, and they are no longer willing to make exceptions or modify most of the cocktails; even when asking for something simple like a replaced spirit for an up-charge or to accommodate allergies. It's been getting a little more "club" atmosphere recently. The music is louder, the clientele a little more rowdy. Maybe some prefer that, but we miss the elevated cocktail lounge it used to be.

Come see us!

Rooftop Patio

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Main Bar

Pilar

4.8(29 reviews)

0.4 mi•Downtown

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.

Cocktails menu

Sugar Cookie Martini

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Annie Oakley's

5.0(7 reviews)

5.2 mi•Oakley

This is hands down my new favorite bar in Cincinnati. Nestled in a side street off of Madison road,…read morethis cozy speakeasy is an absolute hidden gem in Oakley. If you're looking for a fun space to grab a good cocktail and watch a game - this establishment should be on your list!

This place is pretty cool, almost like a speakeasy. We walked by during the daytime and could…read morebarely fine it, but once we knew it was there we made a point to go. We visited on a rainy Friday night, when we got there it wasn't too busy, but by the time we left it was almost full. It's a pretty small space. The drinks are fairly priced, $10 for the spicest margarita I've ever had. The bartender was busy, and working alone she managed to keep everyone happy. The decor is pretty cool, including the bullet holes on the bar top. Annie Oakley herself was a badass and there's lots of memorabilia here to see. We'll be back!