Wondering where to find the best pubs near you?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top pubs in Cincinnati, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to venture when the mood strikes.
1. Taft's Ale House
Topping the list is Taft's Ale House. Located at 1429 Race St. in Over-The-Rhine, the brewery and New American spot is the highest rated pub in Cincinnati, boasting 4.5 stars out of 786 reviews on Yelp.
Originally constructed as a church in in 1850, Taft's Ale House serves up a stable of rotating craft IPAs, stouts, lagers and pilsners, both on tap and in cans, and has a food menu with appetizers, salads, sandwiches and platters that include steak, chicken and salmon. To view the drink and food menus, click here.
Yelper John L., who reviewed Taft's Ale House on Dec. 17, wrote, "The joint was hopping and the hops were flowing. I'd really like to come back and try the food, but the beer was pretty good. The building is super cool and the play on it formerly being a church is wickedly pulled off. We walked around and scoped it out before settling in the bar on the street level."
2. Revolution Rotisserie & Bar
Next up is Over-The-Rhine's Revolution Rotisserie & Bar, situated at 1106 Race St. With 4.5 stars out of 290 reviews on Yelp, the pub and New American spot, serving sandwiches and more, has proven to be a local favorite.
With two locations, Revolution Rotisserie & Bar serves hearty meals like rotisserie chicken, short rib pot roast and its signature dish, chitas, which is chicken topped with fresh ingredients served on a grilled pita. The John Hancock chita, for instance, comes with blue cheese, bacon, arugula, onion, celery, ranch and buffalo sauce. (View the full menu here.)
Yelper Shadara M., who reviewed it on Dec. 2, wrote, "This place is great. I am so pleased with the food. Buffalo wings are great. The mac and cheese is even better. The customer service is fabulous. Everyone is so nice!"
3. Moerlein Lager House
Central Business District's Moerlein Lager House, located at 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the steakhouse, pub and New American spot four stars out of 790 reviews.
A Diner's Choice award winner the last four years, it has more than 100 craft beers, which range from seasonal to popular staples, and includes a food menu with traditional pub fare and main entrees. Diners can opt for wings, burgers or sandwiches, or can choose the dry-rubbed sirloin, baby back ribs or honey-glazed rotisserie chicken. (To view the vast beer list, click here.)
"As a working microbrewery, Moerlein produces a full line of craft beers and offers hundreds of other selections ready and waiting for you both on tap and in bottle, as well as offering a fantastic sampler opportunity to try multiple brews in one sitting," wrote Samuel L., who reviewed it on Sept. 4. "Not only are they experts in producing their own brews, but their food is another factor that sets Moerlein apart from many."
4. Zip's Cafe
Over in Mt. Lookout, check out Zip's Cafe, which has earned four stars out of 338 reviews on Yelp. You can find the pub, which offers burgers and more, at 1036 Delta Ave.
The location offers straightforward bar food, plus a unique list of burgers, including the Train Wreck, which has shaved ham, grilled mettwurst and three cheeses on top. You'll also find sandwiches, sides, soups and salads.
Yelper Taylor E., who reviewed Zip's Cafe on Dec. 16, said, "Zip's Cafe is a great divey-type place for a burger or ham & cheese sandwich. Prices are reasonable and it's a good value. I like that it's nice and dark inside. Service was good too. "
5. Arnold's Bar & Grill
Finally, there's Arnold's Bar & Grill, a Central Business District favorite with four stars out of 268 reviews. Stop by 210 E. Eighth St. to hit up the pub, music venue and traditional American spot the next time you're in the mood.
At more than 150 years old, Arnold's Bar & Grill claims itself as the oldest tavern in Cincinnati, according to its website, and the decor proves it has history. It's open for lunch and dinner, and the menu includes gluten-free and vegan options. Look for dishes like the Notorioius P.I.G. sandwich with beer-braised pork belly, barbecue sauce, pimento cheese and pickled red onion, or Arnold's Burger with American cheese, lettuce, red onion and house sauce.
"I can't believe that I have lived in Cincinnati my entire life and never been to Arnold's," Yelper Cindy W., wrote on May 18. "Wow, go! It's a staple of our city and a hidden gem."
