Looking to discover the freshest new spots in Cincinnati? From a gastropub to a an American eatery, read on for a list of the newest destinations to make their debut around town.
Gaslight Bar & Grill
351 Ludlow Ave., Clifton
Gaslight Bar & Grill is a new gastropub, offering salads, sandwiches and more.
Located where the Clifton Branch Library stood for 60 years, the restaurant serves traditional bar fare, including appetizers, salads and sandwiches, plus entrees. Try the snow crab cakes, Greek spaghetti or duck confit ravioli. The drink menu includes craft and domestic beer, wine and cocktails. (View the entire menu here.)
The new gastropub has proven popular thus far, with a five-star rating out of four reviews on Yelp.
David M., who was among the first Yelpers to review the new spot on Dec. 23, wrote, "What a great addition to the neighborhood. They did an amazing job renovating the old library branch into a really elegant and comfortable space. ... The menu seems to try to bridge the gap between more casual bar food and fine dining with success."
And Sean D. wrote, "Clifton has a new neighborhood anchor in this restaurant. Feels really well grounded. Love the ambiance, food, menu choices, wine list, wine stemware and the price points are good."
Head on over to check it out: Gaslight Bar & Grill is open from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. on Monday-Saturday. (It's closed on Sunday.)
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
2631 Edmondson Road
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse is a new brewpub and traditional American spot, offering pizza and more.
The restaurant serves pizza, burgers and sandwiches. Diners can opt for barbecue chicken pizza with a hickory-smoked barbecue sauce, red onion and tomatoes; or they can choose the jambalaya with chicken, shrimp, andouille sausage and more. It also offers its own brews. (View the full menu here.)
The new spot is off to an uneven start, but it's still early days.
Samantha V., who reviewed it on Dec. 16, said, "Poor service, long wait, cold food. After asking our waiter to bring water to our table three times, we had to go to the bar to get it ourselves. They did comp our food, but that doesn't change the fact that I left hungry after waiting almost two hours for food."
Kelly F. noted, "Atmosphere was great. Especially if you're into sports. Great beer selection! Definitely would give it another shot."
Check it out: it's open from 11 a.m.–midnight Monday-Thursday and Sunday, and 11 a.m.–1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Galla Park
175 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown
Galla Park is a bar, venues and event space and traditional American spot.
Diners can choose the diver scallops with shoulder bacon, Brussels sprouts, smoke paprika and citrus emulsion, or opt for a land option like the horseradish & dijon-crusted short rib with cauliflower puree in a demi sauce. Finish off the meal with the whiskey spice cake. (Check out the full menu here.)
It's off to an uneven start with local diners, having a three-star rating out of five reviews on Yelp.
Kristen M., who reviewed it on Dec. 13, wrote, "Our server was nice and accommodating. Drinks came out in a reasonable amount of time. The vibe here for dinner is weird because it looks like a club with tables added. The food felt that way too—it was like upscale bar food, if that's a thing."
Amanda H., however, said, "We went for lunch and it was delicious. The inside was really pretty and we got served right away."
The new restaurant is open from 11 a.m.–2 a.m. Tuesday-Sunday. (It's closed on Monday.)
