- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Arnold's Bar & Grill
Categories: Nightlife Bars Pubs Restaurants American (Traditional) Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Pubs, American (Traditional), Music Venues [Edit]
210 E 8th StCincinnati, OH 45202
Neighborhood: Downtown
(513) 421-6234
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 2:30 am
Sat 4:30 pm - 2:30 am
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
88 reviews for Arnold's Bar & Grill
Review Highlights
-
"...things to do is listen to Jake Speed & the Freddies here." In 5 reviews -
"Instead, go for their kick-ass potato salad." In 4 reviews -
"...always gets the Arnold's hot brown - and I understand why..." In 5 reviews
Loading...
88 reviews in English
-
Review from Scott M.
5/8/2012
Who doesn't want to ride around in a bathtub on wheels?
Arnold's is quickly becoming one of my favorite bars in the city (along with O'Malley's in case you were wondering). This is largely aided by Smithwick's on tap, a killer patio, and awesome jug band performances.
The beer selection and full bar suits me well. The patio is like a secret garden nook trapped within the brick-and-mortar. The stage at the patio looks like the tin-roofed front porch where grandma use to sit on her rocking chair. This past Cinco de Mayo, I felt right at home shouting out a bevy of alcoholic beverages as part of the audience participation portion of the jug band performance. This place just has a magical quality to it that you don't get in many other venues in the city.
Oh, and food! The menu will require further perusing, but I tried Arnold's Burger and it held up to my own personal standards. Looking forward to trying the Blueberry Chicken.Listed in: Date Night!, May 2012
-
Review from Whit R.
5/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
I was pleasantly surprised by Arnolds (an institution since 1861!). We pulled up to a spot on the street out front and I thought "THIS is the place you've been talking about? Whoa. Well, okay, we'll check it out...." Don't let the facade fool you. This is a very comfortable, welcoming and delicious place to grab a bite, at least for lunch.
The menu is voluminous. Luckily, there's a lunch section to make things easy. I had fish tacos and my lunch mate has the egg salad sandwich and soup. Both were wonderful. Best part - no chips or fries to go uneaten as a side. I liked that. Eat your tacos, get full, don't waste food. Done.
The patio area was extremely nice and EXTREMELY packed. It's always nice when I'm not the only guy with a tie on. This must be a big business lunch spot because there were suits everywhere. The weather was gorgeous, the service was prompt and my first experience at Arnold's was a home run.
I'll be back. -
Review from Mike M.
4/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
a good spot. old faithful, if you will.
the food is fine and consistent (a good thing).
the service is alright.
the place is AMAZING.
kt m. and i are fortunate to have this place as a fall back spot whenever we want. and for that, i am very grateful.
one note - the roasted garlic and eggplant bruschetta get 5 stars :). -
Review from Newmessages W.
Cincinnati, OH
5/24/2012
Good food, good people, great homemade ginger ale!
-
Review from Cindy G.
4/3/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Hey where should we go for dinner? Arnold's. Hey where should we go for a good beer? Arnold's. Where should we go for a killer patio? Arnold's. Band? Arnold's. Good Service. Arnold's. All around good time? Arnold's.
I am starting to believe that Arnold's is the solution to any problem you are having. It is just one of those places. Not to mention that is such a historical part of Cincinnati. That alone is a reason to come and check it out. Feels like it hasn't changed a bit since the early 1900's. And it really hasn't, old timey photos hang on the walls of former patrons. Funny how times change, but the good things remain.
If we are getting specific, order the grilled cheese and the famous tomato basil soup. This place serves up simple comfort food done right.
One of my all-time favorite Cincinnati establishments. -
Review from Erin Z.
Cincinnati, OH
5/9/2012
I love Arnold's! The food selection is wonderful. My family has a variety of tastes, and Arnold's makes everybody happy. They also have amazingly rich desserts. The staff is friendly and makes you feel at home. The patio is kept at a comfortable temperature year-round, so I really enjoy sitting out there whenever there is a table available. The owner, Rhonda, is the best! She catered my rehearsal dinner with a taco bar that everyone raved about! She even had it beautifully displayed. Her customer service has to be the best in the city.
-
Review from Julianna R.
Cincinnati, OH
4/23/2012
I love Arnold's! I've been there for lunch and dinner multiple times, but I gotta say, I love dinner more because of the live music! Homemade soups and salads are great for lunch. Gotta love their hot browns too!
-
Review from KaMIAH M.
Washington, DC
3/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
i'm totally a fan!
i recall years ago when i was a temp at ST Publications, one of our managers took us here and the food (i had some kind of chicken dish) was very delicious.
i've since left Cincinnati and reside in another state; however on a recent visit i made it my mission to try Arnold's again.
Thankfully, years later the food is still just as good and the prices are very reasonable.
I walked in on a warm humid Cincinnati day, the door way was crowed by the young and very attractive wait staff; i don't know why they were staying there, but i had no complaints walking through the group of gents and i was very pleased that Arnold's had such a pleasant eye candy!
i couldn't recall my previous meal but i wanted to try something different; i remembered hearing about Hot Browns while watching a food network special in Louisville; so when i saw it on Arnold's menu, i figured i'd be adventurous and try it.
i ordered the veggie with maple bacon added (yum yum yum)....i was very pleased!
i can't wait til my next visit and i will be bringing my friends to share the experience. -
Review from Allie C.
Washington, DC
3/10/2012
Arnold's is my favorite dining spot in Cincinnati. Come during the warmer months when they have a live band on the patio. If you like fun bluegrass, down-home type of music you will fall in love with this place. The atmosphere is perfect for small groups and even families with older children. The music is loud enough to be heard but not intrusive on conversations. Arnold's is definitely an "evening out" venue. Come for the food and music, stay for the company and conversation that the place promotes.
I've never had any problems with food here, and I especially love the creme brulee dessert that comes in a coffee cup! Just order some pitchers of beer and stay a while -
Review from Sally Y.
Cincinnati, OH
2/21/2012
I really enjoy Arnold's atmosphere, especially like the outdoor patio area. They even cover it in the winter months, so definitely an added bonus! I will have to say though, I've eaten twice at Arnold's and have been slightly underwhelmed by the food. The burger was good, but not as great as I would have expected based on the fact that their burgers are supposed to be their "hot item." Another time, I had their root veggie salad, which seemed quirky and potential to be fun and yummy, but again, just mediocre.
Overall though, as a bar, Arnold's is always fun, easily accomodates you to be able to sit with a group of friends and chat without yelling, and a great place during the week or the weekend to grab a beer. -
Review from Emily H.
1/6/2012
Everything in me wants to give Arnold's more stars. It's definitely a Cincinnati landmark and I'd give it at least 4 stars, if not 5, for the atmosphere and service. And any restaurant with live music is great.
But, every time I go I'm consistently underwhelmed by the food...especially for the price. There's nothing wrong with the food, but it always leaves me wanting a little better. Last time I went I got a vegetable pasta that was $15.95. For that price I've definitely had better, more flavorful dishes with a larger portion size.
Again, on the positive side they have a good vibe and I like their seasonal drinks like spiked apple cider or spiked egg nog... but I've finally decided I probably won't go there to eat again. -
Review from John B.
Technically, I'd probably give this place 3 and 1/2 stars. I love the atmosphere, the patio, and "old timey" feel of this place, but that's about it.
On my most recent trip, I had the pleasure of seeing the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company's performance of "Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) "http://www.cincyshakes... (go see it soon before it's too late)
It was great and the servers were quick to get all 100+ of us stocked with drinks (I had 2 Ronda's Homemade Egg nog) $6 each. The desserts were also above average and was glad that Arnold's stepped up for this event. Now if all my other visits would have gone this well I would have rated it higher. Alas, like a few others, I am not really impressed by the regular food and drink offered by this historic Cincinnati landmark. -
Review from Amanda B.
Cincinnati, OH
2/22/2012
While Arnold's is a historic Cincinnati landmark, it simply doesn't live up to it's reputation with regard to food. The beer selection is mediocre and the food is overpriced and inconsistent.
-
Review from Tom A.
One of the great places to eat and drink in Cincinnati! Good location, near the Aronoff Center and the Design district and the Courthouse area, so that draws a consistent crowd. It's a bit small, intimate, yet quirky. The first floor indoors may seem a bit cramped, more of a bar, but the seating area expands into this wonderful courtyard with a retractable cover for those rainier, colder days. Upstairs is a seating area broken up into multiple rooms. There is a water closet (just a toilet), and in one of the adjacent rooms is the complementary sink and a bathtub- where people dine - that drew a laugh from me. There's also a dumbwaiter that operates to carry drinks from the bar to the upper level.
I was at an event there, so I didn't order food, thought it was a little pricey. But there are drink specials there. I think the other cool thing about the place: Hollywood recreated it as part of the set for the NBC drama "Harry's Law," starring Kathy Bates. -
Review from Ryan L.
10/22/2011 6 Check-ins Here
Oh, Arnold's... This is the oldest bar in Cincinnati (continuously operated in Downtown Cincinnati since 1861) and is still one of the greatest.
The history is incredible as soon as you enter the building. They have pictures all over the bar and an amazing courtyard that is completely enclosed. There is a tent that goes up for the colder months so the courtyard is still open. The food here is incredible and the beer/drink selection is great. They even have two, count em, two, beers that are brewed specifically for the bar. If you live in Cincinnati and have never visited this bar, drop what you're doing and go there right now! -
Review from Alycia B.
11/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Who doesn't love Arnold's?! If someone came up to me and said they were not a fan of Cincinnati's oldest bar I would give them a severe tongue lashing and then slap them. Arnold's is great all year round. At first sight, it looks like a very small bar with a few tables and a short bar, but walking past the bar and around the corner you find yourself in a dining room and then continuing out to the patio (which has the best seats in the house).
During the summer, Arnold's "takes the top off" which makes for a perfect courtyard to toss back a few and listen to some live music. The wintertime is equally nice in the courtyard. It feels spacious even with the top on.
The beer is always cold and delicious and they are always tapping new craft beers to stop in for. I have no complaints about the food that I have ordered, ever. Definitely give the Eggplant Bruschetta a shot! Amah-zing! -
Review from Adolfo N.
2/19/2012 4 Check-ins Here
To me, Arnold's is about the courtyard, with some music and a cold beer. As a bar, it's excellent, as a restaurant, it's excellent. however, where i lose the point is that its hard to be one or the other, since it's both things at once, I sometimes get annoyed by the place. But if you like a great evening in a cincinnati icon... well, here it is.
-
Review from Stacey L.
11/2/2011
This bar is directly next door to my parents apartment and so as a result we have spent a decent amount of time here. I have never been particularly impressed and don't really understand why so many people are over the moon with it.
The food is mediocre and overpriced. The drinks aren't very strong and are too expensive.
The only reason I see to go here is for the live music. Most of the bands are folksy and never too loud to talk with your friends.
The restaurant does have a unique charm that comes from its age. I do like sitting in their "outdoor" area during the winter months. You feel like you are sitting outdoors without the freezing cold. Their bathrooms are TINY. I always feel like I have been locked in a closet!
Service is OK....
Other than their location, I feel like there are tons of other places in downtown that I would rather go to. I will continue to end up here every once in a while only because it is easy... -
Review from Brian Q.
Cincinnati, OH
3/4/2012
Bar, drinks and atmosphere = great. Food? Bad, sometimes dangerously so!
I was just there for Bockfest (3/2/12) and had a roasted root vegetable salad. The potatoes seemed undercooked. I got sick in the middle of the night and I've been nauseous all weekend.
This isn't the first time I've had a poor experience with their food (though it is the only time I've gotten sick from it). Arnold's has intriguing sounding items on the menu but items like the Trio Dip appetizer just turn out to be 3 kinds of disappointment. There are many better options downtown including Taqueria Mercado in the same price range and Nada, Via Vite, Nicholson's and Mr Sushi for a little extra. Go for the drinks but don't stay for the food! -
Review from R.J. s.
Updated - 2/6/2012 1 photo
Arnolds always fun always good. Date night for the seiferts includes dinner and drinks at Cincinati's oldest bar. Arnolds.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
3/30/2011 ROTD 4/18/2011
If you like Authentic Historic you will love Arnolds. My first visit was 30+ years ago when a… Read more »
-
-
Review from Monika N.
1/28/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I absolutely love this bar in the summer - great atmosphere and great drinks and desserts. My favorite time to go to Arnold's is when Jake Speed is playing. In the winter they put a covering over the outdoor seating and have lots of heaters so you can even enjoy the outdoors when it's 20 degrees outside. The only reason I gave this place 4 instead of 5 stars is because they get crowded extremely easily - unless you're there early it's standing room only, and there's not a lot of that at Arnold's.
-
Review from Jimmy Q.
Cincinnati, OH
2/23/2012
This is a cool looking place. Good history, interesting building, outdoor patio...
But man, I've been here 5 times and haven't had an edible meal. That Blueberry chicken looks good but has no flavor. A similar Taco Chicken again has zero flavor. Close your eyes and you don't know what you're eating. Actual soft tacos came with some terrible tasting relish...
I complain constantly when my friends suggest going here, which is a rarity for me. We have two friends that live nearby that always want to go here, but the rest of us end up staring at each other as we push our food around our plates.
The most tasteless food in the area. -
Review from Paige M.
Just when you think Arnold's is overflowing to the brim, someone says, "Remember, there's plenty of seating upstairs." That's where we went. Right next to the giant bathtub.
Arnold's was celebrating their 150th anniversary with a $1.50 menu and beers. They also rolled some other events into the occasion, like the tapping of a Listerman keg, unveiling of a Rookwood Pottery sign, and the premiere of Harry's Law. Phew! It was like the trifecta of events.
I ordered a cheeseburger, french onion soup, and a salad with ranch. The dressing on the salad was delicious, garnished with a certain Italian herb that gave it kick. My friend discovered a treat about the soup. As he scooped into his bowl, a layer of cheese coated the entire bottom! It stayed gooey throughout the entire portion. For $1.50, it was an epic sized bowl of soup too.
The burgers were just okay, but were a good deal for $1.50. Normally, they're $8.50, which is too expensive for what I tasted. The bun was the best part of the burger, reminding me of a fresh baked croissant. The patty, however, was from the freezer. It had a nice smokey taste, but I could tell it wasn't freshly hand pressed. Overall, it tasted like a homemade Whopper.
With Oktoberfest beer on tap, and $1.50 cups of Listerman's "Bacon Beer", we were having a grand ol' time for under $10.00 per person. As the evening wrapped up, our server brought us each a complimentary peach and berry cobbler, which was warm and oh-so-delicious! I wonder if this is on the menu regularly?
Arnold's is definitely a place every Cincinnatian should check out once, and with an assortment of events and live music happening here weekly, it gives you a good reason to go.
Tip: While we ordered off the specialty menu, I've heard that the Italian dishes are what Arnold's does best. -
Review from Sandra F.
What a cool place! Love the old building and many selections to choose from on the menu.
This is definately a great neighborhood bar to visit. If you want to watch bands, happy hour with friends or just eat dinner, this is the place! -
Review from Sarah T.
Cincinnati, OH
2/13/2012 6 Check-ins Here
As the oldest bar in Cincinnati, Arnold's boasts a quirky style with great atmosphere. The drinks are a decent price, the crowd is relaxed and the food is always tasty. Pro tips: Pam is the best bartender, always good variety on tap, best dishes: blueberry chicken, Mexican burger with fries, TAB sandwich and the grilled cheese with tomato soup.
-
Review from Katherine M.
Harrisburg, PA
8/24/2011
We started eating here when my husband first got a job downtown in 2008. Being within walking distance to the place he worked and I later worked, it was easy to get to and always delicious. We've been for lunch and dinner - about even amount of times - and always enjoyed it.
Service is usually pretty good. Sometimes water or refills can be hard to get, but most times no problem. Every now and then, we get someone who isn't really too knowledgeable about the food, which in one case caused an allergic reaction due to a waiter telling us the dish did not have nuts without checking, then later confirming it after my husband had started to swell up. Never fun - always results in a good run to a pharmacy. But mostly, good service.
The food is delicious. My husband always gets the Arnold's hot brown - and I understand why - it's amazing. Their turkey is not deli turkey - it's a thick, juicy turkey breast. The cheese sauce they use is really good, and they put fries and delicious bacon atop - the fries really set it apart. Only thing is, with their new lunch menu, they stopped serving this at lunch which made us stop coming for lunch. I end up with the meatball sub or spaghetti and meatballs a lot - their meatballs are just really good and their homemade marinara is delicious as well. We've tried some other things - like the tri-a-dip (good, but that's what caused a good allergic reaction) and roasted garlic (good!).
The drinks are also really good - although pricey - but they are usually worth it. The sangria is really delicious, and their whiskey sours are some of the best in town (and we've literally tried them almost everywhere). They have some neat beers on the menu - but I tend to go other places for some of the beers they have as it's cheaper elsewhere. -
Review from Seb R.
Cincinnati, OH
7/19/2011
Probably one of my most favorite places to go to in downtown Cincy. Tucked away from the newer/trendy places of downtown, Arnold's sits on 8th street (close to Main). Offers a full bar, with great local beers, indoor and outdoor (kind of) seating and about the most welcoming staff around.
Besides the full bar, Arnold's also has some fantastic menu items that you can always look forward to if you are looking for a bite to eat. There is also some live bands that come play and really make the place a great downtown stop that is out of the ordinary.
Best/worst time to come down to Arnold's is for Bockfest (sadly that has already passed). But there is a crazy good amount of people and there is also an absurd parade, beer flowing from everywhere. Though can be overcrowded very quickly. Fantastic time.
Either way, you have nothing to lose by going to Arnold's. I guarantee that it will be a good change of pace for a downtown beer/food stop. -
Review from Ryan C.
Maineville, OH
5/2/2011 8 Check-ins Here
Arnold's Bar & Grill...where to begin?
I won't go into the history and the appeal of Arnold's, every single person has put it into their reviews, so I'll try and keep this short.
1. I wish I could give this place 2.5 stars
2. Gotta be honest, I'm not at all impressed with the food.
3. If you plan to get a mixed drink, don't. Such a waste.
4. Get a beer. Arnold's 1861 Porter by Christian Moerlein Brewing is tasty.
5. Either sit out in the balcony when there isn't a band or see if you can sit upstairs if you want to drink and talk. -
Review from Jeffrey K.
Cincinnati, OH
I can definitely see the appeal of Arnold's. There's a laid back and historic quality to this place. And like many have said, the canopied patio would be great venue for live music and a beer on a warm summer evening.
My friend and I came for lunch. The service is quick and friendly, but I don't think that the food is good enough to stand on its own. Come to Arnold's for its atmosphere, reasonable prices, and drinks, and consider the above-average food as a peripheral bonus. -
Review from Allison J.
Cincinnati, OH
6/6/2011
I can't think of anyone who shouldn't go to Arnold's. I recommend it to out-of-towners, in-towners, downtowners - everyone. It's a Cincinnati institution. The courtyard is one of the best places in the city to enjoy a local beer and listen to some live music.
Every year on Opening Day they serve a killer breakfast and brunchy Reds-themed cocktails while WNKU and Jake Speed and the Freddies provide old-timey baseball themed entertainment. It's one of my favorite events in the city, hands down.
Come to think of it, Arnold's plays a part in a lot of great Cincinnati traditions, like Bockfest. It's a place you can go to celebrate Cincinnati's wonderful craziness, and it's a place where you can celebrate a regular weekend afternoon. There's no wrong time to go to Arnold's.
I should say that the food is only average. It's been much improved recently, and I have a few go-to items that are reliably good. Maybe a smaller menu would add up to some improvement, but I don't know that I'm qualified to suggest making any changes at Arnold's. It's just the way it should be. -
Review from Ryan P.
3/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
If you want a great laid-back spot to hang out for Bockfest, Arnold's is your place! The entire building just oozes charm, and a lot of that charm passes on to their staff, food, and beer too! We showed up just before noon on Bockfest Saturday, since they were tapping a keg of Bell's Consecrator at 12PM sharp and we had a rather large party. They were able to seat us almost right away. Everything on their special Bockfest menu looked excellent. We decided to split three appetizers: the camel ragout, the roasted garlic with pita, olives, and feta, and the eggplant bruschetta. While I had never tried camel meat before, it was my favorite appetizer of the bunch. The meat has a slightly beefy taste, but a very unique flavor that sends it over the top. The other appetizers were fantastic as well, and all went great with a bock. For entrees, three of us split the Caribbean goat, lamb tacos, and drunken rabbit. Once again, all were simply amazing. The goat dish was spiced with star anise, which went well with the beans and rice it was served with. The lamb tacos were seasoned perfectly and had a little kick. The rabbit was very rustic and made for great comfort food. Beers tried through the night included Schoenling Bock, Bell's Consecrator, and Triple Digit Gravitator. While I don't usually like beer served in a plastic cup, I'll make an exception for Bockfest. All beers were fresh and fantastic, and two of them couldn't be had anywhere else in the city, save for Bockfest Hall. Our server, Morgan, was the star of the evening. I don't know how she handled all of our orders, especially with people coming and going at our table, but she made it work. She was really fantastic the entire evening, and I wish every server was as skilled as her. The prices were a little steep, especially for the beer, but the value was good. I had a bit of sticker shock when I received my bill, but then again, I had been there for over 7.5 hours! If you want the Bockfest experience but want to skip the crazy crowds of Bockfest Hall, be sure to stop by Arnold's!
-
Review from Zack F.
4/10/2011
I'm torn. People talk about this place like it's magical, but like those first dates that just fade out with a whimper, I didn't feel the magic.
It was tight and cramped to maneuver, which I guess, spun another way would be cozy or comfortable in a way that's good for meeting new people.
Service in the booth area was, I hate to say it, terrible. There were almost as many people with Arnold's shirts on as customers and yet I couldn't elicit the service of a single one.
Walking around to the bar to get drinks wasn't the worst thing ever though, and the people around the bar seemed quite friendly and engaging. The bartenders were definitely overworked, but they seemed to handle it fairly well. Service didn't take that long, and the drink were well made and reasonably priced. I must though qualify my comment with one caveat: don't use the word martini. The only impact this word has is to double the price and change the glass. The drinks themselves are small looking but don't be fooled, they pack a full-sized punch.
I think the one thing missing from my review is the effect of the patio and live music. Since I have minimal exposure to this, I have included a complimentary star to my review, pending future visits. -
Review from Tom S.
Burlington, KY
1/23/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This is a bar where people sat around and argued about whether or not it was a good idea to re-elect Abraham Lincoln.
Think about that for a minute.
Who knows whether or not anyone really ever argued against the idea, but it's a bar and people would be drinking, so you have to figure someone probably brought it up.
You're never very far from the past when you're at Arnold's, but that's not to say this is a musty old place where the people are sitting around waiting for death. Far from it. It's very much a place for the living. I think of it as the entire city's neighborhood bar.
Is the food good? Yeah. Always pay attention to what's on special. Owner Ronda Androski probably came up with the idea and she pays pretty close attention to what's going on all over the restaurant.
The beer list is very solid, and it's a massive understatement to say that Arnold's supports local brewers. It's the epicenter of Bockfest, a grassroots celebration of Cincinnati's beer and German heritage. The first beer made at Christian Moerlein's new production brewery? Arnold's 1861 Porter.
That pretty much sums up what Arnold's is all about.Listed in: Better Beer in Cincinnati
-
Review from Chad W.
Cincinnati, OH
9/5/2011
Nice historical building and enjoyable atmosphere inside...too bad it is in the heart of downtown Cincinnati. The last 2 times I visited this place involved stepping over a passed out vagrant to get back to my vehicle, and having to walk past a ranting and raving lunatic that felt the need to scream at every passing vehicle and pedestrian.
The food is good, but overpriced.
Overall, I would avoid it if you aren't going specifically to meet people who absolutely refuse to meet someplace else. -
Review from Kristen B.
Cincinnati, OH
2/24/2011 5 Check-ins Here
It was third time the charm for us to finally get to try Arnold's but it was worth the wait. We decided to check out Arnold's on a Sunday...and we learned that Arnold's is not open Sundays. We apparently made an attempt to have lunch at Arnold's later in the week, but the husband said Arthur's accidentally instead of Arnold's so I took us there. Finally, we ended up there on Friday night and it was almost love at first site.
The space is amazing, it just feels historic but not in a pretentious, stuffy way. We were seated in the courtyard which is open year round. Drinks were ordered and the husband and I were both set on the same thing....the Moerlein Porter brewed specifically for the 150th Anniversary of Arnold's - delicious! The menu was expansive and I actually had a hard time limiting my options. We started out with an order of roasted garlic wings and throughly liked them. For my entree, I finally settled on the PJ & B which was a "hoagie" with Prosciutto, Java Chutney and Blue Cheese with some garnishes like lettuce. Since I'm not a potato salad fan - I splurged for the fries. It was a ton of food, but I enjoyed it (even if I couldn't finish it.)
The one con I can think of is the restroom - it is a tiny confusing two room situation. It isn't enough to keep me from coming back though.
Despite it being Friday night, we were still able to find a shutoff meter to park at relatively close by. -
Review from Jeremy F.
6/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Arnold's B&G is like the 2nd pitcher in your rotation. The second pitcher never gets the acclaim the ace does. He's always solid. Has the ability to throw a spectacular game every now and again. Never seems to disappoint.
That's Arnold's. It is a Cincinnati institution. From the iconic bathtub car out front to the patio in back (which holds up amazingly well under severe weather as I recently discovered), you just can't go wrong with Arnold's.
Is it the best bar in the city? Not really. Doe is have the most amazing food in Cincinnati? Nope. But can you get some good food, good drinks and have a great time with friends? You bet.
And I've even been there several times for special events. Let me be the first to tell you that Arnold's, like that No. 2 in the rotation, will throw a gem at you every now and again as well. -
Review from Kelly Y.
12/1/2011
I LOVE Arnolds, as much as I LOVE the Blind Lemon. Yes, besides the Blind Lemon, this is my other absolute favorite bar in Cincinnati. I used to go there for lunch often with my friends/coworkers. We loved sitting in the four season courtyard. And we would also go there for a low key happy hour, away from the crowd on 5th and 6th streets. And how can you beat that lovely upstairs? I'm at a loss for words for this Cincinnati institution. It is simply a place you'll have to see for yourself.
-
Review from Nigel C.
Cincinnati, OH
12/26/2011
Big improvement. Went some years ago and food was bland. But on my last visit with a group of 12 on a Saturday night was the best. Everyone loved thier food across the board. Service was a little slow but then it was a show night placed was packed but staff were attentive and keep us up dated on progress. So nice to see the owner out on the floor chceking on tables too. Will be back
-
Review from Rob J.
Cincinnati, OH
11/27/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Outstanding! This place is always busy, and for good reason! The food is great and the atmosphere casual and intimate. If you can, sit on the patio. Most nights there are musicians performing out there. I'd recommend the hot brown or greek spaghetti, but you really can't go wrong. They even have their own beer, specially made for Arnold's by Christian Moerlein! Perfect for a date, a group outing, or just a casual dinner with your family.
-
Review from Stephanie S.
Cincinnati, OH
2/23/2011 5 Check-ins Here
I'll always remember where I had my first OTR.
This bar is in a prime location. I've used this place to meet people before going to clubs downtown and heading up for a chill night in OTR. The bartenders are awesome. I took my brother in there while he was on leave and he chatted with us for a long time. Told my brother about the history of the place. The food there is also very good. The beer selection, tough to beat. Great patio and atmosphere.Listed in: Beer me
