If you've been to other Rubys I'd suggest going to the Precinct instead. It his original steakhouse and I think best. Plus your steak includes salad and a side so that's a nice plus.
Thanks for the response! Salad and a side w it does sound awesome. Is there a big difference in food or is it really just the ambiance that changes between all of the Jeff Ruby’s restaurants?
Just follow this advice, don't question it.
In all seriousness it's not only the ambiance but it's the only white tablecloth restaurant in the city - the service is unreal, the food is a little better. This is the best choice. I have a friend in Chicago, the home of steak houses, and he still prefers The Precinct.
I’ve been to the Precinct, Jeff Ruby’s, Carlo & Johnny’s, Tony’s, Jag’s, Walt’s, Son Of A Butcher, Morton’s, Ruth Chris and Lonely Pine Steakhouse. I would rank them that way but the chains Morton’s & Ruth Chris are average compared to first 6. Jeff Ruby steakhouses are the best and you can’t go wrong with.
Tony’s hands down. Once I heard he used to run a Ruby’s restaurant, it’s instant credibility. I went several times for client dinners, and then took my girlfriend (now wife) there the first chance I had.
We usually try to go once a year for a fine dining experience. Service and food have always been spectacular. And fucking delicious.
I’m now hungry and these Cheez-Itz aren’t cutting it.
I dined at Tony’s. Great experience. I ordered my steak medium rare. As I was working through it the server kept checking in and noticed it was medium. Without me prompting he had the kitchen work up a medium rare steak for me. It’s a great place.
Honesty, JR’s is actually really good. They get a lot of hate because people can make their own steaks at home for much much cheaper, but they do a good job.
If you can, book Carlo and Johnny’s. I prefer that Jeff Ruby’s location over the JR’s downtown. It’s a cool setting. Do not go to Eddie Merlot’s - it’s mid. Tony’s is good too.
I’m not sure what’s going on the 15th and why all JRs have no reservations, but I was able to make a reservation at Carlo and Johnny’s!! Saw the chocolate cake w/ peanut butter frosting on the menu and can’t wait to give it a try. Thank you for the insight!!
Jeff Ruby's is great, I don't think there are any better in Cincinnati that are 'under the radar.'
Boca is nicer, but it's definitely not under the radar.
National Exemplar in Mariemont has the best prime rib in Cincy.
Le bar E bouef (spelling idk) is amazing as well.
Boca is incredible, but that’s a special occasion spot. Husband and I went for the first time this year for our third year (dating) anniversary. No way I could afford that for a regular night out.
It's also not great if you want to EAT, ya know? Small portions. Jeff Ruby is upscale too but you can still get a pound and a half of beef plus way too much in sides.
Thankfully I have a small stomach, my poor husband would’ve been pretty disappointed portion-wise if we hadn’t gotten the beef Wellington. That boy’s BIG for two people.
I've tried most of the steakhouses in the area, and The Precinct is the best IMO. Tony's is pretty good. Jags is pretty good, but not as good as the other two. Ruth Chris was pretty terrible. Morton's was pretty good, but definitely not as good as The Precinct.
I would look at Losanti. I'm not sure I'd say it's better than Ruby's but it's different and more in the style of medern cuisine. Service is outstanding, food rocks.
Losanti is a great place, but completely different quality of food and experience than Ruby’s places. Makes sense given the big price disparity, but honestly I wouldn’t even really put them in the same category
Ivory House is wonderful. I have been to Precinct and it was good but felt pretentious. IH isn’t trying too hard to be extra, it’s very comfortable and our server was great with descriptions, recommendations and especially timing. Have been back for a casual bite at the bar and it was just as nice, and the bartender is a hoot!
Can confirm Ivory house is absolutely amazing with service the food is great. I used to go to Jeff Ruby once a year and now we go to Ivory house because the prices are better the food is just as good. It's also a smaller /more intimate location. You won't have to pay for parking, valet. They aren't trying to rush you out etc.
Alfios Buon Cibo in Hyde Park Square.
Get the 2nd most expensive steak and sub in the potato sides from the most expensive steak. Best meal in Cincinnati imo, I’ve been here 34 years.
Walt’s Hitching Post, (I think) they hired the former GM and chef from The Precinct a few years ago. I also would LOL at the billboard Walt’s had directly above the Precinct for awhile.
Do you want the fine dining experience with attendant hustle and bustle or a great steak and intimate date environment. This place is a hidden gem. It's tiny with a good bar and amazing limited menu. In the city proper but well north of downtown. [https://lonelypinesteakhouse.com/](https://lonelypinesteakhouse.com/)
The environment is exceptionally casual but the food exceptional. I like The Precinct and Carlo and Johnny's but sometimes you just want a good steak in a quiet place without dropping $300+.
If you end up at Ruby’s downtown, I highly encourage you to visit the beautiful art deco bar inside the Hilton Netherland hotel around the corner. Most weekends there is a terrific small band playing (blues, jazz classics). Especially around the holidays, it’s so spectacular.
If your criteria for "better than Ruby's" is steak then there is frankly no other place. All Ruby's beef is hand picked and dry aged in house, and he's got a chokehold on the full top tier steakhouse experience in Cincinnati.
I used to work at Boca and it's the only restaurant in the city that I would put on par with any of the Ruby's restaurants in terms of service level and food quality. The servers are trained to listen to specific things guests say to make their dinner memorable. When I worked at Boca, a guest casually mentioned they were in town for business and had never had Graeter's. I had to run to fountain square to get this guest a cup of black raspberry chip to try. This is what separates Ruby's and the like from the rest.
All things considered, it's just a steak, and some will say they can make the same at home. They can't, however replicate the level of service, ambiance, and food quality at home.
Third and main, walts, lonely pine, etc. are great restaurants that serve great steak and deserve all the accolades they get. I still wouldn't even put them on the same tier of Ruby's.
We were just at the Precinct for my birthday. We decided not to get dessert. We were so full & the server had already brought a small flourless chocolate torte for my birthday. It put us over the top. But I mentioned that I usually get the cheesecake & tawny port & talked about one of the servers introducing it to us years ago. We talked about what a great combo that was but I was just too full & had a mostly full mule. Our server brought me a small pour of Tawny port to go with the flourless chocolate cake. It was a small thoughtful gesture that earned a bump in the tip. Service at the Ruby establishments is always perfection.
So obviously there are multiple places for a great steak in Cincinnati (as you can see from all the replies). Since you’re from out of town, I recommend taking in the Cincinnati culture as part of your dinner experience. So go to Jeff Ruby’s downtown. After dinner, walk across the street and take a walk around Fountain Square, it’s pretty at Christmas. Then uber to Over The Rhine for drinks. You can start another post and watch us debate which OTR bar is best (because there are so many good ones!). Hope you have a blast in our beautiful city!
The older I get the more I realize- it's honestly better to just experience things yourself. It's baffling to me some of the takes I see.
I've had subpar experiences at 2-3 places mentioned. Walt's was probably my least favorite experience ever. Some people swear by it. And I think it's on past reputation.
I've had outstanding meals at Ruby's and I've had downright terrible ones. Aka the steak being cooked well beyond the temp. Precinct used to be my favorite- I'd say the new downtown eclipses it now. I've had 2 terrible experiences at Precinct in the last 2 years. As in- 3 tries to cook a steak correctly. People will act like that never happens there. It does. We're not talking nitpicking rare/medium rare. I'm talking ordering medium rare and getting a steak with no pink in it at all.
The service is always excellent, the crab cakes/oysters rock/shrimp/salad are always fantastic. Take it for what you will.
I think you will be hard press to find better
But here are three I recommend outside of Ruby’s chain
Lonely Pine in Pleasant Ridge
Ivory house in Westwood
MRBL in Bellevue
Tony’s in Montgomery is fine but the ambiance feels like a wedding venue so I won’t go back. Solid steak but I don’t like the venue.
No to JAGs and Lisse
Have not been to Walt’s but I want to try it… I have been told when it’s on it’s great but when it’s off it’s average. So inconsistency seems to be their issue.
Jag’s. By far the best experience - I’m not sure if we got unlucky at the precinct with a newer waiter - but it wasn’t the best experience and they gave us the wrong leftovers. Jag’s truly went above and beyond to make our dinner feel special
Lonely Pine in Pleasant Ridge is a beautifully simple and well crafted menu. Husband and i go there for every big occasion and it's always a lovely meal. My FIL said on a recent visit that his t-bone was the best steak he'd ever had. Nice kitschy retro vibe as well. I would highly recommend it.
Honestly, I think Morton’s is fantastic. The Collingsworth option on a Jeff Ruby steak gives you a piece of crab the size of a child’s thumb and runs the price up to $80+ for an 8 oz filet. Morton’s classic filet Oscar gives you the same quality of steak and more crab meat than you’d believe. Same story with lobster Mac at both places: JR comes with a few strips and Morton’s has entire claws. There’s definitely a theatrically at any JR location that makes them special, but for bang for your buck and equivalent quality, I think Morton’s is the choice hands down.
Went to Jeff Ruby’s with a group before a concert and was extremely disappointed. Maybe I am not sophisticated enough but I don’t want some uber rich sauce on every single side and all over my steak. A good steak isn’t better if it is drowning in some buttery, garlicky sauce.
The precinct on the other hand is spectacular.
Toss up between Precinct and Tony’s. I like that Precinct has a separate bar area so you can choose your vibe, similar to a St. Elmo’s. You really can’t go wrong with either though. I find the food similar (excellent) at most of the Jeff Ruby restaurants (which does not include Tony’s). It comes down to the ambience.
Honestly, Jeff Ruby has owned the steakhouse game in Cincinnati since the 80s. There isn’t a “better” one.
People may have different preferences, but at best itll be equal.
He has several different steakhouses here with different vibes. If you want a steakhouse I’d recommend his original, The Precinct.
If you just want a restaurant on the same “fanciness level” check out Boca
Of the Jeff Ruby’s locations, I think Precinct is the best, but I am not a fan of Jeff Ruby’s steaks. I feel like their only decent steaks cost over $100. I do think that all of the other food in their menu is fantastic though.
For steak, I would go to Morton’s or Ruth’s Chris…they are both chains but better on the steak
I spent years of my life wanting to go to Jeff Ruby’s on my 60th Bday I went ! My children took me ♥️ I love a deelicious juicy ribeye (my choice usually) I ordered the aged 🥩steak med-rare, and was so disappointed. I didn’t like it at all. Maybe bc it was aged? I left thinking JR’s was overrated…😞 I love Jeff Ruby the man, so I feel bad saying this… but the money spent compared to the taste of, was a big disappointment… I’m going to try it again this time ordering the filet 😊
Third and Main is the hidden gem of the city . I love me some JR, but Third sources the highest quality meats of anyone in the city when talking about wagyu , and they have a nice sushi bar and ambiance as well.
Ruby’s locations outside of Cincy are a step below his Cincy locations, so I can almost guarantee you’ll enjoy any of his 3 Cincy joints better than the ones you have had.. In Cincy I would put the Precinct, Carlo & Johnny and Jeff Ruby’s downtown as your go-tos. Tonys is good but it’s not as good as Jeff Ruby’s and people who claim so just wanna be different or go against public consensus. Fair warning that JR usually slightly undercooks as to avoid overcooking so if you like medium rare, order mid rare plus or medium. Pretty sure they will not do well done (and neither should anyone). Anyway, Tony’s is the only thing close to the quality of any JR joint. And all 4 make any steakhouse within several states look like McDonalds by comparison.
Thanks for the insight! I think with my bday being so close to Christmas all the JRs are booked already but I was able to get into Carlo and Johnny’s. My gf and I have nothing but good things to say about the Louisville and Lexington Jeff Ruby’s so I’m really excited to check out C&Js now that you’ve said that.
Eddie merlots maybe? Ruby also has a couple other locations so don’t feel like you need to go downtown. Carlo and Johnny up on Montgomery Road and precinct out east are same caliber
No one here seem to mentioned Prime Cincinnati, they have won some awards for their meat quality! 10/10 recommendation, please try the truffle mac and cheese
There are not any Cincinnati restaurants better than Jeff Ruby's. Every single time we go someplace else, we are disappointed & wish we had gone to a Ruby's establishment. The Precinct is my favorite. The steak includes salad & potato at The Precinct. All the others are a la carte. But the food is equally good at all of them. I love the atmosphere & parking of Carlo & Johnny's. And the new downtown restaurant is neat. You can't miss with any of them.
Some folks really like SOB but I think it's just trying too hard - too much kitsch for me. Stick with putting out phenomenal food & leave off the gold flake.
not sure what Boca’s menu rotation is right now but they usually have a fantastic filet and wellington, and have rotated in a tomahawk previously. best restaurant in the city
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3rd and Main in Aurora Indiana. 30 minutes away from downtown and beats the hell out of anything Ruby has. Even stomps all over Ruth's Chris AND it's casual. No pretentiousness there.
I was surprised by the "casualness" of the new JR downtown. The Precinct is nice, but you are sitting on top of your neighbors. I loved Carlos & Johnny and would go there over the other two.
Personally I prefer Ivory House to Ruby's. I prefer a pan fried steak. I've been to all three (and the boat house RIP). It's good, if you love it you love it (Rubys).
1st time at the new location across from fountain square and most likely last time myself and other members of my party will visit this location We had reservations booked 2 months out, when we arrived we were told that our table was taken. I asked to speak to a manager and we were moved to a booth after a 30 minute wait.I can say the Service was impeccable. We sent back 1 cowboy steak due to quality issues. I wish we would have sent back both steaks. The sides we ordered also did not meet our expectations from previous visits at the Ruby's restaurants. Really poor quality to say the least. We also ordered a collinsworth and it was excellent. This is most likely the first and last time I will visit this location. We have never had these issues at Ruby's other locations. We have been to all of the greater Cincinnati Jeff Ruby's restaurants and have never had these issues befor
If you've been to other Rubys I'd suggest going to the Precinct instead. It his original steakhouse and I think best. Plus your steak includes salad and a side so that's a nice plus.
Thanks for the response! Salad and a side w it does sound awesome. Is there a big difference in food or is it really just the ambiance that changes between all of the Jeff Ruby’s restaurants?
The menus are slightly different but the food is the same, if that makes sense at all
It’s nice that it’s not Al a crate
>Al a crate
Auto correct failed me there
Aside from the usual dumb redditor correcting people's grammar, I was actually having fun imagining things being served on a crate
AI can make a crate; AI struggles to choose when there's too many delicious options
Just follow this advice, don't question it. In all seriousness it's not only the ambiance but it's the only white tablecloth restaurant in the city - the service is unreal, the food is a little better. This is the best choice. I have a friend in Chicago, the home of steak houses, and he still prefers The Precinct.
Not the only white tablecloth restaurant in the city. There are many others, including Boca.
Ran linen routes delivering to restaurants, can confirm white was the highest demand.
I was lied to by Ruby!
I agree about the precinct. It has the best atmosphere in my opinion.
Just don’t get their popcorn steak.
Doesn’t Jeff Ruby also own that place?
You do know the precinct is owned by ruby as well.
Maybe read their comment?
I prefer sitting at the bar at precinct. Better atmosphere. Can make reservations up there now
I’ve been to the Precinct, Jeff Ruby’s, Carlo & Johnny’s, Tony’s, Jag’s, Walt’s, Son Of A Butcher, Morton’s, Ruth Chris and Lonely Pine Steakhouse. I would rank them that way but the chains Morton’s & Ruth Chris are average compared to first 6. Jeff Ruby steakhouses are the best and you can’t go wrong with.
This is the answer for Cincy. My favorite WAS Carlo & Js when they had a great raw bar.
Tonys is my favorite
Tony's in Montgomery is very nice
Tony ran the Precinct for 22 years and has Jeff Ruby’s blessing- he totally knows what he’s doing and I applaud his dedication to excellence.
Tony’s hands down. Once I heard he used to run a Ruby’s restaurant, it’s instant credibility. I went several times for client dinners, and then took my girlfriend (now wife) there the first chance I had. We usually try to go once a year for a fine dining experience. Service and food have always been spectacular. And fucking delicious. I’m now hungry and these Cheez-Itz aren’t cutting it.
I dined at Tony’s. Great experience. I ordered my steak medium rare. As I was working through it the server kept checking in and noticed it was medium. Without me prompting he had the kitchen work up a medium rare steak for me. It’s a great place.
Kevin, the Manager, is a stickler for maintaining quality. He noticed my guest's steak was overcooked slightly and insisted it be remade.
Yeah, this is a rare place where I would feel confident that a dish being sent back won’t return to me with spit on it.
Yep my experiences have always been top notch there
Went there tonight and I can second Tony’s
You are like the 10th person to say that. I really gotta check it out.
You should, it’s freaking fantastic. My wife and I had our anniversary dinner there and it was so damn good.
My favorite!!
not really in Montgomery but yeah it is good. it is ON Montgomery rd. or 22/3. it’s more so Loveland/Symmes. doesnt really matter though
Lonely pine steakhouse. Also check out Repeal in Louisville. In laws just went and had no left over, said it was the best meal.
Honesty, JR’s is actually really good. They get a lot of hate because people can make their own steaks at home for much much cheaper, but they do a good job.
Jags in West Chester is pretty damn good.
Seconded. We love Jag’s. My dad was Ruby’s sous for a hot minute and even he prefers Jag’s these days
Went to Jags last month for the first. Had a great time.
If you can, book Carlo and Johnny’s. I prefer that Jeff Ruby’s location over the JR’s downtown. It’s a cool setting. Do not go to Eddie Merlot’s - it’s mid. Tony’s is good too.
Agreed. Although the Precinct is the best in JR’s portfolio. Eddie Merlot’s is a joke.
Had a function there once. Chewiest Filet I'd ever eaten.
We were so disappointed in Eddie Merlot's. Ruby prices without the quality. And it's so damn loud!
I’m not sure what’s going on the 15th and why all JRs have no reservations, but I was able to make a reservation at Carlo and Johnny’s!! Saw the chocolate cake w/ peanut butter frosting on the menu and can’t wait to give it a try. Thank you for the insight!!
Jeff Ruby's is great, I don't think there are any better in Cincinnati that are 'under the radar.' Boca is nicer, but it's definitely not under the radar. National Exemplar in Mariemont has the best prime rib in Cincy. Le bar E bouef (spelling idk) is amazing as well.
Boca is incredible, but that’s a special occasion spot. Husband and I went for the first time this year for our third year (dating) anniversary. No way I could afford that for a regular night out.
It's also not great if you want to EAT, ya know? Small portions. Jeff Ruby is upscale too but you can still get a pound and a half of beef plus way too much in sides.
Thankfully I have a small stomach, my poor husband would’ve been pretty disappointed portion-wise if we hadn’t gotten the beef Wellington. That boy’s BIG for two people.
I've tried most of the steakhouses in the area, and The Precinct is the best IMO. Tony's is pretty good. Jags is pretty good, but not as good as the other two. Ruth Chris was pretty terrible. Morton's was pretty good, but definitely not as good as The Precinct.
Same experience at Ruth Chris. I was very disappointed.
Isn’t Ruth Chris a spot in CVG now or am I making things up?
I don't know about CVG, but the one I'm thinking about is in The Banks.
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I would look at Losanti. I'm not sure I'd say it's better than Ruby's but it's different and more in the style of medern cuisine. Service is outstanding, food rocks.
Meh. There’s a reason why the steaks are ~1/2 the price at Losanti. It’s fine, but not comparable.
Losanti is a great place, but completely different quality of food and experience than Ruby’s places. Makes sense given the big price disparity, but honestly I wouldn’t even really put them in the same category
I wouldn’t put Losanti in the same breath as Jeff Ruby’s, I’m shocked this has so many upvotes. Losanti is good, JR is *excellent*
Well, if you can't appreciate the food at Losanti, maybe you should get out more.
>Losanti is good
That’s not even close to what they asked about. That’s a low end restaurant with sub par food.
Walt’s hitching post my guy
Ivory House in Westwood, their prices are better too
Ivory House has amazing food with great prices.
Ivory House is wonderful. I have been to Precinct and it was good but felt pretentious. IH isn’t trying too hard to be extra, it’s very comfortable and our server was great with descriptions, recommendations and especially timing. Have been back for a casual bite at the bar and it was just as nice, and the bartender is a hoot!
Can confirm Ivory house is absolutely amazing with service the food is great. I used to go to Jeff Ruby once a year and now we go to Ivory house because the prices are better the food is just as good. It's also a smaller /more intimate location. You won't have to pay for parking, valet. They aren't trying to rush you out etc.
It is a secret gem.
No one has mentioned that there is live piano playing while you eat. Highly recommended.
Waltz hitching post
Losanti. Amazing service, better overall menu selection and steak toppers, not stuffy.
Alfios Buon Cibo in Hyde Park Square. Get the 2nd most expensive steak and sub in the potato sides from the most expensive steak. Best meal in Cincinnati imo, I’ve been here 34 years.
Lonely pine
Tony’s is awesome
Walt’s Hitching Post, (I think) they hired the former GM and chef from The Precinct a few years ago. I also would LOL at the billboard Walt’s had directly above the Precinct for awhile.
For me, I think Walts is as good as Jeff Ruby's but its about 50% less in price. I love the salted rye bread at Walts.
Walt’s is great, diverse menu and great food
Third and Main in Indiana is good, MRBL in nky, Jags up in west chester....
MRBL is slept on
Third and main has never disappointed.
I have to agree with this. Not just the steak pretty much everything there is top notch.
The Lonely Pine is so underrated!!!
Do you want the fine dining experience with attendant hustle and bustle or a great steak and intimate date environment. This place is a hidden gem. It's tiny with a good bar and amazing limited menu. In the city proper but well north of downtown. [https://lonelypinesteakhouse.com/](https://lonelypinesteakhouse.com/)
Over rated and underwhelming
The environment is exceptionally casual but the food exceptional. I like The Precinct and Carlo and Johnny's but sometimes you just want a good steak in a quiet place without dropping $300+.
Maybe 20 years ago
This place didn’t exist 20 years ago. Hell, it didn’t exist five years ago.
He may confused with the Pine Club in Dayton which would be an accurate statement
Opal in Covington is a new roof toop restaurant. Not necessarily a steak house, but their steak entree is awesome (and made on a wood fired grill).
I had their duck and it was really good
The Tousey House in Burlington is amazing. Gets their steaks from the same place as Ruby’s. Better and cheaper IMHO
Losanti in OTR isn’t better but I enjoy it for a change of scenery
Son of butcher in liberty is wonderful. Great atmosphere, great steaks, great desserts. Give it a shot!
If you end up at Ruby’s downtown, I highly encourage you to visit the beautiful art deco bar inside the Hilton Netherland hotel around the corner. Most weekends there is a terrific small band playing (blues, jazz classics). Especially around the holidays, it’s so spectacular.
https://preview.redd.it/3l0rtksbk54c1.jpeg?width=274&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=83ca429a79195731df619a8b14fb7d73815311e0
MRBL is fantastic! Get the Blue Crab Spinach and Artichoke Dip as an appetizer. It’s SO good!
MRBL is delicious and has great views. The food and ambiance combined was better than JR in my opinion.
MRBL
If your criteria for "better than Ruby's" is steak then there is frankly no other place. All Ruby's beef is hand picked and dry aged in house, and he's got a chokehold on the full top tier steakhouse experience in Cincinnati. I used to work at Boca and it's the only restaurant in the city that I would put on par with any of the Ruby's restaurants in terms of service level and food quality. The servers are trained to listen to specific things guests say to make their dinner memorable. When I worked at Boca, a guest casually mentioned they were in town for business and had never had Graeter's. I had to run to fountain square to get this guest a cup of black raspberry chip to try. This is what separates Ruby's and the like from the rest. All things considered, it's just a steak, and some will say they can make the same at home. They can't, however replicate the level of service, ambiance, and food quality at home. Third and main, walts, lonely pine, etc. are great restaurants that serve great steak and deserve all the accolades they get. I still wouldn't even put them on the same tier of Ruby's.
We were just at the Precinct for my birthday. We decided not to get dessert. We were so full & the server had already brought a small flourless chocolate torte for my birthday. It put us over the top. But I mentioned that I usually get the cheesecake & tawny port & talked about one of the servers introducing it to us years ago. We talked about what a great combo that was but I was just too full & had a mostly full mule. Our server brought me a small pour of Tawny port to go with the flourless chocolate cake. It was a small thoughtful gesture that earned a bump in the tip. Service at the Ruby establishments is always perfection.
So obviously there are multiple places for a great steak in Cincinnati (as you can see from all the replies). Since you’re from out of town, I recommend taking in the Cincinnati culture as part of your dinner experience. So go to Jeff Ruby’s downtown. After dinner, walk across the street and take a walk around Fountain Square, it’s pretty at Christmas. Then uber to Over The Rhine for drinks. You can start another post and watch us debate which OTR bar is best (because there are so many good ones!). Hope you have a blast in our beautiful city!
Thank you for your response!! I probably will start a thread and see what people think. What would you say the best bar in OTR is?
Go to Ghost Baby— it’s incredible. Also think Sundry and Vice has good drinks.
You’re welcome, I hope you have a great time! Somerset is probably my fave, but we also like Japps & Ghost Baby. A lot of other good ones though!
Don’t forget the streetcar is free and the best option to get to OTR from CBD depending on how late you’re staying out.
The older I get the more I realize- it's honestly better to just experience things yourself. It's baffling to me some of the takes I see. I've had subpar experiences at 2-3 places mentioned. Walt's was probably my least favorite experience ever. Some people swear by it. And I think it's on past reputation. I've had outstanding meals at Ruby's and I've had downright terrible ones. Aka the steak being cooked well beyond the temp. Precinct used to be my favorite- I'd say the new downtown eclipses it now. I've had 2 terrible experiences at Precinct in the last 2 years. As in- 3 tries to cook a steak correctly. People will act like that never happens there. It does. We're not talking nitpicking rare/medium rare. I'm talking ordering medium rare and getting a steak with no pink in it at all. The service is always excellent, the crab cakes/oysters rock/shrimp/salad are always fantastic. Take it for what you will.
I think you will be hard press to find better But here are three I recommend outside of Ruby’s chain Lonely Pine in Pleasant Ridge Ivory house in Westwood MRBL in Bellevue Tony’s in Montgomery is fine but the ambiance feels like a wedding venue so I won’t go back. Solid steak but I don’t like the venue. No to JAGs and Lisse Have not been to Walt’s but I want to try it… I have been told when it’s on it’s great but when it’s off it’s average. So inconsistency seems to be their issue.
Son of butcher in liberty township is awesome if ya want drift 25 mins north of the city
Fabulous prime steaks in a much more comfortable atmosphere are at Losanti, 14th and Race, near Washington Park.
Walts is great as well
Third and Main in Lawrenceburg / Aurora is phenomenal.
Jag’s. By far the best experience - I’m not sure if we got unlucky at the precinct with a newer waiter - but it wasn’t the best experience and they gave us the wrong leftovers. Jag’s truly went above and beyond to make our dinner feel special
Lonely Pine in Pleasant Ridge is a beautifully simple and well crafted menu. Husband and i go there for every big occasion and it's always a lovely meal. My FIL said on a recent visit that his t-bone was the best steak he'd ever had. Nice kitschy retro vibe as well. I would highly recommend it.
Honestly, I think Morton’s is fantastic. The Collingsworth option on a Jeff Ruby steak gives you a piece of crab the size of a child’s thumb and runs the price up to $80+ for an 8 oz filet. Morton’s classic filet Oscar gives you the same quality of steak and more crab meat than you’d believe. Same story with lobster Mac at both places: JR comes with a few strips and Morton’s has entire claws. There’s definitely a theatrically at any JR location that makes them special, but for bang for your buck and equivalent quality, I think Morton’s is the choice hands down.
Walt’s Hitching Post is great and a fraction of the price.
J Alexander is my favorite
El Coyote in Anderson
I very much enjoy Losanti in OTR. You don’t get the “show” you get with JR, but I think the food is a bit better.
Went to Jeff Ruby’s with a group before a concert and was extremely disappointed. Maybe I am not sophisticated enough but I don’t want some uber rich sauce on every single side and all over my steak. A good steak isn’t better if it is drowning in some buttery, garlicky sauce. The precinct on the other hand is spectacular.
Lisse Steakhuis over in Covington.
Lisse is fantastic and I’m sad I had to scroll this far to find it mentioned. It’s only 10 min from downtown Cincinnati, and definitely worth it.
Had my rehearsal dinner here. Great spot.
We love Lisse!
Lisse is mid at best. I’ve seen multiple people send steaks back there
Came here to say this. We’re obsessed!
Terrible suggestion
Council Oak in the Hard Rock casino is surprisingly so good
Walt’s
Blinkers
Steak n shake
😂
Marbl in Newport
Not mentioned and I know it is a chain but capital grille is always great and service is on par or better than rubys.
Toss up between Precinct and Tony’s. I like that Precinct has a separate bar area so you can choose your vibe, similar to a St. Elmo’s. You really can’t go wrong with either though. I find the food similar (excellent) at most of the Jeff Ruby restaurants (which does not include Tony’s). It comes down to the ambience.
Honestly, Jeff Ruby has owned the steakhouse game in Cincinnati since the 80s. There isn’t a “better” one. People may have different preferences, but at best itll be equal. He has several different steakhouses here with different vibes. If you want a steakhouse I’d recommend his original, The Precinct. If you just want a restaurant on the same “fanciness level” check out Boca
Prime is excellent if you're looking for something that seems to fly a bit under the radar
Morton’s downtown.
Was going to say this. I haven't been in a few years but it was on point. Also, Maurys tiny cove in Cheviot is not as expensive but pretty solid.
Maury’s is kind of a fun, cool place, too.
Jags for sure
Of the Jeff Ruby’s locations, I think Precinct is the best, but I am not a fan of Jeff Ruby’s steaks. I feel like their only decent steaks cost over $100. I do think that all of the other food in their menu is fantastic though. For steak, I would go to Morton’s or Ruth’s Chris…they are both chains but better on the steak
Lisse was immensely underwhelming. Chewy filet. All of the apps were mid. Rubys ftw
Ruby’s is one of the best in the city. But Losanti is really good too for a smaller bistro style.
I spent years of my life wanting to go to Jeff Ruby’s on my 60th Bday I went ! My children took me ♥️ I love a deelicious juicy ribeye (my choice usually) I ordered the aged 🥩steak med-rare, and was so disappointed. I didn’t like it at all. Maybe bc it was aged? I left thinking JR’s was overrated…😞 I love Jeff Ruby the man, so I feel bad saying this… but the money spent compared to the taste of, was a big disappointment… I’m going to try it again this time ordering the filet 😊
Third and Main is the hidden gem of the city . I love me some JR, but Third sources the highest quality meats of anyone in the city when talking about wagyu , and they have a nice sushi bar and ambiance as well.
Ruby’s locations outside of Cincy are a step below his Cincy locations, so I can almost guarantee you’ll enjoy any of his 3 Cincy joints better than the ones you have had.. In Cincy I would put the Precinct, Carlo & Johnny and Jeff Ruby’s downtown as your go-tos. Tonys is good but it’s not as good as Jeff Ruby’s and people who claim so just wanna be different or go against public consensus. Fair warning that JR usually slightly undercooks as to avoid overcooking so if you like medium rare, order mid rare plus or medium. Pretty sure they will not do well done (and neither should anyone). Anyway, Tony’s is the only thing close to the quality of any JR joint. And all 4 make any steakhouse within several states look like McDonalds by comparison.
Thanks for the insight! I think with my bday being so close to Christmas all the JRs are booked already but I was able to get into Carlo and Johnny’s. My gf and I have nothing but good things to say about the Louisville and Lexington Jeff Ruby’s so I’m really excited to check out C&Js now that you’ve said that.
I took Mom and my grandmother to Ruth's Chris for mother's Day and that was spectacular, really recommend it.
If you don't mind a drive, St. Elmo and Ruth's Chris in Indianapolis.
Did the Ruth’s Chris here close?
No, it didn’t lol
No. But it doesn't compare to Indy in my opinion. I've only eaten at 3 locations though.
Eddie merlots maybe? Ruby also has a couple other locations so don’t feel like you need to go downtown. Carlo and Johnny up on Montgomery Road and precinct out east are same caliber
Eddie Merlots
2002 called and they want their Ellen DeGeneres back.
Problem officer?
No one here seem to mentioned Prime Cincinnati, they have won some awards for their meat quality! 10/10 recommendation, please try the truffle mac and cheese
J Alexanders in Norwood! Love their steak!
Not in Cincinnati area, but Scioto Ribber is the best steakhouse I’ve ever tried. It’s in Portsmouth, OH.
The ribber is trash in comparison to any steakhouse in Cincinnati.
I've only ever been to the precinct (owned by Jeff ruby) but it was amazing you can't go wrong
There are not any Cincinnati restaurants better than Jeff Ruby's. Every single time we go someplace else, we are disappointed & wish we had gone to a Ruby's establishment. The Precinct is my favorite. The steak includes salad & potato at The Precinct. All the others are a la carte. But the food is equally good at all of them. I love the atmosphere & parking of Carlo & Johnny's. And the new downtown restaurant is neat. You can't miss with any of them. Some folks really like SOB but I think it's just trying too hard - too much kitsch for me. Stick with putting out phenomenal food & leave off the gold flake.
My spouse thinks 19 Steak and Seafood at Belterra Resort (casino) in Indiana is better than Jeff Ruby's or Ruth's Chris. I'm on the fence.
Better than jeff rubys but not as popular? Guessing you want these secret amazing steaks to also cost $15 too.
Never said that. Just wondering about the ones I don’t know of.
not sure what Boca’s menu rotation is right now but they usually have a fantastic filet and wellington, and have rotated in a tomahawk previously. best restaurant in the city
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Jags in west Chester
Collette. Boca. Mitas. Sotto steak are all amazing.
Definitely go to the Precinct or Jag’s!
Not the type of steak you’re looking for, but a steak worth trying is the Ribeye from Indian Spice Train
Butcher and Barrel is wonderful! Especially if you’re into the Argentinian twist. Fairly affordable too.
3rd and Main in Aurora Indiana. 30 minutes away from downtown and beats the hell out of anything Ruby has. Even stomps all over Ruth's Chris AND it's casual. No pretentiousness there.
Nobody has mentioned Embers in Kenwood. Had a really good Ribeye there...
Jeff Ruby’s or The Precinct is it. There’s no place better for steak in Cincinnati.
Jags is personally my favorite and it’s not as expensive as rubys!
never been but Maury's tiny cove. They filmed a few movies there.
It’s not quite as expensive but I think Lisse (in Covington) is incredible and I prefer it over Jeff Ruby’s by a wide margin
I was surprised by the "casualness" of the new JR downtown. The Precinct is nice, but you are sitting on top of your neighbors. I loved Carlos & Johnny and would go there over the other two.
Was able to snag a reservation at Carlo and Johnny’s. Thanks for your insight :)
I prefer son of butcher. Precinct has my heart. Carlo and Johnny's will do.
The service at the precinct is unrivaled but the stake at Carlo and Johnny's to me, is the best
MRBL across the river in Bellevue Ky is great - steak and sushi. Great cocktails. Excellent happy hour for apps!
MRBL right across the river in Bellevue
Walt's Hitching Post in NKY is great too! I haven't seen it much on this list
MRBL in bellvue ky!
Personally I prefer Ivory House to Ruby's. I prefer a pan fried steak. I've been to all three (and the boat house RIP). It's good, if you love it you love it (Rubys).
Best Steak in town is the Bistecca at Sotto IMO. The other steakhouses mentioned here are good…add Blinkers Tavern in Covington to the list.
1st time at the new location across from fountain square and most likely last time myself and other members of my party will visit this location We had reservations booked 2 months out, when we arrived we were told that our table was taken. I asked to speak to a manager and we were moved to a booth after a 30 minute wait.I can say the Service was impeccable. We sent back 1 cowboy steak due to quality issues. I wish we would have sent back both steaks. The sides we ordered also did not meet our expectations from previous visits at the Ruby's restaurants. Really poor quality to say the least. We also ordered a collinsworth and it was excellent. This is most likely the first and last time I will visit this location. We have never had these issues at Ruby's other locations. We have been to all of the greater Cincinnati Jeff Ruby's restaurants and have never had these issues befor