Nicholson’s is nae mere pub—it’s a place where kinship’s forged and stories flow like whisky. For those who ken the secret o’ the city’s best Scotch egg, it’s a cherished tradition, aye. Just yonder, across frae the Aronoff, it stands steadfast—a welcome hearth before the show’s first licht fades. Since ’97, we’ve pulled up chairs, shared laughter, and felt the true spirit o’ community. Here, in this bonnie nook, a touch o’ Scotland lives, warm and guid, in the heart o’ Cincinnati.
Opened in the historic Provident Bank Building, Nicholson’s was Cincinnati’s very first gastropub—bringing together the casual comfort of a pub with the elevated flavors of a chef-driven menu. Inspired by the public houses of Scotland, it introduced something entirely new to the city’s dining scene at the time: a place where you could raise a glass, linger over a hearty meal, and soak in the kind of atmosphere that felt both refined and relaxed.
When I was a teacher, I took students overseas each summer. In 2001, before leading a group of students and parents to the UK for 17 days, we gathered at Nicholson’s for a Robert Burns Supper—complete with haggis, kilts and poetry. The spirit of the Highlands came alive right here in the Queen City.
These days, Nicholson’s is still our favorite spot for a quiet bite before a Broadway show. The atmosphere strikes a balance of warmth and old-world charm, with dark wood, tartan accents, and servers dressed in kilts—the perfect place for lingering over a pint or a story. The space feels like a well-worn novel: familiar, layered, and worth revisiting. The staff? Always warm, always attentive, and masters of the perfectly paced pre-theater meal.
And the menu? Elevated pub fare with a Scottish twist. Crispy beer-battered fish and chips, rich savory pies, and yes—haggis, if you know to ask. Crispy fish and chips, shepherd pie, bangers and mash, and yes—haggis, if you know to ask. Their signature Scotch egg is a must: golden, crispy, and perfectly seasoned. You’ll also find modern additions like sandwiches, bourbon-glazed wings, salads, steak, and salmon. To top it off, a Scottish favorite: sticky toffee pudding.
Of course, you can’t talk about Nicholson’s without mentioning the whiskey. With over 200 varieties from Scotland, Ireland, and around the world, their collection is one of the most extensive in the city. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a curious newcomer, the bartenders are always happy to guide you through a flight or recommend a dram based on your tastes. You can sip it neat, enjoy it in a thoughtfully crafted cocktail, or pair it with your meal for a full-on sensory experience.
Its location across from the Aronoff Center is more than convenient—it’s part of the cultural rhythm of downtown. We’ve celebrated here, raised glasses before and after big performances, and even spotted cast members grabbing a bite before a show. On any given night, the buzz inside Nicholson’s blends perfectly with the energy of the theater crowd just steps away.
Over the years, as Cincinnati has grown and evolved, Nicholson’s has remained a constant—a place where tradition meets hospitality, and where locals and visitors alike feel right at home. Whether ye’re toasting Rabbie Burns wi’ a poem and the cry, “Here’s a hand, my trusty fiere! And gie’s a hand o’ thine!” on Burns Night, reminiscing on travels far frae hame, or simply savoring a braw meal before the lights dim, Nicholson’s ne’er fails to warm the heart and lift the spirits.
Slàinte!
(Featured Photo: Nicholson’s Facebook Page)
For more local favorites from your Neighborhood Guide, Jill R. Fritz, go here.
