Amazing atmosphere, great staff, decent coffee and drink options. A little overpriced, but what isn't these days?

I really don't understand how this place has so ma y bad reviews. I come here all the time after work, to do homework, and just hang out with friends. However I've only ever seen someone else working the bar that was not Jay once. Jay is so nice and works so hard. Every time I've come in, he is the only person working and making the food and drinks for EVERY TABLE. Sure you might have to wait a little bit for a drink but that's because usually every table is full there and there is ONE PERSON working. It does get really crowded here so if you do want to secure a table you should get here early. I confidently say this is my favorite coffee shop in Clifton read more

TL;DR: ROB MYERS cussed me out after I informed him I was leaving a review regarding his service. Rest of the group later informed me he tried to brag about it with them making the group very uncomfortable by his lack of maturity and professionalism. Worst Service I have experience. So much that it actually made me write my first review. The location is nice, but as many other reviews have commented, the service is the worst I have ever experienced. My experience is specifically with ROB MYERS. Me and my SO came to join a group of individuals studying for class. I went to order an item for me and my SO to share. When Mr. Rob Myers's came to drop it off, I gave it to my SO. Rob Myers very rudely told me I had to also order something or I had to leave. I clarified with him that everyone at the table had something and I ordered something for my SO and I to share. Rob Myers still instead I had to order another item. I went ahead and placed an order but also asked him for his name. After providing me his name, Rob Myers ask what it was for and I informed him it was to write a review. Rob Myers began to lift his voice and very rudely began to order me to "Get out, If you want my name to write a review, get out, Get the **** out". Kicking someone out because of review regarding the service has to be by far one of the most unprofessional, immature customer service. Afterwards, Rob Myers proceeded to initiate talks and brag with other customers regarding the incident. The group later informed me that this made then very uncomfortable. read more

I walked in and it wasn't busy at all. I went outside and started doing homework, then the server asked me if I wanted something to drink. I said "not right now, but I will get something later." I already moved my spot for some other guests but the server insisted that if I didn't order I would have to leave. Did not feel welcome. read more

Customer service is great the guy was friendly but the coffee was not much to be desired. Strong and bitter, latte had no sweetness although I asked for honey in it. I still left a good tip for service. As for drinks one and done won't be back. read more

I've only been in here late at night within an hour or so of closing. Coffee is still fresh and perfect. Sure beats gas station coffee.

My boyfriend and I came here this past weekend and enjoyed the atmosphere and coffee here. I got a iced salted caramel latte and he got the thai tea but we ended up switching but both drinks were amazing! I would definitely recommend this place for a late night coffee. I don't think I have had any coffee as good as this one and I am an avid starbucks drinker. read more

Highland Coffee House - Iced Salted Caramel Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Really cute, cozy place to get an after dinner coffee. Which is rare since most cafes are closed at night. I got a cappuccino which really hit the spot on a snowy evening. I also got a pizza bread, which wasn't that great. The sauce reminded me of a salsa. I ended up eating the sauce and cheese which the tortilla chips that I got on the side. Boom nachos. Rob, the bartender that night, was very friendly and gave the place an extra welcoming vibe. read more

Highland Coffee House - Pizza bread - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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LOVE this place, the hours and the vibe/environment make it unique. Staff is small but always on top of things, great drinks great people great service! If you're coming during the school year it might be hard to find a seat as this place is usually pretty busy! Must buy something and also a $5 minimum on cards! read more

kicked me out for not ordering anything and we're so rude about it. I was there with my girlfriend and her best friend so that they could buy drinks for them and when they found out I wasn't gonna get anything (even though my girlfriend and her friend were buying drinks) they told me either buy something or get out. The guy proceeded to be rude to my girlfriend when she said she wanted it to go because she wasn't about to make me wait outside and he got mad. read more

if I could give it, no stars, I would the staff is absolutely terrible and horrendous. I have never been truly disrespected in such a horrible way. They were super rude. I had come in with my two friends and one wasn't getting a drink, but they enforce this rule about how he had to get a drink to stay. They kept repeating this to the point where they forced him to leave and when we did receive our drinks. We asked the staff to put the drinks in to go cups, which then the staff proceeded to give us a rude remark about how we should've made that clear before we got the drinks. Like they hadn't , just kicked out our friend. read more

This review is a long time coming. I've been here on several occasions and each time feel as if I am bombarded/harassed until I order. Most times I order an alcoholic beverage but recently have ordered tea. Their insistence/persistence regarding purchasing is annoying (particularly in light of the fact that if you need something after you've ordered/received your item, you have to flag someone down as they zoom by), but something I had decided to overlook. They did something on my last visit though that I cannot overlook. I ordered a tea (so a singular tea bag and hot water) and had walked up to the register at the bar. While I was waiting to pay the bartender moved *away* from the register and back to the bar (not exactly sure how he missed me waiting, but ok). So I go to the bar and told him my tea was 3.25 and 'here's the cash to cover it.' He corrected me and told me it was 3.55 with tax (which is fine) but then said loudly, "if you want to leave a tip for your server, you can. Servers live off the tips." First of all, it was a 3.25 tea and I left 4.00. That's more than a 20% tip. And when you said it was 3.55, I added .35. Which brought the total to 4.35, which again, is more than 20%. The bottom line is that I tip. Always at least 18% even for crappy service and give 20-30% for good service. But you have to give good, friendly, non-harassing service to get more than what I gave. And the fact that you tried to shame me regarding tipping without realizing that I had in fact already tipped reflects EXACTLY how you treat me each time I come there. Like there's a presumption that I won't order and a presumption that I won't tip. Where does that presumption come from I wonder? Hmpf. Shame on you. read more

Love this place! Its very cozy with different types of seating- couches, desks, and arm chairs AND lots of greenery. The perfect place to have a drink and chill out or to do work. This was my go-to study spot on college- since they have the best coffee and cappuccinos and local beers and wine! If only it opened earlier in the day! read more

Highland Coffee House - Cappuccino - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I've come to this place to get some homework done late at night a couple times, amazing service every time, when I've had questions about drinks they were lovely to talk to, and great atmosphere. It's a cozy hole in the wall and I can't wait for the warmer weather for the outdoor sitting read more

terrible service, the worker had the audacity to tell us to tip more when he got a 15% tip. the owner is a bum

I will never go here, because the amount of people I know who have had bad interactions with the workers is so shocking to me. And it's always the same story: bought pretty expensive coffee, gave a small tip (but fair 20%+ tip for the price) , worker wasn't satisfied and said something demeaning or rude about it, making them feel extremely uncomfortable. This has happened to my boyfriends friends, my roommates friends, etc. I am a night owl, and live abt 2 mins walking distance away. I'd 100% give a very good amount of money to this business if it wasn't for the horrible reviews I've both heard and read about the workers. My roommates and I have discussed how much business they've lost just by negative reviews being verbally shared by a concerning amount of different people. Despite how cute it looks, and the convenient hours for us, we are scared of going lmao. Posting this so maybe they'll see that how they treat their customers significantly affects they're business. read more

I love the coffee here and I enjoy the setting - the parking isn't too difficult, despite it being street parking, but I knocked it down two stars for one reason - the service varies, and though I've had GREAT baristas, my two recent experiences are making me dubious about frequenting this great coffee joint. The variety of coffee flavors don't seem to branch out as much as I'd like, but I enjoy the setting - an older building, you can sit in the coffee house or on the back patio which has nice ambient lighting. The coffee itself is decent - nothing spectacular, but I enjoy the mocha java and I have a great time meeting with friends there. The service is sketchy - I've had a nice gentleman several times, and he was happy to recommend several drinks. Another employee, however, has been rude every single time - I don't know what exactly is going on, but he's been very abrupt and unfriendly. As far as coffee houses go, I enjoy this place - it's worth stopping in, but if you want a decent variety of coffees or good service, I'd be wary. read more

Highland Coffee House - Highlanding It Up - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I like this little old school grungy place, it has a really eclectic atmospher. I like that all the chairs are not the same, there are couches to sit at, games to play, a patio out back for summer, and plants everywhere. The decor is right up my alley. I have yet to be able to try their drinks for financial reasons, but I come here once a month with the Cincinnati Creative Society (which is a group on Meetup.com), and I have heard many great things about their drinks. They have coffee and alcohol, and a mixture of the two drinks, and they serve some food things too. They have always been real accommodating to our group and I'm real thankful that it doesn't smell like coffee in there at all. read more

Highland Coffee House is an old, dusty, hipster coffehouse/bar, full of antique woods and textiles and such, and that's okay with me They have a diverse drink menu and a very welcoming atmosphere. In my opinion it's an "after-" this or that spot that you go to either late at night, a few hours before closing, or right at Happy Hour time, but never prime time. I recently attended a late night viewing of the hot mess of a movie "War Room" with a friend of mine and the need to have an "intense" discussion about it left us with the opportunity to chill at HCH. We sat at the big dusty looking sofa near the front window. It was warm inside and a little chilly outside, so the windows were sweaty with condensation. Awesome. No one can see me on this raggedy couch. LOL. Anyhow, I enjoyed the Apple "Chai-der". Sooo damn good. She was a little under the weather and the server suggested a Hot Toddy. I'm looking at her like, "really...do you know what he's going to put in it?" Her: "How do you make it?" Him: "The usual Bourbon thingy with a little tea and other spices..or whatever you want?" Her: "Okay, I trust you, put whatever you want in it". Me: "Da hell???" (rolling eyes) Her Hot Toddy came in a Pilsner glass, and I was thinking "oh that's a lot...". And while she thoroughly enjoyed it, she was extra mellow, and about halfway through it I think she was catching a buzz. By the time she was finished with it, she was blowing in my ear and on my neck and acting all silly. So obviously it then started to get even warmer in HCH. Whatever your motive or need, check out HCH, but keep it clean, be an adult, and don't be acting all inappropriate. (At least in public). LOL. "Okay girlfriend, I'm ready when you are; let's bounce..." :) read more

My friends love this place, so I visit here every so often. The milkshakes (alcoholic and non are available) and chai tea lattes seem to be the most popular choices. While I find it annoying that they don't list any prices on their menu, I do appreciate the casual and homey atmosphere. read more

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Place was super cool and I am a sucker for an aged building setting. Guy working was super chill and nice. Coffee was excellent (iced latte). Perfect setting to hang out and chill with a drink. ;) read more

I was expecting a relaxed and peaceful place to do work, but that was not what I was met with. The guy working was rude and short with us as we had never been there before and didnt know what to get. The coffee was no better than that of a gas station but their tea was pretty good. The aesthetics and ambiance was nice but the worker has me not wanting to go back in case he is there. read more

I've had no complaints from here. Everything I've had is delicious. Usually there's only one person working so please be patient with them. Pay with cash if you can - for some reason they're weird about paying with card. I think they have a fee to pay to process cards. Also PLEASE TIP read more

Highland Coffee House - COVID menu - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

As a UC undergrad and now Graduate student I've been going to Highland for 4 years now and have never once had a bad experience. The atmosphere is great and it's one of the best places to go and get work done. The drinks are really good and it's nice to be able to get alcohol and coffee at the same place. The best part about highland by far though is the service. The guys who work here are some of the hardest working and friendly people I've met. Jay in particular is extremely nice and makes every trip to Highland a positive experience! read more

The run-down look from the outside matches it's interior. Which is not a bad thing, the place has got a lot of character. I've been in search of a liquor selling coffee shop with night owl hours. And y'all, I've found it. Parking is pretty easy to find on surrounding streets. Lots of seating. And there's comfy couches. I'm not sure if it's just like this tonight, my first time here, but it low-key smells like a mildewy basement. read more

Really cool vibe. Literally thought "if my friends from out of town visit I will make SURE to bring them here to show them cincy has cool places" read more

I come here every Tuesday for Bible study, and sometimes multiple times a week. Jay is great, and they even know my orders at this point because I go there so much. Food is pricey, and it's a bit too dark to read a book, but great people and an eclectic space. read more

One of the most relaxing coffeehouses I've ever been to. The staff is welcoming, so is the environment and other attendees. The way the coffee's and drinks are served to make you seem like you're at home, highly recommend everyone to swing by! read more

Highland Coffee House - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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I love this place for a casual meet-up with friends or a date. Its cozy and eclectic and the bartenders always go out of their way to make you feel comfortable. This was my third time going and I feel confident that no matter when you go it will always be a great experience. They have regular coffee shop drinks, snacks and alcoholic choices. I have tried a few different drinks and they were all good. I especially like the chai tea lattes but they always have something yummy and seasonal on the specials board. I suggest going on a weekday evening, ordering your drink at the bar, picking up one of the board games on your way out to the patio (were huge fans of scrabble and chess), getting your game set up and then enjoying your drinks as you play. The bartender will bring your order out fairly quickly! Even better if you go on a chillier fall night because they usually have a fire going and depending on your drink of choice, you wont even notice the cold. This place is also good for late night studying or finishing work assignments, they have lots of tables and outlets everywhere. The only negative for me is I wish I lived close enough to walk here because I would probably be a weekly regular. :) read more

I'm definitely in the minority here - but if I share my negative experience, it might prompt others to voice similar concerns. I made this Yelp account specifically for this review. In my opinion, Jay - the nice bartender that everyone seems to love - forces the "service" at Highland's. He seems to be the only bartender/barista who goes out of his way to come to tables and treat it like a restaurant. I've had other Highland workers who don't put nearly as much effort into it so it's confusing as to what this place is and where it fits in - service wise. Anyway, I usually give into tipping him because he's so severe about it. Last night was my 5th time back to Highlands, and it was the 5th time Jay has blatantly pressured me into tipping him. This time, even after giving him a $5 bill for a $3 Chai Tea Latte, he and his belligerent friend (who does not work there) collectively bullied me by saying they were "both servers who lived off tips". Call me old fashioned, but I do not believe in physical intimidation (they were blocking me from the doorway) or peer pressure when it comes to tips - especially after I had already given one. As a server who makes $2.17 an hour and busts my ass off in a fine-dining atmosphere, I would never pressure or "remind" someone that I live off tips. I would most likely be fired immediately! Of course I live off tips, but it's not part of the service industry culture to shamelessly intimidate your guests into giving you extra money. Jay seems to think he is excluded from this concept. In short; Jay and his friend made me feel unsafe and unwelcome in an environment that looks like it would be peaceful and friendly. If in fact, he does make $2.17 an hour, I will gladly continue to tip him - but I can't say I'll ever be going back there and make sure to tell my friends why. read more

So. In theory, I really like this place. In reality, I'm a little irritated at the price of coffee. The gentleman behind the counter wandered around, refilling our mugs, but then charged us for multiple cups when we were cashing out...what's up with that? If it weren't for that, I would up it to 4-star. I still may. The negative stuff out of the way, here's the positive: I love that Highland has the kind of coffee shop hours I'm used to--they're open late, really late. They're friendly to students and professors alike, who need java and space to grade/write. The lighting, however, is quite dim, so for those of us who have been staring at computer screens for eons, it's hard to grade on paper there, late at night, unless you snag a particularly well-located table. The food? Is excellent. I've enjoyed pie, salty appetizers (chips & hummus!), and the single most decadent peanut-butter milkshake EVER there. Seriously, do not underestimate that milkshake. Drink it! The ensuing bellyache is totally worth it. In addition to coffee, tea, and delicious food, Highland is a bar! They have a great beer selection and wine as well. I do love a coffee shop/bar combo, and this comes without the pretension and parking frustration of Sitwells. Overall, I do like this coffee shop and I will be returning, but probably more in the summer, when the daylight lasts longer, and next time, I'll be better prepared for the coffee pricing policy! read more

I didn't event get a chance to enjoy anything this small little place had to offer due to the rude bartender. I was meeting a friend here on a slow Sunday evening, as soon as I was seated the bartender asked me several times what I wanted to order at the time I just thought he was being a really attentive host, however once my friend arrived he tells us we had to buy something in order to indulge in the space, like what?! How rude! I hate to play the race card, but I'm wondering why we couldn't just sit and enjoy our conversation before ordering and given an ultimatum and basically kicked out! There were only two people besides us there. I will never "indulge" in this place again and will tell all of my friends and community to stay out of this place with that type of attitude! read more

Definitely one of the most unique and relaxing coffee shops I have ever been to. Highland Coffee House has been in business since 1978, and it seemed as if the time stands still as soon as I walked in. The atmosphere is relaxing and calm, with dim lights and live plants everywhere, not your everyday Starbuckian joint. There are so many details in this coffee house worth exploring: the decades-old manual espresso machine, classic books and board games sitting on the shelf, and the beautiful patio covered by ivy. Not only do they serve coffee, they have many specialty drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, that are worth a try. If you are looking for a great cup of coffee, I wouldn't recommend Highland Coffee, but just for the atmosphere it is so amazing to go hang do some work, or to relax with a small group of friends. The neighborhood that Highland Coffee House is in is not the best in Cincinnati, so make sure you park within a block of the shop. But regardless, this shouldn't stop you from coming here. It is a diamond in the rough for sure. read more

Having been to Highland Coffee House a number of times now, I feel confident in saying that it is one of my favorite chill spots in Cincinnati. From the old furniture, to the patio, to the awesome staff, everything about Highlands just exclaims welcoming and friendliness. I have never had a bad experience while hanging out here. While the roomy, two level patio in the back is definitely my favorite thing about Highlands, the friendliness of the staff is a very close second. Not only are they friendly, they are very laid back and seem to be in no rush to have you pay. In fact, the honor system really seems to come into play here and they will often to tell you that you can just pay whenever you decide to leave, something that I thought was really cool. As others have mentioned, this is not your average coffee house chain kind of place. However, I think that is what makes it so awesome and if you are the kind of person who thinks that is awesome too, you will love Highlands! P.S. - Street parking is super convenient and best of all, its free! (I like free parking.) read more

I've never had a coffee that tasted as bad as this one. I didn't know it was possible for coffee to taste this offensive. Perhaps it got mistakenly switched with your bin of charcoal. Or maybe it was supposed to be a joke and in that case, ha ha. read more

The coffee was good. But the service on the other hand not so much...Barista was cold and made a few rude remarks when we were ordering. When it came to paying he basically demanded a tip. read more

Highland coffee house has always been the place I wanted to be at because of the welcoming charm it has from curbside with the frosty windows with hanging plants and the people always hanging out on the patio shadowed by the trees. The bartenders are very helpful and seem to really enjoy all the company. The antiques all over the walls really sets a comfortable mood. Highlands is a great place to study late night (open til 2:30) or enjoy a glass or bottle of wine with a friend. Along with great coffee they have a full bar with a variety of beers with a few even on tap. read more

Highland Coffee House - Late night study session drinking refreshing iced teas and smoothies! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Found this place a few years ago and have always wanted to check it out. Tonight I finally had the chance to check it out and it was great up until it was time to pay for the drinks my friend and I had. The barista/bartender asked if we were using card or cash and we informed him we would both be using card. We were completely unaware of the $5 minimum for cards and he did not inform us even though he knew the total of my friends order was less than $5 and allowed him to use a card. After my friend had finished paying the man inspected the receipt and announced that he expected a bigger tip and that there is a $5 minimum on cards and he should have tipped to make his order $5. I understand working in the service industry a lot of people rely on tips but you should never ever call out a paying customer and tell them you were expecting more. If my friend would have tipped to make his purchase $5 the tip would have been well over 20% which is way too much to tip someone who is rude and made a $3 drink. It made us both extremely uncomfortable and made me want to tip him nothing which I never do. I would love to come back to this place, but not if that man is the one working. read more

Friendly environment. Sat at the bar and the customers and barista were fun and inviting. The ambience is relaxed and not too loud. My drink was great and the chocolate chip was nice and chewy. I would be back for sure if I lived closer! Parking in the lot to the side but there is also street parking in the area. Love that they have a full bar AND coffee. Yum. read more

Highland Coffee House - Darjeeling tea and apple pie - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I like Highland Coffee House for the atmosphere. It has an antique old-timey feel to it with all the wood and chalkboards and old machinery like the milkshake mixer, the cigarette machine, and the cash register. The whole place is filled with antique odds and ends in every corner and stacked on top of each other. The main room in the front is decent sized with tables and chairs and the bar to sit at. There's a middle passageway that has a couple two-person tables. Then there is the back corner which I really like which has a couch and a couple tables. This back corner feels very cozy and is tucked away from the rest of the café. If you have a small group and manage to get the back corner it feels like you are hanging out at a friend's house and really feels like your own little private spot. There is also a deck out back with tables and chairs that is nice when it's warmer out. They serve alcohol and coffee beverages. The beer selection is pretty good with a focus on craft beers and some ciders but for some reason I feel like it's lacking some of the better choices (or else I am just getting pickier). There is also liquor but nothing too nice. They have your standard coffee drinks such as latte, espresso, and cappuccino made with local Seven Hills Coffee. I really like the Viennese Cappuccino with Grand Marnier and definitely recommend you try it. They also serve food but I have never tried any of it so I can't comment on it. It's basically a coffee house that serves alcohol so it doesn't have the feel of a bar but you can get pretty much anything you would get at a bar. I like that about because it gives it a much more relaxed feel. I also like it because I have a memory of my parents bringing me here as a child and getting ice cream with a little coffee in it in a parfait glass. The place feels like it hasn't changed since then and probably hasn't changed much since well before that. While Highland Coffee House isn't my favorite place I do stop in from time to time, sometimes for coffee and sometimes for beer. Keep in mind that even though they serve coffee they don't open until 5:00pm. If you haven't been here and you like a laid back coffee house/bar type place I recommend you check it out. It's a nice place to relax and read or chat with friends. read more