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

I love love love this place ! Especially the hours ! I recently moved to Louisville and the coffee shops tend to all be closed by 8pm. I would always go after class and/or work to read my book or just chill by myself while I splurge on a beverage... I've seen so many reviews saying they were being harassed into buying stuff and leaving tips... I'm not sure if it's bc I went later on in the day or what... but I never felt harassed. And I am Hispanic , since I saw somebody bring up if it was about race... as soon as I walked in I would feel that welcoming vibe, and I'm pretty introverted but he still tried to make conversation with me. He suggested I could sit outside or indoors and recommended me all these drinks since I am not a big coffee person, I didn't know what I would like. I've been there many times but these are 3 of the pictures I managed to find. I'm eager to go back to cincy after this semester is done. read more

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It's pretty much bomb. Little sleazy, car break ins do suck, sticky tables, slow service etc. But Jay is the coolest cat ever. This is one of my obligatory stops every time I am home in Cincy. Enjoy it if you can! read more

This place was a favorite of mine years ago. It was nice to go back and find it essentially unchanged. What others have said is true. It has great atmosphere and is trying to be a bit of a dive joint. Overall the selection of food and drinks is excellent. When you come, plan to spend a little time whether it is reading a good book or having a chat with friends. It certainly adds to the experience. read more

Words cannot express my profound and prolific love for Highland Coffee House. I've yet to find another coffee house on this planet to rival the atmosphere, relationships, and tastes that Highland offers. I first discovered Highland in 1999, still in high school and excited to be entering a "18+" establishment. It grew with me - from a casual escape to a familial retreat to a productive workspace to a relaxing and nostalgic visit home. This truely is a place where the people (employees, neighbors, and patrons) make the experience. The main reason that I continue to come back is my now dear friend Jay - barista/bartender/conversationalist extraordinaire. He really is a unique bird and the world would be a much better place if it had more people like Jay. He is a caring and interesting person who will strike up a conversation with just about anyone and make you feel like he's known you all his life. We were strangers when I first wandered in to Highland, but grew to be one of my most trusted confidantes - approving of blind dates, walking me to my car, and even attending my swim competitions. If you want to catch Jay - stop by Sunday through Thursday after 9pm. Highland isn't the sort of place for the "get in and get out" attitude. Yes, service sometimes takes a while, but for me - its a place to relax and slow down, not just another place to buy coffee. Although, I will say, their menu is impressive. You can get lunch, snacks, treats, wine, beer, cocktails... and of course a myriad of coffee offerings. While you sip and taste and chat - be sure to check out the many books and games around - I suggest Trivial Pursuit. The decor is enough of a conversation point to keep one talking for ages - all the art is local and ever changing. My favorite are the different tables - particularly the "shower drain" table or the "naked boob lady table." They're all different - sit at your favorite! read more

I had never heard of this place before a coworker of mine mentioned it a few weeks ago. It is such an unexpected place to study for a few reasons. One, they do not open until 5pm and two, they have a full bar along with your standard coffees and teas. This is actually perfect if you're like me and work all day only to find all the study places already closed by 8 or 9. I went there at about 9 pm and it was super busy, I think we somehow managed to snag the last open table (on the patio). The patio is just as made for studying as the inside. There are electrical outlets, plenty of lighting, and several tables. Inside people were playing chess or quietly working. After studying I decided to reward myself for a job well done with one of their alcoholic milkshakes. It was amazing! My study buddy had the strawberry banana smoothie and gave it two thumbs up as well! read more

love the place, great coffee, Kenna is a fantastic bartender. one thing though the guy who is working tonight was playing Fleetwood mac covers and it made me wanna die :) read more

Came here to say thank you for being a great place to play chess! My only complaint is the music is so catchy that I found myself unknowingly humming along. read more

The atmosphere is amazing.. I love the coffee, and other libations. I have been coming here since I moved to Cincinnati in 2004, Jay, the guy you've read so much about is the nicest guy, And remembers all his patrons! I recently went in after a few years away... and he still remembered my name and my drink! He's the real deal and really loves what he does. There is a reason so many people know who he is and come back to highlands! ! ! This is a short and sweet review, but an honest to goodness review. Check it out! ! ! Even if you're not a student at UC. read more

Worst service I have ever had. I have never not tipped someone, but after being spoken to like a child and watching the barista be super nice to my roommate, I will not be returning. About the place in general; the tables are uncomfortable and dirty. If you want to study and your tiny table isn't big enough for 2 laptops, too bad you have to have 4 people to sit at a normal size table. You also have to purchase one item an hour to sit in there which is stupid, especially when a mediocre latte costs 7 dollars. I had rotated a table on the patio a different direction so my laptop and notebook fit on it, and I had brought food from earlier because typically coffee shops do not have food and I had yet to eat that day. He told me that I could not eat that there and I did not know that that was a rule and I apologized. He told me that was a, "no no," and that it was not my office. After that, he legit acted like he had a personal vendetta against me. He spoke to me rudely when taking my order and nicely to my roommate. He told her to enjoy her coffee, made eye contact with me, made a dirty look, and walked away. He purposely did not pick up my trash, while I watched him look at mine and then pick up hers. He did not give me a cup after she asked him for 2 to go cups. When I asked, he acted like he did not hear me and then after I repeated myself louder, he sighed and gave me a cup while making a face at me once again. I then decided to not tip him because the service was horrible and obviously directed at me. After he saw that I did not tip due to the poor service I had received, he then told me that he makes 3 dollars an hour (which is not even legal pay, even if someone is making hourly plus tips) and that I should always tip my servers, "because that is how they live." I do always tip my servers, almost always more than 20% too. If I tip 20%, the server was bad. Although this was literally another story. I have never experienced service so bad in my life. If you would like a tip, you shouldn't tell your customers that they're terrible people and treat them like shit. Barista Bob sucks ass. Don't go here if you care about yourself. If you do, don't tip Bob. He's not cool. read more

This is what a coffee house should be. It has been there since 1978. Rustic, hip, great products, but the best thing is the true coffee house vibe. The back patio is the best chill spot I have found anywhere. Coffee, Food, full liquor if you are a coffee house freak, this is the place. Does not open till 5pm and open until 2:30am ish read more

I love the place. It's nice and dark, but if you want light you can pick a table that has a light close to it. It's a great place to go alone or with a friend or two. I like to go with a book or and my laptop to get some work done in the evenings during the week. It's the type of place where you don't feel weird sitting by yourself working on something. Then after your hard work you can reward yourself with a pint of PBR from the tap or whatever other alcoholic beverage floats your boat. Neighborhood is sketchy, but should get better soon with nearby houses being rehabbed and conversion of Vernon Manor hotel to office building. read more

Is it weird that I like to know what I'm getting myself into before spending my friday night in a coffee shop? Probably, but with Highland Coffee I already know. I first came here with a friend back in 2010 and honestly haven't been down this way since but the place is exactly as I remember it which is fantastic because there's just no other place like it. The lighting is super dim, the bric-a-bracs aplenty and the coffee and beer selection is varied enough to keep you here well into the night. Love the hours! It's like Sitwells minus the mayhem and highly caffeinated waitresses. read more

Delicious coffee, delicious pies, awesome service, what more could you ask for?! I love it here, my friends and I spent many late evenings here chatting and drinking various things. I love how it feels like a home inside, there's an old fish tank, the bathroom is covered in drawings and quotes, and there's board games and blank pieces of paper to draw on and bookshelves. It's honestly like going to a grandparent's house which is nice because mine are so far away... My favorite drinks so far are the apple chaider and the chocolate raspberry one(I forget the name). I love the apple pie ala mode, and my friend Sophie swears by the cherry. I've heard great things about the hummus too, but haven't had the hankering for it like I do the pie... Great place, definitely stop by(but check the hours, because this isn't your typical coffee bar). read more

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I have never written a bad review but past experiences in this coffee house warrant one. I have been going to highland coffee house for about 3 years now and have loved the chill atmosphere and inexpensive coffee it provides. However, my last 3 trips have been less than spectacular. Normally the bartender is helpful and attentive. Recently he has implemented a $5 an hour charge and harassing customers to purchase more and more items. Every time I go I order the vegan chili and endless coffee but he told me that I would have to order more food or leave. So I decided just to leave and when I got to the counter he tried to charge me and my friends $10 on top of our receipts for the "2 hours we just sat there" and when I confronted him about it he met me with a snarky attitude. I do not like to judge off one bad experience but each visit has gotten worse and worse and I am very disappointed. read more

The best coffee house I've been to outside of New York City! If only Chicago had coffee houses this nice! I'm serious guys, Cincinnati has a better coffee house than any that are in all of Chicago land (and I've been to a fair share of coffeehouses since I left looking for a replacement for this place!) Yeah the place is a bit dingy, and the service is slow, but it makes up for it in spades, with a wonderful communal laid back atmosphere, an excellent drink selection, and one of the most awesome bartistas out there, Jay. If you get him, tip the guy well, he's cool and has excellent taste in music which he will play for you! The neighborhood is a tad rough, I used to live there when I was in college and had my car broken into a few times. My suggestion is to park close, near the newer apartment buildings on University within clear sight of one of them so you don't experience any problems. The only time I ever got my car broken into in that neighborhood was when I was not within line of sight of some form of housing. read more

The Highland Cafe has been my coffeehouse of choice for many years. It's more than just coffee ... it's like your living room away from home. It's what a bar should be ... a chill place to have a good conversation. The beer list is very, very extensive, and not super expensive. The hummus is pretty good too. You can get regular coffee and some coffee drinks, however fancy lattes and such cannot be found here. The cafe opens at 5 p.m. but stays open until around 2:30 a.m., so it's best for that late night escape. The wait staff is all incredibly nice. Jay is especially nice. If you're a regular, he remembers you. Also, remember to tip them well because they work hard. read more

Came here when visiting from New York, I wish we had a place like this there. Relaxed atmosphere, a living room to relax with friends when you aren't at home. read more

You'll only have a good experience when Jay is there :) love every little thing about this place it has a chill vibe you get to meet interesting people and occasionally you'll see the owner making himself a drink or two read more

Very good place to study or hang out with friends. Chilled environment. Excellent food & drinks. Ask for Jay! He is the best read more

One of the best late night coffee shops in Cincinnati (or anywhere for that matter). Great coffee drinks and good alcohol selection as well. It's a really cool space for hanging out with friends or just reading alone. read more

I've come to this place a few times before and have had good experiences. I love the ambiance of the place and whenever I get a chance to recommend it I do, but yeah not after tonight. The server was kind of rude right off the bat. He was visibly annoyed that we weren't ready to order and didn't offer to come back until we were ready. I asked what his favorite tea was and he cut me off with his answer and then was gesturing for my menu. He then gave us our drinks and never came back to ask us how we were doing or if we wanted to order something else, but asked every other table around us. Not to mention, my tea after tax was $4. A $4 tea. I don't carry cash on me and they only accept cash for orders $5 & under, so when he told me this I was kind of startled and my friend offered to pay for me. I guess this annoyed him as well because he never said "Have a nice night" or a "Thanks for coming in". I'll probably come back but will most likely be annoyed if he's my server. read more

A great little corner bar/coffeehouse. The pie was excellent, and the warm chai-cider was great too. Open late (2AM I think) for those late night coffee options. read more

Jay at Highlands is one of my favorite people in Cincinnati, hands-down. He's just a wonderful individual with a big heart, and he makes great drinks. I read someone else's review about sticky tables, a long wait and expensive, strange menu items. It's true that you will run into these inconveniences at Highlands. (I'm the ultimate priss, I can't lie)! All I have to say is, I love Highlands for what it is. That reminds me, I haven't been there in a while! Guess I know one place I'll be next week :) read more

Highland's is just one of those places that you HAVE to go if you're in Cincinnati. Whether you sit inside or outside, drink beer or wine - or a dessert drink :) - it's just a great place to be. The atmosphere is very chill. I used to take my laptop there to write and work on schoolwork, and the environment is very laid back. Everyone is friendly, the staff is very nice, and although it may be difficult to find a table at times, there's always room to squeeze a few more people in. It is expensive, so if you are looking for something cheap, go somewhere else. It's worth the money for the tasty food they have - and the drinks are good. They usually have a special of some sort going on, which is nice. Sitting outside on the back patio is great, when the weather allows. Overall, Highland's has the ability to make you feel right at home - which is exactly what you need in busy Cincinnati. read more

went to highland with a half dozen friends maybe six months ago. It was a quiet night-- there was hardly anyone else there. We were intrigued by the whole cafe/bar thing and figured we'd start with coffees and transition into alcohol as the night progressed. Having read reviews on here before going, I was expecting roughly the nicest staff in the world. I asked the guy behind the counter a question about some aspect of the menu (I forget what) and he fixed me with a stare normally reserved for someone who is actively farting in your cereal bowl. After some unhelpful monosyllabic response I was so surprised that I actually let out an involuntary bark of laughter and ordered a black coffee instead. He poured and stuck it in front of me wordlessly. I didn't see him interact with the rest of us but when we all got to our table the first thing someone said was "did that guy act like a total douche to you guys as well?" Apparently he had. We all replayed our ordering adventures and spent a merry half hour laughing about the sheer disdain our server obviously had for us. Then we left and got beers somewhere else. In short: I enjoyed the atmosphere at highland, but the service was so bad that it crossed the line from distressing into frankly comic territory. I dunno what happened, because this is completely at odds with what everyone else says about the place. Hopefully that guy was just having a bad day or something. read more

I used to like Highland Coffee House, but I feel the service is the main detractor. The gentleman who is usually working when I go in always seems passive aggressive. The last time a friend and I went in, we just ordered a drink each and sat quietly for about an hour before we went to pay. The man seemed annoyed that I asked politely for a slice of pie to go, and returned with what is, without a doubt, the smallest slice of pie I have ever seen ($4). As I was signing the receipt for my purchase, he said in a slightly agitated tone "you guys should leave a tip, you might be servers one day." it seemed totally uncalled for, as I always tip, and it felt almost like an attack. I left a decent sized tip on the counter, even though he had been somewhat rude and hadn't really done anything besides place our drinks on our table. The kicker: I looked at my credit card statement earlier today to find that I was charged $2 more than what my total was and what my receipt said. My bill even met the minimum price amount for a credit purchase. The food is decent here, and the atmosphere, barring the service, is good, but I won't go back to be treated poorly and stolen from. read more

If I could give a zero I would. The Barista, a man in glasses,was very rude and kept giving snarky remarks when we were ordering and wasn't very helpful, rushing us to order. The coffee on the menu said 4.50 but I was charged 11.50 for two cups. Already overpriced, when paying he basically demanded I give him a tip, basically putting the tip jar in my face. While saying it out loud that I didn't tip him, as if to humiliate me in front of my other customer. read more

I've been here a couple times and have never gotten a good vibe from the place. The bartenders always harass you to order even when you don't know what you want. I was in there today with a friend and the bartender came up after a while to take our orders. He didn't offer a menu--I had to ask. I ended up just getting a beer off the tap which ended up being almost $8 (the menu board indicated this price to be a lot lower). That was the only time our server came around. I wanted another but since he never came back we decided to leave. Every other time I've been in I've tipped over 20% but this time since my simple order was very expensive and I didn't feel I really received service at all I didn't tip. The bartender, I believe it was Jay, calls me out for not tipping and told me I was wasting table space and that if I wasn't going to tip to not come back. I was shocked that I was treated this way and that he felt his bad service even warranted a tip! Glad I didn't end up leaving one! read more

What to say about the highland coffee house, they have great hours ... but that's about it. From what I noticed there are two employees one man with long hair (he's actually a cool guy) and another tall one with glasses who has a horrible attitude problem. Besides him not taking orders when people walk in and stand for 5 mins. But I've seen him react negatively to people taking carry out orders of snacks when not giving a tip. Personally I think tips are for service or complex orders, and are a nice thing to do. But when I saw his reaction to a customer who ordered one thing which was thrown into a microwave, and demanded a tip. I automatically had a sour taste in my mouth when I think of this place now. read more

I ''twas a wee laddie of 19 in yesteryear when I happened upon this bonny land of Irish coffee. A happy group we were, of long lost friends and we made our way over rolling hills of McMillan street, past the corner candy store to the highland coffeehouse. Drinks were drank, American standards were sang (queen, of course.), and cigarettes were had. It was a perfect day. That is until I made an unfortunate mistake. We were telling riddles and my sisters older friend (she's a goddess) asked if I had a hard riddle. I get this sly look in my eye and say "oh boy have I got a hard one for you." Nobody laughed and the entire table felt uncomfortable. I broke out in cold sweats and couldn't for the life of me figure out what to do with my hands so I just got up and started running. I ran the 20 miles home but once I saw the mailbox I just kept running, all the way to Kentucky. But I didn't stop there, I kept running until I made it to Texas and right past the border patrol into Mexico which really sucks cause I think trumps gonna build this wall and I don't know how to get back home. All because I made a stupid double entendre. Idk the coffee was pretty good and they served me underage. I give em five stars read more

The barista/bar tender told me once the semester starts it gets very busy and you can't "use the space like a study hall," that you need to buy one coffee per hour. This is supposedly the owner's policy (I thought the guy was the owner?) but he came off a little weird in the way he insisted several times it was the owner's policy and he makes sure to tell everyone. Combined with the way he'd been glaring at me earlier, this made me feel very unwelcome. .... After that, as he handed me my change, he said something like "if I wanted to tip..." and the rest was garbled. I didn't tip because the whole exchange was uncomfortable and put me on guard. He was muttering about his tip as he walked away. What's the deal here? Why isn't there a tip bowl? Is this a high-pressure tactic that's meant to elicit more tips? Update: I saw there's a small receipt posted with a note about spending $5 per hour. Apparently this is their policy. New Review: I returned because their drinks are excellent and the atmosphere is nice. (I also hate the big chain coffee shops.) I would recommend this place as a good spot for a short visit but not for anything longer. I would bring friends here. Not sure if I'll be back. read more

Maybe others feel quite welcome here, we didn't! The place is gloomy and nobody has bothered to clean it since 16th century. Run-down, relaxed ambiance is something, however filthy is unacceptable. Then came our server who had so much smugness in his face that we felt uneasy as if we weren't supposed to enter this cafe! Our coffees were nothing great and I have had much better coffee at the same price. In the end, when we pointed out a mistake in our bill the cashier just blamed it on the guy who took our order and didn't care to apologize or smile, just gave another cold look! And, they had a jar which said "Tipping is sexy", as if they deserved it. Never going back. read more

Yes yes yes to Highland Coffee! Such great vibes there and a wide menu. I spent multiple study sessions here when I went to school nearby. Such an eclectic interior of an old building with an hodgepodge of old furniture and plants. So easy to spend hours there working or hanging with friends. Coffee, beer, boozy milkshakes, sundaes. They have a little patio off the back that is nestled in some tree branches which is also another great place to chill. One downside is they don't open til later (about 5pm I think) so just gotta have that in mind. read more

I think "perplexed" is the correct term I am looking for to describe what I felt when I walked in for the first time. So...is this, a cafe? But, they have alcohol? Well..I see college students studying on the tables. So...is this a bar? Super grunge, with grungy guests as well, but a completely young crowd. I would say no one over 30 would dare enter, probably because it's near campus. They have little nooks and crannies for seating, and we chose to sit in the back patio. I think that's where the cool people sit to light a cigarette and scribble crucial notes down for their new indie film idea or the verse to their next garage band song. I mean, if you get a little stressed out and can't think of an idea, I guess you can skip the coffee and go with the booze. Bottoms up? Their menu ranges from various coffee/tea assortments to alcohol concoctions, sandwiches, smoothies, and the like. I got the iced Thai coffee and it's seriously the best iced drink that isn't awfully sweet and gives a nice a kick to your caffeine fix. Rather than the typical condensed milk, I believe they use half-and-half-- unfortunately a rarity in my coffee-life-- but this makes it less sweet than the popular Thai iced tea, which is awesome. I definitely recommend the iced Thai coffee, hands down. I'm excited to try other items on their menu. I heard Passion Pit's "Smile Upon Me" on the speakers, which is always a plus to hear good music in public. Highland is open 5pm-2am (everyday!) so it's a nightly treat. Especially because most joints in the Cincinnati area tend to close ridiculously early. It's an honest disappointment and brings about quite a deplorable sentiment for a city that can do much better. As my male companion stated, the [what seemed like] owner was so nice that he thought he was gonna give him a big hug before we left. Also, I think the rule is that you have to be really cool to get in. read more

I feel like a Beat poet when I spend time at Highland Coffee House. It's nice to find a place in Cincinnati that conjures Ginsberg and Kerouac with coffee so strong and good it could destroy (or fuel!) the best minds of my generation. Highly recommended, go be howlingly hip at Highland sometime. read more

I really enjoyed this coffee house, but I wish it had more lighting! The food is good, the prices are good and the atmosphere is one of a kind. If you ever get to go, try a chai milkshake! It is to die for! I get one every time I go. read more

Forget the food/drinks. Just go to hang out with Jay.

I wish I could give highlands five stars! The atmosphere is old school and eclectic, with a hodgepodge of seats and tables and decor to keep you interested. There are always chess boards for playing and a kitschy cigarette machine for when you run out, there's a great patio and "back yard" area for when the weather is nice, and the pie can't be beat. The coffee is great and the drinks are strong, so you would think there's nothing to complain about, but the sad thing is it is ALWAYS understaffed. The place is consistently busy, and rightly so! But there's hardly ever more than one person working at a time, so don't go if you're in a rush. That being said, though, get the everything bagel with cream cheese while Jay is working. I'm not sure what he does, but it's the best damn bagel you'll ever eat in your life. read more

A great menu with lots of coffee, alcoholic drinks, and combinations of the two. Cool staff. Kooky decor. Lots of little nooks to sit and talk with friends for hours. A great patio. This is the kind of hangout where memories are made. A classic. read more