Nice bar to grab a drink at when downtown Cincinnati! They have a wide variety of options and the place gets crowded at night.

We came here for some beers and an appetizer before a Cyclones playoff game. It was saturday evening, so fairly busy. We sat at a table and got waters right away, however it took the waitress a long time to come back and get our beer order. Then it took another long time to get our app order. Once we ordered however everything came quick. I felt bad for the waitress as she seemed to be only one there. I like how the Rivertown Blueberry on draft comes with actual blueberries in it here. Our barbacoa nachos were just ok, not great. I haven't been here in a few yrs and now I remember why. read more

Set the scene: Arrive downtown with only 35 minutes before the start of the Reds game. Yard house will take WAY too long. See sign for Craft Beers, Classic Cocktails and Fine Food. Commit and read yelp reviews once seated (which happened immediately with a group of 5). Earning some starts early with a local draft from a damn good brewery, Rhinegeist. I had a couple pints of the Rhinegeist Truth. Prices were a bit salty, but not as salty as the chips (more on that later). My better half went with one veggie taco and street corn. I got the Carnitas bowl (that's not on the menu, but its the same price as the steak if you ask for it- stars for letting me do that). I also got a side of chips and salsa. As countless others have mentioned, the chips and salsa are a letdown. The chips are way too over salted and the salsa is pretty bland. However, that does mean that they make both, or it would all taste like the standard commercial garbage you can buy at the grocery store. The tacos, carnitas bowl, and street corn were a much bigger hit and I would stick to those menu staples if ordering here again. Overall, we had pretty good service, a friendly waiter who didn't mess up the bill and could see we were in a hurry, and the food was decent. Maybe I'm feeling generous here, but I'm going to round up to 4 stars from 3.5. Give the same circomstances again in the future, I'd go back. read more

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About had about a knock down with one of the bartenders. Told him the beer was flat and he called me a lier. Said the keg was just changed and it couldn't be. I told him try a sip and you'll see. He was a total dirtbag. Never again will I set foot in there!! read more

Wow! So I just had one of the best tacos of my life! The social taco is amazing. We ordered several tacos off of their menu to sample, & this was my absolute fav. I paired it with their house strawberry lemonade (a hard lemonade at that) & it was alllllll that! The fish, shrimp, barbacoa were amazing too. Hope the staff will step their game up, though? They seem pretty focused on each other, themselves, or friends that come in. Kind of difficult to try to order food/drinks. read more

Came here on St. Patrick's Day, so the atmosphere might not be the same as an ordinary day. It was not too busy in early afternoon but picked up. Bartenders were friendly and attentive and the domestic beer prices were cheap. Had a fabulous nacho's appetizer that was served in less than 10 minutes. A great experience! I will return if I'm in the neighborhood again. read more

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We came here bcos of there Tuesday night special. Can't beat a 2$ taco night. Food was decent. Had chicken, fish and veg tacos. Got guacamole and salsa. FYI: they have home made hot souse, do ask for it. It amazing. I think it's manago habanero. Good came by in time ... Service was ok ... we waited too long for the check and had to track them down. Might back on Tuesday's !! Heard I have to try there bowl. read more

This place has somewhat of a small menu. My boyfriend and I shared chips and queso. He had three tacos and I had a salad for dinner. The food all came out quickly. The chips and queso were brought out within five minutes of placing our order. The tacos came out shortly after (probably within another five minutes). We had to ask the waitress for my salad - apparently they forgot to bring it out. Our waitress wasn't very attentive as we saw her socializing (not waiting on tables) a few different times when we needed something. There are plenty of options to eat at in the area. I would try another place next time. Nothing special here. read more

The bartender started off slow with 'welcoming' us but soon enough his personality was shining and he was more than helpful. Threw down a couple Summer Shady's and ordered a simple plate of nachos. I wanted to go chicken on them but the bartender convinced me the spicy ground beef was the true goodness. Boy was he right! Make sure to try the house Mango Habanero salsa. I got to it late and man was I sad. It truly is a sweet and biting sauce that will leave you craving to buy it and take home. Well.... That's not going to happen. It's not for sale. But simple! Come back again! I can't tho... I am fromSeattle and this bar will be a distant memory I will always remember!! read more

Jefferson Social - Use this on nachos!!! - Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

We stopped in for a drink on a quiet Sunday night. No complaints. Our waitress was very friendly and the drinks were reasonably priced. It might be one of the few bars open on Sunday nights right now. read more

The location of the restaurant is great without a doubt! But the food on the other hand not so much, out of everything I got I only liked the street corn and chicken taco. The chorizo taco seemed as if it were dog meat, I ordered my little sister a chicken quesadilla and it was too cheesy with barely any chicken. I know every restaurant cooks things different, but I didn't expect the "American cheese" to be used. Also, I ordered a strawberry margarita and it had too much alcohol in it, don't get me wrong I love my alcohol but not during lunch... read more

Jefferson Social - Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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I've been to a few restaurants on The Banks and wanted to try a new place. The location is nice and convenient, and the service was pretty good. We ordered a bunch of different tacos and some, like the shrimp, were better than others. All of them were decent. I'd go back for drinks. read more

Jefferson Social - taco platter - Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Excellent tacos and great service. Awesome selection of craft brews on draft and top notch bourbons. read more

Have visited this place all 3 times I've been to Cincy, and have always had good service and great food! They have awesome daily specials too. The tacos and nachos are my fave. Definitely recommend checking this place out! read more

Did you just serve me a margarita in this tiny glass full of ice?! This is shameful. Nice environment but tiny drink- one drink and it's time to go down the street. Won't be back read more

Jefferson Social - A margarita. - Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Got extremely and violently sick from the food! Literally was throwing up for an entire 24 hours and couldn't keep any food down the next day. Only go here for drinks! read more

Great service and atmosphere. We had IPA and chips and queso. We were in on a Sunday around 230pm. The bartenders were friendly and efficient and we enjoyed our experience here. read more

We had a great time for our anniversary! The staff was awesome and very friendly, especially to us out of towners. read more

Jefferson Social - Great time! Awesome staff!! - Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Jefferson Social - promising atmosphere, dull food. I want to like Jefferson social, but after two trips there late summer and just now in early winter, I can't give it more than two stars. The queso is passable. The guacamole seemed kind of flat. The avocado was starting to oxidize, and a hit of salt or lime would have gone a long way to boosting the flavor. Same with their salsa. It lacked spark. Acid was needed, and it seemed almost overpowered with raw garlic. I had three tacos, and found each lacking. The carnitas, Korean and barbacoa were not only not great, I actually didn't want to finish the barbacoa or Korean, which, if you know me, is saying a lot. If you want good tacos in Cincy, go to Bakersfield in OTR. If you want great tacos, try some of the food trucks in Columbus. If you have to eat at the Banks, try another restaurant or grab a hotdog at the ballpark. read more

The outdoor seating is nice, service is adequate and we've never had difficulty getting a seat quickly on any weekday for a quick-ish lunch. I would never come here for a special occasion or for dinner, but for a working lunch of tacos, J-Social is pretty good. The chips are the cold, out-of-the-bag type; the salsa is forgettable and the guac is just plain bad. I haven't ever seen anyone actually finish the beans and rice sides. However, the selling point here are the tacos: my one friend loves the shrimp tacos and the vegetarian goat cheese/mushroom ones. I really like the fish tacos, I think they have a better taste than Nada's: the battered and fried fish filets stay nice and crispy (no soggy crust here), and for some reason they don't give me that greasy, kind of sick feeling that Nada's fried fish tacos do (this is not hating on Nada's which is one of my favorite restaurants in Cincy - or their fish tacos which I order every single time). Again, not a desirable dinner spot but definitely a worthwhile taco bar for a working lunch. read more

Great outdoor space and beer selection. Our waitress (mckayla) however, not the most attentive or friendly. We sat without beers for quite awhile. She walks around with her mask under her nose, not sure how effective that is. read more

Late Friday afternoon I met up with a variety of my family members at Jefferson Social for a quick drink and a little food. We had evening plans starting at 4:30 and arrived sometime between 3 and 3:30. I expected it to be a bit more crowded than the handful of other customers found inside, especially for the prime Banks location. This could make for a great spot for an after hours happy hour, especially if you can sneak out early. I snacked on a couple of tacos during our brief visit. I thoroughly enjoyed the carnitas taco ($3.50) with slow roasted pork, salsa verde, and pickled onions. The meat was tender and juicy and the pickled onions complemented the flavor quite well. I did not enjoy the chicken taco as much ($3.50). This was topped with chili spiced stewed chicken , corn and bean salsa, and cojita cheese. The chicken was not nearly as moist as the pork and I felt that the flavor was lacking too. Go with the carnitas tacos and order it as a platter with two tacos, rice and beans if you need a larger meal. read more

We waited 15 mins before our waitress who walked by us multiple times realized we were her table. Then we ordered water well before our food and we didn't get our water til after our food. I understand it's difficult to juggle multiple tables but to completely neglect a table off and on all evening is kinda sad. The tacos were however amazing. The taconey was delicious and so was the sangria read more

Jefferson Social - Taconey and Korean tacos - Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Great service and great beers. Can't beat the happy hour from 2-7. Didn't get a chance to eat so I will be coming back...yelper party? read more

Jefferson Social - Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Friendly owners, consistently good tacos. It's not fancy but I don't want fancy tacos. Reasonable prices. I hope they can hold on through all of this. read more

The blackened shrimp taco is the best taco I've ever had in my life, and I am a serious foodie, the sauce on the shrimp taco, mango habanero, is an obsession. The elote aka street corn is absolutely delish!!! The shroom taco was also very good, second only to the blackened shrimp taco. Nothing special about the barbacoa taco, sangria, or vodka strawberry lemonade, but the beer and Taco Tuesday price specials are awesome! read more

Jefferson Social - Shrimp taco, barbacoa, shroom - Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Went on a Tuesday during lunch. Thankfully was discount Taco Tuesday as the prices of tacos are not worth their quality. We tried six different ones and there really were no standouts. Definitely prefer Bakersfield and some other local options. That being said, it isn't at all bad. Just fine. Nothing special. read more

I've been here a few times but always just for a drink or two. On this visit, we stopped in for a quick drink before attending an event at US Bank Arena. Before ordering our drinks, we were approached but a man and woman from the "Know Your Beer" Program. It was more or less a blind taste test between Bud Light and Miller Lite. Neither of us are light beer drinkers but had fun playing along. After the blind taste test, I ordered a local craft beer (Taft's Maverick) and my wife ordered a margarita. My beer was served in a chilled/frozen glass which I didn't appreciate. I will have to make sure to request a room temperature glass in the future. Service was really fast and decently friendly. My beer was part of their happy hour so that was nice. In the end, we were easily able to grab a quick drink before our event which was the goal. I will note that most people around us were eating dinner and the food appeared to be really good. Next time, I will have to try something off their menu. read more

Food is ok, outside seating is fantastic though! I got the burrito bowl, chips and guacamole and street corn. The street corn could have used more of the toppings and ingredients as only about two bites had any of the flavor. The chips were nice and salty with the guac, but the guac was not beat up enough and very chunky. Burrito bowl had good flavor, but kind of soupy. Overall, I like the atmosphere, but the food was just ok. I didn't try any tacos though read more

Didn't have the chance to try the food because "service" and "giving a sh*t" isn't in management's lexicon. Here's the story: we make an order through Uber Eats because my wife had the hankering for a taco salad (Yes I married her despite her affinity for salads). When the food arrives - 15 minutes later than expected - Theresa, the world's worst Uber driver gives us a call and lets us know she can't find our place. Here's the conversation verbatim: Theresa: Hi this is Theresa with Uber eats. I can't find your apartment. Wife: No worries Theresa, we can meet you outside. Where are you now? Theresa: A parking lot. Wife: Okay my husband is coming now. Theresa: I can't find your place. I'm going to cancel the order. ***Theresa hangs up*** We called her back a few times and she did not answer. We call Uber and they offered us a voucher, the usual. When we try to place the order again, the restaurant is listed as "closed" in Uber. We call the restaurant and explain what happened. Their response was the verbal equivalent of a shrug and he insisted that the restaurant was listed as open on Uber Eats. The manager even said "better luck next time," before he hung up. Really? Anyway, don't go here. Food's probably as bad as their customer service. read more

Been here numerous times. Food is okay. Pros: Taco Tuesday w/ $2 Tecate. Lively place on Weekends if you are into DJ music w/ lots people. Hard shell tacos (when they make shells here). Dogs welcome on patio (They will even bring water bowl) Cons: Queso dip recipe change (it sucks now). No HH food specials. Hard shell tacos (when they run out and have to sub factory shells). Bathroom cleanliness gets out of hand on weekends. read more

I attempted to take my team of 8 (Restaurant Industry folk) for dinner. We arrived at 820pm, waited for tables, and were denied once we were seated & ready to order, because one member of our party was under 21. She is one of our employees and her mother, also an employee, was with us. I even called ahead earlier in the day to verify hours & to ensure I didn't need reservations. It was handled extremely poor, especially by the manager who basically came over, tapped on our shoulder, and said they couldn't serve us and walked away. I have supported this establishment for years and will never return based upon how this was handled. We all traveled down from Mt. Washington, paid for parking and ended up at Tin Roof who accomodated our party. They serve 21 and up only after 5pm but do not advertise that or advise you of the change over the phone. It was handled inappropriately & I do not recommend this business. So much for trying to support another local restaurant. read more

Margaritas are great, nachos are delicious and the people watching from the patio is 5 stars. read more

Jefferson Social - Margaritas are great, nachos are delicious and the people watching from the patio is 5 stars. - Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Jefferson social appeals to sports bar scenes and just a great vibe to eat and well... be social. I'm a pescatarian and I love seafood and vegan options. The food was beyond astonishing and the only regret I have is eating so fast. The strawberry margarita pitcher filled me and my wife's needs as well as the food. Come check this place out it's worth the trip here in Cincinnati, Ohio. read more

Jefferson Social - Fish tacos and blackened shrimp taco platter with red beans and rice. - Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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If you enjoy standing on broken bottles, sticky floors and being served by the rude, way-too-old-to-be-a-bartender bartender, then this is the spot for you. Either way, this place was trash. read more

ohhhhh so disappointing. I was so looking forward to the opening of Jefferson Social, as I really liked going to Jefferson Hall in Newport. I didn't expect anything even close to J-Hall but I did expect some personality to the place. J-Soc really has nothing going for it, it's not a sports bar, it's not a restaurant, it's not a live music venue, they don't have a plethora of craft beers....so what is it?......just a bar. I think they're going for a craft cocktail bar but that's going to need some work (See rest of review) We went in to check it out, cause we love new places, hoping to get some food and a drink. The food selection is super small, some salsas queso and chips and some tacos. We got the black bean and corn salsa which was just that, some beans and corn in a bowl, very bland. And if you're not a fan of salt on your chips you won't like those either. I love salted chips so I did like them. We ordered a couple of their special drinks from the board and again, disappointed. The Margarita was way too sour and it didn't taste like there was any alcohol. The Strawberry lemonade was very bland with very little taste. Should have just went across the street to Yard House read more

The beer selection is mediocre. The guacamole comes from a bag. The Saturday AM bartender had coke in his nose. I mean, come on. Do NOT recommend. read more

My boyfriend ordered a burrito bowl from this place & they got the order wrong & refused to make it right then refused to give him a refund..... then we ordered drinks with the food & they tried to tell us we couldn't have the drinks due to them not having enough tables outside!! Then the bouncer tries to get rude. We used to patronize this place but they don't deserve another damn dime from my pocket. We will just keep going down to Condado where they respect the customer & get the order right the first time!! read more

Don't hit this place up for lunch. Happy hour? Sure. Lunch? Just not worth it. Billed as "Fine Foods," the food served is a hodge podge of tex-mex. It's some of the most generic food you've ever tasted. Tacos don't hold a candle to any of the many other taco places Cincinnati has to offer. Their queso tastes like something that came out of a bag. Service was terribly slow considering my group was maybe one of three groups at the establishment. Perhaps, one light at the end of the tunnel, outdoor seating is available. So if the better neighboring restaurants are full, at least you could probably snag a seat out there. Side note: Avoid this place on the weekend nights if you want to avoid wannabe guidos and/or extremely uppity prepsters who have migrated from Mt. Adams with their bright plaids and boat shoes but are still too fearful to venture into OTR. (hopefully this review isn't too disparaging, if so - my apologies). read more

I went here on a Saturday evening, after a Reds game and it was packed. The crowd was mostly younger, college aged people. People were standing everywhere, more like a bar than a restaurant. We didn't order food, so I can't comment there. I did look at the menu and it was a bit odd and very displaced. Because it seemed more of a bar atmosphere, I was expecting more cocktail and beer selections, but to my disappointment, the options were lacking. It does seem more of a local kind of place though, which is quite opposite of the surrounding places in the area, that fall along the lines of having a franchise feel. It's still not a place that I was wowed enough to go back to. read more