If I could give this place 0 stars I would. The bartender Sharon was EXTREMELY rude. We are both African American, walked in and it was almost like "what do you want and we've clearly walked into the wrong establishment." The lady just sat there with her hand out and said what do you need. Made us pay right after getting our drink despite us sitting at the bar and not asking if we were going to get another drink. I then said do I have to close after every drink and she said well are you getting another one. I said yes and she was frustrated and said uh well then I need a card. My friend asked what kind of beers they had and she got an attitude and huffed and said it's on the wall. She told us the price of every drink and asked if it was ok as if we couldn't afford it.we were not offered water, not asked if we wanted food. No one was asked to pay immediately. Anyone after us was given water, the tone was nicer, and was asked if they'd like an order put in Pure nastiness. I used to come here all the time and have never encountered this but the years definitely have changed this place. Do not recommend if you're a person of color. They are still living in the past. UPDATE The manager came out and we spoke to him. He was a lot nicer and offered us a drink for my friends birthday. read more

Classic great dive bar. Cheap prices, chips for sale, bartender was hot IMO. Friendly people, great people watching, not too crowded. Loved it. read more

best dive bar in Oakley/Norwood. Cold beer and solid prices. Cash only but there is an ATM.

The phrase "don't judge a book by its cover" applies to bars as well! I've driven past The Pilot Inn many times as I spend a lot of time in Rookwood. I never even knew this place was a bar but one day my friends and I decided to go dive bar hopping on a Sunday afternoon. I was there again just recently to expand the knowledge of this place to another friend. The Pilot Inn is much better than what if expect of dive bars, but with all the feels of a dive bar. From the patio furniture chairs and cheap drinks (but still quality) to the chips on the wall, you get a whole new experience. You will average $4-6 for most mixed drinks on any given night. They also have a few TV screens to watch sports games so you can come drink and enjoy for 1/2 the cost at other bars on game day. A great little neighborhood dive bar if you're looking to get away from your typical bar scene. The staff is also friendly for the most part (though some look cranky at times) and the crowd not as rowdy. They also take CC and aren't cash only. I've not tried their food so that's what I'll have to do next. The only thing I do wish for would be the kitchen to be open at night (vs. lunchtime only) for those late night munchies after a day of drinking, but next time I'll need to ask if we can just have food delivered and I'd be set! read more

Pilot Inn - Love this sign - Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

The Pilot Inn! I finally found you! Last night after a Yelp elite event a bunch of us wondered over here. From the outside the Pilot Inn doesn't look like much, but this is a great neighborhood tavern. The bartender was very friendly and who knew they have been open since 1937?! They have a great happy hour from 3-7pm daily and they also serve food, but only during the day. I think she said they are our a night cook for right now. They have an insane amount of candy bars on the wall, and there is a nice choice of chips and popcorn as well. The drinks are cheap, and the people are friendly this is a great stop on a neighborhood dive crawl. read more

Pilot Inn - the bar and lounge area at night - Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

By the numbers: 10,111 - Gnomes it took to apply the wood paneling to the walls of the Pilot. 149 - Wood sprites trapped between the T&G walls of the men's restroom. 10 - Dollar minimum when using a credit card on your tab. 7 - Bottles of Tobasco Bloody Mary Mix under the counter. 0 - An obscure type of candy bar on sale at the Pilot Inn that coincidentally puts it one step closer to being a convenience store. read more

Went to The Pilot for the zillionth time today. This place is a true 'hidden treasure'! Sure- from the outside façade - it looks like just another dive bar. Maybe sketchy even to some. But I've always been told "not to judge a book by the cover". Once you park in the spaces next to the bar & make that walk thru the front door, you will be greeted by Sharon, the loveliest of bartenders & Craig, the hardworking owner / cook. Order a beverage of your choice - I personally love the domestic $1.75 bottle beers - then review their food Daily Specials. I must admit I don't know who truly makes everything (Craig or his wife or maybe somebody else) but I can say this... The specials are DARN GOOD plus enough to keep you full the rest of the day. Not in the mood for the Special. No problem. Try something from the small but certainly sufficient menu like a huge Cheese Burger or a Grilled Chicken Sandwich. They also have options like a Philly Cheese Steak and I think The Pilot which is similar to your hoagie. You can't go wrong with a side bowl or Chili or the Soup of the Day. While you order is prepared by Craig, just enjoy yourself by 'shooting the crap' with others at the bar. You will be amazed who you might discover there enjoying the ambiance & hardy meal. The two TVs are always going & you'll be hard pressed not to discuss something on there. There are several tables if that is your preference. I prefer the bar which has a good dozen stools. There even is a 'back room' that supplies a pool table or two. Might have darts there too! So.. this might not be the place to take granny after church on Sunday (unless she likes a stiff drink) but TRUST ME it sure is a nice friendly spot to hang out for a couple hours during your busy day. Thanks Craig for not selling out. Will return soon looking for your friendly greeting / handshake and a darn good meal. ps - the rest rooms might not be like they are at The Ritz Carlton so beware of that. LOL But I can assure you this... they do the basic functions that are needed - no more / no less read more

I stopped in to check out this establishment after being invited out from my Twitter account. It is a nice little quaint place and for me a throwback to days of the past. I ended up grabbing some lunch and a beer on my visit. The burger wasn't bad and I went back in time to have a Little Kings beer. Now, I am usually a craft beer guy which they did have a few, but the price point was higher than it should be. $5 for a can of craft beer is pushing it a little for a place that really is just a neighborhood tavern. But if you like domestic beers then this may be a place for you as they offer $1.75 longnecks I believe as their special. There also was a pool table in the back if you like to play a little billiards. read more

Pilot Inn - a bar filled with alcohol bottles - Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Great specials. Bartenders are knowledgeable about drink pairings. They are attentive but not over bearing. They have touch tunes. They'll change the TVs to anything. read more

Pilot Inn - There have a generous selection. - Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Perfect neighborhood hole in the wall. This place looks unassuming and has a very "seasoned veteran" vibe. Expect to be greeted by friendly service and a variety of beverage options. I like this as a low week night place to hang out, people watch and catch up with friends in a place we can hear each other talking. One thing I remember is I haven't tried anything from the kitchen so can't speak to the food. Summary: Friendly service, local favorite dive bar, and lots of drink option make this a place worth checking out once for the total townie experience. read more

Guy walks into a bar with his dog. Bartender says "No dogs allowed". Guy says "I've been in here three times with my dog." Bartender shrugs. There is a reason only one person was sitting at the bar at 7:30 PM on a Saturday night. read more

i love this place. they are hospitable and the drinks are very fairly priced. I highly recommend them.

I wish I could take elements of the pilot inn and edge inn and make them into one perfect dive bar (see my edge inn review as well). I think this review can be summed up nicely with a classic pro con list. Pros: cheap drinks (top shelf was $5), pool table, outdoor tables, snacks available for purchase, takes credit/debit Cons: bartenders seemed unhappy, got surprisingly crowded, dart boards were shot (darts wouldn't stick) Overall, decent neighborhood bar and I would come here again for the cheap/strong drinks and pool table. read more

I love the Pilot Inn! I've been going here since i worked in the area and recommend it to every i know ! They even have the best burgers during lunch! read more

I stopped by last Friday and this place is the best. The beer is as tasty as a tube of toothpaste. I'll definitely be back.

My favorite real bar there is in Cincinnati. You won't leave without a smile on your face.

After dinner at the Capital Grille, myself and a few friends wondered across the parking lot to the Pilot Inn. I work in the area so I've been a few times but the rest had never been. It's your average neighborhood bar. Cheap beer, good music and good service. I also enjoy the mix of people that you find at the Pilot Inn. All walks of life just there to have some beverages and hang out. It may look like a dive from the outside but it's worth checking out if you're in the neighborhood. read more

The Pilot Inn is one of a kind. Some might call it an acquired taste, but once acquired, you are hooked easily. The prices are very good and drinks are fairly strong. The furniture is lawn furniture and there is not a clean bathroom to use, but that's all part of the experience. It's the kind of bar you go with a few friends to chill with. read more

This is a must visit during a college football afternoon. Though a small and dark establishment, the number of above average attractive recent osu grads seemed almost impossible to comprehend, but there they were. I recommend this bar for a fall Saturday funday, though have no perspective on how it would be on a normal night. But with $2.50 beers and order in food, how could you go wrong? read more

Great portions for well priced tasty lunches and the coldest most refreshing bottled domestics

I love the Pilot Inn! It's the best little dive bar around! So if you want a drink at a place where you aren't going to have to fight with a billion other customers to get a drink, then this is the place. They have a pool table in the back too for anyone who wants to play. The kitchen was closed when we went in, but they do have food, and there were chips/candy on sale at the bar if you need a snack. read more

This used to be one of my favorite bars to visit in the Fall/Winter but it's not nearly as good since the bartender, Tom, isn't working there anymore. read more

Let me tell you! HAVE YOU SEEN A BURGER FROM THE PILOT INN?! I went here for lunch this week and it was a very friendly open atmosphere music playing and a local crowd. The owner craig was very nice coming out and checking on us after our meal. Now let me get to this burger I'm talking a 10 ounce patty with American cheese, onion, tomato, lettuce and two strips of bacon. I must say this is best burger in town. Hands down! Will be back read more

My boyfriend and I were kind of leery about going here because the outside looks a little rough, but this place is a pleasant surprise. Nicely kept inside, friendly bartenders, and reasonable drink prices. This is quickly becoming one of our favorite date night spots after dinner (they don't have food in the evening). Never too crowded which is a huge plus! read more

My boss brought me back a bacon cheeseburger and fries from here today for lunch. Oh my goodness......seriously so good!!!! The burger is perfect, and so tasty! Fries were great too. Seriously if your just looking for a great burger, this is the place!!!'n read more

Amazing food amazing service. This local dive offers awesome bar food and huge portions for the price. The service is always so friendly and nice. Not a huge fan of their breaded wings, but everything else is money. read more

Great bar, good vibe, has pool table, 1.75 domestics and $3 mixed drinks- they r stiff. Haven't eaten the food yet, but people seemed to be enjoying it. read more

Incredible sandwiches. Great lunch spot. Diamond in the rough in area. Highly recommended.

My husband and I went to the Pilot Inn for lunch the other day. The staff was very friendly, and the food was very good. I had the pilot munchies which were delicious and I really appreciated that the vegetables on my burger were beautifully fresh and crunchy, as opposed to the rather sad looking ones I've had in other restaurants. I would definitely go again, especially with such reasonable prices. read more