Everything I read online was right. From the atmosphere, to the staff, go the food. It was all outstanding. It was also connected to an antique shop which was freaking amazing. Multiple floors and so many things. But the quality and quantity of food was so good. I will absolutely be back. read more

Absolutely awesome food! Great staff service and overall neat place to eat. I've tried a lot of different dishes none were a letdown. My favorite go to is the pork chop or bbq shrimp which isn't a sauce but a marinade so good! read more

Being a transplant from the Mississippi coast, you can imagine my delight in finding out there's a hole-in-the-wall cajun restaurant in Cincinnati! I had to try it! A well-timed lunch invite today was the perfect opportunity to check this place out. Let's start with what was good: the oyster poboy. I consider myself a connoisseur of this sandwich (feels wrong calling it a sandwich but I guess that's technically what it is). The presentation was impressive; a huge platter piled high with a generous portion of fried Chesapeake Bay oysters on a bun & a side of fries. I ate the entire thing in one sitting because there was no way I was leaving any behind. 2 things make a poboy good; the bread has to be light & kind of crispy on the outside & the oyster-to-bread ratio must me perfect. This one was a homerun! Yummo & well done! Gumbo is a tricky dish & few people outside of New Orleans & the surrounding gulf coast know the intricacies of this recipe. Sadly, this proved to be the case with this restaurant. My cup of gumbo was really just a overly-salted brown soup. There was no seafood in it & it was obviously not made with a roux base. I would very much like to offer these folks my recipe, but that seems a little off-putting. Our server was great & the atmosphere was casual & cozy. The other thing I liked was the price point. This place was very affordable I will definitely be going back here to try the shrimp & grits! This place is the closest thing to home I've found so far in Cincy. I will not need to eat again today! #omgiamsofull ! read more

Swampwater Grill - Oyster Poboy - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Can't believe I've lived in the area for more than 20 years and never stopped in here before tonight... the food was great and the service was awesome. Our server was friendly and attentive and the courses arrived quickly. I had the Swamp Platter with catfish and cheesy grits & jambalaya. Definitely coming back read more

Swampwater Grill - Happy Hour Oysters on the Half Shell - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Its was an hour wait but worth it, the food was great the service was great. And very fare in price.

We are out of towers, and had no idea where to eat. We absolutely loved this place. It reminded us of a mom and pop place we visited in the Everglades. The food was delicious, and they had many gluten free options as well. read more

We have been wanting to try this place for a while now and finally got the chance last Saturday. We arrived about 6 and got seated right away. It was busy but not a full house. Our server Celeste was on point and had our beers and waters right away. We started with the voodoo rolls which were very tasty. I had the Jambalaya with the grilled shrimp and the wife had the fried shrimp. Both were very tasty and were served very hot. All our food was very good and the service was excellent. We will be back to try it again. read more

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Don't let the outside appearance fool you. This place is top notch with amazing food and great service.

Oh the char-grilled oysters! and the bbq shrimp, and the beans and the mac and the poppers and the red beans and rice - really, really good N'awlins food. I challenge anyone to find better in the Tri-state. Nick and Alexis at the bar were spot on friendly and efficient even though the place was packed. Will be back again and again. First visit was great, successive visits have proved so disappointing. Twice now over an hour wait with half the restaurant empty - apparently the kitchen is in total disarray. Even those who choose to wait then had another hour wait for dinner. It's such a shame, this place had great potential, but they're not going to make it if they can't feed their customers read more

Stopped after a customer meeting hoping to have decent food... the food was very good! I had the gumbo and it was very very good! It's always nice to find the diamond in the ruff places. Probably wouldn't have stopped just on looks alone, yelp helps me find good places. Wait staff was very friendly. Awesome find! read more

Had a great lunch here. Parked outside on their lot on a Saturday. Walked in and not too crowded. I'd read good reviews about the char grilled oysters so that was a must for us. We tried a dozen of the char grilled oysters and four of the stuffed jalapeños (with chorizo) for appetizers. Very good! Then we split a shrimp and grits for lunch (it was a lot of food). The service was good and the decor was kind of what I expected for a place called swamp water. I liked it and I'll be back sometime soon. read more

Swampwater Grill - A dozen char grilled oysters for an appetizer. Delicious. - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Atmosphere was unbelievable! The variety of the different types of food was great. Our party of seven tried just about everything... The ribs were very good, shrimp and grits rocked as well. My daughter especially like the Louisiana barbecue shrimp. read more

Easily one of my favorite places in the Nati'. Not a lot of Cajun places around and they nail it! I like the atmosphere as well. Definitely would recommend the Pork Chop Tommahawk, Jalepeno poppers, Bread pudding, and Cajun pasta. Can't wait to go back to try more! read more

Went there with my wife, son and daughter in-law on 6/24/17 and the food was spectacular. We started off with the chargrilled oysters which we all loved. They had the grilled shrimp, catfish and shrimp & grits that was awesome. The bone in pork chop with blue cheese was the best I've had in a long time. read more

The decor is great. All except for the gum on our table. That is a big part of reason for the 3 stars and the food was slow. My ribs were good I don't know if I would go back for them but enjoyed them. The oysters were ok. My husband said his was good but very spicy he had blackened catfish. All in all not bad not great read more

Had lunch here today with some friends and it was wonderful. We had several different options from the menu and every one of them was 5 stars. This restaurant brings New Orleans to Cincinnati and does not disappoint! ! The Swampwater grill is now on my list of favorite restaurants !! read more

If you are looking for straight forward great southern/Cajun/bbq, this is your place! Nothing fancy, interesting yet enjoyable atmosphere and location, it's a great time and the food is mouth watering. Very reasonably priced for the large portion sizes. My husband really enjoyed the oysters as an app, and rib entree for his meal. I had pulled chicken and baked beans, and jalepeno cornbread, all exquisite. Great beer selection served in mason jars. It's a must if you are looking for authentic cuisine in a low key part of town. read more

Swampwater Grill - Pulled chicken entree!!! So much food and soooooooo good!!!!! - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Could not have asked for a better all-around experience. Great location, plenty of parking. Brandy took great care of all 6 of us. The food was amazing. The pricing was fair. We will be back read more

We've heard from several friends what great food this place has, so we finally stopped by to try it. We were not disappointed! Having never tried Cajun food before, weren't sure what to try or expect. Our server was helpful with descriptions and suggestions. The menu had a good variety without being overwhelming. My husband had the gumbo with shrimp which he said had great flavor but wasn't too spicy. I asked some questions about the sauces because I have to eat gluten-free (celiac) and the waitress brought me a gluten-free menu! I had the blackened catfish, which had such incredible flavor that I had to box my food up after I was full to stop myself from finishing it. The margaritas were also very well-made. The place has a very relaxed atmosphere, almost like a little hole in the wall. It would be a great place to bring a group of friends! It's been there for several years - now I know why. We can't wait to go back and try the other things on the menu! read more

Swamp pasta was tasteless. Watery cream sauce. Nothing but pasta. Andouille sausage cut so thin and then sliced in half you couldn't even taste it. Couldn't find the crab or the mushrooms that was supposed to be in the dish. Crawfish was scorched read more

I've been craving US (preferably Mississippi) farm raised catfish since I moved to Cincinnati. Finally found it here. My only complaint--which is really more of a preference--would have been for them to cook the catfish for 3 or 4 more minutes to get a crispier breading. Personal preferences aside, this place was great! read more

Excellent lunch today. We had a variety of cajun entrées - Jambalaya, gumbo and red beans/rice along with their signature bourbon glazed wings. Everything was on point and the service was very good as wellm read more

Well, I wish I could comment on the food. But we didn't make it that far with these folks. We arrived on a Sunday at 12:20pm, for lunch, to be told that we could not order off the menu until after their brunch buffet closed at 1:00. We were hoping to try the place, so we hung around at their attached "antique" mall until around 1:15, and tried again. This time we were seated in a dining room where one other table was already seated. And then we waited, while two other tables were seated after us, in adjacent and adjoining booths. Two servers proceeded to greet those other two tables and take their drink orders, walking past us twice without acknowledgment to accomplish that. There was another server, a runner and at bartender there as well, along with the hostess that seated us, all avoiding our gazes expertly. After at least 10 minutes without a greeting, our hostess returned to our table to state that our server was "busy." As an afterthought she offered us drinks. We accepted. Then as all the other servers were serving all of the other customers, she disappeared to return with an ice tea and water, which she may have precipitated herself by the amount of time she took doing that. We sat for another five minutes, watching all of the servers field questions and take orders, with no further acknowledgement, the staff passing us right by, "busy." When it was clear that it would be just too uncomfortable to eat at this place after being so well refused, we left. Good luck with your visit! read more

My girlfriend and I came here for the first time based on a good review. Most of the food was excellent except for the ribs being overcooked. The customer service was the stem of this review. When we had complained about the ribs being overcooked the manager on shift approached us with a condescending attitude. Instead of being accommodating she was trying to combat our complaint by saying their ribs aren't what we are "used to." The ribs were so overcooked it was hard not to say something and pay that price. The food can always be improved but because of that bad customer service we will not be returning. read more

Chris and his staff do an awesome job. The Black & Bleu Tomahawk Pork Chop (bleu cheese butter pat on top) is out of this world. Cheese corn grits, red beans & rice....just absurdly good. Try it once & you'll be hooked - but get there early, b/c the secret about 'Da Swamp' is out. It fills up fast on weekend nights & they often go on a wait. read more

If it's classic Cajun food you're seeking then this is definitely the place to stop Dishes like they they serve in the Bayou And once you've had your fill of amazing eats head to the antique mall that is adjacent Love it here read more

Here is how I ended up here. I have been to New Orleans a few times and it's been great. On one of the visits, chargrilled oyster were discovered and they were DELICIOUS!! So I catch wind of this place and its chargrilled oysters option. We order the oysters and some fish, red beans and rice, etc...$100 dollars later here is the opinion. Oysters not of New Orelans level. Portions too small (try Papadouex and you will see what I'm talking g about) for the price and salty, very salty. Hypertension city....ELIZABETH I'M COMING!!!(thank you Red Foxx) So, this is one is up to you but the next time I feel like chargrilled oysters I'm hoping on a plane. read more

This place might not look like anything from the street but OMG do they have good food!. We ordered the Cajun Mary and the Swamp Juice cocktail and they were great. We followed that with the fried alligator, blackened shrimp skewers and the charbroiled oysters. They were all so good that by the time we got our entrees we were satisfied but we did not stopped there and followed all that with the voodoo catfish and the swamp pasta, needless to say we have lunch for tomorrow. Service was amazing as well. Overall a great place to eat and relax with friends and don't forget to tour the antique shop!. read more

The atmosphere is a little rundown and the music is sometimes too loud. The service is good, the prices are reasonable and the Jambalaya is so good .. I mean really good! read more

Great selection of Louisiana inspired Cajun food. Get there early always busy. I will return for more jambalaya, gator bites and oysters!!

Some friends and I went to Swampwater Grill on Kellogg Avenue, Cincinnati,Ohio this evening for dinner. Thursday July 7. There was an issue with the hostess and being seated in the restaurant. When we asked to sit in the bar room. The hostess said yes. We took a table, as bar was full. Then was told no, we couldn't sit there. We were told they would accommodate us at another table outside the bar room. We went with that hostess person to the next table. But, the other restaurant hostess/host was seating another customer at the table our hostess was planning to seat us. We then were sent to other table. Approximately 10-15 minutes went by before anyone came to serve us. We asked to speak to the owner, We were told he (Chris) was busy. We then spoke to another person. But, was told the restaurant has rules and we couldn't sit in bar room or at the other table. But, didn't offer us anything for our inconvenience, wait time and embarrassment in being seated. We then had a waiter come to our third table. He took our drink an appetizer order. It took three asks for butter at our table. Food was good after that. But, when Chris finally came at the end of our meal to our table we tried to explain the issue and he told us we were liars and complaining customers. Chris wanted to buy our meals after calling us liars and wouldn't listen to our side and what happened. We didn't want our meals compensated . Just maybe a drink for our inconvenience being seated. We left cash and a tip for our meals on the table. Will not come back as that is no way to treat a long time customer. The Swampwater Grill staff really needs some customer service and people skills. Spend your money where the restaurant appreciates you as a customer and wants to give you top notch customer service. Dalton read more

Good tasty food. Fun atmosphere. Great Sunday breakfast buffet with real food on it. Love that they are open late read more

Swampwater Grill is for sure to say one of my favorite restaurants! The workers there are so kind and courteous to others, the hostesses at the door really know how to do their jobs! At a time like right now, from the looks of it they adjusted really well and the place always sparkles! The food is out standing me and my friends always crave their appetizers. And the entrées are even better! 10/10 for me. read more

This place is one of the best restaurants we have been too in cincinnati. The food is amazing. Desserts are amazing. Try the Cajun sampler and cobbler. People are so nice and atmosphere is authentic. read more

Went today with another couple, was glad we tried place. Our friends got the poppers which were the best I've had. The gumbo was really good. Will be back to try the ribs. read more

Very good food...amazing even. Speed of service and friendliness was wonderful, too. Unfortunately, although their website touts procedures in place for covid, I didn't see a lot of employees in masks....not even near compliant. Really irritating. read more

I had the pulled pork sandwich and it was DELICIOUS. Usually I have to add BBQ sauce either because it's too dry or lacks flavor, but this sandwich was perfect on its own! The macaroni side was delicious as well. My friend said her burger was amazing (I remember it had bacon on it..if that helps someone identify it!), but her boyfriend said his jambalaya was "just OK." My boyfriend said the same about his wings. This place is huge and has plenty of large TVs for easy football-watching. It's connected to a great, huge antique store as well. read more

Tried for the first time and loved it! Great ambiance, friendly staff and delicious food. My son and I split the blueberry cobbler and it was amazing! read more

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It was amazing. The oysters were incredible. Best oysters I've ever had. The crawfish was great as well and so was the other food. Plus the service was fast and great. Great food great service 10/10 read more

Gumbo was great, especially with the hot sauce selectkon. Bbq shrimp was perfect! Ribs were also pretty good, and the selection of bbq added to the variety. Was disappointed in the collard greens, they were bland and the consistency indicated they were canned. Also would not recommend the macaroni for similar reasons in terms of tastelessness. Lastly the bread pudding was fantastic. Couldn't finish it but enjoyed every piece that I could indulge in. Swampwater Grill is worth the try! read more

Swampwater Grill - The grand closer ... Bread pudding! - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio