Taft’s Ale House
1429 Race St, Cincinnati, OH, 45202
Taft’s Ale House Menu
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Address :
1429 Race St
Cincinnati, OH, 45202 - Phone (513) 334-1393
- Website https://www.taftsalehouse.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 10
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Trendy
Noise Level : Loud
Music : Background
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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Adam B.
I should mention first that this review is only for the little side bar off the main space. It was closed for a private space. That was a big disappointment. I wanted to show it off to some out of town friends. But, the beers were great (peanut butter porter = delicious) and the crowd was friendly. I think this is a great addition to downtown. I just hope they don't have the main space closed too often.
(4)Ben W.
I've been in Cincinnati for six months hoping to find an experience like this. Started at the bar upstairs and was met with friendly bartenders that were very knowledgeable about the beer they were serving. The wait was pretty long on a Saturday night, but we were seated in an hour and the waitress was great. Food came out in 5 minutes and was very good. We had the border, the ale house and the stew. We were all happy. I'll definitely be back. Only negative was a grumpy hostess, but I'm finding that to be the norm in OTR.
(5)Tom G.
First time to the Taft's and can't wait to go back. Nice selection of beer, I generally go for a flight to start. Really good food. Beef was cooked perfectly. Great Décor. Cool addition to OTR. Bonus - found parking right in front.
(5)Brian R.
The Good: Atmosphere, drink selection, location The Bad: Slow service My wife and I decided to try out Taft's Ale House late on a Saturday afternoon with a few other friends. The location on Race Street provided several places to park close to the door, so parking wasn't an issue. I was immediately impressed with main drinking hall when we got to the second floor. Being in an old church, Taft's Ale House provides a certain charm and atmosphere you don't get at other breweries around town. They did a great job adding new features but keeping the old charm of the church. For the beer selection, Taft's normally has 10 taps going with an alternate tap for seasonal and specialty brews. The beers can be ordered in a pint or a flight consisting of 5 samples. My wife and I each got a flight of 5 samples so we could try all 10 beers. I was very impressed with almost all of them. Which is something that isn't always the case at other places. Each beer selection provided a unique and flavorful taste. Taft's also offered several types of beer so if you are a fan of hops, or prefer a darker beer, Taft's has you covered. I'd have to say that the Gavel Banger IPA was my favorite. Taft's Ale House also has a food menu that offers salads, sandwiches, and finger foods. Almost every menu item comes in just under $10 a piece. Except for the steak sliders which are about $3. And they also serve one of my favorites sides, tater tots! Although we couldn't try every menu item, the food that came out of the kitchen looked delicious and was well received by the patrons sitting around us. The only bad part of the trip was that our waitress seemed to be missing for most of our visit. She was quick to bring our table our initial drink order but didn't come by to check on us periodically. Twice we had to ask another waitress to find our waitress. I'm sure this is probably just an isolated event since there seems to be several waitresses working the floor at a time. Our overall experience at Taft's Ale House was excellent and we look forward to coming back for our next visit. The overall atmosphere and decor are unique and is a great setting for a good time. The drink selection provides many options and the beers have a taste and quality not seem at all places.
(4)Angela C.
Beautiful space. Just gorgeous. As to be expected in a converted church. Service is good and there is just a lot to take in at Taft's Ale House. Beers are pretty good and it is very affordable to do a tasting set. Their specialty item on the menu is their tri-tip steak. I got one of the sandwiches with the tri-tip steak and it was very good. I could have used a little more.. something to it, as I was still a bit hungry after I ate it. You can add a side for 3-5 dollars, but I really think at that price point they could include a side. I had a side of the roasted vegetables, and it ended up being 2-3 asparagus spears, a couple slices of carrots, and a couple slices of parsnip. It just didn't seem to be worth the extra 3 dollars. Everything tasted great, though, and I loved just being in the space. Note to moms with young kids, no changing table in the bathroom! But they do have high chairs!
(4)Ren C.
My husband and I have been there about 10 times now as we live in the area. Always sit at the bar. Love the atmosphere. Service is always great. Food is really good and does not taste like "bar food". Love the pilz. Most days we get great service and great bartenders. Last time we went, the bartender was a bit off, service was off a bit, she was trying to make awkward jokes, but not quite funny but rather annoying! Oh well.
(4)Heather W.
Taft's ale house is perfectly executed. Food and beer aside - it's beautiful. It's huge and has gorgeous wood work, fixtures, photos, and balcony level. Now to the beer. I was genuinely so disappointed they aren't offering growlers yet. The coconut brown ale has a lingering taste that reminds me of Samoa Girl Scout cookies except less sweet. The coffee stout rivals 50 wests coffee please (one of my favorites and a damn good beer) and the chocolate porter tastes like a tootsie roll. In the downstairs bar they have multiple other local breweries on tap furthering illustrating the confidence in their products. I loved this! Speaking of the downstairs bar - this spot is so cozy and fun who cares what your wait is. The food is equally impressive. Besides. They have TOTS- big win there with house made ketchup. The tri tip steak has an amazing smoke flavor that was really impressive. I'm not typically a steak person but loves this flavor and even had it on a salad. Taft's nailed it. Plain and simple.
(5)Brad H.
This place rocks. Basement pub. Good food up on floors 2 and 3 Beer kettles in the balcony of this old church. This place is also on the pub tours do busses stop a lot . No food in the basement but the food is really good served up stairs . Their beer is really good and a couple are outstanding Recommend dropping by
(4)Sandra F.
Taft's Ale House just opened up on Red's Opening Day -April 6th. I'm all about supporting local breweries in the Cincy area and I'm glad that it opened up. Taft opened in the old St. Paul's German Evangelical Protestant Church (on Race) which is a three-level brewery, bar and restaurant. My husband and I decided to drop by on a Saturday Mid afternoon. I'm telling you right now that this is a must visit! Brewery is absolutely gorgeous, spacious, nostalgic and lots of personality! My favorite is the top floor and the décor! Beers we tried: -Gavel Banger IPA -Rookwood Mosaic Lager -Culebra Cut Coconut Brown (my favorite, very sutle and not so sweet) -27 Pilsner My meal was the Salmon Sandwich ($10.00) with the side of Tots ($3.00)! Both were very delicious and Tots is a must try when dining in. There is a hint of Parmesan and homemade curry ketchup. Our server was Ashley which she was very friendly, patient and attentive. I absolutely LOVE it here!!! My go to place when I am in the downtown area!!
(5)Heather D.
The first time I went to Taft's, it was opening day, which was also their opening day. That day, I probably would have given them 2 stars, but I've upgraded to 3 based on a recent visit that went really well. The first time I went, they were out of nearly everything and the salad I ordered was kind of gross. The most recent time, I got the grilled chicken platter, which was delicious. I will definitely try to go back again and see if it keeps exceeding my expectations. If I was just rating the beer, I would give it 4 stars. The beer is delicious.
(3)Alex N.
Taft Ale House, finally the doors are open and the beer is flowing. Speculations and Rumors of a rogue church turned watering hole started in the peanut gallery of a city liquor license application three years ago has finally arrived. It has been a long time since then and how times have changed. When the plan was proposed to city council the location was in the no man's land part of Over-The-Rhine. I was skeptical at first because outside of Rhinegeist and Findlay Market I did not think anything else could draw people to that part of OTR. To my ease the neighborhood for the better is only a fraction of what it once was. That being said even if was I can see a lot of people Taft Ale House to that short list of draws into no man's land. Driving by you would could easily pass by this "church " and never realize what experience you just missed out on. On the outside it resembles a typical run of the mill modern church, lots of gray and right angles. But the inside is no church I have ever seen. Had this been my church growing up Beck's (my mother) probably would not have too much of an issue getting my happy ass out of bed. Walking in from the ground floor you see a dark kind of melancholy atmosphere with bar and side tables which is pretty standard for a bar?...But then at the same time you hear a lot of ruckus and music; quite a snafu right? Well follow your ears and possibly even your nose. Head around the corner and go up a set of stairs which then opens up into a large atrium. The architect and interior designer did a great job. The place is flat out gorgeous....Inside you will find spiral stair cases, two floors of :couches, long tables, giant vats of craft goodness, two floors and some suspect food :/ On the food later, Beer first because well seriously we all know this is what brought us here. The beer brewed here is great for everybody if you are of age and like beer you WILL love it. Why such a confident statement? Well the variety I have never seen so many in house craft taps available. The beers run the gambit from your dark chocolate stouts from Maverick's Chocolate to a bitter double IPA. I for one really liked the Rookwood Mosaic Lager. How do you know which one is for you is what I'm guessing you are asking yourself. FIVE yes five dollar flights. You can get a very generous flight for five dollars. When I heard this I was skeptical for five dollars I was expecting a shot worth of each beer. Not at all you get a lot of beer think two thirds of a Redbull for each of the five different beer choices. This then gets the gears turning and yes you do get more beer for the dollar if order a flight of the same beer instead of a flight. Five stars in my book for sure. The Food though... Yikes, is not nearly as good as the beer and way overpriced. My friend ordered a steak salad that resembled clearance bag salad you find on a sad Sunday at Kroger's. Seriously $15 for brown lettuce and tough flank strips. I had the sampler to get more of a variety which turned out very well. The roast beef sandwiches were great. The price point was not too bad a bit much but I can't complain. In all I am torn I love and I hate it, was the hype worth it? Eh sure , the place definitely by all means is not bad but the food needs help. Take away the atmosphere and church you will have a hard time differentiating Taft Ale House to say a Rock Bottom Brewery. But still hats off to the people of Taft Ale House they have done a good job. The food tangible is an issue but isn't a total killer.
(4)Jonathan E.
among cincinnati's best--and not just for beer. cincinnati has been lacking a place like taft's for a long time. everything about our visit was immaculate. +1 for gorgeous building/venue. see yelp's photos. sure, it's an old church building, but it's been renovated with far greater detail than i had anticipated. energy-efficient windows, ornate chandeliers, updated HVAC, layout, lighting. +1 for actually pleasant staff. they weren't rushed, and didn't rush us, either. they were very professional. very cool to see a business enacting a system of checks/balances: out table was checked on my multiple staff members (presumably management) in addition to our attentive server. +1 for having lots of tables, but also for having them amply spread apart. this is uncommon in OTR, and the building is big enough that the management (thankfully) doesn't feel the need to stuff patrons in like human sardines. it was great not to be forced into someone else's business, or vice versa. +1 for a good server. jordan was kind, attentive, good-humored, professional, and patient. +1 for GREAT beer. i'm not a great fan of hoppy beers, and taft's was one of the recent few that seemed to excel in this malty department. the Maverick Chocolate Porter was fantastic, and the Caruso puts a great local spin on the somewhat-corporate Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale (thanks to the vanilla). i also really enjoyed the Cherrywood Amber. +1 for good prices. $6 for my beer flight (5 beers). most entrees between $8 and $18. +1 for unexpectedly tasty food. everyone at our table enjoyed our food. i particularly enjoyed the Tri-Tip Steak Platter. my wife's portobello sandwich was very good, along with the tater tots. (yes, tater tots.) +1 for not rushing us out. after paying our bill, we didn't head out immediately. there were other free tables, but it was nice to not be forced out. -1 the only negative: it was loud. very loud. even on the balcony. perhaps consider some sound-absorbing panels to deaden the echo from the large sanctuary? highly recommended. we will return!
(5)Damian M.
Finally a German place in Cincinnati that I am proud of! Beautifully restored church is home to a spacious, three-level airy beer hall full of style and day light. The food is amazing for the price, the aged steak is definitely worth trying. I would highly recommend a beer sampler, some surprising flavors (chocolate and coffee), really well brewed. Go see it! PROST!
(5)Kaitlyn W.
Love this place!! It's has a great vibe, sort of a polished chill look about it. Everything is very open. There are finished picnic tables down stairs by the bar for dining, seat yourself, great for a group! Upstairs is a super laid back lounging area or you can stand on the edge and look down at everything! My favorite is the coconut brew, so smooth and lighter than you would expect, as it is darker in color. I could drink it all day :)
(5)Nicole D.
we ended up having to wait for almost an hour and a half for space, and it was super crowded downstairs. The food was pretty good though, and the random people were seated with at at the table were pretty fun to talk to. The beer wasn't too great unfortunately (thus the lower number of stars)
(3)Michael F.
I had the pleasure of visiting this big, bustling brewhouse on Opening Day (opening day for the Reds and the brewhouse, as it happens). The first thing that must be stated is that this place is an amazing space. It's huge and beautiful inside, with three floors, each with its own unique feel and its own bar. The first floor is full of large wooden tables for community-style dining and drinking. The top floor is a really cool wraparound balcony where one can stand against the rail and look down at all the action below. The basement is more of a quiet and dim bar atmosphere (definitely the best place to enjoy a quiet conversation over a pint). I tried two beers while there. I wasn't overly-impressed with the IPA (Gavel Banger) but the IPL (Rookwood Mosaic) was probably the best representation of the style (India Pale Lager--a hoppy lager) I have ever had. I'm excited to try all eight of the other beers brewed in house. The food was just okay, but that may have been a result of the insane crowds shuffling through all day. I'm willing to give them a pass on that. I ordered one of the steak sandwiches (it seemed like 75% of the menu was different sandwiches featuring the tri-tip steak). The meat was fine but the roll was a little doughy and could have benefited from toasting. Somehow our food came out minutes after we ordered, which was impressive considering how busy the place was. There are plenty of TVs all around to watch games and it was awesome to hear everyone erupt when Frazier hit his three-run go ahead home run. I highly recommend checking this place out. Another gem in OTR!
(4)Todd R.
*** DO NOT EAT HERE THE FOOD IS AWFUL, HOWEVER DRINK THE BEER IT IS GREAT *** Let me start with the good, their coconut nut brown is one of the best I have ever had it was unbelievably smooth and the coconut taste was perfect. They also had a tremendous Mavericks Chocolate stout (I think it was a stout) this was so delightful that it tricked my mouth into thinking that I was eating chocolate and I actually caught myself chewing it. It is a good thing that these beers were so good because the rest of this place was awful. For the bad let's start with the place itself, it is in a beautiful old church that has been fully restored to be a brewery/bar no joke one of the most beautiful places you can drink a beer in Cincinnati. However because churches are made to carry sound it makes this place unbelievably loud, think of the Reds stadium in 2010 when Bruce hit that walk off homer to send us to the playoffs loud. For example my waitress had to ask me twice what I ordered for dinner then she had to comeback to asked me a third time if she heard me correctly. Now the food, the Nachos or taco salad looked fantastic however I did not order them I only saw them walk by on their way to the table behind me. I ordered a Caesar salad that tasted like no other Cesar salad I have ever had this one had a clear sweet dressing that tasted almost like sugar water with lemon squeezed in it. The chucked was flavorless and dry and I am 90% was just a reheated pre cooked, frozen Costco grade chicken. The chicken on my mothers sandwich was also the same shape so they may have even been processed chicken patties. The four of us got a chicken Cesar salad, chicken sandwich, beef tip sliders & some other sandwich all of which aside from the beef sliders were horrendous. All of this said I would go back because their beer was great.
(3)Ed P.
A couple of weekends ago I made it into the newly opened Taft's Ale House for the first time. Taft's now occupies a previously abandoned church in Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati's oldest remaining Protestant church building, which had previously sat vacant since 1993. Since Taft's opening on April 6 I had seen plenty of pictures of the magnificent renovation but I was still completely blown away by the work. Our group started in Nellie's, the downstairs bar, but couldn't get a drink before our table upstairs was ready. One member of our used the NoWait app before our arrival to get us on the waiting list and I was impressed by how will it worked. The main restaurant area occupies what would have been the church. There are two levels of dining areas, which make good use of the space while still allowing all visitors to marvel at the beautiful structure. Above the bar are some serving tanks and a list of beers on tap. Taft's has opened with a very impressive list of ten beers. Everything from a German Pilsner to a milk stout and eight other styles in-between. The Mooly Wooly coffee milk stout was a quick favorite of mine. Nellie's Key Lime Caribbean Ale was another that really stood out and I'm hearing reports that this beer may soon be available in cans to go. I didn't have time for dinner on this visit but I'm sure I will be back soon for a full meal. I did try a few tots with the house made ketchup and they were delicious. I can't wait to try more!
(5)Mary P.
I was able to start my opening day bar crawl here and was not disappointed, to say the least. The idea of 'First Pitch, First Pull' was pretty cool and I liked that my first beer was called first pitch. It was ok, drinkable, not the best pale ale I've ever had but it was a fine start. The key lime beer was absolutely delicious, as well as the cherrywood amber. I tried to order a flight of beer and watched other groups drink them in front of me, but for some reason the bartender said they weren't doing them because of opening day. No harm no foul, I'll just have to try then next time. I had some friends concerned about how crowded it would be, but the space is so huge we didn't have a problem. The main room is cool and open, plenty of space for large crowds on game day. I did go to the bathroom on the first flood and was surprised when a man casually used the women's while I was inside... Not sure if he was a little more sauced than everyone else! We stayed mostly in the basement bar, which is my favorite space and has windows outside. Next time I will have to try the food and I hope to give this place 5 stars. I will say that for any non beer drinkers this brewery is a much better bet than places like rheingeist, since it has liquor too.
(4)E H.
In Cincinnati for a conference and stopped in here for a bite and brew. There was a celebration for Red Bike's birthday as well as the Taft. The atmosphere was great, the food very tasty, and beer cold and refreshing!
(5)Kate D.
Awesome decor, great food and stellar beer. Its just 2 blocks from Washington Park, and is a great addition to the neighborhood. They have done amazing work with that space - I can't wait to go check out the speakeasy in the basement!
(5)Phil D.
This place is a shining example of how to properly pump life into the old buildings of OTR. The decor and restoration job is absolutely astounding. Pictures really don't do it justice. The sheer size and level of detail of the building really needs to be witnesses first hand. But it's not just the architectural achievements that make Taft's a must-visit. This microbrewery delivers with great beer and food to match. First, the beer. Get the Culebra coconut brown. Just do it, please. But don't ask me to try and pronounce it. It sounded a little weird at first, but man is it a delicious beer. I also threw back a glass of their chocolate porter, brewed with chocolate from Findlay Market's Maverick Chocolate, that I would highly recommend as well. I've kind of stuck with these two so far as I feel like I hit the jackpot on my first try so I'm playing it safe. But the other people in my group all seemed to like their choices. For a place that just opened up, its clear they did their homework / testing properly when perfecting the recipes. Second, the food. Oh that tri-tip steak. Get that stuff on a sandwich and scarf it down. The meat has distinct, heavy smoked features that give it some great flavor. I will admit, some people in the group thought it was a little too strong, but I thought it was great. They have several options of sandwiches, but I can vouch that both "Border" and "Bacon Cheddar" are great choices. Taft's is a great establishment that I would bet becomes the cornerstone of the next wave of renovations in OTR. Can't wait to head back.
(5)Eugene K.
Beautiful restoration of a historic Cincinnati church. They did a really good job on the renovation. I recently went in for a sandwich to go (something with trip tip and bacon), it wasn't bad but nothing to sing home about. Slightly overpriced for the size and no sides... For the money I would go somewhere else on vine street. Can't speak for the beers or the tap room.
(3)Eli D.
We came for a beer and dinner. The place is huge, spread vertically across several levels; a lot of $$ was spent creating these spaces. The food was typical of pub fare quality, i.e., greasy, fried, not much goin' on, etc; so I'm having difficulty understanding what all the commotion is about. My steak sandwich was ok, but that's it. The chicken wings were awful -- cold and tasteless but for the sauce that was squirted onto them. My beer was ok, but I only had one, the session ale, and didn't try any of their other offerings. I will be back to try the other beers, definitelty, but I would be perfectly fine with never eating their food again.
(3)Marshal T.
Solid! In an ambitious project like this, there are a lot of chances for things to go wrong. But these guys delivered on the beer, the food, the service and the beautiful interior. This is not "foodie food," more like good tavern fare. The tri-tip steak was flavorful, tender, and a great companion to beer. The smoky grilled wings were great. They kept the menu a manageable size and it shows in the consistent quality of everything we ordered. And a good value to boot. We tried the pale ale, saison, seasonal lager, and the chocolate stout. The pale ale and saison were the favorites, although none were a failure. The stout was a little too chocolatey, which I loved but my friend didn't care for. It was decently busy on a Thursday and the service was friendly. A great complement to the existing food scene down there.
(4)Sean B.
I really can't say enough good things about this place! Stepping into the Ale House is a treat all its own. Walking up the steps to the main floor is enchanting. We were promptly and politely greeted as we stepped up to the greeter. She explained the three floors and the options available. The main floor consists of a bar and community seating. It's a bit loud, but a great atmosphere. The upstairs provides great views and a nice place to look down over the main area or to look out the huge windows that surround the place. Finally, the downstairs tap room is a nice and quieter area to grab a drink and enjoy some conversation. We were there to grab a few drinks before heading elsewhere to eat, but from what I saw of the food, eating here would be a wise choice. Of the beer tried, my favorite had to be the Culebra Cut Coconut Brown. A very unique tasting beer that I highly recommend if you like coconut at all. We tried all the beers that were on tap. One I really wanted to like, but just couldn't get past the overpowering coffee taste was the Mooly Wooly coffee milk stout. This place will only grow in popularity as the word gets out. For it being the first week in operation, the service was very good. Looking forward to a return trip for another pint of Culebra and to try the food. Cheers!
(5)An N.
The beer is good but I love the food here. It's really good and plus the experience is a little different too. Located in OTR so check it out.
(5)Alyssa F.
It might be one of the most approachable breweries in Cincinnati. We tried all ten beers by having two samplers, which were the cheapest samplers I've ever had at $1/beer or $10 for everything. Awesome sauce. I also liked 9/10 beers. This is really surprising to me because even though I like beer, I tend to not like all beers. I think all their beer is really great and sometimes creative, like the coconut brown ale that was delicious (and I don't even like coconut!). I also appreciate that their beer is not really craft-tasting. This may turn some people off, but my Dad doesn't like craft beer (he says it all tastes like vegetable soup) and I told him that even he would like the beer here, and I think that's good. My boyfriend joked that this was the "hofbrauhaus of Cincinnati" and I tend to agree, but in a good way. They serve such a diverse range of beer that there will be something for everyone, from a german kolsch to a dark chocolate porter. We didn't try any food, yet, but heard from friends that it's great. The space is, of course, awesome. TONS of space throughout three levels, and the best part is that there's a bar on each level so there won't be tons of waiting.
(5)Gnarly G.
The space is incredible, that's the first impression of Taft's, but once you get your bearings and order up some food and some beer you can see that they aren't a one trick pony. They offer up some fantastic brews that run the gamut, with things to please any drinkers palate that might walk through the door. The food? Dear goodness... The tri-tip sandwiches completely live up to the hype around them. Perfect for dinner, and even better for classy bar food. Phenomenal.
(5)Karen D.
Welcome addition to OTR and Cincinnati craft beer scene! Amazing renovation of old church into classic beer hall, but note it can be noisy especially when you sit upstairs as we did, due to the high ceilings the sound carries! Great beer as Kevin Moreland, who formerly was at Listermann's/Triple Digit as opened his dream location honoring Cincinnati history the Taft's and passion for beer! I started with a sampler of Nellie's Keylime Caribbean, WKRP, Claude of Zeply, For Pete's Sake and Maverick Chocolate porter. All were good some better than others, I liked For Pete's Sake and Maverick Chocolate porter the best, which has Maverick chocolate in it! Then on to the food, their specialty, which is on most of the menu is tri tip steak. I had the Alehouse sandwich and my friend went with the same. We devoured the tots, which were okay, nothing special & the sandwich was just okay, I had to ask for more red ranch sauce because the bread & sandwich were so dry. Taft is great to enjoy a great craft beer, but if you're hungry & looking for a meal you can find plenty of great places nearby.
(4)Julie F.
The food was delicious! The service was great! The plates that came out were better than picture perfect. We will definitely be back!
(5)Santeri P.
Taft's Ale House is a great place for a beer and a good steak sandwich. I stopped in on a Sunday and had a really enjoyable experience. I'll start with the beer since it is a brewery. There were ten beers on tap when I visited and I had the opportunity to try them all. It's a nice range of beer that makes it possible for pretty much everyone to find a beer they like. Ranging from lighter and drinkable, to hoppy and aromatic, to dark and full-bodied none of the beers were disappointing. My favorites were Nellie's Keylime Caribbean Ale, Saison de Paulus, Gavel Banger IPA, and the Maverick Chocolate Porter. The Keylime is a wheat beer that is just so perfectly refreshing that it could easily become a go-to hot summer day beer. It's a good balance of noticeable but not overwhelming citrus. The Saison is also a nice refreshing beer with great dry carbonation and lower alcohol to make it another great summertime beer. The IPA is a pretty standard American IPA with good hops that satisfies the taste buds from the first sip. The Chocolate Porter tastes so much like a dark chocolate bar that it is amazing. If you like dark chocolate and beer I recommend you give this beer a try and it also satisfies as a good porter. The ale house also serves food and while I would say they tried to stick with the concept of bar food they also tried not to just generically serve burgers and wings (although they do have smoked wings). They have some delicious sounding salads and although I didn't try one this time, the next time I go I think I will have to try the Cabo Chop Salad. The Alehouse sandwich with thinly sliced tri-tip steak, crispy onions, bleu cheese, and red ranch sauce was delicious. It had a large amount of steak on it and a pile of the crispy onions and enough of the other ingredients so that I tasted each one with each bite. I also tasted the Border sandwich which was steak but with pepper jack cheese and chipotle sauce. The smokiness and spiciness of the chipotle settled in your mouth after a moment of chewing and was good but I liked the Alehouse better. The side of tater tots were crispy and came with a nice dipping sauce but they were only room temperature instead of hot from the fryer. The menu also had multiple more variations on the steak sandwich, a chicken sandwich, salmon sandwich and a portobello sandwich. You can also get these items in non-sandwich form like a steak or filet. The main room which has two floors is a fantastic place to hang out. Since the building is an old church it consists mainly of a large open space which is perfect for a brewery. It also makes for a nice variety of choices when it comes to seating. The center area is kind of like a beer hall with rows of picnic tables. At the back of the room is a large bar with bar seating. On one side of the main room there is a small side room with high top tables that are by the windows so you can get some natural light and a street view. The top floor is a wrap around balcony or loft space giving a view down to the main level. There are two-person and four-person tables, a big round table, bar seating and a nice lounge area that has upholstered chairs and sofas with end tables. Overall, it's a versatile space with options for how you want to spend your time. There is apparently also a street level bar which would make it the lowest level but I didn't even notice it so it might not be totally obvious from the main area. I will have to investigate on a future visit. I enjoyed my experience at Taft's Ale House and will certainly return. Good beer, good food, and a cool space are the ingredients for a good time. Go check it out and enjoy yourself!
(4)Stephen G.
Don't come here if a) you want to have any kind of conversation with the people you have come here with -or- b) you appreciate good value for money quality food This place may win an award as THE noisiest drinking establishment in OTR. As if every table's chitterchatter was not enough to raise volume levels, Taft's also decides to play a selection of 'classic rock' (a.k.a. "crock") over a sound system that is turned up way too high and which, from the third floor sounds as distorted as hell over the other noise. Both times we have tried this place I have expected the server to use sign language to communicate with us and for us to have to use it back... just to place an order. CRAZY loud environment and extremely off-putting, so much so that we have consigned Taft's to somewhere near the very bottom of our list of OTR destinations. Whilst the beer selection is excellent ($5 for a five choice flight is an excellent 'gateway drug') the food is hugely disappointing. A lack of variety and price points representing poor value for money (IMHO) make me believe the owners will have to quickly rethink the menu to retain any repeat (quite possibly already deaf) custom. The steak tip salad I had on our second visit featured more lettuce than a rabbit's orgy and scarce steak. What was there seemed the wrong side of raw, meaning I left $8 or more behind in the bowl. The place looks great. The locale is great. However, the overall experience is TOO LOUD and underwhelming to want us to return in any kind of a hurry.
(2)Charles C.
What a hidden gem of a bar! I ordered their awesome tri-tip sandwich and Guatav lager. I love the atmosphere, renovated church, and the wait staff is no less than amazing! I wish I lived in Cincinnati if only to frequent this bar.
(5)Red P.
I get to OTR as often as anyone will go with me so I was looking forward to meeting my cousin for some exploration. I decided it was a lovely night so I walked from Newport, a pretty ambitious task but worth the scenery. I walked past Party in the Park, the Reds game, corn hole on the square and Zumba in Washington Park. The city was alive and well!! We met at the Senate but they were packed and the night was extraordinarily beautiful and I couldn't bear the thought of packing in for a hot dog. She had become a big fan of Taft's Ale House and now, so am I. If you've been there you know what I mean, if not, what are you waiting for? it's a little further up the neighborhood but well worn the walk. Taft's used to be St. Paul's Evangelical Church, one of the oldest protestant parishes in the queen city. The owners of the establishment did an amazing job of renovating it into a hot, trendy hangout for OTR. I love that it has multiple floors and offers a spacious place to meet up and drink with friends. Over in the corner I saw the mayor with a group so felt I was in pretty good company. You never know who you will see there! I've visited a few times now and the tator tots are required on each visit. They are crispy yummy and served with a house made ketchup. I've tried the Tri-Tip Steak bites and the Big Billy, a messy steak sandwich well worth the effort. The food comes out freaky fast which is nice but also makes me wonder.... how did they do that? The menu offers a variety of good options from salads to platters so there is something for everyone. I don't the Taft's is a culinary destination but it's definitely a destination that I always up for! You really have to visit to appreciate the incredible atmosphere the former church offers up for us looking to toss back a cold one!
(4)Beth K.
First stop here on a recent brewery bus tour and what a great way to kick off the afternoon! Tried a flight of the Cherrywood, First Pitch, Nellie's Keylime, For Pete's Sake, and Maverick - big fan of the Cherrywood and Maverick. Tip: have the bartender mix the Maverick Chocolate Porter with the Culebra Coconut for a tasty brew! Solid atmosphere here and will definitely be back. Didn't have a chance to try any food this trip, but can't wait to check it out!
(4)Marie E.
The space is awesome! Love the third floor the best. The beer was just ok. Will definitely go back
(4)Kelly M.
Beautiful space, hands down. Lots of options for beers. Different spaces depending what you're in the mood for, from a secret basement bar, to the main room, to the balcony. The steak sandwiches are yummy. Go see it!
(4)Ella E.
I've already been here twice and plan on making this my go-to brewery. I'm not a beer girl but I like at least two beers. They also have hard liquor which makes it enjoyable for all those non-beer drinkers. The venue is beautiful inside and huge. It's also welcoming and has TV's for games that are on. I really enjoyed eating the smoked wings and drinking the Saison beer.
(5)Katie W.
Awesome decor, beer and food! I wouldn't normally order a burger, but after the waiter's recommendation for their tri-tip, I'm so glad that I did. We could tell that they're still working out some kinks, still being new, but overall it was a great dinner and drink spot. The entrance had us confused- we entered on the bar side through an unmarked door, but just to the left is the main entrance when you walk up the stairs to the main dining area. It was fun to check out the whole building and would love to learn more about the history of the place. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Dana A.
I LOVE this place! Man it is so cool! It's absolutely beautiful. The beer is good too, I love the Cherrywood but I think they also have an Octoberfest right now that is really good. So beer is good, and the atmosphere is great too. Go up stairs if only to have a drink, it's really a cool view. This is on my list of places to take people who are visiting from out of town. The food I did not care for. I had two sandwiches one with the Billy something which was their signature sandwich and then something else (probably had bacon on it). The sandwiches were not that great, they were really breadey. I like bread of course and yes this is a sandwich but I think the bun could have been smaller, the toppings didn't stay on that well. The overall taste was just kinda bland, I wasn't into it. I also had sweet potato fries which were not that special. I went for a second time this weekend and just had beers. I do believe that there is generally quite a wait for sit down. But they will text you when your table is ready so you can wander. The neighborhood surrounding the restaurant has some beautiful architecture and cool murals, definitely take the time to walk around. Washington park is beautiful at night too and very short walk. I'll be back and you shouldn't miss it! (Oh yeah, one last important note, it is LOUD in here. Like very loud) (still worth it)
(5)Brandy V.
Stopped in yesterday before heading down for Opening Day, and had a great time! We lucked out and didn't even have to wait for a table! I had the fried chicken sandwich and some tater tots and they were both really good. The people sitting next to us had the sliders and said they were great. We will definitely be back! Our server, I believe her name was Ashley, was really good, especially considering how busy it was!
(4)Aaron R.
Absolutely amazing beer, food and service! Tried them out on opening day, who would have thought a restaurant and brew house could be so perfect on opening day! Great work Taft's ! Keep it up!
(5)Katie M.
Great food, service and atmosphere, and this place fits the bill for the new Cincinnati theme of brew houses. The decor is gorgeous. Sit upstairs and look down on the main level. There are a wide variety of in-house brewed suds with a 5 sample flight for only $6. The menu is limited and mostly sandwiches but pretty good. We added tots on each of our meals for $3 each and it's worth it. The meat is smokey so be advised if that's not your thing. All in all good service at a lively happening venue in OTR. -1 for lack of menu options and noise level.
(4)Paige M.
Taft's is great for trying out some beers or grabbing some food. Tried lots of the beers on a brewery tour and enjoyed every one. They also do some cool things with beer mixing that make some really tasty and unique drinks. Food is great, I have yet to have something I don't like. Service is really good as well!
(4)Justin K.
I joked that this is Cincinnati's own version of the Hofbräuhaus while here, because it kind of has that feel to it. Centered around long benches for seating like an old German beer hall, the place is just massive. It has three floors, the first floor was just your standard bar which was a bit smallish. The second floor was where the kitchen shares a space with I'd say 30 long benches for dining and drinking, a long bar, and a room off to the side with a couple of high tops. The third floor consisted of tables and a corner area with couches and flat screen TV's. We split two beer flights that had all of their beers. I was quite surprised at how inexpensive the beer flights were. Two beer flights of 10 beers was only $10.00! None of their beers really blew me away at all, I'd say average to above average for most of them, but that's fine. To me Taft's Ale House would be somewhere I would take my parents or celebrate something because there is so much room, but probably not a destination, pack it in for the night hangout. I definitely want to go back and try their food though, the menu looked fantastic!
(4)Cathleen W.
Remodeled old church which is really beautiful but noisy. I had the salmon entree which was cooked to perfection. Served with mashed potatoes and gravy (which as kind of strange) corn on the cob and really good corn bread (on the sweet side). This dinner cost $19., maybe a little high but the place is just beautiful on the inside! Beers are $5 mixed drinks $6.
(3)Suzy W.
This place is amazing! The food is so good! I cannot believe how delicious my sandwich was. I wanted to order several more so I could have them at home for the rest of the week. Also kid friendly as well! Awesome atmosphere as well. The music in the bathroom was a little bit loud though. You can get a sampler of their different alcoholic beverages for only $5! We will differently be coming back on a regular basis!
(5)Haley S.
Awesome location for good beer! The renovated church is a must-see, where much work was put into maintaining the architectural detail! This is a unique place and a great place to hang out with friends. I have been to Taft's Ale House 3 times, only once ordering food/appetizer (which was great!). Next time I will definitely be ordering some more smoked wings! Their beers are great, definitely something for everyone! Favorites are the Caruso, Key Lime Ale, and City Flea. Flights of beers are CHEAP ($5) and definitely the way to go to taste all their varieties of beer they offer!
(5)Spencer M.
Awesome bar. The coconut beer is now my favorite beer, not too overpowering, just the perfect amount, and very smooth. I have told way too many people about it. The inside is like no other bar in Cincy With three levels and being an old church, it is something to check out.
(5)Emily E.
Hubs and I stopped in after dinner to check out the newest joint in OTR and we really enjoyed ourselves. We didn't eat as we have just been at Senate, but the food smelled AWESOME! The beer flight was fantastic and the bar tenders were extremely pleasant and helpful! We will most certainly be back for dinner and more drinks soon! ! ! ! Check it out!
(4)Jason D.
Excellent beer. I mean seriously excellent beer. And a positively beautiful place, with an industrial, almost steampunk look. The food is great, but I'd warn the vegans out there that it's a pretty carnivorous menu. Parking can be a little tricky, but you're not too fat from the parking garage at Washington park, and it's a nice walk.
(5)Thanh L.
This place is gorgeous! They renovated a church which was a great idea since the place is huge! Aside from all the beers to choose from, the food is really good! I didn't expect a burger to be so delicious. Bartenders are friendly too.
(5)Heidi F.
Excellent food, beer, and service!!! I recommend the Maverick and the "almond joy"...you have to ask for it!
(5)Jared T.
Went during lunch time and grabbed some food. I tried their wings and tots. The smoked wings were excellent, but I'm a sucker when it comes to chicken wings. Good sauce and smoked to perfection. The tots were crispy and nicely seasoned with a different sauce that was quite tasty. I'll have to get back and try some beers...
(4)Kaitlin R.
Delicious beer and food! Nellie's Keylime is so good and refreshing! Don't leave without trying the smoked wings and tri tip! Sooooo good!
(5)Michael T.
9 million well spent. The decor is very cool. I liked the wings. I only had one issue. I watched numerous servers walk by our table when we had dirty dishes, our server Lindsay grabbed them asa she saw them but others just walked on by. Meat was perfectly cooked. Will be stopping in again
(5)Katie B.
Very cool spot for lunch! Service was friendly and fast, and the food was fantastic. Their sandwiches are delicious, and someone I was with ordered a Cobb salad (the "Cabo Salad") which also looked amazing. After we ate, we walked around the second floor galley to check out the bar up there and look more closely at the architecture. We made our way out via the speakeasy at street level.
(4)Aly M.
This is the most aesthetically pleasing bar in the city. The beers are great and so are the bartenders.
(5)Amber C.
The Taft Ale House has it all - great food with a unique menu, multiple floors with multiple bars, and an absolutely GORGEOUS setting! It is so beautiful in there! The appetizers are awesome! All my waiters there have been helpful and nice!
(5)Mike G.
The food was really good. I got the big billy and it had a nice smokey flavor. The beer and atmosphere was even better. It seems like a bar from an older time and the staff is very friendly. The Nellie key lime beer was great and they have a chocolate porter that has maverick chocolate added to it! Seems like a place that president Taft would have like to gone to and had a drink or two.
(5)Brennan B.
The inside of Taft house is amazing. It's very cool what they did with the old Church. The food there was pretty decent, four out of five, but the beer was amazing. The only thing is the place is very loud and it's hard to hear the person next to you.
(4)Endre P.
The place is very interesting, a remodeled large church. Staff is really friendly. We asked to reseat us and they did it with a smile. Great Selection of beers. Their signature dish, the tri tip stake was awful. A few of us ordered it as main dish , addition to be part of one of the appetizer. None of us could eat it it was do chewy.
(3)Doug W.
There are a lot of brewpubs. There are a lot of bad beers at some of the most popular brewpubs. But at Taft's I found great beers! I sampled the stronger Ales and Porter but I am not a bitter beer drinker. So the 27 Pils was perfect for me, balanced, great tasting beer. And Ron the bartender was the best! We were there with a group and he picked the perfect appetizers for us as we chatted, he gave us the minute tour of the history of the building, and he was just all-around great and someone I would visit Taft's again to see.
(5)Rick S.
The Taft's Ale House has it going on. Three floors with a great cozy-up bar on each level. This is a beer palace. Make no mistake, but they also serve some pretty good food. The chicken wings are char-grilled delicious and the tip steak salad is great. It's communal bench eating, so this might not be the place if your looking for intimacy. It was a church and now it's a beer church. Good fun. Lot's of noise. Friendly!
(4)Money P.
During the All Star weekend festivities I had a party of twenty friends meet at Taft's for dinner and drinks. Anticipating a horrible wait and unbearable crowds, I intended on showing up hours in advance to secure a spot in their wait line. Using their No Wait app and getting there only thirty minutes early, we were received by the hostesses, given their side room called the library and had our own server, Kay. She was a fantastic server, even gave me a candle in my mashed potatoes! I honestly couldn't have asked for a better birthday experience; great food, superb service and awesome beer. Definitely recommend for a birthday, dinner gathering or any type of celebration!!!
(5)Corina C.
Thanks you Rob & Chris for showing us the best Steak bites ever. Love the beer selection. Awesome staff. It's a must visit!
(5)Ruby H.
We tried Taft's Ale House a couple weekends ago with some friends and I love the decor of this place. We did have somewhat of a wait, but it was a Saturday afternoon. I had the Tri-Tip Steak Salad because I am on a diet. I liked the salad, but the steak was like a medium-rare and I prefer my steak to be cooked longer than that. My friends got various sandwich/burger/fries combinations and beer and they seemed to be pleased with them.
(4)Michael S.
Beers are acceptable, not great. Food was about the quality of a Denny's- nothing at all special. The location is good, the building is awesome but LOUD. We enjoyed ourselves fine, but won't be back. There are just so many better options in the immediate area.
(3)Matt C.
I went in here to have a few drinks this weekend just to check it out. I absolutely loved the feel of this place. The staff were all super friendly. The food looked and smelled delicious. The beer is well done. I will definitely go back here especially to try the food.
(4)Nolan L.
This place is great. Had no idea what tri tip steak was before going in but left being a huge fan. The Maverick porter was a delicious beer with a cool local twist. Atmosphere was fun and upbeat. Communal seating so avoid if you're not a fan.
(4)Mike W.
The ambiance in itself is worth the visit. The food is great, and the brewery is cool. Well worth the experience.
(5)Laura S.
I came here last weekend during a trip to Cincinnati on my birthday. I currently live in Boston but I had to stop by to see this new brewery that opened up since I left the area-- it did not disappoint. The building itself, as well as the design, is incredible. Worth it enough just to sip a beer and take in the atmosphere.. Then the beers I had were quite good as well. I wish this had opened up earlier while I was attending UC!
(5)Butchie M.
A true gem. That is what this establishment is, all around. Taft's Ale House is going to be a fixture in OTR for many years to come. A few more places of this magnitude and OtR is going to become a serious destination for foodies and beer enthusiasts alike. We had flights allowing us to try each beer on the menu. All were of high quality. I particularly enjoyed the cocoa porter and the cherrywood. In the future I would love to see a higher gravity IPA on the menu. But each beer was complex, yet very drinkable, a difficult balance to maintain. High praises all around. For food, I had the big billy sandwich, thin slices of tri tip with caramalized onions and au jus. The charred, smokey taste of the tender tri tip was delicious. I was not expecting much with the tater tots but they were also were crisp and tasty. They even dope up their ketchup with herbs and other ingredients. You know a place is special when you cannot wait to go back, cannot wait to show it to others and experience it with them for their first time. I look forward to my next visit soon.
(5)Allison J.
I spend a lot of time in OTR and have been watching the construction on Taft's since October, so when it opened to the public on Opening Day I was more than excited to go! I was not disappointed, the inside is absolutely beautiful, a great mix of new and old (especially when you see what the building looked like before, it really is impressive). There was a very large crowd (obviously) and the staff was very friendly and they seemed to be all working together to make everyone happy. We only waited for a table for maybe 20 minutes and in the meantime we were able to get a beer and wander around the building. The food was great and very flavorful, the beer was also great. I tried the Cherrywood (yum), the Culebra Cut (very yum, tastes like coconut!) and the Lime Ale (which wasn't my favorite but still drinkable). I will definitely be back, probably a lot!
(5)Ashley N.
I would go here regularly if I lived in the area, and if I ever am in the area again this is the first place I'm going. It was our first and last stop in the 2 days we spent in Cincinnati and it was delicious. Beautiful space, great beer, and amazing food--primarily tri tip and chicken based menu (genius!) Affordable too! Staff was great. There is no doubt this establishment is going to be extremely successful. Brian and nate rock!
(5)Lauren J.
Really enjoyed the atmosphere at Taft Ale House, beautiful church restored! We went there for a drink and the beer was good. I am looking forward to going back to try the food. The service was friendly and helped answer questions we had.
(4)Jenna C.
This is one of the most beautiful spaces in downtown Cincinnati. The remodel of this old church is breathtaking. Not to mention, they serve fantastic beer (and quite a selection) and great food. One of my favorites.
(5)Katharine F.
Everything yes!!! And the coconut beer, delicious. It's also one of the most beautiful ale houses I have ever been to.
(5)Channon S.
Very nice place. I'm sure it helped that I went early before the crowds rolled in. The pub feel downstairs is really nice and the wide sprawling open area upstairs is really cool as well. The food is pretty good too as the chicken wings and roast beef sliders had a really smokey taste. I'm not a big fan of their beers but they can always brew some better ones in the near future I hope.
(3)Patrick G.
Amazing to see what they've done with this renovation! I've been a few times now and have enjoyed all three levels. I've eaten on the main floor once and the food was great and service on point too. The menu is very limited, but the tri-tip sandwiches were great. I really enjoy the basement bar to drink at. We have always posted up in the back room with the couches. I have tried 5-6 of their beers with no complaints about any of them. The Gavel Banger really stands out for me though, it's a very solid IPA.
(5)Dawn H.
Beautiful environment, pleasant bartenders and delicious coconut brown ale! We only had the sliders for a snack with the beer, and they were delicious. I'm looking forward to getting back to try more menu items.
(4)Lizz R.
Good beer. Good food. Great location. Would love a purse hook in the bathroom but that won't stop me from returning!
(5)Becki T.
With a group of 7 (one being a picky toddler) for lunch. Everyone LOVED their meals (sandwiches, salads), including the little guy. Those of us that had an adult beverage were pleased there as well. Great service. Looking forward to going back!
(5)Abbey W.
The beer is all brewed in house and is fantastic. I had the key lime wheat beer and it amazing. Th smoked wings were sooooooo good. For actual food I got the ale house sandwich and tater tots with their sauce. Amazing. Go eat here.
(5)NICK D.
Truly great food and beer in an amazing space.
(5)Steve W.
very impressed. Great atmosphere. Sliders exc
(5)Marc B.
Just had the most mind numbingly stupid experience of my entire life here. Our group had a reserved table for six for a friends birthday. It eventually grew to nine. When the last two people arrived our server refused to serve them because...more money would be terrible I suppose. After they completely ruined the division of checks we gladly took our group elsewhere.
(1)Eddie D.
Drove by the day they opened met some new friends ran into an old friend this place is amazing!! My new favorite bar!
(5)Autumn H.
Beer and bartenders were great! Loved the key lime and coconut options. The city flea beer was also great. SUPER LOUD environment, not a good place for catching up with people you haven't seen in a while. Our food was okay, with the sweet potato fries being the highlight. I got the ale house sandwich and it was pretty good, but I think they forgot the sauce that it was supposed to come with. The girls at the hostess stand did not leave a great first impression. They were too preoccupied talking to one another, I stood there (along with two other women) for about five minutes without so much as a hello or head nod. Having worked in food service, I understand what it's like to be busy. But, acknowledging your guests is a top priority. Our server was okay, could have been a little more attentive, but she got the job done and ultimately we had everything we needed. I would go back for drinks and a snack, but probably not for dinner again. There are several spots I would rather be when it comes to food in otr. But the decor and beer are definitely worth checking out.
(3)Matthew S.
This place is great. I love their tri tip steak. If you are drinking beer, order a flight and mix and match because it is all good. Overall a great addition to the area
(5)Mallory T.
This place is huge. They are a full service bar and offer food on levels 2 and 3. When my fiancé and I went last night, it seemed like each level has it's own personality or group of people at each. The top level seemed more of a younger, louder crowd. The second level is where a bunch of tables are located for eating ( there is hostess so you can't just sit yourself to eat) and also a main bar on the floor. The first floor is a long bar with a few tables off to the side, this level felt more relaxed. We sampled a few beers but I would go with the coconut brown. Not hoppy and a good amount of flavor. Looking forward to trying more things!
(4)Chris N.
Great space with good food. As others have noted its extremely loud. If you want to have a conversation go to the ground level bar. The porter and stout are very good.
(3)heather w.
Went here tonight with friends on a whim. Food was really good and nice portions for good prices. Beer was refreshing. Love that there was different bars within to get a drink. Bit of a wait, but not too bad for a sat night. Only con was the noise level...hard to have a convo anywhere in the place. But still, would def go back!
(5)Chase R.
This place is a must visit, for any resident of Cincy, or anyone visiting. The first thing that hits you is the amazing rehab job of an old Cincinnati church located in OTR. Second thing to hit you is the great beer selection, brewed fresh, on site. The third thing grabbing you is the exceptional food. Beer speaking, my favorite is "first pitch" an American pale ale (instantly on my go-to Cincy beer list). The IPA "gavel banger" is a little dry, but the aroma is on point, and overall it's refreshing. We sampled a few sandwiches, two smacked beef and one chicken (not sure of the names) but they were all legit! Come visit this place soon!
(5)Leslie L.
My advice, go here. It's worth it. My husband saw it on a list of breweries to visit in Cincinnati so we checked it out. Not only was the beer out of this world (coconut porter that tasted amazing) the food was awesome too. We went early and the service was prompt and great. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Konstantin A.
Good selection of beers at the bar in the basement - I enjoyed the chocolate porter, since we went here for "dessert" after dinner. A bit crowded on a Saturday but the service was prompt nonetheless. The space is awesome - old church I mean that speaks for itself.
(4)Travis L.
Great beer! The flights were ONLY $5. That is very cheap, and gives you an opportunity to try all 10 of their beers. The food is smoked with good flavor, except for the wings. If you like Knockback Nats and the Oak wings, do not order these as you will be disappointed. The service however was awful. I have never received this poor service in OTR. I realize it's a fairly new restaurant/brewery, but I went on a Sunday afternoon, not that crowded, and the server forgot our waters, silverware, napkins even after we asked twice! Will come back for the beer.
(3)Susanna B.
Taft's Ale House, though one of the newer players to the craft brewing scene in Cincinnati, has quickly launched to the front of the pack with the quality, taste, and uniqueness of their brews. On a hot summer day, the Nellie's key lime packs quite the refreshing punch and for a decadent, slow simmer, you simply can't beat the chocolate porter made with local Maverick chocolates. The various ales I've tasted there have also been worthy of a second round - you can tell the brewers have high standard for the quality and taste of the ingredients used. The restoration of the church and buildout of the interior spaces is absolutely incredible. You will have a memorable experience whether you're sipping beer in the main hall with the soaring ceilings and brewing tanks at the "altar" or bellying up to the downstairs bar with its art deco decor and speak-easy feel. In addition, they also offer decent bar food to accompany their beers. While a little on the heavier side, the food, particularly the wings and sliders, certainly fits the bill when you need a little something to counterbalance the alcohol.
(5)Steven M.
Great beers. My wife likes the Key Lime, and I like the Pale Ale. Their Tri-Tip sandwiches have always been good, however, the wings have been hit or miss for me. A few times they were very good, and a couple of other times they were sub-par (too small, over cooked, tough). However, it's a great spot with a very cool interior, and we love popping in here for a quick drink and a bite when we're in the area.
(4)Nathan U.
Wow, what a great place. The beer is fresh and cold. The service is amazing considering how crowded it was. The price was fair and the food was amazing. Edit- went back just a week later and all of the meat was way heavy on the smoke flavor. Not good. Still great beer, service and atmosphere.
(4)Victoria K.
My parents have been raving about Taft's Ale House for a few weeks now, so two of my friends & I headed down to check it out Sunday night after Shakespeare in the Park. The interior is absolutely gorgeous. History buffs, architecture nerds & Cincinnati lovers alike need to visit simply to check out this awesome re-purposed space. Housed in an old church, the decor lends itself well to its new purpose as a beer hall. I tried a new beer, a citrus-y IPA called Citrus Paradise. One of my new favorite beers, and a great IPA for someone like me who is just getting into them. My friends tried a few different ones, including the Key Lime Ale, City Flea, and 7th Inning Stretch. All were good choices. The food selection is definitely heavy on meat, so keep that in mind if you're going with friends who tend to eat healthier. I opted for the Big Billy Sandwich with a side of tots. Our server suggested adding a slice of provolone to the sandwich, which I highly recommend. The sandwich was savory and delicious, and the dipping sauce for the tots was so good, I'm still having dreams about it days later. I'll definitely be back! As a whole, it's better for a drinking destination, not so much a place for dinner.
(4)Maggie B.
Seriously good beers and some tasty food. The renovated church is an amazing backdrop to the meal. They make all of their brews in house. The Summer ale was light and smooth. The coffee one tasted exactly like eating chocolate covered coffee beans. The flights are very reasonably priced. We started with the sampler which was huge. The sweet potato fries rock and the onions are quite good as well. The wings were OK. A little fatty and the sauce was odd. The sliders were good but could have used a sauce. We split the Alehouse sandwich and couldn't finish it. It had great flavor. The meat is well seasoned and sliced thin in the sandwich. The onions set it off perfectly. Their beers rotate all the time and I excited to see their other selections. The salads coming out of the kitchen looked amazing. Overall a solid meal and drinks.
(4)Tiera A.
I absolutely love Taft's Ale House! They really did an awesome job restoring the old church and preserving some of the original charm. Inevitably, this place gets crowded on weekends so I prefer to go on weekday evenings and early afternoon on Saturdays. I love that the place is huge, especially by OTR standards. Three levels, three bars, three different feels! The first level is a standard bar area that's pretty laid-back. They have a full bar and a bunch of beers on tap. The next level is the dining area. When you get to the second level, you feel the mood change. The energy picks up and so does the noise level. This isn't a bad thing though, it's kind of cool. On this floor, you can order food and sit at one of the large communal picnic-like tables. Every time I'm on this floor, it's evident that people are enjoying themselves. The third level is a bit more chill than the second level. You can eat and order food up there as well. That area is reserved for those who want to have a more intimate dining experience. The tables are much smaller so there's usually a wait. This is more restaurant style. This place is a great addition to the OTR family. It's a nice change from a lot of the other local breweries that are much more industrial and a lot less inviting. Check out Taft's Ale House, I know you'll love it!
(5)Elizabeth R.
I've been here several times, but I'm just now finally getting around to write a review. The decor is so great. It is all so pretty and well done. You can tell they really put a lot of work into making the place look nice. I've had several different beers and have enjoyed most of them. Nellie's Key Lime Caribbean Ale is a nice and refreshing offering. Pretty light. The City Flea is a Session Pale Ale and also very nice. The Claude de Zeply is a Strong Wit style which I really enjoyed. I really like IPAs, and enjoy both the Gavel Banger and 7th Inning Stretch. But the must try beer is the Maverick Chocolate Porter. There is such a lovely taste of chocolate, that makes this beer one that I will keep coming back for. I had the Coconut Caruso which was the only one I didn't care for - a little too coconutty for my liking. On to the food - if you do not order something with the tri-tip steaks, then you are making a huge mistake! My favorite so far is the Ale House Sandwich - with steak, alehouse onions (these are amazing!!), bleu cheese, and red ranch sauce. The steak is cooked perfectly with a smoky flavor. So good! I got the tots as a side and those come with more red ranch sauce for dipping - pretty sure I could just drink that stuff! I have no complaints on service here - everyone I have encountered is friendly and knowledgeable. Wait times can be hit or miss. I've been on a Saturday evening and waited an hour, but I've also come on a Friday evening when there was less than a 10 minute wait. I think it probably depends on what else is going on in OTR. This is a welcome addition to the food and drink scene already established in OTR. Obviously, since I've already been here a few times, there's a good chance I'll be back even more!
(5)Danae B.
Seriously, this place just keeps getting better and better. Definitely try the Chocolate porter that is made with locally sourced ingredients from Maverick's Chocolates. Also, I have yet to have food from here that isn't EXCELLENT! This visit I went with the Cabo Chopped Salad and it was so fresh! The staff was excellent. Since our group was there to have a book club meeting they put us in a private room that was quiet so we could discuss. It was awesome.
(5)David B.
Really great beer and top notch food can make this a great place to lose an afternoon. The layout is interesting if not conducive to a real bar feeling, but the workers are nice and knowledgeable. On my must stop spots for C city from now on. It's in a really cool building, but take cautions walking around too late at night.
(4)Bianca D.
Wow! The decor and ambiance are breathtaking in this place. An old church never looked better. A gatsby kind of feel takes over the 3rd floor and just amazes me. The tots were fabulous with curried ketchup on the side. The tritip platter was amazing. Tender tender beef, amazing moist and sweet cornbread, mashed potatoes on point, asparagus charred perfectly. I had a second order of tots for dessert. My flight of beer was amazing. Coconut brown and key lime ale were our favorites!
(5)Daniel W.
Take a cool old church, add some great craft beer and amazing food and you get Taft's Ale House. Whether you're grabbing food upstairs or a drink in the tap room you can't go wrong. Soak in the history of OTR with great food. Drink a great beer on tap, you can't go wrong.
(5)Jillian B.
A different experience every time you go. I have been to Taft's Ale House 3 times now. The first was just for drinks on a weekend, the second was for happy hour after work and the third was for my birthday dinner. I can truly say all were enjoyable. 1.) Try out all the spaces. There is the main floor with it's wooden picnic table style dining, The upstairs with the amazing view but a bit more crowded, and the lower level which is has a darker speak easy vibe. 2.) Get the flight. Only $5 and you get a great variety. Worth it to find a beer you enjoy and since their brews are constantly changing it keeps you on your toes. 3.) Onion straws. Need I saw more. Great as an appetizer or in lieu of french fries. Just do it- they are sooo gooood. 4.) Take advantage of Washington Park. The garage is locate just one block away and if street parking isn't feasible this is a cost effective option. Usually only $3 and if your lucky there will be live music or an event at the park. Embrace Cincinnati's Craft Brew culture and TREAT YOURSELF!
(5)Brian B.
Stopped in here on a road trip on advice of a friend who lives in Cincy and ... Wow. Heard they spent millions on renovating this place and it totally shows. Beautiful three-level bar in an old church. Everything looks somehow brand new and like it's straight out of the 1920s at the same time. Worth a visit just for the architecture and atmosphere. Oh and also, they make their own beer! They had 12 on tap when I went. I tried the chocolate porter, the brown and the IPA. All were excellent. Food, which focuses on BBQ and tri-tip steak, was also outstanding and came out super fast. Only drawback of this place is the neighborhood is still developing and can be a bit sketchy. But I loved everything else about it and will definitely be back next time I'm in Cincinnati.
(5)Justin K.
We came here while visiting Cincinnati for the Flying Pig Marathon. I saw this place on Yelp and I had to come. This was a beautifully renovated Episcopal Church that was turned into a brew pub. The basement contains just a bar, the second floor is where the restaurant begins with a bar and dining space and the third floor also contains a bar with additional seating but is open to the diners below. We sat on the second floor and just took in the beauty of this space. So nice. The menu is not very large and consists of mostly sandwiches and salads. They have about 9 beers on tap. I tried their IPA, Pils, Saison and Porter. The beers were decent but nothing to get too excited about. The food here was good as well. I had the steak salad. What really got me is the environment and ambience of this place. I would definitely hang out here if I lived in Cinci. The vibe was energetic and fast paced; the servers were very into the beer and could talk to you about them with no issues. I would definitely recommend taking a trip upstairs and just look down on the dining room. It is absolutely one of the nicest renovations I have ever seen. And the fact that they have turned this place of worship into a place to fun place to gather, a God somewhere has to be smiling on this place, right?
(4)Chrissie V.
Um...excuse me...old abandoned church turned brewery/bar/restaurant?!? Completely cool and innovative without even setting foot there right?? Well it only got better from there. It's nestled into OTR near Washington Park...which I love. I like the Vine St restaurants as much as the next person, I really, really do...but I love that Taft's Ale House is spreading the OTR love. To walk into the restaurant, you walk up this staircase and you just get the feeling that you're walking up to something special. With three floors of impressive chandeliers and fun photos dawning the walls, it's really something to see. On a Saturday night around 7:30-8ish...we had a 45 minute wait...no biggie we went downstairs to the bar to have a drink while we waited. We got EXCELLENT service from all the bartenders! They were out of quite a few of their beers on tap (not surprising since they recently opened and from the looks of things have been hoppin' the whole time), but they still had a good variety. The food though!!! We got the sampler appetizer to start...upon its arrival you know this isn't your average appetizer sampler. The star was BY FAR the tri-tip sliders (my new favorite OTR dish)...BUT the wings were among the best I've ever had and the sweet potato fries were delicious too. On the servers suggestion I got the Hunter Style Stew...O.M.G. The mashed potatoes were flavorful, the tri-tips on top were generously portioned and completely drool-worthy, and the gravy/broth was hearty and carried the dish to another level. If you follow my advice and also get the sampler, this could easily be shared between two people. Worth double the $10 price tag on it! Go there...NOW!
(5)John M.
This is a very cool distinctive one of a kind place to go for a beer. The building is beautiful and the beer is great.
(4)Stephen B.
I cannot say enough good things about Taft's ale house. The beer is fantastic. The food is fantastic. The atmosphere is fantastic. I would give this place 5 stars if it had good beer or food alone, but it has both. I went right after it opened, but it didn't really seem crowded because there is ample seating. I also like that there is a separate downstairs bar. I don't really know what else to say, you should just go check it out for yourself.
(5)Jake B.
I've been to the Taft's Ale House a few times since it's opening and it is really easy to become memorized by your surroundings. The renovations to an old church give it so much charm and character. It is a great place to go for a bite or just to meet up with friends to hang out. The only drawback is that with the high vaulted cathedral ceilings; it can become very loud. I've yet to have dinner there, but I have had some of their beers. There beers are all signatures. I would suggest getting a sampler, so that you can get a feel for all the different types they have. Their beer list has a nice variety, ~10-12 beers on draft, which allows everyone to find something they'll enjoy. A+ for venue and atmosphere
(4)Jessi G.
My experience at Taft's was really a 3.5 star one, but I'll round up to be nice. I wish the service was better! PROS: - LOVED the beer. I was really impressed with the beer at Taft's. My friends and I really liked the Culebra Cut Coconut Brown (my personal favorite, with a beautiful dark color, mild coconut flavor, and light finish) and the Gavel Banger IPA. A lot of my friends are beer snobs, and they thought the beer was top notch! Also, $5 for a flight of beers is a great deal! - Decor is amazing. The renovation to this old church were just beautiful, and the space is very cozy, despite its size. - Tater tots were tasty! We also liked the tri tip meat (tender, juicy, and extra flavorful) and the Cabo Chop Salad (love that it's served in a tortilla chip bowl!). CONS: - Some of the food was good (see above), but some of it just wasn't executed properly. The wings were really bad. They were bland and greasy and only tasted like smoke (they needed salt). The sandwiches were tasty, but the bread wasn't toasted and they were very difficult to eat. Why are they putting enough meat for a huge sub onto a tiny 4" piece of bread? You basically can't even pick it up, so I had to finish it with a fork. I think next time I will get a salad or a platter instead of the sandwiches. - Our service was truly terrible. I'm normally pretty forgiving, especially when a restaurant is new, but they need to train their staff better. First off, when we walked in we asked for a table for 4. They said there was a 45 minute wait, so we asked if we could eat at the bar. The hostess said they weren't serving food at the bar, but then we go to get drinks upstairs and there are people eating at the bar...? And there are empty tables all over the second floor, but we still have to wait another 30 minutes. Our drinks and appetizers came out quickly, but they forgot our waters (we had to ask twice for water). Then the appetizer of chicken wings came, but we didn't have silverware, plates, or napkins. We ate the entire appetizer before our server came back so we couldn't even ask for those things. Eating chicken wings without a napkin is a real mess! Our sandwiches came out, and we didn't have silverware (still), so our waitress had to go back for forks. It was just a huge mess. The beer and ambiance are amazing and enough to make up for the service, but I hope that they get their service up to par with the rest of the OTR restaurants. I will be coming back later once they've worked out their new restaurant issues!
(4)Vicky N.
This place is so unique to Cincinnati. It's a bar that has been converted from an old church, and the interior is absolutely stunning. From the glass-jar chandeliers to the entrance steps, you'll be amazed by how they renovated the space! Since it used to be a church, any live performance will sound spectacular in this building. We were lucky enough to listen to a folksy band play last Sunday night. Also, there is tons of seating here and two floors to choose from, each with a different vibe. Definitely spacious enough to bring a large group together! I can't speak about the food, but the beer is excellent, as expected. My favorite from our selection was the Maverick porter, made using the chocolate from the shop in Findlay Market! It was so rich with flavor and recommended for Guinness lovers. Check this place out for yourself! It's just a short walk from Washington Park.
(4)Stephanie O.
I absolutely love everything about Over the Rhine. I love walking around and seeing all the beautiful architechure, and I ESPECIALLY love when people take the beautiful buildings and make it their own. That's exactly what Taft's did - they changed this church into an insanely nice brewery and pub. Walking in is breathtaking on its own, once you get past having to walk up stairs. Yes, I am that lazy. Don't judge me. My friend and I were sat at one of the family style picnic tables in the middle of the two story restaurant right next to the kitchen. Perry was our server and let me tell you, he was FANTASTIC. He was extremely knowledgeable about the food and drink menu and very down-to-earth and friendly. He had me drink their most popular seller, Nellie's Key Lime Caribbean Ale. It was definitely up my alley - not too hoppy and not dark at all. We started off with the tater tots - not planned, as they had made an extra order and being next to the kitchen, we got to reap the rewards of that. Next time I come here, I'll make sure I order them. I don't even like tater tots but I ate them right up! With parmesan and garlic and a side of their chipotle ketchup, it was the perfect compliment to my beer. Our food arrived shortly after. Olivia ordered a chicken sandwich and I stuck to their speciality, the tri-tip steak sandwich. Both sandwiches were absolutely delicious. The steak is nicely charred and flavored, and the onions were perfectly caramelized. I did find the au jus to be underwhelming, but with the experience we were having I didn't mind one bit. We both had sweet potato fries which were amazing. They were crunchy and seasoned perfectly; it came with a side of pineapple ketchup, which I didn't like solely for the reason that I hate fruit. However, Olivia is a fruit lover, specificially pineapple, and literally licked the dishes clean. Between the ambiance, service, and food, this place is definitely going to be one of my go-to places in OTR. I am excited to bring more friends here to enjoy the experience!
(5)Meghan Q.
This place is so cool and absolutely beautiful inside! (it better be, since the renovation was $10million!) I haven't eaten here yet, but have gone a few times for drinks, there is so much space, it never feels too crowded- which is nice for OTR. Probably my favorite place to take friends when they come to town. I'll be back soon to try the food!
(4)Carrie H.
Let me start off by saying I'm not really a craft beer drinker... I know, I know but I LOVE the craft beer scene in Cincinnati. I feel like most craft beers have that same after taste but the Nellie's Keylime is different. I could drink multiple without getting burnt out on it, so if you aren't into the craft beer scene like me try the Nellie's Keylime it's different and delicious. What's nice about this brewery is they also have soft drinks if you have a non drinker with you which is a very nice touch since they serve food. And since I said food let's talk about it... The food is to die for. I thought it was going to be like bar food but the Alehouse sandwich was better than I ever anticipated. If you are a dipper get an extra cup of the red ranch. Everything about that sandwich makes me mouth water. I also sampled the crispy chicken sandwich and the Border sandwich. Both good but the Alehouse just blew me away. The building is amazing, the woodwork is beyond beautiful. And how can you not love actually having space in OTR? It's a convenient walk from Washington Park parking. I really can't say enough good things about this place and I haven't found any downsides to it yet.
(5)Erica A.
Took my husband here for fathers day, so this is a belated review. For it being Father's Day the wait wasn't too terrible and the service was pretty swift. The only issue I had was that they brought our starter out with our actual meal, not a big deal but is sometimes a pet peeve. The inside of the building is absolutely breath taking. From the dining area upstairs, to the "hole in the wall" bar downstairs, it's just a great building. You can tell it used to be church and they did a great job rehabbing it. The beer is phenomenal. Couldn't find a bad brew. The key lime pie one I tasted made me feel like I was back in Key West. And the food! Oh my the food! The sweet potato fries were perfect! My husbands Border Sandwich was delicious. My chicken and avocado salad was huge and fantastic. This is a definitely a place we'll go back to and a place to really check out if you love local beer and great food!
(4)Molly C.
Love this place - great food (mostly tri-tip based apps and sandwiches) and excellent service. Love the beer too - especially the grapefruit one - really distinctive and delicious. The decor is pretty outstanding with the woodwork done to replicate the old church and period wallpaper and light fixtures. Great place to take people visiting Cincy.
(5)Bekah M.
Amazing building! It is a perfectly remodeled church made into a brewery, restaurant, and bar. The space is so large it makes you want to worship the beer and food that is now served at long wooden 'friend' tables or at private balcony tables. They serve 10 of their own beers. They range from key lime ales(surprisingly good) to chocolate porters. They have something for everyone. You can get 2 flights to try them all. The tri tip steak is great on a salad, sandwich, or by itself with Veges. They have a sandwich with tri tip steak, blue cheese, onion straws and an amazing sauce. The hunter stew is that comfort in a bowl kind of meal. I can't wait until it's cold so I can have a dark beer and the hunter stew to warm my bones. Take a tour of the bar downstairs. They have wallpaper, great old pictures of Taft, and old cool couches. Overall amazing place.
(5)Steven S.
This place is awesome! Love the atmosphere, delicious beers, and location. Check it out if you have thr chance.
(5)Samantha G.
Such a hidden gem. Great brews and great atmosphere. The selection and bartenders take care of you. Only downside is the service for food cause it's a little confusing. I didn't know about this place until my high school friends invited me.
(4)Melanie F.
This place is so freakin' ridiculously big. There are so many spots and nooks and crannies to check out in this place. The exterior building is lovely and quaint but the inside really draws you in. The layout and design of Taft's is something to marvel at. It's GORGEOUS. The branding they do to tie in their logo and good ol' Taft is smart, cheeky and not nauseating. This place has multiple bar areas to check out and it it's two stories. Grab a drink upstairs so you can overlook the ground floor and enjoy the scene. Had a flight of beer and I can;t even remember which ones I got. But they were lovely. Didn't eat here but would love to sometime.
(5)Kara C.
Taft's Ale House is fantastic! It is located inside of an old renovated church and it is absolutely beautiful inside with plenty of seating, which is a welcome change in OTR. There is the main dining area, an upstairs seating area, and a bar in the basement. Each space has it's own unique vibe and all of them are welcoming. Last time we visited there was a live band playing and it was very enjoyable. The beer list at Taft's is solid. I love how creative their beers are, utilizing ingredients such as local chocolate. I recommend doing a flight (for a very reasonable price) to see what you like, then enjoy a pint or two! As far as food, the tri tip steak is what shines. Also, tater tots as a side option!!! Yum! Service here is also great and we got our food and checks in a timely manner. Check out Taft's for a delicious meal accompanied by creative beer in a beautiful space!
(5)Pamela F.
We have been eating Santa Maria tri-tip since our parents in the Santa Barbara area introduced us to it 30 years ago. Never imagined we'd find a tri-tip centered menu in Cincinnati. But, the Ale House has tri tip sandwiches smothered in interesting sauces and cheese. We tried two different beer samplers ($5 for 5) and liked the Key Lime Caribbean Ale, Cherrywood Amber Ale, Culebra Coconut Brown, and the Maverick Chocolate Porter. As we'd just grilled tri-tip for house guests the night before, we split the two chicken breast, mashed potato and asparagus plate but tried our daughters tri tip sandwich which had a fresh artisan bun and juicy tritip thinly sliced in bacon cheddar and red ranch sauce. Restoration is tastefully done preserving unique architectural features. Noise level a bit much. Try the lower level bar for a quieter scene. Old choir loft seems to be the loudest spot.
(4)Kristin A.
If I lived in Cincinnati, I would come here often. I was quite surprised to see this place half empty on a Friday night; I really enjoyed the beers, the staff was very friendly, and the vibe was perfect for those want a little energy but able to have a conversation. As I was alone that night, that last point is less salient, but definitely a positive nonetheless. I also appreciated that I was able to come in as a woman with no companions and order a few beers without getting any weird looks.
(5)Anthony W.
It's a church turned into a resturant. The atmosphere is GREAT! The food was worth the money. The beer was good. I recommend you try it
(4)Stephanie B.
Oh my gosh, the smoked meat here is to die for! I have had BBQ across the country- from Texas to North Carolina- and Taft's is up there with the best! Order anything with the tri-tip steak and you won't be disappointed. The crust of the meat is a fantastic combo of salty and smoky, leaving the center of the meat soft, tender, and full of flavor. There's no need for excessive BBQ sauce or pulling the meat to make it chewable, here- Taft's has mastered the art of smoking and created some of Cincy's best barbeque. I originally went here to get drinks with friends, but I stayed for the food (and atmosphere)! Can't wait to go again. P.S.- Beer selection is also fun! I ended up ordering the Keylime Ale which was smooth and very easy to drink, but next time I'll try a flight to sample a bigger selection.
(5)Aly S.
First off I have to say I LOVE this place. I love the decor, the vibe and the beer, those 3 things each get 5 stars. The thing that does not get 5 stars is the food... I am shocked to report that the tri-tip is dry, people! It's so sad... I had the Billy sandwich one of their specials, it sounds so amazing -- thinly sliced tri tip with caramelized onions and au jus, but unfortunately even with all that au jus, the meat was dry. I know they cook all their tri tip to medium, but I would definitely prefer medium rare, I think if I could just choose how it was cooked, I would have found it less dry, but that is not how they do it here. The tots tasted basic, as did the caesar salad. Back to the pros....I can't even decide what area I like best, the bright top floor with the huge windows, small tables and amazing chandelier above the bar, the open airy first floor with its communal picnic tables and more amazing farm style chandeliers, or the cool stone basement. Tip: there is an entrance down there! Just being in this place is entertaining and fun, I can sit around looking at the beautiful architecture and decor (and people ;-)) for quite a while! Ill surely be back for the fun atmosphere and great beer, but not sure about taking people here for food.
(4)jeff r.
First off, great atmosphere! Beer was just ok. The food, well just so so. The menu is small and not very creative. Was really hoping for this to be better. Go just for drinks and eat somewhere else in OTR
(2)Kraig C.
The only reason I'm not giving Taft's ale house a five star is because I felt like the food and beer menus were limited. I had the ale house sandwich and for appetizers we ordered the Taft's tub of love (which is a sampler of all of their appetizers) both were excellent. The beer I had was the wkrp which was OK but far from the best I've had. We loved the atmosphere and the ambiance of the place is great. It is loud and trendy so I'm not sure if its for everyone but I plan on coming back sometime soon.
(4)Bridget S.
Who wouldn't want to drink in a historic renovated church turned restaurant/watering hole? The cut glass, high ceilings, and fine details make for beautiful surroundings to enjoy a nice draft beer. I haven't tried the food yet but have heard nothing but good things. Im glad the Taft ale house was added to the neighborhood.
(5)Heather L.
Wow. There are so many things about this place that made me happy, where to begin? The space is gorgeous! A huge remodeled old church with beautiful wood work. The staff from the hostess to our waitress was friendly and helpful. The goods... Love how they bring you a carafe of water, cool old style glass bottle. Like the dishes too. The smoked wings were delicious... Whatever sauce is on them is just icing on the cake. Nice touch of apple slices on the side. We both had some version of a tri tip steak sandwich and *drools just thinking about it again* the meat was tender and flavorful. Mine had yummy ale House onions and superb red ranch sauce. Even the bun was good! BEER - now as you may or may not know I'm a beer snob. My ratings on untapped arent always generous, and I'm always looking for the next great beer. Well look no further. I had a flight, and out of those had a difficult time even picking a favorite. All close to 5/5. Nellie's key lime, city flea summer, cherrywood, culebra cut coconut, and maverick chocolate porter. I wish I lived closer to this place, because I'd be a regular, if not just for a pint, several times a week! GO HERE!
(5)Adam D.
Taft is definitely a welcomed addition to the plethora of restaurants and the bar scene of OTR. I can say from my experience there that they do both very well, offering a wide selection of different beers that were solid overall and great food. They specialize in different tri-tip steak entrees but also have other food offerings and a nice selection of sides. The building itself is also very interesting and has a unique feel as it used to be a church that was beautifully converted into the restaurant/brewery. So if you're around the Washington Park area of OTR and just looking to grab a drink or interested in having a meal I recommend Taft Ale House.
(4)Mark M.
When traveling, one looks to run into a place like this. 1st of all, we were looking to visit the Taft Presidential boyhood home, and we were directed here by complete accident. No worries as we remembered to come here after visiting the real historic site on Mount Auburn a few miles away. When we returned and entered, we had the same sense of history as we did in the place that is listed on the National Historic Places. The open and spacious interior after entering from a old town kind of look outside was almost breathtaking with the great aromas of smoked beef and barley from the brewery. My wife and I immediately ordered and sampled their brew. My tri-tip was awesome as it came out so savory, it did not need the help of any dipping sauces. Matter of fact, dipping the bites into the sauce although wonderful caused the savory goodness of the tri tip to wash away a bit. Combined with the beer, it was a wonderful dinner on a night in Cincinnati. Between the history of the location, the great food, and the wonderful service, this is definitely a must stop and see for any visitor to Cincinnati.
(5)Michael B.
OTR does it again.. Can not say how amazing the tri tip meat is. The value for the portion size it is amazing. A must try for Cincinnati natives.
(5)Lauren M.
This place is unlike anything else in Cincinnati! It's somewhat reminiscent of something you'd find in a bigger city, like Chicago. The atmosphere is brilliant, with lots of natural light. I especially love all the antique touches. I can't imagine how much was spent on renovating the building, but it was worth every penny. They have a great selection of drafts--I was partial to Nellie's Keylime Caribbean Ale. The food menu was pretty meat-centric...would be nice to have a few more vegetarian options. I had the portobello sandwich, which was great, but I would probably have chosen something else if there were more options. I loved our server! She was very friendly and attentive. Several other staff also stopped by our table as well, just to chat, or talk about our beer selection and make sure we were having a good time. I felt like a regular on my first visit. I will definitely be frequenting this place and would highly recommend it!
(5)Matt S.
I'm super excited about this new brewery! Located a block away from Washington Park makes it close enough to walk from any of the restaurants on Vine, or even from other bars on Main Street. Their beer is good. I've tried a few, and I would absolutely say they have good beer, but it's not the greatest beer I've ever had. Also, beer is only $5 (though I heard a rumor the price is going up). Here's my basic rundown: -IPA (india pale ale) and IPL (india pale lager) are both good. Not crazy hoppy, not under-hopped. They're middle-of-the-road hoppy beer, definitely both good. -Key West Lime Ale - Sounds like it could be good, but I hated it. I prefer hop-heavy beers like IPAs or Pale Ales, and this is not hoppy, so that's a big reason why I didn't like it. If you like Bud Light Lime, this is probably a beer for you--it's similar but much better. I personally think that no matter how good you make a Bud Light Lime it still won't be good, but if you're into that sort of thing then get this beer. -Coconut Brown Ale. Yes. Definitely the most unique beer I had here (I didn't try the stout or porter though), and it was awesome. It's definitely a brown ale, but the coconut adds a light, tropical flavor which makes it totally unique and a great way to have a dark beer on a sunny day. If you're not feeling any of their beers, they have a good selection of some other locals down in the basement bar (bonus tip: it's also much quieter down there). I only sampled the food, but what I tried was AMAZING. I ate half of their tri-tip steak sandwich, and WOW. I certainly plan to go back to eat a full meal there. They did a FANTASTIC job on the renovation of their building. It was an old church with beautiful architecture, but it's been super run down for years (decades?). Not only is it in superb shape now, but they were able to keep tons of the original features so that the building didn't lose it's character. My only complaint with the space itself is that it's really loud. Like extremely loud, and it's almost all from people, not from loud music. That's the side-effect of having your main space be in an old sanctuary--it was originally designed to have great acoustics that carry sound. Ideal for church in a pre-microphone era, not ideal for hundreds of people drinking beer. However, the noise can easily be overlooked due to how cool the place is.
(5)KC K.
If you're anything like me, you've been waiting on this place to open for what seems like an eternity. I saw the before pics and renderings and couldn't wait to see the finished product. If done right, I thought, this could be a true destination dining establishment. I was and am absolutely speechless ....you have to see it to believe it. I've never been to a place that I spent more time touring and walking around in than I did eating. The man hours and money this property must have taken is scary to think about. I admit it...I'm a space whore. I love eating and drinking in an environment that feels special and unique. This has it is SPADES! Ok....on to the details. I came in expecting painfully average beer and really good food. I was way off. The beer is different, fun, unique and non-conformist. I recommend the sampler and highly recommend the Coconut Brown and Key Lime. As for the food...well, this is where the 5+ star rating is lost. The menu is based around the TriTip Steak. If you're not a smoked red meat fan, chances are, you will not be jazzed. I must admit, the TriTip sandwich is amazingly good and will be the only thing I order when I'm here. The chicken and salmon seemed like afterthoughts, only a menu filler for the health conscious. They were forgettable and non imaginative. There are other one-trick ponies that are successful but that is due to the imaginative ingredients they add to their trick. (See Bakersfield). I'm terrified that if the quality of their TriTip ever starts to fall off, we will be left with a Hofbräuhaus north. Hopefully as time goes on the menu will evolve and become more interesting and creative. For now, stick to the TriTip and enjoy the space. It's one of a kind!
(4)James C.
The overall interior decor is amazing. The food was cold at first, but the server was very helpful and brought us hot food immediately. The wings were smoked and had a great BBQ taste. I'm willing to give this place a second try.
(4)Meghan E.
...they got a us a table very quickly. Menus with smiles + small talk. Great service the rest of the night. ....not so crazy about this tread that seems to be happening with tator tots. Or the ones they serve. But I very well could have spent the rest of the night eating the sweet potatoes fries. ....I'll be happy when the beer selection is the same throughout. ....loved. And my favorite part is the open seating!!!!!
(3)John B.
They specialize in aged, rubbed, tri-tip. Get it! It comes in many forms: sliders, bites, on a salad, on a sandwitch, and as a steak. Someone in your party needs to order the tri-tip. Each style of beer they make is really top shelf. The staff, from the kitchen manager to our server to the team bussing the tables, were all very good. I'll go back but I'm not sure how I order something different than the tri-tip. I bet the smoked wings are just as good.
(5)