First, the service was outstanding. My wife and I dined at Tony's Saturday evening and had a reservation for 7:00pm and were seated within 5 minutes of arriving. (FYI - There were a few parties waiting to be seated, so reservations would be encouraged). Our waiter was very attentive and made several stops at our table to ensure our experience was top notch. Second, the decor and ambiance was a little discouraging. The decor seemed dated. More of an older feel versus a modern, intimate setting. We were seated in a back room which was just that...a big open room with maybe 15-20 tables throughout. The tables were not on top of each other, but given the lack of anything to block sound, you felt like you were sitting in the middle of any generic crowded restaurant. When we first sat down, we noticed the music through the speakers was fairly loud. It was then turned down about 20 minutes later...so maybe other guests were also noticing that??? The food to me was average. My wife had the filet mignon which was delicious (she only gave me one small bite of it). I ordered the "Dallas Clark" which is a 14oz New York Strip, medium. When it was brought out, it was definitely cooked to medium-rare. The staff was very quick to re-fire the steak for me. The seasoning and char on my steak was good, but overall, I just thought it was okay. If I return, I would definitely get the filet. Salads and bread were good, but nothing that really jumped out as extraordinary. Prices seemed comparable to other steakhouses. With so many great steak options in the city, We would probably choose to visit some others that provide a little better setting, but still have top quality food.
(3)
Michele G.
Everything about this restaurant is excellent. The service, the food, and the atmosphere. The steaks are always cooked to perfection, the seafood is always fresh, and the pasta is fantastic. This visit we started with oysters on the half shell and shrimp cocktail, both were great and fresh. We ordered the filet on the bone and also the tortellini. Steak was perfection and the tortellini is a must try. I love that Tony wanders the restaurant stopping at tables to be sure your meal is good. Yes, this restaurant is a little pricey but unlike some of the others you actually receive sides and salad with your meal and do not have to order each individually. it is worth every penny.
(5)
Monica C.
We love this place! We usually eat at the bar, but it's still full menu. The bartenders on Saturday night are fantastic and the food is really good.
(4)
Michael C.
This is our regular place for awesome steak and seafood for Mason area. Bartenders are some of the best in the business, knowledgeable and professional. Steak is always cooked to perfection, though I can't speak to the seafood yet. My wife loves the oysters.
(5)
Jerry E.
Hands down our favorite steakhouse and bar in Cincinnati. The bar has a nice buzz - a great place to people watch - you can look across the entire floor. The staff are very capable and a lot of fun - you feel like family. Dining in the restaurant is equally nice - great steaks and service. Highly recommend ...
(5)
B B.
Ok here is the deal I am in town for business so I was in town for the weekend and I asked for the Best Steak House in the area and I was recommended to Tony's. I am flying solo so I headed out (on a Thursday night) and grabbed a seat at the bar. Once seated I noticed how busy the bartender was, apparently she was servicing the bar and the tables in the bar area (solo). After a few minutes a busboy bought me some water. A few minutes later I asked for a menu the same busboy brought the menu. Ten minutes later I tried to grab the attention of the bartender, she saw me and I could see she was very busy. She gave me a glance and I new that I would not be seeing her anytime soon. After 5 minutes I had given up, no drinks no food no order so I decided to leave. On my way out I saw the maitre d' and told him that he needed to send some help to the bar as there was only one person working (the hostess and another server were with the maitre d' and the front desk). Granted the maitre d' did offer to help me on the way out, but it was too little too late. Bottom line I was looking forward to a nice steak dinner and never received it. I would encourage to the manager to pay attention to the bar area (which was fully occupied). No problem with the bartender (she was doing the best she could nor the busboy who was trying to help). Avoid if you are solo! Can't comment on the food but I would love to have the opportunity so my ranking is solely based on service.
(1)
Linda M.
My husband and I recently dined at Tonys for our 36st anniversary. From the moment we walked in until we left, the hostess, manager, wait staff, and Ellie our waitress were stellar. The food was wonderful and perfectly cooked. Everyone wished us a Happy Anniversary and we got a free dessert to boot! As an added bonus, we received a note a couple of days later thanking us for coming in for our anniversary and signed by Ellie. What a perfect touch. We will absolutely be back again and again. Of course we will request our now favorite waitress Ellie!
(5)
John D.
we visit Tony`s often and yet to be disappointed in our meal,wine, or service. last night was no exception. My wife and I shared the porterhouse steak and it was tremendous. perfectly cooked and juicy. Melt in you mouth great. I would recommend you give Tony`s a try.
(5)
Mar R.
I had very pleasant experience at this restaurant. I ordered Greek salad, surf & turf with 7 oz filet and lobster tail with the side of mashed potatoes. We also ordered raw oysters and fried calamari as appetizers to share. Their workers seemed to be very well-trained and knowledgeable by the way they explained about their specials of the day which made us feel very comfortable to order what we liked. The presentation of the dishes were beautiful and everything was served at perfect timing and cooked perfectly as well. Because everything was so perfect, we had to try their deserts even though we were already so full. Lol. Their cheesecake is amazing. But don't try their tiramusu. It tasted like straight up rum. I would've rated 5 stars if their tiramusu was as good as their cheesecake.
(4)
Douglas E.
Great place for steak! I recommend the Shrimp to start (they are huge). Pass on the house salad for the caesar as the house is just a wedge. The 10 ounce filet was seasoned with a crisp crust layer and cooked to perfect temperature.
(4)
Donald S.
Great food -terrible service. We complained, they moved us to the bar to make up for it. 25 min later, no drink, no service watching the bartenders and waitstaff get their flirt on. We begged for a drink / check. Finally got it. Sent an email advising Tony himself about the hiccups of the evening and he discounted us, basically calling us liars. He also promised "an amazing gift" and (perhaps for 4.95 shipping and handling) we will receive such gift. Or never because he was so arrogant and dismissive. There's friendlier and just as good if not better steaks aka Jeff Ruby's in town. Skip this place for the jerk manager, bartenders and owner. Your money will be better spent at The Precinct.
(1)
Matthew C.
My wife and I dined at Tony's with friends to celebrate her recent promotion at work. This was our first visit to Tony's. We had heard a lot of positive feedback from friends. Overall our experience was mixed. I would give the food 4 stars and the experience 2.5 stars. The food was very good. We all had steaks. The nice thing here is that the salad and potato come with the meal versus many other steakhouses where everything is ala carte. The steaks were prepared as requested. The interesting thing was that when the food came to the table, my wife's meal was not ready yet. The server communicated that her steak would be out in 2-3 minutes. One manager came over and shared that when our steaks came out of the kitchen, the one did not look right and had to go back. He said that they would comp our desserts. That seemed reasonable for the inconvenience. Unfortunately, it took longer than 2-3 minutes for my wife's steak. We asked a second manager what the issue was and he basically blamed the server for the issue. When her steak finally came, we were told it was taken from another order. We were shocked that the manager threw the server under the bus. Who is at fault is not relevant to the customer. We came for a special night out and while the food was good the interaction with the 2 managers was a bit strange. Focus on correcting the issue, not who is at fault. While it was good, there are a lot of steakhouse options around town that are as good or better.
(3)
Zach K.
Forewarning: Written by someone who lives in SF, a foodie hub of the U.S. My views are distorted I was sent to Mason, Ohio for work, and after walking in and out of a couple terrifying restaurants, i found myself at Tony's. I put my comments in a few sections. 1. Food: The food was alright, but generally lacked creativity. For an italian restaurant they have a lot of non-italian dishes on the menu. The portions are also enormous. For any urban visitors I'd suggest sharing an entree. It looked like there was nearly a pound of fish on my plate, which i came nowhere close to finishing. However, i made sure to save room for dessert and boy was that a delight! For dessert Tony's tiramisu is a must have. It's hand-made by his mother everyday and they make sure to use ample brandy. I eat a lot of tiramisu and this was definitely top 5. 2. Service: Really fantastic service. Waiters were attentive and well-trained. The chef came out during the meal to check on the food. When we were having dessert Tony, the owner, came by to check on us and make sure everything was up to par. I was really impressed overall. 3. Price: For a suburb of Cincinnati, it's pretty outrageously expensive. WIth seafood entrees at 35+ and meat entrees from 40-50. Then again, they give you so much food, it kind of makes sense. My suggestion would be cutting the portions in half and cutting down the prices by a third.
(4)
Bernard B.
I'm a regular or should I say former customer who sat down at the bar and then told I couldn't sit there cause it was reserved..I told the inexperienced waiter that people just left but he said I don't know what's going on but u have to move...so I moved...to Carlo and johnnies. ..staff is clueless. ..
(1)
Beth Z.
It was Valentine's Day, and we actually had reservations elsewhere. But because said elsewhere place overbooked, we ended up at Tony's. We were greeted with a smile, and sat right away. The ambiance is fantastic, quiet even with the live music, and slightly upscale decor. The two things that made me give 5 stars on this review were 1. The Service, 2. The Steak. Our server was never a second late, and ALWAYS smiling and POLITE!! When I asked where the restroom was, she actually walked me there. Everything arrived right on time, she was personable and we both said at the end of the meal, wow...we haven't had service like that in a long time. The Steak. Oh that steak. I'll probably dream about it for awhile. I am a firm believer that my steak should be seasoned, and prepared well enough that I should never need sauce or toppings. My medium Filet came out PERFECT, and I mean PERFECT. It was perfectly medium, and the flavor was OUTSTANDING. If it's not better than Ruby's, than it' s giving him one hell of a run for the money! I will recommend anyone who wants an amazing steak to give Tony's a try and will be taking my European friends to dinner there when they come visit!
(5)
Ben G.
Amazing! Great service. Great food. We have company gatherings here and couldn't ask for better!
(5)
Katie F.
Although it's pretty pricey, the food is some of the best I have ever had, and that is not an exaggeration. The service was phenomenal, and even on Valentine's Day when they were at capacity, the manager still visited our table to ask about our meal and to shake our hands. One of the best restaurant experience's I've ever had.
(5)
Glen G.
Very good overall. Excellent staff, great steaks, good bar scene.... overall very strong. My advice would be to stick with the steaks however, my wife's tuna wasn't great and the lobster in the surf and turf was just okay. Tony, the owner, is usually on site, attentive and personable. He's bound to make you feel special, especially if you let him know if you have a special occasion.
(4)
Caroline C.
I've been to Tony's a number of times since my last review and well, it's way better than I gave it credit for. In my book, a steak restaurant that keeps a non-steak eater coming back is pretty impressive. First things first, the roasted chicken is by far the best roasted chicken I've ever had out at a restaurant. The skin is crispy, the inside tender, juicy and flavorful. And the polenta it's served on? Down right ridiculous with it's creamy crispiness. My second favorite thing about Tony's is the bar. Attentive and proficient bartenders: check. Happy hour: check. Bar menu (but you can still order from the regular menu): check. Live jazz: check. It's a dressy-environment without feeling like you have to be all fancied up and buttoned-down. Some other recommendations: the Dirty Martinis, Grilled Caesar, raw bar and the Riga-Tony.
(4)
Edith M.
I was skeptical about the place because the rave about the Jeff Ruby's restaurants are very distant from the truth. I went with my husband for our anniversary and was pleasantly surprised. The staff of this restaurant would do anything to make your dinner a memorable one. There is live jazz music that is not disturbing. The manager and the owner go by every table to ask if you are having a good time. The wine selection is very diverse. Wines from: Argentina,Spain,California,Chile,Italy... We had Surf & Turf which happened to be one of the choices for the special menu. Everything was cooked and seasoned to perfection. Lobster was sweet and very tasty and the meat was well seasoned.I would go back and would recommend the place any day over the OVERRATED Jeff Ruby's restaurants.
(5)
Jim R.
This was my first visit to Tony's and I was joined by my son and grandson. I had the strip and the others had fillets. The steaks were excellent; well prepared and not too much salt. Tony's is primarily a steak house but the menu offers some interesting seafood dishes and some attractive pasta selections. The restaurant was full on a rainy, Wednesday evening so I would expect a lively crowd most nights. Tony's is located in a strip shopping area but is very attractive once you walk in the door. I think this place will become a family favorite!
(5)
Amanda S.
Vegetarians, beware! (Also anybody reading this review, beware. I'm a vegetarian so it's kind of ridiculous for me to even review this place, but here we are.) My husband likes to use Groupons and Living Social deals to try out new restaurants. Good idea. Except when you buy a Groupon to a steakhouse and then your wife decides, after a rather unfortunate scene involving our dog and a baby bird, to shun all things meat. No matter. Most restaurants offer a vegetarian alternative and although Tony's does, it appears as though they do so grudgingly. The one vegetarian dish was pasta primavera and it was underwhelming, to say the least. It was rather bland (not a lot of sauce) and not exactly chock-full of vegetables. Whatever. In other news, my husband's steak was cooked perfectly and he relished each and every bite. Good for him. Also, the service was impeccable. The tiramisu, said to be made by Tony's mom, was delicious and heavy on the liqueur (thanks, Tony's mom!). And the restaurant itself is all sorts of clubby chic.
(3)
Lewis R.
My wife and I were here for our anniversary, looking for a nice intimate dinner. The dinner was delicious, but the atmosphere is certainly not intimate. Even with a booth, which are touted as being more intimate, it was still loud and busy throughout the evening. The meal was good, but it isn't the 5-star transformational experience that I was hoping for. As others have said, the polenta is the highlight of the meal. Polenta?! Crazy, but true. Really amazing flavor and texture. I wish it was available as an a la carte side. My wife got the New York Strip and it came out a little overdone *sad face*, but it was still very good. The big disappointment of the night was the Mac&Cheese. Seriously bummed, because I love M&C, but this was a very blah version. Nothing exciting about it at all. The staff is attentive and professional, which means always available but mostly invisible. A few odds and ends here. The bar is nice, good place to hang out while you wait for your table, or just hang out. They have an extensive raw bar. You can check your coat(s). Good choice of liquors. So this is a great meal with friends or family, but not a great choice for a romantic evening.
(4)
Ray E.
Tony! Tony! (Italian accent included) :) Had a wonderful evening dropping the work group in here for a large party of 10 last night! From the get go, Tony's spot hits you with a good steakhouse feel - dim lighting, large full size bar, the proper white table set up, etc. We were even 30 min late and the front desk still held our spot and called - nice guys! So as for the food! The steaks were excellent! A number of us ordered the bone-in filet - banging with flavor! We also had a plethora of apps and sides - the seafood platter .. WOW the crab legs and shrimp were on steroids! No shortage of food here! As for the mac and cheese side, our waiter was cool enough to toss in some truffle oil to spazz it up - solid service! These guys would certainly get my thumbs up for those in Mason looking for a meaty dinner
(4)
Nicole H.
Went for dinner on Saturday night -- -excellent as always. The steaks were unbelievably delicious -- melt in your mouth filets. I don't think there is anywhere better in the city for a great night out!
(5)
Sheena D.
As mentioned in other reviews, this place will remind you a lot of a Ruby's restaurant - primarily because Tony was the former GM of the Precinct. All in all, this place deserves all 5 stars. The service was great - not only did the manager stop by to check in on us, but so did Tony. At the time of my visit they had a Surf and Turf option, that could not be outdone: an amazing 7oz filet with a 9 oz lobster tail for only $50, plus a salad, side and dessert. The food is just as good, if not better in some cases, than any Ruby restaurant, but the value is much better. The steak was prepared just as ordered and was one of the best I've had in a long time. We also ordered the calamari and cheesecake, which were top notch. The only thing that could improve is the wine list, it was a bit sparse, but they're good bourbon selection made up for the lack of an expansive wine list.
(5)
Chris M.
The steaks are outstanding. Perfectly prepped and delivered well. My father in law said he much prefers the food here over any Ruby restaurant or Carlo and Johnny. He said its the best steak outside Chicago. The fish is also really good. The seabass, tuna and salmon are all worth ordering. The truffle fries are outstanding. The meals come with a potato and a salad which helps me justify the higher menu prices. I've never experienced anything but outstanding service here. One server, Kevin, is among the best servers I've ever seen. Specifically he asked us if it was ok to bring our kids more soda (which is unusual, usually they just bring it), and had a great aire about him. Attentive, but not annoying, quick with requests but in a non-hectic sort of way. I will ask for him by name when we come back. I recently edited my review from 4 stars to 5 stars as Tony's seems to improve with age. Their service seems to be even better now then ever before, it's truly unmatched. They recently added a surf and turn to the menu which is very reasonably priced and extremely good. While the atmosphere is still a bit loud, in my opinion this is the best overall steak restaurant in cincinnati.
(5)
Yara A.
Its my 1st visit,for my husband's BD , it was amazing and im gonna visit again The food is so delicious and fresh also i like the decoration it was romantic
(5)
S W.
Well done Tony, nice place. We were a party of four, it was our first time here for all. The service was top notch, our waiter Shanon was attentive, polite and worked very hard. He also helped my wife through the gluten free options, since they do not have a gluten free menu. We started with a nice sour dough bread for the table. My wife enjoyed the Greek salad, no small salad. Next the sea bass, which was prepared a bit different than usual, it was very good. I enjoyed a lettuce wedge with blue cheese, and next a filet with mashed potatoes. The filet was a very tasty cut of meat prepared perfectly, the potatoes delicious. One special was a bone in strip ordered at my table, it looked huge and awesome. Coffee was good and came in an adequate mug. Our table tried three deserts, the chocolate mouse, a rich sweet cup, very good. The cannoli's were small but a pair. They tasted with a hint of something unique, the cheese was good. The most delicious desert was the opera cream cake. This was a 4 point something, but hard for me to go higher at the $$$ price tag.
(4)
Doug C.
A "classy joint" -- good service combined with quality food. Live jazz on the weekends, too.
(4)
Amanda S.
My one visit to Tony's makes me ready to go back. I went with a friend, who is a regular and we ate the bar menu. Wow, is all I can say. The prime rib sliders were delicious and plenty for a meal or to share. The truffle fries were perfect. My pomegranate martini was delicious and a good price. While the main menu is a little pricey, the bar menu is perfect for a less expensive but yummy evening. My whole bill with tip with soup, the sliders, and a cocktail was less than $25. But it made me want to return to try a steak!
(4)
Jennifer G.
Tony's was definitely a place I would recommend to everyone who wants to have a special meal while in Cincy. From the beginning to end, everyone we encountered in the restaurant was top notch and put the customer first. It was an extremely warm welcome when we walked in and it didn't stop. Our waiter couldn't have been more attentive and the manager was always seen walking around asking how everyone's meal was. I had the Filet with a baked potato and wedge salad (with white balsamic). The dressing on the salad was great and the filet (with a garlic butter) was cooked a perfect medium. The baked potato was your typical potato and I would recommend you get the mashed next time (as those were delicious!). My husband had the Dallas Clark with the horsey cream and he loved it. Unfortunately, we had no room for dessert as the dinner was just too good. The atmosphere is casual, yet classy. There were a few people in shorts and it wasn't overly packed for a Thursday night. There is an outside space, but it didn't look all that inviting to eat out in...maybe to have a drink or two, but not dinner. If we're ever in the area again, we would definitely stop by at Tony's!
(4)
Mike F.
Excellent Dinner. My wife and I visited Tony's for the first time on 6/29 and I must say it started with a bang when Scott came out introduced himself and started our fantastic meal. His service was great and we were well attended. We had a romantic meal for two starting with the crab cake and wouldn't have missed out on the Lobster Bisque, one of the best I've ever had. The New York Strip and Filet were excellent and complimented perfectly by the brussel sprouts; even if you aren't a brussel sprout fan, you must try these the balsamic vinaigrette, pine nuts and onion straws make for a great combination. Sorry to say there was not room for dessert, but we will be back and look forward to next delicacy we can partake.
(4)
Todd L.
I frequent this place on a regular basis to have an after work drink in the bar. The bartenders are excellent. I have dined here once in the restaurant with my wife and the meal was excellent. The steaks have a great flavor and are prepared very well. If you are sitting at the bar and want a quick bite, I recommend the Prime Burger with Truffle Fries. It is physically impossible to consume the whole burger and fries. I definitely recommend this place. Tony is a former Jeff Ruby employee and he definitely knows how to treat guests.
(4)
Rebecca J.
The BFF and I stopped in on a Friday night for a few drinks and a bite. We walked in and a jazz band was playing at the perfect volume and the bar was full. First impression? Pretty Impressive. Tony personally came over 3 times to see how we were doing. Before dinner, during and after. Sounds like overkill, but this dude is smooth. My Free Range chicken was perfection. Tender and juicy with crispy seasoned skin. It came with a salad, asparagus and a potato. $22 We were the youngest people there, it is an upscale joint in the 'burbs so, no surprise. In the end, it has a good vibe and the food was great.
(5)
Jennifer M.
Excellent! Wait staff was extremely attentive and helpful. We had an assortment from the raw bar for an appetizer, and everything was fresh and fantastic. We also tried the beef tartare appetizer, which was also amazing. My filet was cooked perfectly and absolutely delicious. I love Grilled Ceaser Salads, so I substituted that for the salad that comes with the meal. The server was kind enough to let me know that it was huge, so I split it with my boyfriend, and it was plenty for both of us, and it was also amazing. I also ordered a side of the polenta, and I'm so glad I did! Crisp on the outside and soft and delicious on the inside. My boyfriend ordered the bone-in ribeye and it was also cooked perfectly, He devoured it. Our friends each ordered the Chilean Sea Bass. They said it was very good, but not great. My recommendation - it's a steak place. Get the steak.
(5)
Johnny A.
Any steakhouse with a pricetag like this I pull no punches. Sorry Tony's but you didn't pass the test on multiple levels tonight. We ordered 4 "medium" filets. Two came out medium (perfect) and two came out not just well done but burnt to a crisp. Black charcoal crust cooked brown all the way through... Tasteless. We even held a cross-section of the steaks up to compare and had a good laugh. I've honestly never seen steaks cooked this poorly even at low brow places like Outback. Scallops were undercooked oddly enough think sushi undercooked. Tiramisu came out tasting like a shot of rubbing alcohol. I was tempted to hold a lighter up to it to see if it would ignite almost inedible... I was speechless. All of the appetizers and drinks were very good. For a high class high price dining establishment this is just not excusable. I can go to Precint, Ruby's, J. Alexanders, Houston's, etc. and get it cooked perfectly every time. What can I say I like dependability. Tony's made me feel like a fool for trying something different... But I'm not worried because it won't happen again.
(1)
Mr. And Mrs. H.
It's an expensive steak house, and they produce a nice meal, on par with Jeff Ruby's. Sunday night special of 30% off a bottle of wine is nice, and their polenta side dish are stand-outs.
(3)
Tara S.
I have to update my review after our visit tonight to try out Tony's new bar menu. I am so excited for these new offerings, as there are many nights that my husband wants to go to Tony's, but I'm just not feeling a big steak dinner. The new bar menu (also available on the patio) has raw bar items, a delicious chopped chicken salad, a few of their menu apps, like mussels, a prime strip skewer with delicious Asian slaw, prime rib sliders, and the piece de resistance, the burger. This is no ordinary burger, they grind their own ground beef in-house, stuff it with tons of pepper jack cheese and put it in a soft, perfect challah bun. We tried the steak skewer, the chopped chicken salad and the burger with some of the most fantastic truffles potato wedges. The steak skewer uses prime strip steak glazed with a soy marinade, accompanied by an Asian slaw and some picked/marinated cucumbers that I could have eaten many more of. The soy glaze was so good and all of the components came together so well. It was also a lot of steak! Great value! The chopped chicken salad had all kinds of good stuff, moist chicken breast, glazed cippolini onions, artichoke hearts, blue cheese and bacon, (probably more that I'm forgetting), I loved it. Now, on to the burger. I have never seen a burger that my husband couldn't finish- until tonight. He left one sad little bite on the plate, and that was even after I got my paws on it! Stuffed with cheese, it could have come with an instruction manual on the best way to attack it, but we did the best we could. It was fantastic. It is served with really original, thin and crispy truffles potato "wedges" that are also available a la carte on the bar menu. Don't forget to try some when you're there! We've never had a single thing at Tony's that wasn't wonderful, so we didn't expect any less from the bar menu, and we were not disappointed. It's so nice to have a lighter, week night option.
(5)
Neil H.
I hate to drop 2 stars on this place, but i feel i have to. The wedge salad was fantastic, really top notch. the proportions of ingredients was just right. Unfortunately, this was followed by the blackened NY strip. it had a delicious crust or caramelized onions, horseradish and seasonings...I'm a huge crust snob when it comes to my steaks and this was perfect. Why the problem, then? The steak was trimmed improperly and had waaaay too much gristle. I don't drop this kind of cheddar on a meal and expect it to be anything less than delicious. I guess tony's is a bit less than Carlo and Johnny's since it includes a salad and side, but i'd rather spend a little more and get a killer steak. the mac and cheese was pretty good, but the truffle chips were awesome. we had some brussel sprouts, they were ok. at the end of the day if you are a prime steakhouse, you really need to kill it on the steak. I talked to a couple of other people who have had teh same experience with the strip, they need to correct it. it's a nice atmosphere, they just need to make a better steak.
(2)
Tim L.
Veal blew me away. Potatoes were cash. Some of the best food I've had in the past year. A bit overpriced, though.
(4)
Mike T.
3.5 Stars...Finally got to Tony's for the first time the other night and despite a few hiccups, I thought most of the food and service was great. I would first say that it's much more than a steakhouse. The filet was good, but it wasn't as good as the ones I've had at Ruby's restaurants and so it doesn't really justify the cost. We loved the truffle chips--one of those type of sides you wish you had more of because you can't stop eating it, but glad you don't have more for the same reason. The roasted quail was the star in my opinion--truly exceptional. The manchego is a perfect compliment and the smoked grape demi really makes the dish. Hopefully they keep this dish around despite the conservative ordering habits of Cincinnatians. I think people will be comparing Tony's to The Precinct for some time to come, and unfortunately it doesn't compare just yet in any other way than the hospitality. At the same time, I think Tony's will work out the kinks and eventually find an identity of it's own as a sort of "Steakhouse Plus," but they have to get the steaks right first. This 4-star rating is aspirational in hopes that they do.
(4)
John M.
We had another great meal at Tony's this weekend. This is a one of a kind restaurant, and that is what I like. We have been there at least six times and I have always been very satisfied by the food, service, and cleanliness. The staff here knows how to do it right by always making me feel like I am their most important customer. (I am not.) This is a first class place with fantastic steak, fish and side items.
(4)
John A.
Went to Tony's for the first time last night and we ate the bar since we weren't up for a full meal. We ordered the *massive* cheeseburger and the prime rib sliders to share. Normally, I wouldn't write a review about a cheeseburger - especially at a steakhouse - but we agreed it was the best we've ever had - About a pound of perfectly seared beef, dripping with melted cheese and topped with homemade(dill-infused?) mayonnaise. The truffle fries were great, as were the sliders(though a little too seasoned). Nice atmosphere and great service - and the bar menu is a great value. We'll definitely be going back, soon.
(4)
Marisa D.
I have loved Tony since he was at The Precinct. Am very glad to see him go alone. WELL DONE TONY! Food was great, service was excellent. The steak had an excellent charcrust on it. The wedge salad was delicious & the garlic mash - divine. We went on a Thursday and he had a live jazz trio playing and the place was packed. Although I have to say, why do Cincinnatians think shorts are appropriate to wear to a steakhouse? Disappointing.
(4)
The x.
Tony's is not inexpensive. With the prices they are charging, the patrons should have a reasonable expectation of a superb meal, great service and a nice atmosphere. However.... It is apparent management really wants to have the customer have a great experience. The bus boys, runners and suited management have a enthusiastic demeanor as if they just attended a "Ritz Carlton" training seminar but it would have been better if the hostess and our waitress had attended as well. Since our waitress was missing-in-action most of the night, she apparently didn't get the memo about customer service. Our appetizer and cocktails were good. When I ordered my steak I had asked my waitress to specify exactly how the chef would describe "medium." When the runner delivered our entree, the steak was blackened outside and raw inside--did not match the description. Although our waitress didn't deliver our meal, we expected that she would drop by to check on us. She didn't so I waited and waited. No waitress. I had hoped I could have the kitchen butterfly the steak but by the time the bus boy had reported my displeasure, the manager insisted on replacing it entirely. It's kind of difficult to give a poor review with a customer-oriented management decisions like that, they really cut you off at the knees with apology and action. Still I felt bad and it kinda killed the mood. The piano is a nice touch, it has all the appearances of "a classy joint" which seems to be the goal. We dressed for a nice restaurant and were surprised to see a few other diners in shorts and t-shirts. Disappointing, but well beyond management control. What they really, really need is to put something in there to absorb the sound. The ceilings have exposed trusses topped the corrugated metal: is there any wonder my wife and I had to shout across the cacophony to hear one another. I would give the owner, the manager and the bus boy(s) an A for effort, only to be let down by their waitress and hostess.
(2)
Jeff Y.
I must say that I originally gave Tony's 4 stars, but I am dropping my review down to 2. My wife and I have been here many times, and something continues to draw us back. We had a great experience on our first visit, but since then we continue to be disappointed. Steak is good but a medium steak has been cooked differently over many trips. During my past experience, my table insisted that I send my steak back. It was overcooked, to only be undercooked when it came back. After two tries, it was still undercooked, but I wasn't about to have them send it back again. I was hungry knowing the rest of the table was finished with their meals, so I ate my steak much rarer than what a medium steak should be cooked. We have also been unlucky in receiving bad service from the same waiter in the dining room. He consistently provides slow service, and seems to always mess something up.
(2)
Adam H.
Tony takes care of his guests. Make a stop in here, sit back relax and enjoy.
(4)
Kim C.
After furniture shopping last night, we decided to stop in to Tony's for dinner. My husband told the waitress we did not have a reservation--the restaurant was mostly empty. She took our name and got our menus. Just as we were about to be seated, Mr. "Someone" came in. The manager who I assume may have been Tony, picked up the menus and said follow me. So we started following him. Then "Tony" said no not you--Mr. "Somebody" and his son. Very unprofessional. I said to the hostess, "I guess our business is unimportant." In a mostly empty restaurant I would think you would want to make your guests feel like you want them to come in. We have actually been eaten here in the past with friends--I will steer my friends to other restaurants. There are a lot of upscale restaurants that WANT my business. The waitress was fantastic and the food was good but again there are a lot of other restaurants that are just as good if not better.
(1)
Gerald W.
I really want Tonys to succeed. I don't like Carlo Johnny's. Never cared for the 1920 whore house motif. Food is big on pretense, soso on delivery. Eddie Merlot is just mediocre chain. Tony's has the potential to be very good. Don't care if I get a free drink if I had to ask 4 times. Don't like being hugged by a wannabe Tony manager. Don't touch me. Now for the good. The wedge salad was wonderful. If the steak lost the gristle I would give it a 12 on a 1-10 scale. My wife's tuna was perfection. Everyone else was very pleased. I'm the hard nose. Hey Tony, cut the schmooze, get entrees cooked as ordered, get them to the table quickly, train your staff to remember or note request. My wife and I are cheering for you. We will be back.
(4)
Lauren A.
3.5 stars Went here for dinner on a Thursday evening, I'll break it down. The good. Very attentive staff and Tony makes sure to say hello to everyone. You feel very welcome here. They have a wonderful menu selection, interesting items (like the butternut squash, manchego cheese, and sage flatbread). They have a wedge salad that is just perfect with the best gorgonzola dressing. The live jazz music was very nice and not too loud for dinner. The not so good. The flat bread I mentioned was not crisp at all. The edges were black and the crust was soft, weird. We ordered from the raw bar, oysters and king crab. I heard the oysters were good but there were several pieces of shell in my crab meat (already butterflied). Also, no drawn butter was served with that, odd no? My husband and I had the filet, cooked to perfection however the seasoning on the steak was completely over salted. Tasty yes, but too salty. The waiter could have been a bit more knowledgeable about the Madisono's gelato (he called it Mandocino's???) Overall, a great place to go if you live out that way!
(3)
Judy C.
We originally had reservations for Eddie Merlot's until a friend recommended we give this place a try. From the outside, it's located in a previous Bravo's location, so not totally impressive. But - no valet parking! We did have reservations and were seated promptly. The wait staff was wonderful and very accommodating. We had the shrimp cocktail for an appetizer - it comes with only 3 pieces but we were able to order a 4th. The filet's were fabulous - on par with the best I have ever had. My only two dings were that it was a little on the loud side and our dessert (Opera Creme Cake) wasn't anything to really brag about - I thought it was dry and just "okay". Would I go back? Absolutely!! And yes - I'd pick it over Jag's and Eddie Merlot's.
(4)
brian b.
My first impression was not great: a building plunked down in the middle of a suburban mall parking lot. But as soon as we entered we were greeted with overwhelming friendliness and attentiveness to our every need. We arrived early on a Friday (530pm), and the place was pretty empty, but it had filled up by the time we left. Our waiter was genuinely friendly, as were the owner, Tony, and the assistant manager. The service was swift, the food outstanding. The wine list was not extensive, but of good quality. This restaurant could do very well even in San Francisco, so it was a pleasant surprise in suburban Cincinnati. The prices were almost as high as SF, though. Still, you don't get this level of service anywhere in the bay area, unless you go to a really expensive place. I would definitely eat here again, if I am ever in the neighborhood.
(5)
Greg J.
Dined at Tony's last night with my wife and another couple. Unfortunately the location and outside appearance are lackluster and off putting. Tony how about having a landscaper contest to perk things up outside? However, once inside everything improves. The overhaul from Bravo to Tony's was quite successful, the staff very friendly and knowledgeable. My wife had the lamb and said it was the best she had had. Our friends and I had the 9oz. fillets. They were superb. My friend said his fillet was the best he had ever had and I couldn't think of better steak, particularly in Cincinnati.
(5)
Maureen P.
The steak was actually from the first bite - amazing. So good job kitchen! But then when I wanted to take a piece of cheesecake back to the hotel room the lovely bartender had to squirrel away linens and silverware did I start to question things. They don't have 'to go' tableware'? Hello - go to Costco. Then my single meal with 3 oysters (@ $3.25 each) was $67 - I sort of questioned why I came for just a good steak. Because I'm a traveler I won't go back but the locals looked to be enjoying it.
(3)
Rick L.
It was nothing special to write home about.....and a bit pricy....I do not mind paying a high price for a good steak, but the steak and meal better WOW me, and this just lacked sizzle. It was also very loud inside and hard to carry on a conversation. The music they played was a nice variety, but it did not need to be as loud as it was. It is called background music for a reason.
(3)
AC E.
Food is average, service is slow, prices are high. Great happy hour!
(2)
Jay G.
Tony's has got it all. Best crab cakes, good wine selection, warm owner to takes time to meet and talk to customers, attentive management and servers. I recommend the Greek salad - so good I have not tried the other options. They are so accommodating to all of your wishes, just ask and you will probably receive. If there is a problem they go out of their way to own it and fix it. It is like you are a guest in Tony's house not restaurant. Great for special occasions and separate area for groups.
(5)
Ben B.
2 yr anniversary dinner.... I'll start with the good, house salad and steak was excellent.... Braised Ribs weren't bad.... The brussel sprouts, not good... Crab cakes were ok, but a bit mushy.... Overall, just ok, expectations were a lil higher tho considering the cost
(3)
Shelley C.
Wowwwwza! The updated menu is delish! All the old favorites are still there, so don't you worry! This evening my boyfriend had his favorite of course (no surprise there) The Dallas Clark with yukon gold mashed potatoes, which was prepared perfectly. I chose the updated bone in pork chop with whole grain mustard demi + braised greens + bourbon whipped sweet potatoes with house marshmallow......saaaay whaaat?!?!?!?! Sweet Baby Jesus, these sweet potatoes are seriously the best thing I have ever tasted! This meal was beautifully plated and the marshmallow was perfectly toasted. Highly recommend trying this new addition. We opted for Pinot Noir & Moscow Mule for drinks, and Coffee + Baileys for after dinner. Definitely, get to and grab some dinner!
We love sitting at the bar. You can order of their full menu or bar menu. Menu is great and has everything from pasta, to fish , steak etc. Grilled Ceasar salad rocks!
(5)
Jeffrey O.
Popped into Tony's tonight for a quick drink... Great atmosphere, super nice staff (even a hipster beard on a bartender), dark and surprisingly quant. Our drinks were very good... browsed the menu, looked great!
(5)
Danelle B.
Enjoyed Valentines Day with the whole family. Great service, delicious food. I enjoyed a bite of my husband's pork chop with sweet potatoes...were awesome and I loved my tuna.
(5)
Tracey L.
We went for my husbands birthday. My entree came out cold, my husbands steak was so under cooked we sent them both back - they did replace each entree but at that point I didn't even want it anymore. They did bring out complimentary desserts but then we got the bill!! $173 for three of us with 3 glasses of wine, WAY over priced for what it was! Definitely not at a Jeff Rubys level to charge that much. Will never go back, very disappointing!
(1)
Mark S.
Wife and I had dinner at the bar. There was a period on time (Thursday 8/20) when it was quite crowded, I had finished my first cocktail, someone picked up the empty and 10 min went by with no one asking me if I wanted another. My wife showed up and was attended to promptly, she asked the bartender to serve me, I could have asked myself but was curious to see what would happen without me speaking up. Surprised at the service slip up considering reputation/caliber of this restaurant, probably because two of the bartenders seemed to work together but neither seemed to have sole responsibility for me as a customer. The drinks were good, asked and received a wine recommendation from the bartender which was spot on. The bread is fantastic, the steak among the best in the city. Overall very enjoyable experience, not my first visit and certainly not my last. Would have been 5 stars except for the initial slip up.
Great restaurant. Top notch service and great food. I had the surf and turf - 9oz filet and lobster tail with Yukon mashed potatoes and wedge salad with homemade ranch dressing. My wife had the grilled Caesar salad and the chili and chorizo mussels. Great dining atmosphere and overall experience.
(5)
Adam B.
Amazing food amazing service. The crab cake was excellent and the bone in strip was cooked to perfection. I added the Oscar topping and it was phenomenal. Cheesecake to finish the night off and I will certainly be back.
Well it sure is nice with your father in law wants to bring the whole family to a fancy restaurant! Why is it nice! Food is a great way to show you love your family! Now mind you Steak Houses are not usually that fit for a VEGAN like myself! So I went in thinking I might just be eating bread and salad and drinking some fancy brews! But have no fear Vegan's, Tonys has a great pasta dish with chick peas that is totally vegan and super tasty! The sauce had a great kick and the portion size was awesome! Now when your going to a place that most of the meals are between 30-60 bucks, you expect amazing service! We got just that! Our waiter was excellent! Always coming around to make sure he could get me another beer (before mine was empty) and or filling waters! He made sure everyone's meals were up to standard and was super patient and polite dealing with our sometimes rowdy group of 12! Tony the owner also came around a couple times to make sure everyone was smiling as big as he was about the experience! Loved the open seating, Loved the 3 piece Jazz band playing Beatles songs, Loved the service, and loved the food! If you got the bucks to throw down on an expensive dining experience this might be the perfect spot for a date, or an elegant evening out with friends or family! Just get the in-laws to pay for it! Wink WInk!
(5)
Jason W.
Dallas Clark is the best steak I've ever had. Didn't love the Brussel sprouts but I'm not a huge fan of them anyway. Love the atmosphere. Not too swanky and pretentious. It's just right. Keep on keeping on Tony's
(5)
Ed W.
I considered this meal unintentional comedy. From the first moment we arrived until the moment we left, everyone went out of there way to say hello to us and ask how the meal was. I am not kidding. Filled up our water ... "How is your water?" Filled up our wine, "How is the wine? Get you some more?" Bring the steak and lobster ... "How is it?" Finally someone came up and asked about the meal and identified himself as "the" Tony of the house. The food is what makes it though, and the food was simply 3 star, no better. The lobster wasn't very good, and the steak was overcooked. The salad was average. The wine list was 3 star, although I have seen far worse. I would eat here again, but only if I have to choose between it and the horrific Marriott restaurant where I stayed. 3 stars.
(3)
Rhett N.
It's definitely pricey. I felt like the food was good, the ambience was good. It was a little like Carlo & Johnnys to me, similar pricing as well. I got the Tuna so I cannot comment on the Steaks, but I will definitely be back to try them. Only thing I wish is that you got a decent side with an entree. I felt like the service was excellent, and Tony was very nice. We even got a Thank You card from them in the Mail, I've never had a restaurant do that before!
(4)
Yuna D.
I feel kind of bad about giving this place 2 stars, but seriously meh, I've experienced better. I was really expecting amazing food and service because we came here for my boyfriend's father's birthday dinner, which we celebrated the same day and me and my boyfriend's 2 year anniversary. Good thing we had reservations; the place was absolutely packed. Service was the only amazing thing here. Everyone was very attentive, despite it being really busy, and we didn't have to wait that long for anything. Ambiance was alright for a higher-end restaurant, but several things that I did want to point out. It looks like the best seats in the house are the booths because they're set up so that there's a little bit more privacy and it blocks out some of the noise. Most of the tables are placed way too close together, which ruins the mood and makes it seem...a little jostling. The seating for parties of two along the wall bench is even better than the round tables in the middle of the seating area. Live jazz music is a nice thought, but with everyone conversing, the music is just so ridiculously loud and destroys any hope of there being actual romance or ambiance. I couldn't even hear my boyfriend talk and he was sitting right next to me. Jazz music is great--but maybe something toned down? I tried several different things here, which I'll review in detail. Everything could've used more seasoning. In their defense, there was salt on the table, but it's not the same between sprinkling salt on your food (which otherwise is really bland), and allowing seasoning to soak into your food. Compared to what we got, this place seems seriously overpriced. From best food to worst: 1. Oven Roasted Chicken Boyfriend's mother ordered the Chicken, and I took the leftovers home to eat for lunch at work. It's funny how judging from leftovers, I still think that the chicken is the best dish here hands down (other than the 14 oz New York Strip, but apparently meat temperatures aren't EXACTLY on the money. They're close, but it's not perfect. Regardless, how can you possibly mess up steak?). The oven roasted chicken, on the other hand is cooked perfectly--super juicy. AND IT'S SEASONED! A little salt goes such a long way. The sage polenta is one of the best things here--even the leftover polenta was delicious after a round in the microwave. 2. Macaroni and Cheese I personally loved the mac & cheese more than my own entree, but that's because i'm a garlic fanatic. If you don't like garlic, don't get this. Nowhere on the menu does it say that they use garlic powder, salt, or fresh garlic, but the taste is there. It's not just a little garlic either--it's a lot. 3. Caesar Salad The caesar salad comes with the entree, but I wanted to point out that the salad was spicy. Not sure if it was white pepper that did it, but it definitely had a kick. It was great for me since I love everything spicy, but if you don't like spicy, beware (it's quite significant and definitely noticable). The parmesan crisp was delicious. However, it would've been even more excellent if the salad wasn't drenched in dressing. There should be more salad than dressing on the plate, not the other way around. 4. Pan Seared Scallops Boyfriend ordered the scallops. The scallops were cooked well (Gordon Ramsay wouldn't yell "it's like rubber" or anything like that here), but I would've like a bit more sear. The color was okay, but that fresh crisp wasn't there. at all. It was as if it was sitting at the window and all the sear cooled down. The puree really reminds you of fall--it tastes more like pumpkin than squash, but it's such a sweet flavor that it kind of tastes weird with the scallops. I'll pass. 5. Organic Scottish Salmon Okay. This one is partially my fault for not really reading the menu. I saw "salmon" and immediately thought "YUM." I didn't realize that it would be the ONE asian-flavored dish on the menu. Why do restaurants even do Asian in places like these? I get the whole "follow the trend" thing but seriously it does not belong, especially if you can't do it right. The salmon was a bit dry and overcooked for my liking--the 5 spice rub did nothing to lock in moisture. Like I mentioned above, it is missing any form of seasoning on the actual piece of beautiful fish. I hated the shallot puree (it was way too much ginger in it), and the red cabbage tasted like someone had dumped a bottle of soy sauce/sesame oil into it. I would've appreciated it if the cabbage had a nice LIGHT sesame vinaigrette, or even if it was just dressed with some freshly toasted sesame seeds. My plate was definitely the worst out of everything I tried. tl;dr great service, but loud live music and not intimate. weird food combos--oven roasted chicken was the best thing I ate here. Mac & cheese is really garlicky, and caesar salad is weirdly spicy.
(2)
Greta R.
Mmmmmmmm. Great steak...and I'm picky with my steak. They offer a wide range of choices for seasonings and sauces to pair with your steak. The potato gratin was excellent as well. They have an excellent wine selection including many Italian varietals. The host was gracious enough to call us a cab back to our hotel.
(5)
Richard R.
One of the friendliest eateries I've been in. Food and atmosphere are fantastic. Tony himself walks around to ensure your enjoying the dining experience. The service is impeccable, yet not overbearing . The steaks are dry aged and dusted with a delicious rub. You're going to love it
(5)
Evangeline W.
Great service, our waiter was very informative, helpful, and nice! The food was great. We had appetizers of crab legs and jumbo shrimp, delicious! I ordered the filet mignon, comes with salad and side. Did not have to wait long and we didn't feel rushed either. Can either dress up or down, plus there is a bar you can eat at with no reservations. Great prices for the excellent service! Overall I enjoyed my experience there and will go again!
(5)
Tim E.
Go for the filet. Best steakhouse on the north side of Cincy. Great atmosphere especially when the band is playing. The bone in ribeye was full of gristle, but the staff promptly took care of it for me. Great service. The raw bar is gorgeous and perfect.
(5)
Maria B.
Visiting in from Chicago... THIS is the place for a great steak! Everything was exceptional; wedge salad w/blue cheese, the wedge fries and above all the crab cakes---- gotta try those three things. I only gave it 4 stars because I've had better mojitos even though the ones here were weren't bad, just not has great as I've had before. The server was right on!
(4)
Mark K.
Had an outstanding experience at this place from the time we walked in till we left. The service was top notch and the food was excellent. This is the best of the best when it comes to attention to detail and making the most of your evening. The staff was exciting and helpful and the food was fabulous. If you want great food and atmosphere at a great place, you need to visit this place
(5)
M K.
A favorite. Great steaks, exceptional service. A must for any special occasion. Thanks
(5)
Colleen W.
We always love it. Took our daughters for their first time....great food, great service and the nice thing is they do not make you feel bad if you share.
(5)
Jeff L.
Everything was fantastic. Excellent flavor. Steak was a touch chewy vs melt in your mouth. Service was very attentive. Manager stopped by to check on us. Prices were on the high side.
(4)
Terri T.
We tried Tony's tonight for the first time and so glad we did! The service was attentive but not intrusive and all who waited on or stopped by our table were genuinely interested in ensuring we were having a great dining experience. We ordered the filet and lobster combo and it was cooked perfectly. The Precinct used to be one of our regularly frequented places but we have been disappointed the last several times we have been there, so now, Tony's will be our new substitute! We look forward to returning!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Upscale Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Kelsey B.
First, the service was outstanding. My wife and I dined at Tony's Saturday evening and had a reservation for 7:00pm and were seated within 5 minutes of arriving. (FYI - There were a few parties waiting to be seated, so reservations would be encouraged). Our waiter was very attentive and made several stops at our table to ensure our experience was top notch. Second, the decor and ambiance was a little discouraging. The decor seemed dated. More of an older feel versus a modern, intimate setting. We were seated in a back room which was just that...a big open room with maybe 15-20 tables throughout. The tables were not on top of each other, but given the lack of anything to block sound, you felt like you were sitting in the middle of any generic crowded restaurant. When we first sat down, we noticed the music through the speakers was fairly loud. It was then turned down about 20 minutes later...so maybe other guests were also noticing that??? The food to me was average. My wife had the filet mignon which was delicious (she only gave me one small bite of it). I ordered the "Dallas Clark" which is a 14oz New York Strip, medium. When it was brought out, it was definitely cooked to medium-rare. The staff was very quick to re-fire the steak for me. The seasoning and char on my steak was good, but overall, I just thought it was okay. If I return, I would definitely get the filet. Salads and bread were good, but nothing that really jumped out as extraordinary. Prices seemed comparable to other steakhouses. With so many great steak options in the city, We would probably choose to visit some others that provide a little better setting, but still have top quality food.
(3)Michele G.
Everything about this restaurant is excellent. The service, the food, and the atmosphere. The steaks are always cooked to perfection, the seafood is always fresh, and the pasta is fantastic. This visit we started with oysters on the half shell and shrimp cocktail, both were great and fresh. We ordered the filet on the bone and also the tortellini. Steak was perfection and the tortellini is a must try. I love that Tony wanders the restaurant stopping at tables to be sure your meal is good. Yes, this restaurant is a little pricey but unlike some of the others you actually receive sides and salad with your meal and do not have to order each individually. it is worth every penny.
(5)Monica C.
We love this place! We usually eat at the bar, but it's still full menu. The bartenders on Saturday night are fantastic and the food is really good.
(4)Michael C.
This is our regular place for awesome steak and seafood for Mason area. Bartenders are some of the best in the business, knowledgeable and professional. Steak is always cooked to perfection, though I can't speak to the seafood yet. My wife loves the oysters.
(5)Jerry E.
Hands down our favorite steakhouse and bar in Cincinnati. The bar has a nice buzz - a great place to people watch - you can look across the entire floor. The staff are very capable and a lot of fun - you feel like family. Dining in the restaurant is equally nice - great steaks and service. Highly recommend ...
(5)B B.
Ok here is the deal I am in town for business so I was in town for the weekend and I asked for the Best Steak House in the area and I was recommended to Tony's. I am flying solo so I headed out (on a Thursday night) and grabbed a seat at the bar. Once seated I noticed how busy the bartender was, apparently she was servicing the bar and the tables in the bar area (solo). After a few minutes a busboy bought me some water. A few minutes later I asked for a menu the same busboy brought the menu. Ten minutes later I tried to grab the attention of the bartender, she saw me and I could see she was very busy. She gave me a glance and I new that I would not be seeing her anytime soon. After 5 minutes I had given up, no drinks no food no order so I decided to leave. On my way out I saw the maitre d' and told him that he needed to send some help to the bar as there was only one person working (the hostess and another server were with the maitre d' and the front desk). Granted the maitre d' did offer to help me on the way out, but it was too little too late. Bottom line I was looking forward to a nice steak dinner and never received it. I would encourage to the manager to pay attention to the bar area (which was fully occupied). No problem with the bartender (she was doing the best she could nor the busboy who was trying to help). Avoid if you are solo! Can't comment on the food but I would love to have the opportunity so my ranking is solely based on service.
(1)Linda M.
My husband and I recently dined at Tonys for our 36st anniversary. From the moment we walked in until we left, the hostess, manager, wait staff, and Ellie our waitress were stellar. The food was wonderful and perfectly cooked. Everyone wished us a Happy Anniversary and we got a free dessert to boot! As an added bonus, we received a note a couple of days later thanking us for coming in for our anniversary and signed by Ellie. What a perfect touch. We will absolutely be back again and again. Of course we will request our now favorite waitress Ellie!
(5)John D.
we visit Tony`s often and yet to be disappointed in our meal,wine, or service. last night was no exception. My wife and I shared the porterhouse steak and it was tremendous. perfectly cooked and juicy. Melt in you mouth great. I would recommend you give Tony`s a try.
(5)Mar R.
I had very pleasant experience at this restaurant. I ordered Greek salad, surf & turf with 7 oz filet and lobster tail with the side of mashed potatoes. We also ordered raw oysters and fried calamari as appetizers to share. Their workers seemed to be very well-trained and knowledgeable by the way they explained about their specials of the day which made us feel very comfortable to order what we liked. The presentation of the dishes were beautiful and everything was served at perfect timing and cooked perfectly as well. Because everything was so perfect, we had to try their deserts even though we were already so full. Lol. Their cheesecake is amazing. But don't try their tiramusu. It tasted like straight up rum. I would've rated 5 stars if their tiramusu was as good as their cheesecake.
(4)Douglas E.
Great place for steak! I recommend the Shrimp to start (they are huge). Pass on the house salad for the caesar as the house is just a wedge. The 10 ounce filet was seasoned with a crisp crust layer and cooked to perfect temperature.
(4)Donald S.
Great food -terrible service. We complained, they moved us to the bar to make up for it. 25 min later, no drink, no service watching the bartenders and waitstaff get their flirt on. We begged for a drink / check. Finally got it. Sent an email advising Tony himself about the hiccups of the evening and he discounted us, basically calling us liars. He also promised "an amazing gift" and (perhaps for 4.95 shipping and handling) we will receive such gift. Or never because he was so arrogant and dismissive. There's friendlier and just as good if not better steaks aka Jeff Ruby's in town. Skip this place for the jerk manager, bartenders and owner. Your money will be better spent at The Precinct.
(1)Matthew C.
My wife and I dined at Tony's with friends to celebrate her recent promotion at work. This was our first visit to Tony's. We had heard a lot of positive feedback from friends. Overall our experience was mixed. I would give the food 4 stars and the experience 2.5 stars. The food was very good. We all had steaks. The nice thing here is that the salad and potato come with the meal versus many other steakhouses where everything is ala carte. The steaks were prepared as requested. The interesting thing was that when the food came to the table, my wife's meal was not ready yet. The server communicated that her steak would be out in 2-3 minutes. One manager came over and shared that when our steaks came out of the kitchen, the one did not look right and had to go back. He said that they would comp our desserts. That seemed reasonable for the inconvenience. Unfortunately, it took longer than 2-3 minutes for my wife's steak. We asked a second manager what the issue was and he basically blamed the server for the issue. When her steak finally came, we were told it was taken from another order. We were shocked that the manager threw the server under the bus. Who is at fault is not relevant to the customer. We came for a special night out and while the food was good the interaction with the 2 managers was a bit strange. Focus on correcting the issue, not who is at fault. While it was good, there are a lot of steakhouse options around town that are as good or better.
(3)Zach K.
Forewarning: Written by someone who lives in SF, a foodie hub of the U.S. My views are distorted I was sent to Mason, Ohio for work, and after walking in and out of a couple terrifying restaurants, i found myself at Tony's. I put my comments in a few sections. 1. Food: The food was alright, but generally lacked creativity. For an italian restaurant they have a lot of non-italian dishes on the menu. The portions are also enormous. For any urban visitors I'd suggest sharing an entree. It looked like there was nearly a pound of fish on my plate, which i came nowhere close to finishing. However, i made sure to save room for dessert and boy was that a delight! For dessert Tony's tiramisu is a must have. It's hand-made by his mother everyday and they make sure to use ample brandy. I eat a lot of tiramisu and this was definitely top 5. 2. Service: Really fantastic service. Waiters were attentive and well-trained. The chef came out during the meal to check on the food. When we were having dessert Tony, the owner, came by to check on us and make sure everything was up to par. I was really impressed overall. 3. Price: For a suburb of Cincinnati, it's pretty outrageously expensive. WIth seafood entrees at 35+ and meat entrees from 40-50. Then again, they give you so much food, it kind of makes sense. My suggestion would be cutting the portions in half and cutting down the prices by a third.
(4)Bernard B.
I'm a regular or should I say former customer who sat down at the bar and then told I couldn't sit there cause it was reserved..I told the inexperienced waiter that people just left but he said I don't know what's going on but u have to move...so I moved...to Carlo and johnnies. ..staff is clueless. ..
(1)Beth Z.
It was Valentine's Day, and we actually had reservations elsewhere. But because said elsewhere place overbooked, we ended up at Tony's. We were greeted with a smile, and sat right away. The ambiance is fantastic, quiet even with the live music, and slightly upscale decor. The two things that made me give 5 stars on this review were 1. The Service, 2. The Steak. Our server was never a second late, and ALWAYS smiling and POLITE!! When I asked where the restroom was, she actually walked me there. Everything arrived right on time, she was personable and we both said at the end of the meal, wow...we haven't had service like that in a long time. The Steak. Oh that steak. I'll probably dream about it for awhile. I am a firm believer that my steak should be seasoned, and prepared well enough that I should never need sauce or toppings. My medium Filet came out PERFECT, and I mean PERFECT. It was perfectly medium, and the flavor was OUTSTANDING. If it's not better than Ruby's, than it' s giving him one hell of a run for the money! I will recommend anyone who wants an amazing steak to give Tony's a try and will be taking my European friends to dinner there when they come visit!
(5)Ben G.
Amazing! Great service. Great food. We have company gatherings here and couldn't ask for better!
(5)Katie F.
Although it's pretty pricey, the food is some of the best I have ever had, and that is not an exaggeration. The service was phenomenal, and even on Valentine's Day when they were at capacity, the manager still visited our table to ask about our meal and to shake our hands. One of the best restaurant experience's I've ever had.
(5)Glen G.
Very good overall. Excellent staff, great steaks, good bar scene.... overall very strong. My advice would be to stick with the steaks however, my wife's tuna wasn't great and the lobster in the surf and turf was just okay. Tony, the owner, is usually on site, attentive and personable. He's bound to make you feel special, especially if you let him know if you have a special occasion.
(4)Caroline C.
I've been to Tony's a number of times since my last review and well, it's way better than I gave it credit for. In my book, a steak restaurant that keeps a non-steak eater coming back is pretty impressive. First things first, the roasted chicken is by far the best roasted chicken I've ever had out at a restaurant. The skin is crispy, the inside tender, juicy and flavorful. And the polenta it's served on? Down right ridiculous with it's creamy crispiness. My second favorite thing about Tony's is the bar. Attentive and proficient bartenders: check. Happy hour: check. Bar menu (but you can still order from the regular menu): check. Live jazz: check. It's a dressy-environment without feeling like you have to be all fancied up and buttoned-down. Some other recommendations: the Dirty Martinis, Grilled Caesar, raw bar and the Riga-Tony.
(4)Edith M.
I was skeptical about the place because the rave about the Jeff Ruby's restaurants are very distant from the truth. I went with my husband for our anniversary and was pleasantly surprised. The staff of this restaurant would do anything to make your dinner a memorable one. There is live jazz music that is not disturbing. The manager and the owner go by every table to ask if you are having a good time. The wine selection is very diverse. Wines from: Argentina,Spain,California,Chile,Italy... We had Surf & Turf which happened to be one of the choices for the special menu. Everything was cooked and seasoned to perfection. Lobster was sweet and very tasty and the meat was well seasoned.I would go back and would recommend the place any day over the OVERRATED Jeff Ruby's restaurants.
(5)Jim R.
This was my first visit to Tony's and I was joined by my son and grandson. I had the strip and the others had fillets. The steaks were excellent; well prepared and not too much salt. Tony's is primarily a steak house but the menu offers some interesting seafood dishes and some attractive pasta selections. The restaurant was full on a rainy, Wednesday evening so I would expect a lively crowd most nights. Tony's is located in a strip shopping area but is very attractive once you walk in the door. I think this place will become a family favorite!
(5)Amanda S.
Vegetarians, beware! (Also anybody reading this review, beware. I'm a vegetarian so it's kind of ridiculous for me to even review this place, but here we are.) My husband likes to use Groupons and Living Social deals to try out new restaurants. Good idea. Except when you buy a Groupon to a steakhouse and then your wife decides, after a rather unfortunate scene involving our dog and a baby bird, to shun all things meat. No matter. Most restaurants offer a vegetarian alternative and although Tony's does, it appears as though they do so grudgingly. The one vegetarian dish was pasta primavera and it was underwhelming, to say the least. It was rather bland (not a lot of sauce) and not exactly chock-full of vegetables. Whatever. In other news, my husband's steak was cooked perfectly and he relished each and every bite. Good for him. Also, the service was impeccable. The tiramisu, said to be made by Tony's mom, was delicious and heavy on the liqueur (thanks, Tony's mom!). And the restaurant itself is all sorts of clubby chic.
(3)Lewis R.
My wife and I were here for our anniversary, looking for a nice intimate dinner. The dinner was delicious, but the atmosphere is certainly not intimate. Even with a booth, which are touted as being more intimate, it was still loud and busy throughout the evening. The meal was good, but it isn't the 5-star transformational experience that I was hoping for. As others have said, the polenta is the highlight of the meal. Polenta?! Crazy, but true. Really amazing flavor and texture. I wish it was available as an a la carte side. My wife got the New York Strip and it came out a little overdone *sad face*, but it was still very good. The big disappointment of the night was the Mac&Cheese. Seriously bummed, because I love M&C, but this was a very blah version. Nothing exciting about it at all. The staff is attentive and professional, which means always available but mostly invisible. A few odds and ends here. The bar is nice, good place to hang out while you wait for your table, or just hang out. They have an extensive raw bar. You can check your coat(s). Good choice of liquors. So this is a great meal with friends or family, but not a great choice for a romantic evening.
(4)Ray E.
Tony! Tony! (Italian accent included) :) Had a wonderful evening dropping the work group in here for a large party of 10 last night! From the get go, Tony's spot hits you with a good steakhouse feel - dim lighting, large full size bar, the proper white table set up, etc. We were even 30 min late and the front desk still held our spot and called - nice guys! So as for the food! The steaks were excellent! A number of us ordered the bone-in filet - banging with flavor! We also had a plethora of apps and sides - the seafood platter .. WOW the crab legs and shrimp were on steroids! No shortage of food here! As for the mac and cheese side, our waiter was cool enough to toss in some truffle oil to spazz it up - solid service! These guys would certainly get my thumbs up for those in Mason looking for a meaty dinner
(4)Nicole H.
Went for dinner on Saturday night -- -excellent as always. The steaks were unbelievably delicious -- melt in your mouth filets. I don't think there is anywhere better in the city for a great night out!
(5)Sheena D.
As mentioned in other reviews, this place will remind you a lot of a Ruby's restaurant - primarily because Tony was the former GM of the Precinct. All in all, this place deserves all 5 stars. The service was great - not only did the manager stop by to check in on us, but so did Tony. At the time of my visit they had a Surf and Turf option, that could not be outdone: an amazing 7oz filet with a 9 oz lobster tail for only $50, plus a salad, side and dessert. The food is just as good, if not better in some cases, than any Ruby restaurant, but the value is much better. The steak was prepared just as ordered and was one of the best I've had in a long time. We also ordered the calamari and cheesecake, which were top notch. The only thing that could improve is the wine list, it was a bit sparse, but they're good bourbon selection made up for the lack of an expansive wine list.
(5)Chris M.
The steaks are outstanding. Perfectly prepped and delivered well. My father in law said he much prefers the food here over any Ruby restaurant or Carlo and Johnny. He said its the best steak outside Chicago. The fish is also really good. The seabass, tuna and salmon are all worth ordering. The truffle fries are outstanding. The meals come with a potato and a salad which helps me justify the higher menu prices. I've never experienced anything but outstanding service here. One server, Kevin, is among the best servers I've ever seen. Specifically he asked us if it was ok to bring our kids more soda (which is unusual, usually they just bring it), and had a great aire about him. Attentive, but not annoying, quick with requests but in a non-hectic sort of way. I will ask for him by name when we come back. I recently edited my review from 4 stars to 5 stars as Tony's seems to improve with age. Their service seems to be even better now then ever before, it's truly unmatched. They recently added a surf and turn to the menu which is very reasonably priced and extremely good. While the atmosphere is still a bit loud, in my opinion this is the best overall steak restaurant in cincinnati.
(5)Yara A.
Its my 1st visit,for my husband's BD , it was amazing and im gonna visit again The food is so delicious and fresh also i like the decoration it was romantic
(5)S W.
Well done Tony, nice place. We were a party of four, it was our first time here for all. The service was top notch, our waiter Shanon was attentive, polite and worked very hard. He also helped my wife through the gluten free options, since they do not have a gluten free menu. We started with a nice sour dough bread for the table. My wife enjoyed the Greek salad, no small salad. Next the sea bass, which was prepared a bit different than usual, it was very good. I enjoyed a lettuce wedge with blue cheese, and next a filet with mashed potatoes. The filet was a very tasty cut of meat prepared perfectly, the potatoes delicious. One special was a bone in strip ordered at my table, it looked huge and awesome. Coffee was good and came in an adequate mug. Our table tried three deserts, the chocolate mouse, a rich sweet cup, very good. The cannoli's were small but a pair. They tasted with a hint of something unique, the cheese was good. The most delicious desert was the opera cream cake. This was a 4 point something, but hard for me to go higher at the $$$ price tag.
(4)Doug C.
A "classy joint" -- good service combined with quality food. Live jazz on the weekends, too.
(4)Amanda S.
My one visit to Tony's makes me ready to go back. I went with a friend, who is a regular and we ate the bar menu. Wow, is all I can say. The prime rib sliders were delicious and plenty for a meal or to share. The truffle fries were perfect. My pomegranate martini was delicious and a good price. While the main menu is a little pricey, the bar menu is perfect for a less expensive but yummy evening. My whole bill with tip with soup, the sliders, and a cocktail was less than $25. But it made me want to return to try a steak!
(4)Jennifer G.
Tony's was definitely a place I would recommend to everyone who wants to have a special meal while in Cincy. From the beginning to end, everyone we encountered in the restaurant was top notch and put the customer first. It was an extremely warm welcome when we walked in and it didn't stop. Our waiter couldn't have been more attentive and the manager was always seen walking around asking how everyone's meal was. I had the Filet with a baked potato and wedge salad (with white balsamic). The dressing on the salad was great and the filet (with a garlic butter) was cooked a perfect medium. The baked potato was your typical potato and I would recommend you get the mashed next time (as those were delicious!). My husband had the Dallas Clark with the horsey cream and he loved it. Unfortunately, we had no room for dessert as the dinner was just too good. The atmosphere is casual, yet classy. There were a few people in shorts and it wasn't overly packed for a Thursday night. There is an outside space, but it didn't look all that inviting to eat out in...maybe to have a drink or two, but not dinner. If we're ever in the area again, we would definitely stop by at Tony's!
(4)Mike F.
Excellent Dinner. My wife and I visited Tony's for the first time on 6/29 and I must say it started with a bang when Scott came out introduced himself and started our fantastic meal. His service was great and we were well attended. We had a romantic meal for two starting with the crab cake and wouldn't have missed out on the Lobster Bisque, one of the best I've ever had. The New York Strip and Filet were excellent and complimented perfectly by the brussel sprouts; even if you aren't a brussel sprout fan, you must try these the balsamic vinaigrette, pine nuts and onion straws make for a great combination. Sorry to say there was not room for dessert, but we will be back and look forward to next delicacy we can partake.
(4)Todd L.
I frequent this place on a regular basis to have an after work drink in the bar. The bartenders are excellent. I have dined here once in the restaurant with my wife and the meal was excellent. The steaks have a great flavor and are prepared very well. If you are sitting at the bar and want a quick bite, I recommend the Prime Burger with Truffle Fries. It is physically impossible to consume the whole burger and fries. I definitely recommend this place. Tony is a former Jeff Ruby employee and he definitely knows how to treat guests.
(4)Rebecca J.
The BFF and I stopped in on a Friday night for a few drinks and a bite. We walked in and a jazz band was playing at the perfect volume and the bar was full. First impression? Pretty Impressive. Tony personally came over 3 times to see how we were doing. Before dinner, during and after. Sounds like overkill, but this dude is smooth. My Free Range chicken was perfection. Tender and juicy with crispy seasoned skin. It came with a salad, asparagus and a potato. $22 We were the youngest people there, it is an upscale joint in the 'burbs so, no surprise. In the end, it has a good vibe and the food was great.
(5)Jennifer M.
Excellent! Wait staff was extremely attentive and helpful. We had an assortment from the raw bar for an appetizer, and everything was fresh and fantastic. We also tried the beef tartare appetizer, which was also amazing. My filet was cooked perfectly and absolutely delicious. I love Grilled Ceaser Salads, so I substituted that for the salad that comes with the meal. The server was kind enough to let me know that it was huge, so I split it with my boyfriend, and it was plenty for both of us, and it was also amazing. I also ordered a side of the polenta, and I'm so glad I did! Crisp on the outside and soft and delicious on the inside. My boyfriend ordered the bone-in ribeye and it was also cooked perfectly, He devoured it. Our friends each ordered the Chilean Sea Bass. They said it was very good, but not great. My recommendation - it's a steak place. Get the steak.
(5)Johnny A.
Any steakhouse with a pricetag like this I pull no punches. Sorry Tony's but you didn't pass the test on multiple levels tonight. We ordered 4 "medium" filets. Two came out medium (perfect) and two came out not just well done but burnt to a crisp. Black charcoal crust cooked brown all the way through... Tasteless. We even held a cross-section of the steaks up to compare and had a good laugh. I've honestly never seen steaks cooked this poorly even at low brow places like Outback. Scallops were undercooked oddly enough think sushi undercooked. Tiramisu came out tasting like a shot of rubbing alcohol. I was tempted to hold a lighter up to it to see if it would ignite almost inedible... I was speechless. All of the appetizers and drinks were very good. For a high class high price dining establishment this is just not excusable. I can go to Precint, Ruby's, J. Alexanders, Houston's, etc. and get it cooked perfectly every time. What can I say I like dependability. Tony's made me feel like a fool for trying something different... But I'm not worried because it won't happen again.
(1)Mr. And Mrs. H.
It's an expensive steak house, and they produce a nice meal, on par with Jeff Ruby's. Sunday night special of 30% off a bottle of wine is nice, and their polenta side dish are stand-outs.
(3)Tara S.
I have to update my review after our visit tonight to try out Tony's new bar menu. I am so excited for these new offerings, as there are many nights that my husband wants to go to Tony's, but I'm just not feeling a big steak dinner. The new bar menu (also available on the patio) has raw bar items, a delicious chopped chicken salad, a few of their menu apps, like mussels, a prime strip skewer with delicious Asian slaw, prime rib sliders, and the piece de resistance, the burger. This is no ordinary burger, they grind their own ground beef in-house, stuff it with tons of pepper jack cheese and put it in a soft, perfect challah bun. We tried the steak skewer, the chopped chicken salad and the burger with some of the most fantastic truffles potato wedges. The steak skewer uses prime strip steak glazed with a soy marinade, accompanied by an Asian slaw and some picked/marinated cucumbers that I could have eaten many more of. The soy glaze was so good and all of the components came together so well. It was also a lot of steak! Great value! The chopped chicken salad had all kinds of good stuff, moist chicken breast, glazed cippolini onions, artichoke hearts, blue cheese and bacon, (probably more that I'm forgetting), I loved it. Now, on to the burger. I have never seen a burger that my husband couldn't finish- until tonight. He left one sad little bite on the plate, and that was even after I got my paws on it! Stuffed with cheese, it could have come with an instruction manual on the best way to attack it, but we did the best we could. It was fantastic. It is served with really original, thin and crispy truffles potato "wedges" that are also available a la carte on the bar menu. Don't forget to try some when you're there! We've never had a single thing at Tony's that wasn't wonderful, so we didn't expect any less from the bar menu, and we were not disappointed. It's so nice to have a lighter, week night option.
(5)Neil H.
I hate to drop 2 stars on this place, but i feel i have to. The wedge salad was fantastic, really top notch. the proportions of ingredients was just right. Unfortunately, this was followed by the blackened NY strip. it had a delicious crust or caramelized onions, horseradish and seasonings...I'm a huge crust snob when it comes to my steaks and this was perfect. Why the problem, then? The steak was trimmed improperly and had waaaay too much gristle. I don't drop this kind of cheddar on a meal and expect it to be anything less than delicious. I guess tony's is a bit less than Carlo and Johnny's since it includes a salad and side, but i'd rather spend a little more and get a killer steak. the mac and cheese was pretty good, but the truffle chips were awesome. we had some brussel sprouts, they were ok. at the end of the day if you are a prime steakhouse, you really need to kill it on the steak. I talked to a couple of other people who have had teh same experience with the strip, they need to correct it. it's a nice atmosphere, they just need to make a better steak.
(2)Tim L.
Veal blew me away. Potatoes were cash. Some of the best food I've had in the past year. A bit overpriced, though.
(4)Mike T.
3.5 Stars...Finally got to Tony's for the first time the other night and despite a few hiccups, I thought most of the food and service was great. I would first say that it's much more than a steakhouse. The filet was good, but it wasn't as good as the ones I've had at Ruby's restaurants and so it doesn't really justify the cost. We loved the truffle chips--one of those type of sides you wish you had more of because you can't stop eating it, but glad you don't have more for the same reason. The roasted quail was the star in my opinion--truly exceptional. The manchego is a perfect compliment and the smoked grape demi really makes the dish. Hopefully they keep this dish around despite the conservative ordering habits of Cincinnatians. I think people will be comparing Tony's to The Precinct for some time to come, and unfortunately it doesn't compare just yet in any other way than the hospitality. At the same time, I think Tony's will work out the kinks and eventually find an identity of it's own as a sort of "Steakhouse Plus," but they have to get the steaks right first. This 4-star rating is aspirational in hopes that they do.
(4)John M.
We had another great meal at Tony's this weekend. This is a one of a kind restaurant, and that is what I like. We have been there at least six times and I have always been very satisfied by the food, service, and cleanliness. The staff here knows how to do it right by always making me feel like I am their most important customer. (I am not.) This is a first class place with fantastic steak, fish and side items.
(4)John A.
Went to Tony's for the first time last night and we ate the bar since we weren't up for a full meal. We ordered the *massive* cheeseburger and the prime rib sliders to share. Normally, I wouldn't write a review about a cheeseburger - especially at a steakhouse - but we agreed it was the best we've ever had - About a pound of perfectly seared beef, dripping with melted cheese and topped with homemade(dill-infused?) mayonnaise. The truffle fries were great, as were the sliders(though a little too seasoned). Nice atmosphere and great service - and the bar menu is a great value. We'll definitely be going back, soon.
(4)Marisa D.
I have loved Tony since he was at The Precinct. Am very glad to see him go alone. WELL DONE TONY! Food was great, service was excellent. The steak had an excellent charcrust on it. The wedge salad was delicious & the garlic mash - divine. We went on a Thursday and he had a live jazz trio playing and the place was packed. Although I have to say, why do Cincinnatians think shorts are appropriate to wear to a steakhouse? Disappointing.
(4)The x.
Tony's is not inexpensive. With the prices they are charging, the patrons should have a reasonable expectation of a superb meal, great service and a nice atmosphere. However.... It is apparent management really wants to have the customer have a great experience. The bus boys, runners and suited management have a enthusiastic demeanor as if they just attended a "Ritz Carlton" training seminar but it would have been better if the hostess and our waitress had attended as well. Since our waitress was missing-in-action most of the night, she apparently didn't get the memo about customer service. Our appetizer and cocktails were good. When I ordered my steak I had asked my waitress to specify exactly how the chef would describe "medium." When the runner delivered our entree, the steak was blackened outside and raw inside--did not match the description. Although our waitress didn't deliver our meal, we expected that she would drop by to check on us. She didn't so I waited and waited. No waitress. I had hoped I could have the kitchen butterfly the steak but by the time the bus boy had reported my displeasure, the manager insisted on replacing it entirely. It's kind of difficult to give a poor review with a customer-oriented management decisions like that, they really cut you off at the knees with apology and action. Still I felt bad and it kinda killed the mood. The piano is a nice touch, it has all the appearances of "a classy joint" which seems to be the goal. We dressed for a nice restaurant and were surprised to see a few other diners in shorts and t-shirts. Disappointing, but well beyond management control. What they really, really need is to put something in there to absorb the sound. The ceilings have exposed trusses topped the corrugated metal: is there any wonder my wife and I had to shout across the cacophony to hear one another. I would give the owner, the manager and the bus boy(s) an A for effort, only to be let down by their waitress and hostess.
(2)Jeff Y.
I must say that I originally gave Tony's 4 stars, but I am dropping my review down to 2. My wife and I have been here many times, and something continues to draw us back. We had a great experience on our first visit, but since then we continue to be disappointed. Steak is good but a medium steak has been cooked differently over many trips. During my past experience, my table insisted that I send my steak back. It was overcooked, to only be undercooked when it came back. After two tries, it was still undercooked, but I wasn't about to have them send it back again. I was hungry knowing the rest of the table was finished with their meals, so I ate my steak much rarer than what a medium steak should be cooked. We have also been unlucky in receiving bad service from the same waiter in the dining room. He consistently provides slow service, and seems to always mess something up.
(2)Adam H.
Tony takes care of his guests. Make a stop in here, sit back relax and enjoy.
(4)Kim C.
After furniture shopping last night, we decided to stop in to Tony's for dinner. My husband told the waitress we did not have a reservation--the restaurant was mostly empty. She took our name and got our menus. Just as we were about to be seated, Mr. "Someone" came in. The manager who I assume may have been Tony, picked up the menus and said follow me. So we started following him. Then "Tony" said no not you--Mr. "Somebody" and his son. Very unprofessional. I said to the hostess, "I guess our business is unimportant." In a mostly empty restaurant I would think you would want to make your guests feel like you want them to come in. We have actually been eaten here in the past with friends--I will steer my friends to other restaurants. There are a lot of upscale restaurants that WANT my business. The waitress was fantastic and the food was good but again there are a lot of other restaurants that are just as good if not better.
(1)Gerald W.
I really want Tonys to succeed. I don't like Carlo Johnny's. Never cared for the 1920 whore house motif. Food is big on pretense, soso on delivery. Eddie Merlot is just mediocre chain. Tony's has the potential to be very good. Don't care if I get a free drink if I had to ask 4 times. Don't like being hugged by a wannabe Tony manager. Don't touch me. Now for the good. The wedge salad was wonderful. If the steak lost the gristle I would give it a 12 on a 1-10 scale. My wife's tuna was perfection. Everyone else was very pleased. I'm the hard nose. Hey Tony, cut the schmooze, get entrees cooked as ordered, get them to the table quickly, train your staff to remember or note request. My wife and I are cheering for you. We will be back.
(4)Lauren A.
3.5 stars Went here for dinner on a Thursday evening, I'll break it down. The good. Very attentive staff and Tony makes sure to say hello to everyone. You feel very welcome here. They have a wonderful menu selection, interesting items (like the butternut squash, manchego cheese, and sage flatbread). They have a wedge salad that is just perfect with the best gorgonzola dressing. The live jazz music was very nice and not too loud for dinner. The not so good. The flat bread I mentioned was not crisp at all. The edges were black and the crust was soft, weird. We ordered from the raw bar, oysters and king crab. I heard the oysters were good but there were several pieces of shell in my crab meat (already butterflied). Also, no drawn butter was served with that, odd no? My husband and I had the filet, cooked to perfection however the seasoning on the steak was completely over salted. Tasty yes, but too salty. The waiter could have been a bit more knowledgeable about the Madisono's gelato (he called it Mandocino's???) Overall, a great place to go if you live out that way!
(3)Judy C.
We originally had reservations for Eddie Merlot's until a friend recommended we give this place a try. From the outside, it's located in a previous Bravo's location, so not totally impressive. But - no valet parking! We did have reservations and were seated promptly. The wait staff was wonderful and very accommodating. We had the shrimp cocktail for an appetizer - it comes with only 3 pieces but we were able to order a 4th. The filet's were fabulous - on par with the best I have ever had. My only two dings were that it was a little on the loud side and our dessert (Opera Creme Cake) wasn't anything to really brag about - I thought it was dry and just "okay". Would I go back? Absolutely!! And yes - I'd pick it over Jag's and Eddie Merlot's.
(4)brian b.
My first impression was not great: a building plunked down in the middle of a suburban mall parking lot. But as soon as we entered we were greeted with overwhelming friendliness and attentiveness to our every need. We arrived early on a Friday (530pm), and the place was pretty empty, but it had filled up by the time we left. Our waiter was genuinely friendly, as were the owner, Tony, and the assistant manager. The service was swift, the food outstanding. The wine list was not extensive, but of good quality. This restaurant could do very well even in San Francisco, so it was a pleasant surprise in suburban Cincinnati. The prices were almost as high as SF, though. Still, you don't get this level of service anywhere in the bay area, unless you go to a really expensive place. I would definitely eat here again, if I am ever in the neighborhood.
(5)Greg J.
Dined at Tony's last night with my wife and another couple. Unfortunately the location and outside appearance are lackluster and off putting. Tony how about having a landscaper contest to perk things up outside? However, once inside everything improves. The overhaul from Bravo to Tony's was quite successful, the staff very friendly and knowledgeable. My wife had the lamb and said it was the best she had had. Our friends and I had the 9oz. fillets. They were superb. My friend said his fillet was the best he had ever had and I couldn't think of better steak, particularly in Cincinnati.
(5)Maureen P.
The steak was actually from the first bite - amazing. So good job kitchen! But then when I wanted to take a piece of cheesecake back to the hotel room the lovely bartender had to squirrel away linens and silverware did I start to question things. They don't have 'to go' tableware'? Hello - go to Costco. Then my single meal with 3 oysters (@ $3.25 each) was $67 - I sort of questioned why I came for just a good steak. Because I'm a traveler I won't go back but the locals looked to be enjoying it.
(3)Rick L.
It was nothing special to write home about.....and a bit pricy....I do not mind paying a high price for a good steak, but the steak and meal better WOW me, and this just lacked sizzle. It was also very loud inside and hard to carry on a conversation. The music they played was a nice variety, but it did not need to be as loud as it was. It is called background music for a reason.
(3)AC E.
Food is average, service is slow, prices are high. Great happy hour!
(2)Jay G.
Tony's has got it all. Best crab cakes, good wine selection, warm owner to takes time to meet and talk to customers, attentive management and servers. I recommend the Greek salad - so good I have not tried the other options. They are so accommodating to all of your wishes, just ask and you will probably receive. If there is a problem they go out of their way to own it and fix it. It is like you are a guest in Tony's house not restaurant. Great for special occasions and separate area for groups.
(5)Ben B.
2 yr anniversary dinner.... I'll start with the good, house salad and steak was excellent.... Braised Ribs weren't bad.... The brussel sprouts, not good... Crab cakes were ok, but a bit mushy.... Overall, just ok, expectations were a lil higher tho considering the cost
(3)Shelley C.
Wowwwwza! The updated menu is delish! All the old favorites are still there, so don't you worry! This evening my boyfriend had his favorite of course (no surprise there) The Dallas Clark with yukon gold mashed potatoes, which was prepared perfectly. I chose the updated bone in pork chop with whole grain mustard demi + braised greens + bourbon whipped sweet potatoes with house marshmallow......saaaay whaaat?!?!?!?! Sweet Baby Jesus, these sweet potatoes are seriously the best thing I have ever tasted! This meal was beautifully plated and the marshmallow was perfectly toasted. Highly recommend trying this new addition. We opted for Pinot Noir & Moscow Mule for drinks, and Coffee + Baileys for after dinner. Definitely, get to and grab some dinner!
(5)Erin H.
After using all of my yelp skills to research this place prior to going I was very excited to make my own opinion. The great debate of is this Jeff Ruby's caliber, better, worse? I have to say that this restaurant is good, but does not compare to a Ruby's restaurant. The first area Tony's fell a little short for me is ambiance. I believe the building used to be a Carraba's and it still pretty much looks like that both inside and out. This is not an intimate dining experience. It was clean and presentable, but felt more like a chain restaurant than an expensive steak house. Many people raved about the service they received at Tony's. Our service was OK, but was not what I expect for the price we paid. We were promptly seated but waited over 5 minutes to be brought menus or to see our waitress. Drinks, though delicious, took a long time and I often sat with an empty glass for quite awhile before being offered another. The timing of food was good and allowed us to take our time. Both Tony and the GM were walking around talking to tables but continued to pass us by, maybe we were too young? We did get a quick "everything OK?" on the way out the door from Tony. Now to the food. We were with a party of 7 so we got to taste a lot of things. My favorite part of the meal was the drinks and appetizers. We had multiple cocktails which were all expertly done. We ordered crab cakes, oysters on the half shell and mussels. The crab cake was probably the best crab cake I have ever had. The biggest downfall of this restaurant is the steaks themselves. For somewhere that is trying to compete with other excellent steak houses they fall short. The steaks are heavily seasoned and braised to the point that it takes away from the flavor of the meat itself. There were 6 steaks served to us and none of them were cooked to the temperature requested- some over cooked, some under. No one complained but everyone would have had a valid point had they chosen to do so. I got the short ribs which were very tender and flavorful. I found it disappointing that the best entrée we had wasn't steak. The pricing here includes sides which helps with the overall bill. Was it a bad meal? Not really. Was it on par with other restaurants in the city? Not at all. The steak houses downtown offer higher quality food and better service, in my opinion.
(3)Shon M.
We love sitting at the bar. You can order of their full menu or bar menu. Menu is great and has everything from pasta, to fish , steak etc. Grilled Ceasar salad rocks!
(5)Jeffrey O.
Popped into Tony's tonight for a quick drink... Great atmosphere, super nice staff (even a hipster beard on a bartender), dark and surprisingly quant. Our drinks were very good... browsed the menu, looked great!
(5)Danelle B.
Enjoyed Valentines Day with the whole family. Great service, delicious food. I enjoyed a bite of my husband's pork chop with sweet potatoes...were awesome and I loved my tuna.
(5)Tracey L.
We went for my husbands birthday. My entree came out cold, my husbands steak was so under cooked we sent them both back - they did replace each entree but at that point I didn't even want it anymore. They did bring out complimentary desserts but then we got the bill!! $173 for three of us with 3 glasses of wine, WAY over priced for what it was! Definitely not at a Jeff Rubys level to charge that much. Will never go back, very disappointing!
(1)Mark S.
Wife and I had dinner at the bar. There was a period on time (Thursday 8/20) when it was quite crowded, I had finished my first cocktail, someone picked up the empty and 10 min went by with no one asking me if I wanted another. My wife showed up and was attended to promptly, she asked the bartender to serve me, I could have asked myself but was curious to see what would happen without me speaking up. Surprised at the service slip up considering reputation/caliber of this restaurant, probably because two of the bartenders seemed to work together but neither seemed to have sole responsibility for me as a customer. The drinks were good, asked and received a wine recommendation from the bartender which was spot on. The bread is fantastic, the steak among the best in the city. Overall very enjoyable experience, not my first visit and certainly not my last. Would have been 5 stars except for the initial slip up.
(4)Brian B.
We were immediately greeted by the manager Shane upon entering Tony's. Start to finish it was a great meal with great service. We started by asking the waiter if they were able to serve their oysters cooked and he quickly obliged turning our first course into oyster Rockefeller. This course was perfectly cooked, but they could've done with less béarnaise sauce on top. In the past I never even béarnaise on top of my oyster Rockefeller and I do not believe this is traditional, but the flavor of a little béarnaise sauce goes a long way. For the second course, I had a Caesar salad with a asiago cheese crisp which I crumbled on top. The salad was good, dressing was tasty, and it was a overall nice addition prior to the main meal. For the main course I had the 14 ounce prime New York strip which I would highly recommend. The strip will give you the best combination of both flavor and fat. The steak is charred heavily on the outside which adds a great mouth flavor. I ordered medium rare and that's exactly how it came, a perfect bright pink throughout. The manager stop by multiple times to ensure it was cooked exactly to our liking. We added the truffle fries on the side and the texture and flavor definitely complimented the main dish. We finished the meal with a bite of sweets in the form of their vanilla Creme Brulee. The flavor helped to complete the meal and the crispy coating added a excellent crunch to every bite. This was our third time eating at Tony's and we will definitely be back again. Their service and food is some of the best in the area.
(5)Todd L.
Great restaurant. Top notch service and great food. I had the surf and turf - 9oz filet and lobster tail with Yukon mashed potatoes and wedge salad with homemade ranch dressing. My wife had the grilled Caesar salad and the chili and chorizo mussels. Great dining atmosphere and overall experience.
(5)Adam B.
Amazing food amazing service. The crab cake was excellent and the bone in strip was cooked to perfection. I added the Oscar topping and it was phenomenal. Cheesecake to finish the night off and I will certainly be back.
(5)Bill C.
Quite simply the best steakhouse in Cincinnati! I absolutely love all the steak choices. The filet with bernaisse sauce is wonderful. Very attentive service. Order some creamed spinach, mac and cheese plus sautéed mushrooms as sides. Terrific raw bar and wine list.
(5)Patrick T.
Well it sure is nice with your father in law wants to bring the whole family to a fancy restaurant! Why is it nice! Food is a great way to show you love your family! Now mind you Steak Houses are not usually that fit for a VEGAN like myself! So I went in thinking I might just be eating bread and salad and drinking some fancy brews! But have no fear Vegan's, Tonys has a great pasta dish with chick peas that is totally vegan and super tasty! The sauce had a great kick and the portion size was awesome! Now when your going to a place that most of the meals are between 30-60 bucks, you expect amazing service! We got just that! Our waiter was excellent! Always coming around to make sure he could get me another beer (before mine was empty) and or filling waters! He made sure everyone's meals were up to standard and was super patient and polite dealing with our sometimes rowdy group of 12! Tony the owner also came around a couple times to make sure everyone was smiling as big as he was about the experience! Loved the open seating, Loved the 3 piece Jazz band playing Beatles songs, Loved the service, and loved the food! If you got the bucks to throw down on an expensive dining experience this might be the perfect spot for a date, or an elegant evening out with friends or family! Just get the in-laws to pay for it! Wink WInk!
(5)Jason W.
Dallas Clark is the best steak I've ever had. Didn't love the Brussel sprouts but I'm not a huge fan of them anyway. Love the atmosphere. Not too swanky and pretentious. It's just right. Keep on keeping on Tony's
(5)Ed W.
I considered this meal unintentional comedy. From the first moment we arrived until the moment we left, everyone went out of there way to say hello to us and ask how the meal was. I am not kidding. Filled up our water ... "How is your water?" Filled up our wine, "How is the wine? Get you some more?" Bring the steak and lobster ... "How is it?" Finally someone came up and asked about the meal and identified himself as "the" Tony of the house. The food is what makes it though, and the food was simply 3 star, no better. The lobster wasn't very good, and the steak was overcooked. The salad was average. The wine list was 3 star, although I have seen far worse. I would eat here again, but only if I have to choose between it and the horrific Marriott restaurant where I stayed. 3 stars.
(3)Rhett N.
It's definitely pricey. I felt like the food was good, the ambience was good. It was a little like Carlo & Johnnys to me, similar pricing as well. I got the Tuna so I cannot comment on the Steaks, but I will definitely be back to try them. Only thing I wish is that you got a decent side with an entree. I felt like the service was excellent, and Tony was very nice. We even got a Thank You card from them in the Mail, I've never had a restaurant do that before!
(4)Yuna D.
I feel kind of bad about giving this place 2 stars, but seriously meh, I've experienced better. I was really expecting amazing food and service because we came here for my boyfriend's father's birthday dinner, which we celebrated the same day and me and my boyfriend's 2 year anniversary. Good thing we had reservations; the place was absolutely packed. Service was the only amazing thing here. Everyone was very attentive, despite it being really busy, and we didn't have to wait that long for anything. Ambiance was alright for a higher-end restaurant, but several things that I did want to point out. It looks like the best seats in the house are the booths because they're set up so that there's a little bit more privacy and it blocks out some of the noise. Most of the tables are placed way too close together, which ruins the mood and makes it seem...a little jostling. The seating for parties of two along the wall bench is even better than the round tables in the middle of the seating area. Live jazz music is a nice thought, but with everyone conversing, the music is just so ridiculously loud and destroys any hope of there being actual romance or ambiance. I couldn't even hear my boyfriend talk and he was sitting right next to me. Jazz music is great--but maybe something toned down? I tried several different things here, which I'll review in detail. Everything could've used more seasoning. In their defense, there was salt on the table, but it's not the same between sprinkling salt on your food (which otherwise is really bland), and allowing seasoning to soak into your food. Compared to what we got, this place seems seriously overpriced. From best food to worst: 1. Oven Roasted Chicken Boyfriend's mother ordered the Chicken, and I took the leftovers home to eat for lunch at work. It's funny how judging from leftovers, I still think that the chicken is the best dish here hands down (other than the 14 oz New York Strip, but apparently meat temperatures aren't EXACTLY on the money. They're close, but it's not perfect. Regardless, how can you possibly mess up steak?). The oven roasted chicken, on the other hand is cooked perfectly--super juicy. AND IT'S SEASONED! A little salt goes such a long way. The sage polenta is one of the best things here--even the leftover polenta was delicious after a round in the microwave. 2. Macaroni and Cheese I personally loved the mac & cheese more than my own entree, but that's because i'm a garlic fanatic. If you don't like garlic, don't get this. Nowhere on the menu does it say that they use garlic powder, salt, or fresh garlic, but the taste is there. It's not just a little garlic either--it's a lot. 3. Caesar Salad The caesar salad comes with the entree, but I wanted to point out that the salad was spicy. Not sure if it was white pepper that did it, but it definitely had a kick. It was great for me since I love everything spicy, but if you don't like spicy, beware (it's quite significant and definitely noticable). The parmesan crisp was delicious. However, it would've been even more excellent if the salad wasn't drenched in dressing. There should be more salad than dressing on the plate, not the other way around. 4. Pan Seared Scallops Boyfriend ordered the scallops. The scallops were cooked well (Gordon Ramsay wouldn't yell "it's like rubber" or anything like that here), but I would've like a bit more sear. The color was okay, but that fresh crisp wasn't there. at all. It was as if it was sitting at the window and all the sear cooled down. The puree really reminds you of fall--it tastes more like pumpkin than squash, but it's such a sweet flavor that it kind of tastes weird with the scallops. I'll pass. 5. Organic Scottish Salmon Okay. This one is partially my fault for not really reading the menu. I saw "salmon" and immediately thought "YUM." I didn't realize that it would be the ONE asian-flavored dish on the menu. Why do restaurants even do Asian in places like these? I get the whole "follow the trend" thing but seriously it does not belong, especially if you can't do it right. The salmon was a bit dry and overcooked for my liking--the 5 spice rub did nothing to lock in moisture. Like I mentioned above, it is missing any form of seasoning on the actual piece of beautiful fish. I hated the shallot puree (it was way too much ginger in it), and the red cabbage tasted like someone had dumped a bottle of soy sauce/sesame oil into it. I would've appreciated it if the cabbage had a nice LIGHT sesame vinaigrette, or even if it was just dressed with some freshly toasted sesame seeds. My plate was definitely the worst out of everything I tried. tl;dr great service, but loud live music and not intimate. weird food combos--oven roasted chicken was the best thing I ate here. Mac & cheese is really garlicky, and caesar salad is weirdly spicy.
(2)Greta R.
Mmmmmmmm. Great steak...and I'm picky with my steak. They offer a wide range of choices for seasonings and sauces to pair with your steak. The potato gratin was excellent as well. They have an excellent wine selection including many Italian varietals. The host was gracious enough to call us a cab back to our hotel.
(5)Richard R.
One of the friendliest eateries I've been in. Food and atmosphere are fantastic. Tony himself walks around to ensure your enjoying the dining experience. The service is impeccable, yet not overbearing . The steaks are dry aged and dusted with a delicious rub. You're going to love it
(5)Evangeline W.
Great service, our waiter was very informative, helpful, and nice! The food was great. We had appetizers of crab legs and jumbo shrimp, delicious! I ordered the filet mignon, comes with salad and side. Did not have to wait long and we didn't feel rushed either. Can either dress up or down, plus there is a bar you can eat at with no reservations. Great prices for the excellent service! Overall I enjoyed my experience there and will go again!
(5)Tim E.
Go for the filet. Best steakhouse on the north side of Cincy. Great atmosphere especially when the band is playing. The bone in ribeye was full of gristle, but the staff promptly took care of it for me. Great service. The raw bar is gorgeous and perfect.
(5)Maria B.
Visiting in from Chicago... THIS is the place for a great steak! Everything was exceptional; wedge salad w/blue cheese, the wedge fries and above all the crab cakes---- gotta try those three things. I only gave it 4 stars because I've had better mojitos even though the ones here were weren't bad, just not has great as I've had before. The server was right on!
(4)Mark K.
Had an outstanding experience at this place from the time we walked in till we left. The service was top notch and the food was excellent. This is the best of the best when it comes to attention to detail and making the most of your evening. The staff was exciting and helpful and the food was fabulous. If you want great food and atmosphere at a great place, you need to visit this place
(5)M K.
A favorite. Great steaks, exceptional service. A must for any special occasion. Thanks
(5)Colleen W.
We always love it. Took our daughters for their first time....great food, great service and the nice thing is they do not make you feel bad if you share.
(5)Jeff L.
Everything was fantastic. Excellent flavor. Steak was a touch chewy vs melt in your mouth. Service was very attentive. Manager stopped by to check on us. Prices were on the high side.
(4)Terri T.
We tried Tony's tonight for the first time and so glad we did! The service was attentive but not intrusive and all who waited on or stopped by our table were genuinely interested in ensuring we were having a great dining experience. We ordered the filet and lobster combo and it was cooked perfectly. The Precinct used to be one of our regularly frequented places but we have been disappointed the last several times we have been there, so now, Tony's will be our new substitute! We look forward to returning!
(5)