Whether you’re a student who’s been putting off eating in order to study, getting off work late with a raging hunger and no motivation to cook, or simply someone who keeps an odd eating schedule, you’ve probably experienced the pain of trying to find a place that’s open late enough to satiate your hunger with a good meal. Luckily, Cincinnati has plenty of late-night options for you to choose between. These are some of our favorites:
Arthur’s
Website: arthurscincinnati.com
Address:3516 Edwards Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45208
Neighborhood: Hyde Park
When the first incarnation of Arthur’s opened in 1947, no one had any inclination of the legendary late-night bar to hang out in on any night of the week. It’s changed hands (and names) a few times since then but it’s a sure favorite among Cincinnati natives today.
Open until midnight every day of the week, Arthur’s is the perfect place for you to wind down with some good beer, great food, and even better company after a long day at work or a grueling study session.
They’re pretty well-known for their burgers if the raving reviews and awards they’ve won for them are any indication. The black bean burger is a favorite among vegetarians and vegans alike, while the boursin uses a garlic and herb infused cheese that will make your mouth water.
“The patties themselves are generous, and yes, you can actually specify medium, and it will be pink and juicy inside. The fries are crispy, hot and satisfying.” - Yelp Review
Hook Fish & Chicken
Website: hookchickenfish.com
Address: 1 Glendale Milford Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45215
Neighborhood: Woodlawn
For a local Cincinnati chain, Hook Fish & Chicken sure knows how to do both fish and chicken. You may have some reservations about going to a restaurant that’s a part of a collective whole because there are so many different locations for them to look after, but they don’t shirk on the food or the service here.
Their lightly battered fish is cooked to perfection every time, and you can have a filet served with a side of fries like a classic British fish and chips order, or they can put in on a bun to give you one of the most delicious fish sandwiches you’ve ever had.
What they’re really famous for, though, are their chicken wings. You can order a small batch of them slathered in the sauce of your choice for a single family meal or a larger batch that will have all the guest at your next party begging to know where you got them.
“First time going to this place. The food is really great!! Tastes like home cooked food, fish wasn't greasy which is awesome. Portions are very big which is a plus too. Definitely will be going again!!” - Yelp Review
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Madonna’s Bar & Grill
Website: madonnasbarandgrill.com
Address: 11 E 7th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Neighborhood: Downtown
For over 25 years, Madonna’s Bar and Grill has been a staple late-night neighborhood bar among Cincinnati locals, and they don’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. They’re open until 2:30 in the morning every day, so this is truly a great place for night owls.
As an unapologetic dive bar, you probably aren’t going to find much in the realm of cocktails here, but they can definitely make you some strong and delicious classics that will keep you happy for the rest of the night.
Play a round of pool while you’re there, or settle in for a good chat with the regulars who’ve come to be their own kind of family over the years. The great thing about Madonna’s is that everyone is willing to let newcomers join the circle of fun, so you may just leave with some new friends.
“Madonna's has slowly become my favorite neighborhood bar. The bartenders are great, and I love that they have a pool table and photo hunt. I have only tried the French fries, but they were delicious!” - Yelp Review
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The Comet
Website: cometbar.com
Address: 4579 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati 45223
Neighborhood: Northside
Usually when you think of places that are open late enough to satisfy your midnight hunger, burgers, chicken, and other traditional American foods come to mind. If you’re on the lookout for a place that will serve up something other than what you’re used to, though, The Comet is a must.
In place of traditional American bar food, they serve up authentic Mexican food all day long - and they’re open until 2:30 in the morning! From quesadillas to burritos to homemade tamales, you can enjoy some freshly made Mexican food amidst any of your late-night cravings.
They also have live music well into the night on most nights of the week, so be sure you don’t miss out on Sunday night Bluegrass or the live Reggae they play on the second Saturday of every month.
“Consistently delicious food. It has never been not good! Open and cooking really late, amazing Mexican food! We would say they are a go-to place for a reliably delicious meal.” - Yelp Review
The Oak Tavern
Website: oaktavernoakley.com
Address: 3089 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45209
Neighborhood: Oakley
If you’re looking for a place where you can enjoy the game of the day while you feast on some seriously delicious chicken wings, The Oak Tavern is an absolute must for you. Tucked away in Oakley, this is a neighborhood favorite - and for good reason.
What really separates The Oak Tavern from the other wing joints in Cincinnati is the way that they prepare and serve your wings to you. While most places cook your wings with the sauce already slathered on them, here they cook their wings completely naked and serve them with a side of six sauces.
This way, you have the opportunity to mix and match your wings however you’d like. If you have one sauce you’re fond of, you can drown all of your wings in that sauce and call it a night, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try all of the sauces and be impressed with each unique flavor.
“Why go anywhere else and only get to taste one flavor when you can come here and get six great flavors and some of the best most flavorfully cooked naked wings in the city.” - Yelp Review
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Goodfellas Pizzeria
Website: goodfellaspizzeria.com
Address: 1211 Main St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Neighborhood: Over-the-Rhine
Don’t let The Godfather-esque design of their logo fool you - at Goodfellas Pizzeria, they really are good fellas. From the moment you walk in the door until the moment you finish your meal and head back home, they’ll treat you to some of the best customer service in Cincinnati.
Open until 1AM every day, Goodfellas is your new go-to place for a late-night slice of pizza and bourbon that will make you feel like you’ve portaled into a speakeasy. Whether you’re stopping in to soak up your drinks from earlier in the night with a little grease or coming by for the pizza itself, you won’t be disappointed.
Goodfellas prides itself on its New York style pizza. And since the first ever location of Goodfellas opened its doors in New York City, you can be pretty sure that the pizza here is authentic as it comes
“The best pizza place in OTR. If you're looking for NYC style pizzas. Slices bigger than your face this is the place to go. Get pizza by the slice or a whole pie.” - Yelp Review
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O'Malley's in the Alley
Website: omalleyscincy.com
Address: 25 Ogden Pl, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Neighborhood: Downtown
The only thing that’s not authentic about the fare served up in this traditional Irish restaurant is the hours at which they serve it. In Ireland, you would be remiss to find any restaurant serving food after 9PM.
O'Malley's in the Alley, however, has adopted their hours to fit a more American standard of insomnia, and it seems to be working in their favor. Literally located in an alley, you can order food here until 1:45 in the morning!
Enjoy burgers infused with Guinness alongside your pint of Guinness if that’s your beer of choice. Even if it’s not, though, there are still plenty of other beer options for you to choose from - both local and internationally known.
“This is my favorite dive bar in Cincy...Yes it's in an alley. Don't let it scare you. It's perfectly safe with the mix of people in suits and ties or shorts and tee shirts.” - Yelp Review
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Night owls need food, too. Let us know where you enjoyed your late night bite in the comments below.
Trae Bodge
Trae Bodge is the shopping expert here at GiftYa. Trae helps people find the best deals and ideas on popular new items to purchase.
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