The 12 Best Places to Grab Late Night Food in Cincinnati!

Whether you’re a student who’s been to busy to get a proper meal, 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. So gather your friends and family to venture out into Cincy for some delicious bites and good times.

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1. Arthur’s

If you’re craving a big juicy burger then you’ve come to the right place!

3516 Edwards Rd | Cincinnati | arthurscincinnati.com

When the first incarnation of Arthur’s opened in 1947, no one had any inclination of what the soon-to-be 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 late most nights, 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.

“First time here! From the moment we walked in. Arleen is the Best, most welcoming host ever. outlet waitress Shawnee was a doll. The food was above what we expected! we found our new favorite place and it's right down the road. ANDERSON ARTHUR's way to go!!!!” -Yelp Review

2. Hook Fish & Chicken

Get your fingers greasy with the very best fish and chicken platters!

5000 Reading Rd | Cincinnati | hookchickenfish.com

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, 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 guests at your next party begging to know where you got them.

“The best restaurant for Halal fried chicken. The staff are friendly. The only thing is that all their branches are away from where I live but still worth the drive. Also, their fried shrimp is tasty.” -Yelp Review

3. Madonna’s Bar & Grill

Party like Madonna and enjoy some late night food in Cincinnati right here!

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.

“This place is a hidden gem! The wings were fall off the bone tender and the spicy garlic sauce was one of the best I've had! Fries were fresh cut and well seasoned. The price was great for being downtown.” -Yelp Review

4. The Comet

Delicious Mexican foods, pool tables, and live late night music!

4579 Hamilton Ave | Cincinnati | cometbar.com

So far we’ve gotten places that satisfy your hunger for burgers, chicken, and other traditional American foods. But 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 one 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, live Reggae, and other acts that’ll blow your socks off!

“A Cincinnati icon. This place always has a good brunch with friendly service, some yummy choices including vegetarian options, and lots of great beer to try. It's quite unlike anywhere else. The best jukebox.” -Yelp Review

5. The Oak Tavern

Looking to catch the big game with a bunch of cool people?

3089 Madison Rd | Cincinnati | oaktavernoakley.com

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.

“Best smoked bbq chicken wings you'll ever eat! Their food quality is amazing and their style is unmatched. A nice little local place with amazing food. You'll be glad you went there!” -Yelp Review

6. Goodfellas Pizzeria

NY-style pizza served right in the heart of Cincinnati!

1211 Main St | Cincinnati | goodfellaspizzeria.com

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 12AM Sunday through Thursday and 3AM Friday and Saturday, 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 pizza slice was as big as my head and everyone was so welcoming. The lunch special is also a great deal pizza breadstick and a drink, $10!!! Otr area restaurants never disappoint. Thank you Tony for your amazing service. The rest of the staff is great! Thanks again!” -Yelp Review

7. O'Malley's in the Alley

The second oldest bar in Cincinnati is here to give you those good late night vibes!

Buy A O’Malley’s in the Alley Gift Card

25 W Ogden Pl | Cincinnati | omalleyscincy.com

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.

“St. Paddy's is coming up and you should give O'Malleys a try! Especially the wings! Do not pass up on these buffalo wings. Bar service was great. Down to earth place. Great location downtown.” -Yelp Review

You can Purchase a GiftYa Gift Card to O’Malley’s in the Alley here!

8. Nicholson's Fine Food & Whiskey

Get your food served from kilt-wearing servers in this Scottish-American pub!

625 Walnut St | Cincinnati | nicholsonspub.com

Nicholson’s Fine Food & Whiskey or simply Nicholson’s Pub is its own Scottish staple in the heart of downtown Cincinnati. They’ve been proudly serving the patrons for decades now in a genuine Scottish tavern setting. Their collection of drinks far outweighs a lot of other pubs and their events will definitely be something you’ll go back to. Plus if you like it so much you can plan your wedding there! Enjoy foods like the Scotch Egg, Guinness Spring Rolls, and Shepherd's Pie for a tree “across the pond” feel.

“Looking for a place to grab a bite and a drink before the game, this place hit the spot. Had a nice whiskey selection. The service was great and the fish n chips was excellent.

It has a nice ambiance. It's pretty big too.” -Yelp Review

9. Shanghai on Elm

In the mood for some Asian-fusion? Get your fix right here in Cincinnati!

700 Elm St | Cincinnati | facebook.com/shanghaionelm

Open for dinner till late Tuesday through Friday you’ll get a flavor match-up like none other at Shanghai On Elm in Cincinnati. They’ve got a ton of food for you to enjoy whether you’re craving something heavy or light. Explore different food each time you go as their menu is expensive and you’ll never run out of new things to try like their delicious Pad Thai, Shrimp Tempura, Hot & Sour Soup, and their staple dish Shanghai Noodles.

“The service was incredible, and the food was even better. The atmosphere was great and the set up is perfect for either a group dinner or a good date night.

Food was so good, I forgot to take a picture haha” -Yelp Review

10. The Blind Pig

A “modern day speakeasy”? Well count us intrigued!

24 W 3rd St | Cincinnati | blindpigcincy.com

A modern day speakeasy isn’t something that’s too common nowadays and that’s what makes The Blind Pig so special as they are bringing it back to the people of Cincinnati every night of the week. You’ll be able to enjoy the good vibes either outside on their patio or inside where you can play a game of chess or simply laugh with your friends. Enjoy bites like their Pub Pretzel Bites, Reuben Sandwich, and Loaded Nachos as you sway to some banging tunes.

“What a fun place located next to o'malley's on the alley The bartenders are so much fun we loved talking to Noah and their bourbon slushes are amazing

They have an outdoor patio which is great for summer” -Yelp Review

11. Bakersfield OTR

What’s better than late night tacos, tequila, and whiskey?

1213 Vine St | Cincinnati | bakersfieldtacos.com

When you first look up Bakersfield OTR you’ll see that they have a very intriguing tagline to any late night would-be feaster: “Tacos. Tequila. Whiskey.” And that is what makes this restaurant something to talk about. Get some absolutely tasty tacos and other Mexican favorites like their Ensaladas and Bocaditos. Bakersfield is open till late every night and they will certainly satisfy that hunger no problem.

“Every time I think about Bakersfield I immediately crave queso and their short rib tacos. I've been going for years and have tried most of the tacos but always end up back with my tried and true.” -Yelp Review

12. Yard House

This sports-bar chain isn’t one to disappoint so it’s definitely worth the look!

Buy A Yard House Gift Card

95 E Freedom Way | Cincinnati | yardhouse.com

We thought we’d top off our list with an old reliable for you: Yard House. If you aren’t familiar, Yard House is a “high end” sports-bar chain that’s been around for a while and they have locations in a few different states including your very own Cincinnati. Get their famous 32oz beer glass of your favorite brew and get to eating on menu items like:

• Starters like Chicken Nachos and Spicy Tuna Stack
• Handhelds like Truffle Cheeseburger and Double Decker BLT
• Pizzas like a Classic Cheese and Margherita
• And main courses like the Korean Ribeye and Maui Pineapple Chicken make this a great spot for late night food in Cincinnati!

“The food was great. They had gluten free buns so I could actually eat a specialized hamburger. The staff was friendly and the menu has all different types of food so everyone in my party could find their favorites.” -Yelp Review

You can Purchase a GiftYa Gift Card to Yard House here!

Lot’s of amazing late night food in Cincinnati to discover and all of these options have got what it takes to be your next evening outing.