5471 N Bend Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45247
513.481.7777
Facebook page
A dive bar serving Cincinnati’s West side, Tavern on the Bend can be found just off Interstate 74 near Monfort Heights. This local sports bar features a menu of burgers and other sandwiches as well as 20 craft beers on tap. The sandwiches are named for different celebrities, famous characters and big personalities. And indeed, the food here has a lot of personality. This spot is a safe local place to grab a bite to eat and some company.
The menu has about 20 sandwiches, a mix of burgers, chicken, fish and vegetarian options. Some of the popular things to be tried:
- 007 Burger: Pretty close to the classic burger, this one features the Tavern’s ‘secret sauce,’ a thick orange sauce with a warm heat, and is topped with provolone cheese, lettuce and tomato to even it out. Not bad, really, because that secret sauce really sells the thing nicely. This one automatically comes well done.
- The Westsider: Ham, Swiss cheese, barbecue sauce and onion straws top this burger, also served with lettuce and tomato. The lightly grilled ham and cheese even out nicely and pack a delicious punch. Perfect if you’re hungrier and want a bigger burger. I’d suggest getting this one with some fries on the side.
- House Salad: The salad greens have this great combination of sunflower seeds, dried cranberries and goat cheese on top of them, and all of it is served with a balsamic vinaigrette with a little bit of bitterness. Packed with fresh flavor.
- Pretzels and cheese: The super-thick pretzels are loaded with salt on top for good measure, and served with a cheese sauce that isn’t too thick yet it’s very filling. A good starter dish if you’re very hungry.
The atmosphere in the place is very friendly, a giant room dominated by a large central bar with tables all around and lots of room for people to interact. This spot is best recommended if you like a good place to sit for awhile and enjoy some beer with friends. To its complement, the service here is nice and not too intrusive, and the portions of food are just right; you won’t find yourself overly full here and you won’t leave hungry either.
All told the place isn’t bad at all, like a lot of the dive bars that make up Cincinnati’s West Side, this one offers a welcoming, familiar experience that makes it a return destination with the locals. A positive experience.
Recommendations
- There are plenty of vegetarian options and salads too, so this is a good place to take someone who doesn’t want to eat meat.
- The beer menu is expansive and this spot is perfect for someone who would like to try a lot of local beers.
- Consider the Facebook page for some nightly specials, such as discounted burgers.
Another Food Critic 