Allyn's Cafe is home of the Bluebirds on Sunday nights. The Bluebirds are, pure and simple, a world class band-,it just doesn't get any better. All the musicians are pro, be it from years on the local music scene to teaching at local Universities. The instrumentation is trumpet, trombone, sax, guitar, drums, percussion, bass, keyboard, to give you an idea of what you'll hear, and they have that male voice organ sound that hits you so deliciously in the gut each time they harmonize. From Steely Dan to Stevie Wonder to the Zombies, they kick everything up 50 notches. Eat, don't eat, drink, don't drink (yeah right). If you live in Cincinnati for any amount of time, you must go see the Bluebirds, it's as simple as that. BTW, that guy playing trumpet is Allyn (a not so starving musician), he's a cool guy, say hello when you go.
(5)
Sandra F.
Don't like the food all that much, however, I really like the beer and wine selection.
(3)
k f.
i would go back but nothing too impressive. the food was decent, the drink list is decent and the ambiance is decent. i had a taco salad with chicken- i've had better and i've had worse. one of my friends had a fajita and another had an enchilada and they were both good. every time i would drive by it i wanted to go in, it kind of looks like tourist trap on the outside (all colorful and a patio) but it wasn't as good as i had hoped.
(2)
Kristyn L.
I love everything about Allyn's! I am from California....... and when I visit Cincinnati - I go to Allyn's! ---- It feels good, looks good and has fabulous fresh food. Everything is delicious! Thank you Allyn! ----- You have a great restuarant with awesome service and yummy food. I love the casual fun atmosphere with a short nice drive from downtown --- and the huge selection of food, wine, beer and cocktails... everything tastes great. 5 Stars to You!
(5)
Rhonda D.
A nice selection of beer, and good food. They've been remodeling the place recently and it looks great. Service has been friendly. If you live nearby and need a bottle of vino, they have some for retail sale. I need to try more of the food before adding more stars to my review.
(3)
Bill E.
Went here yesterday (1/7/12) after the bearcats game and my friends and I wanted to watch the Bengals game. We sat in the bar area and asked for a drink menu, I will give them that they have a very extensive beer selection and the prices are somewhat reasonable. Onto the food, as several fellow yelpers have stated what kind of restaurant is place trying to be? They have Cajun, Mexican and American food. My advice stick to a theme like Cajun and roll with it. I ordered the shrimp po'boy and I was disappointed in it. The shrimp were little shrimp like a long john silvers has plus the tartar sauce tasted like it came from a jar. Plus a po'boy always gets served with remoulade sauce, and on french bread not a bakery bun. The Cajun fries were cold and tasted like just out of freezer and fried and sprinkled with Cajun seasoning. My buddy got a plate of nachos and said they were just OK and he also ordered the chicken wings with a garlic bourbon sauce and said the sauce was really good. Service was OK.
(2)
Diana A.
Good jambalaya and red beans with rice and sausage. The Gumbo was a little off. For a bar, the food is not bad.
(3)
Angela C.
Good food, big portions, at a good price range. Allyn's is a cute spot with a nice back patio. Everything was pretty solid, though I wasn't blown away by anything in particular. The cajun seasoned fries are tasty, and my bowl of jambalaya was pretty huge, with two nice pieces of jalapeno cornbread. We had the shrimp and gator appetizer, which was a little overwhelmed by the fried batter. Seems like a fun place for drinks, with a good size bar and craft beer selections.
(3)
Daniel R.
The menu's potential was overwhelming. What can I say? I'm a sucker for spicy, Cajun flavored food. I ordered the "Best Chicken In Town" sandwich. It was tasty. For the price, it was worth it. The food, and not to knock it, sort of has an "Applebee's" taste in the sense that this could easily work as a chain. Didn't get much of a chance to explore the beers, but did taste the Mad Tree Happy Amber. Hoppy, but I like it. Overall, Allyn's has some decent food for a moderate price, and a nice atmosphere.
(3)
Daniel H.
...
(1)
Mike B.
Fun atmosphere and great place to get a few beers, but the food was terrible. Would not recommend the blackened chicken salad or quesadilla. Will return for drinks only -
(2)
Erin H.
Had a serviceable meal here the other night while visiting Cincinnati. The tequila garlic sauce on the wings was almost non-existent. The gumbo was tasty and the service was great.
(3)
Paige M.
Allyn's seems to still be deciding what kind of restaurant it wants to be: is it Cajun or Mexican? The menu reflects many options of both. One Yelper commented they even have stramboli here! You can spot Allyn's brightly colored bungalow right along Columbia Parkway as you enter Columbia-Tusculum. Inside, you'll view a vast variety of beer, wine, and an extensive menu with dozens of entrees. The decor lends a New Orleans bayou theme. I took a chance and pick some random things off the menu: - Jambalaya with shrimp appetizer - Polo Asado Genghis Khan: teriyaki glazed chicken with onions, peppers, tomatoes in a tortilla. Comes with two sides of beans and creamed rice. The Jambalaya was excellent; a cup piled high with spicy rice and topped with shrimp. It also included sausage, which I didn't care for. It would be great if they had a strictly shrimp variety. My main ate; it wasn't bad, but I would try something else next time. The portion was massive, so I picked the meat out of the tortilla. The black beans were tasty, with a ranch seasoning. The refried beans and creamed rice went untouched. My friends ordered popcorn shrimp and 10 buffalo wings with spicy tequila sauce. This is their go-to meal when they visit Allyn's. I tasted the popcorn shrimp, which were delicious. The wings were also the first to be devoured. If you're a first timer, definitely stick with the Cajun meals; Allyn's can cook them splendid. As for the Mexican, it's hit or miss.
(3)
Russell A.
The blackened catfish was good as well as the scallops. Also I enjoyed the gumbo too but the garlic mashed potatoes were inedible and the hush puppies and shrimp were way way over cooked.
(2)
Kara C.
Allyn's wins points with me right off the bat for being kitschy. How could anyone resist a restaurant with a giant alligator painted on it? When you first walk in there is a wine shop that sells very reasonably priced bottles. You can enjoy it with your meal or buy it and take it home for later. We have often bought a bottle of wine on our way out and have always been satisfied. The atmosphere is casual and fun, especially when there is live music. Their beer list is impressive and the servers have generally been knowledgeable. Their margaritas can be summed up in one word: Potent. They are always delicious but be warned that they are quite strong, in a good way. Their patio is enjoyable but sometimes the service is less dependable out there. Our food has always been consistently delicious. Parking can be a pain but is still manageable. You may have to walk a short distance to Allyn's but hey, you're about to consume lots of food and drinks. If you're like me, you'll use that short walk as an excuse to order an extra margarita because I irrationally think I've burned off those calories!
(4)
Ed P.
Before this past weekend I dined at Allyn's Cafe one time before, but as it was years ago I don't remember much about the visit. My wife and I headed to Allyn's for diner after a busy day spent mostly in the surrounding area. She actually noticed the restaurant much earlier in the day and commented that we should try it again. I knew that Allyn's had a good beer selection and that was exactly what I was looking for to help unwind. While looking over the menu I enjoyed a Bell's Two Hearted Ale. The menu is a mix of mostly Mexican and Cajun choices with a few other "thangs" thrown in. I was in the mood for Mexican food, so I quickly decided on the chimichanga with chicken. Once that decision was made, my wife and I agreed that she should order something from the Cajun side so we could share both meals. Eventually we settled on the chicken and sausage jambalaya. This was served with a house dinner salad and we wisely chose the creamy jalapeno, which turned out to be delicious! As far as the entrees go, I was really happy with our choices. First the chimichanga was served with tasty sides of vegetarian black beans, Mexican rice, and refried beans. Though the sides weren't large, I appreciated having a variety of good tasting items that were much better than the Don Pablo's sides that I recently had. The chimichanga itself wasn't as fried as I've had in other restaurants, but still good. It was filled with plenty of pulled chicken and there was a nice sauce occupying the bottom of the entire plate. I did not use the included salsa at all. After eating my half of the chimichanga plate, my wife and I switched platters. The chicken and sausage jambalaya was equally as good as the chimichanga. The spicy mix of shredded chicken and sliced sausage was mixed with rice and served in a wide rimmed bowl. Also served on the side of this dish was a large slice of corn bread, which we also liked. The serving sizes were large and we could not finish either plate. Our service was great, constantly refilling all the water we were using to put out the fire in our mouths. The restaurant itself was a little dark, but for dinner that isn't a problem. If you are there during lunch, I would request the outdoor patio to take advantage of the bright summer days.
(4)
Tim D.
Allyn's is definitely one of my favorite spots in Greater Cincinnati... The variety of dishes and cultures on the menu allow for a different experience every time... Order early for the stromboli, it's worth the wait...
(4)
Mark S.
Been here many times. Recent upgrade to the bar area is very nice. Front rooms are very cool and offer a fun vibe. Not a big fan of the back room. Great drink and food selection. Get the black bean roll ups.
(4)
Sarah L.
I like that you can buy a bottle of wine at Allyn's and their wines by the glass selection is decent. But the food just isn't very good at all. The portobello sandwich, salads, veggie burger, burrito--all fair at best. It's good for a beer on the patio or to listen to some live music, but the food isn't the star of the show.
(2)
Heather J.
The chips were stale and out of a bag, the salsa was out of a jar (and not a good one)...the salad was lacking on veggies (bean, rice and veggies but it was 3 pieces of onion) and the soda was flat. Not a fan... Looks like they have a good beer list though...
(1)
Alex S.
I had driven by Allyn's many-a time and always been curious. It's hard to miss, what with it's monster patio and red roof - oh, and a giant alligator peering you down as you cruise by. Yeah, also that. Then I heard they had a crazy good beer selection and mighty fine food. So my girlfriend and I and two of our friends went to check it out. Walk inside and get overwhelmed with the Louisiana decorated scene, full of blues and gators and stuff thrown up everywhere (walls, ceiling, wherever there was space). We were told to sit anywhere and were handed a menu. Now, most of the menu is taken up with selections of beer, which was just fantastic. Microbrews and foreign creations and anything your heart could desire - all at a very reasonable price. I think I got some sort of raspberry beer, which was really good. Yes, the waiter was kind of snippy with us when we didn't know what we wanted to drink immediately, but still, once we ordered, everything came quickly. I thought I could be very happy here ... But then, the food. Oh, Allyn's, how could you disappoint me like this? They gave us a basket of chips and salsa to start - both which were right out of a bag/jar. And worse, the chips were stale! Bleh. My girlfriend and I weren't that hungry, so we then ordered some quesadillas to split. You think you can't mess up quesadillas, right? Cheese and tortilla - simple. WRONG! This was awful. The cheese was bland and worse, not even melted that long. We sent it back and it returned hotter, but really not more melted. Even worse than that - they were filled with almost nothing! Just cheese and chicken! No vegetables, no sauces, no nothing. We actually didn't even order chicken - just quesadillas, and they still came this way. Seriously, guys, how could you screw up quesadillas that way? They're freakin' quesadillas! This was about six months ago and I haven't been back. I would, for a beer or something because there selection is good, but every time I think about going, I remember those quesadillas ... those horrible horrible quesadillas ... and then I just can't bring myself to do it.
(2)
Jessica M.
Allyn's is one of those places where I know what I want before I go. Except for my beer selection. I always get their homemade veggie burger. Actually, I once had a server put that burger down---but it's my favorite. Allyn's has my favorite veggie burger, period. It's got black beans and other veggies, with some sort of a cornmeal binder. Pour on some of their house hot sauce and you're set. Plus, they have an awesome beer selection and it's super cheap.
(5)
Honest O.
Alright then, three stars because it definitely is not worthy of four. My opinion is based on what others have to offer for value and service.
(3)
Sarah F.
I hadn't been here in years, but checked it out last night because I was in the neighborhood. It definitely has a dive-y feel both inside and out, but more of a unique/cool vibe vs. scary/dirty. The menus (food, beer, wine) are extensive, but the food menu is exceptionally difficult to read and poorly laid out, so I didn't really appreciate the diversity of their offerings (cajun, BBQ, mexican, etc.) until after I had already ordered and was continuing to look. Service was friendly enough and relatively efficient, but there was a forgotten condiment request that didn't get filled until I was halfway through my meal and made a second request. I'd like to try one of the cajun/blackened dishes next time, but this time I was really craving a hamburger, so I ordered one with cheddar and sauteed onions and a side of cajun fries (french fries w/ some blackening seasoning). The burger was enormous and pretty tasty; a little greasier than I prefer, but an acceptable trade-off for taste. The fries didn't quite have the kick I was hoping for--not sure they're any better than the regular fries. Overall, if you're in the neighborhood, it's worth a visit, but I wouldn't go out of my way for dinner there.
(3)
Stacey L.
I really like the feel of this place. It is cool, casual, kitchy. Other than that, the place is pretty mediocre. The food is only ok. It doesn't seem to know what kind of menu it wants to have... Mexican, American, Cajun. No one can do everything well. Prices are a little high for a hole in the wall bar/restaurant. I do like that you can buy a bottle of wine from their wine store and open it in house for only a small fee. It does make drinking slightly cheaper. The first time we were here they had a band playing. The band was good, but the place is so small that the noise overwhelmed the whole place. Parking can be an issue here. Their parking lot is tiny and street parking can be at a minimum. Overall, there are far too many great restaurant/ bars in the area to bother with this one.
(3)
Mike S.
This place has been here for a while. It's decorated with Allyn's personal bric-a-brac . Last visit I had a blackened turkey burger that was good. The wings are good and meaty with nice sauces. Long and diverse beer list, but no taps Good choices on the kids menu. The menu is large but can be hit or miss. What's good is good, what's not is not. I've had good luck with the blackened items. Mexican is OK; the burrito is good. Overall good solid pub fare.
(3)
Lea B.
This place is sketchy looking but it's actually pretty sweet. My aunt and uncle took my dad and I here on one of our visits back to Ohio. I searched the online menu and couldn't find it, but I swear I had a vegetarian dish, some sort of jambalaya with tofu even. I wasn't eating any meat at the time, so it was a nice surprise. The wait staff were friendly, the food was good and inside was crazy-funky to look at. Not necessarily what you'd expect in Cincinnati. They have a huge selection of beer and wine, and I think they have live music regularly.
(4)
Matthew F.
I lived around the corner from Allyn's for nearly a decade, and it became a bit of a clubhouse for me and some pals. The beer selection is fantastic. As a beer snob, this goes a long way with me. If you come into a place like this and order a Bud Light, you should be held up for ridicule in the town square. The menu is somewhat NoLa influenced, though in a bar food kind of way. The jambalaya is serviceable but not revelatory. Quesadillas are fine, but who screws up a quesadilla? The boneless chicken wings are fan-friggin-tastic. Service is generally friendly and efficient. On more than one occasion, I've engaged in a silly conversation with the server after a few rounds, which is a valid reason to go to a bar. Parking can be a challenge. A great choice for a casual dinner, assuming you're not looking to have your mind blown by the food.
(4)
Kate C.
Allyn's Cafe is Old Reliable on my list of possible dining options. I am never wowed by what I order (I've tried the portabello sandwich, the taco salad and the enchiladas, to name a few), but I always walk away from the table pretty satisfied and very full. If you are more of a drinker and less of a diner, then you should absolutely swing by this Columbia Tusculum mainstay. They have an extensive beer list, sell wines by the bottle and reportedly pour the best margarita in town. I've had the frozen version and it was brain freeze city, but the on-the-rocks version is dynamite, especially with a salted rim.
(3)
Kim T.
I only perused their menu but was pretty impressed with the wide array of food to choose from. Our experience here, albeit short, was a good one. The staff was very friendly-everyone (including kitchen staff!) interacting with what were obviously regulars. They have quite an extensive beer and wine list -- that's all we had time to explore and we were rather impressed. The bartender even made suggestions and everything was really inexpensive (I think I've grown to accustomed to CA prices by now), which I'm finding to be a common theme in Ohio. I can get a mixed drink for under $4?? Unheard of! It seems Allyn's is a great local hangout and next time we're in town we will definitely be trying some of their authentic New Orleans fare.
(4)
Tara N.
This is an interesting place. The staff and service are great, but the food is a bit funky. I don't have a lot of experience with Cajun food, nor is it one of my favorites. There aren't a lot of options if that isn't your favorite type of food. They have a lot of tables, but the place is a bit sketch. I can't speak to the wine shop part of things, which I've heard great things about.
Allyn's has always been a consistent restaurant. I liked their food before they changed their menu and their new menu is pretty decent as well. I must say I prefer the old menu because there were a lot of options but the new one is fine too. They have a large beer list with some interesting selections and their margaritas are delicious. I recently decided to go back since I had not sampled their new menu yet and was pleased overall. I had their fish of the day (mahi mahi), blackened served with black beans and steamed veggies. The fish was cooked perfectly and seasoned really well. The whole plate was tasty and a pretty healthy option too. I haven't ever had anything I have not liked at Allyns. It's a good neighborhood spot.
(3)
Kelly L.
I was truly disappointed to not like Ally's but there wasn't a single thing to be excited about except perhaps their wine list which was surprising. I had a chili "taco salad". If you get a taco salad expecting an oversized fried flour tortilla bowl, you'll be disappointed. Instead you'll get a mound of green lettuce (+) with toppings surrounded by about 15 cheap bagged taco chips. Blech. I'll eat nearly anything Mexican. Not this. My companion got a chicken burrito. Bland. Bland. Bland. Nothing special. My cup of jambalaya was just ok but was the best part of the meal. Joe's OkBayou in Louisville is the best around. No contest. Make a day of it. THIS is NOT Cajun food, folks. And they don't do Mexican well either.
(2)
Josh O.
Allyn's, a restaurant and wine/beer store is located on some prime real estate on US-50 just past Delta. Located in (at the foot of?) Columbia Tusculum, it is a short drive from my apartment and hase become a relatively frequent stop when we need a bottle of wine on the fly. I'm sure if you've driven past, you've noticed the crazy decorations. You walk through the outdoor seating to enter Allyn's. In the entranceway, you'll be able to be seated if you're looking for a meal or pick up a bottle of wine from the racks or some beer off the extensive chalkboard list. Their wine selection is pretty darn good for the space they have. They have some amazing cheap wines if you don't want to drop a lot of dime. The last time I was there they had Wine Enthusiast's #1 Best Buy for $7.99. The beer selection is also really good, with all of the major brands covered and a pretty good selection of craft brews. Why does Allyn's only get three stars? For one, it's location, as awesome as it is, makes parking an absolute nightmare. They have a tiny lot which I've never managed to find a spot in and the hilly residential neighborhood surrounding it can be difficult to find a spot in as well. Sometimes it takes me as long to find a parking spot after I get there as it takes to drive there. The other problem is the staffing. It seems that though they do the store/restaurant thing, it doesn't seem like they're always staffed to do both. A lot of the time, there will be no one to ring up my wine at the entryway, so I have to run over to the bar to buy the stuff. It's not a big deal, but it's weird walking through the dining room with wine bottles in both hands. Does Allyn's do the job? Yes, especially in a pinch. Should I probably have more foresight and buy more booze when I'm at the Party Source? Of course. Luckily for Allyn's, I'm not much of a planner so they will probably continue to get my business. *FYI: I am reviewing Allyn's as a store to purchase wine & beer, not as a restaurant. I have never eaten here, but if I do eventually, I will revisit this review.
(3)
Amy E.
Best chicken chimichanga I've ever had! It was NOT fried, but GRILLED! Also the best margarita in Cincy - tasted amazing, large size and very reasonably priced! Also, very tasty pinto beans and the ONLY spanish rice I've ever liked! I have seriously had dozens of margaritas in this city and this one takes first prize. My boyfriend was laughing as I oohed and aahed through the entire meal. After a year of dining with him he'd never seen me so excited about food! The hostess was slow to greet us, which was annoying. I had a bad attitude from her inattentiveness as we were seated. I've decided to put up with it when I return again and again! Ms. Frowny-face won't stop me from eating more and drinking more at Allyn's!! Beside, I'll make it my personal challenge to get that lady to smile.
(5)
Carl R.
0 stars for the world's worst taco salad. 5 stars for the great drinks, live music, and excellent service. The chicken wings were quite tasty as well. Bottom line - go for drinks and a lot of fun, eat elsewhere.
(3)
Christoffer M.
I didn't lose my microbrew virginity here, but I did start to learn how to make love to beer from it. They have a well-organized beer list, and my literary side was seduced by the Hemingway-inspired Two-Hearted Ale from Bells. With something like 100 beers (bottles) and 250 wines, you can go back often. Or you can buy them from their retail store and take them home. But you should go back. They have a continual cycle of local songwriters and cover bands who might not be the most artistic of musicians but are always fun and earnest about their performances. Allyn's is popular among certain sorts looking for good spicy food (Cajun, Tex-Mex, wings), good drinks, and good folks. No hipsters, no frat folks, just fine Midwesterners, from high school kids to your middle-aged neighbors. It's the epitome of an energetic place to chill. Does that contradict itself? Very well then, it contradicts itself. So does a place that combines fine drinks, unpretentious food, classic/roots rock, famous margaritas, and gaudy decor. It is certainly, as it claims, "more than a caf". It might not be your first, but it will always hold a special, warm place in your heart. Why go? It's fun. Don't look for something legendary, just go to enjoy your night simply, and you will. Something for everyone who isn't excessively uppity and snobby. Why don't go? It's not upscale, it's not suave, and it's not especially easy/quick to get to from most parts of town.
(5)
Stephanie P.
Allyn's has a fun vibe and great drink selection. The food is always good, nothing great, but a good go-to place when everyone wants a little something different. The cod and tuna sandwichs are my personal favorites. I'm not a fan of their Mexican selection, but if you are into Cajun food then this is a great choice. They have a hearty selection of Lousiana-style cooking. Service can be slow at times, but I've never left unhappy.
(3)
Mark W.
Liked the "no chain" atmosphere a lot. Food was just "OK". Great bottled beer selections, but no drafts.
(2)
Dan J.
My wife and I have had some good times here. We used to play at the open mic that was held here a few years ago. The place hasn't changed much since then. They still occasionally have small musical acts, and the food is about as good as bar food can be, but not much better. The decor is great with a large collection of Star Wars and other weird memorabilia lining the walls. The bar inside is easy to access on slower nights and has a great selection of local, domestic, and international brews. There is a little less to do in this part of town, so out of what's there, Allyn's is a good choice.
(3)
Diana H.
Allyn's is a NoLa inspired restaurant on Columbia Parkway. They have outdoor seating which is awesome in the hotter months, and so pleasant early evenings in fall. Best part PETS ARE WELCOME! The Taco Salad here and Chicken Salad are my favorite plates here. They have an awesome assortment of wine that you can buy to take home, or buy and take to your table. On weekends they have live music and random live performances on Wed. and Thurs. Perfect Sunday Funday spot!
(4)
Elizabeth C.
Best veggie burger hand made at allyns, wish they had sweet potato fries:) great wine selection!
(4)
Coral W.
I have been to Allyn's four times and have tried different items on their menu. I want to say they have the BEST quesadilla I have ever had in my life. It is not common to get good quesadilla though it is a very common dish in many restaurants. This is what I think why Allyn's quesadilla is good: the nicely crispy (but not hard) tortilla shell and the warm, balanced ratio of meat and cheese inside as the filling. Yum! The quesadilla I usually had in other places had way too much cheese in it, and it just overwhelmed the meat or veggies inside. Allyn's quesadilla is listed as an "appetizer" on their menu. However, it can easily be served as an "entree" since it is big enough to fill you up. I love their quesadilla with marinated beef, and I totally tasted the chunky beef. The cheese and beef created a nice combination. Next time I am going to try other fillings. :) Allyn's is also specialized at Cajon foods. I tried their Cajun ahi tuna before, and it was well-seasoned and well-executed. Tuna was nicely seared and the serving is generous as well. I am not impressed with their Cajon fries, though. The only complaint I have about this restaurant is, it is way too crowded and noisy on Friday and Saturday night. You will have to wait to get a table. Maybe I should not complain about this because a crowded restaurant means it is a popular and successful restaurant. I guess when I go out for dinner, I prefer a relaxing ambience. If you and your significant other want to have a quiet, relaxing dinner on weekends, Allyn's might not be ideal for you. But, if you come with friends, you might find it fun. It depends. Some reviewers complained about the services at Allyn's, but I have never had problems with the service. In spite of being very busy, our servers did their best to check on us and made sure things were fine with us. The last thing I like about this restaurant is that their foods are reasonably priced. Most entrees are around or under $15. My quesadilla is around $12, and I ordered it as my entree.
(4)
Johhny R.
Overall I think the food here is really good. The wings are fantastic, as is the jambalaya & the gumbeaux. Their sandwiches are good. If you're really hungry I'd recommend the chicken phili. The Mardi Gras pasta with shrimp is a personal favorite. The one thing they do poorly are salads. They're terrible here.
(4)
Erin H.
I was very underwhelmed by my experience at Allyn's. I met up with a friend who is great company and we had a good time. They were out of the first two beers I wanted, but the beer I got was fine. I ordered the chicken philly which was fine, but nothing special. I really wanted something to knock my socks off but it didn't. I had high hopes for this restaurant but it was just OK. I love food and I love a good restaurant. I don't think I'll be visiting Allyn's again, there is too much GREAT food in this city to settle for fine.
(2)
Julie C.
They have some good veggie items, like the chili dog. I think something had soy in it, probably the chili. It tasted amazing, though. Like if soy doesn't make you break out with big welts all over your face, then you'll love it. I probably will go back, but not as often as I would if it were soy free. The hummus is good, though.
(4)
Scott M.
Every once in a while I come across someone who has yet to experience Allyn's and I go thinking, "unique menu, great atmosphere, and where else in the city can I get alligator that's not a chain restaurant off of I-275 (you know who I'm talking about)"? The trouble is, every time I go here I get either gator, or pasta, or something Cajun and I go away thinking, "I don't need to eat that again". For having such a unique menu, the food is only mediocre. There's nothing that makes me want to revisit. Crawfish etoufee and gator pasta are kind of "meh". However, I do have some items I like - namely, the gumbeaux (yes, it is spelled that way). I'm sure I'll be back here sometime in the next quinquennium.
(3)
Debbie H.
Average. It will fill you up, but nothing was great. We ordered off the kids menu. It was okay. I tried the chicken philly. It was huge. And flavorful, but a little dry. My husband got the chicken soft taco - which was the same size as my philly, but for some reason, it was $4 more. Really? For two adults and one kid, the prices are a little steep.
(3)
Andrew J.
I would have given one star if I didn't really enjoy the food for a reasonable price. Allyn's had the worst service I've ever experienced in my life. I have served before so I can tell the difference between minimal effort and complete indifference. At Allyn's the servers gave no effort. I will not be going back.
(2)
John J.
The chicken Philly is tremendous. Add some lettuce and tomato, side of mayo- boom. The spice on the chicken is perfect, and reminds me of a Peruvian rotisserie a bit. Wings are good, quesadilla is good, Mac and cheese is good. But really what separates this place is the chicken philly. It's our go to place when plans fall through or the meal we cooked doesn't go as planned. Also draft list seems to be getting better with every visit!
(5)
Tabitha W.
My husband recently called me a "restaurant fame whore" because once I see a restaurant featured on the news or some other venue, chances are it migrates to the top of my list of places I want to check out stat! I saw Allyn's on the Fox19 morning show not too long ago, and they had mentioned some of their vegan options. Shout out to Fox19 for helping me find this place - not sure how long it would have taken me otherwise! Boasting a bold, colorful exterior, Allyn's is clean and comfortable inside. We started with an order of of the Black Bean and Cheddar Quesadilla Rolls, a hearty and tasty appetizer. I ordered the Vegan Chili Dog with a side of Mac N' Cheese, and my husband had a Garden Burger with a side of Hushpuppies. We were able to substitute our sides at no additional cost, which was pleasantly unexpected! My mac n' cheese was a tad bit on the cold side but still incredibly tasty. My hot dog (which was actually a vegan sausage) was very tasty as well, but definitely was on the spicy side. My husband really enjoyed his hushpuppies, but was underwhelmed by the black bean burger. I thought it was tasty, but he didn't really dig all the black beans. Food presentation was great, portion sizes were hearty, and the prices were just right. I'd love to see Allyn's get even more creative with their vegetarian options!
(4)
Terry S.
Either my memory is awful, or this place has improved a *lot* in the past 20 years. Yes, I was at this bar 20 years ago. I am that old. And apparently I'm old enough to forget things. Like that Allyn's is actually a really nice place. Here are things I look for in a bar/restaurant: * Belgian beer. And I don't mean lambics or whites; I mean Trappists; something with a monk on the bottle (if not under the barrel). Preferably something whose recipe dates from the 1600s. ** Check. And it was local. * Enough noise and people to remind me that I'm not at home; but not so much that I can't hear the people I came to chat with. ** Check. And the usual happy madness seeped out of our alcohol and hovered all around our little table. * An atmosphere with enough light to see the other patrons (and that they don't look creepy) but not so much that I feel like I'm at the doctor's; and spaces that feel private. ** Check, and check. I love the multi-split-level layout here. * Wait staff that leave you alone enough that you can talk, but make sure that you have what you need. ** Check. And she was nice, and she recommended yummy things. * Something to eat besides burgers. I prefer anything grown or raised by real farmer-like people (or in the wild) to anything grown or raised in what might be called a factory. Plus it's nice if it tastes good. ** Half check. They sell both Cajun offerings and quesadillas, of completely ambiguous origin. Who knows where that plate of fried seafood goodness came from? It looked like Long John Silver's with a side of really yummy asparagus; but I always liked Long John Silver's. So, whatever happened all those years ago, I'm not going to wait another 20 years to go back.
(4)
William K.
I love Cajun food and I was wondering if Allyn's lived up to what I had in New Orleans. I'm a happy camper! I'd been in before just for drinks and that didn't seem like enough to write a review on. On our previous visit there were five of us. We were lucky to get seats at the bar late night. All five of us are self styled beer aficionados so we got the run down on the taps from the bartender. The bartender must have been a real beer aficionado because in quick order we all knew exactly what we wanted and what we got was exactly what we expected. Great beer selection. Came back in for lunch with a friend. It was afternoon, after the lunch rush and well before dinner. I arrived before my counterpart and plied the bartender for information on the draft situation. She knew all of the beers and had an opinion on them. I really appreciate that. For some reason it's far too rare to find a bartender that will try the beers they have on draft and have first hand knowledge of them. Before my friend arrived it was shift change. This is the crux of the only opportunity for improvement that I saw on the service. Neither of the bartenders ever introduced themselves. I hate being referred to as "Sir" and as such take every opportunity to introduce myself. I know that one of them was named Amber because that was on the check, not sure which one. I'd love to give the other name since both gave great service and I'd like to acknowledge that here. This food is the real deal! I had a cup of the jambalaya with a piece of the jalapeno corn bread. Awesome! Don't let the jalapeno scare you off if you're not a spice fan, it's not too much. The jambalaya is fantastic! Great flavor and consistency. I took turns trying the FIVE house made hot sauces they provide on spoonfuls to find my favorite. FIVE! Each better than the last. I don't remember the names of all the varieties because when I ran into the Habanero Mustard sauce I fell head over heels in love. I only have taste buds for you Habanero Mustard! Good heat, not too much but it's definitely got a kick and AMAZING flavor! It sounds weird, right? Habanero. Mustard. I never pictured those two together but it's a marriage made in hot sauce heaven! I followed up by getting the Black Bean and Cheddar Quesadilla Rolls. WARNING!!! This is an app for no less than four people or a BIG meal for one! My buddy didn't want any and I suppose I could have had half or more of it packed up to go and gone on to enjoy an entree but it was too good! Great, honest, earthy flavor. It's more like a honking huge black bean chimichanga. It's served with a huge dollop of sour cream and stewed tomato which happen to be the perfect accompaniment. Bravo on the flavor, the portion size, the value for your money, the beer selection, the wines, the hot sauces, the decor and atmosphere, the knowledgeable staff just all of it. Great experience. i just had breakfast as I am writing this and I my mouth is actually watering at the prospect of going back and exploring that menu!
(4)
Ralph H.
This place, depending on what you order, is hit/miss. However, last time I was there, I had the shrimp/gator pasta dish, and it was out of this world. Overall, I've never left there dissatisfied.
(4)
Terri L.
Awesome food & employees! We have never had a bad meal or experience. I recommend the jalapeño cornbread - so GOOD! Very accommodating to our fur babies! We have a goal to try everything and so far everything is awesome! Also get sidetracked from our goal with their great specials! Even the side salad is good with banana peppers!
(5)
Julie L.
First time writing a Yelp review, never felt compelled until now. The service we received tonight at Allyn's is the worst I have had anywhere in as long as I can remember. We sat down at our table at 7:30ish and didn't get our food until 9:30. When we did, one of the meals was wrong and had to be remade. Drinks were late to the table, requests were forgotten - all of which could have been tolerated if we had received a meaningful apology or make-good from our server or the manager on duty. Nothing, not even a drink off the bill. The worst part, the staff seemed not to care at all, just insincerely said I'm sorry only to disappear once again. It has been at least 5 years since my last visit to Allyn's. Sadly, we won't be going back anytime soon.
(1)
Monique S.
We went for the 1st time and were not disappointed! I had the Mardi Gras pasta. It had crawfish and a spicy cream sauce over angel hair and came with a huge piece of jalapeno corn bread. The pasta had a perfect heat and creaminess with huge meaty chunks of crawfish. The corn bread was super moist and had a nice subtle heat. My husband had the blackened shrimp and gator with linguine in a spicy garlic sauce. The gator was great, but the shrimp was even more flavorful. Perfect heat. We sat outside under the pergola and it was awesome. Beads hanging from the slats. Inside captured the Cajun feel but in Cincinnati.
(5)
Heather J.
It's just ok. Still smell like the fryer once you leave.
(3)
Ben N.
A three-star review obviously isn't a ringing endorsement, but I want to tip my hat to the folks at Allyn's for a positive makeover. It's a nice upgrade. I'm about 99.999999999999999999999999999999999999999999 percent sure my prior review below had less than 0.00000000000000000000000000000001 percent of the influence on these changes, but it's almost as though the owner was taking a few notes from it: The interior now has a more sophisticated and lowlit feel, almost a bit like a speakeasy. And it feels like the 21st century. The menu has been pared down a bit: Thankfully gone are almost all of the dreadful Mexican items, leaving behind most of the "Cajun" (read: Louisiana-influenced) fare, along with a long and varied list of sandwiches and appetizers. Since Allyn's did a better job with that stuff, this was a good idea. The "blackened" tilapia I ordered wasn't bad at all: cooked properly, and, if not actually blackened Prudhomme-style, it was nicely seasoned. It'd be nice, though, if Allyn's offered more non-starches as sides with its entrees. (And a burger at the table was pretty badly overcooked.) Allyn's has added several draft beers, with some decent choices, to complement its long list of bottled beers. Good move. I don't know if this makeover involved an overhaul of the staff, but service, while polite and pleasant, seemed a little unsure of itself. The little wine shop is still there, too. We'll almost certainly be back, which isn't something I'd have said prior to the changes.
(3)
Kelly V.
Definitely recommend for a night out with friends or a date! Allyns has amazing food and a great atmosphere. The interior is unique and the outdoor seating is pleasant on a nice sunny day! My favorite food here is the jambalaya and also the black bean burritos. Seasoned perfectly with Cajun spices!
(5)
Victoria M.
For a Cajun experience in the heart of southwestern Ohio, Allyn's is the spot. The food is just the right amount of spicy and southern. With five different hot sauces, I can't complain about the variety they provide in regards to flavor. The prices are a little higher than what I expected ($20+) per person before alcohol. Most appetizers and entrees are sharable :-)
(4)
Samantha R.
I ordered scallops and they were extremely fishy. They must have been bad because I threw them up when I got home..... Probably won't be back. However, the guacamole was delicious!
(1)
Walt D.
Update: The owner reached out to me, apologized, and offered to comp my next meal at Allyn's. I accepted his gracious offer. As I mentioned in my initial review, we enjoy eating here (usually).
(3)
Daniel G.
This was my first time at Allyns, but my friends have been there multiple times and only had good things to say. I ordered a draft beer, bottled beer, and the Philly steak sandwich for 20$. The sandwich was incredible, and it came with Cajun seasoned fries which were also really good. Plus, they bring out 5 different types of hot sauce to go with your food, which makes it fun to experiment. Definitely recommended.
(4)
Kayla S.
The taco salad (with steak) is probably my favorite food item here. Also there chips and guacamole were really good. The guacamole was very fresh tasting and had chunks of avocado in it!
(4)
Bryan M.
I will return! This Cajun/Mexican neighborhood bar/restaurant is charming. Before 7pm you dine with young families. Then it turns young professional as evening approaches. I can only testify to the Cajun side of the menu. Go for the beans and rice, gumbo and jambalaya. House Cabernet is a good bargain too.
(3)
Bill C.
Allyn's has one of the best local beer selections in Columbia Tusculum. Their food is really good too... I love to chow down on crawfish night. Nice patio for sitting out in the summer as well.
(4)
Caitlin M.
I had one of the best salad's of my life here last night! I know I know....salad? How great could that be? But the Fantastic Taco Salad is seriously amazing. The chicken on top has the BEST flavor, and it comes with all kinds of toppings (I requested on the side) like salsa, sour cream, and I recommend the Chipotle Ranch Dressing. It was a huge portion too...I couldn't finish it. The outside patio was perfect for the nice weather. Huge fan here!
(4)
Robert L.
It is a fun place where you can typically get seated very quickly. The Cajun food reminds me of the food I had when I lived in New Orleans. Its not as good as the real thing in NOLA, but a great substitute. This is one of my favorite places to eat anywhere. If you haven't been there, you are missing out! Also, the pricing is very good with large portions. Added tip: Sit on the outdoor patio on a nice day.
(5)
Joy L.
We love this place, one of our favorites and are never disappointed with the food or the service.
(4)
Planters V.
I'm only rating this based on drinks, vibe, and music. Very friendly staff. Love the neighborhood too. If you haven't been here, please give it a try. It's very different and unique. The food is above average, although not spectacular.
(4)
Jackie C.
This place is a hidden gem! It doesn't look like much from the outside but their Cajun-style food is awesome! The Cajun fries are the best! Their menu is definitely more unique than other places, but they put a nice twist on Cajun flavor. I had the fish sandwich which I would definitely recommend and my boyfriend had the jambalaya dog which he's been talking about ever since! We are for sure going back!
(4)
Christina M.
Great food! Our server was a bit slow and seemed out of it but not horrible. We tried the gumbeax, loved it! Spicy with lots of sausage. It came with a soft bread thing, I don't know what it's called but it was delicious! Lol We also got the nachos with salsa and guac and ate all of it! I got the philly which was HUGE and some dirty chips. I could only finish about a quarter of my food. My hubby got the big al burger. He said it had lots of flavor for a standard burger. He finished his whole meal including the Cajun fries. Can't wait to go back and try the seafood platter and get a bowl of that gumbeaux again!
(4)
Kerry P.
Good food and fun ambiance. However, the beer my friend received was absolutely not the beer she ordered. It was more opaque than apple cider, when it was supposed to be clear with a red tint. When she asked for the beer she had actually ordered, she got attitude from the waitress and the bartender. Seriously? Seriously. That made a very strong impression on me--stronger than the meal or the atmosphere. Bottom line: I would go here again if a friend suggested meeting here, but I would never suggest it myself.
(3)
Jessica N.
I'll start off by saying that I really enjoy Allyn's menu. I think Allyn's is one of, if not the only place to get gator in the city. I've ordered numerous menu items, including the mardi dog (all beef hot dog covered in jambalaya), the "best chicken sandwich in town," and I gotta hand it to them that their margaritas are pretty good. If you like hot sauce, Allyn's will definitely have something to please your palate as they have so many variations (my favorite being the habanero mustard hot sauce). On top of this, Allyn's has a great little wine shop nestled inside where you can purchase wine to drink there ($5 corkage fee) and/or take home. So what's the hold up? Why only 3 stars? The service is ridiculously slow and inattentive, and I don't think it's just a one-off thing since I have been to Allyn's on numerous occasions for both lunch and dinner. Sometimes you want to get in and out of a restaurant in an hour, but I have never been in and out of Allyn's that quick. I would definitely recommend Allyn's for their food and will continue to go there when my friends and I have some time to chill, but there are definitely some kinks that could be worked out within the realm of customer service.
(3)
Roth M.
The inside (bar side) has been redone and has really made it more open feeling. Menu has concentrated on the Cajun items (lots of gator, shrimp, crawfish, as well as the burgers, phillies, etc.). Pretty darn good beer selection, bottle and draft, and as before, there is the wine take-away store. My inner nerd got excited recently as they have added NTN Trivia now.
(4)
Nikki F.
Disclaimer: My true love is from Baton Rouge. We are not big fans of the food here. I like the blackened chicken quesadillas but that's about it. They have a couple of Abita choices, so that is good. We went to the Mardi Gras crawfish boil and the crawfish were terrible. Overcooked, barely seasoned, no flavor. We didn't even finish them. We were really disappointed. I have had some of the other dishes here and nothing was that good. Sad. We need more cajun/creole spots around here.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Live Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Ryan V.
My wife and I went to Allyn's Café because I had heard they had a good beer selection, and she had driven by and liked the fact they had a giant gator on their building. First off I really enjoyed the ambiance. I automatically felt comfortable and welcome, pretentious free. We sat around the corner and down a small flight of stairs by the bar. The beer list was indeed pretty good. They had quite a few beers I had never tried. I drank both an organic IPA which was ok (probably why I don't remember the name) and a Steelhead Pale Ale, which I was pretty impressed with. For dinner I had a chicken chimichanga and my wife had "Al's Cajun Seafood Platter." My chicken chimi was perfectly mediocre. I liked that it was not actually deep fried but rather just browned on the grill, but the chicken wasn't real choice, a little dry. What I would expect from any two-bit tex-mex joint. But the side dishes actually made up for it. I had two different types of beans, black and refried, and they were absolutely amazing. Great flavor. They claim to have an herb garden on the roof and these two recipes certainly tasted like they had some fresh herbs in them. My wife's seafood platter was actually pretty good. It came with blackened catfish, popcorn shrimp, blackened scallops, and hush puppies. Once again, the seasoning on the catfish was fantastic, and it was blackened to perfection, adding a delicious saltiness/crispness. However the scallops weren't very good. They were large sea scallops and didn't taste very blackened or, for that matter, very done. And I love some scallops. Again, I'm not sure why Yelp shuns the .5 rating, because I would love to give this place a 3.5, but have to lean more towards 4 in the end. Great ambiance and service, better than average beer list, hit or miss on the food. I will definitely take at least one more trip there.
(4)Tom W.
Allyn's Cafe is home of the Bluebirds on Sunday nights. The Bluebirds are, pure and simple, a world class band-,it just doesn't get any better. All the musicians are pro, be it from years on the local music scene to teaching at local Universities. The instrumentation is trumpet, trombone, sax, guitar, drums, percussion, bass, keyboard, to give you an idea of what you'll hear, and they have that male voice organ sound that hits you so deliciously in the gut each time they harmonize. From Steely Dan to Stevie Wonder to the Zombies, they kick everything up 50 notches. Eat, don't eat, drink, don't drink (yeah right). If you live in Cincinnati for any amount of time, you must go see the Bluebirds, it's as simple as that. BTW, that guy playing trumpet is Allyn (a not so starving musician), he's a cool guy, say hello when you go.
(5)Sandra F.
Don't like the food all that much, however, I really like the beer and wine selection.
(3)k f.
i would go back but nothing too impressive. the food was decent, the drink list is decent and the ambiance is decent. i had a taco salad with chicken- i've had better and i've had worse. one of my friends had a fajita and another had an enchilada and they were both good. every time i would drive by it i wanted to go in, it kind of looks like tourist trap on the outside (all colorful and a patio) but it wasn't as good as i had hoped.
(2)Kristyn L.
I love everything about Allyn's! I am from California....... and when I visit Cincinnati - I go to Allyn's! ---- It feels good, looks good and has fabulous fresh food. Everything is delicious! Thank you Allyn! ----- You have a great restuarant with awesome service and yummy food. I love the casual fun atmosphere with a short nice drive from downtown --- and the huge selection of food, wine, beer and cocktails... everything tastes great. 5 Stars to You!
(5)Rhonda D.
A nice selection of beer, and good food. They've been remodeling the place recently and it looks great. Service has been friendly. If you live nearby and need a bottle of vino, they have some for retail sale. I need to try more of the food before adding more stars to my review.
(3)Bill E.
Went here yesterday (1/7/12) after the bearcats game and my friends and I wanted to watch the Bengals game. We sat in the bar area and asked for a drink menu, I will give them that they have a very extensive beer selection and the prices are somewhat reasonable. Onto the food, as several fellow yelpers have stated what kind of restaurant is place trying to be? They have Cajun, Mexican and American food. My advice stick to a theme like Cajun and roll with it. I ordered the shrimp po'boy and I was disappointed in it. The shrimp were little shrimp like a long john silvers has plus the tartar sauce tasted like it came from a jar. Plus a po'boy always gets served with remoulade sauce, and on french bread not a bakery bun. The Cajun fries were cold and tasted like just out of freezer and fried and sprinkled with Cajun seasoning. My buddy got a plate of nachos and said they were just OK and he also ordered the chicken wings with a garlic bourbon sauce and said the sauce was really good. Service was OK.
(2)Diana A.
Good jambalaya and red beans with rice and sausage. The Gumbo was a little off. For a bar, the food is not bad.
(3)Angela C.
Good food, big portions, at a good price range. Allyn's is a cute spot with a nice back patio. Everything was pretty solid, though I wasn't blown away by anything in particular. The cajun seasoned fries are tasty, and my bowl of jambalaya was pretty huge, with two nice pieces of jalapeno cornbread. We had the shrimp and gator appetizer, which was a little overwhelmed by the fried batter. Seems like a fun place for drinks, with a good size bar and craft beer selections.
(3)Daniel R.
The menu's potential was overwhelming. What can I say? I'm a sucker for spicy, Cajun flavored food. I ordered the "Best Chicken In Town" sandwich. It was tasty. For the price, it was worth it. The food, and not to knock it, sort of has an "Applebee's" taste in the sense that this could easily work as a chain. Didn't get much of a chance to explore the beers, but did taste the Mad Tree Happy Amber. Hoppy, but I like it. Overall, Allyn's has some decent food for a moderate price, and a nice atmosphere.
(3)Daniel H.
...
(1)Mike B.
Fun atmosphere and great place to get a few beers, but the food was terrible. Would not recommend the blackened chicken salad or quesadilla. Will return for drinks only -
(2)Erin H.
Had a serviceable meal here the other night while visiting Cincinnati. The tequila garlic sauce on the wings was almost non-existent. The gumbo was tasty and the service was great.
(3)Paige M.
Allyn's seems to still be deciding what kind of restaurant it wants to be: is it Cajun or Mexican? The menu reflects many options of both. One Yelper commented they even have stramboli here! You can spot Allyn's brightly colored bungalow right along Columbia Parkway as you enter Columbia-Tusculum. Inside, you'll view a vast variety of beer, wine, and an extensive menu with dozens of entrees. The decor lends a New Orleans bayou theme. I took a chance and pick some random things off the menu: - Jambalaya with shrimp appetizer - Polo Asado Genghis Khan: teriyaki glazed chicken with onions, peppers, tomatoes in a tortilla. Comes with two sides of beans and creamed rice. The Jambalaya was excellent; a cup piled high with spicy rice and topped with shrimp. It also included sausage, which I didn't care for. It would be great if they had a strictly shrimp variety. My main ate; it wasn't bad, but I would try something else next time. The portion was massive, so I picked the meat out of the tortilla. The black beans were tasty, with a ranch seasoning. The refried beans and creamed rice went untouched. My friends ordered popcorn shrimp and 10 buffalo wings with spicy tequila sauce. This is their go-to meal when they visit Allyn's. I tasted the popcorn shrimp, which were delicious. The wings were also the first to be devoured. If you're a first timer, definitely stick with the Cajun meals; Allyn's can cook them splendid. As for the Mexican, it's hit or miss.
(3)Russell A.
The blackened catfish was good as well as the scallops. Also I enjoyed the gumbo too but the garlic mashed potatoes were inedible and the hush puppies and shrimp were way way over cooked.
(2)Kara C.
Allyn's wins points with me right off the bat for being kitschy. How could anyone resist a restaurant with a giant alligator painted on it? When you first walk in there is a wine shop that sells very reasonably priced bottles. You can enjoy it with your meal or buy it and take it home for later. We have often bought a bottle of wine on our way out and have always been satisfied. The atmosphere is casual and fun, especially when there is live music. Their beer list is impressive and the servers have generally been knowledgeable. Their margaritas can be summed up in one word: Potent. They are always delicious but be warned that they are quite strong, in a good way. Their patio is enjoyable but sometimes the service is less dependable out there. Our food has always been consistently delicious. Parking can be a pain but is still manageable. You may have to walk a short distance to Allyn's but hey, you're about to consume lots of food and drinks. If you're like me, you'll use that short walk as an excuse to order an extra margarita because I irrationally think I've burned off those calories!
(4)Ed P.
Before this past weekend I dined at Allyn's Cafe one time before, but as it was years ago I don't remember much about the visit. My wife and I headed to Allyn's for diner after a busy day spent mostly in the surrounding area. She actually noticed the restaurant much earlier in the day and commented that we should try it again. I knew that Allyn's had a good beer selection and that was exactly what I was looking for to help unwind. While looking over the menu I enjoyed a Bell's Two Hearted Ale. The menu is a mix of mostly Mexican and Cajun choices with a few other "thangs" thrown in. I was in the mood for Mexican food, so I quickly decided on the chimichanga with chicken. Once that decision was made, my wife and I agreed that she should order something from the Cajun side so we could share both meals. Eventually we settled on the chicken and sausage jambalaya. This was served with a house dinner salad and we wisely chose the creamy jalapeno, which turned out to be delicious! As far as the entrees go, I was really happy with our choices. First the chimichanga was served with tasty sides of vegetarian black beans, Mexican rice, and refried beans. Though the sides weren't large, I appreciated having a variety of good tasting items that were much better than the Don Pablo's sides that I recently had. The chimichanga itself wasn't as fried as I've had in other restaurants, but still good. It was filled with plenty of pulled chicken and there was a nice sauce occupying the bottom of the entire plate. I did not use the included salsa at all. After eating my half of the chimichanga plate, my wife and I switched platters. The chicken and sausage jambalaya was equally as good as the chimichanga. The spicy mix of shredded chicken and sliced sausage was mixed with rice and served in a wide rimmed bowl. Also served on the side of this dish was a large slice of corn bread, which we also liked. The serving sizes were large and we could not finish either plate. Our service was great, constantly refilling all the water we were using to put out the fire in our mouths. The restaurant itself was a little dark, but for dinner that isn't a problem. If you are there during lunch, I would request the outdoor patio to take advantage of the bright summer days.
(4)Tim D.
Allyn's is definitely one of my favorite spots in Greater Cincinnati... The variety of dishes and cultures on the menu allow for a different experience every time... Order early for the stromboli, it's worth the wait...
(4)Mark S.
Been here many times. Recent upgrade to the bar area is very nice. Front rooms are very cool and offer a fun vibe. Not a big fan of the back room. Great drink and food selection. Get the black bean roll ups.
(4)Sarah L.
I like that you can buy a bottle of wine at Allyn's and their wines by the glass selection is decent. But the food just isn't very good at all. The portobello sandwich, salads, veggie burger, burrito--all fair at best. It's good for a beer on the patio or to listen to some live music, but the food isn't the star of the show.
(2)Heather J.
The chips were stale and out of a bag, the salsa was out of a jar (and not a good one)...the salad was lacking on veggies (bean, rice and veggies but it was 3 pieces of onion) and the soda was flat. Not a fan... Looks like they have a good beer list though...
(1)Alex S.
I had driven by Allyn's many-a time and always been curious. It's hard to miss, what with it's monster patio and red roof - oh, and a giant alligator peering you down as you cruise by. Yeah, also that. Then I heard they had a crazy good beer selection and mighty fine food. So my girlfriend and I and two of our friends went to check it out. Walk inside and get overwhelmed with the Louisiana decorated scene, full of blues and gators and stuff thrown up everywhere (walls, ceiling, wherever there was space). We were told to sit anywhere and were handed a menu. Now, most of the menu is taken up with selections of beer, which was just fantastic. Microbrews and foreign creations and anything your heart could desire - all at a very reasonable price. I think I got some sort of raspberry beer, which was really good. Yes, the waiter was kind of snippy with us when we didn't know what we wanted to drink immediately, but still, once we ordered, everything came quickly. I thought I could be very happy here ... But then, the food. Oh, Allyn's, how could you disappoint me like this? They gave us a basket of chips and salsa to start - both which were right out of a bag/jar. And worse, the chips were stale! Bleh. My girlfriend and I weren't that hungry, so we then ordered some quesadillas to split. You think you can't mess up quesadillas, right? Cheese and tortilla - simple. WRONG! This was awful. The cheese was bland and worse, not even melted that long. We sent it back and it returned hotter, but really not more melted. Even worse than that - they were filled with almost nothing! Just cheese and chicken! No vegetables, no sauces, no nothing. We actually didn't even order chicken - just quesadillas, and they still came this way. Seriously, guys, how could you screw up quesadillas that way? They're freakin' quesadillas! This was about six months ago and I haven't been back. I would, for a beer or something because there selection is good, but every time I think about going, I remember those quesadillas ... those horrible horrible quesadillas ... and then I just can't bring myself to do it.
(2)Jessica M.
Allyn's is one of those places where I know what I want before I go. Except for my beer selection. I always get their homemade veggie burger. Actually, I once had a server put that burger down---but it's my favorite. Allyn's has my favorite veggie burger, period. It's got black beans and other veggies, with some sort of a cornmeal binder. Pour on some of their house hot sauce and you're set. Plus, they have an awesome beer selection and it's super cheap.
(5)Honest O.
Alright then, three stars because it definitely is not worthy of four. My opinion is based on what others have to offer for value and service.
(3)Sarah F.
I hadn't been here in years, but checked it out last night because I was in the neighborhood. It definitely has a dive-y feel both inside and out, but more of a unique/cool vibe vs. scary/dirty. The menus (food, beer, wine) are extensive, but the food menu is exceptionally difficult to read and poorly laid out, so I didn't really appreciate the diversity of their offerings (cajun, BBQ, mexican, etc.) until after I had already ordered and was continuing to look. Service was friendly enough and relatively efficient, but there was a forgotten condiment request that didn't get filled until I was halfway through my meal and made a second request. I'd like to try one of the cajun/blackened dishes next time, but this time I was really craving a hamburger, so I ordered one with cheddar and sauteed onions and a side of cajun fries (french fries w/ some blackening seasoning). The burger was enormous and pretty tasty; a little greasier than I prefer, but an acceptable trade-off for taste. The fries didn't quite have the kick I was hoping for--not sure they're any better than the regular fries. Overall, if you're in the neighborhood, it's worth a visit, but I wouldn't go out of my way for dinner there.
(3)Stacey L.
I really like the feel of this place. It is cool, casual, kitchy. Other than that, the place is pretty mediocre. The food is only ok. It doesn't seem to know what kind of menu it wants to have... Mexican, American, Cajun. No one can do everything well. Prices are a little high for a hole in the wall bar/restaurant. I do like that you can buy a bottle of wine from their wine store and open it in house for only a small fee. It does make drinking slightly cheaper. The first time we were here they had a band playing. The band was good, but the place is so small that the noise overwhelmed the whole place. Parking can be an issue here. Their parking lot is tiny and street parking can be at a minimum. Overall, there are far too many great restaurant/ bars in the area to bother with this one.
(3)Mike S.
This place has been here for a while. It's decorated with Allyn's personal bric-a-brac . Last visit I had a blackened turkey burger that was good. The wings are good and meaty with nice sauces. Long and diverse beer list, but no taps Good choices on the kids menu. The menu is large but can be hit or miss. What's good is good, what's not is not. I've had good luck with the blackened items. Mexican is OK; the burrito is good. Overall good solid pub fare.
(3)Lea B.
This place is sketchy looking but it's actually pretty sweet. My aunt and uncle took my dad and I here on one of our visits back to Ohio. I searched the online menu and couldn't find it, but I swear I had a vegetarian dish, some sort of jambalaya with tofu even. I wasn't eating any meat at the time, so it was a nice surprise. The wait staff were friendly, the food was good and inside was crazy-funky to look at. Not necessarily what you'd expect in Cincinnati. They have a huge selection of beer and wine, and I think they have live music regularly.
(4)Matthew F.
I lived around the corner from Allyn's for nearly a decade, and it became a bit of a clubhouse for me and some pals. The beer selection is fantastic. As a beer snob, this goes a long way with me. If you come into a place like this and order a Bud Light, you should be held up for ridicule in the town square. The menu is somewhat NoLa influenced, though in a bar food kind of way. The jambalaya is serviceable but not revelatory. Quesadillas are fine, but who screws up a quesadilla? The boneless chicken wings are fan-friggin-tastic. Service is generally friendly and efficient. On more than one occasion, I've engaged in a silly conversation with the server after a few rounds, which is a valid reason to go to a bar. Parking can be a challenge. A great choice for a casual dinner, assuming you're not looking to have your mind blown by the food.
(4)Kate C.
Allyn's Cafe is Old Reliable on my list of possible dining options. I am never wowed by what I order (I've tried the portabello sandwich, the taco salad and the enchiladas, to name a few), but I always walk away from the table pretty satisfied and very full. If you are more of a drinker and less of a diner, then you should absolutely swing by this Columbia Tusculum mainstay. They have an extensive beer list, sell wines by the bottle and reportedly pour the best margarita in town. I've had the frozen version and it was brain freeze city, but the on-the-rocks version is dynamite, especially with a salted rim.
(3)Kim T.
I only perused their menu but was pretty impressed with the wide array of food to choose from. Our experience here, albeit short, was a good one. The staff was very friendly-everyone (including kitchen staff!) interacting with what were obviously regulars. They have quite an extensive beer and wine list -- that's all we had time to explore and we were rather impressed. The bartender even made suggestions and everything was really inexpensive (I think I've grown to accustomed to CA prices by now), which I'm finding to be a common theme in Ohio. I can get a mixed drink for under $4?? Unheard of! It seems Allyn's is a great local hangout and next time we're in town we will definitely be trying some of their authentic New Orleans fare.
(4)Tara N.
This is an interesting place. The staff and service are great, but the food is a bit funky. I don't have a lot of experience with Cajun food, nor is it one of my favorites. There aren't a lot of options if that isn't your favorite type of food. They have a lot of tables, but the place is a bit sketch. I can't speak to the wine shop part of things, which I've heard great things about.
(3)Leigh H.
I was more impressed by the decor here than I was the food. I was excited to try the blackened alligator, but it was overcooked and tough, and prepared in more of an étouffée style drowning in a heavy red sauce. They have no beers on tap, and while they do have a fairly good selection of bottles, that's pretty much only acceptable to me at Madonna's. Also, we were stuck with a greenhorn server-in-training, and I was brought the wrong kind of Moerlein (ordered Helles, got OTR, which is not a problem per se, just not what I ordered) and I was never able to ask for a replacement since she and her trainer kind of wandered off and mostly ignored us, despite the fact that it was early and the place was not super busy. I may give Allyn's another go in the future, but I won't be the one suggesting (or paying for) it.
(3)Julianne K.
Allyn's has always been a consistent restaurant. I liked their food before they changed their menu and their new menu is pretty decent as well. I must say I prefer the old menu because there were a lot of options but the new one is fine too. They have a large beer list with some interesting selections and their margaritas are delicious. I recently decided to go back since I had not sampled their new menu yet and was pleased overall. I had their fish of the day (mahi mahi), blackened served with black beans and steamed veggies. The fish was cooked perfectly and seasoned really well. The whole plate was tasty and a pretty healthy option too. I haven't ever had anything I have not liked at Allyns. It's a good neighborhood spot.
(3)Kelly L.
I was truly disappointed to not like Ally's but there wasn't a single thing to be excited about except perhaps their wine list which was surprising. I had a chili "taco salad". If you get a taco salad expecting an oversized fried flour tortilla bowl, you'll be disappointed. Instead you'll get a mound of green lettuce (+) with toppings surrounded by about 15 cheap bagged taco chips. Blech. I'll eat nearly anything Mexican. Not this. My companion got a chicken burrito. Bland. Bland. Bland. Nothing special. My cup of jambalaya was just ok but was the best part of the meal. Joe's OkBayou in Louisville is the best around. No contest. Make a day of it. THIS is NOT Cajun food, folks. And they don't do Mexican well either.
(2)Josh O.
Allyn's, a restaurant and wine/beer store is located on some prime real estate on US-50 just past Delta. Located in (at the foot of?) Columbia Tusculum, it is a short drive from my apartment and hase become a relatively frequent stop when we need a bottle of wine on the fly. I'm sure if you've driven past, you've noticed the crazy decorations. You walk through the outdoor seating to enter Allyn's. In the entranceway, you'll be able to be seated if you're looking for a meal or pick up a bottle of wine from the racks or some beer off the extensive chalkboard list. Their wine selection is pretty darn good for the space they have. They have some amazing cheap wines if you don't want to drop a lot of dime. The last time I was there they had Wine Enthusiast's #1 Best Buy for $7.99. The beer selection is also really good, with all of the major brands covered and a pretty good selection of craft brews. Why does Allyn's only get three stars? For one, it's location, as awesome as it is, makes parking an absolute nightmare. They have a tiny lot which I've never managed to find a spot in and the hilly residential neighborhood surrounding it can be difficult to find a spot in as well. Sometimes it takes me as long to find a parking spot after I get there as it takes to drive there. The other problem is the staffing. It seems that though they do the store/restaurant thing, it doesn't seem like they're always staffed to do both. A lot of the time, there will be no one to ring up my wine at the entryway, so I have to run over to the bar to buy the stuff. It's not a big deal, but it's weird walking through the dining room with wine bottles in both hands. Does Allyn's do the job? Yes, especially in a pinch. Should I probably have more foresight and buy more booze when I'm at the Party Source? Of course. Luckily for Allyn's, I'm not much of a planner so they will probably continue to get my business. *FYI: I am reviewing Allyn's as a store to purchase wine & beer, not as a restaurant. I have never eaten here, but if I do eventually, I will revisit this review.
(3)Amy E.
Best chicken chimichanga I've ever had! It was NOT fried, but GRILLED! Also the best margarita in Cincy - tasted amazing, large size and very reasonably priced! Also, very tasty pinto beans and the ONLY spanish rice I've ever liked! I have seriously had dozens of margaritas in this city and this one takes first prize. My boyfriend was laughing as I oohed and aahed through the entire meal. After a year of dining with him he'd never seen me so excited about food! The hostess was slow to greet us, which was annoying. I had a bad attitude from her inattentiveness as we were seated. I've decided to put up with it when I return again and again! Ms. Frowny-face won't stop me from eating more and drinking more at Allyn's!! Beside, I'll make it my personal challenge to get that lady to smile.
(5)Carl R.
0 stars for the world's worst taco salad. 5 stars for the great drinks, live music, and excellent service. The chicken wings were quite tasty as well. Bottom line - go for drinks and a lot of fun, eat elsewhere.
(3)Christoffer M.
I didn't lose my microbrew virginity here, but I did start to learn how to make love to beer from it. They have a well-organized beer list, and my literary side was seduced by the Hemingway-inspired Two-Hearted Ale from Bells. With something like 100 beers (bottles) and 250 wines, you can go back often. Or you can buy them from their retail store and take them home. But you should go back. They have a continual cycle of local songwriters and cover bands who might not be the most artistic of musicians but are always fun and earnest about their performances. Allyn's is popular among certain sorts looking for good spicy food (Cajun, Tex-Mex, wings), good drinks, and good folks. No hipsters, no frat folks, just fine Midwesterners, from high school kids to your middle-aged neighbors. It's the epitome of an energetic place to chill. Does that contradict itself? Very well then, it contradicts itself. So does a place that combines fine drinks, unpretentious food, classic/roots rock, famous margaritas, and gaudy decor. It is certainly, as it claims, "more than a caf". It might not be your first, but it will always hold a special, warm place in your heart. Why go? It's fun. Don't look for something legendary, just go to enjoy your night simply, and you will. Something for everyone who isn't excessively uppity and snobby. Why don't go? It's not upscale, it's not suave, and it's not especially easy/quick to get to from most parts of town.
(5)Stephanie P.
Allyn's has a fun vibe and great drink selection. The food is always good, nothing great, but a good go-to place when everyone wants a little something different. The cod and tuna sandwichs are my personal favorites. I'm not a fan of their Mexican selection, but if you are into Cajun food then this is a great choice. They have a hearty selection of Lousiana-style cooking. Service can be slow at times, but I've never left unhappy.
(3)Mark W.
Liked the "no chain" atmosphere a lot. Food was just "OK". Great bottled beer selections, but no drafts.
(2)Dan J.
My wife and I have had some good times here. We used to play at the open mic that was held here a few years ago. The place hasn't changed much since then. They still occasionally have small musical acts, and the food is about as good as bar food can be, but not much better. The decor is great with a large collection of Star Wars and other weird memorabilia lining the walls. The bar inside is easy to access on slower nights and has a great selection of local, domestic, and international brews. There is a little less to do in this part of town, so out of what's there, Allyn's is a good choice.
(3)Diana H.
Allyn's is a NoLa inspired restaurant on Columbia Parkway. They have outdoor seating which is awesome in the hotter months, and so pleasant early evenings in fall. Best part PETS ARE WELCOME! The Taco Salad here and Chicken Salad are my favorite plates here. They have an awesome assortment of wine that you can buy to take home, or buy and take to your table. On weekends they have live music and random live performances on Wed. and Thurs. Perfect Sunday Funday spot!
(4)Elizabeth C.
Best veggie burger hand made at allyns, wish they had sweet potato fries:) great wine selection!
(4)Coral W.
I have been to Allyn's four times and have tried different items on their menu. I want to say they have the BEST quesadilla I have ever had in my life. It is not common to get good quesadilla though it is a very common dish in many restaurants. This is what I think why Allyn's quesadilla is good: the nicely crispy (but not hard) tortilla shell and the warm, balanced ratio of meat and cheese inside as the filling. Yum! The quesadilla I usually had in other places had way too much cheese in it, and it just overwhelmed the meat or veggies inside. Allyn's quesadilla is listed as an "appetizer" on their menu. However, it can easily be served as an "entree" since it is big enough to fill you up. I love their quesadilla with marinated beef, and I totally tasted the chunky beef. The cheese and beef created a nice combination. Next time I am going to try other fillings. :) Allyn's is also specialized at Cajon foods. I tried their Cajun ahi tuna before, and it was well-seasoned and well-executed. Tuna was nicely seared and the serving is generous as well. I am not impressed with their Cajon fries, though. The only complaint I have about this restaurant is, it is way too crowded and noisy on Friday and Saturday night. You will have to wait to get a table. Maybe I should not complain about this because a crowded restaurant means it is a popular and successful restaurant. I guess when I go out for dinner, I prefer a relaxing ambience. If you and your significant other want to have a quiet, relaxing dinner on weekends, Allyn's might not be ideal for you. But, if you come with friends, you might find it fun. It depends. Some reviewers complained about the services at Allyn's, but I have never had problems with the service. In spite of being very busy, our servers did their best to check on us and made sure things were fine with us. The last thing I like about this restaurant is that their foods are reasonably priced. Most entrees are around or under $15. My quesadilla is around $12, and I ordered it as my entree.
(4)Johhny R.
Overall I think the food here is really good. The wings are fantastic, as is the jambalaya & the gumbeaux. Their sandwiches are good. If you're really hungry I'd recommend the chicken phili. The Mardi Gras pasta with shrimp is a personal favorite. The one thing they do poorly are salads. They're terrible here.
(4)Erin H.
I was very underwhelmed by my experience at Allyn's. I met up with a friend who is great company and we had a good time. They were out of the first two beers I wanted, but the beer I got was fine. I ordered the chicken philly which was fine, but nothing special. I really wanted something to knock my socks off but it didn't. I had high hopes for this restaurant but it was just OK. I love food and I love a good restaurant. I don't think I'll be visiting Allyn's again, there is too much GREAT food in this city to settle for fine.
(2)Julie C.
They have some good veggie items, like the chili dog. I think something had soy in it, probably the chili. It tasted amazing, though. Like if soy doesn't make you break out with big welts all over your face, then you'll love it. I probably will go back, but not as often as I would if it were soy free. The hummus is good, though.
(4)Scott M.
Every once in a while I come across someone who has yet to experience Allyn's and I go thinking, "unique menu, great atmosphere, and where else in the city can I get alligator that's not a chain restaurant off of I-275 (you know who I'm talking about)"? The trouble is, every time I go here I get either gator, or pasta, or something Cajun and I go away thinking, "I don't need to eat that again". For having such a unique menu, the food is only mediocre. There's nothing that makes me want to revisit. Crawfish etoufee and gator pasta are kind of "meh". However, I do have some items I like - namely, the gumbeaux (yes, it is spelled that way). I'm sure I'll be back here sometime in the next quinquennium.
(3)Debbie H.
Average. It will fill you up, but nothing was great. We ordered off the kids menu. It was okay. I tried the chicken philly. It was huge. And flavorful, but a little dry. My husband got the chicken soft taco - which was the same size as my philly, but for some reason, it was $4 more. Really? For two adults and one kid, the prices are a little steep.
(3)Andrew J.
I would have given one star if I didn't really enjoy the food for a reasonable price. Allyn's had the worst service I've ever experienced in my life. I have served before so I can tell the difference between minimal effort and complete indifference. At Allyn's the servers gave no effort. I will not be going back.
(2)John J.
The chicken Philly is tremendous. Add some lettuce and tomato, side of mayo- boom. The spice on the chicken is perfect, and reminds me of a Peruvian rotisserie a bit. Wings are good, quesadilla is good, Mac and cheese is good. But really what separates this place is the chicken philly. It's our go to place when plans fall through or the meal we cooked doesn't go as planned. Also draft list seems to be getting better with every visit!
(5)Tabitha W.
My husband recently called me a "restaurant fame whore" because once I see a restaurant featured on the news or some other venue, chances are it migrates to the top of my list of places I want to check out stat! I saw Allyn's on the Fox19 morning show not too long ago, and they had mentioned some of their vegan options. Shout out to Fox19 for helping me find this place - not sure how long it would have taken me otherwise! Boasting a bold, colorful exterior, Allyn's is clean and comfortable inside. We started with an order of of the Black Bean and Cheddar Quesadilla Rolls, a hearty and tasty appetizer. I ordered the Vegan Chili Dog with a side of Mac N' Cheese, and my husband had a Garden Burger with a side of Hushpuppies. We were able to substitute our sides at no additional cost, which was pleasantly unexpected! My mac n' cheese was a tad bit on the cold side but still incredibly tasty. My hot dog (which was actually a vegan sausage) was very tasty as well, but definitely was on the spicy side. My husband really enjoyed his hushpuppies, but was underwhelmed by the black bean burger. I thought it was tasty, but he didn't really dig all the black beans. Food presentation was great, portion sizes were hearty, and the prices were just right. I'd love to see Allyn's get even more creative with their vegetarian options!
(4)Terry S.
Either my memory is awful, or this place has improved a *lot* in the past 20 years. Yes, I was at this bar 20 years ago. I am that old. And apparently I'm old enough to forget things. Like that Allyn's is actually a really nice place. Here are things I look for in a bar/restaurant: * Belgian beer. And I don't mean lambics or whites; I mean Trappists; something with a monk on the bottle (if not under the barrel). Preferably something whose recipe dates from the 1600s. ** Check. And it was local. * Enough noise and people to remind me that I'm not at home; but not so much that I can't hear the people I came to chat with. ** Check. And the usual happy madness seeped out of our alcohol and hovered all around our little table. * An atmosphere with enough light to see the other patrons (and that they don't look creepy) but not so much that I feel like I'm at the doctor's; and spaces that feel private. ** Check, and check. I love the multi-split-level layout here. * Wait staff that leave you alone enough that you can talk, but make sure that you have what you need. ** Check. And she was nice, and she recommended yummy things. * Something to eat besides burgers. I prefer anything grown or raised by real farmer-like people (or in the wild) to anything grown or raised in what might be called a factory. Plus it's nice if it tastes good. ** Half check. They sell both Cajun offerings and quesadillas, of completely ambiguous origin. Who knows where that plate of fried seafood goodness came from? It looked like Long John Silver's with a side of really yummy asparagus; but I always liked Long John Silver's. So, whatever happened all those years ago, I'm not going to wait another 20 years to go back.
(4)William K.
I love Cajun food and I was wondering if Allyn's lived up to what I had in New Orleans. I'm a happy camper! I'd been in before just for drinks and that didn't seem like enough to write a review on. On our previous visit there were five of us. We were lucky to get seats at the bar late night. All five of us are self styled beer aficionados so we got the run down on the taps from the bartender. The bartender must have been a real beer aficionado because in quick order we all knew exactly what we wanted and what we got was exactly what we expected. Great beer selection. Came back in for lunch with a friend. It was afternoon, after the lunch rush and well before dinner. I arrived before my counterpart and plied the bartender for information on the draft situation. She knew all of the beers and had an opinion on them. I really appreciate that. For some reason it's far too rare to find a bartender that will try the beers they have on draft and have first hand knowledge of them. Before my friend arrived it was shift change. This is the crux of the only opportunity for improvement that I saw on the service. Neither of the bartenders ever introduced themselves. I hate being referred to as "Sir" and as such take every opportunity to introduce myself. I know that one of them was named Amber because that was on the check, not sure which one. I'd love to give the other name since both gave great service and I'd like to acknowledge that here. This food is the real deal! I had a cup of the jambalaya with a piece of the jalapeno corn bread. Awesome! Don't let the jalapeno scare you off if you're not a spice fan, it's not too much. The jambalaya is fantastic! Great flavor and consistency. I took turns trying the FIVE house made hot sauces they provide on spoonfuls to find my favorite. FIVE! Each better than the last. I don't remember the names of all the varieties because when I ran into the Habanero Mustard sauce I fell head over heels in love. I only have taste buds for you Habanero Mustard! Good heat, not too much but it's definitely got a kick and AMAZING flavor! It sounds weird, right? Habanero. Mustard. I never pictured those two together but it's a marriage made in hot sauce heaven! I followed up by getting the Black Bean and Cheddar Quesadilla Rolls. WARNING!!! This is an app for no less than four people or a BIG meal for one! My buddy didn't want any and I suppose I could have had half or more of it packed up to go and gone on to enjoy an entree but it was too good! Great, honest, earthy flavor. It's more like a honking huge black bean chimichanga. It's served with a huge dollop of sour cream and stewed tomato which happen to be the perfect accompaniment. Bravo on the flavor, the portion size, the value for your money, the beer selection, the wines, the hot sauces, the decor and atmosphere, the knowledgeable staff just all of it. Great experience. i just had breakfast as I am writing this and I my mouth is actually watering at the prospect of going back and exploring that menu!
(4)Ralph H.
This place, depending on what you order, is hit/miss. However, last time I was there, I had the shrimp/gator pasta dish, and it was out of this world. Overall, I've never left there dissatisfied.
(4)Terri L.
Awesome food & employees! We have never had a bad meal or experience. I recommend the jalapeño cornbread - so GOOD! Very accommodating to our fur babies! We have a goal to try everything and so far everything is awesome! Also get sidetracked from our goal with their great specials! Even the side salad is good with banana peppers!
(5)Julie L.
First time writing a Yelp review, never felt compelled until now. The service we received tonight at Allyn's is the worst I have had anywhere in as long as I can remember. We sat down at our table at 7:30ish and didn't get our food until 9:30. When we did, one of the meals was wrong and had to be remade. Drinks were late to the table, requests were forgotten - all of which could have been tolerated if we had received a meaningful apology or make-good from our server or the manager on duty. Nothing, not even a drink off the bill. The worst part, the staff seemed not to care at all, just insincerely said I'm sorry only to disappear once again. It has been at least 5 years since my last visit to Allyn's. Sadly, we won't be going back anytime soon.
(1)Monique S.
We went for the 1st time and were not disappointed! I had the Mardi Gras pasta. It had crawfish and a spicy cream sauce over angel hair and came with a huge piece of jalapeno corn bread. The pasta had a perfect heat and creaminess with huge meaty chunks of crawfish. The corn bread was super moist and had a nice subtle heat. My husband had the blackened shrimp and gator with linguine in a spicy garlic sauce. The gator was great, but the shrimp was even more flavorful. Perfect heat. We sat outside under the pergola and it was awesome. Beads hanging from the slats. Inside captured the Cajun feel but in Cincinnati.
(5)Heather J.
It's just ok. Still smell like the fryer once you leave.
(3)Ben N.
A three-star review obviously isn't a ringing endorsement, but I want to tip my hat to the folks at Allyn's for a positive makeover. It's a nice upgrade. I'm about 99.999999999999999999999999999999999999999999 percent sure my prior review below had less than 0.00000000000000000000000000000001 percent of the influence on these changes, but it's almost as though the owner was taking a few notes from it: The interior now has a more sophisticated and lowlit feel, almost a bit like a speakeasy. And it feels like the 21st century. The menu has been pared down a bit: Thankfully gone are almost all of the dreadful Mexican items, leaving behind most of the "Cajun" (read: Louisiana-influenced) fare, along with a long and varied list of sandwiches and appetizers. Since Allyn's did a better job with that stuff, this was a good idea. The "blackened" tilapia I ordered wasn't bad at all: cooked properly, and, if not actually blackened Prudhomme-style, it was nicely seasoned. It'd be nice, though, if Allyn's offered more non-starches as sides with its entrees. (And a burger at the table was pretty badly overcooked.) Allyn's has added several draft beers, with some decent choices, to complement its long list of bottled beers. Good move. I don't know if this makeover involved an overhaul of the staff, but service, while polite and pleasant, seemed a little unsure of itself. The little wine shop is still there, too. We'll almost certainly be back, which isn't something I'd have said prior to the changes.
(3)Kelly V.
Definitely recommend for a night out with friends or a date! Allyns has amazing food and a great atmosphere. The interior is unique and the outdoor seating is pleasant on a nice sunny day! My favorite food here is the jambalaya and also the black bean burritos. Seasoned perfectly with Cajun spices!
(5)Victoria M.
For a Cajun experience in the heart of southwestern Ohio, Allyn's is the spot. The food is just the right amount of spicy and southern. With five different hot sauces, I can't complain about the variety they provide in regards to flavor. The prices are a little higher than what I expected ($20+) per person before alcohol. Most appetizers and entrees are sharable :-)
(4)Samantha R.
I ordered scallops and they were extremely fishy. They must have been bad because I threw them up when I got home..... Probably won't be back. However, the guacamole was delicious!
(1)Walt D.
Update: The owner reached out to me, apologized, and offered to comp my next meal at Allyn's. I accepted his gracious offer. As I mentioned in my initial review, we enjoy eating here (usually).
(3)Daniel G.
This was my first time at Allyns, but my friends have been there multiple times and only had good things to say. I ordered a draft beer, bottled beer, and the Philly steak sandwich for 20$. The sandwich was incredible, and it came with Cajun seasoned fries which were also really good. Plus, they bring out 5 different types of hot sauce to go with your food, which makes it fun to experiment. Definitely recommended.
(4)Kayla S.
The taco salad (with steak) is probably my favorite food item here. Also there chips and guacamole were really good. The guacamole was very fresh tasting and had chunks of avocado in it!
(4)Bryan M.
I will return! This Cajun/Mexican neighborhood bar/restaurant is charming. Before 7pm you dine with young families. Then it turns young professional as evening approaches. I can only testify to the Cajun side of the menu. Go for the beans and rice, gumbo and jambalaya. House Cabernet is a good bargain too.
(3)Bill C.
Allyn's has one of the best local beer selections in Columbia Tusculum. Their food is really good too... I love to chow down on crawfish night. Nice patio for sitting out in the summer as well.
(4)Caitlin M.
I had one of the best salad's of my life here last night! I know I know....salad? How great could that be? But the Fantastic Taco Salad is seriously amazing. The chicken on top has the BEST flavor, and it comes with all kinds of toppings (I requested on the side) like salsa, sour cream, and I recommend the Chipotle Ranch Dressing. It was a huge portion too...I couldn't finish it. The outside patio was perfect for the nice weather. Huge fan here!
(4)Robert L.
It is a fun place where you can typically get seated very quickly. The Cajun food reminds me of the food I had when I lived in New Orleans. Its not as good as the real thing in NOLA, but a great substitute. This is one of my favorite places to eat anywhere. If you haven't been there, you are missing out! Also, the pricing is very good with large portions. Added tip: Sit on the outdoor patio on a nice day.
(5)Joy L.
We love this place, one of our favorites and are never disappointed with the food or the service.
(4)Planters V.
I'm only rating this based on drinks, vibe, and music. Very friendly staff. Love the neighborhood too. If you haven't been here, please give it a try. It's very different and unique. The food is above average, although not spectacular.
(4)Jackie C.
This place is a hidden gem! It doesn't look like much from the outside but their Cajun-style food is awesome! The Cajun fries are the best! Their menu is definitely more unique than other places, but they put a nice twist on Cajun flavor. I had the fish sandwich which I would definitely recommend and my boyfriend had the jambalaya dog which he's been talking about ever since! We are for sure going back!
(4)Christina M.
Great food! Our server was a bit slow and seemed out of it but not horrible. We tried the gumbeax, loved it! Spicy with lots of sausage. It came with a soft bread thing, I don't know what it's called but it was delicious! Lol We also got the nachos with salsa and guac and ate all of it! I got the philly which was HUGE and some dirty chips. I could only finish about a quarter of my food. My hubby got the big al burger. He said it had lots of flavor for a standard burger. He finished his whole meal including the Cajun fries. Can't wait to go back and try the seafood platter and get a bowl of that gumbeaux again!
(4)Kerry P.
Good food and fun ambiance. However, the beer my friend received was absolutely not the beer she ordered. It was more opaque than apple cider, when it was supposed to be clear with a red tint. When she asked for the beer she had actually ordered, she got attitude from the waitress and the bartender. Seriously? Seriously. That made a very strong impression on me--stronger than the meal or the atmosphere. Bottom line: I would go here again if a friend suggested meeting here, but I would never suggest it myself.
(3)Jessica N.
I'll start off by saying that I really enjoy Allyn's menu. I think Allyn's is one of, if not the only place to get gator in the city. I've ordered numerous menu items, including the mardi dog (all beef hot dog covered in jambalaya), the "best chicken sandwich in town," and I gotta hand it to them that their margaritas are pretty good. If you like hot sauce, Allyn's will definitely have something to please your palate as they have so many variations (my favorite being the habanero mustard hot sauce). On top of this, Allyn's has a great little wine shop nestled inside where you can purchase wine to drink there ($5 corkage fee) and/or take home. So what's the hold up? Why only 3 stars? The service is ridiculously slow and inattentive, and I don't think it's just a one-off thing since I have been to Allyn's on numerous occasions for both lunch and dinner. Sometimes you want to get in and out of a restaurant in an hour, but I have never been in and out of Allyn's that quick. I would definitely recommend Allyn's for their food and will continue to go there when my friends and I have some time to chill, but there are definitely some kinks that could be worked out within the realm of customer service.
(3)Roth M.
The inside (bar side) has been redone and has really made it more open feeling. Menu has concentrated on the Cajun items (lots of gator, shrimp, crawfish, as well as the burgers, phillies, etc.). Pretty darn good beer selection, bottle and draft, and as before, there is the wine take-away store. My inner nerd got excited recently as they have added NTN Trivia now.
(4)Nikki F.
Disclaimer: My true love is from Baton Rouge. We are not big fans of the food here. I like the blackened chicken quesadillas but that's about it. They have a couple of Abita choices, so that is good. We went to the Mardi Gras crawfish boil and the crawfish were terrible. Overcooked, barely seasoned, no flavor. We didn't even finish them. We were really disappointed. I have had some of the other dishes here and nothing was that good. Sad. We need more cajun/creole spots around here.
(2)May K.
We are from Chicago looking for local flair. I saw the yelp reviews and was a bit worried at first. The drive is 20+ min from the airport but the family is all happy we did. We had the alligator appetizer, jambalaya, gumbo and étouffée as as entree. It was all really good! Just enough spice, kid friendly, good house wine, not so good sangria but worth the trip. It's loud, but local, bar type atmosphere but overall fun!
(4)