This place an adorable gem located in an even more adorable neighborhood. I have to say, Cincy surprised me here. The whole area is very reminiscent of the streets of San Fran. The service was good, the coffee was great. I would love to stop by again some day and try a little more.
(4)
Crystal G.
This quaint little coffee shop and concert pop-up offers a nice touch of local flair and urban comfort. Great outdoor patio area.
(5)
Steve H.
I have frequented Bow Tie in the past and recently visited again a couple times over the past week. It feels like the service has gone downhill, as the quality of the drinks are slipping. I don't mind spending the money on a delicious latte or cappuccino if I'm going to get a quality made drink. I think part of the issue is that management has changed so frequently that the workers are likely overworked and not supported. Each time I'm there it's only one person there, which gets draining on that person. There's not a lot of passion from the workers, which again tells me a little more about management. While there are downsides, the outside patio is still awesome and its in a nice neighborhood. I haven't tried the food lately so can't advise whether or not that's gone downhill.
(3)
Angelina M.
The one and only Mt. Adams coffee shop! I go here every once in a while since it's so convenient from my work. I usually get an espresso drink and a sweet. Today I ordered a cortado which was served in a tiny to go cup and had good, rich flavor. I also got a pizelle packaged from a Loveland Italian bakery. It was delicious! Today the service seemed a lot better than it has been in the past. I had been a couple times in the past few years when only one staff was working. Today there were several staff working around 2pm and service was nice and quick. The interior is very clean with a good amount of seating and window views. There is also a nice patio area where you can see a bit of the city. I would like to return and try breakfast or lunch sometime! I give it three stars because it doesn't blow me away but is decent. It would be nice if they roasted their own coffee for more of a local feel. I also don't think they have consistent service but overall ok. I'm glad Mt. Adams has a coffee shop since it's such a small community.
(3)
Dave M.
I just got a hibiscus tea ($2) and grilled cheese sandwich ($4). Both were good. The sandwich had 2 kinds of hot and melted cheese. They seem to have a decent sized menu for a cafe. It's also a bar with their beer, liquor and wine selection and a bar to sit. The design is very clean. It's warm and inviting. They have tables and couches. The worker was friendly and helpful. I thought it was a pretty cool cafe in a quaint part of town.
(4)
Tiera A.
What a cute little cafe! Coffee, wine, breakfast and lunch, you name it they've got. This place is super cute and I am totally a fan. After reading a bunch of reviews on Bow Tie Cafe I knew I had to try it and I'm glad I finally did. I went for lunch one day and fell in love with the cuteness of this place. I wanted breakfast but thought that would be a little to heavy so I ordered a Caesar salad; which was delicious. For the price, the salad was huge and tasted great. My friend ordered a breakfast burrito and loved it. Good prices, nice ambiance and friendly workers. I would definitely recommend Bow Tie Cafe to a friend.
(4)
Tabitha W.
Walking into the Bow Tie Cafe, my first thought was that it was really cute. You order at the counter, so I quickly called dibs on the Bourbon French Toast. After we placed the rest of our order, we found a table, and settled in for a surprisingly long wait for our food. Which might explain why my french toast was downright cold when it was finally brought out...but doesn't offer much reason for why it was relatively flavorless. My husband ordered a Belgian Waffle, which he enjoyed and said it was a good mix of fluffy and crispy, but his side of scrambled eggs was way overcooked. We had ordered drinks when we initially walked in, but they still hadn't arrived, so we asked for our mimosas after all of the food had been brought out. Cute initial impression, but we ultimately left disappointed.
(2)
Jill C.
I am local to Mt Adams and have been to Bow Tie countless times. I've enjoyed lunch outside on their tiered patio on a beautiful day. My husband and I will stop in and grab a latte/mocha or tea to go before strolling around the neighborhood. I also consider Bow Tie a secondary office. They have free wifi and it is a nice change of scenery from the home office. Nothing in particular stands out when it comes to the food, drinks, or service - just an all around great neighborhood coffee shop.
(4)
Jack H.
While I do like this place, and their awesome coffee. The staff is sometimes not the greatest. I have had some pleasant experiences with the staff in the past, but recently it has been bad. I had to clean up other tables dishes because they didn't bus them for hours. Hours. I also overheard one male employee speaking poorly about a customer to another employee. The customer did nothing rude, apparently, the employee thought the customer was "gross".
(4)
Rocky B.
Awesome!!! We are here now. The place is really cool. Sitting on the patio drinking bloodys ! It's quiet,peaceful and the staff are really friendly and welcoming, I knew when I called on the phone with questions that I was gonna like it here. But I love it. The food is fresh and coffee is great. Gonna be coming here a lot. Good job staff.
(5)
J D.
First time at bow tie cafe. Very quaint, great atmosphere. Unfortunately, it was very downhill from there. Waited forever for food, and everything was cold when it finally did arrive, even coffee in the self serve carraffe was warm at best. When I mentioned to person behind the counter, she explained they only had one person in the kitchen, not we'll redo it, heat yours up, or even sorry. Just that they only had one person in the kitchen. I noticed most people were ordering coffee drinks and not getting food or plain coffee. That must be the trick, fresh made coffee drinks, and eat somewhere else.
(2)
Alisha W.
After walking past Bow Tie countless times, I finally made it a point to stop in and check it out. ADORABLE! The atmosphere is very warm and inviting. There are several cozy chairs that would be perfect to lounge in while sipping on some delicious coffee and working on your laptop. I purchased a Caramel Macchiato and was pleasantly surprised to find how smooth it was. Many coffee shops opt to make flavored drinks a little too sweet, but the balance of espresso and sweetener was perfect. The downside to this establishment was the customer service. Every coffee shop I've ever been in has the most pleasant and upbeat employees. The barista that I dealt with didn't seem to be very enthused to be there. There was an odd tension between her and the other customers. I'm really hoping this is not the norm. When it comes down to it, employees can come and go, but good coffee is here to stay!
(4)
James C.
Overall atmosphere is calm and tranquil. The coffee is above average and the service is up to par. The interior design is comfortable and is backed by a beautiful outdoor patio capturing the true beauty and essence of Mt. Adams.
(4)
Richard L.
The BowTie cafe is my go to lunch and afternoon coffee spot. They have a nice affordable lunch menu and the coffee (intelligentsia) is very good. It is a comfortable setting with lots of natural light flooding in. It is usually filled with people working away on their laptops and the radio is always playing some great 80s music. In good weather you can sit outside by the fountain. It was a bit cooler when Dhani Jones would come in on a regular basis, but it's still a cool. I'm cool, right?
(4)
Nan T.
This place is great. We had a coffee and a latte and both were good. We both got the eggs Benedict special which was very good. The ham was pretty salty but that is usually the case with ham. The hollandaise was rich and creamy. The have a beautiful 3 tiered patio that is nice .
(5)
Kevin C.
The cafe au lait was great. One thing I noticed was when the barista made the pour over for someone else she took a lot of care to measure the coffee and the water, used a timer, and pulsed it. I've had some shitty pour overs where they wing it and taste like bitter crap. I'll try a pour over next time for sure.
(4)
Dave M.
They have some of the finest whole bean coffee you can purchase in the city, but unfortunately, the service and drink preparation is sub par. Consistency is one of the most important things and every drink I have ordered(even when they are the same) tastes different than the last one, some good, some really bad.
(3)
Stephanie M.
The atmosphere is great if you want to get some work done or just need to get out of the house. I ate lunch there and it was delicious! It was probably the best salad I have had ina really long time!
(5)
Becca S.
Friendly neighborhood cafe with superb intelligentsia coffee and great little menu and good playlist. Owners and staff are beyond friendly and helpful. Grab a latte and sit outside by the fountain, overlook beautiful Mt. Adams and waste your morning away.
(4)
Kristin W.
Service and food was definitely not anything to rave about. We came here on a Sunday morning for brunch and having never been there before was not quite sure what the protocol was.. Do we seat ourselves? Do we wait to be seated? None of the servers or wait staff acknowledged us. There were other people standing around by the door as if waiting so we followed suit and soon realized its first come first serve. I wasn't overly impressed with the food that took a long time. Eggs and bacon? How long could that possibly take? Surely not the 30+ minutes we waited. While I would maybe come here for a coffee and pastry during a non peak time, I don't think I would come back for brunch on the weekend.
(2)
Carly D.
I went here with a group of four last weekend and wasn't overly impressed and would not return here for brunch. I am allergic to gluten and was not impressed with the selection of options that I could have for brunch, just eggs and sausage. I wish they would have had some sort of alternative like fruit or hash browns because I left still rather hungry. When we initially got into the restaurant, there was another group waiting and since we had never been there before it was confusing because no staff member acknowledged us. Also our food took a solid 30 minutes to make, it was just eggs and sausage and two breakfast burritos. I will say the coffee was excellent and Mt. Adams by definition is a beautiful spot of town. This would be a spot I would sit outside and read with coffee if I lived nearby and it was warm, but definitely not a good meeting place for friends for brunch.
(2)
Alex Y.
Coffee here is excellent and all of their products are crafted well. Don't expect to grab and go in less than a minute, their craft does take time to make if it's more than just a drop coffee.
(4)
E G.
I went to have brunch here because of the great deal I got on groupon. I wasn't impressed nor disappointed. The mimosa was really good. The waffle was ok. They did have great service and very friendly.
(3)
Kaitlyn O.
Love the atmosphere they have inside and out. Beautiful retro theme. Perfect for date day in Mt. Adams. Had a Dirty Chai and it was amazing!!! Menu was perfect and the staff was really helpful in decision making. We will be back.
(5)
Christine M.
The S.O. and I met a photographer her for a meet and greet session. She was drinking a 'dirty chai' which sounded good, though I was unsure what this meant. Generally, one doesn't want dirty things in their drink, but it did look good (clean, to boot), so I ordered it. Turns out a 'dirty chai' is a chai tea latte of sorts with a shot of espresso. Genius! I loved it. The Mt. Adams locale is nice, if parking is a bit challenging at times. It's right by the monk statue I always smile at near the top of the hill. I think the offer outdoor seating, but it was still chilly the day we were there. Inside, there is a white/chalk board there for people to draw which was a fun touch, along with couches/tables/an assortment of seating available. On the day we were there, there were a few people working, a few others chatting. It was comfortable and calm, a place I'd consider going to get some reading done or catch up with a friend. In an area overwhelmed with bars and restaurants, a cafe/coffee shop seems a good balance. Sometimes you don't want a meal and all the other places in the area seemed like they'd judge if we didn't order something. I was glad I thought of this place as an alternative. The service was a bit slow, but I wasn't in a rush and they don't purport to be a drive in and/or Starbucks, so not a complaint, just an observation. The baked goods looked tasty and their drink selections wide, if pretty standard, for a coffee shop of this variety. Cute place, I'd go back. Order the 'dirty chai'. Yum!
(4)
Joe R.
Comfortable and friendly atmosphere. Free wifi. Need a few more couches or overstuffed chairs to sit in. Drink was very good!
(4)
mike d.
Intelligentsia coffee and delicious food, add stellar service and an awesome patio and you've got yourself one of the best cafes in Cincinnati!
(5)
Patrick E.
Cool environment. The service is normally slow and the sandwiches are average at best. If u are looking for a quiet place to enjoy an expensive cup of coffee this is it.
(2)
John B.
This place was one of the stops on a bar crawl and after reading the reviews, I was slightly apprehensive about venturing inside. However, like Jeremy F. stated, this place is basically a coffee house. I ordered a Pumpkin Chai Latte and Veggie Quiche. Both were excellent and flavorful. The food and drink were prepared by a cool chick named Cambridge. (Ask her how her parents chose that name) There was a handful of people on their laptops writing the Great American Novel and the atmosphere was a nice break from the loud bars I attended during the bar crawl. If I was wanting a place to hang out with people and have actual conversations, this would be one of the Mt. Adams establishments I would recommend.
(4)
Sandra F.
I do agree that they have to work alittle more having better coffee and tea, but I do like the atmosphere and staff is friendly.
(3)
Peter B.
Bow Tie Cafe is a Mt. Adams coffee house that offers a few food items and even serves some alcoholic drinks. Since I don't drink coffee, I can't comment on the quality of the java. The food leaves much to be desired. I ordered a pesto chicken sandwich. The chicken came straight from the freezer and the pesto sauce straight from the Kroger private label jar. If you're looking for a casual place to sip a coffee, then Bow Tie Cafe might work for you. If it's food you need, keep walking...
Bowie cafe for me is my second "work-home" place to finish reports when I am bored of the four walls of my house. I always get the cappuccino there and sometimes I get yogurt parfait. In general they are good to have. But the best thing is that it placed right in the heart of mount Adams on a beautiful street amidst some interesting bars and restaurants. A flight of stairs takes you below 'street-level' and you get to enjoy their awesome coffee while looking at passersby walking.
(5)
Katie B.
It makes me so sad to give a mere 3 stars for Bow Tie. I've had a few experiences here in the past where I've had no complaints, but my most recent visit was SO disappointing. My friend and I LITERALLY stood at the register for 5 minutes before ever being acknowledged by a barista. I actually turned to her at one point and said, "I feel invisible right now." And THEN when we actually WERE acknowledged, the girl told us "he'd" be right with us (the other barista) and told another customer she REALLY didn't want to be at work. Sooo, I guess you could say customer service is not their strong suit. My latte was fine, but the service kind of ruined the experience for me. Also, what happened to their cozy couches that used to be in the middle? It's now a large picnic table. Blah.
(3)
Rick M.
Borboun pecan French toast fantastic. Outdoor eating area the best we've seen - our new fav breakfast place in Cincinnati.
(5)
Lucian Bogdan B.
Good coffee, great muffins. I just love hanging out here especially by the sidewalk windows :-) gives you enough distractions to be busy all the time. Oh and cool people around in Mt Adams in general.
(5)
Max S.
They brew Intelligentsia Coffee (distributed in Chicago). I consider myself a bit of a coffee snob and I found this delicious (on par with Coffee Emporium). Tried a burrito too and it wasn't bad. Nice place to work or hang out-- plenty of wooden tables, natural light, not too loud. They serve wine and beer too.
(4)
Karl C.
I, unfortunately, will only ever get to experience the Bow Tie Cafe during the winter. And so I won't ever get to sit outside on their beautiful patio, smack dab in the heart of Mt. Adams. To my surprise, they carry Intelligentsia coffee which brightened my day considerably, giving me a fleeting taste of home (Chicago). The shop itself is very nice and clean. It was quite busy on the early Tuesday afternoon when I stopped by. But there was an ample amount of seating: both couches for relaxing and desks and chairs for more utilitarian purposes. The staff seemed nice. My only issue was the front door doesn't close properly so if you're sitting by it during the winter, it gets drafty. Other than that, it's a very pleasant place to enjoy a cup of coffee.
(4)
Janice K.
I went here for Mothers Day brunch and I was pleasantly surprised. The menu was small but adequate. The food wasn't spectacular but it was good. What really surprised me was the service. After reading all the bad reviews. The service was wonderful. They were pleasant prompt and extremely accommodating. The outdoor seating was really nice also. I would definitely go back.
(4)
Gordon H.
Bow Tie Cafe is a nice little getaway if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. It is in the quaint little area of Mt. Adams. It has a very comfortable and laid back space where you can focus on work or reading. As for the coffee, they switch it up and use Intelligentsia Coffee which is a nice touch and has amazing flavor. Since they use Intelligentsia it gives it a big city feel. I definitely suggest visiting Bow Tie for a nice cup of coffee and sitting on the patio when the weather is nice.
(4)
Kelli B.
First off, Bow Tie carries Intelligentsia coffee which gives it a very cosmopolitan feel. The staff is incredibly friendly and even offered us a tasting of the coffee we were considering buying the beans of. The Sunday afternoon crowd is laid-back: students and young business people working away on their laptops, med students using the giant whiteboard to write out complex formulas for reactions that take place in our bodies when we have viruses and a few older couples sitting quietly with their drinks, enjoying one another's company. We ordered a beer and a loose tea, both of which were served quickly and with a smile!
(5)
Eric A.
5 stars only for the fact that they serve intelligentsia.
(5)
Greg M.
Great little neighborhood coffee shop! Plenty of seating, both inside and on the multi-tiered patio. Chill vibe, good coffee, the usual selection of pastries, etc., & decent service, all in the most charming neighborhood in Cincinnati.
(4)
Larry P.
Amazing coffee, poor customer service. I enjoyed a cortado and ordered a vegetarian sandwich. The young lady helping me tried to talk me into a wrap so that she wouldn't have to make a fresh one. I agreed to the wrap but once I sat down I realized she had given me a chicken wrap dated 2 weeks back. My suggestion is to order from the coffee bar because their food menu is underwhelming.
(3)
Eric T.
Bow Tie is under NEW management - great Intelligentsia coffee continues but the food is now top notch too and the baked goods are home made. Clean, comfortable and beautiful patio. Went to a 4th anniversary party there a couple weeks ago and it was really charming. Had great "shot-glass" appetizers and showed off their private event options.
(5)
Lauren M.
I have been to Bow Tie Cafe for several open mic events hosted by the undergraduate literary magazine at NKU (Loch Norse Magazine). I was never overly impressed with the place, mostly because I get grumpy about having to drive and then fight for a parking place for my stick-shift in Mt. Adams. However, they now serve Intelligentsia coffee. Oh, coffee snobs, this is the place for you. They even had a Tanzanian Peaberry available the last time I was there. They also sell bags of Intelligentsia (and they have a $2 Tuesday deal where you get $2 off your purchase of a bag of coffee beans). I never thought I would find a reason to swing by Bow Tie on a non-open mic night, but now I have an awesome reason. This is a great little place to host an open mic, though you will have to bring your own microphone as they have no sound system. I think it would also be a nice, quiet out of the way establishment to host a book group, if one were so inclined. I could be wrong on this, but I believe they will stay open later if you book your event for an evening. Bow Tie's baristas, in my experience, are always super friendly and nice. They also sell wine and beer, and I think typical coffee shop fare, like scones or muffins, and possibly sandwiches? I cannot speak to the food menu, as I only have eyes for their coffee. I had not noticed it until my last visit, but they have a really cool outdoor patio, that is essentially several levels of staircase and landings. Had it not already been a bit chilly when I was there, it would have been a lovely place to sit and enjoy the ambiance that Mt. Adams has to offer on a Friday night (or whenever you happen to be in the neighborhood). Bathroom notes: they have very clean facilities.
(4)
Amy E.
My Chai Tea was tasty, and it had everything you would want in a coffee shop-- comfortable seating, WiFi, tables to do work. There were some people reading, working on laptops, chatting. Service isn't the fastest, but this seems like a place you can go to just chill for a while. It seems as if they're also open at nights for cocktails, etc, which is odd, but whatever works for them!
(3)
Chelsea C.
Mt. Adams needs and loves having a coffee shop, but this just isn't doing it for me. Love the atmosphere, but their coffee drinks are just okay and their food is SUPER overpriced. I ordered a Turkey Club for $7.95 and it was a small sandwich, with a small handful of chips and a pickle. For $7.95, I could have walked 20ft down the sidewalk and gotten a huge and delicious Chicken Pad Thai from Teak Thai. I want to love you Bow Tie, but you need to give me a reason. In the meantime, I'll get my $.99 coffee from UDF and sit out on the patio next to your cafe.
(2)
Corey T.
This is the coolest little coffee shop in the area. The smoothies are amazing and the cherry mocha coffee is addicting. I actually drive all the way from Hamilton to Bow Tie Cafe.
(5)
Sally W.
This place has it all...coffee, pastries, food & cocktails. The food is great. I tried a turkey club sandwich. It had avacadoes on it, which was delicious! The barista took my order, made my latte (complete with a beautiful flower design), made my food, then delivered it to my table. The service was much better than a Starbucks or any other coffee shop I've ever been to. I was really surprised to see this person doing a better job than teams of people do at other places. Plus the patio is adorable. Complete with a fountain and flowers. My only complaint would be that people dont tip more. This hard working persons jar was nearly empty! You really get great service there, so it's worth it to throw them a bone :) Keep up the great work!
(5)
Keepin I.
More a question than a review: Does anyone else think it's awfully peculiar to have a cafe called the Bow Tie in Cincinnati? Am I the only one that thinks 'Cincinnati Bow-Tie' when they see this? Am I the only pervert on Yelp? Just my thoughts...
(5)
Bradley G.
I've gotten to the point of Bengals fandom where I'll visit a place based solely on the fact it was created by a current player, a one Mr. Dhani Jones. I figured a combination of his values, knowledge of the area and his experiences of world travel (see Dhani Tackles the Globe) would culminate into a great cafe experience. And with the backdrop of beautiful Mt. Adams, what could go wrong? Well, horrible coffee, bad service and a boring atmosphere. And I'm thinking that when you own a coffee shop, those are kinda the big three. The location was good. The building too, it seemed to be stocked with some comfortable chairs and a big white-board (cafe essentials) but otherwise fell short of having any unique quality. Without prior knowledge, you'd have no idea this place was created by a worldly footballer. Sure it was family-friendly, but the decor and feel of the place gave no reason to leave your own house. It was disappointing. It was cookie-cutter cafe. What then cancels out any potential this place has to be cool, is the lackluster service handing you bad coffee. The employees running the place seemed as if it was their first day, as they fumbled around behind the counter asking and re-asking what our order was. I'm confident we could have walked out without them realizing we hadn't yet paid. Any time you have to remind a business that you still have yet to give them any monetary compensation for the transaction, you've lost a few stars. I still love Dhani though. He comes out of this experience at a loss, but at least he tried to put his ideals into something he could share with the community, for that I give applause. But the final product of the Bowtie cafe leaves most everything to be desired.
(1)
Kristina S.
I moved to Mt Adams just down the street from the bow tie cafe and was excited to find a internet cafe nearby where I could enjoy some coffee and get work done, chat with friends, or people watch on Saint Gregory. I love the outdoor patio and the dog-friendly water dish outside. The statue out front is also gorgeous. The Bow Tie Cafe could be awesome if there was more attention to the coffee and food selections. Why not have a fantastic cafe in Mt Adams that focuses on quality coffee when there are 30 other bars in the area serving alcohol? I was enjoying my time there one afternoon drinking some yummy homeade lemonade when someone came in and ordered a long island...just kinda incongruous and detracts from the overall feeling of the place. I would love it if the quality of food and drink improved. I paid 50 cents extra for banana in my smoothie when it was really just a gritty banana powder. The sandwiches are also enjoyable but nothing special. Interesting though: one time I was at Bow Tie Dhani Jones and a film crew were there filming something about the cafe. A fun experience to say the least.
(3)
Steve M.
I mostly came in here because Dhani Jones, a Cincinnati Bengals player, owns the place (he was actually on our TNT flight back to Cincinnati from San Diego...overall, awesome guy!) If I lived in Mt. Adams, I'd come in here each day! The peppermint mocha coffee is tens times better than Star Bucks! I had the hot Italian, which was delicious. The only negatives are trying to find a parking space, and I think that they should re-tweak their menu a little to have more options. The atmosphere is great and relaxing. I'm hooked!
I am a huge Dhani fan and since he is the owner, I have to say good things :-), although the service was amazing. I didn't get much. Veggie sandwich and that was it, but it was cafe styled food. I love the white boards and also that it promotes conversation. I loved the bow-tie sign at the front, that was so cute and the patio was nice as well. I didn't hang around long enough for game or karaoke night, but I enjoyed my stay.
(5)
Ann S.
Good location, good atmosphere, good cafe mocha. Very limited seating, and although the setting is nice, it's not too relaxing or "private" in any way. It's hard to study or have a quiet conversation here, as everyone is in each other's space. Drinks were very good --- overall, decent place.
(3)
Ben S.
Contrary to other reviews, I've started making this a regular stop, despite living about 10 miles away. As a student and one interested in keeping money in the community, I find this place to be a comfortable spot to focus and get work done. I'll address some of the biggest complaints. First, parking. Mount Adams has limited parking indeed, but I almost always find parking on Celestial Street and just do a short walk up Jerome Street to St. Gregory and it's right there. If you're up here on a busy night, park at the Art Museum lot (at the end of Ida street) and take a walk. Mt. Adams was NOT made for cars :) I don't suggest driving circles on Pavilion or St Gregory in search of a spot. You're probably not getting one. Second, slow service. I've never been to Bow Tie on a late night, but I can say the coffee area midday is usually handled by one little barista. Your drinks will take time- if it was more heavily staffed, it'd be a lot better. The baristas are good humored and enjoy conversation while they work. The drinks are good once they're done. I find Bow Tie to be a really great atmosphere to work in. It's cozy. Some quiet music, usually the door is open, a little breeze flowing in. It's tight but there is a generous table right as you walk in. I'm not sure what the wall outlet situation is, but the bar along the wall (to the right as soon as you walk in) has a few I'm certain. The white board also makes it a bit more friendly. The other customers who are in there are usually pretty nice and sometimes will strike up conversation. I'm usually there to study, but a few times I've had good talk. The food is exceptionally expensive and I've never bought any.
(4)
Russell C.
Outdoor Patio....It was one of the first spring Sundays in April, where we met up with some friends for an afternoon coffee, ended up snagging one or two of the baked goods, consumed a decent iced coffee and enjoyed the day fading away. Excellent location, excellent weather.
(4)
Louise D.
I recently arrived in Cincinnati and am exploring different areas. On foot, because I don't have a car yet. On a Sunday afternoon I walked from Covington to Mount Adams and by the time I stood on the top of the hill, I was ready for a hot drink. I walked past the Bow Tie Cafe and remembered a colleague at work talked about it. From the moment I entered the cafe I loved the place. It's a bit of a mish mash of different chairs and tables, which gives it a unique feel. To me, it's the alternative Starbucks. People were typing away on their laptops, it was a quiet and cosy atmosphere, even when the place was as good as full. I decided on buying a hot chocolade and a walnut and banana muffin, which were both amazingly delicious! I didn't think the cafe was pricey, but then again, I just arrived from Paris, France so I'm probably not a good reference :) I would definitely recommend Bow Tie Cafe to anyone who wants a nice stop on a Sunday afternoon walk! The only reason why I haven't put 5 stars is because this was only a first visit. But I will be back for sure!
(4)
Kevin D.
I had a private event at Bowtie Cafe for about 75 people and it was a smash hit. They could have catered it, but I simply had the bar/menu available. The service was great and accomodating. And the atmosphere is always amazing. It's my favorite spot in Mt. Adams for morning or evening.
(5)
Justin M.
For a coffee shop- it accomplishes everything I would expect and more.
(5)
Arturo C.
After being in Cincinnati for close to 6 months, I decided to venture out to Mount Adams during the day and see what all the fuss was about. Luckily, I stumbled across Bow Tie Cafe. At first I was confused, as I thought the place was called "Cafe," since out front there is only a picture of a Bow Tie, with the letters "C-A-F-E" underneath. And, if we're being truthful here, I was actually looking for another coffee shop (; As I walked in, the ambiance was nicely set up with a clash of eccentric pieces of furniture and a HUGE white board that displayed the titles of books that clientele recommended. This just added to it's local business charm. The coffee was decent, and while at first I thought the cashier was standoffish, in the end I decided that the staff was quite friendly and generous. My quick tip: Skip the soup, unless you like Campbell's condensed soups. Stick to the barista-friendly beverages and the pastries. Lastly, I had a great experience here, and will be back for my next study session.
(4)
Sarah L.
Bow Tie Cafe scores points for decor, respectable quality of cafe au lait, and a welcoming staff. That staff, however, is painfully slow and lacking in numbers in the AM. I don't mind waiting 10 minutes for a custom coffee in the afternoon, but on the way to work, it's a dealbreaker. And for a couple weeks, their website listed their opening as 6 am when in fact, it opened at 7 am. They've since corrected the hours, but that was a disappointing way to begin the work day. I like the concept of the place and enjoy the vibe, so I hope they make the adjustments in service to deliver on function as well as form.
(3)
Elizabeth W.
This is your pretty standard coffee shop with their own roasts and specialty drinks made to order. The times I've been there, it's been pretty quiet but the staff there always seems a bit overwhelmed and anything besides a drip coffee takes quite a while. But that's ok for me, because I go to coffee shops to relax and hang out. This place offers a nice mix of tables and comfy chairs. No one bugs you if you hang out for an hour or two with a book or working on your computer, and they have free wifi. My reservations about this place are both things they can help and things they can't. First off, Mt. Adams parking is always a pain. Even the street spots that are available are awkwardly perched on hills. I know they can't help that, but it still counts against them. The second thing they can help. The overall atmosphere is just not very comfortable. The staff is very slow and overwhelmed, even for small things. One evening I was there, they were restocking. So the left the door open for 30 minutes while two small girls lugged in box after box of supplies. It was 15 degrees outside, and soon it was close to that temperature inside. If I happen to be in Mt Adams and I need a place to get some coffee or hang out, I'll definitely check this place out, but probably won't go out of my way to come here.
(3)
Jeremy F.
If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then it must be...a...a...? I have only been to Bow Tie twice. Both times I have not had the pleasure of experiencing the coffee side of this place; just the bar. So I can't speak to the quality of their coffee. While I have not had what you would call a "bad" experience at Bow Tie (and here's to hoping that I never do), I'm not sure what to make of it. I think the problem is that the ownership (paging Mr. Dhani Jones) does not quite know either. It looks like a coffee house. It smells like a coffee house. It has a mellow atmosphere like a coffee house. Yet, it is open at nights, has a tiny alcohol bar at the end of the coffee bar and serves liquor. Huh? So is it trying to be a coffee house or a bar? Honestly, the service has been very nice. But I can't see myself coming here for "drinks" in the evening on a regular night out. The only reason I've been the two times that I have is for special events held there. The atmosphere is just too mellow for that. More dinner party, rather than raucous party. Methinks they need to identify themselves as a coffeehouse and concentrate on that. The Cybil-like split personality is not doing them any good.
(2)
Diana H.
Great place to chill in the evenings, kinda busy during the day. Foods pretty good too. Has full bar as well. Wish they were open later though. Fun white wall they post quotes, jokes and let patrons write on.
(3)
Pat F.
The Bow Tie Cafe annoyed me before it even opened, when they put a sign in the window saying something like "New Better Coffeeshop Coming Soon." Since I loved Koka, which occupied that corner until a few months ago, that was a lot to claim. I finally made it in there this Saturday after viewing it from outside and, yes, it still annoys me. It has very few places to sit, and even fewer tables. According to their website they have food, but it wasn't obvious when I was there, other than the muffins and scones they had in the display case. What they did have was a giant whiteboard proclaiming that they have wifi (wow, am I supposed to be impressed?) and rooting for our sports teams. Great. The Bow Tie Cafe doesn't seem like some place you could go to hang out and get some work done, it seems like a place where they want to sell you a cup of coffee and get you out the door as soon as possible. Oh, wait, except for the GIANT TELEVISION ON THE BACK WALL. Why (dear god, why???) is there a giant TV playing sports in a coffeeshop? Hmm, probably because it's co-owned by Dhani Jones, of the Bengals. But, seriously, it just seems wrong, and out of place. And stupid. Did they think there weren't enough places to watch sports on the hill? Really? I don't want to say bad things about neighborhood businesses, and we all know that Mt. Adams could use a friendly place to sit and hang out. This is not that place. I hope it doesn't stick around too long so that there really will be a new better coffeeshop coming soon to the hill.
(2)
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Address :1101 Saint Gregory St
Cincinnati, OH, 45202
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Valet, Garage, Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : No Caters : No
Tiffany H.
This place an adorable gem located in an even more adorable neighborhood. I have to say, Cincy surprised me here. The whole area is very reminiscent of the streets of San Fran. The service was good, the coffee was great. I would love to stop by again some day and try a little more.
(4)Crystal G.
This quaint little coffee shop and concert pop-up offers a nice touch of local flair and urban comfort. Great outdoor patio area.
(5)Steve H.
I have frequented Bow Tie in the past and recently visited again a couple times over the past week. It feels like the service has gone downhill, as the quality of the drinks are slipping. I don't mind spending the money on a delicious latte or cappuccino if I'm going to get a quality made drink. I think part of the issue is that management has changed so frequently that the workers are likely overworked and not supported. Each time I'm there it's only one person there, which gets draining on that person. There's not a lot of passion from the workers, which again tells me a little more about management. While there are downsides, the outside patio is still awesome and its in a nice neighborhood. I haven't tried the food lately so can't advise whether or not that's gone downhill.
(3)Angelina M.
The one and only Mt. Adams coffee shop! I go here every once in a while since it's so convenient from my work. I usually get an espresso drink and a sweet. Today I ordered a cortado which was served in a tiny to go cup and had good, rich flavor. I also got a pizelle packaged from a Loveland Italian bakery. It was delicious! Today the service seemed a lot better than it has been in the past. I had been a couple times in the past few years when only one staff was working. Today there were several staff working around 2pm and service was nice and quick. The interior is very clean with a good amount of seating and window views. There is also a nice patio area where you can see a bit of the city. I would like to return and try breakfast or lunch sometime! I give it three stars because it doesn't blow me away but is decent. It would be nice if they roasted their own coffee for more of a local feel. I also don't think they have consistent service but overall ok. I'm glad Mt. Adams has a coffee shop since it's such a small community.
(3)Dave M.
I just got a hibiscus tea ($2) and grilled cheese sandwich ($4). Both were good. The sandwich had 2 kinds of hot and melted cheese. They seem to have a decent sized menu for a cafe. It's also a bar with their beer, liquor and wine selection and a bar to sit. The design is very clean. It's warm and inviting. They have tables and couches. The worker was friendly and helpful. I thought it was a pretty cool cafe in a quaint part of town.
(4)Tiera A.
What a cute little cafe! Coffee, wine, breakfast and lunch, you name it they've got. This place is super cute and I am totally a fan. After reading a bunch of reviews on Bow Tie Cafe I knew I had to try it and I'm glad I finally did. I went for lunch one day and fell in love with the cuteness of this place. I wanted breakfast but thought that would be a little to heavy so I ordered a Caesar salad; which was delicious. For the price, the salad was huge and tasted great. My friend ordered a breakfast burrito and loved it. Good prices, nice ambiance and friendly workers. I would definitely recommend Bow Tie Cafe to a friend.
(4)Tabitha W.
Walking into the Bow Tie Cafe, my first thought was that it was really cute. You order at the counter, so I quickly called dibs on the Bourbon French Toast. After we placed the rest of our order, we found a table, and settled in for a surprisingly long wait for our food. Which might explain why my french toast was downright cold when it was finally brought out...but doesn't offer much reason for why it was relatively flavorless. My husband ordered a Belgian Waffle, which he enjoyed and said it was a good mix of fluffy and crispy, but his side of scrambled eggs was way overcooked. We had ordered drinks when we initially walked in, but they still hadn't arrived, so we asked for our mimosas after all of the food had been brought out. Cute initial impression, but we ultimately left disappointed.
(2)Jill C.
I am local to Mt Adams and have been to Bow Tie countless times. I've enjoyed lunch outside on their tiered patio on a beautiful day. My husband and I will stop in and grab a latte/mocha or tea to go before strolling around the neighborhood. I also consider Bow Tie a secondary office. They have free wifi and it is a nice change of scenery from the home office. Nothing in particular stands out when it comes to the food, drinks, or service - just an all around great neighborhood coffee shop.
(4)Jack H.
While I do like this place, and their awesome coffee. The staff is sometimes not the greatest. I have had some pleasant experiences with the staff in the past, but recently it has been bad. I had to clean up other tables dishes because they didn't bus them for hours. Hours. I also overheard one male employee speaking poorly about a customer to another employee. The customer did nothing rude, apparently, the employee thought the customer was "gross".
(4)Rocky B.
Awesome!!! We are here now. The place is really cool. Sitting on the patio drinking bloodys ! It's quiet,peaceful and the staff are really friendly and welcoming, I knew when I called on the phone with questions that I was gonna like it here. But I love it. The food is fresh and coffee is great. Gonna be coming here a lot. Good job staff.
(5)J D.
First time at bow tie cafe. Very quaint, great atmosphere. Unfortunately, it was very downhill from there. Waited forever for food, and everything was cold when it finally did arrive, even coffee in the self serve carraffe was warm at best. When I mentioned to person behind the counter, she explained they only had one person in the kitchen, not we'll redo it, heat yours up, or even sorry. Just that they only had one person in the kitchen. I noticed most people were ordering coffee drinks and not getting food or plain coffee. That must be the trick, fresh made coffee drinks, and eat somewhere else.
(2)Alisha W.
After walking past Bow Tie countless times, I finally made it a point to stop in and check it out. ADORABLE! The atmosphere is very warm and inviting. There are several cozy chairs that would be perfect to lounge in while sipping on some delicious coffee and working on your laptop. I purchased a Caramel Macchiato and was pleasantly surprised to find how smooth it was. Many coffee shops opt to make flavored drinks a little too sweet, but the balance of espresso and sweetener was perfect. The downside to this establishment was the customer service. Every coffee shop I've ever been in has the most pleasant and upbeat employees. The barista that I dealt with didn't seem to be very enthused to be there. There was an odd tension between her and the other customers. I'm really hoping this is not the norm. When it comes down to it, employees can come and go, but good coffee is here to stay!
(4)James C.
Overall atmosphere is calm and tranquil. The coffee is above average and the service is up to par. The interior design is comfortable and is backed by a beautiful outdoor patio capturing the true beauty and essence of Mt. Adams.
(4)Richard L.
The BowTie cafe is my go to lunch and afternoon coffee spot. They have a nice affordable lunch menu and the coffee (intelligentsia) is very good. It is a comfortable setting with lots of natural light flooding in. It is usually filled with people working away on their laptops and the radio is always playing some great 80s music. In good weather you can sit outside by the fountain. It was a bit cooler when Dhani Jones would come in on a regular basis, but it's still a cool. I'm cool, right?
(4)Nan T.
This place is great. We had a coffee and a latte and both were good. We both got the eggs Benedict special which was very good. The ham was pretty salty but that is usually the case with ham. The hollandaise was rich and creamy. The have a beautiful 3 tiered patio that is nice .
(5)Kevin C.
The cafe au lait was great. One thing I noticed was when the barista made the pour over for someone else she took a lot of care to measure the coffee and the water, used a timer, and pulsed it. I've had some shitty pour overs where they wing it and taste like bitter crap. I'll try a pour over next time for sure.
(4)Dave M.
They have some of the finest whole bean coffee you can purchase in the city, but unfortunately, the service and drink preparation is sub par. Consistency is one of the most important things and every drink I have ordered(even when they are the same) tastes different than the last one, some good, some really bad.
(3)Stephanie M.
The atmosphere is great if you want to get some work done or just need to get out of the house. I ate lunch there and it was delicious! It was probably the best salad I have had ina really long time!
(5)Becca S.
Friendly neighborhood cafe with superb intelligentsia coffee and great little menu and good playlist. Owners and staff are beyond friendly and helpful. Grab a latte and sit outside by the fountain, overlook beautiful Mt. Adams and waste your morning away.
(4)Kristin W.
Service and food was definitely not anything to rave about. We came here on a Sunday morning for brunch and having never been there before was not quite sure what the protocol was.. Do we seat ourselves? Do we wait to be seated? None of the servers or wait staff acknowledged us. There were other people standing around by the door as if waiting so we followed suit and soon realized its first come first serve. I wasn't overly impressed with the food that took a long time. Eggs and bacon? How long could that possibly take? Surely not the 30+ minutes we waited. While I would maybe come here for a coffee and pastry during a non peak time, I don't think I would come back for brunch on the weekend.
(2)Carly D.
I went here with a group of four last weekend and wasn't overly impressed and would not return here for brunch. I am allergic to gluten and was not impressed with the selection of options that I could have for brunch, just eggs and sausage. I wish they would have had some sort of alternative like fruit or hash browns because I left still rather hungry. When we initially got into the restaurant, there was another group waiting and since we had never been there before it was confusing because no staff member acknowledged us. Also our food took a solid 30 minutes to make, it was just eggs and sausage and two breakfast burritos. I will say the coffee was excellent and Mt. Adams by definition is a beautiful spot of town. This would be a spot I would sit outside and read with coffee if I lived nearby and it was warm, but definitely not a good meeting place for friends for brunch.
(2)Alex Y.
Coffee here is excellent and all of their products are crafted well. Don't expect to grab and go in less than a minute, their craft does take time to make if it's more than just a drop coffee.
(4)E G.
I went to have brunch here because of the great deal I got on groupon. I wasn't impressed nor disappointed. The mimosa was really good. The waffle was ok. They did have great service and very friendly.
(3)Kaitlyn O.
Love the atmosphere they have inside and out. Beautiful retro theme. Perfect for date day in Mt. Adams. Had a Dirty Chai and it was amazing!!! Menu was perfect and the staff was really helpful in decision making. We will be back.
(5)Christine M.
The S.O. and I met a photographer her for a meet and greet session. She was drinking a 'dirty chai' which sounded good, though I was unsure what this meant. Generally, one doesn't want dirty things in their drink, but it did look good (clean, to boot), so I ordered it. Turns out a 'dirty chai' is a chai tea latte of sorts with a shot of espresso. Genius! I loved it. The Mt. Adams locale is nice, if parking is a bit challenging at times. It's right by the monk statue I always smile at near the top of the hill. I think the offer outdoor seating, but it was still chilly the day we were there. Inside, there is a white/chalk board there for people to draw which was a fun touch, along with couches/tables/an assortment of seating available. On the day we were there, there were a few people working, a few others chatting. It was comfortable and calm, a place I'd consider going to get some reading done or catch up with a friend. In an area overwhelmed with bars and restaurants, a cafe/coffee shop seems a good balance. Sometimes you don't want a meal and all the other places in the area seemed like they'd judge if we didn't order something. I was glad I thought of this place as an alternative. The service was a bit slow, but I wasn't in a rush and they don't purport to be a drive in and/or Starbucks, so not a complaint, just an observation. The baked goods looked tasty and their drink selections wide, if pretty standard, for a coffee shop of this variety. Cute place, I'd go back. Order the 'dirty chai'. Yum!
(4)Joe R.
Comfortable and friendly atmosphere. Free wifi. Need a few more couches or overstuffed chairs to sit in. Drink was very good!
(4)mike d.
Intelligentsia coffee and delicious food, add stellar service and an awesome patio and you've got yourself one of the best cafes in Cincinnati!
(5)Patrick E.
Cool environment. The service is normally slow and the sandwiches are average at best. If u are looking for a quiet place to enjoy an expensive cup of coffee this is it.
(2)John B.
This place was one of the stops on a bar crawl and after reading the reviews, I was slightly apprehensive about venturing inside. However, like Jeremy F. stated, this place is basically a coffee house. I ordered a Pumpkin Chai Latte and Veggie Quiche. Both were excellent and flavorful. The food and drink were prepared by a cool chick named Cambridge. (Ask her how her parents chose that name) There was a handful of people on their laptops writing the Great American Novel and the atmosphere was a nice break from the loud bars I attended during the bar crawl. If I was wanting a place to hang out with people and have actual conversations, this would be one of the Mt. Adams establishments I would recommend.
(4)Sandra F.
I do agree that they have to work alittle more having better coffee and tea, but I do like the atmosphere and staff is friendly.
(3)Peter B.
Bow Tie Cafe is a Mt. Adams coffee house that offers a few food items and even serves some alcoholic drinks. Since I don't drink coffee, I can't comment on the quality of the java. The food leaves much to be desired. I ordered a pesto chicken sandwich. The chicken came straight from the freezer and the pesto sauce straight from the Kroger private label jar. If you're looking for a casual place to sip a coffee, then Bow Tie Cafe might work for you. If it's food you need, keep walking...
(2)Daniel W.
The Bow Tie Café is a unique coffee shop in Mt. Adams. It has a great chill vibe and is a nice break from generic coffee houses. The coffee is great, I had a dirty chai that was excellent. They have a full bar, but we went in the afternoon so can't help you much there. The staff was nice and made helpful suggestions. They have great seating areas that are good for meeting friends or getting some work done. And the seats in the front are always a good place to people watch and hang out. It was pleasantly busy with people meeting and working but not too loud. If you're every in Mt. Adams I recommend stopping by the Bow Tie Café.
(4)Karthik R.
Bowie cafe for me is my second "work-home" place to finish reports when I am bored of the four walls of my house. I always get the cappuccino there and sometimes I get yogurt parfait. In general they are good to have. But the best thing is that it placed right in the heart of mount Adams on a beautiful street amidst some interesting bars and restaurants. A flight of stairs takes you below 'street-level' and you get to enjoy their awesome coffee while looking at passersby walking.
(5)Katie B.
It makes me so sad to give a mere 3 stars for Bow Tie. I've had a few experiences here in the past where I've had no complaints, but my most recent visit was SO disappointing. My friend and I LITERALLY stood at the register for 5 minutes before ever being acknowledged by a barista. I actually turned to her at one point and said, "I feel invisible right now." And THEN when we actually WERE acknowledged, the girl told us "he'd" be right with us (the other barista) and told another customer she REALLY didn't want to be at work. Sooo, I guess you could say customer service is not their strong suit. My latte was fine, but the service kind of ruined the experience for me. Also, what happened to their cozy couches that used to be in the middle? It's now a large picnic table. Blah.
(3)Rick M.
Borboun pecan French toast fantastic. Outdoor eating area the best we've seen - our new fav breakfast place in Cincinnati.
(5)Lucian Bogdan B.
Good coffee, great muffins. I just love hanging out here especially by the sidewalk windows :-) gives you enough distractions to be busy all the time. Oh and cool people around in Mt Adams in general.
(5)Max S.
They brew Intelligentsia Coffee (distributed in Chicago). I consider myself a bit of a coffee snob and I found this delicious (on par with Coffee Emporium). Tried a burrito too and it wasn't bad. Nice place to work or hang out-- plenty of wooden tables, natural light, not too loud. They serve wine and beer too.
(4)Karl C.
I, unfortunately, will only ever get to experience the Bow Tie Cafe during the winter. And so I won't ever get to sit outside on their beautiful patio, smack dab in the heart of Mt. Adams. To my surprise, they carry Intelligentsia coffee which brightened my day considerably, giving me a fleeting taste of home (Chicago). The shop itself is very nice and clean. It was quite busy on the early Tuesday afternoon when I stopped by. But there was an ample amount of seating: both couches for relaxing and desks and chairs for more utilitarian purposes. The staff seemed nice. My only issue was the front door doesn't close properly so if you're sitting by it during the winter, it gets drafty. Other than that, it's a very pleasant place to enjoy a cup of coffee.
(4)Janice K.
I went here for Mothers Day brunch and I was pleasantly surprised. The menu was small but adequate. The food wasn't spectacular but it was good. What really surprised me was the service. After reading all the bad reviews. The service was wonderful. They were pleasant prompt and extremely accommodating. The outdoor seating was really nice also. I would definitely go back.
(4)Gordon H.
Bow Tie Cafe is a nice little getaway if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. It is in the quaint little area of Mt. Adams. It has a very comfortable and laid back space where you can focus on work or reading. As for the coffee, they switch it up and use Intelligentsia Coffee which is a nice touch and has amazing flavor. Since they use Intelligentsia it gives it a big city feel. I definitely suggest visiting Bow Tie for a nice cup of coffee and sitting on the patio when the weather is nice.
(4)Kelli B.
First off, Bow Tie carries Intelligentsia coffee which gives it a very cosmopolitan feel. The staff is incredibly friendly and even offered us a tasting of the coffee we were considering buying the beans of. The Sunday afternoon crowd is laid-back: students and young business people working away on their laptops, med students using the giant whiteboard to write out complex formulas for reactions that take place in our bodies when we have viruses and a few older couples sitting quietly with their drinks, enjoying one another's company. We ordered a beer and a loose tea, both of which were served quickly and with a smile!
(5)Eric A.
5 stars only for the fact that they serve intelligentsia.
(5)Greg M.
Great little neighborhood coffee shop! Plenty of seating, both inside and on the multi-tiered patio. Chill vibe, good coffee, the usual selection of pastries, etc., & decent service, all in the most charming neighborhood in Cincinnati.
(4)Larry P.
Amazing coffee, poor customer service. I enjoyed a cortado and ordered a vegetarian sandwich. The young lady helping me tried to talk me into a wrap so that she wouldn't have to make a fresh one. I agreed to the wrap but once I sat down I realized she had given me a chicken wrap dated 2 weeks back. My suggestion is to order from the coffee bar because their food menu is underwhelming.
(3)Eric T.
Bow Tie is under NEW management - great Intelligentsia coffee continues but the food is now top notch too and the baked goods are home made. Clean, comfortable and beautiful patio. Went to a 4th anniversary party there a couple weeks ago and it was really charming. Had great "shot-glass" appetizers and showed off their private event options.
(5)Lauren M.
I have been to Bow Tie Cafe for several open mic events hosted by the undergraduate literary magazine at NKU (Loch Norse Magazine). I was never overly impressed with the place, mostly because I get grumpy about having to drive and then fight for a parking place for my stick-shift in Mt. Adams. However, they now serve Intelligentsia coffee. Oh, coffee snobs, this is the place for you. They even had a Tanzanian Peaberry available the last time I was there. They also sell bags of Intelligentsia (and they have a $2 Tuesday deal where you get $2 off your purchase of a bag of coffee beans). I never thought I would find a reason to swing by Bow Tie on a non-open mic night, but now I have an awesome reason. This is a great little place to host an open mic, though you will have to bring your own microphone as they have no sound system. I think it would also be a nice, quiet out of the way establishment to host a book group, if one were so inclined. I could be wrong on this, but I believe they will stay open later if you book your event for an evening. Bow Tie's baristas, in my experience, are always super friendly and nice. They also sell wine and beer, and I think typical coffee shop fare, like scones or muffins, and possibly sandwiches? I cannot speak to the food menu, as I only have eyes for their coffee. I had not noticed it until my last visit, but they have a really cool outdoor patio, that is essentially several levels of staircase and landings. Had it not already been a bit chilly when I was there, it would have been a lovely place to sit and enjoy the ambiance that Mt. Adams has to offer on a Friday night (or whenever you happen to be in the neighborhood). Bathroom notes: they have very clean facilities.
(4)Amy E.
My Chai Tea was tasty, and it had everything you would want in a coffee shop-- comfortable seating, WiFi, tables to do work. There were some people reading, working on laptops, chatting. Service isn't the fastest, but this seems like a place you can go to just chill for a while. It seems as if they're also open at nights for cocktails, etc, which is odd, but whatever works for them!
(3)Chelsea C.
Mt. Adams needs and loves having a coffee shop, but this just isn't doing it for me. Love the atmosphere, but their coffee drinks are just okay and their food is SUPER overpriced. I ordered a Turkey Club for $7.95 and it was a small sandwich, with a small handful of chips and a pickle. For $7.95, I could have walked 20ft down the sidewalk and gotten a huge and delicious Chicken Pad Thai from Teak Thai. I want to love you Bow Tie, but you need to give me a reason. In the meantime, I'll get my $.99 coffee from UDF and sit out on the patio next to your cafe.
(2)Corey T.
This is the coolest little coffee shop in the area. The smoothies are amazing and the cherry mocha coffee is addicting. I actually drive all the way from Hamilton to Bow Tie Cafe.
(5)Sally W.
This place has it all...coffee, pastries, food & cocktails. The food is great. I tried a turkey club sandwich. It had avacadoes on it, which was delicious! The barista took my order, made my latte (complete with a beautiful flower design), made my food, then delivered it to my table. The service was much better than a Starbucks or any other coffee shop I've ever been to. I was really surprised to see this person doing a better job than teams of people do at other places. Plus the patio is adorable. Complete with a fountain and flowers. My only complaint would be that people dont tip more. This hard working persons jar was nearly empty! You really get great service there, so it's worth it to throw them a bone :) Keep up the great work!
(5)Keepin I.
More a question than a review: Does anyone else think it's awfully peculiar to have a cafe called the Bow Tie in Cincinnati? Am I the only one that thinks 'Cincinnati Bow-Tie' when they see this? Am I the only pervert on Yelp? Just my thoughts...
(5)Bradley G.
I've gotten to the point of Bengals fandom where I'll visit a place based solely on the fact it was created by a current player, a one Mr. Dhani Jones. I figured a combination of his values, knowledge of the area and his experiences of world travel (see Dhani Tackles the Globe) would culminate into a great cafe experience. And with the backdrop of beautiful Mt. Adams, what could go wrong? Well, horrible coffee, bad service and a boring atmosphere. And I'm thinking that when you own a coffee shop, those are kinda the big three. The location was good. The building too, it seemed to be stocked with some comfortable chairs and a big white-board (cafe essentials) but otherwise fell short of having any unique quality. Without prior knowledge, you'd have no idea this place was created by a worldly footballer. Sure it was family-friendly, but the decor and feel of the place gave no reason to leave your own house. It was disappointing. It was cookie-cutter cafe. What then cancels out any potential this place has to be cool, is the lackluster service handing you bad coffee. The employees running the place seemed as if it was their first day, as they fumbled around behind the counter asking and re-asking what our order was. I'm confident we could have walked out without them realizing we hadn't yet paid. Any time you have to remind a business that you still have yet to give them any monetary compensation for the transaction, you've lost a few stars. I still love Dhani though. He comes out of this experience at a loss, but at least he tried to put his ideals into something he could share with the community, for that I give applause. But the final product of the Bowtie cafe leaves most everything to be desired.
(1)Kristina S.
I moved to Mt Adams just down the street from the bow tie cafe and was excited to find a internet cafe nearby where I could enjoy some coffee and get work done, chat with friends, or people watch on Saint Gregory. I love the outdoor patio and the dog-friendly water dish outside. The statue out front is also gorgeous. The Bow Tie Cafe could be awesome if there was more attention to the coffee and food selections. Why not have a fantastic cafe in Mt Adams that focuses on quality coffee when there are 30 other bars in the area serving alcohol? I was enjoying my time there one afternoon drinking some yummy homeade lemonade when someone came in and ordered a long island...just kinda incongruous and detracts from the overall feeling of the place. I would love it if the quality of food and drink improved. I paid 50 cents extra for banana in my smoothie when it was really just a gritty banana powder. The sandwiches are also enjoyable but nothing special. Interesting though: one time I was at Bow Tie Dhani Jones and a film crew were there filming something about the cafe. A fun experience to say the least.
(3)Steve M.
I mostly came in here because Dhani Jones, a Cincinnati Bengals player, owns the place (he was actually on our TNT flight back to Cincinnati from San Diego...overall, awesome guy!) If I lived in Mt. Adams, I'd come in here each day! The peppermint mocha coffee is tens times better than Star Bucks! I had the hot Italian, which was delicious. The only negatives are trying to find a parking space, and I think that they should re-tweak their menu a little to have more options. The atmosphere is great and relaxing. I'm hooked!
(4)Alex S.
I had heard the buzzings of the Bow Tie Café long before it opened - it's hard not too when Bengals Player and Café Owner Dhani Jones is involved. What can I say, the man likes to make an entrance. I finally got a chance to go there for a work meeting, knowing full well I was going to walk in frustrated because of the parking situation in Mt. Adams. (Seriously, has there ever been a more terribly designed neighborhood?) And yet, I actually found parking relatively easy - and that wouldn't be my only surprise of the afternon. This café was lovely. Seriously. A little strange, a little wacky, but perfect for Mt. Adams. First off, there is a three-level patio outside perfect for sitting. Obviously as it's getting colder, this isn't going to be such a draw, but in the summer months I can see it being filled constantly. Walking inside is an experience. You pass the giant wooden bowtie and enter a mood-lit one-large-room café. Ordering station to your left, seating to the right. I went up to the counter and tried to figure out what I want. Their menu is semi-annoyingly not on the wall (the drinks are there but not the food), but there are plastic menu's all around, so I grabbed one of those. I ordered an Italian Panini and went back to my seat - a funky metal stool near a few two-person metal tables. I love the decorations in this place. Globes on tables, great photos of entertainers on the wall, a giant white-board wall where you can write your favorite quotes, all crazy, all great. It's just got such a fantastic atmosphere for working or just sitting. My food came and it was ... eh. Your basic grilled Panini with a bag of chips. Nothing special, nothing overpriced. I now sort of see why their menu isn't on the wall - while this is a café, it's not really meant for food. This is a place to grab a coffee and meet with friends or get some work done, and that's totally fine with me. When I grabbed my meal, though, I noticed all the people behind the counter were wearing bowties and I asked them if it was just for the name of the café. Actually, it turns out that each bowtie color represents a charity that part of the proceeds of the cafe is being donated to. These are going to change up routinely, which is kind of a really great thing. Again, this day was full of surprises! The staff was great. This was not a coffee shop where they hide behind the counter. They came around, asked if I needed anything else, cleaned up plates when they were dirty - it was very hands-on and friendly. I liked that a lot. I'm not in Mount Adams a lot - mostly because it infuriates me to even think about driving over there - but when I go, I will have no problem stopping in here again. Hell, I may even go out of my way too!
(4)Nic B.
I am a huge Dhani fan and since he is the owner, I have to say good things :-), although the service was amazing. I didn't get much. Veggie sandwich and that was it, but it was cafe styled food. I love the white boards and also that it promotes conversation. I loved the bow-tie sign at the front, that was so cute and the patio was nice as well. I didn't hang around long enough for game or karaoke night, but I enjoyed my stay.
(5)Ann S.
Good location, good atmosphere, good cafe mocha. Very limited seating, and although the setting is nice, it's not too relaxing or "private" in any way. It's hard to study or have a quiet conversation here, as everyone is in each other's space. Drinks were very good --- overall, decent place.
(3)Ben S.
Contrary to other reviews, I've started making this a regular stop, despite living about 10 miles away. As a student and one interested in keeping money in the community, I find this place to be a comfortable spot to focus and get work done. I'll address some of the biggest complaints. First, parking. Mount Adams has limited parking indeed, but I almost always find parking on Celestial Street and just do a short walk up Jerome Street to St. Gregory and it's right there. If you're up here on a busy night, park at the Art Museum lot (at the end of Ida street) and take a walk. Mt. Adams was NOT made for cars :) I don't suggest driving circles on Pavilion or St Gregory in search of a spot. You're probably not getting one. Second, slow service. I've never been to Bow Tie on a late night, but I can say the coffee area midday is usually handled by one little barista. Your drinks will take time- if it was more heavily staffed, it'd be a lot better. The baristas are good humored and enjoy conversation while they work. The drinks are good once they're done. I find Bow Tie to be a really great atmosphere to work in. It's cozy. Some quiet music, usually the door is open, a little breeze flowing in. It's tight but there is a generous table right as you walk in. I'm not sure what the wall outlet situation is, but the bar along the wall (to the right as soon as you walk in) has a few I'm certain. The white board also makes it a bit more friendly. The other customers who are in there are usually pretty nice and sometimes will strike up conversation. I'm usually there to study, but a few times I've had good talk. The food is exceptionally expensive and I've never bought any.
(4)Russell C.
Outdoor Patio....It was one of the first spring Sundays in April, where we met up with some friends for an afternoon coffee, ended up snagging one or two of the baked goods, consumed a decent iced coffee and enjoyed the day fading away. Excellent location, excellent weather.
(4)Louise D.
I recently arrived in Cincinnati and am exploring different areas. On foot, because I don't have a car yet. On a Sunday afternoon I walked from Covington to Mount Adams and by the time I stood on the top of the hill, I was ready for a hot drink. I walked past the Bow Tie Cafe and remembered a colleague at work talked about it. From the moment I entered the cafe I loved the place. It's a bit of a mish mash of different chairs and tables, which gives it a unique feel. To me, it's the alternative Starbucks. People were typing away on their laptops, it was a quiet and cosy atmosphere, even when the place was as good as full. I decided on buying a hot chocolade and a walnut and banana muffin, which were both amazingly delicious! I didn't think the cafe was pricey, but then again, I just arrived from Paris, France so I'm probably not a good reference :) I would definitely recommend Bow Tie Cafe to anyone who wants a nice stop on a Sunday afternoon walk! The only reason why I haven't put 5 stars is because this was only a first visit. But I will be back for sure!
(4)Kevin D.
I had a private event at Bowtie Cafe for about 75 people and it was a smash hit. They could have catered it, but I simply had the bar/menu available. The service was great and accomodating. And the atmosphere is always amazing. It's my favorite spot in Mt. Adams for morning or evening.
(5)Justin M.
For a coffee shop- it accomplishes everything I would expect and more.
(5)Arturo C.
After being in Cincinnati for close to 6 months, I decided to venture out to Mount Adams during the day and see what all the fuss was about. Luckily, I stumbled across Bow Tie Cafe. At first I was confused, as I thought the place was called "Cafe," since out front there is only a picture of a Bow Tie, with the letters "C-A-F-E" underneath. And, if we're being truthful here, I was actually looking for another coffee shop (; As I walked in, the ambiance was nicely set up with a clash of eccentric pieces of furniture and a HUGE white board that displayed the titles of books that clientele recommended. This just added to it's local business charm. The coffee was decent, and while at first I thought the cashier was standoffish, in the end I decided that the staff was quite friendly and generous. My quick tip: Skip the soup, unless you like Campbell's condensed soups. Stick to the barista-friendly beverages and the pastries. Lastly, I had a great experience here, and will be back for my next study session.
(4)Sarah L.
Bow Tie Cafe scores points for decor, respectable quality of cafe au lait, and a welcoming staff. That staff, however, is painfully slow and lacking in numbers in the AM. I don't mind waiting 10 minutes for a custom coffee in the afternoon, but on the way to work, it's a dealbreaker. And for a couple weeks, their website listed their opening as 6 am when in fact, it opened at 7 am. They've since corrected the hours, but that was a disappointing way to begin the work day. I like the concept of the place and enjoy the vibe, so I hope they make the adjustments in service to deliver on function as well as form.
(3)Elizabeth W.
This is your pretty standard coffee shop with their own roasts and specialty drinks made to order. The times I've been there, it's been pretty quiet but the staff there always seems a bit overwhelmed and anything besides a drip coffee takes quite a while. But that's ok for me, because I go to coffee shops to relax and hang out. This place offers a nice mix of tables and comfy chairs. No one bugs you if you hang out for an hour or two with a book or working on your computer, and they have free wifi. My reservations about this place are both things they can help and things they can't. First off, Mt. Adams parking is always a pain. Even the street spots that are available are awkwardly perched on hills. I know they can't help that, but it still counts against them. The second thing they can help. The overall atmosphere is just not very comfortable. The staff is very slow and overwhelmed, even for small things. One evening I was there, they were restocking. So the left the door open for 30 minutes while two small girls lugged in box after box of supplies. It was 15 degrees outside, and soon it was close to that temperature inside. If I happen to be in Mt Adams and I need a place to get some coffee or hang out, I'll definitely check this place out, but probably won't go out of my way to come here.
(3)Jeremy F.
If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then it must be...a...a...? I have only been to Bow Tie twice. Both times I have not had the pleasure of experiencing the coffee side of this place; just the bar. So I can't speak to the quality of their coffee. While I have not had what you would call a "bad" experience at Bow Tie (and here's to hoping that I never do), I'm not sure what to make of it. I think the problem is that the ownership (paging Mr. Dhani Jones) does not quite know either. It looks like a coffee house. It smells like a coffee house. It has a mellow atmosphere like a coffee house. Yet, it is open at nights, has a tiny alcohol bar at the end of the coffee bar and serves liquor. Huh? So is it trying to be a coffee house or a bar? Honestly, the service has been very nice. But I can't see myself coming here for "drinks" in the evening on a regular night out. The only reason I've been the two times that I have is for special events held there. The atmosphere is just too mellow for that. More dinner party, rather than raucous party. Methinks they need to identify themselves as a coffeehouse and concentrate on that. The Cybil-like split personality is not doing them any good.
(2)Diana H.
Great place to chill in the evenings, kinda busy during the day. Foods pretty good too. Has full bar as well. Wish they were open later though. Fun white wall they post quotes, jokes and let patrons write on.
(3)Pat F.
The Bow Tie Cafe annoyed me before it even opened, when they put a sign in the window saying something like "New Better Coffeeshop Coming Soon." Since I loved Koka, which occupied that corner until a few months ago, that was a lot to claim. I finally made it in there this Saturday after viewing it from outside and, yes, it still annoys me. It has very few places to sit, and even fewer tables. According to their website they have food, but it wasn't obvious when I was there, other than the muffins and scones they had in the display case. What they did have was a giant whiteboard proclaiming that they have wifi (wow, am I supposed to be impressed?) and rooting for our sports teams. Great. The Bow Tie Cafe doesn't seem like some place you could go to hang out and get some work done, it seems like a place where they want to sell you a cup of coffee and get you out the door as soon as possible. Oh, wait, except for the GIANT TELEVISION ON THE BACK WALL. Why (dear god, why???) is there a giant TV playing sports in a coffeeshop? Hmm, probably because it's co-owned by Dhani Jones, of the Bengals. But, seriously, it just seems wrong, and out of place. And stupid. Did they think there weren't enough places to watch sports on the hill? Really? I don't want to say bad things about neighborhood businesses, and we all know that Mt. Adams could use a friendly place to sit and hang out. This is not that place. I hope it doesn't stick around too long so that there really will be a new better coffeeshop coming soon to the hill.
(2)