Old-school restaurant serving fried fish, chicken & other American fare in no-nonsense surrounds.
Art Fink
If you grew up and still live on the west side f Cincinnati, this place is mostly a 5-star for you and if you grew up and live on the east side, you’ve probably never heard of this place and would never go here if you did. It’s a simple place, with old west side touches, including the food – ample portions, decent price, and faces that have been coming here for decades. We ordered the famous cod logs (small and large), some French Fries, mashed potatoes and gravy, salads with blue cheese dressing, and iced tea. The place was crowded and very loud thanks to a couple of women who had had one too many to notice the volume of their voices. The iced tea was fresh, the salads were cold, fresh, and the blue cheese dressing was delicious, the fries needed another minute in the fryer, the mashed potatoes and gravy were good (the gravy worked well as a dipping sauce for the fries too), and the service was efficient and friendly. The cod logs were interesting – basically giant Mrs Paul’s fish sticks with cod instead of pollock. The cod was good quality but it lacked seasoning. It’s truly a west side life thing and that’s ok.
… moreRobert McGrane
Great Rried chicken, Fish log whole or (1/2)order. hot slaw and mock turtle soup. Service by Jammi was Friendly and fast. Great view of the Nina lake from your table.
Definitely a winner. BLT ar the next table was so big thy took the half home.
… moreBarbara Holley
First time visitor, and we went seeking the “fish log.” No way I could have eaten one… I got the “minnow,” which is supposed t ok be 1/4 the size of the full “log.” I could only eat 1/2 of THAT. Lol
My friend got the fried chicken with homemade Mac n cheese and hot slaw. He said he had never had hot slaw before and seemed t I enjoy it, although, it really wasn’t “hot.” Maybe it just needed a reheat. He thoroughly enjoyed his meal, and finished my fries, as well. (I think people like to go to lunch with me because they will usually get what I can’t eat.)
I had the fish, fries and hot slaw. It was all very tasty. We enjoyed our server, Ashlee, who was kind enough to guide us through some of the menu items. I messaged some family members asking that we make plans to go to Lake Nina Restaurant as a group very soon.
… moreBob S
We had lunch here with some friends and were very pleased. Decor is not their strong suit – it’s sort of a local dive bar – but the food and prices can’t be beat. Their specials are chicken and fish but there’s a lot of other choices as well. I tried their classic “fish log” with fries and hot slaw ($20.99). It’s a massive piece of breaded fish that was perfectly deep fried. The hot slaw is coleslaw doused with a warm vinegar dressing and topped with lots of chopped bacon. It’s quite unique and probably has a German pedigree. The service was prompt and courteous. The house fries were deep fried sliced potatoes not the long thin fast-food variety. They have a full bar with lots of beer choices. Parking is free in their lot. They also have an outdoor dining area that’s open in warm weather. It’s a very popular place with the locals so you should call ahead for a dinner reservation on the weekends.
… moreMark Peters
First time visiting this restaurant. Very good selection of fish. I had the Mock Turtle Soup and hot slaw. Both are “west side” favorites and they didn’t disappoint. Portions are large so bring your appetite. Would definitely return when I’m in the area again.
… moreWanda King
I just tried this little gem today, invitation to do a girls luncheon! And I gotta tell you the food was amazing! Fish log , hot slaw & rye butter bread! I thought the slaw was gonna be hot (hot sauce) but nope it had the vinegar dressing & it was served warm. Different but amazing! Service was excellent! Definitely going back & telling everyone about to give it a try!
… moreRobin Saxon
Minute one we were greeted with a smile. Sam was very helpful she recommended something’s I would have never tried.
Next we were greeted by Bev. What a testament to establishment. She was so nice shared the restaurants story and made us feel appreciated. We cannot say enough about the food. He had the chicken and I had the fish log. Would definitely recommend eating there. Can’t wait until we can eat outside and enjoy the lake.
… morealan wagers
Oh this little treasure, is exactly what I say !
The hot slaw is delicious, the onion rings are also so good, we enjoyed the Giant Fish log ! Absolutely enough for two ! Good cold beer , friendly staff, who is working hard to bring you a delicious meal.
This place was absolutely packed, and you can tell the neighborhood loves them. I saw shrimp and sweet potato waffle fries. And to be honest I was jealous. But let’s not belittle our fish ! It was absolutely delicious. It was a great day for a motorcycle ride with the breeze between your knees, a dinner stop at the lake Nina Restaurant just made it a perfect ride. It’s places like this that put a smile on your face and take you to a happy place !
… morejack keller
What a classic restaurant. They always provide good food and service. There is a reason they are always packed, there are few places like this. Their offerings are southern favorites like their fish log and hot slaw.
… moreSallie McFarlin
Very nice non chain restaurant. We were seeking a location for lent fish, and this place did not disappoint. We were able to get a seat immediately, and the service was pretty fast as well. I didn’t remember photos until halfway through dinner. But the other photos are great representation.
My only complaint is that the fish did not have much flavor from seasoning. But I use lemon or vinegar, so it was not that big of an issue. However, my husband had to add some salt to his. He said the chicken had a very good flavor and was decently seasoned. The coleslaw was better than I expected as well. I was also glad they had basic crinkle cut fries.
I did grab a mixed drink, and my expectations were very low. Well, I was pleasantly surprised that it was very good.
We sat inside, but I did notice there was some outdoor seating as well. We love supporting local businesses, so we will plan to return.
… more