HART & CRU — Restaurant in Cincinnati

WINE LOVERS REJOICE!

I've been coming here since the spring, and it's honestly criminal that I haven't left a review yet. I don't go out to eat a lot anymore because I just think it's a horrible value at most places. Why pay more for something I can do better at home? However, Hart & Cru is definitely the exception! It's an experience worth the price of entry.

Most places, even dedicated wine bars in the area, you pay a huge markup on an average-at-best bottle, but not here. The cost of the booting is the same as if you’d buy it to drink at home. Oh, and can anybody say stemware?!? It is so refreshing to have a wine bar that actually uses high-quality crystal. I don't want to buy a premium bottle of Classé Growth or grand cru wine just to drink it out of a 3-pound goblet. God bless H&C + glasvin.

I haven't mentioned the food yet, which honestly has no business being this good for a wine bar. It's near restaurant quality; at times, the only thing they're honestly missing for my taste is a delicious shot of espresso and some killer desserts, which I hope is on the way. The menu changes seasonally; the small bites are wonderful, the olives are perfect, and just like wine, they take the olive oil seriously. And maybe it's just me being a passionate Italian, but that means something.

This is one of the few places I'll come to dine alone. The staff are enjoyable to hang out with, the communal table is great to strike up a conversation with randoms, and the grape juice is flowing. You never feel like you're drinking alone.

I have to give a special shout-out to Brittany, who I met as a server but has since grown into one of my wine mentors and a friend that I greatly respect. It's thanks to her and the rest of the crew, like Trevor, that we keep...

It's actually criminal that this please wasn't on some mass reviewed site of places to visit. They're not doing their job to recommend quality locations.

My lady and I rolled up to HART & CRU quite serendipitously.

Have you ever wanted to be on that out of town trip and stumble upon a local GEM of a place that makes you wish that you lived in the city you're visiting? Please let Houston, TX know it's been good to me for 35 years but the Queen City has stolen my taste buds tonight.

I'll say less.

Food 5/5 Wine 5/5 Service 100/5 (this one is for you Miles) Atmosphere 5/5

I'll say more.. We sat outside on Sunday evening during golden hour, enjoying to cool breeze wash over us, while sipping. We were in town for a wedding so love was in the air. Black shirt guy certainly felt it.

I didn't get enough pictures worthy of this place. 3 varietals and 4 appetizers later only wish to share the good news. Please go. I'm unable to be a regular patron from states away. This is the type of establishment that all elements add to the experience. Thanks black shirt guy!

P.S. Trevor is not the guy in the black shirt making out with his date on the patio but the extremely knowledgeable server. He's the shizz with just enough rizz (this sentence is for the youths). Listening to his recommendations was the best decision.

P.S.S - solo diners were exceptionally well...

I can’t say enough amazing things about this local wine concierge. My brother introduced me to them and I ordered the Rosé sampler. Delivered right to my door in a day. Then one day I was standing in a Hyde Park wine/liquor store staring at the rosé section and getting really confused. I called Hart & Cru and asked if they had a store I could go to. They don’t. But the guy was and continues to be so helpful! “What did you like out of the sampler? Ok, so I’ll send you some on our website you would like.” And to top it off, “We can have it to you this afternoon.” I haven’t been disappointed since! Please try them out. If you’re local to downtown cincy, delivery is often free! And it’s free local delivery anyway if you spend over...