Prime Cincinnati — Restaurant in Cincinnati

My best friend and I had dinner there Wednesday night and I was disappointed we made the decision to dine there versus anywhere else. Before I describe my experience, I am a server in the same “fine dining” industry and have been for years. Because of this, I am very patient and understanding of things others may not be simply because I know many circumstances are out of the control of the server’s hands. I admit, we arrived later in the night at 8pm. We both work and this is the only time we could make it- yes, it’s annoying to have people arrive that late, I get it.

When we first sat down, we sat next to two tables with parties with each having over seven people that had JUST started their evening also. I felt better because given our party of TWO and their larger parties, we would not be holding back the server from ending her night. It took a solid ten min for someone besides the serving assistant to bring us water. Again, she’s busy with approximately 14 other people, so we waited patiently. Finally we order our drinks, wait another 10-15 min to get them. The appetizer we order was great. We order dinner, and it arrives. I ordered a 6oz filet prepared MR and it’s prepared MW. I don’t want to eat a hamburger cooked through basically, so I don’t eat it. Our server comes back to check on us and I explain that my filet is overdone. Unapologetically, she asks if I would like a new one. Ummm. Yes? Otherwise I wouldn’t have mentioned it to her. That was strange and rude. I understand she didn’t cook my steak, and honestly she had NO idea how it would be prepared, but a simple (even if she didn’t mean it) “I’m sorry, we’ll start a new one for you” would have sufficed. It was brought out, it was cooked properly but by then my friend was finished eating. A manager never came to say hello or check on us. Our server was so annoyed with us and she made that very clear; I felt so unwanted and unappreciated. Aside from that, our creamed spinach tasted awful: I could have poured heavy whipping cream into a bowl and it would have tasted better. I didn’t say anything to her but by the full side, untouched, she annoyingly asked and I told her it was okay, I didn’t mind.

The restaurant industry has suffered because of the times, and the holidays are not what they were last year and the years before that. I understand that two people eating late at night, especially when you have two other large parties may be an inconvenience, and if so, sit the two people somewhere else where they won’t blatantly feel unwelcomed. I tipped her well because I know what it’s like to serve but the tip did not reflect her service or attitude.

The whole experience was disappointing and we could have and should have dined...

As Aronoff subscribers, my friends and I visit Prime often before shows. This was the case for my most recent visit to the establishment. We were a bit frustrated that we had a wait despite having a reservation and the restaurant having open of available tables, especially since we were on a strict deadline in order to get to the show on time.

The wait was at least pleasant since we were entertained by the very talented Aziza Love. I don't know how often she performs there, but if you're able to catch her set you're in for a treat!

When we finally got seated we had a couple of issues. My friend didn't like her cocktail but was able to get it taken off of the bill. I normally order a filet with the crave worthy spicy crab topping, but this day I decided to try something different and ordered the U-7 Dry Sea Scallops. I asked to upgrade my salad that came with my meal to the caprese salad. I assumed this could be done by paying an upcharge since the offered salad and the salad I wanted had a $2 price difference. I was flatly refused the opportunity to upgrade my salad. I've eaten at many restaurants throughout the city, and usually ones that consider themselves finer dining are more accommodating, especially if the patron is willing to pay, but that was not the case here. It seems like a small thing, but it really soured my mood for the dining experience.

I hardly touched my house salad, but the scallops and accompanying risotto are both items I would recommend. They were both well prepared and flavorful. The portion size was large, and I was pleased that our server offered to hold our leftovers for us until after the show.

With it's proximity to the Aronoff, I'm sure I'll be back to patronize this establishment. I can only hope in the future that they value their patrons' by seating them promptly when reservations have been made and accommodating special requests for...

Surprised my fiance with a Valentine's Day dinner at Prime 47. We've both been wanting to go for a while, and finally had the financial means and a reason to go. Needless to say, we were both looking forward to going.

Walking in was exciting. The piano man was playing today's hits, which is something both my fiance and I love to listen to when played on a piano. Unfortunately we soon learned that we wouldn't be able to hear him play from our seat, stuck in a back room next to the POS system. Nice view of the city, though.

Our fine dining experience is pretty small, as we're both young professionals just getting on our feet after college, but I like to think I know good service when I see it.While the service wasn't bad, I wouldn't call it good either. The timing seemed off, as it took a good twenty minutes for someone to come over with menus and to take our drink order, two minutes to get back with the bottle of wine, half an hour to come get our dinner order, and ten minutes before our food was ready. Just kinda weird.

The food itself was good. My steak was cooked perfectly, and her chicken was very good, with what tasted like Montgomery Inn BBQ sauce. We were both pretty nonplused with our entrees, but loved the sides. We decided to split the creamed corn and potatoes, which were both delicious. The lobster bisque I ordered was right up there with bowls I've had next to fresh water in New England. Very good. The steak I felt tasted like something I could have cooked at home. The complimentary chocolate dipped strawberries were a nice, romantic touch on Valentine's Day.

Overall our experience was fun, but nothing really stood out as amazing. We probably won't be back, just because we both feel like if we're going to spend that much money on a steak, we might as well go to one of Jeff...