The 86 Coffee Bar — Restaurant in Cincinnati

This is one of the nicest independent coffee houses in the area, my main complaint lies in the hours. Which is somewhat typical of every new independent coffeehouse opened in the last 20 years in this region. You have old standby university area coffee shops here like the Highland and Sitwell's, which understand the idea of a late night coffee shop close to University campus where people are going to come and read in socialize (at least Sitwell's used to until they changed ownership,). But the 86, like other newer ones, don't have this idea in mind. EVEN THOUGH you often have it nearly full at its early closing hour, which clearly indicates that they're going to have continued walk in traffic for some time, they always close shop early.

I don't get it, they're literally right across the street from a university campus, how does that even make sense? I think you just have a generation of coffeehouse owners who are disconnected from the past culture of coffeehouses, of old places like the old coffee houses of North Beach San Francisco or Greenwich Village New York, that inspired the first wave of independent espresso shops across the country decades ago. You can tell people who grew up in that coffeehouse culture because the understand the idea of late night coffee shops. The kind you hear about in Tom Waits songs. But for some reason, over the last 20 years there's a change in coffeehouse culture and the people opening and managing these places have no concept of the simple idea of keeping a place open at least until 10:00 p.m. . You will still make money, you just need two less employees to justify it. But I guarantee you a coffee shop open till 10:00 p.m. or 11:00 p.m. works. they are across the street from a university campus, they will continuously have walk traffic. What's the proof? Look at Highland Coffee House down the street, it's always packed to the brim until 1:00 a.m. and the original coffee house that was at this location long ago, The Buzz, which was more of a generation millennial haunt, was open late night and continuously packed. if you leave it open they will come, it's not a rocket science formula. What frustrates me is that the 86 is a good coffeehouse is the kind of place I would come in and spend money in at 10:00 p.m. or 11:00 p.m. or even midnight IF IT was open that late. I've also heard other people complain about this, so there's more people out there who would like that option. During normal business hours, it's a pretty good place. I definitely...

Great First Visit to 86 Coffee Bar!

This café is clean, cozy, and inviting, with a good menu and friendly staff. I ordered an Au Lait cold brew with hazelnut—it was pleasant, smooth, and gave me the perfect pick-me-up. The young lady at the counter and the gentleman who made my drink were both kind, attentive, and happy to answer my questions. Service was quick but still careful, which I appreciated.

I also picked up 2 bags of their coffee beans to try at home (they even offer to grind them for your brew method), so I’ll update once I’ve tasted those. I can definitely see this being a great spot for UC students or folks looking to study, meet a friend, or just hang-out. The playlist had energy, which some people (like myself) love for coffee breaks, while those who prefer a quiet café vibe might enjoy taking their coffee to-go if there on Saturday afternoon.

Overall, I’m really glad I stopped in—good drinks, warm atmosphere, great staff, and a place I’d recommend to anyone looking for a nice cup of...

Tried the chocolate cheesecake muffin and the hot chocolate while I worked there one evening. They were both absolutely, completely horrendous, easily the worst items I've ever gotten in a coffee shop; I couldn't even finish the hot chocolate. Have also gotten the coffee, and it was mediocre at best. The baristas are pretty unwelcoming and spend the entire time chatting up their significant others who will stand by the counter. Really the only positive was the power outlets and their extension chords. I even thought the music was bad and uncomfortably loud. Seriously surprised at how highly-rated this place is, was probably the worst experience I'll ever have with...