The Eagle OTR — Restaurant in Cincinnati

I’ve never been more embarrassed and mortified in my entire life I went to this location at 11/29/23 and it was pleasant at first I was sat right away by our hostess and everyone seemed very friendly. It was a positive environment. I had an Airbnb in the area and I asked the locals and they stated that the eagle was a good restaurant to go to. It was late at night, and it was one of the only restaurants that was open. I ordered a lemon drop and other food items. My fiancé also ordered a cocktail with other food items and then I was ID by my waitress Samantha I didn’t have my ID on me so my fiancé left to go back to the Airbnb to retrieve my id,it was 20 below freezing cold when my fiancé comes back, the Manager walks over with my lemon drop and she was very unpleasant. I spoke to her and asked her how she was doing and she did not respond to me. She looked at my fiancé, and he said, how are you doing today? She said Where is the ID,he said oh wow and handed her my id.She then proceeded to take my ID and look over it for 3 minutes. My fiancé asked her what was she doing? Because we’re not accustom to someone looking at an ID that long she flipped my ID to the back and she just kept staring at it. My fiancé asked her why was she doing this she verified my expiration date and dob can my fiancé have her drink she looked at him and said I’m verifying it and when I’m done verifying it, she will get her drink. My fiancé asked her. Can you please let her have her drink now so we can enjoy our evening she said when I’m done verifying the ID she’s holding my drink in one hand and the ID in another and talking over my drink.I asked her why she was doing this to me and why she seem so upset she said I’m doing my job I said well you verified my date of birth. You can see that my id is real can I please have my drink she was holding it while she was speaking to us over my drink, she said you know what you’re not getting any drinks tonight as she walked away with my drink she said loudly to the bar they’re cut off they’re not getting any drinks tonight our food shortly after came out, I walked up to the front and asked to speak to her to figure out what happened because we never raised our voices are and was courteous the whole time to the server Samantha, the other gentleman that was with Samantha and her as well and she was cold, discourteous and acted as if I was imposing on her. She then accused my fiancé of being drunk, and so at that point I had enough and told her please cancel my order as the food was coming to our table. She refused to give me her name.I’ve never been so embarrassed and shamed in my entire life. I didn’t do anything wrong. This was completely unprovoked and an act of bullying accusatory defaming allegations and bad customer service. The manager seemed like she was inebriated and was projecting her behavior onto us. I would like for her to get better training, and to never ever treat anyone like this again. My waitress as well as the other gentleman can verify that I was courteous the entire time.Not only was top shelf Don Julio wasted, but food was also wasted due to her wanting to be a dictator and a bully.She is a horrible example...

After many recommendations to come here, I finally was able to grab some lunch while in town this week. I was not disappointed! Looking over the menu, I had my reservations about the "worlds beat fried chicken" claim. And although I may not agree (just yet), I can see why some may feel this sentiment! I ordered the pork belly burnt ends as an appetizer, shrimp and grits and the half chicken order.

Pork belly burnt ends 3/5 - tender chunks of pork belly smothered in a tangy bbq sauce and served with ranch. These were decent size bites of pork belly. Coming from Texas (BEST BBQ IN THE WORLD) I was expecting more of a grilled or smoked flavor. These may have been braised or boiled, as the pork itself didn't have much flavor and was carried by the sauce.

Shrimp and Grits 3.8/5 - these were pretty good. White cheddar grits that are cooked like you would at granny's house in the south (not the creamy, fluffy, whipped fancy grits like most places). A bit runnier than my preference, but good flavor. These were topped with shrimp, Andouille sausage and a gravy that added some good contrast of flavor to the grits. Overall, very good and if they were thicker I'd move into the 4+ rating

Half chicken 4.6/5 - yea... They know how to do some fried chicken! Double dredged and pressure fried to get that crispy skin but JUICY interior. Although you can see the flecks of pepper and seasoning in the coating, it isn't overly seasoned which leaves room for the honey drizzle (or drowning in my case lol). Very well prepared and cooked. Hats off to the chef(s)!

Bartender (Carly) was very knowledgeable and attentive. Gave me the menu rundown since it's my first visit and shared her personal faves. Pro tip: she suggested getting the grilled cheese and adding a fried chicken Brest to it!

There were a few more menu items I'd like to try, so I will definitely be back when I'm in...

The Eagle...BEST place for fried chicken. If you have the time, certainly stay there and dine in. Enjoy a Four Roses Old Fashioned while you take in the buzzing ambiance and admire the antique brass mailboxes; or take the opportunity to make a friend if you are seated at one of their communal tables. Or place a carry out order and enjoy their very tasty bird in your own home! My recommendation for how to best sample The Eagle's amazing cuisine...start with the lovely Kale salad. This salad makes for a perfect starting point with its tender slivers of kale, matchstick apples, and amazing cornbread croutons - all delicately dressed, presenting your taste buds with the complex sweet tangy tones of honey and cider vinegar. Then go ahead and order that Whole Chicken. You will want to take those leftovers home for the next day's lunch. Be sure to take extras of the delightful spicy honey syrup...the "must have" chicken condiment. Perfect partners for tender style of southern fried chicken would be the cheesy Mac and Cheese; the spectacular Sweet Potato Casserole, covered in it's perfectly browned tiny marshmallows; and their hearty cheesy grits. Do not miss the Spoonbread, it's incredible. If you are dining in, wash that all down with the perfect pairing of a crisp craft beer or a perfectly palate balancing Savignon Blanc. Conclude with one of The Eagle's fine dessert offerings or grab some Graeter's uniquely decadent ice cream, which is conveniently located across the street. You cannot go wrong at The Eagle, evidenced by the consistently busy and buzzing dining room and the line of diners patiently waiting around the bar and outdoor patio. The Eagle is always delightful and brings the A-game with their service. Once you try their signature chicken, you will find yourself...