My son & his Cincinnati gf have since moved to SAN but they recommend Nicholson's downtown - he says upscaley with very good beer selection and food - it can be too crowded and loud on weekends.
They also liked Zips on Mt Lookout for basic burgers and beer. ("Your basic dive" he said.)
The 2 places I know best aren't either one technically in Cincinnati, to wit: Watson Bros up in Blue Ash (near the GA airport), and Jake's Irish Pub in Covington. Watson Bros used to have decent beer and very good food. But it got very popular... the last time we were there, I wasn't thrilled with the food, but it might still be worth checking out if you're up north. The patio is nice in decent weather (also crowded). Jake's is, well, an Irish pub, but a good one, although their beer selection is pedestrian.
There's a Rockbottom in downtown Cinti, but it's the worst one in the chain, imo. I have no plan to ever darken their doors again - and I have a Rockbottom Mug Club card.
You should also at least have a cocktail at the Omni Netherland Plaza - national landmark Art Deco hotel that is not to be missed. Orchids, the fancy restaurant, is not quite top notch food-wise any more, but might still be worth going to if your attention were more on the company and surroundings.
Maisonette is probably still the best restaurant in town, but that's wandering OT.
Personally, the only reason I can see to go to Celestial is for the view...
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