
The Precinct By Jeff Ruby
An iconic steakhouse housed in a historic police precinct, offering legendary steaks and a sophisticated dining experience.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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The Precinct By Jeff Ruby

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic steakhouse housed in a historic police precinct, offering legendary steaks and a sophisticated dining experience.
"Experience fine dining in a unique setting of an old police precinct building."
Book Ahead for Prime Times
Reservations are essential, especially for special occasions, due to the restaurant's popularity.
Ask About a Backstage Tour
Inquire with your server about a unique backstage tour for an exclusive experience.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Steak House
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Police Precinct Setting
Dine in a uniquely atmospheric former police station, rich with history and vintage police photos.

Top-Tier Steaks and Seafood
Indulge in premium cuts of steak, including filet mignon and wagyu, and exquisite seafood dishes.

Decadent Desserts
Don't miss the highly praised signature Butter Pie A La Mode and other delectable sweet finales.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead for Prime Times
Reservations are essential, especially for special occasions, due to the restaurant's popularity.
Ask About a Backstage Tour
Inquire with your server about a unique backstage tour for an exclusive experience.
Indulge in Signature Dishes
Try the renowned Butter Pie, lobster mac & cheese, and crab cakes for a memorable meal.
Split Plates for More Variety
Consider splitting entrées and ordering extra sides to sample more of the menu.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead for Prime Times
Reservations are essential, especially for special occasions, due to the restaurant's popularity.
Ask About a Backstage Tour
Inquire with your server about a unique backstage tour for an exclusive experience.
Indulge in Signature Dishes
Try the renowned Butter Pie, lobster mac & cheese, and crab cakes for a memorable meal.
Split Plates for More Variety
Consider splitting entrées and ordering extra sides to sample more of the menu.
Expect an Upscale Investment
This fine dining experience is an investment, but reviewers agree it's worth every penny.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Precinct consistently impresses with its high-quality steaks, elegant atmosphere, and top-notch service, making it a prime spot for celebrations. While most reviews rave about the exceptional food and attentive staff, a few diners have noted occasional slow service and that food temperature issues can detract from the experience, though management often steps in to rectify.
"We visited Jeff Ruby’s Precinct last night to celebrate my birthday, and as always, the experience was nothing short of exceptional. My family and I dine here several times a year, usually with a party of 8 to 14 people, and each visit is consistently outstanding.
Last night we were seated in the main dining area, and our server Charlie provided top-tier service from start to finish. He was attentive, knowledgeable, and made the entire evening seamless and enjoyable. In addition, Dakota, Brandon, and Chad each went out of their way to ensure every detail was perfect truly a team effort that elevated the experience.
The food was phenomenal, as expected Jeff Ruby’s always delivers the highest quality in both cuisine and ambiance. Five-star service all the way around. Highly recommend for any special occasion or an unforgettable night out."
Justin Signorile
"We came for Date night, made reservations for 9:30pm. Sat in the bar area, wished it was away from where the waiters have to walk through from kitchen to dining room. This place is nice and have a lot of decor. I order my steak to be well done no pink but had to send it back to be cooked more/longer. Drinks are great. Waiter was great and attentive. Overall experience for my 1st time was good."
Lamia “Mya” Powell
"This was our first visit to this restaurant. Due to location, valet is the only convenient parking option.
The history and architecture of this building is awe-inspiring. The interior design is inviting and perfect for groups, families, & couples. The chandeliers, stained glass windows and the red velvet-lined booths, bring class to this former Cincinnati Police Precinct building.
The service is top-notch. Servers are dressed in suit and tie, and they are very knowledgeable as would be expected in such a fine dining restaurant.
The food is amazing. You will not find a better selection of steaks in the area. Jeff Ruby only offers the finest meat. The homemade bread, salads, sides, steaks and desserts are all delicious."
Craig Eaton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends and special occasions, as the restaurant is very popular.
The restaurant offers an upscale dining experience, so guests typically dress in smart casual or more formal attire.
Many guests rave about the steaks, lobster macaroni and cheese, crab cakes, and the signature Butter Pie.
Yes, there is a bar area, but some find seating there can be near high-traffic waiter paths.
Valet parking is the most convenient option available for diners.
The restaurant is happy to accommodate dietary choices and restrictions, though specific options are not detailed.
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Must-Try Restaurants In Cincinnati, Ohio
Located in a 1901 Romanesque-style former police headquarters building, The Precinct is owned by one of Cincy’s most beloved restaurateurs, Jeff Ruby. This award-winning restaurant features American and continental cuisine but it is also a great steakhouse, with large portions and outstanding cuts of beef. A fine wine list accompanies the exceptional menu that includes fresh seafood and delicious sides, in addition to gorgeous steaks.
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See the restaurant list below:Alfio's buon cibo BOCA Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse Pepp & Dolores -Sotto The Precinct To Cincinnatians, the restaurants on the list come as no surprise. Many have been popular dining spots for years and others quickly entered the food scene and became a staple dining spot.Italian restaurant Pepp and Dolores is the most recent of the list to open.Thunderdome Restaurant Group opened the restaurant in 2019 and it has quickly become one of the most talked about restaurants in the city.The restaurant sits in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood and features homemade pastas, a wide selection of wines and family recipes.
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I had a hard time choosing between Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse and the Precinct for this list. But since Ruby’s is about to reintroduce itself with a new location in the Foundry building across from Fountain Square, let’s give the Precinct, which opened during the infancy of the Reagan era, its due. Let me just say that it's perfectly fine if your fondness for the Precinct is born of nostalgia since, for many Cincinnatians (myself included), the Columbia Tusculum mainstay was our first foray into white-tablecloth dining.
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Norwood got a little sweeter this year with the addition of over-the-top donut maker Starlight Doughnut Lab. In operation since the start of 2019, owner/baker Ben Greiwe has been crafting small-batch baked goods with a unique ingredient. Starlight donuts use mashed potatoes in the dough, which “boosts moisture, sweetness, flavor, and adds a crispy outside layer thanks to the potato’s natural sugars caramelizing in the fryer,” Greiwe explains.
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The award goes to restaurants “whose wine lists feature a well-chosen selection of quality producers, thoughtfully paired to complement the menu in both price and style.” Three additional restaurants—The Precinct, Alfio’s Buon Cibo, and Jeff Ruby’s Carlo & Johnny—placed in the Best of Award of Excellence category, “destinations for serious wine lovers, showing a deep commitment to wine, both in the cellar and through their service team.
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The Precinct (Columbia Tusculum): Another Cincinnati icon is Jeff Ruby. His steaks are regularly rated the best in the country, and he has trained front-of-house staff to meet a standard of excellence that can be felt citywide. The Precinct is his most iconic location: It's his first, located in an old police precinct in Columbia Tusculum, and it's decorated with old photos of police officers from the district.
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Nestled in the Columbia-Tusculum neighborhood, The Precinct is arguably the most popular steakhouse in all of Cincinnati. Known for their elegant atmosphere, top-notch service, and excellent food quality, this is a spot where people often get dinner to celebrate special occassions. They also have one of the most impressive wine selections of any steakhouse in the city.
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I'd say that if you're going higher end, you should check out The Precinct for a good steak or Bootsy's for... well the character of the place. Some other good higher end options are Nada (contemporary Mexican), the Celestial Steakhouse (great view), Nicola's (great Italian), Prima Vista (great Italian/great view after dark), and the Oceanaire (great seafood).
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The Precinct, housed in a historical Romanesque-style former police precinct, opened in 1981 and was the first in a long line of Jeff Ruby’s steakhouses. The space is intimate and elegant, offering excellent service as well as a menu boasting prime steaks, fresh seafood and a generous wine selection. Photo: Hailey Bollinger ” itemprop=”image” />Pepp & Dolores
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The Precinct, located in the Columbia-Tusculum district, is Cincinnati’s most famous steakhouse. This restaurant is well-known for its elegant atmosphere, excellent service, and high-quality food, and it is frequently used to celebrate significant occasions. In addition, they feature one of the best wine lists of any steakhouse in the city.
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We would be remiss to talk about Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse without mentioning its sister restaurant, The Precinct. Founded in 1981, The Precinct was built from the former Cincinnati Police Patrol House Number 6. This turn-of-the-century, Romanesque-style structure currently houses the longest-running white tablecloth restaurant in Cincinnati.
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The Precinct is Cincinnati's oldest and most iconic steakhouse, housed in a historic former police station. This upscale restaurant is renowned for its perfectly cooked steaks and exceptional service. The elegant ambiance and attention to detail make it a favorite spot for special occasions and romantic dinners.
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Jeff Ruby's Precinct has been a go-to spot for steak in Cincinnati since it opened in 1981. Ruby opened the Precinct with celebrity backers, and celebrities and professional athletes have been flocking there ever since. The lobby walls are covered with photos of Ruby posing with them.
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Cuisine: Steakhouse Location: 311 Delta Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226. Set in a former police station, The Precinct offers a unique dining experience with a rustic charm. This steakhouse is famous for its high-quality cuts of meat, including the Filet Mignon and Bone-In Ribeye.
Highest-rated restaurants for special occasions in Cincinnati, according to Tripadvisor
– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (923 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (5.0/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)– Type of cuisine: American, Steakhouse– Price: $$$$– Address: 311 Delta Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2135– Read more on Tripadvisor
Highest-rated Restaurants in Cincinnati, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (918 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (5.0/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Steakhouse- Price: $$$$- Address: 311 Delta Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2135- Read more on Tripadvisor
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311 Delta AveCincinnati, OH 45226(513) 321-5454 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. This steakhouse is just one of the three Jeff Ruby restaurants in Cincinnati. It serves handcrafted steaks paired with wine, beer, and cocktails.
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The former home for the Cincinnati Police Patrol House Number 6, to be exact. Precinct is the first of Jeff Ruby’s empire of steak-focused eateries, and it’s also the longest, continuously running white tablecloth restaurant in the city.
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We had to include a Jeff Ruby's restaurant on this list and The Precinct was an obvious choice. Of course, order one of the Cincinnati-themed steaks, but don't miss out on the Freddie Salad or the carrot cake.
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Recently named one of America's Top 10 Steakhouses by USA Today and Gayot.com, The Precinct is frequently recognized as having Cincinnati’s best steaks, seafood, and service," their bio says.
Looking for a really good steak : cincinnati
In fact, I'd argue the Precinct, as far as good steakhouses go, is a decent value. With side and salad its probably a bit under Mortons & Ruths Chris. Certainly not cheap.
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311 Delta Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226Phone: 513-321-5454 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Jeff Ruby’s, Cincinnati (@jeffrubyscincinnati)
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Of Four Ohio Steakhouses To Win Wine Spectator’s Level 2 Award, Three Of Them Belong To Jeff Ruby: Carlo & Johnny, Precinct & Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse.
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This is more of a date night / ditch the kids kind of restaurant, but maybe your kids aren’t feral and can handle someplace with a bit more…class.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit