The Bar at Palm Court

Cincinnati, United States

4.4

Closed now

29 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards
Free Wi-Fi

Contacts

QR code, vCard

Telephone:
+1 513-421-9100
Website:
www.orchidsatpalmcourt.com
Address:
35 W 5th St, Cincinnati, OH, 45202
Downtown
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
250 ft5th St & Vine St
270 ft5th & Vine
580 ftFountain Square
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Bussiness info

Takes Reservations
No
Delivery
No
Take-out
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Accepts Bitcoin
No
Parking
Valet, Garage, Street
Bike Parking
No
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Good for Kids
No
Good for Groups
Yes
Attire
Dressy
Ambience
Classy
Noise Level
Average
Music
Live
Good For Dancing
No
Alcohol
Full Bar
Happy Hour
Yes
Best Nights
Mon, Fri, Sat
Coat Check
No
Smoking
No
Outdoor Seating
No
Wi-Fi
Free
Has TV
Yes
Dogs Allowed
No
Waiter Service
Yes
Caters
No
Good For
Late Night
Attire
Casual
Has Pool Table
No

Today

Today 11:00 am – 1:00 am
Closed now
Local time (Cincinnati) 02:43 Friday, 30 May 2025

Business hours

Monday 11:00 am – 12:00 am
Tuesday 11:00 am – 12:00 am
Wednesday 11:00 am – 12:00 am
Thursday 11:00 am – 12:00 am
Friday 11:00 am – 1:00 am
Saturday 11:00 am – 1:00 am
Sunday 5:00 pm – 12:00 am

Description

Specialties

The Bar at Palm Court is known for its amazing 1930s French art deco setting, creative cocktails, a relaxed menu featuring a unique twist on bar fare and a great weeknight Happy Hour. The menu is created by the Executive Chef Todd Kelly, an American Culinary Federation’s USA Chef of the Year.

Happy Hour is Monday-​Friday 4pm-​7pm and features a discounted menu.

The Bar also features live jazz Friday and Saturday evenings from 5pm-​1am.

History

Established in 1931.

The Restaurants at Palm Court, including The Bar at Palm Court, was once the main lobby for the hotel. This great room is predominantly French Art Deco with classic Louis XV overtones exemplified in the high murals which illustrate the theme of recreation. Egyptian influences appear in the step pyramid shape impressed upon the ceiling and portals and the plant like wall sconces.

At the far end of The Bar at Palm Court, there is a ziggurat-​shaped fountain with a ram’s head guarded by two large sea horses with lotus light crowns. Mythological figures were used heavily throughout the hotel. The ram and the sea horses represent protection and guardianship as well as the gold medallions with dolphins and mermaids found in the Palm Court. The fountain and sea horses were made in Cincinnati at the world renowned Rookwood Pottery.

Meet the Manager

Todd K.

Manager

Todd Kelly, Executive Chef and Director of Food & Beverage at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, is responsible for creating the distinct menu for Orchids at Palm Court, The Grille at Palm Court and The Bar at Palm Court.

Chef Kelly is the American Culinary Federation’s USA Chef of the Year, the highest honor in the 20,000+ chef organization. The hotel & restaurants have also been named Hilton Hotels & Resorts #1 Food & Beverage in the USA for five of the last six years (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015)

Chef Kelly has spent more than 20 years in the culinary industry including time at Ember Grille in Charlotte, N.C., Peter James Townhouse in Charlotte, and Rubicon in San Francisco.

The Bar at Palm Court also recommends

The Grille At Palm Court

17

reviews

American (Traditional)

Todd K. says,

«The Grille at Palm Court offers a casual, yet elegant breakfast & buffet, lunch with weekday pasta bar and expansive Sunday Brunch»

Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza

158

reviews

Hotels

Todd K. says,

«The Bar is located in this National Historic Landmark hotel featuring original 1930s French art deco in the heart of downtown Cincinnati»

Orchids At Palm Court

205

reviews

American (New)

Todd K. says,

«Orchids at Palm Court is a AAA Five-​Diamond fine dining restaurant — the only one in Ohio and one of just 63 in North America.»

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Nearby

Near this location:
1
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The Grille At Palm Court
Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza 35 West Fifth St
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29 reviews of The Bar at Palm Court

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Houston, TX
I’m we loved our experience here. We visited the bar a few times during our trip. The bar tenders were very personable and fun to talk to. The food was incredible. A few of the menu items were Asian inspired. The Brussel sprout appetizer was A+++.
Place rating: 4
New York, NY
Good food all around; great menu options. The chili was perfectly spiced, tasted similar to nearby Cinci Chili options and the cheese curds + pickled onions was way better than I imagined. I’d eat here again just for this chili but it is expensive and not enough. The rigatoni is good (not amazing or anything but it tastes how it should). And the Brussels sprouts dish with shrimp was shockingly good — ate every bite!
Place rating: 4
West Orange, NJ
Fantastic Art Deco bar off the lobby. The drink list is comprehensive without being overwhelming. There was a nice mix of cocktails, draught and bottle beers, wines by the glass and various liquors by the glass. I opted for a local pilsner which was crisp and refreshing.
I was in the mood for some lite fare so I started with some oysters from the Orchid menu which they were able to bring to the bar. They were briny, delicious and served with a mild mignonette.
I also went with the happy hour special of hummus served with seasoned pita bread and roasted curried vegatables. This would have been large enough to share so the two appetizers were more than plenty for me.
I finished up with a house seasoned cranberry stout for ‘dessert’. This was thick and flavorful with just enough sweetness to compliment the bitter chocolate notes of the stout.
The staff was great and very friendly, we traded cocktail and boutique hotel stories for some time before I called it a night.
A very classy hotel bar in a great setting.
Place rating: 4
Louisville, KY
Great happy hour in a not to be missed setting of art deco gorgeousness in the heart of Cincinnati.
Place rating: 3
Fort Worth, TX
You can’t find a bar with a cooler ambiance than the Bar at Palm Court. The décor is stunning in the bar and if you can sneak up to the Hall of Mirrors, you absolutely should!
Happy Hour apps were half price so we ordered just about one of everything on the bar menu. I wanted to be brave and try the chicken liver mousse. Not a fan but our guest enjoyed it. The brussel sprouts were perfect, great flavor mixed with the cabbage and shrimp, however I ordered them again from room service that evening and they were way too salty to eat. Same with the French Onion Soup, borderline inedible. Chili cheese curds were delicious but small. Sliders and hummus were fine but not noteworthy.
Next time I’m in town I’ll probably go again for the atmosphere and sights, not necessarily for the food.
Place rating: 5
Westerville, OH
Such a great place! The décor is amazing. The service is great. Morgan, one of the bartenders, is always so welcoming. The food is always good as well. Every time I come here it feels like I’m visiting friends.
I would highly suggest the chocolate decadence cake for desert to anyone who likes chocolate. It’s so rich and you get a good size piece.
Place rating: 4
Lebanon, OH
We stopped in here after an event at the Hall of Mirrors at the Hilton Netherlands Plaza. I really loved this place! It is an epic throwback ultra cool art-​deco lounge where you expect some old school Hollywood starlet to come sashaying in. I loved the old school feel and the overall feel of the lounge. We totally felt the part as we were all in long gowns and tuxes, yay us!
The service here was excellent. Our bartender was very friendly and she did a great job at keeping everyone in our party happy (there was seven of us).
The only thing I would say is that an updated bar menu would make this 5 stars!
We can’t wait to come back!
Place rating: 5
New Orleans, LA
Coming to Cincinnati and not visiting The Bar at Palm Court would be unthinkable. It would be like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower, San Antonio and not walking the Riverwalk, NOLA without ever having seen Bourbon Street. Well… maybe not that but you get my drift. Cause it beautiful here. Like stepping back in time almost 100 years ago to the Roaring Twenties. When buildings were works of art.
I haven’t been coming here for 100 years… more like 30. It’s «my» place for a girlfriend lunch and Bob’s and my special occasion spot. Of course we have a table… wonder when they’ll put a plaque with our name on it? There’s a fab Happy Hour with great food and drinks, but we don’t always wait for happy hour cause this is usually our first stop when we hit town. That’s how special it is.
And while all the food is great, it would be remiss of me not to feature my favorite salad. It’s insane really, cause this isn’t something I would normally eat. Why? Boiled eggs, ham (I actually ask them to hold the ham) and turkey, iceburg lettuce, pickle relish, mayo based dressing. I wouldn’t eat any of these things by themselves but throw them all together here and I salivate even thinking about it. I’ve given this a lot of thought over the past 30 years I’ve been eating this SAME salad… it must have crack in it. That’s the only explanation. There was even an article last week on the salad… believe me, I’m not the only one who feels this way about it. So if you ever get here, make it a point to ask for the Netherland Salad. You can thank me later.
Place rating: 5
Columbus, OH
Cincinnati classic. Great staff. Great atmosphere. Great drinks. Love coming here to see people and to be seen. It’s always crowded.
The movie Carol was shot here as a substitute for mid-​town Manhattan. It was a very able substitute.
Place rating: 3
Neenah, WI
A little disappointed. For a casual menu, it was very limited and a bit difficult to understand. I selected braised short ribs /​juicy Lucy. Was told it was a stuffed burger. Ok, I tried it. Not really juicy in my opinion. Companion fries were flavorful, but greasy. Atmosphere was pleasant. Service was very good. Family next to me asked to order off the restaurant menu and the waitress had to ask for permission. Permission was eventually granted but it took an exceptionally long time to attain. Food and drinks were reasonably priced.
Place rating: 5
Cincinnati, OH
Amazing place to get delicious drinks and fantastic food for happy hour! Best happy hour deal downtown! OMG the lemondrop martini is legendary!
Place rating: 5
Cincinnati, OH
Every time I come here I can’t stop staring at the gorgeous Art Deco details. This is one of the most unique places in Cincinnati and definitely worth visiting. I would recommend going for happy hour, which is pretty reasonably priced. Each one of the hors d’oeuvres are delicious, which doesn’t hurt either
Place rating: 5
Asheville, NC
Fantastic experience!
If you’re familiar with the architecture and décor of Netherland Plaza, this bar is no exception. You immediately know that the place was done up in the 1920s and 1930s. Huge open ceiling, gold leaf on everything, it’s fantastic. You can just picture fancy parties happening all over that room. And if you can’t picture it, there are pictures of exactly that to help you.
As far as the drinks, certainly a reliable bar with decent prices. Most of the cocktails are $ 10, which I’ve come to expect for quality stuff. Both of the drinks I had were solidly made by a clearly knowledgeable bartender.
I’d highly recommend it if you’re looking to have a classy evening.
Place rating: 4
Baton Rouge, LA
I was pleasantly surprised by this bar.
First, it’s spectacularly beautiful. A restored Art Deco bar dating to the ‘20s is a wonderful thing. I particularly love the ram’s head fountain and the 15 foot hippocampus sculptures surrounding the band stand.
Second, the band, a four piece playing standards from the Great American Song Book (Nat King Cole, Gershwin, etc.) is a nice touch, and adds to the ambience. The drinks are solid and reasonably priced. Nothing revolutionary or that will blow you away, but they don’t skimp on their cocktails. The bartenders are friendly, attentive, and seem to know their craft. I had a fine Boulevardier, and it was everything I wanted it to be.
The fact that this is a hotel bar is even more impressive. In my experience, hotel bars are generally miserable, boring and expensive. Even the «nice» ones tend to feel gimmicky or sterile, and no one ever seems to want to be there. This is a place that, if it were in my town, I’d recommend to people. It’s a nice spot. People seemed to be having a nice time. Check it out.
Place rating: 2
Butler County, OH
they told me their standard is sprite in old fashioneds! WHAT?! any good purist knows you have simple syrup, bitters, and you DO NOT crush the fruit. their bar menu was almost like a time warp from the 80’s. One step away from pina coladas, mai tais, long island iced teas, and sexes on the beaches (how does one even articulate a plural version of that cocktail?!). Little originality there.
However the bartender was nice enough to tend to my purist needs and substituted simple syrup for sprite and did not muddle my fruit. Still, for $ 10, I’d go to a better establishment.
I did enjoy the ambiance immensely. We went on live jazz night.
One issue: The hostess told us that since we were just there for a drink, we were only allowed to sit at the bar (and the bar is full but the restaurant is nearly empty 0. o why attempt to turn down our business for this?) So okay, we get to the bar and it’s full except for one seat. Then the bartender informs us we are able to sit at the tables, no problem he says! Can we have some consistency on policy here? That’s all I’m saying.
Place rating: 4
Manhattan, NY
Beautiful Art Deco bar in a historic cinci hotel!
I was recently in Cincinnati for a Saturday wedding at the Hilton. We stopped at this bar for a drink. Great menu with some local beers on tap, creative cocktails, and pricey wines.
But the prize here is the 1920s atmosphere. You are transported back in time when the Jazz band plays late at night.
What a memorable experience.
We did not eat a meal here but heard from others that the breakfast is amazing!
Place rating: 5
New Britain, CT
This is a classic old American hotel bar designed and built in the roaring 20s, and retaining most of it’s original look and feel from that time. I normally would not rate a hotel bar so high but this is one of the few I’ve been to that don’t BOHICA (Bend Over, Here It Comes Again) you on prices. They have a tremendously affordable happy hour from 4 – 7 where you can get $ 4 – 5 appetizers that really can fill you for the evening. Service is attentive enough, even if not big city hotel sophisticated. Great place to start and end your evening when staying at the Hilton.
Place rating: 5
Anchorage, AK
I had the lobster salad and an order of brussel sprouts. Both were amazing. In addition the beer is very reasonably priced at $ 4 or $ 5 for an upscale hotel. Beautiful atmosphere and great service. Check it out!
Place rating: 4
Cincinnati, OH
The atmosphere alone is worth the visit. You will quickly forget that you are sitting in a bar in the midwest. The cocktail menu is not for a lightweight. You do not have to worry about your drink tasting watered down but you may want to pace yourself! If you want something a little sweeter, try the Huckleberry. This is the perfect bar if you want to have a drink alone. It’s a much quieter atmosphere than most bars.
I was disappointed by the lack of snacks on the menu. While I appreciate the wings they had on the menu and recommend them, I was hoping for something a little more unique and less messy for an upscale establishment.
Place rating: 4
Cincinnati, OH
The atmosphere here is simply amazing. It completely makes the experience. The drinks are decent. Didn’t try the happy hour specials but the house drinks were good if a little strong. The happy hour wings had a good flavor and texture but they got soggy quickly. It is a most try at least once.
Place rating: 5
Goltry, OK
Not to sound like a song but «I Love This Bar) it is located in the Beautiful Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza Hotel. For me is was a great place to slip down and grab something light to eat (love the fried squash blossoms) and a cocktail. Was thrilled to see their list of speciality cocktails and find 2 using with St. Germain! HEAVEN! The Fleuri75 was full of sparkle but I think I preferred their #Huckleberry while featuring St. Germain had otter complex flavors including a touch of tarragon syrup
Again, service was exceptional. The Art Décor surrounding bring a quiet casual elegance to relax alone or visit with friends.
I only regret my stay was not longer. Would have loved to have sampled more of the offerings! But next time! :-))
Place rating: 4
La Grange, IL
This is the bar in the Hilton Hotel — it’s hard to find if you don’t know that. The Hotel is one of those old art deco places that exudes period charm and the Bar at Palm Court is the centerpiece. From floor to walls to ceiling this place is right out of the roaring 20s. They have a nice cocktail program, swingin’ live jazz music, and a dance floor that people actually are dancing on. It’s a fun place and worth a visit.
Place rating: 5
Cincinnati, OH
The Bar at Palm court is a gem. It’s worth checking out for the interior architecture/​ambiance alone!
They have a great craft cocktail menu (and I’d say it’s very reasonably priced, if not slightly less for what you’d pay for craft cocktails at other venues in Cincy).
If you’re able to get to the bar during happy hour, they have a great deal on the bar appetizers as well. The bar food offerings are definitely above and beyond what you’d see at any bar.
I was fortunate enough to randomly end up going on a night that they had a live jazz band playing, which only added to the experiance. If you make the effort to look it up ahead of time, the band was great and worth checking out!
Place rating: 5
Cincinnati, OH
This is a great place to go if you’re out on a fancy night on the town! Such an elegant setting and, on some nights, there is a pianist setting a nice jazzy mood! I typically get wine over cocktails, but both times I have been here and tried a new cocktail I have really enjoyed it here. There was one with ginger beer that was excellent, so try that one if you like ginger beer (yes, I know ginger beer isn’t alcohol… but it DOES have alcohol in it!)
We had appetizers here once and I have to say the brussel sprout dish was AMAZING! Another visit we just did desserts. Get the sampler just so you can try the Truffle Lollipop! Disappointing that there is only one on the sampler plate, so grab it fast or be nice and share :) They should seriously offer a dish just of these.
Place rating: 5
Cincinnati, OH
What a special place! You can’t help but stare up at all the beautiful artwork. Honestly, Palm Court brings me to another time.
I love it here so much that I had planned for cocktails here between my wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner to show off this beautiful space to my family and friends from out of town.
I don’t even know what to say. The space is beautiful, historic and elegant! Drinks are great, service is great and location is fantastic.
If you haven’t made your way to Palm Court, add it to your list immediately! (and bring your camera!)
Place rating: 4
Honolulu, HI
Bellinis. Bellinis. Bellinis. This is definitely my style lounge. Especially when I was single. If I was single in Cinci this would be my Thursday night (possibly Friday night) spot. This place is classy. Dark. No tube tops and flip flops here ladies. Nice dress. Sports coat, cute skirt. Express style. You get it. The fresh out of college (not to be confused with stupid frat boys) business men are here. Complementing each other on their newest feat. The art décor is beautiful. Trust me. Just go here.
I came here with a few girls while then boys found parking. You know, God Forbid they valet. (ah… boys) It took them so long to park that I was already on my 2nd bellini by the time my husband got there. We ordered a ton of appetizers. I can’t remember all of them, but their pork sliders were amazing. One of the top sliders I’ve had. I did like their hummus as well.
You also will see people walking around because it’s attached to a hotel. This doesn’t even seem like a «hotel bar» though. Apparently, there are many weddings too. We seen two wedding parties just in the time we were there.
Come kick back. Enjoy the scenery. And food. And bellinis.
Place rating: 5
Cincinnati, OH
This fall I discovered a few great hidden treasures in Cincinnati: hotel bars. The Bar at Palm Court was the second stop on our hotel bar crawl. I’m so glad it wasn’t later in the evening as I was able to fully enjoy the splendor. We were lucky enough to get a table at the seashell-​like couches. The wine selection was excellent and not over-​priced. The best part about this bar: the chefs cooking for the #1 Orchids at Palm Court are the same chefs cooking deliciousness for the bar. My husband ordered pork belly sliders and I honestly think the chefs are pork magicians. Order them — you won’t be disappointed!
Place rating: 5
Cincinnati, OH
If you haven’t been to The Bar at Palm Court you are missing out on one of the coolest lounges in Cincinnati!
When you walk in you are immediately hypnotized by the amazing art deco architecture and the space just oozes coolness. It’s not modern by any means, but it takes you to a time and place where you might look over and see Sinatra sippin on a Manhattan.
We came here and had great service even with our large group. I very much enjoyed the live jazz band. Was so smooth, and really set the mood of the evening. My friends and I had wine, the boys had beer. Everyone was satisfied and we all sank into our seats and did not want to call it a night.
I am also a huge fan of the «Ariel» chairs so I call them. This place has huge chairs that look like giant seashells! They are so fabulous. I just want to put on my furs, and all my fancy pants jewelry decked to the nines, and come here and drink the night away without a care in the world.
So why not? Stop by the Bar at Palm Court for any occasion and you will not be disappointed.
Place rating: 4
Delaware, OH
Came here a few weeks ago after a Reds game for happy hour. My friend and I ordered a glass of wine on the happy hour menu and perused the menu. The wine was fine, nothing special.
For food I ordered the garlic fries with truffle aioli and it was not an aioli, it was a broken sauce and the fries were not crisp. I also ordered the sliders and they were a bit over cooked, but had good flavor. My friend had the hummus and chicken wings and really liked them.