This local watering hole located in downtown Cincinnati became one of our favorites even after the first visit. Filled with regulars and tons of sports memorabilia, we felt right at home as soon as we walked in. We sat at the far end of the bar at pretty much the last two seats (thankfully the furthest from the cold wind that blew in when the door was opened) and were greeted by the bartenders and a heaping bowl of perfectly seasoned popcorn. I’m not sure what they throw on it, but my lanta it was good. Nolan ordered a mix drink and I ordered my usual chardonnay.

After browsing the menu on an empty stomach (which I don’t recommend doing; it makes everything sound amazing), I settled with a chicken quesadilla and Nolan got the Knockback nachos. We waited a fair amount of time for our food, but with it being really just a bar there wasn’t wait staff to help expedite the process. I like to think of myself as a ‘dilla connoisseur after trying one at pretty much every festival and fair I worked this summer, so I was eagerly awaiting my food.

We definitely weren’t disappointed in the portion sizes; and I definitely stuffed myself finishing off most of my quesadilla. What I especially loved about the way that they make theirs is the fact that they add bacon and jalapeños to the inside, adding a smoky heat to a pretty basic food concept. My only complaint with my food would be that there was too much cheese, something I never thought I would say, as it overpowered the rest of the flavors.

Nolan chose to have his nachos come with the brisket on them, with brisket being his area of expertise. After him forcing me to try them, we both agreed their barbecue sauce was bomb, though hidden under the house Horsey sauce. The chips were your standard what I call “stadium chips”, like the kind that come in bags when you order nachos with cheese sauce, but we didn’t go into this place expecting house made tortilla chips either.

We 100% recommend making a stop at Knockback Nats, and who knows? Maybe you’ll catch us there.