You're standing right across from Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. The air smells like roasted nuts and exhaust. Most people are sprinting toward the gates to grab a overpriced hot dog, but the smart ones—the ones who actually want to enjoy their afternoon—duck into The Filson. It’s named after John Filson, one of the city's founders, which is a nice bit of trivia to drop while you're waiting for a table. Honestly, The Filson Queen City Kitchen & Bar menu isn't what you'd expect from a place that lives in the shadow of a professional sports stadium. It’s better. It’s deliberate.
Most "stadium-adjacent" spots rely on volume. They want you in, they want you out, and they want you to pay $18 for a frozen patty. The Filson feels like it’s trying to prove something else. Managed by the folks at One Hospitality—the same team behind places like Goose & Elder—there is a level of culinary pedigree here that feels surprisingly authentic for the Banks. It’s a massive, 10,000-square-foot space, but the food somehow avoids that "mass-produced" cafeteria vibe.
What’s Actually Worth Ordering on The Filson Queen City Kitchen & Bar Menu
Let’s get into the weeds of the menu. It’s a mix of elevated comfort food and what I’d call "Cincinnati-inspired" modern American. You’ve got your starters, which are basically designed to be shared over a bucket of beer or one of their surprisingly decent cocktails.
The Whipped Feta is a sleeper hit. People usually go for the wings—which are solid, don't get me wrong—but the whipped feta with honey and pistachios is what stays in your head. It’s creamy, salty, and sweet in a way that feels a bit too sophisticated for a place where people are wearing Joey Votto jerseys and shouting about pitching rotations.
Then there are the Short Rib Tacos. Short rib is a risky move in high-volume kitchens because it can get dry or overly fatty if it’s sitting under a heat lamp. Here, they keep it succulent. They pair it with a pickled red onion and a lime crema that cuts right through the richness. It’s messy. You’ll need extra napkins. It’s worth it.
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The Burger Situation
We have to talk about the burger. Every place has a burger. But the Filson Burger is a double-patty situation that actually respects the ratio of meat to bun. They use a proprietary blend—no thin, gray school-cafeteria meat here. It’s topped with American cheese (the only correct cheese for a pub burger, let’s be real), pickles, and their "special sauce."
Is it revolutionary? No.
Is it exactly what you want when you’re three beers deep? Absolutely.
For the people trying to be "healthy" (or at least less sluggish before a three-hour game), the Harvest Salad is a legitimate option. It’s not just limp iceberg lettuce. We’re talking kale, roasted squash, farro, and a maple vinaigrette. It’s substantial. You won't leave feeling like you only ate a garnish.
Why the Drink List Matters Just as Much
You can't talk about The Filson Queen City Kitchen & Bar menu without looking at the bar program. Cincinnati is a beer town. It’s in the DNA. The Filson pays homage to that with a heavy rotation of local drafts. You’ll see names like Rhinegeist and MadTree, which is expected, but they also pull in some smaller regional breweries that keep the list interesting for the craft beer snobs.
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If you aren't a beer person, the Queen City Mule is the move. It’s refreshing, sharp, and serves as a perfect palate cleanser if you just downed a plate of loaded fries. They also do a decent job with the "Mocktail" trend. It's nice to see a sports-centric bar that doesn't just offer O'Doul's for the sober-curious or the designated drivers. Their Ginger Berry Smash (non-alcoholic) actually has some bite to it.
The Vibe Shift: Lunch vs. Game Day
Timing is everything. If you go on a Tuesday at 1:00 PM when the Reds are away, the experience is totally different. It’s quiet. You can hear the music. The service is attentive. You can actually appreciate the nuances of the Roasted Half Chicken—which, by the way, is surprisingly tender and served with a pan jus that I’d honestly drink out of a shot glass.
But on a Saturday when there’s a home game? It’s a madhouse.
The staff at The Filson are basically battle-hardened veterans of the service industry. They move fast. The menu stays the same, but the kitchen is clearly optimized for speed during these windows. If you're looking for a slow, romantic dinner, don't go during a home stand. But if you want energy, high-ceilings, and a menu that can handle a crowd without falling apart, this is the spot.
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A Note on the "Queen City" Comforts
They have this Pork Tenderloin Sandwich that is a direct nod to the Midwest. It’s huge. It’s breaded and fried to a golden-brown crisp that shatters when you bite into it. It’s a little piece of Indiana/Ohio soul on a bun. It’s the kind of food that makes you want to take a nap immediately afterward, which is perhaps the only downside if you actually have to walk over to the stadium and sit in the sun for nine innings.
The Complexity of Operating at The Banks
It’s easy to dismiss a place like The Filson as a "tourist trap" because of its location. But the reality is more complex. The Banks is a brutal environment for restaurants. The rent is sky-high, the seasonality is extreme, and the expectations are all over the map. You have corporate lunch crowds, die-hard sports fans, and out-of-towners all wanting something different.
The Filson Queen City Kitchen & Bar menu manages this by being a bit of a chameleon. It’s fancy enough for a business lunch but accessible enough for a family with kids. That’s a hard line to walk. Usually, when a place tries to be everything to everyone, the food suffers. Here, the quality stays high because they aren't trying to do too much. They aren't serving sushi and pizza and tacos. They stay in the lane of elevated American classics and they execute them with a level of consistency that’s rare in this neighborhood.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- The Patio is Prime Real Estate: If the weather is even remotely nice, fight for a spot outside. The people-watching at The Banks is world-class, especially when the Bengals are playing nearby at Paycor Stadium.
- Validate Your Parking: If you’re parking in the underground garage at The Banks, ask the host about validation. Every little bit helps when Cincinnati parking prices spike during events.
- Order the Fries: They’re thin, salty, and come with a variety of dipping sauces. Even if you aren't hungry, get a side for the table.
- Check the Specials: While the core menu is consistent, they often run seasonal specials that use local produce. This is where the kitchen really gets to show off.
The Filson isn't just a place to kill time. It's a genuine culinary anchor in a part of town that used to be a food desert of mediocre chains. Whether you're there for the whipped feta or the towering double burger, you're getting a slice of Cincinnati’s modern identity.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Reds/Bengals Schedule: Before heading down, look at the game times. If you want a quiet meal, aim for at least two hours after first pitch or on "away" days.
- Make a Reservation: The Filson uses OpenTable. Even on busy days, they often hold a few spots for reservations, which can save you a 45-minute wait in the humidity.
- Review the Tap List Online: Their beer list rotates frequently; checking their digital menu beforehand ensures you won't miss out on a limited-run local craft brew.
- Explore the Area: Use The Filson as your home base, then take a three-minute walk to Smale Riverfront Park to walk off the calories—it's one of the best park designs in the country.