Definitely one of the most unique and relaxing coffee shops I have ever been to. Highland Coffee House has been in business since 1978, and it seemed as if the time stands still as soon as I walked in.
The atmosphere is relaxing and calm, with dim lights and live plants everywhere, not your everyday Starbuckian joint. Â There are so many details in this coffee house worth exploring: the decades-old manual espresso machine, classic books and board games sitting on the shelf, and the beautiful patio covered by ivy.
Not only do they serve coffee, they have many specialty drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, that are worth a try. If you are looking for a great cup of coffee, I wouldn't recommend Highland Coffee, but just for the atmosphere it is so amazing to go hang do some work, or to relax with a small group of friends.
The neighborhood that Highland Coffee House is in is not the best in Cincinnati, so make sure you park within a block of the shop. But regardless, this shouldn't stop you from coming here. Â It is a diamond in the rough for sure.
went to highland with a half dozen friends maybe six months ago. It was a quiet night-- there was hardly anyone else there. We were intrigued by the whole cafe/bar thing and figured we'd start with coffees and transition into alcohol as the night progressed.
Having read reviews on here before going, I was expecting roughly the nicest staff in the world. I asked the guy behind the counter a question about some aspect of the menu (I forget what) and he fixed me with a stare normally reserved for someone who is actively farting in your cereal bowl. After some unhelpful monosyllabic response I was so surprised that I actually let out an involuntary bark of laughter and ordered a black coffee instead. He poured and stuck it in front of me wordlessly.
I didn't see him interact with the rest of us but when we all got to our table the first thing someone said was "did that guy act like a total douche to you guys as well?" Apparently he had. We all replayed our ordering adventures and spent a merry half hour laughing about the sheer disdain our server obviously had for us. Then we left and got beers somewhere else.
In short: I enjoyed the atmosphere at highland, but the service was so bad that it crossed the line from distressing into frankly comic territory. I dunno what happened, because this is completely at odds with what everyone else says about the place. Hopefully that guy was just having a bad day or something.
They have the best Thai Iced Coffee and the adult coffees will definitely make you a little wobbly. Highland is a great place to do some reading, meetup with friends, people watch ( I watched a dude play chess with himself this weekend...awesome), or hell...ive even painted there. Â Great Place, Great People.
Review Source:I think "perplexed" is the correct term I am looking for to describe what I felt when I walked in for the first time.
So...is this, a cafe? But, they have alcohol? Well..I see college students studying on the tables. So...is this a bar?
Super grunge, with grungy guests as well, but a completely young crowd. I would say no one over 30 would dare enter, probably because it's near campus.
They have little nooks and crannies for seating, and we chose to sit in the back patio. I think that's where the cool people sit to light a cigarette and scribble crucial notes down for their new indie film idea or the verse to their next garage band song. I mean, if you get a little stressed out and can't think of an idea, I guess you can skip the coffee and go with the booze. Bottoms up?
Their menu ranges from various coffee/tea assortments to alcohol concoctions, sandwiches, smoothies, and the like. I got the iced Thai coffee and it's seriously the best iced drink that isn't awfully sweet and gives a nice a kick to your caffeine fix. Rather than the typical condensed milk, I believe they use half-and-half-- unfortunately a rarity in my coffee-life-- but this makes it less sweet than the popular Thai iced tea, which is awesome. I definitely recommend the iced Thai coffee, hands down. I'm excited to try other items on their menu.
I heard Passion Pit's "Smile Upon Me" on the speakers, which is always a plus to hear good music in public.
Highland is open 5pm-2am (everyday!) so it's a nightly treat. Especially because most joints in the Cincinnati area tend to close ridiculously early. It's an honest disappointment and brings about quite a deplorable sentiment for a city that can do much better.
As my male companion stated, the [what seemed like] owner was so nice that he thought he was gonna give him a big hug before we left.
Also, I think the rule is that you have to be really cool to get in.
The Highland Cafe has been my coffeehouse of choice for many years. It's more than just coffee ... it's like your living room away from home. It's what a bar should be ... a chill place to have a good conversation.
The beer list is very, very extensive, and not super expensive. The hummus is pretty good too. You can get regular coffee and some coffee drinks, however fancy lattes and such cannot be found here. The cafe opens at 5 p.m. but stays open until around 2:30 a.m., so it's best for that late night escape. The wait staff is all incredibly nice. Jay is especially nice. If you're a regular, he remembers you. Also, remember to tip them well because they work hard.
Is it weird that I like to know what I'm getting myself into before spending my friday night in a coffee shop? Probably, but with Highland Coffee I already know. I first came here with a friend back in 2010 and honestly haven't been down this way since but the place is exactly as I remember it which is fantastic because there's just no other place like it.
The lighting is super dim, the bric-a-bracs aplenty and the coffee and beer selection is varied enough to keep you here well into the night. Love the hours! It's like Sitwells minus the mayhem and highly caffeinated waitresses.
So. In theory, I really like this place. In reality, I'm a little irritated at the price of coffee. The gentleman behind the counter wandered around, refilling our mugs, but then charged us for multiple cups when we were cashing out...what's up with that? If it weren't for that, I would up it to 4-star. I still may.
The negative stuff out of the way, here's the positive: I love that Highland has the kind of coffee shop hours I'm used to--they're open late, really late. They're friendly to students and professors alike, who need java and space to grade/write. The lighting, however, is quite dim, so for those of us who have been staring at computer screens for eons, it's hard to grade on paper there, late at night, unless you snag a particularly well-located table.
The food? Is excellent. I've enjoyed pie, salty appetizers (chips & hummus!), and the single most decadent peanut-butter milkshake EVER there. Seriously, do not underestimate that milkshake. Drink it! The ensuing bellyache is totally worth it.
In addition to coffee, tea, and delicious food, Highland is a bar! They have a great beer selection and wine as well. I do love a coffee shop/bar combo, and this comes without the pretension and parking frustration of Sitwells.
Overall, I do like this coffee shop and I will be returning, but probably more in the summer, when the daylight lasts longer, and next time, I'll be better prepared for the coffee pricing policy!
Having been to Highland Coffee House a number of times now, I feel confident in saying that it is one of my favorite chill spots in Cincinnati. From the old furniture, to the patio, to the awesome staff, everything about Highlands just exclaims welcoming and friendliness. I have never had a bad experience while hanging out here.
While the roomy, two level patio in the back is definitely my favorite thing about Highlands, the friendliness of the staff is a very close second. Not only are they friendly, they are very laid back and seem to be in no rush to have you pay. In fact, the honor system really seems to come into play here and they will often to tell you that you can just pay whenever you decide to leave, something that I thought was really cool.
As others have mentioned, this is not your average coffee house chain kind of place. However, I think that is what makes it so awesome and if you are the kind of person who thinks that is awesome too, you will love Highlands!
P.S. - Street parking is super convenient and best of all, its free! (I like free parking.)
Without Highland, older pseudo-intellectual Clifton guys with guitars would really struggle to find younger girls to frown at. Â
That being said, Highland is great, it's open late, Jay is awesome, the coffee is good, the booze is OK pricewise and pretty good selectionwise. Â The deck is really nice on summer nights. Â I think this place does kind of depend on you knowing people there. Â That is to say, part of the fun of it is just going and see who you know is there. Â If you don't know anyone who goes that often (which is becoming the case for me), it's a pretty interchangeable coffee shop. Â This place is all ambiance.
5 stars and let me tell you why! Highlands has been open since 1978 and is still run by the same wonderful barista/bartender genuinely pleasant jack of all trades man. There is truly no other coffee shop I have been to quite like this one in Cincinnati or, come to think of it, any other city. The drinks are fantastic and adventuresome. The atmosphere is extremely chill. Anyone could be there studying while the table next to them converses over beers. I have sought refuge in this establishment in both the chilling temperature of winter when all i need is a spiked hot cider, and the scorching dog days of summer when I am looking for a tall iced sweet tea and vodka. The furniture and general atmosphere hasn't changed much from 1978, and that's just what gives Highlands its charm. My most recent visit tonight was to hit the books. Highlands is open until 2 am which was perfect for the cram time i needed. The front room is riddled with mismatched chairs and sofas. Food is made upon order, and payment is strictly on an honor system. You order what you want, tell Mike what you got on the way out, and he rings it up. There is a genuine trusting relationship with the patrons and workers at Highlands that always keeps me coming back to study, or catch up with friends.
Review Source:I feel like a Beat poet when I spend time at Highland Coffee House. Â It's nice to find a place in Cincinnati that conjures Ginsberg and Kerouac with coffee so strong and good it could destroy (or fuel!) the best minds of my generation. Â Highly recommended, go be howlingly hip at Highland sometime.
Review Source:Very nice and quaint atmosphere. Â Very friendly service. Â Great place to grab coffee/tea and a bit of conversation (which is precisely what I did). Â The place itself has a Bohemian feel to it which is great. Â There are nooks with plenty of lighting, and others with not so much, so whatever kind of space you are looking to chill in, you will likely find it. Â I went on a weeknight which meant that it wasn't very crowded, and you can focus more on your conversation, and not the other guests.
Review Source:I love the place. Â It's nice and dark, but if you want light you can pick a table that has a light close to it. Â It's a great place to go alone or with a friend or two. Â I like to go with a book or and my laptop to get some work done in the evenings during the week. Â It's the type of place where you don't feel weird sitting by yourself working on something. Â Then after your hard work you can reward yourself with a pint of PBR from the tap or whatever other alcoholic beverage floats your boat.
Neighborhood is sketchy, but should get better soon with nearby houses being rehabbed and conversion of Vernon Manor hotel to office building.
I love Highland Cafe. It's not your typical coffee house, but it's certainly one of my favorites. It's a late-night cozy little hole-in-wall with wood floors that creak, rusty antiques sitting in corners, and artwork faded from pre-smoking ban cigarette smoke. There are stacks of books and board games sitting around and the energy - calm, poetic, and angst-ridden - is reminiscent of the Beat Generation. The lighting is dim and it's just cluttered enough to be charming. There are three rooms - tables in the front, couches in the back - and a big patio, shaded by a canopy of trees.
While the Highland has a full bar, it is definitely a coffee shop that serves alcohol and not the other way around. There are four beers on tap (rotating) and a fridge full of craft microbrews. The espresso machine is metallic, majestic, and completely manual. Drip coffee and iced tea is self-serve.
I'm typically pretty simple when it comes to coffee and alcohol (black and neat), but there are some tempting coffee/liquor combos on the menu. I once tried an electric blue concoction called Go-Go Juice that was ridiculously good (gin, rum, vodka, tequila, blue curacao, sprite, and a skewer of fruit). I also highly recommend the absolutely divine amaretto milkshake, if you're not vegan.
Jay - who I presume is the owner - is the nicest guy around. He's always smiling, always genuine, and always knowledgeable. I am consistently impressed by the music selection at the Highland. Jams are essential for a good experience and they staff has mastered the formation of an epic music selection.
Beware that when they are busy the service may be a little slow, and if you're with a large group you may have to squeeze around a small table.
I would never visit the Highland for a to-go beverage. The Highland is all about the experience. You drink your coffee in a mug and you fill it up several times. There may be better places to get a great espresso in Cincinnati, but there is no where else that compares to the unique atmosphere of the Highland. The cafe opens at 4 pm and stays open late (until bar close, I believe). It is my favorite spot in the city to come to write. Creativity seems to flow just like the coffee.
Don't forget to tip! They don't keep their jar on the counter anymore because it's been stolen by local kids too many times.
Highland is on my short list of best places in Cincinnati. Â It's everything I want in a coffee house-inexpensive, comfortable seats, good coffee, and a great vibe in general. Â Just a few visits, and you become a regular. Â I've been coming here for over a decade (!) and I keep coming back for a reason-it's a great place.
This isn't a high-end coffee place-you come here for a good cup of coffee and maybe something small to nibble on, not an $8 latte with a free range organic chicken salad on the side. Â The tables and chairs are old, but stable. Â Many have been painted, or have drawings under glass (my favorite one is animals drawn by a small child). Â There are a few couches here and there, and the back patio is wonderful when it's warm out. Â
This is a great place to meet friends and talk, come alone with a book, or get involved in a game of chess. Â It's up to you. Â Sometimes there are college study groups meeting, other times you'll walk into a loud and lively political debate. Â I showed up once and there was a drum circle performing on the lower patio! Â I've met some new friends (and some interesting characters) here. Â And as other reviewers have mentioned, Jay is great.
Highlands has been around forever and thank god for it. Â I am not a fan when it is busy which is nearly all the time but on those odd nights when it is not and Jay is working those are the BEST. Â
To me Highlands isn't a coffee house as much as it is a place to get good hot soup and a hot drink. Â I always visit Highlands in the winter for some reason so that I what it reminds me of....
Very good pricing - free wifi and just a great atmosphere. Â My second fav place to write when it isn't busy. Â and I like it better without a band or DJ.
Words cannot express my profound and prolific love for Highland Coffee House. Â I've yet to find another coffee house on this planet to rival the atmosphere, relationships, and tastes that Highland offers. Â
I first discovered Highland in 1999, still in high school and excited to be entering a "18+" establishment. Â It grew with me - from a casual escape to a familial retreat to a productive workspace to a relaxing and nostalgic visit home. Â This truely is a place where the people (employees, neighbors, and patrons) make the experience. Â
The main reason that I continue to come back is my now dear friend Jay - barista/bartender/conversationalist extraordinaire. Â He really is a unique bird and the world would be a much better place if it had more people like Jay. Â He is a caring and interesting person who will strike up a conversation with just about anyone and make you feel like he's known you all his life. Â We were strangers when I first wandered in to Highland, but grew to be one of my most trusted confidantes - approving of blind dates, walking me to my car, and even attending my swim competitions. Â If you want to catch Jay - stop by Sunday through Thursday after 9pm.
Highland isn't the sort of place for the "get in and get out" attitude. Â Yes, service sometimes takes a while, but for me - its a place to relax and slow down, not just another place to buy coffee. Although, I will say, their menu is impressive. Â You can get lunch, snacks, treats, wine, beer, cocktails... and of course a myriad of coffee offerings. Â While you sip and taste and chat - be sure to check out the many books and games around - I suggest Trivial Pursuit. Â The decor is enough of a conversation point to keep one talking for ages - all the art is local and ever changing. Â My favorite are the different tables - particularly the "shower drain" table or the "naked boob lady table." Â They're all different - sit at your favorite!
I love the coffee here and I enjoy the setting - the parking isn't too difficult, despite it being street parking, but I knocked it down two stars for one reason - the service varies, and though I've had GREAT baristas, my two recent experiences are making me dubious about frequenting this great coffee joint.
The variety of coffee flavors don't seem to branch out as much as I'd like, but I enjoy the setting - an older building, you can sit in the coffee house or on the back patio which has nice ambient lighting.
The coffee itself is decent - nothing spectacular, but I enjoy the mocha java and I have a great time meeting with friends there.
The service is sketchy - I've had a nice gentleman several times, and he was happy to recommend several drinks. Another employee, however, has been rude every single time - I don't know what exactly is going on, but he's been very abrupt and unfriendly.
As far as coffee houses go, I enjoy this place - it's worth stopping in, but if you want a decent variety of coffees or good service, I'd be wary.
i landed here because my two other preferred coffee shops in the area are closed.
not too shabby. Â interesting atmosphere. Â a cross between an artsy coffeehouse and an old country bar. Â coffee selection isn't great, but the service is friendly. Â most folks here are locals or UC students.
music is a bit loud, which isn't usually a problem except the selection is fairly obnoxious. Â :)
front room has a bar. Â back area is more quiet. Â garden out back seems neat.
$5 minimum for credit card purchases. Â free wi-fi.
i'm glad i came here, but i may not return. Â not the atmosphere i was looking for this evening.
Go here if you want to maybe do some school work, finish that novel, chat with some friends, play some of their board games, read some of their old books you can borrow, smoke a cigarette or whatever's clever on the back porch, admire the fish tanks, the overgrown potted plants, or just sit and chill. Fortunately, you will have time to do all these things while you wait for your drink/food. Service is really slow. If you are in a hurry, go elsewhere. Otherwise, enjoy the pleasant eccentricity that is this, my favorite coffeehouse in Cinti. If you are worried about your car, I would suggest the meters in front of Mecklenburg Gardens.
Review Source:The best coffee house I've been to outside of New York City! Â If only Chicago had coffee houses this nice! I'm serious guys, Cincinnati has a better coffee house than any that are in all of Chicago land (and I've been to a fair share of coffeehouses since I left looking for a replacement for this place!)
Yeah the place is a bit dingy, and the service is slow, but it makes up for it in spades, with a wonderful communal laid back atmosphere, an excellent drink selection, and one of the most awesome bartistas out there, Jay. Â If you get him, tip the guy well, he's cool and has excellent taste in music which he will play for you!
The neighborhood is a tad rough, I used to live there when I was in college and had my car broken into a few times. Â My suggestion is to park close, near the newer apartment buildings on University within clear sight of one of them so you don't experience any problems. Â The only time I ever got my car broken into in that neighborhood was when I was not within line of sight of some form of housing.
This is what a coffee house should be. It has been there since 1978. Rustic, hip, great products, but the best thing is the true coffee house vibe.
The back patio is the best chill spot I have found anywhere.
Coffee, Food, full liquor if you are a coffee house freak, this is the place.
Does not open till 5pm and open until 2:30am ish
Jay at Highlands is one of my favorite people in Cincinnati, hands-down. Â He's just a wonderful individual with a big heart, and he makes great drinks. Â
I read someone else's review about sticky tables, a long wait and expensive, strange menu items. Â It's true that you will run into these inconveniences at Highlands. Â (I'm the ultimate priss, I can't lie)! Â All I have to say is, I love Highlands for what it is. Â That reminds me, I haven't been there in a while! Â Guess I know one place I'll be next week :)
This place was a favorite of mine years ago. It was nice to go back and find it essentially unchanged.
What others have said is true. It has great atmosphere and is trying to be a bit of a dive joint.
Overall the selection of food and drinks is excellent. When you come, plan to spend a little time whether it is reading a good book or having a chat with friends. It certainly adds to the experience.
I love Highland Coffee House for multiple reasons. The high ceilings and glowing back patio make this coffee shop unique. Some menu items are overpriced like the five-dollar milkshake while others are reasonable like the delightful peach pie. Highlands smells like my aunt Sue's house: warm, welcoming, full of homemade specialties, and plants abound. They play great music and house an interesting vintage collection of National Geographic Magazines and old fashion games. If you happen to become hungry during your visit I suggest giving the veggie sandwich a try; though I frequent this place for their coffee and antique atmosphere.
Review Source:Even better than Sitwell's! Highland is probably the only place that comes close to the atmosphere Sitwell's had when it was located farther down Ludlow Ave in the basement of an apartment building. When I walk into this fine little pseudo-dive coffee shop I feel warm and happy that there is some dust, that the aquarium needs to be cleaned, that the artwork is pretty bad, that the beer selection is decent, that the coffee is great and that I can sit and read my City Beat without feeling like I have to be someone I'm not. Maybe I'm just not there enough to be bothered with the usual crowds. It's a damn shame I've never been hungry while there, I've heard great things about the food.
Review Source:
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