This Ohio Restaurant Serves Steaks People Keep Thinking About Days Later

A steak that lingers in your brain for days sounds dramatic until Ohio hands you the proof on a sizzling plate.

I still remember walking into The Precinct by Jeff Ruby at 311 Delta Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226, and realizing this was not going to be a quick dinner and a quick goodbye.

Housed in a former police station, this Cincinnati landmark serves steaks with the kind of confident char that makes you pause mid-conversation, then immediately forget what you were saying.

I have watched first-timers sit down in those red velvet booths, take one bite, and suddenly develop the thousand-yard stare of someone who just met their new favorite meal.

Between the stained-glass glow, the old-school grandeur, and a staff that treats your table like the main event, The Precinct turns an ordinary weeknight into a “so when are we coming back” situation.

If you are craving a steakhouse experience that sticks around in your thoughts long after the check is paid, Ohio has your next reservation waiting in Cincinnati.

A Police Station Turned Steakhouse

Walking into a building that once housed Cincinnati’s police force adds a layer of intrigue you won’t find at your average steakhouse. The Precinct occupies a historic structure that served the community in a completely different way before Jeff Ruby transformed it into his flagship restaurant.

Original architectural details remain throughout the space, creating an atmosphere that feels both grand and authentic. Stained glass windows that once stood in the police precinct now cast beautiful patterns across diners enjoying their meals.

The layout can feel a bit maze-like as you navigate different rooms and floor levels, but staff members are always ready to escort you where you need to go.

Every corner of this building tells a story. Red velvet booths line the walls, chandeliers hang from high ceilings, and the overall design strikes a perfect balance between historic preservation and upscale dining.

This isn’t some gimmicky theme restaurant trying to capitalize on nostalgia.

The conversion respects the building’s past while creating an environment that feels elegant and timeless, making your dinner feel like an event rather than just another meal out.

Steaks That Haunt Your Dreams

Let me be clear about something: the steak at The Precinct isn’t just good, it’s the kind of good that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite.

I’ve tried the ribeye, the barrel cut filet, and the hatchet steak, and each one delivered that perfect combination of char on the outside and tender, juicy meat on the inside.

One guest in their review called their Australian wagyu ribeye fillet the best steak they’d ever eaten, and I completely understand that sentiment. The kitchen staff knows exactly how to prepare each cut to bring out maximum flavor.

When you order medium rare, you get medium rare perfection, not some version that’s closer to well done.

The signature char adds a smoky depth that enhances rather than overwhelms the natural beef flavor. Each bite practically melts in your mouth, and the quality of the meat is so evident you barely need any sauce.

That said, they do offer a horseradish sauce that complements nicely if you want a little extra kick.

Days after my visits, I find myself thinking about that last ribeye, planning when I can justify another trip back.

The Legendary Butter Pie

If you skip dessert at The Precinct, you’re making a mistake that will haunt you on the drive home. The butter pie has achieved legendary status among regular diners, and after trying it myself, I joined the chorus of people who insist everyone must order it.

This isn’t your typical restaurant dessert that tastes like it came from a freezer. The butter pie features a rich, sweet filling that somehow manages to feel indulgent without being overwhelming after a heavy steak dinner.

Some versions come topped with cinnamon candied pecans that add a delightful crunch and warmth to each bite.

Multiple reviews specifically mention this dessert by name, which tells you something about how memorable it is. One couple celebrating their anniversary said their server brought out a chocolate cupcake, but the butter pie remains the star of the dessert menu.

Another diner made sure to list it in their top recommendations alongside Brussels sprouts.

Even when you’re completely full from your meal, somehow there’s always room for butter pie. It’s become such a signature item that leaving without trying it feels like visiting Cincinnati and skipping the chili.

The Raw Bar Experience

Steakhouses often treat seafood as an afterthought, but The Precinct takes its raw bar seriously enough that multiple guests called it one of the best things the restaurant offers. Jumbo shrimp arrive fresh and perfectly prepared, making an excellent start to your meal.

King crab appears frequently in reviews, often paired with steak options for surf and turf combinations that showcase both land and sea. One diner who admitted to not being a seafood fan still found the crab cake exceptional, which speaks volumes about the quality and preparation.

The seafood selection provides a nice counterpoint to the heavy steak offerings. You can start light with something from the raw bar before moving on to your main course, or go all in with a surf and turf combination that brings together the best of both worlds.

Everything arrives fresh, properly chilled, and beautifully presented. The kitchen clearly sources high-quality seafood and treats it with the same respect and attention as their famous beef.

Whether you’re a seafood lover or just want to add a little variety to your steakhouse experience, the raw bar delivers options worth exploring and savoring.

Sides That Steal the Show

Brussels sprouts might seem like an odd thing to rave about, but The Precinct’s version earned the title of best Brussels sprouts one reviewer had ever eaten. The smokiness, flavor, and texture come together perfectly, and unlike many restaurants, they don’t arrive dry and overcooked.

Jeff Ruby’s baked macaroni and cheese appears in review after review as a must-order item. Homemade and loaded with six imported cheeses, this isn’t some sad pasta swimming in cheese sauce.

It’s rich, decadent, and substantial enough to share if you’re watching your appetite for the main course.

Parmesan fries offer a fun twist on traditional steakhouse potatoes, though they don’t win over everyone. The baked potatoes, on the other hand, earned praise for literally melting in your mouth.

Each side dish gets the same attention to quality and preparation as the main courses.

One smart tip from experienced diners: consider doing split plates. The portions are generous, and splitting allows you to try more dishes without overcommitting.

You can share a steak and order separate sides and salads, maximizing variety while keeping portions reasonable enough to save room for that legendary butter pie.

Getting In and Getting Seated

Reservations at The Precinct can book up months in advance, especially for weekend evenings and special occasions. One couple had gift certificates from Christmas and couldn’t get in until they lucked into a cancellation through OpenTable months later.

The restaurant offers dine-in dinner service, opening at 4 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, 4 PM on Sundays, and 4:30 PM Monday through Thursday. Closing times run 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, 10 PM Monday through Thursday, and 9 PM on Sundays.

Planning ahead is essential if you have a specific date in mind for an anniversary, birthday, or other celebration.

When you arrive, valet parking costs eight dollars and is absolutely worth it. Street parking can be challenging, and you might end up walking a quarter mile or more from your car.

If the weather is bad or your date isn’t dressed for a hike, those eight dollars become the best money you’ll spend all evening.

Seating varies throughout the different rooms. Some guests get seated in the main dining area, others in the bar section where it can get a bit noisier with server traffic from the kitchen.

If you have specific needs or preferences, mention them when making your reservation or speak with the host staff when you arrive.

Special Occasion Central

Anniversaries, birthdays, and milestone celebrations happen constantly at The Precinct. The staff has perfected the art of making special occasions feel genuinely special without going overboard or feeling forced.

One family celebrated a 90th birthday and received exceptional service including knowledgeable guidance through the extensive menu. Another couple marked their 50th anniversary with their family, and the staff engaged warmly with everyone from the adults down to the little ones.

The restaurant even offers private dining options like the Jeff Ruby Room and the Ruby Room for larger groups who want a more intimate setting.

When you mention you’re celebrating something, servers often bring out a complimentary dessert, usually that famous butter pie or a chocolate cupcake. The gesture feels genuine rather than obligatory, adding a sweet touch to an already memorable meal.

Multiple guests mentioned how the staff made them feel like VIPs during their celebrations.

From the moment you mention your special occasion when booking to the final farewell from management checking on your satisfaction, The Precinct treats celebrations with the attention and care they deserve, creating memories that last well beyond the meal itself.

The Jeff Ruby Difference

Jeff Ruby built a reputation in Cincinnati for offering only the finest quality ingredients and creating dining experiences that go beyond just serving food. The Precinct represents his flagship location, the original restaurant that established his name in the fine dining world.

Everything from the handcrafted steaks to the homemade bread reflects a commitment to quality over shortcuts. The meat selection focuses on prime cuts that meet exacting standards.

Sides are made from scratch. Even small details like the herbed and plain butter served with bread show attention to the complete dining experience.

Prices reflect the quality, with the restaurant falling firmly in the high-end category at four dollar signs. But guests consistently mention that the value justifies the cost, with some noting that prices compare favorably to other high-end steakhouses while including sides with entrees.

The restaurant has maintained its reputation for decades by refusing to compromise on ingredients or service. When you dine at The Precinct, you’re experiencing the vision of someone who personally cares about every detail.

One reviewer even shared a story about being fired by Mr. Ruby himself over 40 years ago, then returning for an exceptional meal that proved the standards remain as high as ever.

Beyond Steak Options

Not everyone wants steak, and The Precinct understands that without compromising its identity as a premier steakhouse. The chicken piccata earns praise for delivering Italian flavors executed with the same attention to detail as the beef dishes.

Seafood Fettucine Alfredo provides another alternative for guests who prefer pasta and seafood over red meat. The sea bass appears on the menu alongside wagyu options, giving fish lovers a high-quality choice that matches the caliber of the steak offerings.

One reviewer called their sea bass absolutely delicious, proving that non-beef options receive equal care in preparation.

Salads at The Precinct go beyond basic iceberg lettuce. The Greek salad gets specific mentions in reviews, and the wedge salad serves as an ideal accompaniment to heavier entrees.

The Freddie salad appears frequently enough in reviews to suggest it’s worth trying.

Even the bread service impresses, arriving warm with two types of butter. Every element of the meal receives attention, whether you’re ordering the most expensive cut of beef or opting for chicken or seafood.

The kitchen approaches every dish with the same commitment to quality ingredients and proper preparation, ensuring everyone at your table enjoys an exceptional meal regardless of what they order.