Iris Book Cafe

Category:	Book Store
Address:	1331 Main St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
Phone:	+1 513-381-2665
Site:	sites.google.com
Rating:	4.1
Working:	8AM–9PM 8AM–9PM 8AM–9PM 8AM–9PM 8AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 11AM–9PM

Location

Photos 55

Reviews 15

Iris Gomez

If I could rate this less than one star I certainly would. Worst customer service I have ever received and I mean ever. The barista was beyond rude, she basically ignored us, acted like we were inconveniencing her by asking about the menu and trying to order. We ask where napkins were, and another customer showed us where they were located and she yelled at the customer and told her that was her job and to mind her own business. A construction worker came in and ask for a glass of water she was extremely rude told him it would be a $1, he told her she was crazy to charge a $1 for a glass of water she then yelled at him to get the Fu** out of her cafe, right in front of my children. I literally was waiting for John Quinones to pop out and say we were on an episode of what would you do, but sadly that never happen. We called and left a message for the owner who never returned our call, so I called back several times until I got a hold of her and she did not seem the least bit interested or concerned that one of her staff would act so horrible to her customers, she did not even apologize. We will never go back.

A Private User

A lot of the reviews call Iris Book Cafe a hidden Gem in Cincinnati. That title is not undeservedly given, if a little mis-applied. This cafe is certainly a gem, but its not hidden at all. Its on Main St. in OTR with plenty of available parking and on a main bus route. I went for the first time today with one of the regulars and absolutely loved it. Julie was in the store and friendly while Claire and Payton were very helpful (and amusing) while preparing my food (*delicious* turkey avocado sandwich) and espresso (Coffee Emporium- need I say more?) It was too cold to sit outside but I did tour the courtyard briefly and saw that it was as beautiful as the other reviews say, even in the winter. The seating was really comfortable and felt private because of the setup of various book shelves around the room even though its more open. Its good for a group of three or four friends at a time, maybe, but otherwise I think one would be abusing the space for the other patrons. I definitely plan on coming back and bringing friends!

Rachel Robinson

This is such a cute little place in OtR that its kind of hard to spot just driving down the road. Just walking in you can tell its a cozy little place. Theres a few bookshelves when you walk in a some tables, and even some records in boxes! A local artist is featured in a mini display running along the wall, to a back room in this place. I love the back area! Theres more tables and even more shelves with all sorts of books to pass the time. Theres also a patio out back, and Ive heard rumor one of the painted pigs is there as well. I love that they serve you in actual nice big coffee mugs instead of styrofoam here. Theyre hot chocolates ok, but there apple cider is to die for!! Its pretty much amazing. When I went, our little group were the only ones there on a weeknight, which was nice actually. But its truly a cozy little place to just chill, if youre looking for a relazing evening.

Joe Wehry

On our first visit, we had a generous bowl of carrot ginger coconut soup that is spicy sweet and puréed to a perfect consistency. But the vegetarian chilli became a favourite along with a bagel sandwich. I love the book cafe atmosphere and friendly service. You can tell it comes from a genuine love of reading and creating an atmosphere where you can enjoy being by yourself or engaging in conversation with friends. Be sure to check out the courtyard in back! Update: On subsequent visits I learned the Cafe also is host to a local photography group and well-curated photo exhibits that change every other month, or so. If you miss an exhibit, they generally have a book or two of the photographers work available.

Drew M

Everytime I travel up to Cincinnati for work I always make sure to go by iris to enjoy the amazing coffee and the great staff. Their hot chocolate is fantastic, I usually drink 2 or 3 before I leave. But dont worry their staff is as amazing as their hot chocolate.the last couple of times I came a short red headed lady named bailey (I believe) helped me. She was great, very nice, and extremely helpful. She is one of the main reasons I come back. Always greets me with a smile and chats with me when she isnt helping other customers. The world would be a better place if we had more people like her.

L WD

I wanted to like it... The food was tasty (even though it was overpriced), atmosphere was cool and the courtyard was beautiful. However, the baristas were rude. No eye contact, no smile, no welcoming hello, and it wasnt because the place was busy! There were 5 of them (huddled behind the bar gossiping), and we were the only customers.

Elisabeth Denby

Atmosphere was...neat, but felt a little disappointing after reading some really good reviews. Book selection was slim, as was seating. Had an iced tea but it was a bit of a challenge to track down a barista when I was ready to checkout. Overall alright experience, but wish I could have figured out how to get into that courtyard...

A Private User

Another coffee shop with a lot of character in OTR. These places seem to be popping up more and more in the neighborhood. The books and records lining the walls give this place a unique experience. Coffee is good, and food from local vendors. It is small and friendly.

Alan Dicken

One of my favorite places in the city! A friendly staff, a good and ethical menu, a quaint atmosphere with the old books and a beautiful and peaceful courtyard all combine to make Iris the perfect place to relax, write, read, meet a friend, or just grab a coffee.

Tommy Jones

The food is very tasty and so is the tea, they have great veggitarian options too. The owner is a very nice, who previously worked at a soup place. I had a carrot, coconut, and ginger soup. Gosh it was so good! If I lived in Cincinnati, Id come here often!

A Private User

The customer service was appalling. It was freezing. The fans were turning like turboprop engines I requested three times for them to turn off the fans and waited forever for a tea. After 15 minutes, the fans were back on. Thanks.

A Private User

Good tea selection and tasty coffee. Aglamesis Ice Cream and Myras soups are a big plus so I dont have to leave OTR to get them. Make sure to visit the back and the courtyard, both wonderful places to take in the books and scenery.

Pete Healy

Just a wonderful local, independent coffeehouse with a limited but very good food menu, an excellent selection of books, and a changing display of artwork of all types. May the Iris Book Cafe live forever!

A Private User

Scatter shot, I would say this is the place to go if you are committed to digging for records. You wont find what you came looking for but you will find some thing else that might be even better.

theiceageiscominggg

This place is very quaint and cozy, complete with a beautiful courtyard! The food was delicious and very vegan/vegetarian friendly Great coffee/books AND photography. This place is perfect!