The awning out front is hard to argue with, the name of the bar supported by three words that define the space inside, ‘lunches,’ ‘sports’ and ‘spirits.’ The vintage sign above the awning throw a couple of other elements into the Pilot Inn mix, ‘beer’ and ‘whiskey,’ so it’s easy to envision what a visitor is in store for inside. In addition to the Cincinnati Bengals and Cincinnati Reds gear that dots the interior, University of Miami (Ohio) fans will see representation as well, a rounding out of southern Ohio sports coverage at an everyman dive bar.
The space is split up into two rooms, the first the main area where a long bar runs along one wall opposite a handful of low tables that provide lunch and drink seating. Large bulb white Christmas lights snake around the ceiling before meeting up with a bit of tinsel to add to the festivities. The bar itself is supported by a long row of classic wooden swivel stools (with backs, of course), making for that classic shotgun-style, single room look to the bar’s main area. Liquor bottles line the mirrored back wall of the area behind the bar in typical fashion, an expansive selection that transitions into snack bags clipped to the wall.
One of Pilot Inn’s signature offering is the classic menu typically offered during lunch hours before opening back up during evening hours. Every staple hot and cold sandwich offering can be found on the Pilot Inn menu, including hamburgers, fish, subs and more. On this reviewer’s recent visit, the fried end of the spectrum was the popular choice, including potato skins, chicken strips and wings. Call ahead for availability, but the lunch special has long been a feature of the Pilot Inn menu, though of course all bets are off post-pandemic. Traditionally, a new item each day is offered and sell outs are known to happen on busier days.
