The scenic drive from the city's downtown core to The Precinct ended in what seemed to be a different time period altogether. The Precinct resides in what used to be a patrol house. Its eerie atmosphere is generated by old brick walls, haunting black and white photos of criminals and officers of times past hanging throughout, and a feeling of confinement while dining that must have been felt while these cells were occupied by these empty expressionless faces in the photographs. It is nothing but thrilling. There is some unexplained connection you feel with the history when you dine at The Precinct. My girlfriend and I had planned to try The Precinct's famed steaks. She ordered the Carson Palmer filet and I chose the porterhouse. While both steaks were cooked to perfect pink and they were melt in your mouth tender, we were both shocked at the amount of peppercorn 'seasoning' were caked on the outside of the steaks. After one bite my eyes were watering and my nose was beginning to drip. We love spicy foods, but eating the steak was literally like snorting cracked pepper. I actually thought there had to be a mistake in the kitchen, but, after being told that the steaks were supposed to be that way, I was tempted to challenge our waiter to take a bite of the steak, look me in the red, teary eyes and tell me that it was correct. HOWEVER, do not let this deter you from The Precinct's steaks. Had I known I would have just asked for less pepper coating. After scraping the pepper off the steak with my fork it was some of the best steak either of us had ever had. The wine list was extensive, the dessert (I have no idea what she ordered, all I know is it was big) was delicious, and our waiter (despite his surprised glare because I wanted some steak with my pepper) was actually quite helpful and classy. It is a must stop restaurant for any who, like us, were visiting Cincinnati for the first time. It is a total experience worth a try; just ask them to go easy on the pepper.
Pros: The steaks were cooked to perfection and the atmosphere is a thrill
Cons: The steaks come with way too much pepper on them so keep it in mind when ordering
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