If I am good at nothing, then I am good at being honest. And if I am being upfront, I am already a big fan of Nation Kitchen and Bar. Nation is the first of hopefully what is many new restaurants, businesses and homes in the tiny Cincinnati neighborhood of Pendleton, bounded by Sycamore and Liberty Streets and Reading Road. Many native Cincinnatians are under the impression that Pendleton is part of Over the Rhine. In the not too distant past this may have been a liability, but that time has come and gone. Nearly all of the hottest real estate and restaurants in Cincinnati are in the Over the Rhine and any proximity or association with that is nothing but a positive.

I was lucky enough to eat at Nation on their opening night and while it was not without flaws, it was rather remarkable for a first day in business. If I could offer one suggestion, it would be to modify their policy of only bar service and move to utilizing servers. (I have since heard a rumor that this is in the works.) The decor is creative and along with the name of the bar pays homage to radical temperance activist Carrie Nation, who was known for attacking establishments that served alcohol with a hatchet, hence the front door handle fashioned from said hatchet. Nation has even gone as far as naming their signature beer, brewed by Listerman, Carrie Ale. There are several different distinct areas within the bar including a “living room” area, two large booths upholstered in red, white and blue, high top bar tables, bar stools at two different but connected bar areas, as well as a fantastic patio behind the building that feels so urban that its hard to believe that it exists in formerly conservative Cincinnati.

The staff is friendlier than most in Cincinnati with none of the “we are way too cool for you” attitude that prevails at a few select Vine Street establishments. In fact, the manager was kind enough to allow me to photograph the interior the day of the opening, several hours before any patrons arrived.

Oh, and there is food too. I may have neglected to mention this small fact. The backbone of the menu is several creative burgers, but there are other items as well, including a salad, grilled cheese and fried bologna. (Yes, you read that correctly.) The burgers are fantastic and pair well with all of the potato options, including French fries, tater tots and sweet potato tots, all of which can be ordered in four different styles, crisped, loaded, totcho, and poutine. I’m just going to let your imagination run wild with all of the possible combos that are in store for your palatte.

Not to wax too poetic, but along with Son of a Preacher Man, I think that Nation Kitchen and Bar is my favorite new restaurant to have opened in Cincinnati so far this year. I see a long and successful run in a neighborhood that is clearly on the cusp of something great.