EATS

FOOD & DRINK FOOD & DRINK

Milkman is housed in Revolution Rotisserie’s old location.

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF MILKMAN

Noshing on Nostalgia Milkman gives burgers and shakes an elevated twist in Over-the-Rhine. Noshing on Nostalgia Milkman gives burgers and shakes an elevated twist in Over-the-Rhine. BY KELSEY GRAHAM

BY KELSEY GRAHAM

Like many restaurants, Revolution Rotisserie in Over-the-Rhine closed its doors in March 2021 due to the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Luckily, owner Nick Pesola of Pesola Hospitality Group already had an idea for a new concept to be housed in Revolution Rotisserie’s location upon its closure.

It just was going to take some revisions.

“Our owner Nick Pesola told us that he woke up one day and he just had the idea for the name,” says Raychel Schork, the marketing coordinator at Pesola Hospitality Group who helped oversee the design for the new space and manages their social media accounts. “We already knew what concept we wanted to do with the burgers, boozy milkshakes and stu like that. And he kind of woke up one day, and the idea just popped in his head.”

Schork says that after some research, Pesola found the name was available to use, so they moved full steam ahead to make Milkman a reality.

Milkman opened its doors on Sept. 6, almost unrecognizable compared to what the space looked like before.

“A lot of people who were fans of the Revolution Rotisserie would come back to Milkman and be shocked by how di erent the space is because it was completely gutted and redone,” Schork tells CityBeat. e renovated space embraces Milkman’s mix of new and old-school styles with a cheeky and fun atmosphere. Walking in, diners will notice the restaurant’s overall modern design. Upon a closer look, though, there are relics from the past, like old pictures of Cincinnati, vintage Coca-Cola items and an antique shelf decorated with a vintage Pillsbury Doughboy gurine and a bust of Elvis Presley. e playlist also plays a central role to the feel of the restaurant and is updated every week with charttopping tunes by Harry Styles and Billie Eilish mixed with classic hits by Presley.

“What I wanted to go for was having the feel or vibe of a classic ‘50s diner but something that you would see today,” Schork says. e simple yet robust menu features diner favorites like smash-style burgers and fries along with classic dishes with a spin such as boozy milkshakes and a bacon-wrapped hot dog. Associate director Kelly Shaw helped develop the menu and worked with the sta on training and preparation to make fresh and new options.

“We wanted to have the basics but also an elevated version of the basics so you can try something that maybe you haven’t at another place,” Schork says, mentioning Milkman’s spicy burger

Like many restaurants, Revolution Rotisserie in Over-the-Rhine closed its doors in March 2021 due to the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Luckily, owner Nick Pesola of Pesola Hospitality Group already had an idea for a new concept to be housed in Revolution Rotisserie’s location upon its closure.

It just was going to take some revisions.

“Our owner Nick Pesola told us that he woke up one day and he just had the idea for the name,” says Raychel Schork, the marketing coordinator at Pesola Hospitality Group who helped oversee the design for the new space and manages their social media accounts. “We already knew what concept we wanted to do with the burgers, boozy milkshakes and stu like that. And he kind of woke up one day, and the idea just popped in his head.”

Schork says that after some research, Pesola found the name was available to use, so they moved full steam ahead to make Milkman a reality. featuring jalapeno cream cheese or the

Milkman opened its doors on Sept. chili burger smothered in Cincinnati-6, almost unrecognizable compared to style chili with all the xings. what the space looked like before. Along with the mouthwatering

“A lot of people who were fans of the burgers available in premade and DIY options, Milkman visitors also will nd

Revolution Rotisserie would come back to Milkman and be shocked by how di erent the space is because it was completely gutted and redone,” Schork tells CityBeat. e renovated space embraces Milkman’s mix of new and old-school styles with a cheeky and fun atmosphere. Walking in, diners will notice the restaurant’s overall modern design. Upon a closer look, though, there are relics from the past, like old pictures of Cincinnati, vintage Coca-Cola items and an antique shelf decorated with a vintage Pillsbury Doughboy gurine and a bust of Elvis Presley. e playlist also plays a central role to the feel of the restaurant and is updated every week with charttopping tunes by Harry Styles and Billie Eilish mixed with classic hits by Presley.

“What I wanted to go for was having the feel or vibe of a classic ‘50s diner but something that you would see today,” Schork says. e simple yet robust menu features diner favorites like smash-style burgers and fries along with classic dishes with a spin such as boozy milkshakes and a bacon-wrapped hot dog. Associate director Kelly Shaw helped develop the menu and worked with the sta on training and preparation to make fresh and new options.

“We wanted to have the basics but also an elevated version of the basics so you can try something that maybe you haven’t at another place,” Schork says, mentioning Milkman’s spicy burger featuring jalapeno cream cheese or the chili burger smothered in Cincinnatistyle chili with all the xings.

Along with the mouthwatering burgers available in premade and DIY options, Milkman visitors also will nd

The restaurant’s mix of new and old-school styles makes for a cheeky, fun environment.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF MILKMAN The restaurant’s mix of new and old-school styles makes for a cheeky, fun environment.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF MILKMAN

Milkman boasts classic diner staples alongside menu items like tofu nuggets and Milkman boasts classic diner staples alongside menu items like tofu nuggets and boozy milkshakes. PHOTO: COURTESY OF MILKMAN boozy milkshakes.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF MILKMAN

crispy fried chicken sandwiches and nuggets – two of Schork’s favorite items on the menu.

“ ey’re super basic but so good,” she says. “ ey’re just so juicy and crispy, and I’m not just saying that because I work for the restaurant – they’re actually that good.”

Schork also notes Milkman’s eight dipping sauces, including a zesty fry sauce, a housemade herb mayo and a tasty barbecue sauce that she says goes well with almost everything on the menu.

Vegetarians and vegans will nd multiple options, with tofu nuggets and burgers that can replace any beef burger option. Schork says Milkman teamed up with local soy sauce and condiment company CinSoy to create a delicious tofu recipe that even carnivores may crave.

“It’s a classic tofu, but it’s so crispy and delicious. It tastes like fried chicken, and you get that crunch,” Schork says.

Schork also works with the bartenders – called “dairy bartenders” in house – to make and develop recipes.

“ ey’re really passionate about making the shakes because it’s fun, and it’s something kind of di erent because that job doesn’t really exist right now,” Schork says. e team plans to develop seasonal milkshakes with recipes crafted by the dairy bartenders, which ultimately will become their own project.

“We make sure our sta is incorporated in our new creations just because we want everyone to be a part of the fun,” Schork says.

Milkman also features boozy milkshakes that come in avors from a co ee-forward espresso martini to a PB & Jameson shake mixed with Irish whiskey, peanut butter and cocoa. e dairy bartenders can make all boozy

crispy fried chicken sandwiches and nuggets – two of Schork’s favorite items and non-alcoholic milkshakes dairy-on the menu. free, too, including the latest seasonal

“ ey’re super basic but so good,” she avor, pumpkin spice. says. “ ey’re just so juicy and crispy, e restaurant also has boozy slushies and I’m not just saying that because I (these can’t be made without alcohol) work for the restaurant – they’re actu- with avors like Strawberry Frose, Coke ally that good.” Old Fashioned and Vito’s Italian Slush,

Schork also notes Milkman’s eight a nod to the owner’s Chicago roots. dipping sauces, including a zesty fry Kids can enjoy fun treats such as the sauce, a housemade herb mayo and regular chocolate, vanilla and straw-a tasty barbecue sauce that she says berry milkshakes or a Milkman sundae goes well with almost everything on the topped with chocolate, sprinkles and menu. crushed peanuts. ere’s also creamy

Vegetarians and vegans will nd chocolate, vanilla or twist soft serve. multiple options, with tofu nuggets Schork says that so far, the Milkman and burgers that can replace any beef team has been surprised and thankful burger option. Schork says Milkman for the positive response and excite-teamed up with local soy sauce and ment for the new spot. condiment company CinSoy to create a “ ings have been going really well,” delicious tofu recipe that even carni- she says. “It exceeded our expectations vores may crave. with how many people were coming

“It’s a classic tofu, but it’s so crispy even during the week.”and delicious. It tastes like fried And while Schork admits Milkman is chicken, and you get that crunch,” experiencing a lot of the same di cul-Schork says. ties other restaurants are, such as being

Schork also works with the bartend- short-sta ed, the people currently on ers – called “dairy bartenders” in house the team have made all the di erence. – to make and develop recipes. “We have some core people that have

“ ey’re really passionate about worked with us since the beginning making the shakes because it’s fun, and that are just so awesome, so we’re just it’s something kind of di erent because so thankful for our sta ,” Schork says. that job doesn’t really exist right now,” “ ey work really hard.”Schork says. Apart from the delicious food, Schork e team plans to develop seasonal says she enjoys that the restaurant is a milkshakes with recipes crafted by the welcoming space for everyone to gather. dairy bartenders, which ultimately will Whether it’s families going out for a Fri-become their own project. day night dinner, a couple meeting up

“We make sure our sta is incorpo- for a date, people chatting over a busi-rated in our new creations just because ness lunch or students stopping by for a we want everyone to be a part of the mid-afternoon pick-me-up after school, fun,” Schork says. all are welcome at Milkman, she says.

Milkman also features boozy milk- “Ultimately, our goal is just to be fun shakes that come in avors from a and for everyone,” Schork says. “It’s a co ee-forward espresso martini to a really great place, and we’re happy to be PB & Jameson shake mixed with Irish in OTR and the community.”whiskey, peanut butter and cocoa. e dairy bartenders can make all boozy and non-alcoholic milkshakes dairyfree, too, including the latest seasonal avor, pumpkin spice. e restaurant also has boozy slushies (these can’t be made without alcohol) with avors like Strawberry Frose, Coke Old Fashioned and Vito’s Italian Slush, a nod to the owner’s Chicago roots. Kids can enjoy fun treats such as the regular chocolate, vanilla and strawberry milkshakes or a Milkman sundae topped with chocolate, sprinkles and crushed peanuts. ere’s also creamy chocolate, vanilla or twist soft serve. Schork says that so far, the Milkman team has been surprised and thankful for the positive response and excitement for the new spot. “ ings have been going really well,” she says. “It exceeded our expectations with how many people were coming even during the week.” And while Schork admits Milkman is experiencing a lot of the same di culties other restaurants are, such as being short-sta ed, the people currently on the team have made all the di erence. “We have some core people that have worked with us since the beginning that are just so awesome, so we’re just so thankful for our sta ,” Schork says. “ ey work really hard.” Apart from the delicious food, Schork says she enjoys that the restaurant is a welcoming space for everyone to gather. Whether it’s families going out for a Friday night dinner, a couple meeting up for a date, people chatting over a business lunch or students stopping by for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up after school, all are welcome at Milkman, she says. “Ultimately, our goal is just to be fun and for everyone,” Schork says. “It’s a really great place, and we’re happy to be in OTR and the community.”

Milkman, 1106 Race St., Milkman, 1106 Race St., Over-the-Rhine. Info: milkmanbar.com. Over-the-Rhine. Info: milkmanbar.com.

TABLE TALK TABLE TALK

25 Iconic Cincinnati Restaurants That Will Impress Your Out-of-Town Guests This Holiday Season 25 Iconic Cincinnati Restaurants That Will Impress Your Out-of-Town Guests This Holiday Season BY CITYBEAT STAFF

BY CITYBEAT STAFF

Indulge in omelets, waffles, piled-high sandwiches and more at Sugar ‘N Spice Diner.

PHOTO: HAILEY BOLLINGER AND SAVANA WILLHOITE Indulge in omelets, waffles, piled-high sandwiches and more at Sugar ‘N Spice Diner.

PHOTO: HAILEY BOLLINGER AND SAVANA WILLHOITE

For many people, winter means having a urry of visitors and drop-ins. It’s the perfect time to show what Cincinnati has to o er and why this is such a great place to live.

Naturally, part of that entertainment involves food. ere may be no better way for loved ones to experience the Queen City than through its food and drink scene.

Below, check out some of Greater Cincinnati’s most iconic restaurants and bars that will leave family and friends asking, “When can we come back?”

Alabama Que

2733 Short Vine St., Corryville Alabama Que was founded by Dwan Ward in 2008, a veteran of the U.S. Navy and former University of Cincinnati football player. An Alabama native, Ward’s restaurant oozes Southern charm, and a food truck was added to the business to keep up with growing demand. Some meat options include smoked chicken, beef ribs, smoked salmon and the business’s famous turkey tips.

For many people, winter means having a urry of visitors and drop-ins. It’s the perfect time to Arnold’s Bar & Grill 210 E. 8th St., Downtown show what Cincinnati has to o er and Arnold’s Bar & Grill in Downtown is why this is such a great place to live. one of the oldest continuously operat-

Naturally, part of that entertainment ing drinking spots in the country and involves food. ere may be no better the oldest in Cincinnati, having opened way for loved ones to experience the in 1861 in the same room where you Queen City than through its food and enter today. It also boasts the infamous drink scene. Arnold’s bathtub, reportedly used to

Below, check out some of Greater make bootleg gin during Prohibition. Cincinnati’s most iconic restaurants ere is even a rumor that this bar is and bars that will leave family and lled with spirits – both the alcoholic friends asking, “When can we come and dead-people kind.back?”

Camp Washington Chili

Alabama Que 3005 Colerain Ave., Camp Washington2733 Short Vine St., Corryville Named one of the “10 Best Restaurants Alabama Que was founded by Dwan in Cincinnati” by USA Today, there’s no Ward in 2008, a veteran of the U.S. Navy question as to why Camp Washington and former University of Cincinnati Chili has been operating since 1940. In football player. An Alabama native, addition to the amazing chili, the menu Ward’s restaurant oozes Southern also includes burgers, grilled chicken, charm, and a food truck was added to hot dogs, fries, coleslaw and salad – the business to keep up with growing something for everyone.demand. Some meat options include smoked chicken, beef ribs, smoked salmon and the business’s famous turkey tips.

Arnold’s Bar & Grill

210 E. 8th St., Downtown Arnold’s Bar & Grill in Downtown is one of the oldest continuously operating drinking spots in the country and the oldest in Cincinnati, having opened in 1861 in the same room where you enter today. It also boasts the infamous Arnold’s bathtub, reportedly used to make bootleg gin during Prohibition. ere is even a rumor that this bar is lled with spirits – both the alcoholic and dead-people kind.

Camp Washington Chili

3005 Colerain Ave., Camp Washington Named one of the “10 Best Restaurants in Cincinnati” by USA Today, there’s no question as to why Camp Washington Chili has been operating since 1940. In addition to the amazing chili, the menu also includes burgers, grilled chicken, hot dogs, fries, coleslaw and salad – something for everyone.

Dee Felice Cafe

Dee Felice Cafe 529 Main St., Covington 529 Main St., Covington In 1984, jazz musician Dee Felice In 1984, jazz musician Dee Felice opened a cafe in Covington and named opened a cafe in Covington and named

A trip to Cincinnati would be incomplete without a stop at Camp Washington Chili.

PHOTO: HAILEY BOLLINGER A trip to Cincinnati would be incomplete without a stop at Camp Washington Chili.

PHOTO: HAILEY BOLLINGER it after himself. e cafe combines it after himself. e cafe combines old-fashioned New Orleans decor with old-fashioned New Orleans decor with a menu featuring some classic Big a menu featuring some classic Big Easy and Southern-style favorites like Easy and Southern-style favorites like shrimp po’boys, jambalaya, hot slaw shrimp po’boys, jambalaya, hot slaw and étou ée. e restaurant also hosts and étou ée. e restaurant also hosts some of the best live jazz in the area. some of the best live jazz in the area.

Frisch’s Mainliner

Frisch’s Mainliner 5760 Wooster Pike, Fairfax 5760 Wooster Pike, Fairfax Big Boy sandwiches. All-day breakfast. Big Boy sandwiches. All-day breakfast. Warm bowls of chili and soup. Frisch’s Warm bowls of chili and soup. Frisch’s Big Boy Mainliner opened in 1939, Big Boy Mainliner opened in 1939, when founder David Frisch launched when founder David Frisch launched Cincinnati’s rst year-round drive-in, Cincinnati’s rst year-round drive-in, which could hold up to 60 cars. Now which could hold up to 60 cars. Now the regional diner chain is an iconic the regional diner chain is an iconic stop for Queen City residents. e stop for Queen City residents. e famous menu still carries on today — famous menu still carries on today — with additions — and o ers up both with additions — and o ers up both

Owner Dave Frisch opened the Mainliner in 1939 as Cincinnati’s rst year-round drive-in theater.

PHOTO: CATIE VIOX Owner Dave Frisch opened the Mainliner in 1939 as Cincinnati’s rst year-round drive-in theater.

PHOTO: CATIE VIOX

Visit Maury’s Tiny Cove Steak House for that dimly lit supper-club vibe.

PHOTO: HAILEY BOLLINGER Visit Maury’s Tiny Cove Steak House for that dimly lit supper-club vibe.

PHOTO: HAILEY BOLLINGER nostalgic memories and classic grub.

nostalgic memories and classic grub.

e Golden Lamb

e Golden Lamb 27 S. Broadway St., Lebanon 27 S. Broadway St., Lebanon e oldest restaurant in Ohio, the e oldest restaurant in Ohio, the Golden Lamb has been a community Golden Lamb has been a community gathering spot since it was opened gathering spot since it was opened in 1803. In its nearly 220-year hisin 1803. In its nearly 220-year history as a restaurant and hotel, the tory as a restaurant and hotel, the Golden Lamb has played host to 12 Golden Lamb has played host to 12 U.S. presidents and other famous U.S. presidents and other famous gures. From its historic dining menu, gures. From its historic dining menu, you can order the Golden Lamb you can order the Golden Lamb roast turkey dinner or a braised lamb roast turkey dinner or a braised lamb shank, among other items, or opt shank, among other items, or opt for the more modern burgers and for the more modern burgers and sandwiches. e attached Black Horse sandwiches. e attached Black Horse Tavern is more casual and serves Tavern is more casual and serves the same menu as well as specialty the same menu as well as specialty cocktails. cocktails.

Graeter’s Ice Cream

Graeter’s Ice Cream Multiple locations Multiple locations Graeter’s is famous for its French pot Graeter’s is famous for its French pot ice cream, especially the kinds that ice cream, especially the kinds that come with giant chocolate chunks. come with giant chocolate chunks. To make these, ice cream artisans To make these, ice cream artisans pour gourmet chocolate over churnpour gourmet chocolate over churning cream. It forms a shell that is then ing cream. It forms a shell that is then broken apart. e most iconic Graeter’s broken apart. e most iconic Graeter’s avor is the Black Raspberry Chocolate avor is the Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip, a bestseller that is made with Chip, a bestseller that is made with black raspberries from Oregon’s Wilblack raspberries from Oregon’s Wil lamette Valley. lamette Valley.

Greyhound Tavern

Greyhound Tavern 2500 Dixie Hwy., Fort Mitchell 2500 Dixie Hwy., Fort Mitchell e Greyhound Tavern has o ered e Greyhound Tavern has o ered down-home comfort food to Northdown-home comfort food to Northern Kentuckians since the 1920s. e ern Kentuckians since the 1920s. e atmosphere is pleasantly country- ed, atmosphere is pleasantly country- ed, with wood paneling, vinyl tablecloths with wood paneling, vinyl tablecloths and multiple replaces, and the menu and multiple replaces, and the menu re ects that, too. e tavern is known re ects that, too. e tavern is known for its herbed secret-recipe fried for its herbed secret-recipe fried chicken, available daily. In 2021, Microchicken, available daily. In 2021, Microsoft News named Greyhound Tavern as soft News named Greyhound Tavern as Kentucky’s most legendary restaurant. Kentucky’s most legendary restaurant.

Herb & elma’s Tavern

Herb & elma’s Tavern 718 W. Pike St., Covington 718 W. Pike St., Covington Originally opened in 1939 as Heine’s Originally opened in 1939 as Heine’s Café, the small drop-ceilinged dinCafé, the small drop-ceilinged dining room at Herb & elma’s Tavern ing room at Herb & elma’s Tavern is what some may call a “hole in the is what some may call a “hole in the wall,” but good food is good food in any wall,” but good food is good food in any atmosphere. Herb & elma’s incredatmosphere. Herb & elma’s incredibly friendly sta serves up simple but ibly friendly sta serves up simple but delectable made-to-order burgers. e delectable made-to-order burgers. e specialty is a juicy meat patty topped specialty is a juicy meat patty topped with cheese, onions and pickles. A with cheese, onions and pickles. A short list of sides includes chili, soup short list of sides includes chili, soup or chips. or chips.

Holtman’s Donut Shop

Holtman’s Donut Shop Multiple locations Multiple locations Holtman’s will give you a reason to Holtman’s will give you a reason to crawl out of bed on a weekend morncrawl out of bed on a weekend morn ing. e Loveland-based operation ing. e Loveland-based operation now has multiple locations that serve now has multiple locations that serve aky, melt-in-your-mouth donuts. aky, melt-in-your-mouth donuts. Lines for the pastries often wrap outLines for the pastries often wrap outside the door and with good reason: side the door and with good reason: the bakery has an array of options to the bakery has an array of options to suit any craving, from classic glazed suit any craving, from classic glazed to maple to vanilla-icing dusted with to maple to vanilla-icing dusted with Fruity Pebbles. Fruity Pebbles.

Izzy’s

Izzy’s Multiple locations Multiple locations If you’re on the hunt for a good If you’re on the hunt for a good Reuben, Izzy’s claims to have the Reuben, Izzy’s claims to have the world’s best. Izzy’s famous corned beef world’s best. Izzy’s famous corned beef is piled high on rye bread and topped is piled high on rye bread and topped with melted swiss cheese, sauerkraut with melted swiss cheese, sauerkraut and secret dressing. e menu also has and secret dressing. e menu also has a variety of other sandwiches, includa variety of other sandwiches, includ ing the now-permanent Codfather ing the now-permanent Codfather sh sandwich. You also won’t want to sh sandwich. You also won’t want to miss out on the award-winning potato miss out on the award-winning potato pancakes. pancakes.

Lake Nina Restaurant & Tavern

Lake Nina Restaurant & Tavern 7200 Pippin Rd., North College Hill 7200 Pippin Rd., North College Hill Lake Nina Restaurant & Tavern is a Lake Nina Restaurant & Tavern is a seafood spot that has been in business seafood spot that has been in business for about 60 years. Famous for its fried for about 60 years. Famous for its fried sh log, Lake Nina also o ers a variety sh log, Lake Nina also o ers a variety of other non-seafood options like fried of other non-seafood options like fried chicken, frog legs, burgers and doublechicken, frog legs, burgers and doubledeckers. is treasure, located next to deckers. is treasure, located next to an actual lake, has been a place to crean actual lake, has been a place to create memories with the fam for decades. ate memories with the fam for decades.

LaRosa’s

LaRosa’s Multiple locations Multiple locations Buddy LaRosa started his pizzeria Buddy LaRosa started his pizzeria in 1954 with only $400 and his Aunt in 1954 with only $400 and his Aunt Dena’s pizza recipe. Now, LaRosa’s is Dena’s pizza recipe. Now, LaRosa’s is arguably the best-known pizza chain arguably the best-known pizza chain in Cincinnati. Branching out beyond in Cincinnati. Branching out beyond the ‘za, LaRosa’s 65 restaurants across the ‘za, LaRosa’s 65 restaurants across Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana also serve Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana also serve calzones, hoagies, pasta dishes and calzones, hoagies, pasta dishes and salads. For dessert, try the smashed salads. For dessert, try the smashed cannoli. cannoli.

Maury’s Tiny Cove Steak House

Maury’s Tiny Cove Steak House 3908 Harrison Ave., Cheviot 3908 Harrison Ave., Cheviot Maury’s has been packed full of avor Maury’s has been packed full of avor and a West Side tradition since 1949. and a West Side tradition since 1949. e dimly lit supper-club vibe will have e dimly lit supper-club vibe will have you feeling like a regular on your rst you feeling like a regular on your rst visit. e extensive menu consists of all visit. e extensive menu consists of all the classic steakhouse options: tender, the classic steakhouse options: tender, juicy steaks, seafood and chicken juicy steaks, seafood and chicken cooked just right, plus pasta, and a cooked just right, plus pasta, and a perfect martini. Ask for the Carol booth perfect martini. Ask for the Carol booth — the restaurant appears in the locally — the restaurant appears in the locally lmed, Oscar-nominated movie star lmed, Oscar-nominated movie starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara ring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara — or take a photo with the Maury’s — or take a photo with the Maury’s sign, featuring a kitschy cartoon steer sign, featuring a kitschy cartoon steer holding a cocktail. holding a cocktail.

Montgomery Inn

Montgomery Inn 9440 Montgomery Rd., Montgomery; 9440 Montgomery Rd., Montgomery; Montgomery Inn Boathouse, 925 RiverMontgomery Inn Boathouse, 925 Riverside Dr., Downtown side Dr., Downtown Montgomery Inn and its ribs have Montgomery Inn and its ribs have been a staple in Cincinnati since 1951. been a staple in Cincinnati since 1951. Secret-recipe, sweet and tangy allSecret-recipe, sweet and tangy allnatural barbecue sauce from founder natural barbecue sauce from founder Ted Gregory’s wife Matula dresses Ted Gregory’s wife Matula dresses the hand-spiced, slow-roasted and the hand-spiced, slow-roasted and custom-broiled ribs and is featured custom-broiled ribs and is featured

on everything from barbecue spring chicken and pork chops to Saratoga chips.

Mt. Adams Bar and Grill

938 Hatch St., Mount Adams Opened during the prohibition era in 1919, Mt. Adams Bar and Grill’s roots are thought to tie back to a speakeasy owned by infamous Cincinnati bootlegger George Remus. It became the rst bar and grill in Ohio to receive its liquor license in 1933. ough known for its whiskey, the bar also o ers a varied menu that includes hearty burgers, soups and appetizers like fried jalapeño ravioli.

Orchids at Palm Court

35 W. 5th St., Downtown If you want to take your guests somewhere swanky, look no further than Orchids at Palm Court in the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza. is gorgeous Art Deco-style restaurant serves New American cuisine and is the only restaurant in Ohio with an AAA 5 Diamond rating. e menu features classics like salmon, spaghetti and meatballs and a 24-hour at iron steak, as well as sandwiches and the restaurant’s notable Netherland Burger.

Pompilios

600 Washington Ave., Newport Pompilios is best known for serving up classic red-sauce Italian dishes like lasagna, manicotti and veal since 1933, but it also has another claim to fame: It’s been featured in movies, including that toothpick scene in Rain Man and ‘90s rollerblading lm Airborne. Founder Colonel Pompilio also was the rst to secure a liquor license in Kentucky after Prohibition ended, and it now boasts an extensive bourbon list.

e Precinct

311 Delta Ave., Columbia Tusculum e Precinct, named after the Romanesque-style former police precinct it’s housed in, opened in 1981 and was the rst in a long line of Je Ruby’s steakhouses. e space is intimate and elegant, o ering excellent service and a menu of prime steaks, fresh seafood and a generous wine selection.

Scotti’s Italian Eatery

919 Vine St., Downtown Family-owned since 1912, Scotti’s is a Queen City staple. e large menu features just about every pasta imaginable along with nearly 20 di erent varieties of veal dishes. And don’t skip the wine: there’s an expansive list of reds and whites. e interior o ers a cozy, warm ambiance with multi-colored tiles on the walls, Chianti bottle candles and romantic lighting characteristic of the best Italian restaurants.

Skyline Chili

Multiple locations Skyline has been one of the pioneers of Cincinnati chili since opening in 1949. Founded by Greek immigrants, the chili parlor pours the Queen City staple over spaghetti or hot dogs and tops it with a mound of cheese, oyster crackers and — depending on your taste preference — onions and beans. Also available are chili burritos, fries and vegetarian chili, which is made with black beans and rice.

Sugar n’ Spice Diner

4381 Reading Rd., Paddock Hills; 1203 Sycamore St., Over-the-Rhine Open since 1941, Sugar n’ Spice’s original pink Paddock Hills diner is known for its fun atmosphere and being a comfortable and family-friendly place to eat. Favorite menu items include the “wispy thin” pancakes and giant omelets. Lines at the petite original can be long, but there’s also a second, larger location in Over-the-Rhine. And at the end of the meal, don’t forget to ask for a rubber duck.

Tousey House Tavern

5963 N Je erson St. #9596, Burlington Tousey House has all the Southern comforts you crave, o ering a large menu featuring brunch, lunch and dinner items. A few popular dishes include the fried green tomatoes, chicken and wa es and Southern eggs benedict, plus the restaurant o ers bourbon ights. Tousey House is located inside of a historic building that dates back to 1822.

Walt’s Hitching Post

3300 Madison Pike, Fort Wright Named partly for the restaurant’s original owner Walt Ballanger and partly for the metal posts outside where restaurant-goers once hitched up their horses, Walt’s has been serving its legendary ribs smothered in its secret sauce since 1942. e restaurant maintains the building’s rich history as an early 20th Century hunting lodge, with the exposed log wall in the main dining area that’s original to the building. In addition to the ribs, Walt’s also prides itself on its line of mouth-watering steaks and extensive list of bourbon, scotch, beer and craft cocktails.

Zip’s Cafe

1036 Delta Ave., Mt. Lookout Zip’s Cafe has been open since 1926 and is known for its Zip Burger, which Food & Wine named the best in Ohio. e small space is separated into a dining area and a bar by a saloon-style door with a model train circling above. Head to the back bar for a local beer on draft while you wait for space at a booth or a seat at one of the shared family-style tables.