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Food & Drink

The Best Italian Restaurants in Cincinnati and What to Try There

Every year, CityBeat publishes the Best Of Cincinnati®, wherein readers and staffers alike pick which bars are the booziest, which people are…

By CityBeat Staff

No. 4 Best Italian Restaurant: Mama’s on Main 621 Main St., Covington Must-try: Try the Lobster Ravioli, made with marsala cream sauce, mascarpone, basil, parsley and breadcrumbs.
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Best Of Cincinnati

These Cincinnati Restaurants Have the Most Innovative Menus, According to Readers

Cincinnati-style chili, goetta and Graeter's Ice Cream are staples in Cincinnatians' diet, but that doesn't mean we don't enjoy something different when…

By CityBeat Staff

Best Innovative Menu No. 2: The Governor 231 Main St., Milford Must-Try Innovative Dish: Try the Governor Tso Fried Chicken Sando. It comes with a five-spice-seasoned chicken breast, apricot slaw, lemon mayo and sesame cucumber on a griddled brioche bun.
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Food & Drink

Our Readers Chose Their Top 10 Favorite Hidden Gem Restaurants in Cincinnati

Each year, CityBeat readers vote on their favorite things in Cincinnati in our Best Of Cincinnati® Readers Poll, ranging from the best…

By CityBeat Staff

Best Hidden Gem No. 5: Pig Candy BBQ 5901 Kellogg Ave., California Must-Try: Try the signature Pig Candy Waffle: It’s a gluten-free waffle served with pulled pork, maple-peach glaze and white sauce on the side.
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Food & Drink

18 Over-the-Top Eats from Cincinnati Restaurants Sure to Satisfy Your Munchies

Sometimes a sort of unreasonable hunger strikes, and when that time comes, a regular ol' grilled cheese just won't cut it. Lucky…

By CityBeat Staff

Gomez Salsa 107 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine; 2437 Gilbert Ave., Walnut Hills Gomez’s has it all: fish tacos with Baja sauce, chips with pineapple salsa, taco salad bowls and owner Andrew Gomez’s greatest invention — the Turtle Shell. Take a tortilla, stuff it with rice, beans, sour cream, lettuce, salsa, meat, veggies and cheese, layer in a tostado for crunch, put some cheese on the top and then brown it. It’s a fat little crunchy burrito envelope — a true walking taco.
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Food & Drink

The Best New Bars in Greater Cincinnati, According to CityBeat Readers

Every year, CityBeat publishes the Best Of Cincinnati®, wherein readers and staffers alike pick which bars are the booziest, which people are…

By CityBeat Staff

Best New Bar No. 1: Bay Horse Cafe 625 Main St., Downtown Must-Try: Bay Horse Cafe is the home of the Hudy Schooner, a 25-oz. glass of locally brewed Hudepohl beer.
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Food & Drink

The Readers Have Spoken — These are the Best New Restaurants in Cincinnati

Every year, CityBeat publishes the Best Of Cincinnati®, wherein readers and staffers alike pick which bars are the booziest, which people are…

By CityBeat Staff

Best New Restaurant No. 2: Carmelo’s 434 Madison Ave., Covington Must-Try Dish: Try the Oxtail Ragú. It’s oxtail and osso buco ragú served with macaroni rigati and topped with Pecorino Toscano and fresh chives.
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Food & Drink

These are the Best Bars in Greater Cincinnati, According to Our Readers

Every year, CityBeat publishes the Best Of Cincinnati®, wherein readers and staffers alike pick which bars are the booziest, which people are…

By CityBeat Staff

Best Overall Bar No. 5: Arnold’s Bar and Grill 210 E. Eighth St., Downtown Must-Try: Try bartender Pam Diebold’s signature cocktail, the Diebold Fashioned, made with Old Overholt Rye infused with cherries and briefly barrel-aged, bitters, house-made vanilla bourbon sugar and a large Earl Grey and blood orange-infused ice cube.
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Food & Drink

The Best Restaurants in Greater Cincinnati, According to CityBeat Readers

Every year, CityBeat publishes the Best Of Cincinnati®, wherein readers and staffers alike decide which bars are the booziest, which people are…

By Katherine Barrier

Best Restaurant No. 9: Mita’s 501 Race St., Downtown Must-Try Dish: Get a variety of small plates to share; try the Ceviche Del Dia (raw “catch of the day,” with guanabana leche de tigre, kiwi, red onion, hominy and Thai basil); the Tacos de Barriga de Cerdo (fried pork belly, citrus gastrique, habanero slaw and huitlacoche mayo on house-made corn tortillas); and the Tostones y Guacamole (twice-fried plantains tossed in garlic butter and served with crushed avocado dip).
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Food & Drink

We Can't Wait to Try These Meal Deals During Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week

Support local restaurants and indulge in some delicious specials for Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week this spring. Restaurant Week returns Monday-Sunday, April 7-13…

By CityBeat Staff

Alcove 1410 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine $36 Dinner First Course: Choice of: Stuffed Mushrooms (creamed spinach, parmesan and fresh herb breadcrumb) // or Hummus Plate (fresh-cut vegetables, pita and red pepper relish) Second Course: Choice of: Caesar Salad (romaine, parmesan crumble and house-made Caesar dressing) // or Chopped Wedge (romacrunch, roasted cherry tomatoes, pickled red onions, bacon, bleu cheese, egg and house-made peppercorn ranch dressing) Third Course: Choice of: Seared Salmon (forbidden rice, roasted squash, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and squash coconut curry) // Bourbon Glazed Pork Chop (bone-in, brown butter sweet potatoes, mustard greens and apple chutney) // or Mushroom Bolognese (fresh bucatini, pecorino and fresh basil)
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Food & Drink

31 Greater Cincinnati Coffee Shops You've Got to Try

​​From cappuccinos to Americanos or the simply perfect piping hot cup o' joe, there are plenty of top-notch local options for coffee…

By CityBeat Staff

Avenue Brew 310 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue Located along the river, the coffee shop has freshly brewed coffee, freshly baked goods, a coffee of the month, lattes, smoothies, frappes and an extensive menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
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Food & Drink

10 Things To Do in Cincinnati This Weekend (March 21-23)

Whether you are a Cincy sports fanatic, an art enthusiast or both, the Greater Cincinnati area has an event for you this…

By Jillian Kohls

Pups N Pucks Night at the Cincinnati Cyclones Game When: March 22 at 7:30 p.m. Where: Heritage Bank Center, Downtown What: At halftime during the Cincinnati Cyclones game versus the Kalamazoo Wings, weiner dogs will race on the ice. Hot dogs will be sold for only $2. Who: Cincinnati Cyclones Why: A night of cheap hot dogs, cute puppies and hockey — what more could you ask for?
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Food & Drink

12 Women-Owned Restaurants in Greater Cincinnati

There's nothing a woman can't do, especially when it comes to making her dream a reality. Women throughout Greater Cincinnati are doing…

By CityBeat Staff

Christine’s Casual Dining 3360 Westbourne Drive, Western Hills While Christine’s offers a diverse menu full of American, Mexican and other types of cuisines, its Filipino menu is unique and delicious, featuring tried-and-true recipes passed down in owner Christine McDay’s family from generation to generation. The Filipino combos are the perfect opportunity to try a little taste of a few dishes, including barbecue pork skewers, Filipino soup (beef and veggies) and pancit, a stir-fried noodle dish. The tacos also will never disappoint. For dessert, try the halo-halo, which features shaved ice and condensed milk along with other sweet toppings in layers, or ice cream made with ube, a purple yam that originated in the Philippines.
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Food & Drink

18 Greater Cincinnati Bars and Pubs With St. Patrick's Day Celebrations

St. Patrick’s Day is a big deal in Cincinnati, and we want to make sure you don't run out of places to…

By Jillian Kohls

The Red Leprechaun Irish Pub 20 W. Freedom Way, The Banks Imported directly from Ireland, The Red Leprechaun is the place to be at this St. Patrick’s Day. With the excitement of The Banks right at its doorstep, The Red Leprechaun offers a party inside. A dance floor on one side, a bar serving shepherd-style pie and more than 15 different Irish whiskeys ensures a good time. P.S. Don’t forget to ask about their secret menu.
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Food & Drink

Greater Cincinnati Fish Frys You Need to Try in 2025

It’s almost Lent, which can only mean one thing in Greater Cincinnati: Fry-day Fish Fry Season. So many churches — plus assorted…

By Katherine Barrier

St. Cecilia 3105 Madison Road, Oakley St. Cecilia in Oakley will host its annual fish fry on Friday, March 21 from 5-7:30 p.m.
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Food & Drink

Cincinnati Asian Cuisine Week Specials and Secret Menu Items We Want to Try

A week dedicated to celebrating Greater Cincinnati’s Asian-owned restaurants returns for its sixth year this March. Asian Cuisine Week runs from Monday,…

By Katherine Barrier

Uncle Yip’s 10736 Reading Road, Evendale SPECIAL #1: Tiao Tiao Fish ($17.95) SPECIAL #2: Hunan cured pork with antler mushroom ($28.95) SPECIAL #3: Hand-torn cabbage with pork ($16.95) SPECIAL #4: Spicy sizzling chicken ($15.95) SPECIAL #5: Rock salt calamari (tentacles) ($15.95)
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Food & Drink

We Can't Wait to Try These $5-$7 Cincinnati Chili Week Meal Deals

It's the best week of the year in Cincinnati! The Queen City’s most iconic dish will be on the menu all week…

By Katherine Barrier

Price Hill Chili 4920 Glenway Ave., West Price Hill SPECIAL #1: Any Regular 3-, 4- or 5-Way ($7) SPECIAL #2: Chili Cheese Fries — A small serving of crinkle-cut fries with chili and cheese. ($6)
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Food & Drink

15 Greater Cincinnati Restaurants that are Romantic Hidden Gems

Cincinnati is just a romantic city, especially when it comes to heading out on the town on a date — whether it's…

By CityBeat Staff

Alfio’s Buon Cibo 2724 Erie Ave., Hyde Park For delicious dishes that blend Italian and Argentinean flavors in a romantic atmosphere, visit Hyde Park Square for dinner at Alfio’s Buon Cibo. The restaurant is cozy, featuring warm lighting and tablecloths for an elevated dining experience with your sweetheart. From the menu, you can select a dish of savory pasta, or choose an entrée that will take you to the culinary hearts of Italy and Argentina, like the Gnocchi Gulisano, made with sautéed shrimp, Argentine sausage and gnocchi tossed in chimichurri cream sauce. Finally, be sure to top the meal off with a bottle of wine — Alfio’s is well-known for its curated selection.
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Food & Drink

CityBeat Reviews Mocktails on Over-the-Rhine No 'Hol Crawl

On a recent night, post-snowstorm and pre-yet another, I slipped and slid my way down the icy sidewalks of Main Street in…

By Nadya Ellerhorst

Main Street in Over-the-Rhine.
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Food & Drink

[PHOTOS] All the Fun We Saw Brewing at the Cincy Winter Beerfest This Weekend

The 17th annual Cincy Winter Beerfest — the biggest craft beer festival in Greater Cincinnati — was held Saturday, Feb. 1 at…

By Katherine Barrier

17th Annual Cincy Winter Beerfest at the Cintas Center | Feb. 1, 2025
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Food & Drink

We Can't Wait to Try These 9 Greater Cincinnati Restaurants Opening in 2025

As we begin to tackle our goals for the new year, we're also looking forward to the new restaurant and bar options…

By Katherine Barrier

MadTree’s Parks & Rec Cincinnati brewery MadTree is gearing up to open its third location in Blue Ash’s Summit Park this February. MadTree Parks & Rec will continue the brewery’s creative and sustainable traditions of taking an old space and repurposing it. In this case, the team converted a 15,000-square-foot airplane hangar into an outdoor recreation destination, tying into the park’s green space and offering things like cornhole, plenty of seating outside and walking trails. The taproom has indoor and outdoor areas; a private rental space; and cocktails, food and, of course, MadTree's specially crafted beer because, in the words of the great Ron Swanson from the other Parks & Rec, "Clear alcohols are for rich women on diets."
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Food & Drink

[PHOTOS] Former Boca Chef Opens New Bistro and Bar in Downtown Cincinnati

Downtown Cincinnati is now home to a new bistro and bar helmed by Boca’s former chef de cuisine, Chef Jacob Benevides. Pennyflower…

By Katherine Barrier

A spread of entrées from Pennyflower Bistro and Bar
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Food & Drink

18 Greater Cincinnati Bars and Restaurants with Excellent Mocktails and Non-Alcoholic Drinks

You don't have to drink to have a good time. Plenty of Greater Cincinnati bars and restaurants have started offering guests more…

By CityBeat Staff

Lost & Found 22 E. 14th St., Over-the-Rhine Lost & Found is a funky, community-driven gathering space with an inventive drink menu and small bites inside of a creative, art-filled environment – once a multi-car garage – where work from local artists fill the walls from room to room. While it’s a cocktail bar, Lost & Found doesn’t skimp on the non-alcoholic options available to its patrons. The zero-proof menu includes the Michael Keaton (beets, lemon, honey, dijon and dill salt), Agua de Jamaica (hibiscus tea) and the Under the Boardwalk (Giffard NA apertivo, passionfruit, lime, demerara and a non-alcoholic IPA.
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Food & Drink

Eat, Drink and Be Cozy at These Greater Cincinnati Restaurants and Bars With Heated Igloos and Patios

It's getting cold out here in Cincinnati, but just because the mercury's dropping doesn't mean you have to move the party inside.…

By CityBeat Staff

Braxton Brewing Co. (Covington) 27 W. Seventh St., Covington Keep cozy in one of Braxton Brewing Co.'s heated rooftop igloos. Order piping-hot pizza from Dewey’s to enjoy in the igloo, and to drink, Braxton has 15 beers on tap, as well as two wines (a red and white option), High Noon vodka sodas and a small selection of liquor. You can reserve an igloo for $35 for a two-and-a-half-hour time slot. Each one seats up to eight people and includes a Bluetooth speaker.
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Food & Drink

The Top Five Eats Stories that Shaped 2024

Cincinnati’s dining scene saw a lot of big changes over the course of 2024 — good, bad and even just a bit…

By Katherine Barrier

Frisch’s Big Boy’s Eviction Woes One of Cincinnati’s most iconic and beloved local restaurant chains took a big hit this fall as its landlord began eviction proceedings. According to court documents, Frisch’s Big Boy owed its landlord, real estate company NNN Reit, over $4.5 million in rent. In September, NNN Reit filed eviction notices for numerous Southwestern Ohio Frisch’s locations, including 17 in Hamilton, Clermont, Butler, Warren and Highland counties, but, so far, over 20 local Frisch’s restaurants have closed or been ordered to close, including the flagship and historic Mainliner location in Fairfax. Frisch’s vows it’s here to stay though, as some locations independent of NNN Reit remain open and a team of senior Frisch’s managers acquired multiple locations and future brand development rights.
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Food & Drink

We're Going to Miss These 16 Greater Cincinnati Restaurants That Closed in 2024

The last few years have undoubtedly been a rough ride for many of Greater Cincinnati's restaurants and bars. Even in 2024, rising…

By Katherine Barrier

Kitchen Factory Northside pizzeria Kitchen Factory announced in late August that it would be closing, citing challenges like unstable staffing, a harsh economy for restaurants and the complexity involved in creating their vegan menu items. While the pizzeria has closed, in September, owners Reese Burke and Dylan Pincus announced they would open a bagel shop in the space. However, no further details have been shared at this time.
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Food & Drink

20 Essential Foods Every Cincinnati Visitor Should Try

Cincinnati is home to many staple foods and restaurants whose iconic offerings make up the flavor of our city. Some have been…

By CityBeat Staff

Skyline Chili 3-Way Multiple locations The history of Cincinnati-style chili goes back to the 1920s when it was invented by Greek immigrants who used Mediterranean-inspired spices to create a meat sauce used initially to top hot dogs sold out of a cart. The beef-based sauce is kind of like a runny pasta sauce with hints of cinnamon, chocolate and other spices. It eventually became the key ingredient in the 3-Way, a plate of pasta topped with chili, a large but very necessary amount of shredded cheddar cheese and a side of oyster crackers. Adding onions or beans to the 3-Way makes it a 4-Way; onions and beans make a 5-Way. Local chain Skyline Chili was founded by Greek immigrant Nicholas Lambrinides in 1949, inspired by his mother's family recipes from their hometown of Kastoria, Greece. If you want to go non-chain, there are numerous chili parlors in Cincinnati: restaurants big and small offering their own take on this regional favorite. Most people, however, start with Skyline.
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Food & Drink

All the Famous People Who Have Eaten at Downtown Cincinnati's Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse

Jeff Ruby's Cincinnati-based steakhouse has been in the business of serving top-notch eats for the past two decades. Since opening his first…

By CityBeat Staff

Joe Burrow with Jeff Ruby, 2020
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Food & Drink

Greater Cincinnati Restaurants Open on Christmas Day 2024

The holidays can be stressful, and maybe you don't want to add to that stress by cooking a big Christmas meal (or…

By Katherine Barrier

Christine’s Casual Dining 3360 Westbourne Drive, Green Township
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Food & Drink

17 More of the Hottest New Greater Cincinnati Restaurants and Bars of 2024

As we prepare to close the chapter on 2024, CityBeat is taking a look back at all the new restaurants and bars…

By Katherine Barrier

Carmelo’s 434 Madison Ave., Covington Carmelo’s, a new Italian restaurant helmed by Billy Grise and Chef Mitche Arens — two Greater Cincinnati dining and hospitality veterans — opened in Covington this fall. The restaurant is named after Grise’s grandfather, who inspired his love for the restaurant business. The space is inviting and modern, yet rustic — a reflection of Nono Carmelo’s warm and jovial spirit, says the team. On the menu, diners can expect quintessential Italian American dishes, including some selections that will “push their palates,” with regional staples from Italy. Menu highlights include the mozzarella, hand-pulled to order with grilled focaccia and olive oil, and the 101-layer lasagna, which is a whole pound of lasagna, pan-seared until the edges are crispy and served with red gravy and parmesan. As for the beverage program, Carmelo’s features classic cocktails with a spin, as well as an all-Italian wine list that highlights Italian varietals.
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Food & Drink

20 Greater Cincinnati Bars and Breweries With Immaculate Holiday Vibes

Bars and breweries across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky are breaking out the tinsel and holly for some festive fun. Whether you're in…

By CityBeat Staff

Miracle at the Overlook Lodge 6083 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge This immersive Christmas bar is back for another year! You’ll need to buy a ticket to experience Miracle at the Overlook Lodge, which gets you 70 minutes in the bar and includes a welcome shot and two festive-themed cocktails, a holiday clip show and “over-the-top decor,” according to the bar.
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Food & Drink

25 of the Most Yelp-Recommended Restaurants in Cincinnati's Northern 'Burbs

At CityBeat, we know a thing or two about picking the best restaurants in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, but Yelpers have some…

By CityBeat Staff

Two Cities Pizza 202 W. Main St., Mason; 7373 Kingsgate Way, West Chester “Plain and simple, if you're not eating here, you're not eating the best pizza. Every time I've eaten here, always fresh to order, great pizza selections, both New York style and Chicago style. Don't stop at the pizza though! You've heard of French fries right? Well these guys took everything you know about fries, fast forwarded them 1,000 years, reinvented them, made their own ranch and They. Are. Fire. Like order a whole serving for yourself, you'll thank me later.” -Chris M.
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Food & Drink

9 Greater Cincinnati Restaurants With Breakfast and Brunch Buffets

Sometimes there's nothing more daunting than trying to figure out which one or two items you're going to select from a menu…

By Katherine Barrier

Greyhound Tavern 2500 Dixie Highway, Ft. Mitchell While Greyhound Tavern may be best known for its Southern-style comfort foods like its ​​secret-recipe fried chicken, Kentucky hot browns and meatloaf, but it also offers an award-winning brunch buffet on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy a heaping plate of eggs, sausage, potatoes, French toast, goetta and even that famous fried chicken for just $25 per adult and $16 per child in the comfort of Greyhound Tavern’s cozy dining room.
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next

A New Meadery is Opening in Northern Kentucky

By Katherine Barrier

Allfather's Meadery | 6685 Four Mile Road, Camp Springs

Covington Mexican Restaurant to Close

By Katherine Barrier

Zapata Cantina | 801 Madison Ave., Covington

Fulton Yards to Close Factory 52 Location

By Katherine Barrier

Fulton Yards Coffeehouse and Spirits will close at Factory 52 at the end of business on April 30.

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