WhereToEat: Cincinnati and N.Ky (open chat)

Can anyone clue me in to a good sub joint that is not a chain? I enjoy Jimmy John's and Jersey Mike's and wish all Subway's would go out of business, but am looking for a good local place (hopefully one downtown that I have overlooked) - thoughts?

westsider: There are a few you should look into - one a chain, one a local chain, the others not.

The chain:
NY NY Deli http://www.newyorksubs.com
on Sycamore between 4th and 5th
Kinda expensive, choice of white or wheat roll is nice, meatball hoagie is phenomenal

The overrated local favorite
Izzy's http://www.izzys.com/
Many people rave about this place. I'm not one of them.

The contender:
Silvergades http://search.cityguide.aol.com/cincinnati/restaurants/silverglades/v-115869036
At the Corner of 8th and Sycamore
Good prices, outstanding quality sandwiches made to order as you wait

The "gourmet" little guy
Fred and Gari's http://www.citybeat.com/gyrobase/Restaurant/RestaurantListing?restaurant=Fred%20and%20Gari's
on Vine between 5th and 6th
The emphasis here is on fresh meats roasted in house daily, but they also make a very good pizza and some decent soups and some great pies. Limited selection, somewhat pricey, caryout only

The new guy/gal:
Cafe Barista http://www.gototown.com/cgi-bin/listestab.cgi?est_id=852
Corner of 4th and Plum
Only been there once, had a solidly good but not great italian hoagie, am planning return visits. Sandwiches are made to order while you wait.

There is a butcher that serves sandwiches and does a grill out on the sidwalk when the weather is good, this is on Court Street, haven't tried it yet either, and I cannot remember the name at the moment. They advertise pretty much every week in the Downtowner.

The bottom line, though, is that I have not found any truly great deli in Cincinnati, and suspect I'll need to traipse over to Finlay Market (well beyond lunch range) to find one

Finally: you wouldn't happen to work for 5th 3rd, would you?

I've been to NYNY - I liked it better when it was Lazy Gourmet. Food is good but I'm still paying off my last lunch there.

I also don't know what people see in Izzy's - if they doubled the meat on their sandwiches, it might be a good deal.

I've heard others rave about Silverglades - I'll be sure to check it out. Never knew where it was. Thanks for the info and yes I do work for the fraction.

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson

westsider: There are a few you should look into - one a chain, one a local chain, the others not.

The chain:
NY NY Deli http://www.newyorksubs.com
on Sycamore between 4th and 5th
Kinda expensive, choice of white or wheat roll is nice, meatball hoagie is phenomenal

The overrated local favorite
Izzy's http://www.izzys.com/
Many people rave about this place. I'm not one of them.

The contender:
Silvergades http://search.cityguide.aol.com/cincinnati/restaurants/silverglades/v-115869036
At the Corner of 8th and Sycamore
Good prices, outstanding quality sandwiches made to order as you wait

The "gourmet" little guy
Fred and Gari's http://www.citybeat.com/gyrobase/Restaurant/RestaurantListing?restaurant=Fred%20and%20Gari's
on Vine between 5th and 6th
The emphasis here is on fresh meats roasted in house daily, but they also make a very good pizza and some decent soups and some great pies. Limited selection, somewhat pricey, caryout only

The new guy/gal:
Cafe Barista http://www.gototown.com/cgi-bin/listestab.cgi?est_id=852
Corner of 4th and Plum
Only been there once, had a solidly good but not great italian hoagie, am planning return visits. Sandwiches are made to order while you wait.

There is a butcher that serves sandwiches and does a grill out on the sidwalk when the weather is good, this is on Court Street, haven't tried it yet either, and I cannot remember the name at the moment. They advertise pretty much every week in the Downtowner.

The bottom line, though, is that I have not found any truly great deli in Cincinnati, and suspect I'll need to traipse over to Finlay Market (well beyond lunch range) to find one

Finally: you wouldn't happen to work for 5th 3rd, would you?

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson


There is a butcher that serves sandwiches and does a grill out on the sidwalk when the weather is good, this is on Court Street, haven't tried it yet either, and I cannot remember the name at the moment. They advertise pretty much every week in the Downtowner.

Avril's Meats is what you are thinking of. Near the corner of Court and Walnut on the south side of Court when you go west from the corner.

Great butcher offering all sorts of goodies not found except in the little mkts.

jjjrfoodie

I think that's correct.

In other news, although probably not all that new, the high-priced Thai restauant that took the spot vacated by Longhorn Steaks on Walnut between 7th and 8th has closed, and it looks like it is beign re-opened as a Chinese joint. I'm cautiously optimistic.....haven't found really good chinese downtwn yet

Cincinnati -- chili town. Skyline Chili has to be one of the best cheap eat chains around. A zillion of them in Cincinnati, thought the one in Indianapolis is very popular.

Love this city, wish I have been to more restaurants here. Downtown Redfish is good. If you like pub places Richardson's is a cute moden building that looks old across from the new theater I don't recall the name of.

I hear a LOT about a place in the suburbs: Golden Lamb in Lebanon. I worked in New Lebanon (near Dayton) and kept hearing about this place, and when I mentioned it I was told about it.

With all of its Greman heritage I would think to have seen a good Greman place but I can't think of one. Maybe someone will have some ideas?!

quote:

Originally posted by timmmahhhh

Cincinnati -- chili town. Skyline Chili has to be one of the best cheap eat chains around. A zillion of them in Cincinnati, thought the one in Indianapolis is very popular.

Love this city, wish I have been to more restaurants here. Downtown Redfish is good. If you like pub places Richardson's is a cute moden building that looks old across from the new theater I don't recall the name of.

I hear a LOT about a place in the suburbs: Golden Lamb in Lebanon. I worked in New Lebanon (near Dayton) and kept hearing about this place, and when I mentioned it I was told about it.

With all of its Greman heritage I would think to have seen a good Greman place but I can't think of one. Maybe someone will have some ideas?!

Hi, tim3ah4 -

Skyline is indeed popular but not everyone in the Cincinnati area considers it to be the best. Non-chain places like Camp Washington chili and Blue Ash chili are often preferred.

Redfish in Cincinnati closed abruptly in August, 2006.

Golden Lamb is a venerable old inn. Food has sometimes been uneven. Now, I believe, it is under new management. Here's a link:

http://www.goldenlamb.com/

German restaurants here have folded as they have across the country.
I believe the Black Forest still exists in Pisgah, OH, north of Cincinnati. We enjoyed that place in the '80s when it was on Colerain but we only went once after they moved so far away. Don't know what the quality is like now.

The Black Forest is still there. I have only been twice, with the most recent visit being just before Thanksgiving of last year. My sister lives a couple of miles away, so I pass it on a regular basis. I personally am not a fan of the restaurant, or perhaps of German food in general; much like Lenhardt's in Clifton (which is German/Hungarian cuisine), offerings are very bland, and everything seems targeted to an older crowd. I find both places to be very dull dining experiences in every aspect.

As for the "pub place" downtown, you are thinking of Nicholson's, one of DeSha's places that I do enjoy.

I stopped into McCormick and Scmick's again today, finally deciding to try the burger and fries that are available for 1.95 on the special bar menu (you have to buy two drinks, and can only get this special during very limited hours). Ok, yeah, it is a seafood restaurant, but for 9 bucks, it has to be a pretty good burger, right?

No, apparently not.

The patty is wide, thinner than one might expect for a -oz "cooked to order" burger. They'll ask you how you want it cooked, but my medium rare came out somewhere between medium and medium well, with very little juicyness, verging on dry. The nice looking but very light bun did not hold up well to the sandwich, crumbling way as I ate. The burger has a chemical-ly charcoal grilled taste not unlike a burger king whopper, ie it did not seem like a legitimate charbroil or flame grill. The lettuce requested was missing. The fries included were skin on but old and limp, not even as good as those served at Wendy's for under a buck.

I'll be back for some seafood when I save up enough to go in there, but the burger? Never again.....unless I can get it for 1.95

On the plus side, they did not charge extra for an added slice of cheese nor for grilled onions.

I had a very good burger at Zola's in Covington this past Friday night. They were having a festival there and it was super but the burger at Zola's had a superior taste. More like a great steak.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

From: Tom Jackson
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2007 7:44 PM
To: 'lsalzarulo@cincinnatichamber.com'
Cc: 'coxley@cincinnatichamber.com'; 'chooven@cincinnatichamber.com'
Subject: This years[url='http://www.taste-of-cincinnati.com/bestoftaste.asp']Taste of Cincinnati[/url] is a TRAVESTY

Pretty much everyone I have spoken with about this agrees that it is Ok that you allow chain restaurants to offer the fare at the Taste, but it is a TRAVESTY to allow a non-local restaurant, and even more particularly a CHAIN restaurant, to win an award.

It is as if you folks have decided we here in Cincinnati have nothing good and unique to offer. Come and try our best, by God - Red Lobster, Arby's, and Applebee's. We can't do any better. We have no culinary identity of our own.

Frankly, this has made our city a laughingstock in the eyes of not only the foodie community but anyone who reads about the awards.

It's too late for this year - you've done all the damage you could already for 2007 - but for next year, you might want to get enough of a clue to ONLY consider local restaurants offerings for awards.

After all - it's called Taste of CINCINNATI

Let's get the CINCINNATI back into the Taste of Cincinnati.

Plan B: change the name of the Festival to "Taste of National Chains"

Sincerely,

Tom Jackson
Cincinnati, Ohio

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson

I stopped into McCormick and Scmick's again today, finally deciding to try the burger and fries that are available for 1.95 on the special bar menu (you have to buy two drinks, and can only get this special during very limited hours). Ok, yeah, it is a seafood restaurant, but for 9 bucks, it has to be a pretty good burger, right?

No, apparently not.

The patty is wide, thinner than one might expect for a -oz "cooked to order" burger. They'll ask you how you want it cooked, but my medium rare came out somewhere between medium and medium well, with very little juicyness, verging on dry. The nice looking but very light bun did not hold up well to the sandwich, crumbling way as I ate. The burger has a chemical-ly charcoal grilled taste not unlike a burger king whopper, ie it did not seem like a legitimate charbroil or flame grill. The lettuce requested was missing. The fries included were skin on but old and limp, not even as good as those served at Wendy's for under a buck.

I'll be back for some seafood when I save up enough to go in there, but the burger? Never again.....unless I can get it for 1.95

On the plus side, they did not charge extra for an added slice of cheese nor for grilled onions.

I am "on vacation" {not working this week}, and thought I might stop in for McCormick & Schmick's happy hour. I didn't, and after your review, I am glad I didn't.

I would have stopped in, for the two drink minimum, and the $1.95 burger. I didn't, because I am a "social" smoker {only smoking when I drink, and, tonight, drinking was my objective}.

I, instead, when to Arnie's on the Levee {the one that used to be the non-smoking jazz club}. They had a FABULOUS selection of half-priced appetizers from 5-7pm. The menu has just changed today, according to my bartender. I had the reuben eggrolls and the chorizo stuffed mushrooms, which were more than a meal for me.

The bartender informed me that not all the appetizers were half priced, but the selection now includes mussels, crab cakes, and shrimp cocktail. I did not get a chance to ask which appetizers were not included, but my mushrooms and eggrolls were both $3.50 a piece.

I am glad that my "smoking" choice landed me across the river this evening {except for the fact that I might have met TJ}.

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson

From: Tom Jackson
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2007 7:44 PM
To: 'lsalzarulo@cincinnatichamber.com'
Cc: 'coxley@cincinnatichamber.com'; 'chooven@cincinnatichamber.com'
Subject: This years[url='http://www.taste-of-cincinnati.com/bestoftaste.asp']Taste of Cincinnati[/url] is a TRAVESTY

Pretty much everyone I have spoken with about this agrees that it is Ok that you allow chain restaurants to offer the fare at the Taste, but it is a TRAVESTY to allow a non-local restaurant, and even more particularly a CHAIN restaurant, to win an award.

It is as if you folks have decided we here in Cincinnati have nothing good and unique to offer. Come and try our best, by God - Red Lobster, Arby's, and Applebee's. We can't do any better. We have no culinary identity of our own.

Frankly, this has made our city a laughingstock in the eyes of not only the foodie community but anyone who reads about the awards.

It's too late for this year - you've done all the damage you could already for 2007 - but for next year, you might want to get enough of a clue to ONLY consider local restaurants offerings for awards.

After all - it's called Taste of CINCINNATI

Let's get the CINCINNATI back into the Taste of Cincinnati.

Plan B: change the name of the Festival to "Taste of National Chains"

Sincerely,

Tom Jackson
Cincinnati, Ohio

TJ~

I agree with you completely, and what you said needed to be said.

I have been going to Taste of Cincinnati since it was on Court Street, only a year or two after it began. Back then, it was such a small {AND GREAT} little gathering of people that enjoyed food!!!

I believe it has become a circus and a farce. But I will still go, and enjoy some of the great food Cincinnati has to offer, although it is not all Cincy "authentic".

There are still some places that have good food that are not acknowledged by the "Taste of Cincy judges".

Here is the link to this year's food:
http://www.taste-of-cincinnati.com/tastemenu.asp

EDIT~
This is the best thing to try at the Taste~

Laszlo's Iron Skillet - 710
Hungarian Pork Goulash w/Spatzles 5.00
Hungarian Steak on Bun 4.00
Cabbage Roll 3.00
Italian Schnitzel 3.00

quote:

Originally posted by soozycue520
I am glad that my "smoking" choice landed me across the river this evening {except for the fact that I might have met TJ}.

Well, some of the other bar menu items are stuff like mussels, something I don't care for but I know a bunch of other folks love....maybe stop in for those sometime.

I'm not going to let this hamburger stop me from trying a seafood item, even if it is just their 8.70 fried fish sandwich. I fully recognize the hazard of eating 'against the grain' of a restaraunt, ala a downscale beef item at an upscale seafood joint. I blame myself :-)

Speaking of Newport, I need to get over there for that slice joint. They have weird hours, something like 11-3 then 6-midnight. I always roll there to pick up my youngest between 4 and 6, depending on the days work activities, so it is for all intents and purposes always closed to me

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson

From: Tom Jackson
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2007 7:44 PM
To: 'lsalzarulo@cincinnatichamber.com'
Cc: 'coxley@cincinnatichamber.com'; 'chooven@cincinnatichamber.com'
Subject: This years[url='http://www.taste-of-cincinnati.com/bestoftaste.asp']Taste of Cincinnati[/url] is a TRAVESTY

Pretty much everyone I have spoken with about this agrees that it is Ok that you allow chain restaurants to offer the fare at the Taste, but it is a TRAVESTY to allow a non-local restaurant, and even more particularly a CHAIN restaurant, to win an award.

It is as if you folks have decided we here in Cincinnati have nothing good and unique to offer. Come and try our best, by God - Red Lobster, Arby's, and Applebee's. We can't do any better. We have no culinary identity of our own.

Frankly, this has made our city a laughingstock in the eyes of not only the foodie community but anyone who reads about the awards.

It's too late for this year - you've done all the damage you could already for 2007 - but for next year, you might want to get enough of a clue to ONLY consider local restaurants offerings for awards.

After all - it's called Taste of CINCINNATI

Let's get the CINCINNATI back into the Taste of Cincinnati.

Plan B: change the name of the Festival to "Taste of National Chains"

Sincerely,

Tom Jackson
Cincinnati, Ohio

POWER TO THE ROADFOOD PEOPLE! WE SHALL OVERCOME!

Nice letter, Tom. And badly needed.

TJ

When I managed the OG in florence, we used to have a stand at TofC, I always wondered WTF is OG doing at an event designed around the eateries of a city.

I loved your email, I look forward to hearing their response.

I rather doubt I will get a response.....I was rather rude. :-)

Thanks all - now go write your own irte email :-) I included the email addresses from their site purposefully.

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson
Speaking of Newport, I need to get over there for that slice joint. They have weird hours, something like 11-3 then 6-midnight. I always roll there to pick up my youngest between 4 and 6, depending on the days work activities, so it is for all intents and purposes always closed to me

I missed this thread, where is this slice joint of which you speak?

It's right across from the courthouse building - Michaelangelo's

Have you been lurking all this time, Alco? Haven't seen you (or wallyum) posting in a while

quote:

Originally posted by CajunKing

TJ

...we used to have a stand at TofC, I always wondered WTF is OG doing at an event designed around the eateries of a city.

I made it to MayFest last Saturday evening over in Covington. I have two VERY un dventerous eater freinds (one 43 and one 26) that head immediately for the LaRosa's booth at any given festival. They keep the chain vendors to fill in the unfamiliarity gaps, but said chains should not be the mainstay nor the focus IMHO like TJ states.

Meanwhile at MayFest I had a Goetta sammich with grilled onions and split a curry type chicken on a stick from a Washington DC vendor that was very very good. Then again, i eat most anything.

jjjrfoodie

Turns out the Downtowner now has an online edition, so I can now give you a link to the article on the very excellent "Tom's Pot Pies" - including pictures!

http://www.pulsedt.com/blogs/default.asp?Display=194

The small pies you see on the tray are 2.25 and your choice of chicken, broccoli alfredo, cherry, or apple walnut crisp. I believe the ones shown are the broccoli alfredo.

The large pie (5.95) the owner is presenting is the regular chicken pie. For now, thats the only pie he sells in that size, although I bet you could call ahead early to get a large broccoli

Hey all, I'm new to the forum, but not to Cincy. A career move has taken me away, but I get back at least once a year, and WOW do I have al ist of must eat food when I arrive.
#1 - Richards Steak Sandwich. Located in Fairfield and Hamilton (I know not truly Cincy, but well worth the drive). They come with onions pickles and special sause, but also good with mushrooms, cheese and pizza sause too.
#2 - La Dolce Vita wine from Vinoklet in Old Colerain (out past Rumpkee I-275 north on Colerain Ave), dinner there is tasty too and a great experience (romantic too).
#3 - Greaters Ice Cream.
#4 - Camp Washington Chili - 4 way bean! add hot sause!
from here on down the list there are alot of ties and never enough days to get to it all.
I agree the Taste of Cinti shouldn't have chains as award winners, except in maybe a chain only category.

Ang

UCMBA: welcome to roadfood :-)

All: Graeter's is coming back to downtown Cincinnati, specifically to Fountain Square
http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=20206

Hi guys and gals. I've come across this site a couple of times, and finally decided to sign up. I'm a Chicago transplant who's been living in Cincinnati for quite a while, and I still require a fix of Chicago food.

Thanks to all for the info on local restaurants, and the tips on the hot dog and pizza places on the north side will come in handy (although I see the West Chester Rosati's is already closed).

A couple of observations about posts on here:

--RIP Portobello's, Patoshnicks, and P.J.'s. I live in Clermont Co. and work on Court Street, and had to get to PJ's once in a while to curb my carnal hot dog craving. I'll have to try the chicken place that's in Patoschnik's place.
--I also miss the Square Bubble in Anderson Twp. Wasn't there long, was more of a bar, but that place made a killer sandwich.
--The NY NY place you guys were talking about: There's a place in Mount Washington that has the same name, and it sounds like it's the same chain. Overpriced and so-so food was my first impression.
--Chicago Gyros in Clifton has the best gyros in the city in my opinion. And no, the name of the place hasn't biased me :)
--I really like Nicky's Pizza in Hebron. It's New York style, but I have to eat something other than deep dish once in a while ;)
--Skipper's in Oxford is the only Vienna hot dog stand left with PJ's gone, and I go there in the winter before Miami hockey games. Great dogs, OK Italian beef.
--I'm with you guys on the Taste of Cincinnati. I like offering a discount to local diners. I really do like Carrabba's though, and I don't doubt that was some of the best Italian there. My objections to the Taste were the new location and the lower number of booths. Dewey's is one place I always used to hit, and I know there were one or two others missing from last year.


--

Hey Bonk... Make sure to check out the last few pages of the topic for posts on Hotdoginit on Montgomery Rd. They are almost exclusively Vienna Beef (I think their Polish or Italian might be a different brand). I don't pretend to be an expert but I have enjoyed my two stops there. I haven't tried the Italian Beef or Sausage (or combo) but the dogs and especially the Hot Polish Maxwell St. Style hit the spot. And they have a frequent eaters card if you get addicted.

Just went there for the first time today. Got a dog and an Italian beef. Girlfriend got the cheese fries and a dog.

Dog was outstanding, beef was very good. I'm picky about Italian beef, but this one definitely passed my test.

Tried the cheese fries, which were absolutely loaded with cheese, and they were great as well.

I highly recommend it to any transplant Chicagoans.

quote:

Originally posted by tpd

Hey Bonk... Make sure to check out the last few pages of the topic for posts on Hotdoginit on Montgomery Rd. They are almost exclusively Vienna Beef (I think their Polish or Italian might be a different brand). I don't pretend to be an expert but I have enjoyed my two stops there. I haven't tried the Italian Beef or Sausage (or combo) but the dogs and especially the Hot Polish Maxwell St. Style hit the spot. And they have a frequent eaters card if you get addicted.

The people running Hotdoginit are the same ones who ran Queenie's Weenies across I-75 from the GE plant in Lincoln Heights (the sign is still there) back in the early 90's. When they retired from their 'day jobs' they decided to give the Chicago Dog business another go.

after reading a few post above, i had to stop late last night and pick up a richards steak sandwich. I hadn't had one of these in 10+yrs. I can't let it be that long again. This was truly a great sandwhich for $5-$6. I know everyone has their preference, but I had the steak with original sauce, cheese, pickles, onioins and banana peppers. Since I stopped by the original location on Dixie highway and was so close, I also had to stop and grab a small Chester's pizza. While the pizza was decent(like the cheese and crust, didn't think there was much to the sauce), I absolutely LOVE the steak hoagie. Well now that 2 of my 3 hamilton-fairfield must tries have been accomplished in one night, the next quest is Millio's pizza. By the way, anyone try the new Mongolia BBQ place in Mason called Mongo's. Saw Cincy Beat did a write-up on it.

Thanks for the info on Mongo's. Sounds like a place I'd like to check out, and the owner said he's going to open three more in the next 18 months in the tri-state.

A BD's Mongolian joint is opening soon in Mason as well. I went to one in Columbus earlier this year, and the food was outstanding. It sounds like the set-up is about the same at Mongo's, where you put all of the raw food in a bowl and they cook it in front of you on a huge circular surface unit.

The BD's in Columbus was about $15 for all you could eat, and it was well worth it.

Yeah..BDs is opening on Mason Montgomery Rd by the beast that is the Wal Mart Supercenter. Another place I am wanting to try is Cheezburger Cafe which is located where the old Ben & Jerry's Ice cream place was on Montogomery road(across the lot from HotDogginIt). The place is owned by the same people who own Skip's Deli.

If you do get to Milillo's on Main in Hamilton make sure to get a steak sandwich there too. You can see the place from the front yard of the house where I grew up so we ordered from there a lot. I've always been partial to their steak sandwich vs. Richard's. I'd be interested to get the opinion of someone who's judgment wasn't shaded by childhood memories. BTW the Milillo's in Fairfield was run by a different part of the family after a falling out back in the 70's. My mom worked with one of the folks from the Main St. part of the clan. I don't think either is still run by members of the family but I could be wrong.

If you're in the neighborhood you could do worse than stop by the Chinese Lantern which is right down the street. Very good food in a real restaurant setting, rather than a storefront. It's another Hamilton classic.

Tried out Village Pizza, a tiny little carryout-only joint, very clean, fairly new, in Newtown.

Had high hopes because it was cheap, unique, and clearly locally owned, but the product is pretty mediocre. Not recommended. Ah well.

I hope to get back to Nicky's in Hebron after the trip and somehow convince them to make me a fresh mozz (only) pie.

Looks like the Brazilian Steakhouse in Carew Tower is opening tomorrow (June 8th). It has been getting rave reviews for the one in Dallas. Might be something to try on a special occasion as I'm sure pricing will be high end.

http://www.boinabraza.com/WhatsNew/News/tabid/63/Default.aspx

Also, the Greek restaurant Mythos looks like it is opening another restaurant in the Chiquita Center, in addition to the one scheduled to open soon near Bruegger's downtown. Those will join the two in existence, one in Newport and one by the Aronoff.

http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2007/05/21/story12.html

I had noticed that the new Mythos was opening on Vine as well - didn't know about the one at the Chiquita Center - and I had also noticed when passing that long lines regularly formed on the sidewalk outside the original downtown Mythos, so it was time to recheck them after finding their food substandard some years back.

It took about 20 minutes to get through the line, and I noted several people left rather than wait. They'd probably do hundreds of dollars more in business per day if they were able to increase the speed of their service. While I waited, I noted what I had not seen last time - actual spits for meat rather than precuts, and it was being hand sliced off the spindle. A good sign! However, as I got closer, it became quickly evident that the lady doing the cutting was filling warming pans - god only knows how long it sits in pans from cutting to serving.

I ended up with a regular gyro, tzakiki on the side and a tiro pita - greek cheeses baked into a phyllo crust. Mine was indeed built from meat in a pan, and not much of it, and as it turned out, lacked much flavor. The tiropita had clearly been baked the day before and had sat under a heat lamp for a while - the cheese filling was tasty, but one side was unpleasantly hard and dry.

As an aside: I hope I can provide a good review soon - I'm so tired of finding these mediocre places!

I tried a Mythos in Newport and thought it was so-so. Chicago Gyros in Clifton is my favorite gyros place in the city by far, but it doesn't have a parking lot, and I don't go there as often as I'd like because it's such a headache to get in and out.

By the way, Chambers next to Patoschnik's/Poppa Joe's closed last week. The security guard in the building said another place is coming in soon, and all of the tables are still equipped with napkin dispensers and ketchup bottles, which leads me to believe that's true.

Was going to try Poppa Joe's last Friday, and I left 15 minutes early to get there before they close at 6, but traffic was atrocious and I got there at 6:02.

Bonk - have you been to Sebastian's in Western Hills?

Best gyro in town, imho

Marrakesh Cafe and Jordan Valley also have very good gyros

By the way, did you previously login here as Ephus? Haven't heard from Ephus in a while and he too was a regular at Patoshnik's

Thanks for the gyros tips. I'll definitely give those places a shot.

Just signed up here for the first time last week.

I don't know how long it has been closed {because I hadn't heard anything}, but I went by ZZ's Pizza, on Gilbert Ave. in Walnut Hills yesterday, and it had a "For Sale" sign on the building. I know it was in a "not so good" neighborhood, but they had good pizza. Another one bites the dust.

Finally made it Mongo's yesterday for lunch. Typically more than I normally spend and more than I normally eat for a lunch meal. 1 bowl is $8, 1 bowl and salad bar is $10 and unlimited bowls and salad bar is $12. Wanting to sample most everything there, I went unlimited. For those who have never been to a Mongolian BBQ, you fill a bowl with vegetables and meat and a seperate bowl with any sauce and seasonings you want to add to it then take both to the large circular grill where the food is prepared and handed back to you on a plate.

At lunch, meat choices included steak, chicken, shrimp, meatballs, kielbasa, andouille, crab, salmon, mahi mahi, lamb and scallops. Vegetables included potatoes, broccoli, mushrooms, pea pods, tofu, peppers, onions, beans, etc. There are over 15 different sauces as well as 10 or so seasonings. Also there were a couple of different pastas as well. At the table, you are given a bowl of steamed rice and tortillas.

I sampled pretty much every meat with 3 or 4 different sauces and a combination of seasonings and vegetables. Also tried the stuffed pepper soup that was on the salad bar. Must say, everything was great. Especially like the steak, lamb and kielbasa. There were a group of 8 of us who tried the place and the consensus was overall positive. The only negative I heard was one gentleman(picky at that) thought his food was either overcooked(burned) or cook on a part of the grill that hadn't been cleaned well enough between cookings and thus his food tasted burnt. Some of the people who aren't as big of eaters also seemed to think the price was a little steep for 1 bowl and salad at lunch. I would tend to agree with the last statement and suggest spending the extra $2 for unlimited so you can get smaller portions, yet sample many different flavors.

By the way, noticed Fuddruckers had closed on Fields Ertel, not a surprise as the place was never busy the couple times I was in there. Although I must admit, I did enjoy adding my own toppings to what I thought was a decent burger.

quote:

Originally posted by soozycue520

I don't know how long it has been closed {because I hadn't heard anything}, but I went by ZZ's Pizza, on Gilbert Ave. in Walnut Hills yesterday, and it had a "For Sale" sign on the building. I know it was in a "not so good" neighborhood, but they had good pizza. Another one bites the dust.

Sandy, it's been gone for at least a few weeks. I took the scenic route from downtown to Evanston about three weeks ago and noticed it was gone. I never did stop in, despite driving by it on a weekly basis during the summers when I used to host a show on WAIF.

dlawson = gene galvin :-)

ZZ's has been gone a few years. A great loss to the pizza loving community in Cincinnati

The Pot Pie Man was profiled on the news recently
Story: http://www.local12.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=d827919c-ad45-4f3f-8d41-b7c9e6927787
Video Clip: http://www.local12.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=17874

TJ - Ha, no. :) Just a summer programmer who decided to make use of his unintentionally large collection of Canadian artists for a few years. I wasn't able to do it this year or last year due to prior commitments and travel arrangements, though. Maybe I'll be back in 2008.

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson



ZZ's has been gone a few years. A great loss to the pizza loving community in Cincinnati

TJ~
Are you sure that it has been a few years? My SO worked at Ohio Check Cashers on Gilbert and McMillan, and brought me home a ZZ's pizza less than a year ago.

Hmm...I had heard this news at least 2 years ago....maybe they decided to give it another go for a while and I missed that......I don't doubt the truth of what you are saying :-)

In any case, same sad bottom line.....a great independently operated cincinnati pizzeria gone and done.

Tried the Poppa Joe's place finally.

My problem with chicken wing places is it's hard to get full. I spent five bucks on three full wings, which came with fries and a drink, and I was hungry two hours later.

But...I really liked the wings, and the cajun fries were equally above average. The chicken had a great blend of spices in its breading.

The wife let me pick where I wanted to have dinner at for Fther's Day, and so I drove us up to Hotdogginit.

The wife and I both had an Italian Beef, and it was good, but not up to the Mr Beef standard.....more salty, less garlickly. Guardinera was available, and the wife tried it, but did not like it. The roll was too much....like they felt they needed a thicker rather than a chewewier roll to stand up to the au jus. I was a little puzzled that a mix of sauteed bell pepper and onion was available as a standard option.....I recall several folks from Chicago decrying my choice to add onion to my beef on my Chicago trip a few years back :-)

The wife and kids also enjoyed something called a "Wunderbar" which I hadn't heard of before....frozen cheesecake covered in dark chocolate on a stick. Not bad.

I'll be back for the char dogs and a polish, and the wife for italian sausage, at some future date.

I happened to be in Hamilton during late dinner hours yesterday evening, so I made two stops: one at Jolly's drivein for a root beer (primo!) and then on the way to Richard's Pizza on Rt4, I discovered a Sonic that hadn't been there the last time I came through, maybe two years back. I know, Sonic is a big chain and it ain't Roadfood, but I had never been to a Sonic (we have only 2 I know of in the Cincinnati area, and both -- Hamilton and Maineville -- are well away from where I live and work) and wanted to at least check it out once.

After getting through the clumsy outdoor ordering system, I snagged a double cheeseburger and a cherry limeade. The limeade was very, very good but the cheeseburger was out-freakin-standing. Just wonderful. Greasy, flavorful, great toppings, best bakery bun I have ever had at a fast food hamburger joint. I'd have to say this was probably the best fast food hamburger I have ever had, top 5 at worst.

Have any of you more norther-ly located Cincinnatians been there? I know I read comments on Mason, Fairfield, and Hamilton here occasionally.....

Haven't done Sonic, mainly because I'm a fan of Culver's and usually stop there when I'm in Hamilton or Mason. Again, not RoadFood, but pretty frickin' good burgers for a fast-food chain.

The cheese curds are an excellent side item with a burger.

I've been to that Culver's, and the Soniuc Burger blew it away in terms of taste and quality....I'm not downing Culver's, I'm just saying it was that good......give it a try.....

Yeah, that Sonic on Route 4 is relatively new, just within the past year or so, I think. I've never been to one, but it's on my list of stuff to do this summer because I hear so much about the cherry limeade. :)

We were just at Richard's last week for the steak sandwich. I like mine with cheese, pickles, original sauce, grilled onions and mushrooms. Good stuff!

Tonight, after years of planning on eventually going there, I finally made it. My daughters were greatly dismayed that instead of going to their beloved Gold Star for Kid's night (Daddy! Daddy! they have BALLOONS!) we were headed to Mr Herb's in Hebron

It had gotten such a buildup here from a few Cincinnati RF'ers that I think my expectations were set too high, but I did indeed like it. Well enough that I am recommending a full-famly return visit.

It certainly is a roadfood-worthy location, the building looks like it has been there 50 years or more, easily, and many of the clientele could well have eaten there as children. I had the fish sandwich on dark rye, and paid with only a brief wince the extra charge for lettuce on my sandwich.....lettuce is extra? on a fish sandwich? c'mon :-). I opted out of the fries and onto the fried potatoes, which were classic diner-style flat disks, greasy, salted, crisped on the edges, wonderful. The fish itself wasn't bad, not as good as my expecations, but much better than average.

That same attention seemed lost on my kid's mac-n-cheese (not that they noticed, heh) which looked to be fresh out of the box. I saw other dishes delivered to other tables, and all the sides had that same hit-or-miss look to them, like some were prepared with love onsite and others straight from a can. Still, there was a great variety of sides to be had, many of the "country" or "southern" variety.

I don't often get dessert, but the fried apple pies with honey and ice cream sounded pretty awesome, and it was.....but the portion was sized for a kid, the ice cream scoop no bigger than a ping pong ball. I almost asked the waiter to take it back as someone had clearly forgotten the ice cream. That said, what little there was proved to be quite tasty, as each shared a few bites of it.

I know what you're thinking....did TJ like this place or not? He says he did, but he's got lots of complaints......no, really, it was pretty good, but I think it is important that one be judicious in their choices here, choosing house specialities versus things that just happen to be on the menu. Put off ordering til you see some other diners served, and ask your server what's good that night. Stop by and you'll see why as a Roadfood member, this is the kind of place you will want to like from the moment you arrive.

Langano, the Ethiopian restaraunt downtown on 6th near elm that I wrote on about a year ago, has closed. No idea how long they have been closed, as I do not get over there often.

I went to Cafe Marrekesh (8th and Elm) for the second time, and sat down this time. Had the gyro combo (gyro, fires or fruit, and a drink for 4.99) and was once again very pleased with the gyro - arguably a bit better than the one at Jordan Valley, possibly because they have the ability to lightly grill the pita before serving.

The place was almost full at 12:45, good to see for a small cafe on the edge of town that has not been open long.

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson

I've been to that Culver's, and the Soniuc Burger blew it away in terms of taste and quality....I'm not downing Culver's, I'm just saying it was that good......give it a try.....

Wow, I guess I'll have to try that Sonic then :)

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson

Tonight, after years of planning on eventually going there, I finally made it. My daughters were greatly dismayed that instead of going to their beloved Gold Star for Kid's night (Daddy! Daddy! they have BALLOONS!) we were headed to Mr Herb's in Hebron

It had gotten such a buildup here from a few Cincinnati RF'ers that I think my expectations were set too high, but I did indeed like it. Well enough that I am recommending a full-famly return visit.

It certainly is a roadfood-worthy location, the building looks like it has been there 50 years or more, easily, and many of the clientele could well have eaten there as children. I had the fish sandwich on dark rye, and paid with only a brief wince the extra charge for lettuce on my sandwich.....lettuce is extra? on a fish sandwich? c'mon :-). I opted out of the fries and onto the fried potatoes, which were classic diner-style flat disks, greasy, salted, crisped on the edges, wonderful. The fish itself wasn't bad, not as good as my expecations, but much better than average.

That same attention seemed lost on my kid's mac-n-cheese (not that they noticed, heh) which looked to be fresh out of the box. I saw other dishes delivered to other tables, and all the sides had that same hit-or-miss look to them, like some were prepared with love onsite and others straight from a can. Still, there was a great variety of sides to be had, many of the "country" or "southern" variety.

I don't often get dessert, but the fried apple pies with honey and ice cream sounded pretty awesome, and it was.....but the portion was sized for a kid, the ice cream scoop no bigger than a ping pong ball. I almost asked the waiter to take it back as someone had clearly forgotten the ice cream. That said, what little there was proved to be quite tasty, as each shared a few bites of it.

I know what you're thinking....did TJ like this place or not? He says he did, but he's got lots of complaints......no, really, it was pretty good, but I think it is important that one be judicious in their choices here, choosing house specialities versus things that just happen to be on the menu. Put off ordering til you see some other diners served, and ask your server what's good that night. Stop by and you'll see why as a Roadfood member, this is the kind of place you will want to like from the moment you arrive.

TJ,

I'm glad you gave Mr. Herb's a try. I really enjoy the fish we've gotten there. I think that the menu may be a little too ambitious and they might be better off concentrating on their strengths instead of trying to offer everything. I like your comment that it "is the kind of place you will want to like from the moment you arrive." Those were my thoughts too.

I would adamantly disagree that Sonic burgers best those at Culvers. Sonic is good, though sometimes the cheesy tater tots dont quite live up to billing. The limeades are excellent, but make sure you got what you ordered before you pull away. Been burned a number of times on this at various Sonics.

Well, I know that on that particular night that particular cheeseburger (notably the only one I have eve eaten at a Sonic, as that was my first ever stop at a Sonic) was a quantum leaps better than the 3-4 cheeseburger I have eaten at the two local Culver's locations.

I'll freely admit that I have only been to one Sonic and two Culvers, ever, and both are located in the Cincinnati area. I've never been to any other Sonic or Culvers locations. I don't know if their are quality variations by region or franchisee - not enough experiences to evaluate.

I'll wait to see if other locals check it out, and hear what thy have to say.

Cadillac Ranch, on the corner of 6th and Walnut, has opened. It is hard to miss as they have a large, baby blue Caddy sitting over the top of the entrance. Looks like a nice place for happy hour or drinks outside as there is a large patio with lots of tables and chairs.

Although it is not a roadfood joint per se, it looks intriguing. Also, I found some coupons online in case anyone wanted to give it a try. Not sure when they expire, but if you're headed that way it is worth a shot.

http://www.cincinnati.com/sponsors/cadillac_ranch/

Some work folk and I will probably wander over next week once they work some of the kinks out and have a chance to strecth their legs a bit. If someone makes it sooner than that, I'd love to hear an update.

The Enquirer reviewed Hot Doggin' It in today's issue:

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070622/ENT01/706220328/

Tried the Bourbon House and Pizzeria in Burlington with my girlfriend last night after reading about the deep dish pizza in The Enquirer. We had the fried pickles as an appetizer and a three-meat (pepperoni, sausage, and bacon) deep dish pizza.

The pickles were outstanding, and only $3.25 for five spears. We got the medium deep dish for like $18, and it was excellent, not to mention I'll have enough left over to last me all week. I somehow managed to eat two pieces. My girlfriend couldn't finish one.

They sprinkled parmesan on the crust, which I thought was a nice touch, and you could tell the cook was from Chicago because of the sausage. They must've gotten the sausage from back home because the spicy flavor was unmistakable.

Very good pie, and for Chicago transplants: They have 312 on draft! 312 is a wheat beer made by Goose Island, and they sell a 32 oz. for about $4.

Service was a little slow (it looked like one waitress was running the entire dining area), but not unreasonably so.

I'd recommend it pretty highly to Chicago transplants. The only drawback is most Chicago restaurants away from the windy city hang pictures, jerseys, and/or other memorabilia (like Hotdogginit), and here they definitely want you to remember you're in the Cincinnati area.

quote:

Originally posted by Bonk


Very good pie, and for Chicago transplants: They have 312 on draft! 312 is a wheat beer made by Goose Island, and they sell a 32 oz. for about $4.

Service was a little slow (it looked like one waitress was running the entire dining area), but not unreasonably so.

I think the local Goose Island distributor is pushing 312... My regular after work watering hole, The Edgewood Tavern, has it on draft. And thats a place with just 6 handles. I have also seen it on 1 of 4 taps at Shakey's on 42 in Florence. Good beer. I normally switch it up between 312 and Shiner at Edgewood.