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Whether you were born in the Queen City or moved here and became one of us, there are just some things that every Cincinnatian knows: Cincinnati-style chili is a delicacy, our traffic sucks and our pride runs deep for our sports teams — no matter how many times we’ve been burned.
While we may not all agree on the best goetta or whether Opening Day is an official holiday, there are a few things everybody knows (or should know) to be part of life in the ‘Nati. We were recently inspired by local Reddit users to finally write them all down.
Everyone feels strongly that their favorite Cincinnati chili restaurant is the best. Photo: Hailey BollingerWho dey think gonna beat dem Bengals? Nooooobody! Photo: Craig WeiglenYour boss knows you need Opening Day off. Photo: Ron ValleAll Cincinnatians have a crush on Joe Burrow. Photo: Facebook.com/CincyShirtsDespite the fact it’s technically in CUF, we all know the University of Cincinnati is in Clifton. Photo: Provided by the University of CincinnatiNorthern Kentucky is Cincinnati.You know Blake Maislin’s phone number by heart.
444-4444
Photo: Google Maps screengrab Photo: Google MapsIt’s Cincy, not Cinci! Photo: Francisco HuertaEveryone has a favorite and least-favorite Kroger location. Photo: Jake ZuckermanSomeone in your family “grew up with George Clooney.”
Or dated him in high school.
Photo: Nicolas Genin/CC BY-SA 2.0 Photo: Nicolas Genin/CC BY-SA 2.0The Beast at Kings Island will give you a concussion, but it’s worth it. Photo: Paige DeglowSaying you’re from Cincinnati means you live within 30 miles of Cincinnati. Photo: Google MapsIf it snows, it will probably be 65º and sunny later in the week. Photo: Hailey BollingerYou have at least one friend who claims to have been in the abandoned subway tunnels.
It’s the ghost of what could have been.
Photo: Nick Swartsell Photo: Nick SwartsellBeer is the city’s official beverage. Photo: Hailey Bollinger“Blue” ice cream at Kings Island will always be Smurf ice cream. Also “blue” is the technical flavor name. Photo: Facebook.com/VisitKingsIslandFuck you, don’t talk shit about Norwood! Photo: Youtube.com/FawkwardComedyThe concept of seasonal allergies isn’t “seasonal” to you; it’s just year-round allergies.
It’s fine. We’re fine.
Photo: Brittany Colette/Unsplash Photo: Brittany Colette, UnsplashFiona is our queen. Photo: Hailey BollingerThe Crosstown Shootout is the biggest day of the year. Photo: Facebook.com/GoBearcatsMBBThere’s a divide between the East Side and the West Side, and everyone has their own idea of where it is. Photo: Hailey BollingerEvery Cincinnatian is born with the knowledge of how to do the chicken dance. Photo: Provided by OktoberfestI-75 will always be under construction. Photo: Stanley Nguma/PexelsYou’ll put Frisch’s tartar sauce on anything.
Burgers, fish sandwiches, fries, onion rings… the limit does not exist.
Photo: frischs.com Photo: frischs.comGoetta is a breakfast essential. Photo: Facebook.com/GliersGoettaYou know which church fish fry is the best. Photo: Facebook.com/MQHFishFryYou utter the words “Ope, didn’t see ya there. Let me squeeze right past ya,” on a daily basis.
It’s the Midwest curse.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger Photo: Hailey BollingerIf you don’t personally identify as a Parrothead, someone in your immediate family probably does. Photo: Hailey BollingerYou have a big opinion about the Cincinnati Bell Connector.
It’s a hot topic. Still.
Photo: Scott Dittgen Photo: Scott DittgenYou and your friends compare chocolate chunk sizes at Graeter’s.
Is there anything better than Black Raspberry Chip ice cream? The answer is no.
Photo: Jesse Fox Photo: Jesse FoxYou’re familiar with the age-old question, “What high school did you go to?”
It doesn’t matter if you’re fresh out of college or 55, the question still stands.
Photo: Facebook.com/STXHS Photo: Facebook.com/STXHSIf you want a prime spot for the WEBN/Riverfest fireworks, you have to lay your blanket down the day before. Photo: CityBeat ArchiveIt’s OK to wear a bib at Montgomery Inn. Photo: Facebook.com/MontgomeryInn