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Iconic Cincinnati Restaurants Where You Need to Take Visitors

By on Fri, Nov 11, 2022 at 5:08 pm

When your family and friends visit you in Cincinnati, you want to show the city off! And there may be no better way to get a feel for the Queen City than through its food and drink scene.

Whether you want to take your out-of-towners to try our version of chili at Skyline, experience a restaurant like Arnold's Bar & Grill – which is well over 100 years old or confirm just how amazing Graeter's ice cream is, there's an iconic spot in every corner of this city to enjoy a good meal and drink.

Keep scrolling to see some of the restaurants and eateries that make Cincinnati standout.
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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. The 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.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

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

Photo via facebook.com/Maury's Tiny Cove Steak House

Maury’s Tiny Cove

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

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.
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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!
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

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!
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Arnold's Bar & Grill 210 E. Eighth 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. There is even a rumor that this bar is filled with spirits – both the alcoholic and dead-people kind.
Photo: Maggy McDonel

Arnold's Bar & Grill

210 E. Eighth 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. There is even a rumor that this bar is filled with spirits – both the alcoholic and dead-people kind.
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Skyline Chili Multiple Locations Skyline has been one of the pioneers of Cincinnati chili since opening in 1949. First 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.

Photo via facebook.com/Skyline Chili

Skyline Chili

Multiple Locations
Skyline has been one of the pioneers of Cincinnati chili since opening in 1949. First 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.
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Graeter’s Ice Cream Multiple Cincinnati locations including 332 Ludlow Ave., Clifton; 511 Walnut St., Downtown and 2704 Erie Ave., Hyde Park Graeter’s is famous for its French pot ice cream, especially the kinds that come with giant chocolate chunks. To make these, ice cream artisans pour gourmet chocolate over churning cream. It forms a shell that is then broken apart. The most iconic Graeter's flavor is the Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip, a bestseller that is made with black raspberries from Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
Photo: Jesse Fox

Graeter’s Ice Cream

Multiple Cincinnati locations including 332 Ludlow Ave., Clifton; 511 Walnut St., Downtown and 2704 Erie Ave., Hyde Park
Graeter’s is famous for its French pot ice cream, especially the kinds that come with giant chocolate chunks. To make these, ice cream artisans pour gourmet chocolate over churning cream. It forms a shell that is then broken apart. The most iconic Graeter's flavor is the Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip, a bestseller that is made with black raspberries from Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
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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 restaurantgoers once hitched up their horses, Walt’s has been serving up its legendary ribs smothered in their secret sauce since 1942. The restaurant maintains its 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 their ribs, Walt’s also pride itself on its line of mouth-watering steaks and extensive list of bourbon, scotch, beer and craft cocktails.
Photo: Paige Deglow

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 restaurantgoers once hitched up their horses, Walt’s has been serving up its legendary ribs smothered in their secret sauce since 1942. The restaurant maintains its 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 their ribs, Walt’s also pride itself on its line of mouth-watering steaks and extensive list of bourbon, scotch, beer and craft cocktails.
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Montgomery Inn 9440 Montgomery Rd., Montgomery; Montgomery Inn Boathouse, 925 Riverside Drive, Downtown Montgomery Inn and its ribs have been a staple in Cincinnati since 1951. Secret-recipe sweet and tangy all-natural barbecue sauce from founder Ted Gregory’s wife Matula dresses the hand-spiced, slow-roasted and custom-broiled ribs and is featured on everything from barbecue spring chicken and pork chops to Saratoga chips.
Photo via facebook.com/Montgomery Inn

Montgomery Inn

9440 Montgomery Rd., Montgomery; Montgomery Inn Boathouse, 925 Riverside Drive, Downtown
Montgomery Inn and its ribs have been a staple in Cincinnati since 1951. Secret-recipe sweet and tangy all-natural barbecue sauce from founder Ted Gregory’s wife Matula dresses the hand-spiced, slow-roasted and custom-broiled ribs and is featured on everything from barbecue spring chicken and pork chops to Saratoga chips.
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Scotti's Italian Eatery 919 Vine St., Downtown Family-owned since 1912, Scotti's is a Queen City staple. The large menu features just about every pasta imaginable along with nearly 20 different varieties of veal dishes. And don’t skip the wine: there's an expansive list of reds and whites. The interior offers a cozy, warm ambiance with multi-colored tiles on the walls, Chianti bottle candles and romantic lighting characteristic of the best Italian restaurants.
Photo: Paige Deglow

Scotti's Italian Eatery

919 Vine St., Downtown
Family-owned since 1912, Scotti's is a Queen City staple. The large menu features just about every pasta imaginable along with nearly 20 different varieties of veal dishes. And don’t skip the wine: there's an expansive list of reds and whites. The interior offers a cozy, warm ambiance with multi-colored tiles on the walls, Chianti bottle candles and romantic lighting characteristic of the best Italian restaurants.
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The Golden Lamb 27 S. Broadway St., Lebanon The oldest restaurant in Ohio, the Golden Lamb has been a community gathering spot since it was opened in 1803. In its nearly 220-year history as a restaurant and hotel, the Golden Lamb has played host to 12 U.S. presidents and other famous figures. From its historic dining menu, you can order the Golden Lamb roast turkey dinner or a braised lamb shank, among other items, or opt for the more modern burgers and sandwiches. The attached Black Horse Tavern is more casual and serves the same menu as well as specialty cocktails.
Photo via facebook.com/The Golden Lamb

The Golden Lamb

27 S. Broadway St., Lebanon
The oldest restaurant in Ohio, the Golden Lamb has been a community gathering spot since it was opened in 1803. In its nearly 220-year history as a restaurant and hotel, the Golden Lamb has played host to 12 U.S. presidents and other famous figures. From its historic dining menu, you can order the Golden Lamb roast turkey dinner or a braised lamb shank, among other items, or opt for the more modern burgers and sandwiches. The attached Black Horse Tavern is more casual and serves the same menu as well as specialty cocktails.
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LaRosa’s Multiple Locations Buddy LaRosa started his pizzeria in 1954 with only $400 and his Aunt Dena’s pizza recipe. Now, LaRosa’s is arguably the best-known pizza chain in Cincinnati. Branching out beyond pizza, the 65 restaurants across Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana also serve calzones, hoagies, pasta dishes and salads. For dessert, try the smashed cannoli.
Photo: facebook.com/LaRosa's Pizzeria

LaRosa’s

Multiple Locations
Buddy LaRosa started his pizzeria in 1954 with only $400 and his Aunt Dena’s pizza recipe. Now, LaRosa’s is arguably the best-known pizza chain in Cincinnati. Branching out beyond pizza, the 65 restaurants across Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana also serve calzones, hoagies, pasta dishes and salads. For dessert, try the smashed cannoli.
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Izzy’s Multiple locations, including 800 Elm St., Downtown; 5098 Glencrossing Way, Westwood; and 4766 Red Bank Expy., Madisonville If you’re on the hunt for a good Reuben, Izzy’s claims to have the world’s best. Izzy’s famous corned beef is piled high on rye bread and topped with melted swiss cheese, sauerkraut and secret dressing. The menu also has a variety of other sandwiches, including the now-permanent Codfather fish sandwich. You also won’t want to miss out on the award-winning potato pancakes.
Photo via facebook.com/Izzy’s

Izzy’s

Multiple locations, including 800 Elm St., Downtown; 5098 Glencrossing Way, Westwood; and 4766 Red Bank Expy., Madisonville
If you’re on the hunt for a good Reuben, Izzy’s claims to have the world’s best. Izzy’s famous corned beef is piled high on rye bread and topped with melted swiss cheese, sauerkraut and secret dressing. The menu also has a variety of other sandwiches, including the now-permanent Codfather fish sandwich. You also won’t want to miss out on the award-winning potato pancakes.
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Tousey House Tavern 5963 N Jefferson St. #9596, Burlington Tousey House has all the Southern comforts you crave, offering a large menu featuring brunch, lunch and dinner items. A few popular dishes include the fried green tomatoes, chicken and waffles and Southern eggs benedict. The restaurant also offers bourbon flights. It's located inside of a historic building that dates back to 1822.

Photo via Tousey House Tavern

Tousey House Tavern

5963 N Jefferson St. #9596, Burlington
Tousey House has all the Southern comforts you crave, offering a large menu featuring brunch, lunch and dinner items. A few popular dishes include the fried green tomatoes, chicken and waffles and Southern eggs benedict. The restaurant also offers bourbon flights. It's located inside of a historic building that dates back to 1822.
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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.

Photo via facebook.com/Alabama Que

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.
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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 film Airborne. Founder Colonel Pompilio was also the first to secure a liquor license in Kentucky after Prohibition ended, so it also has an extensive bourbon list.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

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 film Airborne. Founder Colonel Pompilio was also the first to secure a liquor license in Kentucky after Prohibition ended, so it also has an extensive bourbon list.
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Holtman's Donut Shop Multiple locations including 3356 Madison Road, Oakley; 1399 State Route 28, Loveland Holtman’s will give you a reason to crawl out of bed on a weekend morning. The Loveland-based operation now has multiple locations that serve flaky, melt-in-your-mouth donuts. Lines for the pastries often wrap outside the door and with good reason: the bakery has an array of options to suit any craving, from classic glazed to maple to vanilla-icing dusted with Fruity Pebbles.
Photo: Jesse Fox

Holtman's Donut Shop

Multiple locations including 3356 Madison Road, Oakley; 1399 State Route 28, Loveland
Holtman’s will give you a reason to crawl out of bed on a weekend morning. The Loveland-based operation now has multiple locations that serve flaky, melt-in-your-mouth donuts. Lines for the pastries often wrap outside the door and with good reason: the bakery has an array of options to suit any craving, from classic glazed to maple to vanilla-icing dusted with Fruity Pebbles.
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Greyhound Tavern 2500 Dixie Hwy., Fort Mitchell The Greyhound Tavern has offered down-home comfort food to Northern Kentuckians since the 1920s. The atmosphere is pleasantly country-fied, with wood paneling, vinyl tablecloths and multiple fireplaces, and the menu reflects that, too. The tavern is known for its herbed secret-recipe fried chicken, available daily. In 2021, Microsoft News named Greyhound Tavern as Kentucky's most legendary restaurant.

Photo via facebook.com/Greyhound Tavern

Greyhound Tavern

2500 Dixie Hwy., Fort Mitchell
The Greyhound Tavern has offered down-home comfort food to Northern Kentuckians since the 1920s. The atmosphere is pleasantly country-fied, with wood paneling, vinyl tablecloths and multiple fireplaces, and the menu reflects that, too. The tavern is known for its herbed secret-recipe fried chicken, available daily. In 2021, Microsoft News named Greyhound Tavern as Kentucky's most legendary restaurant.
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Lake Nina Restaurant & Tavern 7200 Pippin Rd., North College Hill Lake Nina Restaurant & Tavern is a seafood spot that has been in business for about 60 years. Famous for its fried fish log, Lake Nina also offers a variety of other non-seafood options like fried chicken, frog legs, burgers and double-deckers. This treasure, located next to an actual lake, has been a place to create memories with the fam for decades.
Photo via facebook.com/Lake Nina Restaurant

Lake Nina Restaurant & Tavern

7200 Pippin Rd., North College Hill
Lake Nina Restaurant & Tavern is a seafood spot that has been in business for about 60 years. Famous for its fried fish log, Lake Nina also offers a variety of other non-seafood options like fried chicken, frog legs, burgers and double-deckers. This treasure, located next to an actual lake, has been a place to create memories with the fam for decades.
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Frisch’s Mainliner 5760 Wooster Pike, Fairfax Big Boy sandwiches. All-day breakfast. Warm bowls of chili and soup. Frisch's Big Boy Mainliner opened in 1939, when founder David Frisch launched Cincinnati’s first year-round drive-in, which could hold up to 60 cars. Now the regional diner chain is an iconic stop for Queen City residents. The famous menu still carries on today — with additions — and offers up both nostalgic memories and classic grub.
Photo: Catie Viox

Frisch’s Mainliner

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