Cincinnati is home to hundreds of different restaurants, ranging from upscale steakhouses to mobile food trucks. We have a diverse variety of options for every kind of food mood. But we all know and appreciate the special charm that comes from a small, no-frills establishment. Sometimes family-owned and -operated and sometimes just an inexpensive grab-and-go joint, what they lack in size or ambiance, they make up for in taste. These local restaurants are essentials when you’re looking for a local, laid-back dining experience.
Chicken on the Run
A staple in the Deer Park community, Chicken on the Run has been serving up wings, burgers and beers for decades. The atmosphere is friendly, and much like a neighborhood watering hole, but with plenty of booths, tables and chairs for dining in. Chicken on the Run also argues it has the best wings in town. There’s only one way to find out. 7255 Ohio Ave., Deer Park.
Pepper Pod
Greasy spoon dining at its best, the Pepper Pod is a Newport legend, serving up all-day breakfast and double-deckers since 1956. This old-school diner hasn’t changed much since it opened, giving guests a side of nostalgia with their meal, and each table comes with a vintage jukebox. It’s also one of the few places left where you can smoke indoors. 703 Monmouth St., Newport.
Hurry Curry
At Hurry Curry, you’re literally served through a hole in the wall, although you probably would just call it a carryout window. This takeout spot in Madisonville serves up flavorful soups, curries and more that feature blends of spices and ingredients from both Asia and the Middle East to create bold and unique dishes. The menu offers curry and soup burritos, bowls, naan pizzas and even naan grilled cheeses in a variety of flavor combinations, ranging from green curry to zucchini soup. They also offer specials like the Curry Bento Box (your choice of three curries, soups or chilis with rice, half a naan and a special Saudi spicy salsa on the side). 6756 Bramble Ave., Madisonville.
New England Grinders
This East Coast-style sub shop is no frills, focusing all its energy and creativity into its specialty grinder sandwiches, many of which sport irreverent names. Would you like a taste of the Fat Bastard (pastrami, gyro meat, spicy Italian susage, mozzarella and banana peppers topped with mayo and Italian dressing)? Do you want Just the Tip (pastrami, mozzarella, caramelized onions and Grinder Aioli, with a side of the house au jus) or Balls Deep (pepperoni, mozzarella, meatballs, Italian sausage, banana peppers and a side of spicy broccoli cheddar for dipping)? They also have a selection of classic grinders like the Italian, Philly Cheesesteak and Chicken Parmesan. The menu also offers a selection of soups, salads and sides, like the Loaded Baked Potato & Tortellini Pasta Salad. 9963 Princeton Glendale Road, West Chester.
Comal
At Comal, the tortilla is king, serving as your plate, spoon and napkin. This counter-service joint in Ft. Thomas offers a variety of unique street tacos, tostadas and more Mexican-style fare. Tacos are served on heirloom blue corn tortillas, with other options available upon request, and include The Diego (carnitas-style braised pork in salsa verde with homemade Comal Slaw, macha vinaigrette and microgreen cilantro), Pinche Malinche (slow-cooked shredded chicken in a sweet and savory Tinga sauce and topped with shredded lettuce and pico de gallo) and more. Other popular menu items include the quesadillas, El Panzon (an oversized flour tortilla filled with rice, beans, cheese and barbacoa, seared and then topped with queso, lettuce and pico) and the elote. Don’t skip dessert: They have churros or sopapillas. 18 N. Ft. Thomas Ave., Ft. Thomas.
Herb & Thelma’s Tavern
Opened in 1939 as Heine’s Café, the small drop-ceilinged dining room is an old-school (cash only) and cozy spot with highly praised burgers. Their incredibly friendly staff serves up simple but delectable made-to-order burgers — their specialty being a juicy meat patty topped with cheese, onions and pickles. A short list of sides includes chili, soup or Grippos chips. If you’re a more adventurous eater, be sure to try the spicy pickled eggs. 718 W. Pike St., Covington.
The Pony
The Pony has only been around since 2017, but this bar and restaurant has the old-school, hole-in-the-wall and dive-bar aesthetic down pat, with its oneycomb tile floors, low-hanging green bar lamps and a glowing neon sign luring you in for an old-fashioned. By all means, come for the old-fashioned, but make sure you stay and enjoy the food. The menu is what you’d typically find at a bar, but turned up a notch. From burgers to roast beef sandwiches to chicken wing dip, everything is delicious, and the fries are often lauded as some of the best in the city. 1346 Main St., Over-the-Rhine.
The Loaded Gyro
This charming West Side hole-in-the-wall serves up delicious gyros, along with a mix of Mediterranean and American dishes. Grab a classic gyro or load it up with extra meat, feta and jalapeño or banana peppers. Add a side of Greek fries, or opt to have your gyro meats piled high on a salad instead. Be sure to save room for dessert — the baklava is light, flaky and topped with honey and walnuts. 4866 Delhi Road, Delhi.
Harry & Shan’s Asian Cuisine
Harry & Shan Asian Cuisine, located in the former Deme Kitchen space on Main Street, offers classic Chinese takeout items like sweet and sour chicken, General Tso’s chicken, Moo Goo Gai Pan and more, as well as other Asian dishes like Pad Thai. You can also get protein or vegetables made in traditional Mongolian, Szechuan, Hunan and Kung Pao styles or dim sum, a traditional Chinese meal of small plates. 627 Main St., Downtown.
Lake Nina
Lake Nina Restaurant & Tavern is a seafood spot that has been in business for about 60 years. Famous for their fried fish log, they also offer 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 family for decades. 7200 Pippin Road, North College Hill.
Wunderbar!
If your favorite event of the year is Oktoberfest and you consider yourself a connoisseur of pretzels, schnitzel, pilsners and all culinary things German, bar and grill Wunderbar! needs to be on your radar. At this unassuming space tucked away in Covington, theres’s truth to the adage that the best food can be found in hole-in-the-walls. With a menu of authentic German fare, plus a variety of beer and weekend brunch, Wunderbar! offers some of the best sauerkraut, pretzels and sausages you’ve ever had outside Munich. But, in our opinion, the pierogies alone are enough to keep you coming back. 1132 Lee St., Covington.
Ruthai’s Thai Kitchen
This convivial spot, just steps away from Mt. Lookout Square, offers authentic Thai food and sushi. While you can opt for a standard table, Ruthai’s Thai Kitchen also offers some traditional floor-style seating with comfy cushions and low tables. The dishes’ spice level ranks 1-4, or mild, medium, hot and “Ruthai Hot.” Diners love the red curry, as well as Chef TimTang’s sushi. The rolls range from your classic California and cucumber rolls to the Cincinnati roll, featuring avocado and cooked salmon and topped with barbecue sauce. 3164 Linwood Ave., Mt. Lookout.
Brotherton’s Family Restaurant
A longstanding neighborhood staple, Brotherton’s Family Restaurant has been providing good food and a warm, welcoming space for diners in Mt. Healthy and beyond since the ‘80s, making it the perfect spot to grab a soul-fueling breakfast with friends, family or your community. Their breakfast sandwich, featuring an egg and your choice of meat on a croissant and served with the choice of grits or potatoes, is a popular choice, as are their breakfast combos. 7517 Hamilton Ave., Mt. Healthy.
F&N Goode Chicken Tenders
The name says it all. This no-frills chicken joint has some of the best chicken tenders on the West Side. Formerly located on Crookshanks, F&N Goode recently moved into the kitchen in sports bar J.T. Maley’s, about a block away on Anderson Ferry. They still serve up all your favorite chicken tender combos (comes with slaw and your choice of a side, like tater tots or chips), plus sandwiches and barbecue by the pound. 2178 Anderson Ferry Road, Green Township.