Sometimes a sort of unreasonable hunger strikes, and when that time comes, a regular ol’ grilled cheese just won’t cut it. Lucky for you, the Queen City is well-equipped with a multitude of over-the-top dishes to feast upon, ranging from stacked burgers and poutine piled high with toppings to an eight-pound 6-way (yes, you read that correctly). Here are a few places to head when you’ve got an extreme case of the munchies.

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. Photo: Lindsay McCarty
Fifty West Brewing Company Burger Bar 7605 Wooster Pike, Columbia Township; 5224 District Park Drive, Deerfield Township An homage to a 1950s roadside root beer stand, Fifty West Burger Bar serves a handful of proteins — single or double burger, chicken patty, flattop dog or Beyond burger — 12 different ways, each named for the 12 different states U.S. Route 50 travels through. Ohio’s burger tops our cravings list with Cincinnati chili, shredded cheese, house mustard and onions. Fifty West also creates its own brand of THC seltzers, Sunflower, which comes in refreshing flavors like Cherry Limeade, Blueberry Dream and Orange Cream Pop and just a splash of weed to keep you mellow. Photo: Provided by Fifty West Brewing Company
HangOverEasy 13 W. Charlton St., Corryville It’s not called HangOverEasy for nothing. This breakfast and brunch joint has years of experience curing hangovers and staving off the munchies for those who maybe partied a little too much the night before. In addition to reviving folks after a rough night, this is an excellent spot for when an untameable hunger strikes. Order the “Walk of Shame” — sausage, bacon, melted American cheese and a fried egg on a grilled buckeye donut — and feel your hangover drift away. Photo: Kellie Coleman
Fireside Pizza 773 E McMillan St., Walnut Hills Pizza is a classic munchie food, and Fireside Pizza in Walnut Hills does it well. Fireside partners with Eli’s BBQ for the aptly named Eli’s BBQ Pie, which comes piled high with Alabama white sauce, a provolone-mozzarella mix, Eli’s BBQ signature rub and barbecue sauce, pickled red onions and Fireside’s oven-roasted chicken. Pizzas are available in both 9 inches and 14 inches, but we think you’ll want the bigger size. Thank us later. Photo: Provided by Fireside
Milkman 1106 Race St., Over-the-Rhine Burgers, chicken nuggets, hot dogs — Milkman has all the classic eats to chow down on when the cravings hit. You can even “Make Your Own Damn Burger” from a list of cheeses, toppings and sauces and customize to your heart and stomach’s desire. The list includes a variety of cheeses, toppings and sauces, which range from classic cheddar, lettuce and tomato to nacho cheese, Cincy-style chili and garlic herb mayo. When you’re done, wash everything down with a milkshake or slushie — boozy or otherwise. Photo: facebook.com/Milkman OTR
Tickle Pickle 4176 Hamilton Ave., Northside; 915 N. Ft. Thomas Ave., Ft. Thomas If you never thought a burger could be rock and roll, think again. Tickle Pickle offers rock-and-roll-inspired burgers that would make their namesakes proud. Over-the-top offerings include the Pearl Jam — a burger topped with jalapeño jam, goat cheese, tomato and caramelized onions and served on a pretzel bun — or the Mariah Curry (a chicken sandwich featuring goat cheese, house-made curry ketchup, spinach, grilled cucumbers and caramelized onions on a pretzel bun). You can also create your own burger masterpiece, customizing it to your exact preference. Need something sweet to wash it all down? Tickle Pickle is also known for its thick and creamy vegan milkshakes. Photo: Provided by Tickle Pickle
Young Buck Deli 1332 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine When you want a sandwich — like a SANDWICH sandwich — head to Young Buck Deli. This deli offers a selection of enormous, handcrafted sandwiches with made-in-house lunch meat, bread (which is amazingly fluffy and sturdy at the same time) and accouterments. For morning cravings, try the B.E.C. — molasses and black pepper bacon, egg and cheese (try the pimento with it). They also have a classic PB&J, made with challah bread, homemade creamy peanut butter and strawberry jam, and the Fried Bologna (mortadella, yellow mustard and mayo on challah). Photo: Provided by Young Buck Deli
Blue Ash Chili 9525 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash; 11711 Princeton Pike, Springdale Cincinnati-style chili is an excellent option for when that special kind of hunger strikes, and Blue Ash Chili does it right. The 6-Way, which was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, includes beans, onions, shredded cheddar and your choice of fresh sliced jalapeno or fried bottle caps. Or, if you’re in the mood for something spicy, their new menu addition, the Nashville Hot Way. It’s a traditional way, but includes a custom blend of spices to bring the heat and is topped with habanero cheese. Photo: facebook.com/BlueAshChili
Whetsel Whip 4825 Whetsel Ave., Madisonville When your cravings hit your sweet tooth, Whetsel Whip in Madisonville offers classic soft-serve flavors along with monthly specials. Sure, you can get that in a classic waffle cone, but you can also get it served up in a delicious, fluffy bubble waffle, and for just $1 more, you can brûlée your cone. And if you can’t choose between the selection of mouthwatering sundaes, order a flight, which comes with four signature flavors. Photo: facebook.com/whetselwhip
Galaxie 815 Madison Ave., Covington Galaxie, which recently opened in Covington, is best known for its inventive drink menu and electronic dance music, but this bar also serves up a variety of “wakatakas,” a cross between a taco and flatbread. Try the Cheeseburger Wakataka for a mix of the best munchie food. IT comes with queso, shredded lettuce, pico, pickles, aioli and bagel spice on Galaxie’s signature flatbread. Give the Chimichurri Fries a chance too; they’re loaded fries with grilled chicken, chimichurri herb sauce and feta. Photo: DoorDash.com
Tavern on the Bend 5471 North Bend Road, Green Township Are your munchies demanding unique mac and cheese dishes and stacked burgers? Tavern on the Bend has the cure. This pub may appear modest with its paper plates and plastic cutlery, but it quality ingredients and a creative bar menu keep people coming back. Mac & cheese varieties include Philly steak mac and lobster mac, while burgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs and chicken sandwiches come topped with everything from jalapeño bacon to roasted Mexican street corn. Photo: facebook.com/Tavern On The Bend
Sake Bomb 500 Monmouth St., Newport; 3072 Dixie Highway, Erlanger Northern Kentucky’s Sake Bomb may have the market cornered on over-the-top, delicious sushi rolls. The Chef’s Special Rolls has tons of unique and fun options for any kind of craving, like the Rainbow (avocado, cucumber, crab, tuna, salmon and red snapper) or the Cincinnati (mango, cream cheese, avocado, smoked salmon, sushi sauce and tempura flakes). You can also try a deep-fried sushi roll, and the menu also caters to those with special dietary needs. Photo: facebook.com/sakebombcatering
Northside Yacht Club 4231 Spring Grove Ave., Northside Northside Yacht Club is known for many things, but one of those is its inventive menu of over-the-top, indulgent dishes (almost always offered with a veggie/vegan option). Got a case of the big hungries? Try the Best of Cincinnati Poutine: fresh-cut fries, house gravy, Urban Stead Cincinnati cheese curds and scallions. Or, opt for the April special, the Thicc Fil-A + Fries: pickle-marinated fried chicken breast, house-made Thicc Sauce and pickles on a Sixteen Bricks challah bun. There’s also a vegan version. Photo: Provided by Northside Yacht Club
Saturday Morning Vibes Cereal Bar 3539 Reading Road, Avondale Sometimes, all you need to satisfy the munchies is a big bowl of cereal, and at Saturday Morning Vibes, you have endless options and customizations to choose from. This cereal bar features over 70 cereals from around the world, as well as toppings like strawberries, whipped cream and more to add to your bowl. Photo: facebook.com/saturdaymvcafe
Tulum 225 Fairfield Ave, Bellevue Recently opened in the former Nomad space in Bellevue, Tulum serves up authentic Mexican street eats, like tacos, burritos, along with some unique offerings, like the Birria Ramen and the Mexican Hot Dog — a bacon-wrapped hot dog with sautéed onions, mayo, mustard and ketchup, as well as the option to addcrushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. The drink menu includes a selection of margaritas, including a spicy option, as well as an espresso martini, an old fashioned, wine and a sharable fishbowl-style drink called the El Cenote. Photo: facebook.com/Tulumky
Katch the Kitchen 4172 Hamilton Ave., Northside Katch the Kitchen’s menu is anything but half-baked. This Northside restaurant offers a variety of delicious eats, ranging from tacos to burgers to wings and Alfredo-smothered dishes. For over-the-top offerings, try the Loaded Fries (waffle fries, creamy Alfredo, ranch dressing and your choice of meat) or go big with the Epic Combo: five wings, five salmon nuggets and loaded fries that include shrimp, crab and chicken. Photo: facebook.com/KatchTheKitchenRestaurantAndBar
Lucky Dog 1210 Main St., Over-the-Rhine When the munchies strike, Lucky Dog has coneys, chili metts, chili cheese sandwiches, regular dogs and even a coney crate for that unending hunger. For something a little extra, though, try the Corn Dog Coney, an all-chicken frank wrapped in cornmeal, fried and placed in a bun with chili and cheese. Photo: DoorDash.com
Agave & Rye 635 Madison Ave., Covington; 3825 Edwards Road, Norwood; 7125 Fountain View Drive, Liberty Township Diners flock to Agave & Rye to enjoy its vibrant murals and funky decor while chowing down on unique tacos, with proteins including kangaroo, duck, crab cakes, lobster, crispy cauliflower, fries and crispy chicken — in addition to more familiar bases like steak, pork carnitas and mahi mahi. Try The Bomb, a double-shelled taco with carne asada, chopped bourbon-poached shrimp, mac and cheese, spicy chili and BBQ jam and tobacco onions if you’re in the mood for a unique flavor combo. Photo: Provided by Agave & Rye