Sure the workday can be a drag, and maybe your boss sucks, but if you work in or near downtown Cincinnati, there’s always the promise of a delicious lunch to give you hope. There are so many good lunch options in the city or neighboring communities, it can be hard to pick. And while this is by no means a complete list (there really are way too many good lunch options in Cincinnati), CityBeat has curated for you a selection of some diverse and solid options for when the inbox gets too full and the hanger begins to kick in.

From classic delis with mouthwatering sandwiches to inventive street eats and taquerias that bring the flavor, here are some essential restaurants in or near downtown Cincinnati where you can spend a delightful lunch hour.

Silverglades 118 W. Elder St., Over-the-Rhine; 236 E. Eighth St., Downtown What better place to stop in for lunch than Cincinnati’s oldest family-owned deli? This downtown deli has been serving hungry lunch-goers since 1922. The chicken salad is a must-try and it comes in three varieties: walnut-grape, smoked and Buffalo-style. Silverglades also offers a long list of gourmet sandwiches, including paninis and wraps, and a menu of pizzas and salads, both of which have a create-your-own option. You can also stop in for a bottle of wine or some snacks for later. Photo: facebook.com/SilvergladesOn8th
The Rhined 1737 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine The Rhined is really about the cheese — well, the cheese and wine — but it’s also a good place to throw in your lunch rotation. The Rhined is great for grab-and-go (there are 50ish artisan cheeses to choose from) but it also does have some seating, including the indoor bar and outdoor patio. Guests can choose from assorted cheese board options or from a variety of snacks, including a sandwich menu. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Allez Bakery Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Interior of Kanji OTR Photo: facebook.com/KanjiOTR
Pata Roja Taqueria 1208 Sycamore St., Pendleton Pata Roja Taqueria has found a permanent home in Pendleton on Bar Saeso’s patio space. The restaurant specializes in food inspired by Mexico City such as al pastor and bistec street tacos and bean stew with sausage. The bar patio provides outdoor seating to enjoy in the summer months. Guests can also choose indoor seating and order beer from the bar. This spot is perfect for a late-night dinner or quick to-go meal. Photo: Facebook.com/PataRojaTacos Photo: facebook.com/PataRojaTacos
Flatiron Cafe 1833 Sycamore St., Mt. Auburn Flatiron Cafe is an adorable coffee and wine bar located just up the hill in Mt. Auburn. The cafe is located in a historic flatiron-style building and offers a menu of coffee, including seasonal drinks; tea; sandwiches and pizza for lunch. If it’s a nice day, be sure to grab a seat on the outdoor patio. Photo: facebook.com/FlatironCincy
Fortune Noodle House 349 Calhoun St., Clifton Heights You know your noodles are made with love when a restaurant makes them by hand before your eyes, but here’s the thing: Everything else at Fortune is delicious, too. Inspired by classic Chinese noodle houses, Fortune serves a La Mian-style of handmade noodles, a practice that dates back to the 1500s. The noodles are hand-pulled and stretched out into strands, then paired with everything from vegetables to squid and shredded pork to tripe. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Harmony Plant Fare 1801 Race St., Unit 105, Over-the-Rhine This New York City-inspired vegan deli offers a variety of cold cuts, salads, dips, housemade seitan and vegan cheese (that melts!), plus sandwiches and vegan pantry essentials. The addictive Italian sandwich is full of housemade seitan ham and pepperoni. Photo: facebook.com/harmonyplantfare
Krishna Indian Carryout 313 Calhoun St., Clifton Krishna Indian Restaurant is the University of Cincinnati’s best-kept secret. The tiny restaurant offers both carryout and dine-in, with about a handful of booths to choose from. Dishing out plates such as saag paneer, a vegetarian, spinach-filled dish with onions, spices and a hint of cream, and chicken tikka masala: tandoori chicken in a creamy tomato sauce. Be careful: The food can get spicy, ranging on a 1-7 spice scale. Photo: Paige Deglow
Fesslers Legendary Pizza and Hoagies 343 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue Originally named Pasquale’s, this affordable and tasty pizza joint is family-owned and -operated, bringing in steadfast customers since 1963. They’re known best for their fast service — perfect for those lunch rushes — thick crust and legendary hoagies. Photo: Liz Davis
Lalo 26 W. Court St., Downtown Lalo refers to itself as “Chino Latino” cuisine because Asia has a lot of Spanish and Latin influences. The menu is divided into a delicious, eclectic mix of those influences, with dishes ranging from tacos, burritos and mofongo to noodles and the fusion of Cubano Bahn-Mi and the Mexi Bibimbap. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
16 Lots Southern Outpost Photo: facebook.com/16 Lots Southern Outpost
Pho Lang Thang owner Bao Nguyen co-founded Asianati with Koji Sado (Pho Lang Thang food pictured) Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Milkman 1106 Race St., Over-the-Rhine Milkman, which opened in the former Revolutionary Rotisserie space last summer, serves up nostalgic vibes along with its unique take on diner food with smash burgers; fried chicken sandwiches that range from the classic (topped with dill pickles) to Thai (topped with spicy cucumber slaw and sweet chili sauce); and “not a burger” options like hot dogs, salads and Italian beef sandwiches. There are also options for non-meat eaters, including tofu nugs plus the meat for any of the chicken sandwiches can be switched out for fried tofu. You also can’t leave without trying one of their boozy milkshakes. Photo: Courtesy of Milkman
The Arepa Place 131 W. Elder St., Over-the-Rhine Breakfast/Brunch: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday; 10 a.m.-noon Sunday Never had an arepa? This is the place to learn why the rest of the world is catching on to these Latin American delights in a hurry. Originally launched as a Findlay Market pop-up tent by native Colombian Isis Arrieta-Dennis, The Arepa Place now has a brick-and-mortar market spot from which to serve its traditional corn flour street food specialty. Each arepa is grilled then sliced and stuffed with fillings ranging from mozzarella cheese and chorizo to fried plantains and black beans. The space might prove unassuming for a brunch spot due to its relatively small dining area, but the eatery offers top-notch breakfast food, with alcohol, which makes this a quirky off-the-radar (until now) brunch destination. Must Try: The arepa de huevo — a deep-fried cornmeal sandwich stuffed with egg and ground beef — along with a beer; Presidente, a Dominican pilsner, is worth a try. They also serve aguapanela, which is sugarcane water with lemon. Each dish comes with one salsa, but extra sides of the condiment are only $1 if you want to try a variety. — SMP Photo: Hailey Bollinger Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Taqueria San Miguel 812 Madison Ave., Covington San Miguel Taqueria is quiet and unassuming on the outside — that’s how you know it’s gonna be good. The menu packs a punch of authentic Mexican flavor, with classic tacos that come with your choice of meat on a corn tortilla, with onions and cilantro piled high. (Try the al pastor; you’ll thank us). There’s also a good selection of sopes, burritos and tortas, or try a plate, served with your choice of protein and a Mexican salad (tomato, onion, avocado, rice and beans). Photo: Google Maps
Goodfellas Pizzeria 1211 Main St., Over-the-Rhine; 6099 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge; 603 Main St., Covingvton Goodfellas Pizzeria features New York-style pizza in a 1920s-inspired setting. The wait in a literal line to try their popular pizza can be long, especially on the weekends, but it’s worth it. Alongside their giant slices and pies, other menu items include calzones, salads and their signature meatball sub. For an extra dose of carbs, grab a breadstick the size of your arm. Plus a side of their housemade ranch dressing. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Best Korean Winner: Riverside Korean Restaurant Runners-up: BIBIBOP Asian Grill, Decibel Korean Fried Chicken Photo: Facebook.com/RiversideKoreanRestaurant
Saigon Subs & Rolls 151 W. Fourth St., Downtown The refreshingly minimal Saigon Subs & Rolls is an underrated and often overlooked Vietnamese destination that serves some of the best tofu in town. Their banh mi sandwiches are a true work of art; between slices of baguette smeared in creamy homemade butter sit pickled carrots and daikon and your choice of seasoned grilled beef or chicken. Photo: Facebook.com/SaigonSubsandRolls Photo: facebook.com/SaigonSubsandRolls
The exterior of Mazunte Centro Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Hello Honey 725 Race St., Downtown For when you just want to spend your lunch break enjoying a sweet treat, stop by Hello Honey. Opened by husband and wife team Brian and Pook Nicely, Hello Honey crafts homemade ice creams using fresh ingredients, free from artificial flavor and color. They offer creative flavors like the charcoal sesame or the banana honeycomb. Opt for a freshly-made waffle cone and a house-made toasted marshmallow. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Onolicious – Downtown 1005 Walnut St., Downtown Hawaiian barbecue joint Onolicious is joining Court Street Plaza’s growing dining scene. Their authentic Hawaiian BBQ is made with organic and locally sourced ingredients, and their mission is to evolve Hawaiian cuisine Malama honua-style, which means to do so by taking care of the Earth, and their menu features plate lunches, poke, Loco Moco – a popular Hawaiian dish made with rice, burger and a fried egg – pupus (appetizers) and desserts. This location will also have a walk-up window and is expected to open in the summer of 2023. If you’re craving authentic Hawaiian cuisine now, however, you can check out Onolicious in Oakley at 3715 Madison Road. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Bee’s Barbecue, 1403 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine Photo: Provided by 3CDC
Build your own bowls and burritos at Poke Hut. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Raya’s Lebanese Restaurant 801 Elm St., Downtown This spot’s shawarma is incredibly flavorful, hitting on all the desirable trademarks of the sandwich. It’s a little more compact than usual, leaving you with plenty of room to enjoy some lentil soup, a Greek salad and the incredible baklava. Emerson Swoger
Lucky Dog OTR Late-Night Hours: Friday-Saturday until 3 a.m. 1210 Main St., Over-the-Rhine It’s never too late for a cheese coney, and luckily for everyone, Lucky Dog OTR stays open late into the night on Fridays and Saturdays. The restaurant calls itself the “culmination of over 20 years of restaurant experience by founders Ryan Reynolds and Ray Gammouh.” Using hot dogs from Queen City Sausage, chili fans can opt for coneys, chili metts, chili cheese sandwiches, regular dogs or even a coney crate (10 for $25). They also serve their signature chili in 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-Ways and even in a salad with shredded cheddar cheese, Fritos, tomatoes, sour cream and chipotle ranch. Photo: instagram.com/luckydogotr
A spread of dishes available at Goose & Elder Photo: Hailey Bollinger
O’Malley’s in the Alley 25 W. Ogden Place, Downtown Spend your St. Paddy’s Day at O’Malley’s in the Alley, the second-oldest bar in Cincinnati. Grab pub wings or one of its famous burgers to pair with a drink from the full bar. With the holiday falling on a Monday this year, you can enjoy a $4 Maker’s Mark for the Monday specials menu. Photo: Facebook.com/omalleysinthealley1
The Gruff Photo: Jesse Fox
Dixie Chili 733 Monmouth St., Newport / 3716 Dixie Highway, Erlanger / 2421 Madison Ave., Covington With a location in Newport, another in Covington and one in Erlanger, Dixie Chili has become an integral part of Northern Kentucky culture; each location a local landmark in its own right. Founded in 1929 by “Papa Nick,” Dixie Chili has classic, secret-ingredient Cincinnati-style chili with cheese and onions on spaghetti. Traditionally, Dixie’s offerings are dominated by Wisconsin cheddar, and the garlic is a great counterbalance to the dairy, making it one of the area’s favorite chili joints. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Hawkers Alley 28 W. Court St., Downtown For something fun and different, Hawkers Alley offers an inventive menu of Asian fusion street eats. Try the specialty Chino Taco, a scallion pancake topped with your choice of protein, ranging from curry chicken to honey pork belly and teriyaki tofu and mushrooms, or opt for a bahn mi or burger. Hawkers Alley also offers a variety of bowls, whether you want salad, soup or noodles. Photo: facebook.com/Hawkers Alley

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