Mondays, amirite? The start of the week can be super stressful and the last thing you want to do after work is make a meal. While a lot of places are closed at the start of the week (restaurant workers need a weekend too), there are still plenty of hip Cincinnati restaurants open on Monday where you can unwind, enjoy a delicious meal and try to forget about the looming four work days ahead of you. 

Mita’s 501 Race St., Downtown Chef Jose Salazar is a continent away from his mamita and the hand-cranked mill she still uses to grind corn for arepas and empanadas, but his restaurant, Mita’s, is a tribute to her spirit and to Spanish and Latin American food. Some of the more intriguing dishes at Mita’s use familiar ingredients in new ways. The fresh emerald-green sauce for the short-rib empanadas is unexpectedly minty, and the beef is tucked into cornmeal crusts so light and crisp that it lifts the dish to the sublime. They also have one of the best margaritas in town. Photo via Facebook.com/MitasCincinnati Photo: facebook.com/Mita's Cincinnati
Boca 114 E. Sixth St., Cincinnati Showcasing both Italian and French flavors, Boca has been featured on many top restaurant lists as one of the best French restaurants in the United States. Some of Boca’s menu items include the short rib tartare, beet mezzaluna and Amish chicken. There is also a variety of desserts and wine available. Reserve your table advance to ensure you can enjoy this European-style restaurant. Photo: Provided by Boca
Bakersfield OTR 1213 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine Season 21, Episode 6 Bakersfield, which started in Cincinnati but has locations in Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit and Indianapolis, among others, serves up tacos and other Mexican-style dishes with lots of margaritas to go along with them. On the show, Fieri especially loved their killer short rib tacos and chicken torta. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Incline Public House 2601 W. Eighth St., Price Hill Named after the Cincinnati incline that traveled to Price Hill, Incline Public House features a gorgeous view of the city as well as New American eats for brunch, lunch and dinner. The menu includes pizzas, burgers, salads and even cheesesteak, plus a great bloody mary at brunch. It’s a popular and busy restaurant, so be prepared for wait. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
6. Sotto 118 E. Sixth St., Downtown “The thing that is special about Sotto is that it hits all the marks. Beautiful atmosphere, exceptional service, and wonderful food make an evening there unforgettable.” -Oneya O. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
No. 1 Best Chicken Sandwich: The Eagle OTR 1342 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine Photo: facebook.com/TheEagleRestaurant
E+O Kitchen 3520 Edwards Road, Hyde Park; 56 W. Freedom Way, The Banks E+O stands for “Earth + Ocean” and the menu is based on wholesome and organic ingredients. You’ll find Asian influences in dishes like the Salmon Poke Buddha Bowl, made with sushi rice, avocado, cucumber, pickled red onions and poke sauce, and the Miso Glazed Black Cod, which comes with roasted bok choy and orange-ginger dressing. E+O also has a selection of sushi, nigiri and both traditional and innovative sashimi. Hyde Park’s location also hosts a happy hour on Mondays from 2-6 p.m. with half off signature cocktails, draft beer and select menu items. Photo: facebook.com/eokitchenbanks
Inspired by Sunday dinners at Thunderdome co-founders Joe and John Lanni’s grandparents’ house, the restaurant aims to embody the spirit and hospitality from those special evenings while honoring their family. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
No. 4 Best Veggie Burger: Nation Kitchen & Bar 1200 Broadway St., Pendleton Photo: Hailey Bollinger
The Filson 25 E. Freedom Way, The Banks This elevated sports bar features Cincinnati-inspired dishes, like their locally made mettwurst, which you can get ‘nati style with chili, cheese and onions, and the Porkopolis burger, which comes with housemade BBQ sauce, bacon, cheddar cheese, fried onions, pickle and mayo. On game days, they serve a simplified menu of all the sports-bar favorites, like wings and nachos. Apart from their menu, one of their best features is their intimate outdoor patio where you can dine underneath string lights with a stunning view of Smale Riverfront Park and the Roebling Bridge. They also have a fire pit and Adirondack chairs to cozy up in while you sip on a locally brewed beer, specialty cocktail or craft soda. Photo: facebook.com/TheFilsonAtTheBanks
Rusk Kitchen + Bar 2724 Woodburn Ave., East Walnut Hills Rusk Kitchen + Bar serves up eclectic American cuisine and elevated bar food alongside beverage options like beer, wine and housemade cocktails you can enjoy on their rooftop patio, which offers a killer view of East Walnut Hills. With its cozy, welcoming vibes, Rusk aims to become a neighborhood go-to where you can watch the game, enjoy date night or just hang out with friends. The menu features a variety of lunch and dinner dishes, including handhelds like burgers and sandwiches, salads and entrées like fish and chips, Chilean salmon and a cajun chicken and alfredo dish. Photo: facebook.com/Rusk Kitchen + Bar
Son of a Butcher 7630 Gibson St., Suite 110, Liberty Township After Agave & Rye seemingly conquered the eccentric taco world, the team set their sights on steakhouses. Son of a Butcher – also referred to as S.O.B. – and its menu aims to “[evolve] the stuffy steakhouse into something magical.” And what Monday doesn’t need a touch of magic? Along with USDA Prime cuts, wagyu, caviar and shaved truffles, the menu also features flavorful dishes like the wagyu burger, lobster roll and black truffle gnocchi. Photo: facebook.com/sobsteakhouse
Losanti 1401 Race St., Over-the-Rhine Recently opened for service seven days a week, Over-the-Rhine steakhouse Losanti sparkles when it comes to steak dishes, particularly their prime fillet mignon and the steak and frites, served with golden raisin chimichurri and parmesan fries. The menu also features a Faroe Island salmon, Amish chicken marsala and a variety of pasta dishes. To drink, indulge in one of their shaken or stirred cocktails, a martini or an old fashioned. Hailey Bollinger
Photo: Catie Viox for Zest Cincy
The Precinct 311 Delta Ave., Columbia Tusculum The Precinct, housed in a historical Romanesque-style former police precinct, features a lavish interior, with chandeliers, colorful stained glass windows, splashes of red and a large wooden bar. On the menu, you can’t go wrong with a sirloin or porterhouse, named after current and past Cincinnati sports greats. Photo: facebook.com/JeffRubysPrecinct
Dope! Asian Street Fare Dope! Wings: Wok fired in dope sauce, topped with fried garlic, cilantro, mint and lime wedges. Take-out available. Photo: Provided by Dope! Asian Street Fare
Nada 600 Walnut St., Downtown Featuring a menu of modern Mexican food and a stellar location near the Aronoff, Nada serves as the perfect spot for dinner on a hectic Monday. The menu features plenty of tasty tacos, antojitos (or appetizers), enchiladas and fajitas. Nada’s patio is also a big attraction when nice weather beckons. Photo: facebook.com/eatdrinknada
Nicola’s Photo: Aidan Mahoney
Lalo 26 W. Court St., Downtown Lalo refers to itself as “Chino Latino” cuisine because Asia has a lot of Spanish and Latin influence. The menu ranges from tacos and burritos to rice and noodles, with dishes like Mexi Bibimbap or Mexi Pad Thai. Favorite tacos include the curry chicken, teriyaki tofu and drunken brisket. The eatery recently moved from its location on Main Street to Court Street. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Agave & Rye Hyde Park 3825 Edwards Road, Hyde Park Diners flock to the restaurant to enjoy its vibrant murals and funky decor while chowing down on unique tacos, with proteins including kangaroo, duck, crab cakes, butter-poached lobster, crispy cauliflower, salt and pepper fries and fried chicken — in addition to more familiar bases like steak, pork carnitas and mahi mahi. With a flagship location in Covington, Agave & Rye’s Hyde Park spot is larger, with a massive patio. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Photo: Hailey Bollinger
The Hi-Mark 3229 Riverside Drive, East End A prime patio-season stop, the Hi-Mark is a neighborhood bar that serves up some delicious food. From the owners of Eli’s BBQ and Pho Lang Thang, this spot is just about a block and a half from Eli’s famed barbecue haven. The drinks menu focuses on craft and local beers — both on rotating taps and in bottles and cans. But the food is where it’s really at. With eight different wing dry rubs and sauces (including Eli’s barbecue sauce), Lang Thang Chili Mac, nacho fries, a veggie Philly and grilled cheese, there’s something for everyone. Photo: Facebook.com/thehimark
Crown Cantina 326 E. Eighth St., Downtown This Crown Restaurant Group spot is a self-described mix of “contemporary, authentic Mexican cuisine and cocktails.” Crown Cantina sets itself apart from other south-of-the-border-inspired restaurants with its unique blend of bold, but approachable flavors and ingredients – all of which are 100% gluten-free. On the menu, you’ll find a variety of tacos, including chicken mole, camarones asados and carne asada, as well as large plates like their lamb barbacoa and Baja fish. Kick off the meal with a starter of guacamole served with corn tostadas and a specialty margarita. Photo: Provided by Crown Restaurant Group
Metropole 609 Walnut St., Downtown Located inside the 21c Museum Hotel, Metropole offers excellent eats and cocktails in an artful environment. The dinner menu is seasonal, with spring offerings including fresh and bright dishes like the Spring Herb Brined Chicken, roasted duck and seared salmon. You can even order “beers for the crew,” a round for the kitchen team to thank them for all their hard work. Photo: Provided by Metropole 21c
Lucius Q 1131 Broadway St., Pendleton Sporting a modern industrial vibe, Lucius Q’s mission of “peace, love & BBQ” aims to bring everyone together with the help of their menu of authentic barbecue, Southern-style sides and a variety of craft beers, cocktails and spirits. The meat comes from Avril-Bleh and is smoked low and slow over oak and cherry wood. Get it on a sandwich, featuring bread from local bakeries, or by the pound with a side of their creamy mac ‘n cheese or flavorful collard greens. Photo: facebook.com/luciusq
No. 10 Northern Kentucky Restaurant: Coppin’s Restaurant & Bar 368 Madison Ave., Covington Photo: Hailey Bolliger
The Governor 231 Main St., Milford Brothers Paul and Neil Barraco had been working in fine dining for years when they returned to their East Coast roots to open a classic diner with a modern twist. The mission of the Governor is to offer the perks of fine dining — locally procured meat and produce, a menu made from scratch, a carefully designed cocktail list — at a medium price point in a laid-back environment. The menu at the Governor features cuisine ranging from Asian to Italian to classic Americana, and all-day breakfast. Photo: Savana Willhoite Photo: Savana Willhoite
No. 6 Best Veggie Burger: Taste of Belgium Multiple locations including 1135 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Gulow Street 1614 Hoffner St., Northside Gulow Street is a cozy yet sophisticated bar and restaurant located at the corner of Hoffner and Gulow streets — the establishment’s namesake. The streamlined menu offers bites like a burger and breakfast sandwich with pimento cheese, plus a cocktail menu. Clever house drinks include the Spaghett (Miller High Life, Aperol and lemon) and a basil paloma with Tajín. A converted garage on the property doubles as a patio space, and dogs are welcome to hang out there with their people. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Amador 1 Levee Way, Newport Havana has come to Greater Cincinnati. Amador opened at Newport on the Levee in May with a menu featuring traditional Cuban dishes like empanadas, croquetas, and Cubano sandwiches, but with an “Amador twist.” The energetic and playful atmosphere aims to transport diners to a tropical vacation, with its jungle-esque vibe, lush greenery and an outdoor patio that overlooks the Ohio River and Cincinnati skyline. And unlike other Cuban restaurants, their small plates are meant to be shared. To drink, the restaurant has Cuban coffee, craft cocktails and Latin American beers, wines and rare spirits. They also have their bodega-style walk-up window, “La Ventanita” (little window), where guests can order something to-go from a limited menu. Photo: facebook.com/CityofNewportKY
Krueger’s Tavern // The restaurant’s Gateway Quarter upstairs patio offers a birds’ eye view of the action on Vine Street, plus Krueger’s full menu. 1211 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine. Photo: Kellie Coleman