Blue Jay Restaurant 4154 Hamilton Ave., Northside This homey Northside diner has been owned and operated by the Petropoulos family since 1967. Stepping inside is almost like stepping back in time with the row of cozy booths, wood paneling on the walls and the dining counter. The menu features classic breakfast and lunch dishes that come in generous portions, as well as Cincinnati-style chili in a bowl, on coneys or as ways. The restaurant was also featured in the 2017 movie The Killing of a Sacred Deer starring Nicole Kidman and Colin Farrell. Photo: Hailey Bollinger

The inside of the Blue Jay in Northside Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Melissa Mileto of the now-defunct but greatly-missed Northside bakery and brunch spot Take the Cake is transforming the neighborhood’s Blue Jay (4154 Hamilton Ave., Northside) into Mel’s Diner for a nostalgic evening pop-up. 

Mileto be serving “a spin on diner classics like meatloaf and chicken pot pie.” And mixologist Aaron Strasser of Boca/Sotto will be making classic cocktails — available for a donation. 

The menu includes: 

  • Meatloaf with carrot-ginger purée, salsa verde and sweet-and-sour cipollini and pearl onions
  • Chicken stew with herbed black-pepper biscuits, crispy chicken skin and sweet peas
  • Grilled cheese with pepita-pesto curry butter, served with piquillo pepper and charred tomato bisque
  • Cherry cobbler with buttermilk ice cream and pistachio praline for dessert

Guests can select their choice of entree, served with a wedge salad, soft drink and dessert (a la carte options will be available for a discounted rate). Children under 5 eat free. 

7-10 p.m. Saturday, July 21. $20; walk-ins welcome after 8:30 p.m. Get tickets here. 

Photo: Provided

This article appears in Jul 11-18, 2018.

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