Every year, CityBeat hosts its Best of Cincinnati® competition, wherein our readers vote for their favorite things across the city — from hiking trails and free attractions to bars and, of course, restaurants, including the best neighborhood restaurants. On Cincinnati’s West Side, the restaurants may be more of hidden gems to those who don’t live in this part of town, but West Siders know where to go for delicious dishes here and were happy to share their thoughts. From old-school chili parlors and steakhouses that have been here forever to trendy spots with fantastic views, here are the best neighborhood restaurants on the West Side, according to our readers.
Best West Side Restaurant No. 10: Roney’s
Must-Try Dish: Visit on the weekend for the much-loved breakfast bar. The roast beef sandwich is also always a solid choice. 151 Cooper Ave., Cleves.
Best West Side Restaurant No. 9: Nation Kitchen and Bar
Must-Try Dish: Get the Hangover Burger — two patties, sriracha-maple-candied bacon, cheddar, onion, lettuce, tomato and a sunnyside-up egg. Make sure you get the tots on the side. 3435 Epworth Ave., Westwood.
Best West Side Restaurant No. 8: Cabana on the River
Must-Try Dish: To really get the Jimmy Buffett-style dining experience, try the Caribbean Fish Tacos — soft flour tortillas piled with char-grilled mahi mahi, roasted mango salsa, Caribbean slaw, cheddar jack cheese and a spicy-cool cusabi sauce. 7445 Forbes Road, Sayler Park.
Best West Side Restaurant No. 7: Catch-a-Fire Pizza
Must-Try Dish: For a pizza a little different from the classic tomato sauce and mozzarella variety, try the Crazy Potatoheads, featuring crème fraîche, bacon, potato, jalapeño, four cheeses, white cheddar, scallion and ranch. 3044 Harrison Ave., Westwood (inside West Side Brewing).
Best West Side Restaurant No. 6: Maury’s Tiny Cove
Must-Try Dish: Try The Musketeer, a 12-oz. chopped steak topped with a mushroom demi-glace. 3908 Harrison Ave., Cheviot.
Best West Side Restaurant No. 5: Ron’s Roost
Must-Try Dish: If you’re heading to this West Side institution, you need to try the fried chicken, preferably with a side of mashed potatoes. Ron’s Roost also has some great German fare, including the Oktoberfest Sauerbraten — tender beef marinated for seven days and served over noodles, with potato pancakes and your choice of applesauce or hot bacon slaw on the side. 3853 Race Road, Green Township.
Best West Side Restaurant No. 4: Price Hill Chili
Must-Try Dish: In traditional Cincinnati style, try the chili over coneys or a way, but don’t sleep on the famous double-decker sandwiches like The Hippo — ham, beef, cheese and tomato. 4920 Glenway Ave., West Price Hill.
Best West Side Restaurant No. 3: Primavista
Must-Try Dish: This Italian restaurant is best known for its veal dishes. We recommend trying the Veal Saltimboca, which features scaloppine veal, prosciutto, fontina, sage and veal glaze and is served with polenta and green beans. For a vegetarian option, opt for the Penne Cionni, which is made with roasted tomatoes and mushrooms, garlic and oil and topped with gorgonzola and scallions. 810 Matson Place, East Price Hill.
Best West Side Restaurant No. 2: Ivory House
Must-Try Dish: The Tomahawk Pork Chop: A cherry BBQ-glazed chop served with grilled cornbread and your choice of two sides. 2998 Harrison Ave., Westwood.
Best West Side Restaurant No. 1: Incline Public House
Must-Try Dish: You can’t go wrong with the burger or one of Incline Public House’s specialty pizzas, but be sure to order the short rib poutine appetizer to split with the table. It’s made with fries, braised short rib, white cheddar cheese curds, a demi-glace and green onions. You can also add egg or sub the fries with tots for $2 extra. 2601 W. Eighth St., East Price Hill.