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Cinners

2.5 star rating
based on 25 reviews

Category: Diners  [Edit]

Neighborhoods: Lincoln Square, Ravenswood
4757 N Talman Ave
(between Lawrence Ave & Leland Ave)
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 654-1624
  • Price Range: $
  • Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
  • Parking: Street
  • Attire: Casual
  • Good for Groups: Yes
  • Good for Kids: No
  • Takes Reservations: No
  • Delivers: No
  • Take-out: Yes
  • Waiter Service: Yes
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Outdoor Seating: No
  • Good for: Dinner, Late Night
  • Alcohol: Full Bar

25 Reviews for Cinners

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11

13

Nate B.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
04/15/2008

Yay cincy chili!

MY southern seaboard gf was slightly confused by it, but I was in heaven. It's a little thicker and meatier than skyline but I enjoyed it. I hope they get the TV's in soon, as I'd love to go up on a Saturday afternoon, catch a reds game, and eat some coneys. Only reason I couldn't give it 5 stars is the house next door to the place had like 10 teenagers on the stoop acting like gangbangers, also they need to get some Christian Morlein beer for the true cincy experience!

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29

Alex B.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
04/29/2008

How disappointing!!! I was very excited to try this place, particularly after reading the write-up in the reader, but they just didn't seem to have it together. I found the chili decent  (I think I just don't like cinci chili), the menu uninspired, and the service terrible.

Every item on the menu is some derivation of chili- the chili fries (chili over fries) the chili cocktail weenies (yes- chili with a side of weenies), conies (chili over hot dogs) and chili dip (chili w/ sour cream). I mean I like chili as much as the next guy, but how 'bout a little bit of variety? Maybe some onion rings or cheese fries?

Given the limited scope of the menu, you'd think that the food would come quickly (like they'd just have an enormous vat of it in the kitchen, or something), but it took us almost an hour to get our food (and it was a bit  lukewarm).

All and all it was a decent place, and I think might stop by again strictly late-night (they're open ridiculously late!) once they've had a chance to get their service together.

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21

J. T.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
05/03/2008

It's a glorious smell, folks.  Just three steps in the door and... ahhhhhh... Skyline!  A 'Nati magnet.    

Food is damned-near the taste of Skyline.  Three-way very good; cheese coney very good - although way bigger than what you'll find in Cincy parlours.  Cinners Dip (cream cheese, chili, cheese, and tortilla-style chips) excellent - better than what I can concoct (could have used a few more chips - which the young man from the kitchen readily supplied).  Sweet tea especially tasty (was that a hint of root beer in it???) and they have Heine Light (thank you).  Owner took our order (guess server does not appear until later, when it's more crowded).  Food was served timely, not rushed, and at the right temp.

Bar area has lower stools; larger-than-expected eating area features high tables as well as cute, cozy, low booths toward the back; red and black walls; one exposed brick wall; various Reds/Cincy items; two tv's; tall, painted-tin ceiling; some exposed ductwork.  Comfortable.    

Owner obviously proud of his "baby" - told us all about himself and Cinners' long time coming.  

Our visit took place last night, early on, so parking was no problem right on Lawrence.  There was a steady trickle of customers (both at the bar and dining) - and nearly everyone stood for a second upon entering, enjoying the wafting from the kitchen.

We'll be back for our fix.  (Plus, with the bakery next door, you can pick up your morning fix, too.)

Minor insider detail:  Where are the York Peppermint Patties?!

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3

David K.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
05/15/2008

I had to ding Cinners for something that's not their fault, really... No beer on tap! I thought the chili was really tasty and the service, top notch. Our waitress was a full on Cinci native and was delightfully opinionated about chili parlors back in her home town - (we had a Cleveland native with us) - and gave us some hints as to what was planned for additional items on the menu (and in the beer selections) for the future.

As a side note, I happened to stop by when Janet Davies was there filming a segment for 190 North. I still had the umbrella I stole from her in my bag. She didn't notice me.

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Elite '08

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90

lauren p.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
04/20/2008

The boyfriend (an Ohio native) and I ventured to Cinners last night for a quick dinner after work.  First of all, it should be noted that this place is in the middle of nowhere. Seriously, if you're going to try it, you would need to plan ahead or else you'll never find it.

I should add that the bf is from Columbus by way of Cleveland, so he didn't really grow up with Cincy chili, but is certainly familiar with it and was excited to check out Cinners.  The atmosphere is pretty bar-y, lots of red lights everywhere and pretty sparse decor. But that's not why you're coming here, so let's cut to the chase, mmkay?

The chili is pretty awesome.  If you're not familiar with Cincy chili, it's meaty, saucey, and sweet.  You can definitely taste the cinnamon, and I can tell you, it tastes pretty good.  I went for the cheese coney and Cinful fries (which we split), and he had a 4-way with onions.  Biggest disappointment was that everything was pretty cold. We should have complained, but we were in a rush and frankly, too lazy.  I guess I also should have expected that my dog would be boiled as opposed to grilled- when will I learn  that most places don't grill dogs? I hate boiled hotdogs. They have no flavor, no snap. . . but again, I guess I should have expected it.  The fries, sadly, were really soggy, but I guess that's what happens when you load them up with saucey chili. Again, really my own fault, as I love my fries to be super crispy and should have known they wouldn't turn out that way.

All in all, the chili is good, the overall food is mediocre.  Service was fine, so that seems to have improved since other people's visits. I can see this place being a big hit with Cincy transplants who really need their Skyline fix, but for everyone else, it's maybe a one-time experience.

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9

Brian D.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
04/25/2008

This place is just "okay".  Let's start from the top...

It was nearly impossible to park, and very easy to get lost in the maze of one ways, train crossings and streets surrounding the immediate area around Cinners.   It's not the place's fault, but be prepared to do a little searching.

We got in and it was the decor is pretty dark and laid back.  A few other people scattered about, and it's fairly quiet.  Four of us went and were  greeted by the waitress who upon asking about details on the menu couldn't answer since it was her first night.  Understandable at most places, but since there is about 5 things on the ENTIRE menu, kind of weird.  I will also attribute that to Cinners having been open a total of a week.

The food was overall just average.   Of the four of us who went, three of us had to 5-way chili and the 4th had two coneys.  I have had Cinci-style chili (from both Skyline and Gold Star) before and it does an okay job in comparison.  There was nothing that stood out.  Pretty standard.  Not the biggest portions.   The waitress DID try to push the chips and chili appetizer on us, but we declined.  After I finished my plate we ordered the chili muffins, partly because I was still hungry and partly out of odd curiosity.  They were exactly what you'd think.   Not really my thing.  I just didn't feel that combination of sweet cakey muffin and chili.    Apparently the coneys were fine too.

Overall a completely average experience.  Hopefully this place improves with time.  It's nice to have a different option around.  I would consider going back if I happened to find myself in the area and wanted to grab a few beers and a plate of chili.  Next time I'll try the chips and chili as well.

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Elite '08

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363

carolynne r.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
04/12/2008

To all the people who gave this place a low rating because they went on the opening night I say shame on you.  Go back and try it again.  

Everyone knows the opening night of any business is not an accurate model for how it will continuously run, whether it is an awful experience or a fantastic one.  

That said, we went last night to a very welcoming and friendly atmosphere in a place with a rockin' decor (love the red walls and tin ceiling!) Our server could not have been more on top of her game.  Food came out promptly and perfectly presented (and to say that about a mound of spaghetti topped with chili and cheese is something!).  She even kept her cool when this family came in with their 1 year old who they let wander around the place, constantly underfoot and shriek at inopportune times.  I was impressed.  

I ordered the 4-way, which was the ingredients mentioned above, but with beans.  BF had it sans beans, which he tried to claim was better, but I noticed he kept sneaking spoonfuls off my plate.  I was pleasantly surprised at how rich and smoky the cinnamon made the chili taste.  I have never put cinnamon in chili before but I may have to start, it added this whole other level of savory yumminess that was truly fantastic.  

This is definitely hard-core comfort food, not healthy in any way of course.  But that said, it is a great place to come and hang out, get your Hoegaarden Ale, maybe some chili-topped fries, and know that there is a little slice of Cincinnati for you here in Chicago.

OH! They have meat-free options as well!

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Elite '08

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696

Lindley E.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
04/05/2008

Further proof that I do not belong in the Midwest.**

Sweet chili? What? On spaghetti? Double what?

Four stars for being so unfathomable that it made me question the way I've been living my life.

**Yes, I'm aware this is a Cincinnati creation, not a specialty of Chicago. This East Coaster finds Chicago's receptivity to something so quaintly provincial to be very...disquieting.

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42

19

Zak O.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
04/05/2008

Rejoice Cincinnati natives, you can now get a good 3-way in Chicago.

I made it by for their opening night last night with 6 'Nati transplants, an outsider, and a guy who couldn't understand why you would put chili on spaghetti. Everyone walked away impressed, finding the chili a lot better than we honestly expected.

So what is the chili like? Its closer to Goldstar than Skyline (since I know that debate is raging in the back of your head). But don't hold that against it. Its a little meatier and a lot less runny than the stuff you find back home. And, as two of my friends pointed out, a little spicier. You could definitely taste the pepper flakes rolling around in there. The coneys were great. Finally someone in Chicago knows how to dress up a proper hot dog. Chili, cheese, mustard and onions.

We also ordered the chip dip (mmm..cream cheese) and the finger dogs, which were different than expected. Think of lil' smokies covered  in chili and cheddar. That one got raves from the table.

The only negative I would give the food is that the noodles are a little standard. I don't know what Skyline does to them and these guys don't quite know it either. This isn't to say they taste bad by any means. They are just thinner than what you would expect coming from the Queen City. Definitely not a deal breaker.

So fear not, the food is great.

Now, I held off a star because I went on opening night and I can't properly comment on the service. They were clearly not ready for the buzz surrounding their bar. (I overheard more than one patron say they were forwarded an email about this week.) And of course, its opening night, so Murphy's law made sure your computer shut down. They got backed up pretty quick and it was a while before we could order. By the time we left though they seemed to be getting a handle on things. So I'll go back (soon) to give the service a proper rating. If you go in the next couple weeks, do the owner a kindness and be patient.

Oh yea, they have alcohol. I was surprised at just how well a 3-way goes with a Captain and Sprite. And I'll give the owner credit. Being my birthday and with the stress of the night, he joined me in a shot. When I said whiskey, he went straight for the Maker's Mark. Nice work, Tony.

The place itself is relatively small, but nice. There is a bar that has about 12 seats at it, maybe 8 high tables and four booths. You can take kids, but its more bar like than a Cincinnati chili parlor. Don't expect booster seats. They are doing takeout service.

I know I'll be back, and I will recommend it happily to any west sider or east sider needing a little taste of home.

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5

Dave D.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
04/11/2008

I went on Tuesday, April 8. around 6pm. The food was delicious. The service was prompt and friendly.

I think by the time of my visit the owner had worked out the kinks. I will definitely go back.

I had 2 Phoney Coneys and some Cinful Fries. The fries were a little greasy, but very flavorful.

I think with a little time, this place will become a real gem.

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Christie H.

Chicago, IL

1 star rating
04/06/2008

A less than stellar beginning for Cinners - When you let your place be announced in Daily Candy you really should be better prepared. Especially in a neighborhood that loves to support it's local businesses.

If you live in LS you know how desperate we are for late night grub so that was the number one hook for me. We came in around 12:30am on Friday to grab some food to go. I really liked the look and feel of the place, seemed like a great little neighborhood spot. There were a few people at the bar, which is where we went to place our order.

Then we waited. And waited. And waited. No one came to give us an update on why it was taking so long, or offered us a drink while we waited. A couple came in, sat down at a table and got food immediately, which they mysteriously sent back. Still no word on our order. Still no food. After a 1/2 hour we left. It was just too long to wait for 2 hot dogs and chili fries.

What a bummer! I'd be so much more forgiving if there had just been some communication. I'm willing to give it another shot though, I know opening nights can be rough, but I'm wary.

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31

Tony K.

Los Angeles, CA

1 star rating
04/10/2008

It's bad enough living in the midwest (for a couple more weeks thank God) and the thought of Cincinatti crap for dinner here in gastro challenged Chicago has reminded me once again, that this is a cow town. Nasty chilli, over pasta, are we not fat enough? and then to top it off with horrendous service....no thank you, hello L.A. again, oh how I missed you and it's fit and healthy inhabitants.

You know, who the f#ck would eat this shit at 2:00 am in the morning? the sounds emmiting form your ass would sound like an orchestra. I certainly would not bring a chick home after eating here. No thanks.

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Danny S.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
04/14/2008

A group of us went on the second night.  Service was still on the slow side, but that's really to be expected from a new restaurant.  

I would have given Cinners 5 stars, but I want to save that for my next trip, when I sit at the bar and watch the Cubs play the Reds and get into a fun argument with Tony about the merits of the Queen City versus the Windy City.

I will definitely go back and love the new addition to the neighborhood.

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Matt S.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
04/07/2008

I visited Cinners this past weekend in the hopes of finding a place in Chicago that offered the amazing chili I am typically accustomed to in Cincinnati. Unfortunately I got my hopes up too high.

I agree with others that the chili is a lot meatier and less runny than its Cincy counterparts. It seemed a little to dry to me at times, so I ran through that bottle of hot sauce by drenching just about everything in it. However, I did LOVE the chili dip and it would definitely be worth a visit to try it. The coneys were very large, so be careful. I ordered my typical 3 cheese coneys (like I do at Skyline) and expected little ones and got 3 huge monsters. The chili fries were nothing special, as there was quite a shortage of fries in the plate...definitely not worth it.

The service was horrendous too. We did receive our drinks and our food quite fast, but we were on our own after that. The waitress did not come by to check on us, refill us, or even ask us if we wanted more beer. Getting the check took some effort/patience as our server failed to stop by in quite some time.

All in all an ok place. Seeing as we commuted from South Lincoln Park to get here, I definitely don't think it was worth it, but if I was around the area, I might swing by.

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Ryan S.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
04/10/2008

I was so excited.... Cincinnati Chili in Chicago... I mean, I'm the kind of guy who gets Skyline Gift Cards for the holidays... I have half a dozen packs of Kroger's Cinci Chili mix in my pantry... I didn't know there was chili in Texas until I went away to college.

We intentionally did not go on opening night to avoid any confusion in what to expect... we picked up on a weeknight. Let me tell you, when picking up Cinci Chili I expect a couple of things.... napkins, oyster crackers, hot sauce, and utensils... none of which were in the bag.

Moving on... the chili is average, the 5-way is sub-par... I was disappointed and a bit confused. Then I opened up the Coneys; two in the box, but only one serving of cheese... the dogs are the right size, but the bun ratio is way off... once again, I was confused.

Oh well, all in all, next time I want a 5-way... I'm skipping the trek, and makin' it myself.

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kyle d.

Chicago, IL

1 star rating
05/06/2008

I'm a little confused why I ended up paying $10.63 + $1 tip for a $6.75 meal.  I ordered the Chili Muff.  The confused waiter told me that it was because of tax and carryout packaging (a plastic bag, styrofoam box, and a napkin costs $3... hhmmm). That's quite the add on. I got four average muffins with BARELY any chili in it. Quite the disappointment and rip off. I won't be back any time soon.

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Kristin S.

Chicago, IL

1 star rating
04/07/2008

I was expecting a lot from Cinners, being from Cincy and a LOVER of Skyline chili. If that's what you're looking for, DO NOT GO HERE! My boyfriend and I had two 3-ways and a Cheese coney that were pretty disgusting in all honesty. The spaghetti was greasy, gummy and tasteless. The chili was meaty, but that's about it. There was no flavor, and it wasn't at all like Cincy chili. The cheese was gross, powdery, pre-shredded junk that I can buy from Kraft at my local grocery store (and I'm pretty sure they did) with no real cheddar flavor at all.

The service was laughable, though I can't blame our server too much for messing up our extremely easy order, forgetting the oyster crackers, not refilling our drinks once and never bringing our bill since she admitted that she didn't work there (she was just a friend of the owner and in town for the weekend). Speaking of the owner, since it was opening weekend, you'd think he'd want to talk to his customers, but he spent the ENTIRE time we were there talking to his friends (and our server) behind the bar. Coming out only once to smoke a cigarette outside and make a call on his cell. I was flabbergasted. I've never seen such poor restaurant management.

This was honestly one of the worst dining experiences I've ever had. If you're a fan of Cincinnati chili, save yourself some money and some pain, cause this place does NOT have it.

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B J.

Chicago, IL

1 star rating
05/13/2008

Been here twice. First to see how it measured up to the real deal and second to confirm my initial opinion. Overall, a huge disappointment. Everything ... food, service, you name it. Let's start with the chili, which bears almost no relationship to real Cinci chili (whether Goldstar, Skyline or Empress). Cinner's version is practically chunky and shows NONE of the real article's complexity. Honest to gawd, the hot dog in my coney completely overpowered the chili. None of the spices that power Cinci chili -- allspice, cumin, cinnamon, etc. -- were discernible. Really disappointing. The service veered between overwhelmed, confused and "it's a good thing our wait person is pals with the owner." And to top it off, Cinner's manages to seriously overprice almost everything. I'm a reasonably big fan of Cinci chili and it honestly bums me out that somebody who's not familiar with the genuine article might taste Cinner's version and think it bears more than a passing relationship with the real deal.

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amy h.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
04/09/2008

I visited Cinners recently and had a very pleasant, tasty experience. I was somewhat apprehensive after reading quite a few negative reviews, but had to check it out for myself. I went to college in Cincinnati and have many fond memories of scarfing down cheese coneys and 5 ways at Skyline and Camp Washington Chili after the bars closed. I consider myself a true Cincinnati chili aficionado and have been dreaming of the day a place like this opened in Chicago.

It seems the opening night issues have been resolved as my table received prompt, friendly service. I had a cheese coney and split a 5 way with my husband. The chili is different than what you would expect at Skyline - more meaty and a bit more spicy. I thought it was delicious. it's kind of nice to not have a puddle of soupy chili at the bottom of your plate when you get to the end of your 5 way. The chili sticks to the noodles which I like. The cheese coney was pretty good but had a bit too much bun and not as much chili as I am used to.

I spoke with the owner about the chili and was informed that the recipe is the original Empress chili recipe (the first Cincinnati style chili parlor). Somehow his grandfather got a hold of the recipe and it's been passed down through his family.  
Skyline, Gold Star, Price Hill, Camp Washington chili, etc. are all variations of this original chili recipe - I like that the owner is serving the original Cincinnati style chili.

My only complaint is the cheese. It was not the super high, fluffy mound of freshly shredded mild Wisconsin cheddar I am accustomed to. Instead, it was a much more modest sprinkling - and seemed to be pre shredded.

Overall, I am very pleased with my experience at Cinners. If you are a Cincinnati chili lover you will like this place. It's not exactly how you would get it in Cincinnati, but we are in Chicago after all. If you have a craving for this stuff - it feeds the need.

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Benjamin H.

Chicago, IL

1 star rating
04/05/2008

Was this the worst restaurant experience of my life or just another cruel sociological experiment?  

I feel obligated to write about the experience myself and my friends had at Cinner's on their opening night, simply because it was so damn bad!  First off, as neighbors to the restaurant, we closely watched the transformation of the building and longingly awaited the opening of this spot all winter.  Upon stepping in around 8pm, we were surprised to see the place fairly packed with the bar crowded and most of the tables full.  This is when the nightmare began.  We all eagerly sat in the entrance, checking the place out and waiting for any sort of greeting, instruction, acknowledgment, glance.  None.  We sat there for nearly 15 minutes before we flagged someone down and asked if we needed to seat ourselves and she informed us the we did.  We luckily found a table in the back and embarked on our journey into chili hell.

The menu was very interesting, being mostly chili-based dishes and a few veggie options.    We were all psyched and couldn't wait to sample the chili fare.  But, after about 15 minute looking at the menu, we all started to realize something strange.  The energy of the place was extremely heavy and taxing.  Kind of like when you walk into a room where someone just found out about the death of a loved one or when you are hanging out in a house that is obviously subject to a poltergeist...i'm sure you can understand.  Anyway, we looked around and despite all of the seemingly happy patrons swilling brews at the bar, everyone at the tables not only didn't have drinks, but definitely didn't even have any food!  We all knew this was problematic.  People around us were clearly angry.  Upon further examination, we couldn't understand what hell was going on.  It looked as if there was only one waitress and a bartender.  After waiting around for 1/2 hour, we all came to the realization that our waitress was WAY over her head and that we were probably not going to get a taste of chili or even a drink.  I don't think i've ever had an experience in a restaurant in which the vibe and service were so bad that I couldn't even conjure myself to wait it out.  We all decided to leave, sober minds and empty stomachs.  

I must say that I'm not writing this article out of an asshole-nature or yuppie-entitlement.  Myself and my guests are all food aficionados and ex-service workers who are all well-versed in a well run restaurant.  We were all anticipating a great experience.  I understand that Cinner's had a very rough first night.  However, being obviously and totally ill-prepared on your opening night is kind of unbelievable and somewhat unforgivable.  I mean, isn't opening night when you pull out all of the stops?  The one night where you over-staff, impress the crowd and the neighborhood, and expect the unexpected?!  I wasn't expecting to have my hand held, but service, be it a simple acknowledgment  that they were having problems and that they would be with us asap, would have probably kept us there.  But I have a feeling that they really didn't want us there and just wanted to get the night over with.  Either way, they best shape-up on service and preparation if they want to last in a location so hard-up for good, neighborhood restaurants.  

On the upside, the decor is really cool and relaxed.  Every restaurant deserves a second chance and since I live less than a block away, i'll certainly be giving Cinner's another one.  I just hope they come through.

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Jessica O.

Chicago, IL

1 star rating
04/25/2008

This place is nothing short of a disaster! The food took forever and was cold. Our waitress had NO Idea what she was doing and the owner, who is supposidly from Cincinatti, does not know how to run a restaurant or make chili for that matter. Don't waste your time. No parking, terrible service, terrible food.

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Josh V.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
04/23/2008

The chili is fairly close, that's about the only decent thing happening here. I ordered a cheese coney and ended up with so much meat that the coney fell apart when I picked it up. Also, absolutely no mound of fluffy cheese. I know it sounds ridiculous, but it's not a Cincinnati coney without that cheese. While the waitress apologized for the hot dog size also being off, it definitely changes the experience. Your best bet is probably a three way.

The place feels like a bar first and a restaurant as an afterthought. With all the PR for this place wouldn't you expect a full on restaurant? I don't want to "trash the Nati" here, but this place just doesn't have it all together. I would even look past the odd location if the quality was good, but location stacks against any hope I have for returning.

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5

Casey L.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
04/20/2008

Being a native Cincinnatian I was very intrigued to find a Cincinnati chili place here in Chicago.  Of course I was very excited to go to Cinners, but in the end it became an annoying experience.  I now that Cinners just opened in the beginning of April, but by now I would think waitresses would now how to wait on tables!  I went with a group of friends and we were drinking a lot of Beer, usually after you finish your drinks the wait staff will come and clean the empty drinks from the table....no not Cinners!  When we finally received our meal our table was... not kidding.. full of beer bottles.  I really just don't understand how you can have a small place with 2 waitress and have problems such as these.  
The food is another issue all together!  We asked for the Cinner dip for an appetizer and that never came until the end of our meal. (I think they forgot) Eating at the Chile Parlors in Cincinnati you can see the assembly line of how to construct a 4 way and believe it does not take 40-50 minutes to complete.  I would have loved to see Cinners kitchen and see how they are completing the meals.  Also all of the food did not come out at he same time...  and it was very cold.  It is mind-boggling how long Cinners let's their customers wait for chili, which is already made.  
The taste of the chili I have to say was good and I was surprised since it took so long to get. We had a 4-way, Coney, the Cinner Dip, and the Cinner dogs.  It would also be nice if they would have  some of the Cincinnnati beers, such as Christian Morlein to Complement the meal!

Overall Cinners is not going to make it unless the get new staff and learn how to make a 4-way in about 10 minutes.  
Maybe Cinners is a place to go at the end of your party night when you really want to have a 4th meal and when you are so drunk it doesn't matter how long you have to wait!

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William K.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
04/09/2008

Well I've read the reviews and I gotta say that rating a place on it's opening night is cruel. Going there on it's opening night (unless you are a friend or relation) is a rookie mistake. Hell, going in the first week is a gamble I'm not willing to take. I've been waiting for this place to open ever since I first saw the permits in the window, and true to Chicago form it took forever. I know folks who have opened restaurants in the city and it's a Herculean task. I gave Cinners a week (couldn't wait any longer) and then stopped in for dinner. My wife and I each ordered a coney dog and split some cheese fries. then, upon finishing, each ordered another round of coney dogs. THEY WERE SPECTACULAR! Honestly, I dreamed about them that night. If they start showing Cubs games I'm moving in! Now, it should be said that I am not from Cincinnati and I probably wouldn't know good Cincinnati chili from bad but I will say that I like chili dogs and these kick ass. Portillos makes a fine chili dog but I don't like that they have beans. These were perfect and had mustard, which is a must in my world. Anyhow, I now need to find a way to not go to this place every day.

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Kate C.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
04/07/2008

The owners of Cinners should have really considered a soft opening for those on their email list and people in the neighborhood.  Between being understaffed and having computer issues the entire evening was a disappointment.

The service was very slow  - it took us 3 hours to have coneys and 3 beers.  It was somewhat understandable when there was 1 waitress, but as the night progressed, there were 3 people working the small seating area, yet no one would make eye contact, get drinks, bring food, etc.  It would be one thing if any of our meal or drinks were comped and if the bartenders/owner didn't look angry and offended when we went up to the bar to ask for drinks, the check, etc, but there was no consideration for the patrons.

The chili hit the spot if you are hard up for some good Cincinnati chili, but I can and I think most others from Cincinnati can make better. The food was lukewarm, the meat was browned not boiled, the chips for the dip were a little stale and the buns were not steamed and a little dry.

I was also under the impression there would be TV's to watch Reds, Bengals and Bearcats games, but there were none in the bar.

I would consider going back in 1-3 months if the reviews get better.

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