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Categories: Local Flavor, Fast Food, Hot Dogs [Edit]
290 Ludlow Ave
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Ahh, Skyline.... I have been eating you since I was a child. Your delicious 3-4-5 ways, your chili cheese sandwiches and your coneys which make me think of sunny summer days everytime I eat one.
How people can not like Skyline I will never understand. Sometimes I think it is a perception issue. People come expecting a "hearty chili" possibly with various beans, chunky tomatoes, etc. This is not "Cincinnati Chili". Maybe if they thought of it like a variable of a spaghetti, meat sauce dish it would be more effective in reaching the "die hard chili fans".
Regardless, if you're coming to Cinci you MUST hit Skyline, LaRosa's, Montgomery Inn and Graeter's. Oh, and don't be fooled by "Gold Star" it's not the same thing!
Every region of America has a go-to greasy food. Californians have burritos. New Yorkers have pizza. Southerners have fried chicken. And I've recently discovered that mid-westerners living in Cincinnati have Skyline Chili.
The chili served here definitely doesn't fit the archetype of most chilis. It's actually much lighter -- easy on the flavors with a hint of cinnamon, heavy on mild cheese, beans optional. I'm not a big fan of punch-you-in-the-face foods with heavy spices, so this is definitely my type of chili.
I ordered the three-way (chili over spaghetti), which was surprisingly decent. Skyline definitely goes overboard with the shredded cheese, but fixing that is just a matter of scooping it onto an unfolded napkin for others to consume.
It'd definitely hit the spot late at night when you're looking to get your greasy grub on, but it doesn't make as much sense anytime else.
AGAIN, OUT OF TOWNERS TAKE NOTE: Cincinnati Chili isn't "real" chili. It is what it is. BBQ is different wherever you get it. Texas brisket is nothing like Memphis ribs. Imagine a Texas rube going to Memphis and saying, What to hay? This isn't BBQ. Or a New Yorker eating Chicago Pizza, What to hay?
You can compare Skyline to Gold Star or to Empress or to Washington Chili or to Dixie Chili (all local). You can't compare it to anything else.
Notice how many foreigners feel like they can post without reading any else's review?
The Ludlow Sky is about as good as Sky can be. Just love those steamy windows looking out on Ludlow… Read more »
Clearly I'm not from Cincinnati by my rating. I only know a few Cincinnatians who will admit they don't like Skyline and only say so in a whisper. I ordered a 3 way and a coney to get the "real" experience. I enjoyed my order and it did have a sweet taste as I was told. As long as you think of it as more like spaghetti than traditional chili you won't be disappointed. It's pretty good junk food.
Skyine is a Cincinnati tradition. I remember having to acclimate myself to it. Don't let the name throw you--it's not chili--it's CINCINNATI chili. But once you get over this detail, you'll realize that you love it too. Especially if its late and you're slightly inebriated. My favorite order is a three-way with beans and a cheese coney with mustard, no onions. Add some hot sauce and I'm in heaven.
I went to Cincinnati last summer for a wedding b/c the bride and groom are originally from OH. These folks swear by Skyline's greatness so what better way to try it right straight from the heart of OH!!
I first heard of Skyline Chili when they made their 7 layer dip, which is awesome, so I figured this place would be really good!
Let me tell you, this place was nothing close to greatness!! They didn't even have the dip that they made. A small hotdog loaded with gobs of chili and a heap of cheddar cheese is definitely no where near satisfaction. The bun wasn't even freaking warm, the dog wasn't grilled and at room temp; it was like a cafeteria hotdog.
Seriously, I could go down to 7-11 or AM/PM and get a better tasting dog...and I don't even eat hotdogs unless I'm at a tailgate party.
There is a reason why Wienerschnitzel sucks... its not a strong selling tool like the hamburger and this is what Cincinnati has to offer!! yikes
What is up with the oyster crackers that you sprinkle hot sauce on?! That I'll never understand b/c oyster crackers are supposed to go in clam chowder!?! They might as well bring out some saltine crackers because you can't accidently drop those! haha
When my fellow Ohioan stepped foot in California, the first thing he was introduced to In-n-Out because he was my friend and friends show visitors whats up! I felt him returning the favor by introducing me to Skyline was a form of capital punishment!!
You guys from the West know, it's all about the California Burrito, Carne Asada fries or In N Out when it comes to fast food, HANDS DOWN!!!
Skyline... I'm going to have to pass, b/c I don't feel like going to Krogers to buy some Imodium AD! I'd rather go to Big Boy or La Rosa's!
Skyline chili is probably one of the many reasons Cincinnati acquired the nickname "Nasty Nati."
This chili is revolting and disgusting every time I've consumed it. If I could give it zero stars I would do it.
When I've eaten here it was after a late night of drinking and was impressed that looked the same coming out as it did going in.
Just reading the reviews for this restaurant makes me happy =] I've been going to Skyline Chili ever since I was born. Now it's family tradition when we go up to Ohio for to visit family before going anywhere in Ohio we stop to get the amazing and famous chili. It's the only thing we will eat while were staying which I'm sure sucks for our family and friends but we absolutely love it and Chicago doesn't have this godly meal. We go up to Indiana were family also lives and buy the canned or pre-packed chili which is no where near the same but cheaper then the 5 hour drive to Ohio and still gives us our fix while were home. Seriously the best chili and place in the whole world and I'm glad they don't branch out to other states because it wouldn't taste the same. All of the reviews are dead on and fucking rock! If I wanted a cheap funny wedding their catering my party! Ha ha.
Quite possibly the most revolting thing I have ever had the displeasure of consuming. Chocolate covered crickets in China and alligator on a stick at a local state fair or flea market are tastier fare than this revolting slop. It isn't even worthy of being qualified as food.
Texans, Tennesseans, Georgians and a half dozen other states and cities make better chili than this. Runny likes wet, driveling nose Skyline is the newborn baby's dirty diaper of chili. I loathe fast food, but you could feed me McDonalds, even Krystal or White Castle, more readily than will I ever return to the Hell that is Skyline.
I'm no chili expert, but I loved the unassuming, casual feel of this place. Not being a local, I wasn't quite sure what to do with the bowl of oyster crackers on the table when I arrived. However, I looked around and saw others eating them one at a time after putting a drop of hot sauce on them. Now I crave spicy oyster crackers.
I had the chili 5 ways, which means: spaghetti on the bottom, topped with their famous chili, chopped onions, beans and mounds of fresh shredded cheddar cheese. Delicious. Their chili has a sweetness to it and someone mentioned they add a little chocolate to the chili.
I also had one cheese coney, which is a miniature hot dog with their chili on top, plus cheese served in a warm, steamed bun. Also delicious.
As one reviewer said to us "OUT OF TOWN REVIEWERS", this is not your usual chili (at least when compared to other regional chilis). And to that, I say, "all the more reason to try it."
My fiance and I got in pretty late to Cincinnati and wanted a late night meal. We had heard good stuff about Skyline so we decided to try it. We had the chili spaghetti, Greek chicken wrap (I was trying to be good), and a coney dog. I was starving and the food was still not close to good. I have to admit, the food is pre-made and comes out in seconds, but this is probably also why it's not very tasty. The next morning, we told some locals about our Skyline fourth meal and they were expressed how much they avoid Skyline because of that very reason. Either way, I'm glad I got to try it, since it is on the list of Top Things to do in Cincy...and cheap too!
Skyline is a mainstay throughout the Cincinnati area. Spiced chili that tastes sweeter than it does spicy, Skyline is an acquired taste for many if you didn't happen to grow up on it. This particular Skyline, just minutes away from UC , has a couple of special aspects to it that are good to know before visiting this location blindly.
The first being that this particular Skyline is extremely busy. If you attempt to meet some friends here for lunch during the week (or otherwise) make sure to arrive at exactly the same time, because there's a good chance you won't be allowed to sit at a table until your entire party is there. My friends and I (unfortunately) found this out a couple weeks ago.
Secondly, parking is hard to come by in the UC area, but Skyline does have a private lot just behind it. Just make sure that when the parking attendant hands you the blue card you don't lose it, because you exchange it for a yellow one when paying. That's how the parking attendant knows you didn't go to Subway to grab a bite instead.
Keeping those things in mind, this location is a great place to have a memorable Skyline experience.
I was just talking with a friend of mine in Cinci, and reminiscing about when I lived in Clifton as a student ('97 to '02), and thought I'd post here.
I actually wrote this a couple years ago for a different forum, but I've edited it a bit for yelp (and I hope it's still relevant):
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I love this location - it's open till 3 or 4 in the morning (Skyline is great after a night of drinking.) It's popular around campus, so if you go after the bars close on a weekend, they have a Cincinnati police officer working the door/acting as a host - you'll often have lines waiting outside to get in. Once inside, it's pleasantly crowded (and in the winter a bit humid/steamy), and this is where the real personality comes in. You have quite a few regulars, both students and locals, along with the great staff, many who have been working their for ages. (Squeaky, one of the waitresses, is the first that comes to mind.)
This location is one that hasn't been modernized with the fancy, touch screen computers and displays over the prep area. The waitresses call out orders just like a classic diner, so you'll hear them call out things like "4 cheese on 2" and "5-way inverted and dry." (Inverted is where you have it with the cheese under the chili under the noodles, and dry is where they'll take the plate, put spaghetti on it, put the chili on, stick another plate on it upside down, and drain out the juices/grease/flavor . . .) It's amazing how the prep people keep up with all the chaos of the orders being called out.
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Hell, when I was back in the Dayton area for my 10 year high school reunion, I specifically drove down to Cinci, just so I could go to this Skyline. (I think they may have modernized a bit with the touch screens, but still, the 4-way, heavy onion, and two cheese coneys, yes, yes (mustard and onion for those who aren't familiar), were exactly as I remember them. Hell, I'm craving them now as I type this . . . *sighs*
An acquired taste, but it hooks you in. Cheese coneys and three way is the way to go....try the jalepeno jack cheese. Phenomenal!
dude at counter: hi, welcome!
me: ohmygod HI.
dude: hi.
me: i would like to order some takeoutpleasssse.
dude: absolutely, this gentleman will help yo...
me: HI. ohmygod. um. yeah. i haven't had skyline chili in three years. i think im going to cry.
gentleman: ...
me: ohmygod. i can't believe this is actually happening.
gentleman: ...
--annnnd scene.--
just another california transplant-turned california mainstay revisiting her college roots in the nasty nati. i planned a trip back for a sorority reunion under the condition that i could at some point over the weekend eat my beloved skyline. good thing my girls were just as amped as i was to indulge.
eight quadrillion stars awarded to the ludlow ave. location for being open until 4 am on weekends. easy to find, easy to order, and quick as lightening. before i knew it i had the 3-way/cheese coney hangover i ached for.
skyline, you own my soul.
I'm from Cincinnati, so our chili doesn't weird me out or anything, but that doesn't mean I have to love it. I personally, am not not that big a fan of Cincinnati Chili, but I'll grab a cheese coney or two every once in a while. To me Skyline and Gold Star taste almost the same, so pick whatever one is closest. They also have pretty good wraps and salads. Some locations have fries as well.
If you're coming in from out of town and you want to try Skyline, I would eat at this specific location. It's located in the heard of Clifton and there's a lot to do nearby and it's open pretty late on the weekends, at least until 3am.
Does it taste better here? Oh yeah. Maybe it's because we'd usually come here after a long evening of work at the Reds game or a late night in Clifton, but this fixture on Ludlow always satisfied our desires.
Perhaps it's the ambience: the prep table as an island right in the middle of the seating area, the same guy working the cashier every night, the condensation on the windows, the table in the back that we always grabbed (or grumbled over when it was taken). And let's not forget the Clifton wanderers who stumble in from frat parties, shoegazing at Sitwell's, or a philosophical film at the Esquire - always an entertaining crowd.
If you're from Cincinnati, you know what you order. If you aren't, I recommend one of each. And get it here; it's better.
Life is good when Skyline is in it. I've grown up with the stuff, and the grease runs through my blood on a daily basis. You either love or hate if you're a newbie to the chili.
See, there is one more kind of 3-way that can make you happy. I kid, I kid. :)
I will warn you; this is an acquired taste, period. But once you get the bug, it's bad. You want to go safe if you've never had it before, start with a Coney, and work your way up to a 3 way. Where you go from there is your call.
Additionally, learn to order like a true Cincinnatian from the secret menu. I get mine dried and inverted. This means that they strain the otherwise soupy sauce (a.k.a Chili) which goes over a heap of cheese, and is subsequently covered with Spaghetti. Typically, a three-way is Spag. Chili, and Cheese on top.
Skyline is one of those things that you take for granted when you live in Cincinnati, but the second you move away? You crave it.
I stocked up on cans of Skyline before I left, and I've almost run out. Skyline dip is just too perfect (even if its appeal is mostly limited to Cincinnatians).
Chicago can have its hot dogs. I'll take a Skyline cheese coney (or five) any day!
This particular Skyline restaurant (on Ludlow) is always fantastic. It is awesome for late nights with groups or just a few people.
The staff is always super friendly, the service is always fast and the food is always..well, Skyline. Just thinking about it makes me crave it.
If you aren't from Cincinnati and you're going to visit Skyline, visit the one on Ludlow. It is in a cool area of Clifton and has tons of character.
I would agree with those who have written here saying that Skyline is an acquired taste/something that mainly only Ohioans (and southwestern Ohioans at that!) enjoy. I can understand why people not from the area might find it weird or unappetising, but then again, I love a lot of random "cult foods" from all over the world.
Sure, when you go to Skyline, you're not really going there because the wait staff is nice or that the decor is amazing. You're going there because you're craving three cheese coneys (with onions) and a three way. You're going there because you live in a part of the world where there is no Skyline and the idea of Cincinnati chili makes people scratch their heads in confusion.
Delicious and even for those who don't like it, at least it's unique.
When I went vegetarian about 10 years ago, I was worried about cravings for only two foods: pepperoni and Skyline chili. I don't miss pepperoni. But Skyline...? There's still that hankering. But thank the Lambrinides Brothers for the beans & rice! It has the same spices as the chili, and you can get it on a four way.
Chili parlors are what Cincinnati has instead of diners. I'm sure it seems strange to the outsider (especially the odd application of the word 'chili' and the omnipresence of spaghetti), but hey. Whatever it is, it tastes good. And chili parlors, like diners, fill a need. Drunk? Lost all your body's protein, electrolytes & liquids to an alcohol binge? Have some spaghetti with 'chili' and pink lemonade. Voila! You're revived enough to make more mistakes.
Skyline has table service, and they almost always bring your food in under one minute. Perhaps this is because the cooks can hear you as you order and are less than two arms lengths from your waitress at all times, but who cares? It's nice.
The waitresses will certainly call you honey or darlin.' Don't be frightened. They mean to be nice, and this is precisely the type of woman that you want to like you. Oh, and don't laugh at the businessmen at the bar wearing plastic bibs. You'll identify yourself as an outsider.
"Whenever you're feeling good and hungry, that's skyline time!" No truer words have ever been sung.
My mouth is literally watering right now thinking about a Skyline 3-Way. You can't explain the awesomenss of Skyline, it just IS.
If you come here after bars, you will not be disappointed with the diverse crowd or the impeccable service. The volume they do third shift has to be off the charts, because they are always full, and they get you in and out and turn the tables in about 16 minutes.
I did an internship back around 96 and 97 at Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati and was introduced to Skyline Chili. Throw out all preconceived notions of what Chili means to you since Cincinnati Chili is quite different.
It's spaghetti with some meat sauce on top with a ton of shredded cheese on top of that. Optionally, you can add onions and beans. So, that equates to either a 3-way, 4-way, or 5-way. You can also have these mini hot dogs topped with the chili.
There was one within walking distance of the HQ, and I stopped by at least once a week. I think it's one of those love-it or hate-it type places. I loved it.
And so, I found something that I really missed about Cincinnati. Otherwise, it's not the town for me (no offense!).
I have such fond memories of this particular Skyline on Ludlow. Gathering with drinking buddies at the wee hours of the night to fill up on the irresistible deliciousness known as Cincinnati chili . The staff of this franchise is always friendly and could probably write a book about all of the foolishness they've witnessed over years.
Enough has been said about the coneys and 3-, 4-, and 5-ways of this joint, but I have to say something about Skyline's less lauded oyster cracker. Sure they're nothing unique, but with a little bit of hot sauce you've got the most ghetto-fabulous appetizer around.
I live in San Francisco now...and I still have a constant supply of skyline chili in my kitchen haha. I try to get everyone I know to try it!
For the people not from Cincinnati...I would say you have a 96 percent chance of loving it - the other 4 percent of you are going to take a few bites and then feel weird. hahahaha.
I took skyline dip to a potluck last week and it was a hit! here's the link for the recipe:
http://www.skylinechil...
can someone please open a franchise on the west coast?!!?
I just don't get it. Chili, with a slightly sweet flavor, on spaghetti?
I went, because I love to try local favorites. But me and the rest of my West Coast contingent just didn't get this place.
Skyline Chili is proof that God loves me.
Everyone must have a 5 way and a cheese coney at least once in their life. I am pretty sure this is in the 1,001 Things to Do Before You Die book. It's not? Well, it's totally the 1,002nd.
If you can't get to a brick and mortar Skyline, then do the next best thing and order some cans of chili. While it pales in comparison, at least you can have a little taste of why I would give up pretty much everything before I gave up my Skyline.
I moved to Cincinnati from Michigan years ago & I've definitely never had any chili that compares...lol!
I agree with Brian G., though....Skyline is ridiculously addicting.
Is there any better way to punctuate late night (or early morning) events in "Porkopolis" than sharing a 3-way inverted (with extra cheese), a couple of Coney's and then a quick jaunt over to Graeters (around the corner from this particular Skyline) for their world-class ice cream offering?
These Bohemian pleasures may well be the modern-day equivalent of the traditional, reflective "celebratory cigarette"; they're certainly as addictive.
...don't think so?...the burgeoning, world-wide mail order business for these Cincy delicacies says otherwise...
(Or you can just ask any UC grad--as midnight "Skyline Runs" are part of the Bearcat curriculum.)
Everyone is entitled of their opinion but if you're waxing negative about Skyline because you visited from out of town and tried it once blah blah blah... seriously check yourself. Skyline is an institution in this city and if you do not like it basically one can surmise "you're not from 'round these parts are yuh?"
The stuff may fall in line with being an acquired taste but as far as I am concerned, besides my family, this is what I miss most about Cincinnati. I acquired the taste at birth. My first stop when I get to Cincinnati is not my house but Skyline Chili. I have my mom ship me cans of this stuff out west so I can share the goodness that is Skyline Chili with my west cost compatriots. Sure everyone starts out skeptical, but after a few tastes there is no turning back. Skyline dip (which consists of a bed of cream cheese covered with skyline chili and cheddar cheese) is a necessity at our weekly dinner parties. If we have a get together and I happen to be between chili shipments, the congregation is quite disappointed. They've come to expect this delicacy at our gatherings.
If you're visiting, try it. You may not like it at first but believe me, give it half a chance you will be hooked!
Five stars! The place just kicks arse!
Dear Skyline:
Like many native Ohioans, you will always have a place in my heart.
It's just the arteries I'm worried about.
Love,
Lauren
Skyline is the FIRST place I visit upon return to Cincinnati--even before I stop home! I even have cans sent here so my Boston friends can enjoy the yumminess that is skyline. from the crackers and hot sauce to the dr. pepper on tap to the extremely speedy service this place is perfect in every way (in my humble opinion..). i pretty much always get an inverted 3 way (spaghetti, cheese THEN chili).. but I have recently added cheese coneys to my order... mmm mm
did i mention skyline is pretty much the best munchie food ever?
"Just set up an IV to inject it into my veins". This is what one of my friends said about Skyline and I could not agree with her more. I am from Cincinnati so I grew up on the stuff. It may be hard for out of towners so read some other reviews; seems like you have to have it a few times before you are addicted.
If you have never tried it I suggest going to the Ludlow location in Clifton. It is definitely the best one in the city. Plus they are open till like 3am on the weekend.
Don't be fooled by the name, this isn't chili, in fact, I'm not sure this counts as food. Yeah, you're right, I'm not from Cincinnati, but guess what, if this is what your fine city has picked as it's trademark food, then I'm glad I'm not. New York style pizza, Philly cheese-steak, those are specialty food. This is plate of spaghetti covered in a chili / sugar mixture (so called sweet chili) and then covered by more cheese than I'd put on a large pizza.
Sweet Jesus...
This place is well reviewed already, I think it helps to add numbers. When you seen an average of 4.5 stars and more than 20 reviews you know that means something.
Friendly wait staff when I went.
This place is awesome. I grew up on Cincinnati chili, and Skyline was always the best. This is the best Skyline (followed closely by the one in Ft. Mitchell). The service is super fast. I like to hit the counter. You order with the waitress, but the cook must be eavesdropping because food is ready before you sample more than one or two of the oyster crackers.
If you are visiting Cincinnati, you should give it a shot. (And if you already live there, you sure don't need Yelp to tell you about it.)
I stop here every time I am back home.
I moved to Los Angeles from Cincinnati about 10 years ago and something weird happened. My whole family became Gold Star people. We were always a Skyline family (except my dad who would always claim that Empress was the greatest). Now, they claim to prefer Gold Star. Incredible! It is one of the most ridiculous things I have ever heard, but it's true. What the hell happened?
Skyline Chili is definitely a Cincinnati thing. If you're not from the city, you'll think the chili is down right blasphamous because it's sweet & we put it on top of spaghetti.
I am a Skyline addict. When I was in law school, we would make a weekly pilgramage to Skyline. I love the chili spaghetti with onions & lots of hot sauce. Since I no longer live in the city, my mom brings me frozen Skyline whenever she visits. It's not the same, but still pretty yummy.
Skyline is one of the best local treasures in Cincinnati. They are located all over Cincinnati but my favorite is the one in Clifton on Ludlow. Any of them will give you the same great chili but this one is decidedly the local favorite. During the day you can spot city council members chowing down for lunch, late at night you'll find legions of partiers fresh from the night's exploits.
Cincinnati, OH
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Neighborhood: Clifton
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