Michael G.'s Profile

Joe's Diner is has become my go-to spot when I want something better than fast food but I'm not in the mood to do anything international or fancified. I've now had a chance to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner there and I've been very pleased every time. This might sound strange, but I wouldn't say that they're the best at anything.  I will say, however, that they are really good at almost everything - not easy to do when you have a menu as big as Joe's. I'm a big fan of their turkey burgers, french fries, and onion rings and look forward to trying just about everything else on the menu.

A year and a half ago, I wrote a review that claimed another Indian restaurant was the best in Cincinnati. I was right...until Dusmesh came along. It's not that the other place went downhill or anything, it's just that Dusmesh happens to be so much better. First, the service: the waiters here are nice AND attentive. Not only do they remember you if you're a returning customer, but they also remember what you had the last time. (Our standing order: Veggie Samosas, Chicken Saag, Aloo Naan) As an added bonus, the food comes out relatively quickly. The food: something about the food at Dusmesh just seems fresher than what you'd usually find at a Cincinnati Indian restaurant. Not sure what makes it different, I just know that it tastes better. One other feature that sets it apart from other Indian restaurants in the area is it's outdoor patio - perfect for these upcoming fall evenings. Do yourself a favor and give this place a try. Oh, and if you're not sure where it is on Ludlow, it's down the hill right across the street from Cincinnati State.

Northslice is one of those restaurants that people just want to rally behind. Many know owner/operator Mike Aug from his nights the pizza windows at the old Gypsy Hut and Hideaway. This is his new place asnd it's got what it takes. Mike thinks hard about pizza and his customers reap the benefits. His crust puts others to shame, the slices always have the perfect level of spice, and the ingredients are always fresh. Right now, it's just a window, but when the dining room opens up, watch out: Northslice will truly be a destination restaurant.

Meiner's Cafe is a bar located in the Cincinnati neighborhood of St. Bernard. It's your typical local watering hole except for the fact that they have awesome hamburgers. They are a half-pound, delicious, and reasonably priced. Their menu has other typical pub food offerings like onion rings, fish and chips, reubens, chicken tenders. The bartender/server was very attentive and friendly.

Jungle Jim's is like a theme park of food. They specialize in international groceries but also have great produce, wine, beer, candy, and hot sauce selections. The owner is constantly changing and adding things to the sprawling store. Every time I go, there is a new expanded section of something. Plan on spending a lot of time and a lot of money while you're there.

Amol is truly the best Indian restaurant in Cincinnati and quite a value too! Ask any Cincinnatian what they're favorite Indian restaurant is and they'll say either Ambar or Amol. Coincidentally, the restaurants are literally right next door to each other. Both places are great, but Amol gets the win because it's less crowded and a little bit cheaper. Their buffet is perfect for a business lunch.

If you were in Cincinnati late at night, you would be remiss not to stop at the Anchor for some grub. Located right across the river from downtown Cincy, the Anchor provides an experience not found this side of a David Lynch movie. They may not have the best food in the world and service is with a scowl, but the satisfaction of being able to say that you ate there and survived will last forever.

Camp Washington shouldn't be your destination if you want to try Cincinnati Chili for the first time, there are plenty of better options out there. Camp Washington should be you destination, however, if it's late at night and your looking for some greasy food to eat. It's open 24 hours every day but Sunday. While you're there, try another one of Cincinnati's famed local foods, goetta.

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.

Stay away from this place at all cost. The smell alone is reason enough not to go in.