Where to Eat in Cincinnati Besides 5-Star Restaurants
Cincinnati is a place where the food scene extends beyond the five-star glitz and glam. Sure, 5-star restaurants in Cincinnati have their place in the list of most visited places. But if you want to experience what the real flavors of Cincinnati taste like, you’ve got to venture off the beaten path.
This guide is your golden ticket to uncovering the best eats in town that give throat-cutting competitions to the 5-star restaurants of Cincinnati. Let’s start to discover the delicious underbelly of the Queen City.
Enjoy a 5-Star Meal at Home with CookinGenie
Alright, I’ll tell you a little secret. You don’t need to go out to experience a meal that’s better than you’d get in nice restaurants in Cincinnati. You can enjoy such meals lounging in your home. How? With CookinGenie.
CookinGenie lets you hire a personal chef who handles everything related to food. The chef shops for the ingredients, cooks great dishes and even handles the cleanup.
The advantages of hiring a private chef in Cincinnati don’t stop there. These chefs also plate each dish and make it look almost too good to eat (but trust me, you’ll want to).
Street Food in Cincinnati
Forget the white tablecloths and Michelin stars—let’s hit the streets of Cincinnati, where the real magic happens! Whether strolling through MainStrasse Village, cruising down Ludlow Avenue, or hanging out by Hotel Covington, you’ll find some of the best street eats to make your taste buds dance happily. Here’s a rundown of some must-visit spots:
Piper’s Cafe
If you wander around Covington’s MainStrasse Village on a warm day, you’re bound to spot someone indulging in a delicious soft-serve cone. Trace their steps back to Piper’s Cafe, where this walk-up window serves up locally sourced, made-to-order treats in eco-friendly packaging.
Besides their endless ice cream flavors like crème de menthe and tiramisu, Piper’s also offers savory delights. Ever tried a Goetta Guinness Chili Dog? It’s a mouthwatering hot dog topped with goetta and beer chili—absolutely divine! And if you’re into something more veggie-friendly, their veggie burger packed with beans, carrots, garlic, and more is a winner in the Cincinnati famous foods scene. Don’t forget to grab some freshly made salt and vinegar chips on the side!
The Whole Bowl
Head over to Ludlow Avenue in Clifton’s Gaslight District, and you’ll find The Whole Bowl, a quaint walk-up window dishing out simple yet scrumptious vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free rice bowls. Inspired by the popular Portland, Oregon spot, The Whole Bowl keeps it straightforward with one entrée, available in two sizes.
Customize your bowl with toppings like Tillamook cheddar, avocado, and their signature Tali sauce. Pair it with a small bag of tortilla chips and a refreshing Mojito Mambo kombucha for the perfect summer meal. Find a cozy bench under the trees at Clifton Plaza and dig in—dinner is served better than how they do it at Cincinnati restaurants.
B&A Street Kitchen
At the bustling corner of 15th and Race, B&A Street Kitchen’s carry-out window is the place to be for Southern and Southwestern comfort food. Whether you’re in the mood for biscuits and gravy, churro-style pancakes, or a Texas patty melt, they’ve got you covered.
Add some chips with salsa or guac on the side, and wash it all down with one of their craft sodas on tap—Boylan black cherry is a top pick. Grab your meal and head a block south to Washington Park for a delightful picnic experience.
The Walk Up at Hotel Covington
Tucked down an alley next to Hotel Covington, The Walk Up is your go-to for late-night gourmet street Cincinnati food. This hidden gem takes traditional street fare and gives it a fancy twist, perfect for enjoying on the go.
Picture this: tender pork belly al pastor with pickled pineapple, crispy fried cheese curds with smoky salsa, and giant tater tots topped with chili and garlic—all served on sticks and all for just $5 each! Trust us; you’ll be coming back for more.
Must-Try Food Trucks
Forget about the nice restaurants in Cincinnati; the real culinary actions happen on wheels! Our food truck scene blends Midwestern comfort food with a twist of coastal flair, delivering mouthwatering dishes right to the streets. Here are some must-try food trucks that serve up incredible eats in the Queen City:
Sweets & Meats BBQ
Sweets & Meats is the truck that’s smoking its way into Cincinnati’s hearts (and stomachs). This award-winning food truck is famous for its tender, juicy smoked meats and irresistible homemade desserts. With third-generation dry rub rib tips smoked low and slow for 4.5 hours, every bite is a flavor explosion. Don’t just take my word for it; Sweets & Meats snagged 1st Place at the 2019 Taste of Cincinnati and 2nd Place in 2022.
East Coast Eatz
East Coast Eatz is your go-to truck for all things New Jersey and New York. They’re famous for their “Fat” sandwich, a delicious concoction stuffed to the brim with all the goodness you can imagine. Roaming around Cincinnati in search of hungry folks, this truck brings authentic East Coast flair to every bite. It’s like a trip to the Big Apple, minus the plane ticket!
Red Sesame Food Truck
The Red Sesame Food Truck will give you a Cincinnati food specialties adventure that’s anything but ordinary. Nestled at Jungle Jim’s, this lively eatery serves up a mind-blowing fusion of Korean and Mexican flavors.
Their Korean tacos are a must-try, featuring a choice of beef, chicken, or tofu, all drenched in B.J. Kim’s mouthwatering homemade sauces. Imagine kimchi, spicy beef, and a corn tortilla joining forces to create the ultimate taste sensation. Warning: these tacos may cause intense cravings.
Urban Grill
If you’re searching for the perfect sandwich, the Urban Grill food truck is your destination. Known for crafting fresh, locally sourced sandwiches that scream Cincinnati pride, they serve up delights like the Queen City chicken sandwich and BBQ chicken sandwich. Their French onion soup is arguably one of the finest around. While prices might initially seem a tad high, one taste of their generous portions will show you it’s worth every penny.
Conclusion
The 5-star restaurants in Cincinnati are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the city’s hidden culinary gems. There are plenty of dining options to explore for both locals and visitors. So, step outside your dining comfort zone and explore the delicious diversity Cincinnati has to offer. Who knows? You might just find your new favorite spot. Happy eating!