exterior – 2836 Observatory Ave # A, Cincinnati, OH 45208
Carl’s Deli dates back to 1938. The owner Anne McManus was practically raised there as her parents owned the deli in 1968 but sold it in 1990. When that owner decided to sell he contacted McManus first and she was then ready to take over. Now a local hangout, there are tables inside and outside but they also do catering, ready to eat take out and gift baskets. They also sell wine. It’s a small place with most of the interior taken up by sales counters. The menu on the wall lists lots of sandwich combinations or you craft your own combo. We ordered at the counter and they pretty quickly had our delicious sandwiches ready to eat. This is a good place. I can see why it’s so popular. Continue reading →
Nicola’s Restaurant is in the building that once was a barn for the city’s 19th century incline trollies. It was established in 1996 by owner Nicola Pietoso and after 20 years his son Cristian now is in charge. He added some new second floor seating and expanded the wine cellar. In addition to seating downstairs there is also a bar with seating. The brick walls are punctuated by the structural beams and high ceilings. Downstairs a giant chandelier hangs overheard and windows to the outside let in light and look out onto the patio tables. White tablecloths and napkins are on all tables and music is in the background. Valet parking is available out front. The place is really popular so a reservation is a must and even with a reservation we still had to wait in the bar until out table was ready. They serve Italian cuisine and offer a chef crafted 5 course tasting menu. We happened to be there during restaurant week and so a 3 course menu was also available as well as the a la carte selections. We ordered a la carte. Continue reading →
building – 332 Ludlow Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45220
Graeter’s Ice Cream began with Louis Charles Graeter selling ice cream on the street in 1870. By 1900 he and his wife, Regina, sold it out of a storefront while making it in back. After 20 years Regina was widowed with a couple young sons and despite the stigma of women running a business she made the business thrive under her direction. She began to expand in 1922, now competing with mass market options that didn’t use her small-batch French pots system. Her sons eventually took over the business with one adding a bakery to the store and the other developing a unique way to blend chocolate into a batch. The business continues to be in the family’s hands and now they have numerous locations here and in surrounding states and grocery stores. The store we went in had the bakery and then the ice cream as well as lots of packaged products for sale. By the front door was a freezer with pints of ice cream if you wanted to take some home. I hope you’ll try it if you have the opportunity. Continue reading →
Carmen’s Deli is in downtown Dayton, opening in 2009. Chef Haitham Imam was encouraged by his wife Carmen to leave corporate dining and open his own place. When the downtown tower where they were located went into bankruptcy the owners of the Kettering Tower across the street, saw their popularity and offered them a spot in their building. The deli is open 8:30 – 2:30 weekdays and the bar runs 4-9 on Thurs. and Fri. As we entered we were greeted and directed to the counter where you place your order. There you can watch you sandwich being made and direct the toppings. After it’s ready you proceed to the register and pick a table. There were also tables outside. The pair cooking that day were personable and gave a good show. The food was fine, not outstading but very edible and satisfying. Continue reading →
Boca came to being in October of 2001, the concept of Chef/Owner David Falk. It opened in the Northside community featuring flavors of Italy and France, then moved to the Oakley neighborhood in 2004 and stayed for 9 years. It moved to the heart of downtown Cincinnati (the former Maisonette space) in 2013, where it is today. It’s a fairly large space with a few seats at the kitchen counter, stools at the bar and a second story. Downstairs there is a combination of booths, various sizes of tables and bench seating with music in the background. Lots of pillows were on the bench seats and lights were lowered. The large open kitchen allows you to see some other foods as they come out. Valet parking is available, otherwise it means using a paid garage. Staff were super friendly and helpful. We wanted to try lots of things and the server was willing to course them out for us. Tables are close enough that conversation can happen between occupants. I can see why many use this as a ‘special occasion’ place but if I lived closer, I’d go all the time – it’s that good. Continue reading →
Herb and Thelmas Tavern is just across the river from Cincinnati in Covington, Kentucky. They are known for their burgers and cold beer – serving the area for 83 years. They buy local ingredients and make the hamburger patties fresh daily. In 1939 Henry “Heine” Boehmker opened Heine’s Cafe. In 1965 his son and daughter-in-law renamed it Herb and Thelma’s Tavern, after themselves. In 1969 another Boehmker began working at the tavern and then buys them out in 1982. In 2015 the Fessler family became the owners, but a photo of the original Herb is still on the front door. It is a small place with 2 rooms, one of which houses the cooking/bar area and the other just tables and the bathrooms. The main room has seats at the bar area as well as tables. The lights are lowered, there is either TV or music in the background and lots of memorabilia cover the walls. They have a few draft beers as well as a full bar. The owner and patrons were all super friendly. In fact one of the gentlemen stopped by on his way out to say hello and wish a good day. Continue reading →
Note 7/19/22 – Just had a call from the customer service person at Jeff Ruby’s Precinct that saw my write-up and was concerned that we were unhappy. Now that’s some incredible service. She took the effort to find a phone number to reach me and that is impressive. That said, so many people raved about this place, don’t be turned off by my experience. I’d love to hear about your experience if you go. If I ever get back to Cincinnati I would consider going myself. They didn’t pay me to say this but honest caring is what can make a great restaurant and they do care.
Jeff Ruby’s Precinct started in 1981, in the former Cincinnati Police Patrol House Number 6 – a turn of the century Romanesque style structure – that holds the ‘longest, continuously running white tablecloth restaurant in the city.’ It has been recognized by a number of publications and is well known in the city. They pride themselves on the excellent service, quality of food and overall dining experience. Some street parking is available nearby but they also offer valet service. Inside the lights are lowered and there is lots of red upholstry to go with the brick walls. Some stained glass windows are in the downstairs dining rooms and chandeliers. Most notable are the large cut-outs of groups of policemen on the walls. It feels clubby. In the entry there are numerous awards and press along with photos of famous diners. Although this place gets lots of praise our experience was not the best. Our steaks were both overcooked and tasteless while the potatoes were undercooked. In their defense they offered to cook others but I didn’t think they could do better. They ended up comping the steaks which was more than gracious so I think the place has promise but I will never go back. Continue reading →
Camp Washington Chili has been in business since 1940. They are in the Camp Washinton area of Cincinnati and are open 24 hours a day on weekdays and until 4:00pm on Saturday. They have recieved a James Beard Award as an “American Regional Classic” and have been featured on television programs and magazines. The original building was razed for street widening but the original vertical sign stands over the newer, bigger location. Now it is a fairly large place with a drive-through window. There is a counter or you can be waited on at any number of tables. Lots of windows look outside and music is in the background. A large open kitchen is faced by the counter seating. The dining room is striking with a large black/white/gray tile floor accented by red chairs. A couple booths are available. The walls are lined with photos and copies of press articles. Service was friendly and efficient. If you haven’t had Cincinnati chili, this is a good place to try it. Continue reading →
