Ohio

Tony Packo’s , Toledo, OH, 9/27/23

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front –1902 Front St, Toledo, OH 43605

Tony Packo’s is a huge place that’s been in business since 1932.  Tony and his wife got a $100 loan during the Depression to open a sandwich shop where he created his signature “Hungarian Hot Dog.”   They gradually grew the shop to the size and fame of what it is today.  Burt Reynolds was the first to sign a hot dog bun in 1972 and that started a trend that would go for generations.  Today, however, the famous put their autograph on a foam replica of the original bun.  The walls were lined with cases of these signed buns including the only few original real buns that remain.  There are now a number of locations in Ohio but this was the orginal and although the food is average it’s worth going to, to see all these buns. Service was available in the bar area otherwise grab a cafeteria tray at the order counter and pay, and by then your food is ready.  A drink station is in the center of the room for self-service.  They only offer Steudel or cookies for dessert. Continue reading →

Lindey’s, Columbus, 4/27/23

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building – 169 E Beck St, Columbus, OH 43206

Lindey’s is owned by Sue Doody who opened it in 1981 in the German Village neighborhood.  Now two of her sons are involved and both have found careers in the restaurant industry.   It’s a huge place serving American cuisine in a white tablecloth setting.  There are several dining rooms as well as private dining rooms in the 2-story corner building.  The 1884 building housed another restaurant prior to but earlier served as a grocery, a saloon, flower shop and hardware store.  Doody named the restaurant after the linden trees that used to grow on the property.  The small tables are on carpet with the walls covered with drawings and music somewhere in the background.  The entrance room had a long bar and tables but we were in the next room with windows to the street adding a bit more light into the room.  Service was friendly but jumbled and the food was mixed. Perhaps we should have ordered the daily special. Continue reading →

Katalina’s, Columbus, 4/27/23

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building – 1105 Pennsylvania Ave, Columbus, OH 

Katalina’s is “The Little Cafe with Lots of Local Goodness.”   Housed in a 100-year old gas station it is covered in grafitti art and serves breakfast, lunch and brunch.  The small corner building has a couple inside tables and some stools at a counter but most of the seating is outside on the pet-friendly patio.  (Someone actually had their leash-trained cat sitting on the planter box next to their table).  There are a couple of parking spaces right next to the building and a lot behind it.  Music was piped out onto the patio which is where we sat after ordering at the counter inside.  The menu hangs on a chalkboard above but they also have printed ones.  The food was brought to the table when ready.  I was intrigued by a number of things on their menu but the counter person said they are famous for their Pancake Balls which are trademarked and their breakfast tacos, so we got those two things.  Super friendly staff and a funky feel make this a place I suggest you try.  Who could resist a pancake ball? Continue reading →

The Refectory Restaurant, Columbus, 4/26/23

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exterior at night – 1092 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43220

The Refectory has a long storied past with buildings from the 1840s and 1850s which were combined to make it.  The current dining area is in the 1853 church that was sided with walnut and served as the main building for a church, which unfortunately was only 75 yards away from some noisy railroad tracks.   When the church bought 2 school buildings 200 yards away the physical church was moved to be adjoined with them around 1918.  In 1954 a brick school was added to the structure but by 1969 the congregation was larger than the buildings could accommodate so they moved. In 1971 the original church was turned into The Olde Church-House Restaurant and in 1981 the building became The Refectory Restaurant, which is the name of the dining hall in a convent/monastery.  The original schoolhouse became the Lounge and Bistro dining area and the church housed the Dining Room with its original hand-hewn beams and exposed wooden roof structure.  Kamal Boulos, the present owner, has worked in the building for almost 50 years.  He brought in Chef Richard Blondin from Lyon, France to run the kitchen, which he still does.  Over the years they have greatly expanded the wine cellar to over 700 selections.  Music was in the background, lights were lowered and the white cloth-covered tables are surrounded by lots of stained glass.  They offer a 5-course Chef’s Tasting that also has a vegetarian option in addition to an a la carte menu.  We tried the tasting with our own wines and the pacing was fairly quick with good portion control.  The food was mixed with too many additions of microgreens, dots and smears of sauces.  It is definitely an elegant setting but the flavor profile and repetition made me wonder if the chef really was in the kitchen. Continue reading →

Wario’s Beef and Pork, Columbus, 4/26/23

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building – 111 W Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH

Wario’s Beef and Pork was created by Chef Stephan Madias, who wanted to bring a chef-driven sandwich shop to Columbus.  He wanted customers to feel like family and to serve them quality food that is responsibly sourced and made from scratch.  Their signature semolina roll is baked and delivered to the shop daily from Matija Breads and he makes, cures and smokes the other ingredients in-house.  They opened in late fall of 2020 as a little sandwich window that quickly became a new city food spot.  Named for a character in Nintendo’s Mario Brothers video game series, they are open Wed. through Sun. and have a few tables inside and a large patio outside.  A really friendly spot, we immediately struck up a conversation with one of their regulars and their counter person was also friendly and helpful.  The sandwiches are huge and excellent.  I would eat there often if I lived nearby. Continue reading →

Carl’s Deli, Cincinnati, 4/23/22

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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, Cincinnati, 4/22/22

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exterior – 1420 Sycamore St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

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 →

Graeter’s Ice Cream, Cincinnati, 4/22/22

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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, Dayton, OH., 4/22/22

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exterior – 40 N Main St, Dayton, OH 45423

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 Restaurant, Cincinnati, 4/21/22

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exterior – 114 E 6th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

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, Covington, KY., 4/21/22

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building – 718 W Pike St, Covington, KY 41011

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 →

Jeff Ruby’s Precinct, Cincinnati, 4/20/22

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exterior – 311 Delta Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226

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, Cincinnati, 4/20/22

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exterior – 3005 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45225

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 →

Restaurant Dante, Cleveland, 9/5/18

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building
building

Dante is a restaurant, club, sushi bar and much more in the Tremont area of Cleveland where much renovation is underway.  The main restaurant that started 8 years ago was in an old bank building, complete with in-vault dining table.  In fact tables are tucked into to many unique spaces, including one behind the bar.  It was fairly dark with a wall dividing the light wood dining tables from the bar area.  Lots of art lined the walls and interesting chandeliers hung from the ceiling, but add minimal light, made from what appeared to be dripping glass.  They offered an a la carte menu as well as a surprise 5 or 7 course tasting menus with optional wine pairings.  We opted for the 7 courses (most not on the menu) with wine pairings which were quite generous.   Continue reading →

Pier W, Cleveland, 9/5/18

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outside
outside

Pier W has been around since 1965 and specializes in seafood.  Built to resemble the hull of a luxury liner as it overlooked Lake Erie.  It has a large dining room for 165 as well as a large cocktail lounge/bar area and some smaller party rooms.  The view through  windows on the end of the dining room allowed diners to watch ships, kayaks and the downtown Cleveland skyline while they ate.  There is also a large outdoor patio on top of the dining space that provided more view of the rocky cliffs on either side of the restaurant.  The lovely dining room is a combination of booths and tables all covered in white clothes and napkins.  Between the carpet, wood on the walls, ceiling tiles and padded wood chairs there was enough dampening that noise was not an issue.  Fish and nautical art covered the walls.  In the end of the room opposite the windows was the glassed in cocktail lounge that had tables as well as bar stools.   Continue reading →

Johnny’s Bar on Fulton, Cleveland, 9/4/18

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outside
outside

Johnny’s Bar opened in the 1920’s as Louise’s Garden and was renamed Johnny’s Bar in 1952.  It has been in the same family for much of that time and that sense of tradition and neighborhood business provided the guest with a feeling that you’ve discovered a gem of Cleveland.  It looked like a cozy dive from the street with the deco sign on a building that dates to 1917, but inside there was an old school elegance complete with white cloth covered tables accented with black napkins, a large bar area and animal print carpet.  There are other dining rooms as well as a lovely patio named for the originator Louise (whose son Johnny took over).  The large menu was a la carte with a couple nightly specials and our helpful and friendly server knew about the various options and could provide wonderful descriptions as well as help to steer your choices.  There is a good sized wine list with more options than are listed.  We simply described what we were looking for to the owner  Bo Santosuosso with a price range and then he came up with an excellent choice.   Continue reading →

L’Albatros Brasserie and Bar, Cleveland, 9/4/18

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entrance
entrance

L’Albatros is a large place spread over numerous rooms.  Its setting is an old carriage house on the campus of Case Western Reserve University.  You entered by the open part of the kitchen with the oldest of the dining rooms straight ahead.  We were instead ushered into a newer room that was lined on one side by windows looking out to the patio.  Music played in  the background but sound was well dampened by the acoustic ceiling tiles.  Plastic tables and chairs were heavy gauge and not covered with tableclothes but did have cloth napkins.  The well worn menu offered just a la carte options and the changing options included the soup and pasta of the day.  Service was friendly and helpful but didn’t include a lot of explanation of the food, which overall lacked a spark.   Continue reading →