citybeat dining guide2011

8/6/2019 Citybeat Dining Guide2011

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DiningIN?

Anyone who reads City-

Beats dining section

knows that we try not to

cheerlead or restaurants

unless they truly deserve

it. Were honest in our as-

sessments, and thats what gives our dining

section credibility.

One thing thats part o our dining cover-

ages philosophy, though, especially under

my watch, is that we lean towards local.

There are so many great locally owned and

operated restaurants here in our air city

that I dont need to encourage you to spend

your dining dollars at big chains. Their

corporate oce has an ad budget to tell you

all about their products they dont need

my help!So were ocusing this issue o the Din-

ing Guide on one o this areas astonishing

assets our many, varied local, indepen-

dent restaurants. What do they do best?

Heritage, authenticity, hospitality weve

got it.

I cringe when I hear that people take

out-o-town visitors to a chain. Im gonna

bet they have that same chain where they

live, too! Whats unique about it? What does

it say about our city? How much does it

help our economy? Our local restaurants

buy rom local stores. Local olks clean

them, wash their linens, sell them fowers

or their tables, do their valet parking. Local

artists show their art on the walls. Local musi-

cians play there. Support them and the benets

or our community are endless.

Nothing but chains in your neighborhood? I

dont believe that. Ive discovered surprisingly

delicious homemade ood in all sorts o odd

places. Somewhere near where you live or

work, theres a diner with a blue-plate special,

a taqueria with its own special spicy salsa or

a sandwich shop that uses excellent locally

baked bread. Find it and support it. It wont be

more expensive than the corporate competi-

tion. Maybe they only serve breakast now,

but i lots o their regulars start asking them to

open or dinner on weekends, they just might.

You dont have to be a locavore, a gourmet

or a oodie. Read CityBeat, or local blogs orjust ask around. Youll discover a place that

serves a meal that wasnt trucked in rom a ac-

tory. I not, then you live in a great location to

start a restaurant. Let me know when you do,

and well write about it. Customers will pound

down your door.

Greater Cincinnati is ortunate to have

more than its air share o independent restau-

rants with something to brag about, and I hope

that our 2011 Dining Guide and CityBeats

continuing weekly coverage will help you

nd and support your avorite.

Anne Mitchell, CityBeat Dining Editor

Leaning Local

contributing Writers: Karen Christopel, Brian Cross, Bill Hateld,

Candace Miller-Janidlo, Anne Mitchell

Production Artists: Jason Kidwell, Patty Robisch, Rebecca Sylvester

oPerAtions & Product develoPment mAnAger: Chuck Davis

disPlAy sAles: Lauren Faulkner, Tony Frank, Katharine Harrow, Hilary Snyder,

Tracy Walker, Neil White

Publisher/generAl mAnAger: Dan Bockrath

editors: Danny Cross, Jason Gargano, Eli Johnson

811 Race Street Fifth Floor Cincinnati, OH 45202

Phone: 513.665.4700 Sales/Business Fax: 513.665.4368

Editorial Fax: 513.665.4369

cover Photo: cAmeron Knight


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Dining

IN?


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AFRICANEMANU

Ethiopian ood is becoming a Big Thing, and were lucky inCincinnati to have Emanu to educate us in the ways o slow-

cooked stews and injera at bread. Kilwa Sega (strips omarinated bee sauted with onions, green pepper and spices),Tsebhi Beghie (lamb simmered in red pepper sauce with onionsand avored with spices) and vegan Ahmelti (collard greens andlightly spiced cabbage cooked with onions and pepper) temptthe diner in the heart o Pleasant Ridge, and the restaurant nowhas a liquor license.6063 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge. 513-351-7686. OpenTuesday-Saturday. $12-$22.

TERANGA

Ask most people i there is a Senegalese restaurant inCincinnati and youll get blank stares, but its time or all todiscover Teranga. Located in a strip mall in Hartwell, the spicesand avors o West Arica more than make up or the sparseinterior. The menu is small but try the grilled fsh and you will bepresented with a whole tilapia, including the head, tail, skin andbones, but it is surrounded by a spicy mustard sauce thick withonions and seasoned with both hot and black pepper.8438 Vine St., Hartwell,513-821-1300. Open 7 days, $5-$10.

ASIANAMARIN

Amarin oers an extensive menu in two locations or diningin, patio dining, carry out or delivery. They eature just aboutany Thai or sushi dish youve ever come across and severalsignature items. Most dishes are big enough to share, likethe Sot Shell Crab appetizer tempura ried and served withchili dipping sauce. We also love the tou in spicy basil sauce,mango curry, or the Amarin Crispy Duck entre a bonelesshal-duck seasoned and crisp ried served with broccoli, carrotsand tamarind sauce.3514 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, 513-321-5533; 7022 Miami Ave,Madiera, 513-272-6900. Open 7 days. $10-$19.

ANDOA amily-owned traditional Japanese restaurant, Ando eatureswell-prepared, nicely presented dishes. Sushi rolls are resh andtasty, including vegetarian cold rolls that are marvelous. Severalcook-at-your-table options are also available, including shabu-shabu, top-quality bee that is grilled as ast as a whisper.5889 Peier Road, Blue Ash, 513-791-8687. Open Tuesday-Sunday. $12-$45.

AOI

Aoi eatures traditional Japanese tempura, edamame al denteand entres such as Steamed Red Snapper along with the cleanavors and sot, velvety texture o sushi and sashimi.Newport on the Levee, Newport, 859-431-9400. Open Tuesday-Sunday. $5-$21.

ASIANA

For those who like less sugar in their Thai dishes, Asiana is theplace to go they skimp on sweetness to keep it healthy. Thecurry is some o the best weve had, because its not too rich.Try the Massaman Curry with Thai-Indonesian sauce and tendersweet potatoes. The Papaya Salad makes a great dessert orappetizer, but be sure to turn down the heat. Plenty o noodles(the Pad Thai is great) and sushi; the seaood dishes are theirspecialties. They deliver, but i youre not close enough or that,bring your own beer or wine and cozy up in the small, laid-backdining room.3922 Edwards Road, Oakley, 513-351-0999. Open Monday-Saturday. $8-$16.

BANGKOK BISTRO

The Hyde Park area is ooded with Asian restaurants, butBangkok Bistro stands out rom the crowd with personableservers, a spacious but cozy interior and excellent noodledishes. The Drunken Thai Noodles is a heaping portion oway-better-than-average at rice noodles with chicken, shrimp,veggies, basil and garlic. It will defnitely fll you up. Making iteven better, they have a nice selection o sushi and oer plentyo vegetarian dishes.

3506 Erie Avenue, Hyde Park, 513-871-5898, Open 7 days.$11-$18.

BELUGA

The sushi is great and the cocktails impressive at this HydePark eatery. The New Asian usion menu has delights such asbento boxes, sushi, maki mano and other oerings that run thegamut rom pasta to hoisin BBQ ribs to lamb. For dessert, try avariety o Parisian macarons avored with rose, coee carameland green tea. Belugas bartenders pride themselves on using

resh ingredients heavily inuenced by Asian botanticals andherbs and spices. I Love Sushi Wednesdays eatures hal-price sushi all evening.3520 Edwards Road, Hyde Park, 513-533-4444. Open Monday-Saturday. $18-$34.

BLUE ELEPHANTHave a group who cant agree on a restaurant? I your party canagree on great ood, head to Blue Elephant. Serving Thai, sushiand Italian, theres something or everyone at this eco-riendlyspot in Hyde Park. Thai avorites such as Pad Thai, Curries andThai Style Basil Chicken adorn the menu, or try a new avoritelike the Spaghetti Tutamare (pasta with mussels, prawns, clamsand calamari in an olive, caper and tomato sauce). Get a sideorder o sushi to take a trip around the world without leavingyour table. Here, you can eat, drink and brag to your riendsabout how you saved the planet.2912 Wasson Road, Hyde Park, 513-351-0123. Open 7 days.$10-$30.

CHINA GOURMET

Arguably a Cincinnati classic, Hyde Parks China Gourmet hasbeen serving up nice Asian cuisine since 1977. The menu is notyour typical gigantic Chinese menu with hundreds o items. Thismakes it easier to fne your avorite dish, like Orange Bee, resh

salmon stir ry, Szechuan eggplant or the new oven-roastedduck. Its not or everyone, it is not ashy or trendy, but there isan aura o elegance at China Gourmet that is not duplicated atany other Asian restaurant in the city.3340 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, 513-871-6612. Open Monday-Saturday. $9-$22.

CILANTRO VIETNAMESE BISTRO

Fresh and aordable, Cilantro has been serving the Clitoncommunity and beyond steaming, delicious bowls o Pho,Vermicelli Noodle Bowls, and, as a customer gladly told usbetween gulps, the Hu tieu (a Vietnamese broth-based soup) isto die or. Feeling naughty? Cilantro quells the ried-ood pangwith Fried Spring Rolls.2516 Cliton Ave., Cliton Heights, 513-281-1732. Open 7 days.$6-$7.

DANCING WASABI

Sushi with a sense o un rom local celebrity sushi che Charlie

Choi, who creates avorul, anciul rolls like the Hot Mama(tuna, salmon, red snapper, yellowtail, garlic, scallions, hotsauce, hot pepper, chili oil), or the Fire Scallop (spicy crab andcucumber garnished with mint leaves and topped with torchedscallops). Try the tasty Sunday Morning Roll deep-ried withsalmon and cream cheese a usion all-in-one brunch. Koreanavorites includes Dol Sot BibimBap, and there are playulpresentations like the Mochi Ice Cream, with quintessentialgreen tea ice cream wrapped in a chewy, tay-like rice cake andserved like a sundae with a cherry on top. Open into the wee

hours o the morning (4 a.m.) on the weekends.1018 Delta Ave., Mount Lookout, 513-533-9218. Open 7 days.$3-$35.

FIRST WOK

Fresh-tasting Chinese cuisine with all the usual suspects. Che

specials include Bee and Scallops, Mussels with Black BeanSauce and Seaood Delight (jumbo shrimp, scallops, lobsterand crab meat with assorted vegetables in white sauce). Thelunch buet is also popular, and kids younger than 3 eat ree.The strip-mall location is pretty nondescript, but opens into aninteresting blend o traditional Chinese restaurant dcor and20th-century Jazz. There are plenty o tables, but most businessis carryout. When you dine in, expect a leisurely pace.3870 Paxton Ave., Hyde Park, 513-321-8388. Open 7 days. $5.25-$12.95.

FUJI STEAK HOUSE

Fuji Steak House has multiple locations in the region thatoer an authentic Japanese dining experience. There is sushi,tempura, teriyaki and bento box meals, but the real star is thehibachi experience. The knie skills o the always theatricaland entertaining hibachi ches will amaze you as your meal iscooked with air right beore your eyes.7687 Mall Road, Florence, 859-746-8180; 4389 Eastgate

Square Drive, Eastgate, 513-752-9222; 3373 Princeton Road,Fairfeld, 513-844-2600; 3836 Paxton Road, Hyde Park,513-871-0500. Open 7 days. $12-$31.

GREEN PAPAYA

Green Papaya joined the crowded Hyde Park dining scenein 2006 and has won over the hearts o the city. It oers acalming, tranquil atmosphere in a newly expanded dining roomwhich more than doubled its original size. There is a hugevariety o dishes as they oer something or everyone. GreenPapaya is packed on Wednesday evenings or their hal-pricedsushi night, but beware as parking can be tricky.2942 Madison Road, Oakley,513-731-0107. Open 7 days $10-$18.

ICHIBAN CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE CUISINE

Sushi, sashimi and Robotayaki grill (traditional Japanesecharcoal grill) oerings abound in the cozy Ichiban dining room.Tapas-style small plates, dishes to tempt carnivores and a

dizzying variety o noodle dishes round out the menu. Belly up tothe sushi bar or bring a group and dive into the hal-price sushimenu while enjoying a warm sake or Asian-inspired cocktail.Ichiban also boasts a lovely wine menu and everything on thedinner menu can be ordered or take-out.1020 Delta Ave., Mount Lookout, 513-321-8686. Open Tuesday-Sunday. $13-$34.

JO AN

With a discerning clientele o Japanese executives rom down

the road at the Toyota headquarters, the ood here is authenticand high quality. The sushi is excellent, but dont limit yourselto that with such a wide variety o options. Choose rom thesashimi, tempura, soups, salads, noodles and numerous coldappetizers. The menu also eatures items that are grilled,steamed or simmered.

3940 Olympic Blvd., Erlanger, 859-746-2634. Open Monday-Saturday. $8 and up at lunchtime; $15 and up at dinner.

KO-SHO JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Northside is becoming a true dining destination with manyexcellent spots dotting Hamilton Avenue. This quaint diningroom is at the epicenter o Northside hipness and oersexcellent people watching while you nosh on a variety oJapanese avorites like box dinners, sushi, sashimi and potdishes. You might even get a ew new avorites like veganappetizers, entres and even vegan sushi.4172 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-665-4950. Tuesday-Sunday.$15-$35.

LEMON GRASS

Lemon Grass makes a mean Crab Crispy, as their crabrangoons are called. Recommended entres include Pad Thai,Yellow Curry, Chicken Thai Spicy or Lemon Grass Noodlesserved with egg, green and yellow onions, celery, bean sprouts

and tomatoes.2666 Madison Road, Hyde Park, 513-321-2882. Open 7 days.$9-$11.

LU LUS ASIAN DINER

Noodle shops are ubiquitous in Asia, serving up inexpensive,steaming bowls o rice, buckwheat, egg and wheat noodlesgarnished with vegetables, seaood or meat. LuLus bringsthis satisying, traditional cuisine to Cincinnati, oering terrifcHall Fun (wide rice noodles stir-ried with a ginger soy sauce)and Lard Cha (udon noodles stir-ried in a garlic sauce withbean sprouts, scallions and eggs). Or try their Tom Yum soup(lemongrass, green onion, mushrooms, shrimp and Thai basilseasonings) and curry-spiked Singapore Noodles with chickenand shrimp.135 W. Kemper Road, Springdale, 513-671-4949. Open Monday-Saturday. $5.50-$9.50.

MAKI EXPRESS

College students and business olks alike pack this cozy ClitonSushi Bar and Asian Kitchen. With a menu eaturing Ramen andUdon Noodles, vegetable, crab, shrimp and Chicken Tempuraand a wide variety o sushi, the only problem will be choosingwhat to eat. Try the Shrimp Ramen with a delicious and savorybroth, the Unagi Don, barbeque eel with sauce and rice or theGrilled Teriyaki Tou. Maki is a sushi spot, so be sure to the

MORE ON PAGE 064

dining listings

PHOTO: EAMON QUEENEY

Blue Elephant


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Casual and quick!Classic AmericanHot & Cold Sandwiches

Pulled PorkDouble-Deckers

Soups and Salads

344 Walnut Street, Downtown Cincinnati

513-721-1128Dine In Take Out We Deliver

M-F 10:30am-3:00pm

Order online: Ready when you get there!

www.squirrelnow.com

Homemade

Egg, Chicken, Tunaand Ham Salad

Snappy Tomato Pizza

Home of the

$6 BuffetAll You Can Eat PIZZA

SALAD & DRINK

Dough made fresh daily

Taste the SnappyDifference

Don't forget! We also have

great hoagies, pasta & wings!

What are you waiting for?!

330 Walnut Street Downtown

(corner of 4th & Walnut, next to The Squirrel)

513-241-9888

snappytomato.com

Heres a good problem to have:There are so many abulous littleplaces out there to nd CheapEats in Cincinnati that narrowing

down the choices or the DiningGuide just about drove me crazy.

I had a ew arbitrary rules. No chains wereallowed, not even local chains. Sorry Skyline!Sorry, dollar burger night at Bar Louie! I didntinclude happy-hour pricing or daily specials,even though there are some great bargainsat places like McCormicks, Palominos andMortons. Oh, wait, those are chains. So, doublewhammy!

Finally, I selected one gem in each directionrom downtown to give a geographical bal-ance. But most o all, I picked the places that Ijust love the most.

For me, the quintessential Cincinnati cheapeats can be ound at Tuckers (1637 Vine St.,Over-the-Rhine, 513-241-3354). Not only is theood incredible and the clientele wonderullydiverse but I also have to believe that its nothumanly possible to spend $10 a person therewithout exploding rom overeating. Tuckersbreakast dishes are the best in the city. Myavorite is the French Toast ($4.75), whichconsists o three huge slabs o brioche favoredwith cinnamon and vanilla, then topped withresh ruit. Another avorite is the Shrimp &Grits or $7.50. The shrimp is spicy, the sauce is

rich and the grits are creamy perection. I youhavent eaten at Tuckers you cant possibly callyoursel a real Cincinnatian!

I discovered a real gem on the West Sidelast year Riverside BBQ and Drive Thru(2790 River Road, Price Hill, 513-471-1111).

While the ribs are smoky good and thebarbeque sauce is particularly to my liking, thereal ood nd here is the loaded baked potato.These gigantic spuds are lled with butter, sour

cream, bacon bits, cheese, scallions and yourchoice o pulled pork, pulled chicken or brisketall or the amazing price o ve bucks. Seriousood or a seriously low price. Just to give youan idea o the value that can be ound, whenI brought back carryout to review this place,seven people pigged out or less than $30.Riversides amazing, one o the best reasons toventure over the Sixth Street Viaduct.

Crossing the Ohio, my avorite cheap eatsin Kentucky is La Mexicana (642 MonmouthSt., Newport, 859-261-6112). La Mexicanais a small, unpretentious Mexican spot thathas some truly authentic Mexican ood. At

$2.49 each, the tacos cant be beat. The corntaco shells are homemade and you can addanything rom the traditional (pork, steak orchicken) to the exotic (goat, bee tongue orpumpkin seeds). The tacos come with cilantro,onion, lime and your choice o red or greensalsa. Also, La Mexicana has the most amazingguacamole. They make it resh or every orderand it is chunky, favorul and truly a mouthesta.

Going up north I am in love with Lu LusNoodle & Rice Shop (135 W. Kemper Road,Springdale, 513-671-4949) in a strip plaza just

down the street rom Tri-County Mall. Lu Lushas a ercely loyal clientele who swear bythe big-ass noodle bowls ($6.25 -$10.75). TheUdon noodle soup bowl at $6.75 is a heapingamount o thick rice noodles served with yourchoice o protein in a rich brown soup with

veggies and lots o scallions. Also deserv-ing o praise is the Tom Yum ($3.95) whereshrimp, lemongrass, mushrooms and onioncombine to deliver a spicy, hearty soup.

There are also traditional Chinese disheson the menu, but trust me: go or the soupbowls.

Finally to the east, where I couldntmake up my mind. Blue Ash has two o myavorite sandwich spots. Blue Ash Chili(9565 Kenwood Road, 513-984-6107) oersthe biggest double-decker sandwichesin town ($5.75-$6.50). The Bee & Baconat $6.50 is seriously enough ood or twolunches. There has to be a ull pound o ba-con on this behemoth and almost as muchthinly sliced rare roast bee, and then theyadd lettuce and tomato. However, down the

street at Rascals NY Deli (9525 KenwoodRoad, Blue Ash, 513-429-4567) they areserving up awesome New York-style deliood. Both the Pastrami or Corned Beesandwiches (each $9.95) are excellent andall sandwiches are served with two crispypotato latkes, cinnamon applesauce andcrazy-good homemade pickles. When youare there you have to order a New York EggCream ($2.50) to drink, and or dessert thecheesecake at $4.95 is lling enough or atleast two people.

There you have it, my geographical tour

o my avorite cheap eats in the city. Argueabout my choices all you want, but the im-portant thing is to go out there and supportthe great local restaurants in Cincinnati.

Cheap EatsArea features a bevy of fabulous, wallet-friendly eateries

BYBILL HATFIELD

photo: cameron knight

The pulled pork sandwich at Riverside BBQ is one of the areas many tasty cheap eats options.


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French Roll with crab, cream cheese and cucumber and sproutswrapped with an egg crepe. I you have to wait or a seat, itsworth it. Just get there early they close at 9 p.m.!

209 W. McMillan Ave., Clifton Heights. 513-721-6999. OpenMonday-Saturday. $6-$11.

MATSUYA

Delicious, authentic Japanese cuisine in a comortable amilysetting. The sushi is resh and delicious. Matsuya also oerstraditional kaiseki ve-course meals with a sampling o threeappetizers, then sunomono, nimono, yakimono and tempura.7149 Manderlay Drive, Florence, 859-746-1199. Open Monday-Friday. $11-$35.

MEI

Tasty, traditional Japanese ood. From crisp, light VegetableTempura to a traditional bento box (a perect choice or thosewho like to graze), dishes are resh and expertly prepared.Looking or something distinctive? Try the Hot Pot menu ordoubles eaturing Shabushabu, Sukiyaki (vegatarian option isavailable) or the Kamo Nabe signature duck. Tempt your tastebuds with the extensive sushi menu.

8608 Market Place Lane, Montgomery, 513-891-6880. OpenTuesday-Sunday. $12-$24.

MIYOSHI

Serving authentic Japanese cuisine since 2006, Miyoshi catersto a variety o tastes. Sushi? Check. Tempura? Check. Udonand Soba noodles? O course! Miyoshi also oers many otherauthentic Japanese entres. Go or the authenticity, stay or theambiance.8660 Bankers St., Florence, 859-525-6564. Open Monday-Saturday. $12-$25.

MR. SUSHI

Mr. Sushi has plenty or downtown diners to be happy about.There is an extensive sushi and sashimi menu, along withappetizers like edamame; lo mein, yakisoba, and udon noodles;

ried rice and entres like hibachi steak, Korean Bibimbab andlobster tail, to name a ew. The dcor is un, modern and sleekbut you can also order carry-out.580 Walnut St., Downtown, 513-827-9345. Monday-Saturday.$6-$30.

ORIENTAL WOK

Transcending the typical Chinese American menu, Oriental Wokoers innovative, resh and delicious che-prepared cuisinethats never boring rom ve-spice tou over stir-ried spinachto sea bass with black bean and garlic sauce or a Kobe steakwith peppercorn sauce. Excellent beer and wine selections.Save room or homemade dessert sesame balls and mangopudding.317 Buttermilk Pike, Fort Mitchell, 859-331-3000; 5038 OldTaylor Mill Road, Taylor Mill, 859-431-3000; 2444 Madison Road,Hyde Park, 513-871-6888. All open 7 days except Hyde Park,which is closed Monday. $11-$23.

PAINTED FISH

Burnt out on traditional sushi? Painted Fish puts a spin on thetraditional with items like the tempura ried White Hot ShrimpRoll or the Gangsta with sashimi, veggies and spicy mayo.Painted Fish also serves up incredible entres like the Sur NTur, Shanghai Spare Ribs or the house avorite: Crispy Chicken

or Pork Katsu. Painted Fish is a great date spot or a place tohang out with riends and have a hip soundtrack or the evening.3937 Spring Grove Ave., Northside, 513-386-9338. Open Tuesday-Sunday. $11-$25.

PHO LANG THANG

Located in the heart o Findlay Market, this young Vietnameserestaurant cranks out hot Pho soup, zesty Banh Mi sandwiches,salads, spring rolls and noodles made with resh ingredients.The menu is small enough that it wont make your head spin,but varied enough or many tastes and diet restrictions. Theycan get pretty packed on the weekends when the market isbusy, but its worth the wait even i you have to take it to go. Itsa small, clean and bright space with good service.112 W. Elder St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-376-9177. $5-$9.

P.F. CHANGS CHINA BISTRO

This national chain oers an unusual selection o Chinesedishes including a variety o seaood, chicken, bee, vegetarianand noodle options, such as Chicken Lettuce Wraps and KungPao Shrimp or Scallops. Try the Mongolian Bee or the grilledLemongrass Prawns. Steak eaters will appreciate the soy-and-mild-chile-marinated New York Strip served on a bed o bokchoy.2633 Edmondson Road, Norwood, 513-531-4567; 9435 CivicCenter Blvd., West Chester, 513-779-5555. Open 7 days. $7-$20.

RICE ROCKET

Rice Rocket Asian Grille is a lunchtime Build Your Own Bowlrestaurant on Main Street near the courthouse. Start bychoosing your starch (steamed rice, ried rice or noodles) andthen add a protein. The bee and the dark meat chicken aresavory, the sh is not overcooked and the tou is exceptional generous pieces dusted with cornstarch and ried crisp.Top vote goes to the Pork Ribs, which is sweet, savory, richand good. Fresh it up: add veggies, then some teriyaki andchili paste whoa, itll get your lips a burnin! 825 Main St.,Downtown, 513-898-0944. Monday-Friday. $5-$6.

RIVERSIDE KOREAN RESTAURANT

This Northern Kentucky classic eatures a menu that ranges

rom comort-ood dishes like the ever-popular rice-based DolsotBi Bim Bop through the Adventure dinners, a category thatincludes many o the more authentic dishes the restaurantoers. All are accompanied by spicy side dishes (ban chan) likekim chee, dried radishes and shitake mushrooms.512 Madison Ave., Covington, 859-291-1484. Open Tuesday-Sunday. $12-$36.

RUTHAIS THAI KITCHEN

Serving Mount Lookout since 2001, Ruthais Thai Kitchen oersall the classic Thai dishes like Pad Thai, curries and awesomenoodle dishes. Theyre not araid to go spicy i you wantto go beyond mild or medium, you can take it to Ruthai Hot!The menu oers our boneless roast duck specials, includingdelicious Ginger Duck served on a bed o mixed vegetables.Plenty o seaood dishes, and there are vegetarian options like

Happy Tou, steamed or deep-ried. The che-prepared sushi isexcellent. Also be sure to wear clean socks so you can enjoythe seating on the foor. Guests at those tables always seem tobe having more un than those at the regular tables.3164 Linwood Ave., Mount Lookout, 513-871-7687. OpenTuesday-Sunday. $9-$18.

SHANGHAI MAMAS

Downtowns best Chinese restaurant serves kick-assappetizers, like pork-stued Shanghai dumplings and crabmeatcannoli. The Shanghai Flatbread (scallion pancakes) is bigenough to share. For entres, we love the giant bowls o soup,like the vegetarian Buddha Bowl and the Wonton bowl withdumplings and egg noodles. A side o Mamas garlic spinachwill keep the vampires at bay.216 E. Sixth St., Downtown, 513-241-7777. Open Monday-Saturday. $6-$10.

SONG LONG

Were blessed to have Song Longs authentic Vietnameseood in town. This restaurant is amily-run, and the best way todescribe its cuisine is bright and alive. (It has been known tohave lines out the door on some weekend nights.) Try the GuiCon with its clear, cool rice paper and blend o resh cilantrosprigs and vermicelli doused with peanut sauce. Or the Sesame

Noodles with cool egg noodles, red peppers and mushroomsbathed in sesame sauce.1737 Section Road, Roselawn, 513-351-7631. Open Monday-Saturday. $7-$16.

SUKHOTHAI THAI CUISINE

These days, too many restaurants are going pan-Asian ratherthan sticking to one cuisine and doing it well. Luckily, Sukhothaibucks that trend and makes some o the best traditional Thaiood in the area. Looking or something exotic? Try the mangoprawns stir-ried in a tamarind sauce or the garlic sot-shell crab.The Pad Thai is great, and theyll gladly vary the spice in theirvarious curries to suit your taste. Just order a Thai Singha beerto take the edge o that heat.8102 Market Place Lane, Montgomery. 513-794-0057. OpenMonday-Saturday. $6-$18.

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SUNG KOREAN BISTROSung tries to stay tr ue to authentic Korean ood while makingit more approachable, oering traditional avorites such asdolsot bibimbab as well as more amiliar stir-ried dishes. Aphenomenal appetizer option is Haemul Pajun (wheat ourpancake with egg, shrimp, crabmeat, squid, green onion and

pepper), which could easily eed our. Dine on traditional stir-ryas hot as you can take it, or opt or a Korean staple, marinatedGalbi (ribs). Enjoy Happy Hour in the bar through the weekeaturing hal-price beer, cocktails and wine by the glass rom4:30-6:30 p.m.700 Elm St., Downtown, 513-721-SUNG. Open 7 days. $15-$20.

SUZY WONGS ON MADISONServes up tastes rom all o Asia including Malaysian Chickenin a Claypot with a abulous yellow curry sauce, Korean Bi BimBap, Thai Fried Rice with duck breast. And be sure to try theDry Braised Wrinkle String Beans they taste better than theysound.1544 Madison Road, Walnut Hills, 513-751-3333. Open 7 days.$8-$16.

SWEET BASIL THAI CUISINE & SUSHI BARSweet Basil makes up or the lack o Thai restaurants southo the river by giving diners a hety menu ull o Thai curries,

noodle dishes, sushi, soups and Thai stir-ries. The Siam Curry(chicken, pineapple, and mango in a mild yellow curry) hasbecome a avorite o regulars, and the Pho (bee broth with ricenoodles, vegetables, basil and bee or chicken) is transcendentand worth the trip.2331 Buttermilk Crossing, Crescent Springs, 859-331-0666. Open7 days (dinner only on Sunday). $11-$19.

TEAK THAIWith three oors o dining, a ull bar and a large outdoor patioarea, Teak Thai has the room to accommodate throngs o Thaiand sushi lovers. It also has the ood to keep them coming backor more. Thai curries, soups, stir-ries, sushi and sashimi all vieor space along side noodle dishes and house specialties likeseaood claypot and crispy duck.1049 St. Gregory St., Mount Adams, 513-665-9800. Open 7 days,Saturday and Sunday dinner only. $11-$32.

THAI NAMTIP

Exceptional dishes include crispy Tou Ramrong with a perkypeanut sauce, Chicken Coconut Soup with resh lemongrass,kafr lime leaves and chunks o chicken, Panang Curry ser vedin a stone pot and Pad See Ewe with wide rice noodles. Try ThaiNamtip Spicy Fish, especially when they have red snapper.5461 North Bend Road, Monort Heights, 513-481-3360. Open7 days. $5-$16.

WILD GINGERKnown mostly or its sushi, Wild Ginger is a trendy collision oseveral Asian cuisines. Many Thai, Vietnamese and Chinesedishes complement the creative sushi menu. A recentexpansion added a Hibachi grill to the mix. Try the Heema Roll,with shrimp tempura, asparagus and avocado, topped withyellowfn tuna and sprinkled with crabmeat and tempura akes.3655 Edwards Road, Hyde Park, 513-533-9500. Open 7 days.$9-$28.

YAT KA MEINYat Ka Mein in Hyde Park is the embodiment o an under-

appreciated yet authentic joint. The guy in the kitchen was theche at the late, lamented Pacifc Moon and the best eats arentlisted on the menu. He will accommodate any ood needs, andits a great place or vegetarians. The hot pots are wonderuland his chicken soup is the best. The number o Chinesestudents who requent it is probably the best testimony.3646 Edwards Road, Hyde Park, 513-321-2028. Open 7 days.$8-$12.

BARBECUEBBQ REVUEBBQ Revue epitomizes the adage the clothes do not makethe man (or restaurant). BBQ Review might not look like muchrom the outside, but once you enter the aroma alone lets youknow why Cincinnatians cannot stop talking about the ribs and

brisket. Try a Pulled Pork Sandwich or the Pork Loin Sandwichor a snack beore your Rib Slab comes to the table, or trycarryout and enjoy it while you watch ootball. Smokey, dry rubgoodness with a side o mac and cheese, please!4725 Madison Road, Madisonville, 513-871-3500. Open Tuesday-Sunday. $3-$18.

BOSTON BUTZThis Southern-style joint oers The Texas Tenderloin sandwich,which is as large as a dinner plate thin, crisp, and tasty.

Handmade pizza and mini-troughs are crowd pleasers, bigenough to share.3754 Hamilton Cleves Road, Ross, 513-738-3111. Open 7 days.$5-$23.

CITY BARBECUEThis regional chain is growing like wildfre and now has fveGreater Cincinnati locations. They put out some dang tasty BBQ,including mouth-watering bee brisket and a good and sloppyNorth Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich. Handrubbed St. Louis-style ribs are slow smoked or intense, traditional avor andserved with Texas Toast. They dont neglect their sides: cornpudding and crusty hush puppies are stellar. Mix and matchthe sauce and meat theres an original tomato-based sauce,a vinegar- and onion-based North Carolina sauce and a SouthCarolina mustard sauce.3804 Paxton Ave., Hyde Park, 513-871-8890; 7706 Voice oAmerica Centre, West Chester, 513-755-0518; 878 EastgateNorth Drive, Eastgate, 513-201-3030; 6475 Glenway Ave.,Western Hills, 513-257-0502; and 8026 Burlington Pike, Florence,859-818-0003. Open 7 days. $6-$19.

GOODIES BARBEQUEMr. Goodie sure knows his pork butt pit-smoked slowly til theat has completely dissolved and a crunchy, caramelized crust

has ormed on the outside, resulting in a deep but delicatesmoked avor. Lip-smackin chicken quarters and Bualowings are complemented by standard Southern sides o collardgreens, red beans and rice or mac and cheese. For those nottempted by the sauce, there are more standard items like thefsh sandwich or ried okra. Peach cobbler and pies o both thesweet potato or chess pie variety are available. Complete withneon signs, this down-home restaurant screams good eatin atreasonable prices. The waitsta is always riendly, making eachtrip here eel like eating at home.5841 Hamilton Ave., College Hill, 513-542-4663. Open Monday-Saturday. $5-$20.

JIM DANDYS FAMILY BBQOhio is not synonymous with barbeque, but Jim Dandys givesthe barbeque states a run or their money, and they have theawards to prove it. Their practice and motto, Spiced andSmoked, NOT Boiled and Soaked, sums up the taste. Sinkyour chops into chicken, brisket, ribs, pulled pork sandwiches

and homemade smoked Kielbasa. You wont stop eating themac and cheese and collard greens.2343 E. Sharon Road, Sharonville, 513-771-4888. Open 7 days.$5-$20.

MS. HELENS GRILLIts worth the wait or some o Ms. Helens charcoal-grilled,slow-smoked barbecue slathered in her secret-recipe sauce, butyoull even fnd the soul ood side dishes addictive especiallythe crowd-pleasing mac and cheese and cornbread.126 Market House, Findlay Market, Over-the-Rhine, 513-381-5678. Open Wednesday-Sunday. $3-$10.

MONTGOMERY INNWorld amous or its ribs, Montgomery Inn has been a staple inCincinnati or 60 years. Dont sell their barbecue sauce short;try it on the Saratoga chips or a quarter chicken. This is theperect place or comort ood in the orm o hearty portions omeat and flling sides.9440 Montgomery Road, Montgomery, 513-791-3482 and other

locations. Open 7 days. $17-$30.

PIT TO PLATEThe kitschy Western dcor at Pit to Plate adds a un air to thistemple o pork. The meats are all hickory smoked or hours andmelt in your mouth. Side dishes arent the ocus here, but stillpretty damn good. Everything is all about the meat. They willsmoke you a turkey year round and oer pig roast catering.8021 Hamilton Ave., Mount Healthy, 513-931-9100, OpenMonday-Saturday. $5-$18.

SMOQsmoQs motto is I its legal, well smoke it! and isnt thatthe truth? Everything rom catfsh to pulled pork to Chicken andWae (yes, chicken and waes) is available at this Springdaleeatery. About that Chicken and Wae: its a smoked, riedchicken breast served on top o a sweet potato-pecan wae,with maple butter and syrup. You have to try it at least once.The sides here are actually something to write home about,

rom collard greens to cheddar grits to sweet potato brulee.Southern ood with air is what smoQ is all about.275 Pictoria Drive, Springdale, 513-671-7667. Open 7 days.$13-$26.

WALTS BARBEQUEWalts boasts three locations: the original on Colerain Avenuein White Oak, one in Harrison (with a drive-thru) and one inHamilton. The menu is made or meat lovers, with pulledpork, ribs, roasted chicken, brisket and more, but there are

also several fsh options and a veggie burger rounding out theselections. Tuesday and Sunday are all-you-can-eat barbequenights. The list o sides is impressive and make sure you saveroom or dessert; the homemade berry cobblers are stellar.6040 Colerain Ave., White Oak, 513-923-9800; 1055 New HavenRoad. 513-367-9258, Harrison; 1242 Main St., Hamilton, 513-

868-9258. Open 7 days. $6-$20.

BISTRO/CAFARTHURSArthurs on Hyde Park Square has proven its staying power,and not even a fre could close this Cincinnati staple. Arthurstakes traditional pub grub to the next level with excellent wings,sandwiches, salads and superb burgers, like our avorite: thegourmet burger with goat cheese, spinach, roasted red peppersand pesto mayo. The veggie burger is a great alternative andis made even better (though not healthier) with the addition oBoursin cheese. With a killer beer selection, brunch and a largeback patio, Arthurs might become your avorite neighborhoodspot even i you dont live in Hyde Park.3516 Edwards Road, Hyde Park, 513-871-5543. Open 7 days.

$7-$13.

THE BISTROThe Bistro is a avorite amongst crat beer lovers. The smallbar serves up some o the best drat beer in the city and pairsit with cuisine made rom resh, local ingredients. We lovethe Neltner Farm Heirloom Tomato Salad with house-pulledmozzarella, the Duck Fat Fries, the Roasted Bone Marrow andthe Cheese Plate. Eat at the bar or in the riendly dining roomor a more intimate experience.413 Vine St., Downtown, 513-621-1465. Open 7 days. $15-$28.

BRONTE BISTROBrontes is located inside Joseph-Beth Booksellers in RookwoodPlaza. Dishes at this novel bistro are selected rom best-selling cookbook authors. Try Paula Deens meatloa, AltonBrowns best-ever green beans or Tyler Florences ShrimpScampi with Linguine. Its a great way to try a cookbook beoreyou buy it! The brunch menu has temptations galore, includingGourmets Crme Brulee French Toast a dish that outlived

the magazine that created it and there are superb sandwichselections, including Americas Test Kitchens Avocado BLT.The kids menu, including Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches,requires no recipe and is also available to young-at-heartadults or a $3 upcharge!2692 Madison Road, Norwood, 513-396-8970. Open 7 days.$8-$14.

CAF DE PARISParisian ca ood as well as an opportunity to practice yourFrench! Feast on lunch and breakast selections like SaladeNicoise and Croissant Foure aux Epinards (toasted croissantwith spinach and eta). Fresh baked European breads make thesandwiches very satisying, and there are loads o vegetarianoptions. Dont orget the Chocolate Croissant or dessert!17 Garfeld Place, Downtown, 513-651-1919. Open Monday-Friday. $3-$9.

DILLY CAF WINES & GOURMET

Dillys menu ranges rom small plates like the Jerk Scallopswith a citrus polenta cake, roasted tomatoes and coconutcreme raiche to sandwiches like the BBQ Pulled Pork to highalutin options like the Creamy Stilton and Mushroom Pastato comort ood items that include the Ca Meatloa and Fishand Chips. Dont walk out without an order o the Sweet PotatoFries youll regret it orever i you do. Relax in what eelslike a combination o an old-time diner/Brooklyn neighborhoodrestaurant. The real air is in their wine philosophy: Dilly oersmore than 1,000, and rather than one or two wines by theglass, they have over 30.6818 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, 513-561-5233. Open 7 days.$10-$25.

GREEN DOG CAFChe Mary Swortwood is a leader in environmentalconsciousness. She and her husband fnd local sources tostock their ever-changing menu whenever possible, and theyhave been rewarded with a fercely loyal clientele. There are

always vegan options and the lemon hummus served withroasted red peppers, eta, marinated olives and grilled breadoers an amazing start to any meal. Green Dog also has a verynice and reasonably priced selection o wines.3543 Columbia Parkway, Columbia-Tusculum,513-321-8777.Open Tuesday-Sunday. $10-$14.

JEAN-PAULS PARADISOJean-Paul Belmont and his sta cook up salads, pastas, Panini,wraps and calzones in a tiny, three-table restaurant. The sel-

proclaimed best pizza in the universe is most cer tainly wortha try; you can even buy it by the slice. I thats not enough,Master Baker Jean-Paul sells pastries and other delightul bakedgoods rom the bakery case.6732 Clough Pike, Anderson Township, 513-231-2780. OpenMonday-Saturday. $5-$23.

JEAN ROBERTS TABLECasually incredible is that a category? Beloved Che JeanRobert de Cavels new venture eatures the ood o Parisiancas. Try the sweetbreads, theyre sauted to tenderness andserved on top o a sot, petite blue cheese quiche, accentedwith port wine sauce and sweet grape compote. The skatefsh wings are blissully rich and delicious. Duck breast withblackberry pepper sauce sounds intriguing. Wine prices are veryreasonable and the oerings are well selected. The pastries areperect. 713 Vine St., Downtown, 513-621-4777. $7-$36.

LATITUDESA tapas restaurant with lots o variety. Enjoy the Onion BiancaTandori atbread with caramelized onions, our cheeses andwhite wine cream sauce, or share Asian Chicken Lettuce Wrapsdunked in soy lime dipping sauce. Still hungry? Try the SautedSea Scallops or the Filet Mignon paired with Parmesan potatopancake and port wine reduction. Full-size entres eaturing

Grilled Salmon, Vodka Penne and a hearty NY Strip Steak ina teriyaki preparation are also available. Latitudes is a greatplace to enjoy street-side seating on a nice spring night or cozylot seating on a more intimate occasion. With the addition o asecond location in Anderson Township, youll want to check theWeb or menu variations.18 Main St., Milord, 513-831-9888; 7426 Beechmont Ave.,Anderson Twp., 513-827-9146. Open 7 days. $6-$21.

OTTOSOttos is the little restaurant that could. Its humble beginningsas a sandwich shop have given way to a small, well-cratedmenu eaturing some o the best Shrimp and Grits and BakedBrie in town. The Pinotage wine is glorious. Tuesday is $5Martini Night and they have hal-price wine bottles on Tuesdayand Wednesday.521 Main St., Covington, 859-491-6678. Open Monday-Saturdayand Sunday Brunch. $20-$32.

ROCK BOTTOMThis Fountain Square microbrewery always has resh ales toquench the beer thirst and a menu to cure any hungr y appetite.Some popular specialty dishes include Mahi Tacos, the thickBrewery Chili (with black beans, bee and southwestern spices)and the Mac n Chicken, a spin on the classic dish with chickenand parmesan breadcrumbs. Steaks, burgers, pizzas and lightersalads are also oered.10 Fountain Square, Downtown, 513-621-1588. Open 7 days.$9-$24.

10 WEST10 West is a surprisingly tasty exception to the humdrum rule omost hotel cas. Whet your appetite with Edamame Hummus,grilled atbread and crudite, or Blackened Sea Scallops withried green tomatoes. Other new menu eatures such asPancetta wrapped Sea Scallops and Woodord Reserve BourbonRibs promise that you wont be disappointed. Want to eel athome while away rom home? Try the Homestyle Fried Chickenwith pan gravy.

10 W. RiverCenter Blvd., Covington, 859-392-3750. Open 7 days.$15-$35.

TERRACE CAFE ATCINCINNATI ART MUSEUMSandwiches, soups, salads and desserts, as well as wine, beerand appetizers in a charming ca where the menu has beencreated by David Cook, owner o Daveeds at 934. The outdoorpatio is sweet in the summer. And, o course, dont orget theart.953 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams, 513-639-2986. OpenTuesday-Sunday. $10-$15.

TRIOTrio oers pretty typical something-or-everyone American-stylemenu items with an upscale twist. Choose rom many greatsalads, sandwiches, pastas, steaks, gourmet pizzas or seaoodprepared with care. Pair your meal with a nice glass o winerom the extensive wine list. Try the Wild Mushroom Ravioli or

the Smoked Salmon Pizza.7565 Kenwood Road, Kenwood, 513-984-1905. Open 7 days.$20-$30.

VIRGILS CAFEChe Matt Buschle ocuses on resh local and seasonalingredients, and hes passionate about what he does. With

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starters like a Petite Pork Shank, barbecued and served withgorgonzola coleslaw, to entres like Shrimp Creole with cheddarcheese grits, the dishes are distinctive and delicious.710 Fairfeld Ave., Bellevue, 859-491-3287. Open Wednesday-

Monday. $10-$25.

VITORS BISTROVitors does it all breakast, lunch and dinner and it doesit quite well. Fine dining on the West Side will get you ItalianEggs Benedict (eggs and ciabatta topped with house-madespiced ham, mixed peppers and onions, and spicy hollandaise)or breakast, Seaood Risotto (creamy garlic risotto withshrimp, crab, asparagus and roasted red peppers) or lunch,and Chicken Oscar (chicken breast with a dill and havar ticompote, asparagus and black true aioli) or dinner. And thats

just scratching the surace! Vitors also comes with plenty ocharm in its 1864 building and seasonal outdoor terrace dining.3232 Harrison Ave., Westwood, 513-481-5333. Open Wednesday-Sunday. $15-$36.

WHITE HOUSE INNDoes a great job on standards like flet mignon and primerib, but they also let their creativity shine via prix-fxe menus

Thursday through Saturday, with our courses or $25. Incrediblecream pies or dessert.4940 Mulhauser Road, West Chester, 513-860-1110. OpenTuesday-Sunday. $18-$28.

YORK STREET CAFThis eclectic ca is the per ect frst-date restaurant. In the1880s the building was a pharmacy, but today it oers abeautiully decorated ca, lounge with live music and an artgallery, but the outdoor patio just simply oozes romance. Theood not only matches the elegance o the dcor, it surpassesit. From the creamy vegan polenta with pumpkin seeds andmushrooms to the Filet Mignon, all dishes are crated with localood and served with homemade sauces. York Street truly is aspecial treat.738 York St., Newport, 859-261-9675. Open Tuesday-Saturday$12-$25

BREAKFAST/LUNCHANCHOR GRILLThe Anchor exemplifes a classic hometown diner, open 24/7,with Formica tables, orescent lighting and great grub likegoetta and eggs, hash browns, biscuits and gravy and thickwhite toast with grape jelly. Later in the day, you can turn thatgoetta into a GLT. Their homemade peanut butter pie is one othe Tristates true dining treasures dont miss it! Great newsor people who like to breathe: the Anchor is sort-o complyingwith Kenton Countys smoking ban, and is now nonsmokingrom 11 a.m.-4 p.m.438 Pike St., Covington, 859-431-9498. Open 24/7. $4-$12.

ANNABELSWho could resist buttermilk corn cakes with honeycomb butter?Or a French lemon meringue tart? Luckily, you dont have toresist anything at Annabels because breakast is served all

day, so you can get your French toast fx while your companionenjoys a Japanese salmon salad. Annabels cozy dining roomeels like an intimate little French restaurant and the dailyspecials are worth checking out.1004 Delta Ave., Mount Lookout, 513-417-8669. OpenWednesday-Sunday. $5-$11.

BLUE JAYGenerations have been breaking bread at this amily-ownedNorthside establishment or decades. Serving up a greatgreasy-spoon breakast, burgers, double-deckers and, o course,gyros (the owners are Greek ater all!). Come or the cheap eatsand linger with some Northside locals.4154 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-541-0847. Open Monday-Saturday. $3-$7.

FIRST WATCHThis daytime ca oers breakast, brunch and lunch itemsthat range rom healthy to hear ty. The breakast options

include a Killer Cajun omelette, stued with chicken breast,mushrooms, Monterey Jack cheese, onions and a SantaFe dressing. At lunchtime, try a burger, any o their specialtysandwiches or salads.Multiple Locations. Open 7 days. $3-$8.

HALF DAY CAFThe perect spot or a resh cup o coee and a breakastquesadilla flled with eggs, mushrooms, spinach and MontereyJack, or a plateul o pancakes Mango Butter Rum Pancakes

that melt in your mouth. At lunch, grab a sandwich on a house-made bagel. Sunday brunch? How about white cheddar grits andgrillades! Hal Day Ca packs a lot o variety in their menu andnever disappoints. 1 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming 513-831-2323.Open 7 days. $7-$14.

ITS JUST CREPESIts Just Crepes is a locally owned success story! Now withthree locations, theyre turning Cincinnatians on to the joys osweet and savory crepes or breakast, lunch and dinner. TheTraditional savory crepe with Swiss cheese, sliced ham andDijon mustard,works any time o day, or you can start your daywith the Good Morning bacon, egg, and cheese crepe. You caneven go exotic with the Red Goat, which starts with goat cheeseand ends in balsamic true sauce. Have a sweet tooth? Sink itinto a Parisian with butter spread, sugar and lemon, or maybea Banana Split with Nutella, bananas, nuts and vanilla cream.Pricing and ordering is straightorward and simple and thelunchtime lines move quickly.39 E. Court St., Downtown and 151 West Fourth St., Downtown;2343 Buttermilk Crossing, Crescent Springs. 513-632-CREPE.Open 7 Days. $3-$6.

LUNCH ON MAINTheir best-selling sandwich is The Main, with pastrami, imported

Swiss, homemade red onion marmalade, roasted ennel andpepper gourmaise sauce served on multi-grain bread. Grab aquarter-pound all-bee gourmet hot dog, custom made just a ewblocks away at Avril Bleh, or dig in to a bowl o amazing Bualochicken mac and cheese. Worth risking an aternoon ofceood coma o epic proportions its just that good. House-made buckeye brownie with whipped peanut butter cream orthe oatmeal cookie sandwich with apple butter and cinnamonganache make a mighty fne dessert. Theyre open or weekdaylunches and catering.633 Main St., Downtown, 513-381-2907. $5-$6.50.

MOKKA AND THE SUNSET BAR AND GRILLEFor breakast, Mokka eatures a lotta ritattas, ranging rom thehearty Steak and Mushroom to the veggie-riendly Green Goat.Theyre also well known or their unique French Toast battered incorn akes and topped with crme brulee cream and bananas.Later in the day, the ood turns more pub-riendly, and you candive into a juicy burger topped with Cajun seasoning, bananapeppers, roasted red peppers and Pepper Jack cheese, ora basket o Thai Citrus Sesame chicken wings a CityBeatavorite. Mokka is located close to the Levee and all theexcitement o Newport (but with easy parking).500 Monmouth St., Newport, 859-581-3700. Open 7 days. $4-$7.

ORIGINAL PANCAKE HOUSEYou wouldnt know it by stopping in, but there are more than100 ranchise locations o this restaurant. It is defnitely notyour average side-o-the-highway breakast stop. All o their

batters are made resh daily in the kitchen and only high-qualityingredients are used. Try one o their specialties, the DutchBaby a aky and sweet egg-and-our concoction that neverdisappoints. Thick-sliced bacon and vegetarian options add tothe appeal.9977 Montgomery Road, Montgomery, 513-745-0555. Open 7

days. $4-$9.

PAULAS CAFPaulas has the best burger downtown at lunchtime. You canpile it high with bacon and a ried egg, or keep it simple itsstill savory and made rom the best possible ingredients..Why eat ast ood when you can have quality like this in justseven minutes? Everythings homemade here, including thecroutons on Paulas Favorite salad. It a Nicoise variation, withresh lettuces, albacore tuna, cannelli beans and edamame,dressed in a champagne vinaigrette. Salad that doesnt eellike a consolation prize! Homebaked carrot and coconut cakesto sweeten your ofce aternoon. Grab a spot at the counter towatch the hustle and ow.41 E. Fourth St., Downtown, 513-381-3354. Open Monday-Friday.$4-$8.

SUGAR N SPICEImpressing guests or over 60 years with good old-ashioned

home-cookin, Sugar N Spice still makes some o the bestpancakes, hash browns and omelettes around. You can getbreakast here all day or try some o the lunch items like AlottaBull (1/2-pound roast bee sandwich) or the Red n Yeller (grilledcheese with tomato). But the Breakast Burrito might just bewhat youre looking or. Squeeze into a small booth or scoochup to the counter in the plain and cozy space. Consider this aheads up: weekend mornings are busy!4381 Reading Road, Bond Hill, 513-242-3521. Open 7 Days.$3-$7.

TASTE OF BELGIUMTaste o Belgiums presence at Findlay Market has grown to twomarket stands, and now theyve opened a ca in the southeastcorner o the Freedom Center (a separate entrance, so museumadmission is not required), with a broad patio overlooking theSuspension Bridge. The Ca has excellent breakast optionsin addition to its Belgian waes. There are sweet and savorycrepes, ruit paraits and breakast burritos. The patios perector lunch, just a quick stroll rom downtown ofces and a menuthat includes split wae sandwiches, a Croque Monsieur,and ugly pizza with interesting toppings like pulled duck,mushrooms and arugula or wild mushrooms with caramelizedonions, gruyere and true oil.Findlay Market, 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-381-3280;National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, 50 E. FreedomWay, Downtown, 513-333-7744.

TOM & CHEEWhat began with a stand on Fountain Square has become apermanent restaurant on Court Street oering twists on thetraditional grilled cheese sandwich. Who doesnt crave a grilledcheese and tomato soup? The BBQ & Bacon eatures Gripposbarbeque chips, bacon and American cheese, but we dare

anyone to be able to resist the Grilled Cheese Donut where youcan add egg, bacon, turkey or goetta, and defnitely go aheadand get it dipped in French toast batter and deep ried. OMG.133 E. Court St, Downtown, 513-721-2433, Open 7 days. $3-$5.

WICKED WICHThis sandwich shop on Sycamore Street makes wise use oyour precious cubicle respite. Try the roast bee with muensterand homemade pesto mayonnaise, with curried egg salad onthe side. A big bun ull o BBQ is another good way to go, orpluck up a Southwestern chicken sandwich with chipotle mayoand roasted peppers and onions on sourdough, corned bee onsalt rye, a veggie bella with olive tapenade and pesto aioli, orthe Italian sub with salami, pepperoni and ham capicolla. Eventhe salads sound tempting. The philosophy at Wicked-wich isChoose good over evil or a little o both. Words to live by and defnitely to dine by.425 Sycamore St., Downtown 513-421-WICH. $5-$7.

BRITISH/CELTICCLADDAGH IRISH PUBWith two locations in the region, Claddagh Irish Pub re-createsthe great pubs o Ireland by serving man-sized portions otraditional Irish are such as Jameson Irish Whiskey glazedsirloin steak, Shepherds Pie and baby back ribs with aGuinness Stout BBQ sauce. The bar is always lively and oersthe perect pint o Guinness, along with a nice variety o trueIrish whiskeys.Newport on the Levee, Newport 859-581-8888; 5075 DeerfeldRoad, Deerfeld Twp, 513-770-0999. Open 7 days. $9-$21.

COCK N BULLAn American take on a traditional English Pub, Cock N Bullserves award-winning fsh and chips and better-than-averagepub grub, including excellent crab cakes and build-your-own

burger. The atmosphere is convivial, and the beer selection isastounding at the soon-to-be-open Hyde Park location, theywill have 60 beers on tap.601 Main St., Covington, 859-581-4253; 275 E Sharon Road,Glendale, 513-771-4253. Open 7 days. $7-$18.

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dining listings

PHOTO: RACHEL ROTHSTEIN

Mokka


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Things certainly have changed

since I ate exclusively vegetarian.

There were very ew vegetarian-

riendly restaurants in this city o

ying pigs, let alone vegetarian-

only restaurants. Now there are

surprises like a special vegetarian and vegan

fne-dining menu at Primavista (810 Matson

Place, Price Hill, 513-251-6467) with Cavoletti

di Bruxelles and Penne alla Cionni and

loads o casual options all over town. Heres

just a starter list.

Myras Dionysus (121 Calhoun St., Cliton)

oers so much vegetarian ood that it makes

carnivores nervous but theyre welcome,

too. There is a distinct Greek vibe going on atMyras, as well as oods rom around the world,

including Gado Gado (an Indonesian spicy

peanut-ginger sauce with cucumber, tomato,

raisin and sunower seed served over brown

rice) and Imam Bialdi (eggplant and tomato

seasoned with allspice and currant rom

Turkey). Eight soups are oered daily rom a

repertoire o about 28 (more than hal o those

being vegetarian/vegan), and Myras also boasts

three vegan desserts: mousse, lemon-blueberry

cake and chocolate cake. Myras is open seven

days a week, but you might want to call beore

heading over during UC breaks.

Among the dozens o antastic Indian

restaurants to choose rom in Cincinnati, two

stand out as all-vegetarian havens: Ammas

Kitchen (7633 Reading Road, Roselawn,

513-821-2021) and Brij Mohan (11277 Read-

ing Road, Sharonville, 513-769-4549). Ammas

Kitchen is not only vegetarian, its certifed

Kosher the only Indian restaurant in the

city to be so designated. I youve never had a

dosa, this is the place to try one. The massive

crepe-like dosas are made rom rice and lentils,

served plain or stued with any variety o

delicious fllings. Brij Mohan used to oer onlyIndian sweets but recently expanded to serve

vegetarian Indian ood as well. The Papri Chaat

is worth the trip by itsel, and let the sta rec-

ommend something or you i you cant make

up your mind. You wont be sorry. Ammas

Kitchen is open seven days a week; Brij Mohan

is open every day except Mondays.

The Green Dog Caf (3543 Columbia

Pkwy., Columbia-Tusculum, 513-321-8777)

serves up locally sourced, organic dishes

thought up by Mary and Mark Swortwood, vet-erans o the local dining scene. Curries, salads,

sandwiches, soups and wraps are but a ew

things the hungry vegetarian/vegan (and even

omnivore; there are dishes with meat) can

enjoy or lunch, dinner and brunch. A avorite

is the Green Dog Benedict, served with sweet

potato hash browns and orange hollandaise,

and Jenis Splendid Ice Cream rom Columbus

rounds out the dessert menu. The Green Dog

has a ull bar and is open every day except

Mondays.Ive only scratched the surace here, and

could go on and on. There are vegetarian and

vegan options atThe Fresh Table in Findlay

Market, Andys Mediterranean in Walnut Hills,

Salt of the Earth in Madisonville, Its Just

Crepes downtown and Northern Kentucky,

Melt in Northside and Tom + Chee downtown.

You dont have to take my word or it that

Cincinnati has come into its own regarding veg-

etarian restaurants. Get out there and eat!

Veggie Friendly in PorkopolisCincinnati now offers numerous vegetarian-friendly restaurants

photo: cameron knight

The Green Dog Benedict is a favorite at The Green Dog Caf.

BYCANDACE MILLER-JANIDLO

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MOLLY MALONES IRISH PUB (PLEASANT RIDGE)Shphrds pi, Ginnss stw and Boxty (Irish potatopancak layrd with thr choics o protin and sac)liv harmoniosly on th mn with pizza, pasta and wings:Amricanizd pb grb with an Irish twist. Molly Malonsis hom to th longst rnning trivia night in th ara onTsdays and liv bands/DJs on som Fridays and Satrdays.6111 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge. 513-531-0700. Open7 days. $7-$17.

MOLLY MALONES IRISH PUB (COVINGTON)Northrn Kntckys own Irish Pb, Mollys has a grat mix

o Irish and Amrican ar or lnch, brnch and sppr, andsrvs pizza and apptizrs ntil th w hors. Lamb Stw,Shphrds Pi and Bangrs and Mash ar jst a w o thIrish stapls, and Mollys has rcntly introdcd Brick-OvnPizza, a Philly Chs Stak and Spaghtti and Matballs torond ot th mn. With 28 drat brs, trivia, karaok and livmsic svn nights a wk, Mollys will ll yor danc card.112 E. Fourth St., Covington, 859-491-6659. Open 7 days. $9-$20.

NICHOLSONSThatr-gors and th downtown crowd hav bn lling p onNicholsons Fish and Chips, Shphrds Pi and London Broilor yars, bt Nicholsons also srvs p a slw o intrstingand comorting dishs lik th Cinnamon Roastd Pork Loinand th Prim Rib Mlt. A wid slction o draght brsand 90 singl-malt Scotchs ll ot th bar orings. Th 40-sat mahogany bar with a mahogany and coppr roo is thcntrpic o Nicholsons vry Scottish gastropb, bt yo canalso njoy th otdoor patio or th cozy harth room, compltwith rplac.625 Walnut St., Downtown, 513-564-9111. Open 7 days. $9-$28.

BURGERSBLACK ANGUS BURGERS & BREWSBstin ot mst-try brgrs mad o 100 prcnt Angs band toppd with th rshst ingrdints. Spcialtis incldth Black n Bl and Chipotl Brgrs, Hlls Fry Wings, Hand-Battrd Onion Rings and th chs avorit, th signatrTripl Dog Dar. Mor than 3 ponds o shavd riby, satdonions, banana and bll ppprs, bacon, mshroom sac anda thr-chs blnd hld p by a crsty Frnch loa. Yo mighthav to nbtton yor pants atr yo at it.10575 Chester Road, Sharonville, 513-772-1500. Open 7 days.$5-$10.

CITY VIEW TAVERNStill th bst viw and som o th tastist brgrs in town, andth prics ar rom back in th day whn Mont Adams wasknown as a bohmian nighborhood with jst rglar olks.Yo cant go wrong with a Big Td Dlx brgr and City Viwsaward-winning Bloody Mary.403 Oregon St., Mount Adams, 513-241-8439. Open 7 days.$3-$7.

GAME ON SPORTS BARGam On Sports Bar, ormrly Blind Pig Grill and Bar, is aamily sports bar srving pb grb to Whit Oak dniznssinc 2008. Wings, salads, wraps, brgrs and chili llp hngry sports an withot braking th bank. Th brlist boasts Hdy and will soon add Pnnsylvania avoritYngling to th orings. Win is also availabl. Withplnty o room to strtch ot and njoy yor brgr, GamOn has bcom a nighborhood avorit.5880 Cheviot Road, White Oak, 513-385-9999. Open 7 days.$8-$15.

JOES DINER ON SYCAMOREA stainlss-stl-clad nighborhood atry in a classiclocation with ood that hits th spot. Choos gooy nachos,

a grat bowl o Txas chili or a classic Chicago dawg to gowith a grat slction o brs.1203 Sycamore St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-421-5637, Open 7days, $4-$12.

OLLIES TROLLEYOllis spcial sasoning spics p vrything rom gritsand ggs at brakast to a harty lnch o barbcdtrky tips. Start with th Olli brgr and ris and stay orth ribs with hommad macaroni and chs and lmonpond cak or dssrt. This cooking ds yor sol.1607 Central Ave., West End, 513-381-6100. Open Monday-Saturday. $3-$45 (for whole turkeys).

QUATMANS CAFA Norwood xtr sinc 1966 (and qickly bcominga Mason xtr as wll, with thir scond location),Qatmans -pond grilld brgrs ar srvd simply,with onion and pickl. Chs is optional, and yo hav

to ask or vrything ls. Othr mn choics incldsandwichs (vrything rom ham to sh on Fridays),chili and thir amos mock trtl sop. Qatmansdosnt pt on airs, ithr; yoll gt oilcloth rd-chckrdtablcloths and papr plats at this nighborhood icon.2434 Quatman Ave., Norwood, 513-731-4370; 224 W. MainSt., Mason, 513-229-0222. Open Monday-Saturday. $3-$7.

ROXYSIn th last yar, Hambrgr Marys morphd into Roxys.Th sass and fair ar still thr, as ar th colorl and nsrvrs and bartndrs. Th mn still atrs brgrs,bt ors many othr sandwichs, wraps and ntrs. ThBLTA has bacon, lttc, tomato and avocado with hrbmayo and it gos grat with on o th signatr cocktails.Roxys has a social conscinc and is a wlcoming placor all.909 Vine St., Downtown, 513-421-6279. Open 7 days.$6-$14.

TERRYS TURF CLUBTh mn is short bt swt and cntrd on brgrs; big,batil hambrgrs, tndr-as-bttr lt mignon thatyo shold ordr with crab and barnais, grilld chickn,portabllas and shiitaks. Th ris ar antastic and thsacs ar ormidabl. Try th mango tqila on chickn,

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dining listings

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Cincinnati has 320 reasons to

be proud o its dining scene

thats the number o local

restaurants in CityBeats

annual Dining Guide. Weve

got amazing Asian cuisine,

bodacious burger joints, antastic fne dining

and even delicious dives. You name it, weve

got somebody who does it, and does it well.

So we asked some o our best local places

to brag a little. Tell us what you do best. Tell

us why we should dine with you. What are youproud o?

Ronda andRoski,arl Br Grll:Heritage

At Arnolds, we brag a lot! Our age that

gives us bragging rights. Arnolds has been in

continuous operation since 1861, and 150 years

is a heck o a heritage. People say that a visit to

Arnolds is like a taste o the distilled essence

o what they like best about Cincinnati: its old,

its diverse and its a little bit quirky (hey, theres

a bathtub in the upstairs), but its also got

unexpected beauty hidden within it thats

our courtyard. I put my heart and soul into our

ood, and the courtyard is the perect place to

eat it: a bowl o my homemade soup or a big

turkey, avocado and bacon salad, or a bowl o

Greek spaghetti, a cold Christian Moerlein beer

and red-hot live local music. A night out theretells you a lot about us, about Cincinnati, who

we are and what we do best. (210 E. Eighth St.,

Downtown, 513-421-6234.)

HaRRy stepHens,th Vw Bll L:Hospitality

What we do, it used to be what everybody did.

We understand that were not in the restaurant

business. Were in the people business. At any

restaurant you can expect good ood and gooddrinks. Our strong point is hospitality. We train

our people, and we run our hiring process

based on that. You cant teach people personal-

ity and common sense. We hire on personality.

When customers come here, i they dont eel

that we cared that you were here, then we

ailed you. I worked or a large chain. I saw

managers do the shooting gallery walk, look-

ing straight ahead. I know their motivation. The

corporate ofce is directing them to get the

numbers right, and thats whats on their mind.

I you want an old-ashioned restaurant experi-

ence, then you need to go to an independent

restaurant. (Bella Luna: 4632 Eastern Ave., Co-

lumbia Tusculum, 513-871-5862; The View: 2200

Victory Pkwy., Walnut Hills, 513-751-8439.)

GaRy Zakem,Rcl ny dl:Authenticity

We brag about our authenticity. Our knishes,

our noodle kugel; people go nuts when they eat

em because its the real thing. Our reubens

we serve more reubens than anything else, andour pastrami, our matzo ball soup. This isnt

imitation New York deli ood, defnitely not. Its

the real thing. Our blintzes are homemade. We

even make our own pickles, because we want

them to be the way they should be. Our brisket

is frst class, our rye bread is, too. New York

style might be overused, but to us its true.

Its genuine. I can taste the dierence, and my

customers can, too. (9525 Kenwood Road, Blue

Ash, 513-429-4567.)

max monks,Hbr Larc Fr:Uniqueness

We came beore the chains, beore the bill-

boards. Weve been here since November o

1999, so Im gonna say we were ahead o our

time. But what makes us a success? Were

unique. We serve ood that no one else has.

Mango jalapeno salsa? The chains arent doing

that. You cant get a fsh burrito at a chain, or

a vegetarian burrito with cinnamon roasted

squash like we make ourselves. You dont get

ood made rom scratch there, but you do here.

And were part o the Cliton community. We

belong to the Cliton Arts Council. Local musi-

cians play here. And the neighbors appreciate

that. Thats another reason why Habaneros

been here or almost 12 years. (358 Ludlow

Ave., Cliton, 513-961-6800.)

matt BusCHLe,Vrgl Cf:Creativity

At Virgils, we make ood. Real ood. Cooked

in-house. Thats whats lost in chains, where

youre just reheating or rehydrating what

someone else made. Cooks are creators. Our

creativity and our crat is constantly evolving.

We have a new menu that started this week,

but well have another new one next week.

Its not pre-prepared. We actually cook, and

anythings possible. And were not the only

ones in town doing this. Mayberry, JRs Table,Melt, Take the Cake this is whats going on.

Its passionate people working at the highest

level o their crat. (710 Fairfeld Ave., Bellevue,

Ky., 859-491-3287.)

pauLa kiRk,pl Cf:Quality

Its quality. Big chains cant do what I do. They

dont get to choose, like I do, to use resh

meat, resh bread rom Bill (Pritz at ShadeauBakery). They have to use proprietary bread

some corporate guy decides it, based on

accounting criteria. I decide what were using,

based on my criteria: Would I want to eat that?

Because I only serve what I want to eat, which

also is what my customers want to eat. My

Brggg RghNine local, independent restaurateurs describe what they do best


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480 Erlanger Road Erlanger, KY

859-360-2878www.all-in-cafe.com

Monday-Thursday 11-9

Friday-Saturday 11-10 Sunday 1-9

HAPPY HOUR 11am-7pm

Salads Sandwiches

Delicious Homemade Entrees

American comfort food with flair, full

bar and a warm, welcoming, art museum

atmosphere, creates a place in Northern

Ky for all your social and dining needs.

We offer a large private room for parties

and meetings. Ask about Catering!We bring the comfort to you!

www.deefelicecafe.com529 Main St | Covington, KY | 859-261-2365

Family owned and Operated for 27 Years

Specializing in Cajun and Creole Cuisine

Prices ranging from $6.00 to $37.00

Monday Nights All Appetizers and Wine are Half Price

Friday Nights Martinis are $5

Live JazzTuesday - SundaySundays Jazz in the Afternoon begins at 4:30 PM

Dees is Now a SMOKE FREE RESTAURANT

turkey breast is resh. Its like a Thanksgivingturkey. Its $3.19 a pound. So what? Its whatI want. I eat what I cook. This is hands-onownership. A riend o mine bakes the cakes.Thats all she does, is those two cakes or me.Its personal. Its more than a sandwich shop.Its a small business, and I want to make adierence. (41 E. Fourth St., Downtown, 513-381-3354.)

DaviD Falk,BcBlowing people away

The single thing that Im the most proud o isour sta. We have a philosophy we wantto blow people away, BPA. Thats what makes

people come back. And it wouldnt work i oursta didnt believe in it. Having great people en-ables us to give our guests a world-class diningexperience, and having great people, peoplewho are passionate, that allows us to BPA. I amso proud o my sta. You know, i your kidsteacher sends a note home praising your kid,

well, youre happy or the teacher, right? Butyoure proud o your kid thats the big thing.Our success is the success o our team. We liveit. We breathe it. We believe it, and I think it hasmade Cincinnati love us and embrace us. Beingindependent, that gives us the fexibility tospontaneously create an amazing experience to run out and get something to surpriseand delight our guests and we encouragethat. We give our sta every tool imaginableto make that happen, and we celebrate it. We

have BPA awards or the best blowing peopleaway moments, and we make the awards re-ally personal, because were trying to blow ourown people away with the award. That energy,I just love it. (3200 Madison Road, Oakley, 513-542-2022.)

Terry CarTer,Ts Tuf Cub:Ingredients

I only use the best ingredients. Everything isover the top. Could I leave some o it out? Yes,but I dont want to. I want the best. Some omy ood cost is so high, its twice as high as anormal restaurant margin, but the quality o theood brings people in, so that makes it worthit. For my trufe oil, I use resh trufes. Thatscrazy, right? But all my ingredients have to betop o the line. I use a pepper, its called Grains

o Paradise. I brought it back rom the Amazon.Its $79 an ounce. But it has these foral gingerovertones that make a dierence in the sauce.In my burgundy wine sauce, I use seven dier-ent demi-glazes and this place is a burgerjoint, you know. I use red wine, resh trufes,grains o paradise, marsala wine, shitakes,

portabellas. It takes me three hours tomake well, usually our, because Im usu-ally multitasking. But people love it, and Iwouldnt do it any other way. (4618 EasternAve., East End, 513-533-4222.)

angela Wong-Miller, ot W:Customers

We brag about our ood, o course, but welove to brag about our customers. Seriously,my dad (Oriental Wok owner Mike Wong)even came up with a wall where he puts upa Hollywood star or the customers whocome here all the time we call it the Woko Fame, pun intended! Theyve becomelike amily to us, like Wongs once removed.

And my dad loves to bang the celebra-tion gong when its somebodys birthday thats the Chinese version o makingsomeone wear the sombrero at a Mexicanrestaurant, right? But its our way o sayingthat we treasure our customers, the peoplewho are loyal to us, who choose to dinewith us. Some o them have been comingsince we opened in 1977. And we put upmessages on our sign outside on ButtermilkPike or the special occasions that peopleshare with us birthdays, weddings,anniversaries, graduations, bar mitzvahs,

whatever! Its an excuse to party, so wereall about that. My mom rolls her eyes, butsecretly she likes it, too. Right, Mom? (Mul-tiple locations; go to www.orientalwok.comor more ino.)


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or the red wine and true on a burger with grilled onions.New this year is chili a bowl o flet, pork tenderloin andseasonings like no other.4618 Eastern Ave., East End, 513-533-4222. Open 7 days. $6.50-$26.

ZIPS CAFSince 1926, Zips has been all about the burger. The meat isground daily downtown at Avril-Behls. The lightly toasted, honey-egg buns are baked locally at Klostermans. Sure, theres ablack bean burger, a turkey burger and even a tuna sandwichon the menu, but would you go to the Sistine Chapel and lookat the oor? Eat the cheeseburger. Or, i youre wearing elastic-waist pants, get the Girth Burger its a bee patty with a metton top.1036 Delta Ave., Mount Lookout, 513-871-9876. Open 7 days.$4-$8.

CAJUNDEE FELICE CAFDee Felice Ca serves up good ood every night, and excellentlive jazz Tuesday and Wednesday through Sunday. Specialtieso the house are New Orleans-style dishes like creole gumbo,

jambalaya, crawfsh etoue, red beans and rice, excellentried oysters, and good steaks, too. Dont miss the stuedportabella appetizer its practically a meal in itsel. Anotherreally nice thing to know about Dee Felice Ca is that theyvoluntarily went smoke-ree ahead o the recent county-wideban, risking the wrath o the tobacco lobby to protect the healtho their employees.529 Main St., Covington, 859-261-2365. Open 7 days. $15-$37.

KNOTTY PINE ON THE BAYOULouisiana cooking eaturing grouper, lobster bisque, oysters androg legs. Knotty Pine also oers steaks, lobster tails and riedcatfsh with a mess o sides. Be sure to ask about the nightly

special.1802 Licking Pike, Cold Spring, 859-781-2200. Open Tuesday-Sunday. $13$26.

CARIBBEANISLAND FRYDAYSIsland Frydays is the bright yellow building in the heart oCorryville serving up classic Jamaican are. Specialties includeCurry Goat, Jerk Chicken, Oxtail and Hellshire Style GarlicShrimp. A ew sandwiches and sides are available, too. TheSweet Plantains are tasty, thick ried slices that are frm but notcrispy. Most o the business is carr yout, but there are plenty otables inside to sit down and enjoy your meal among pictures oBob Marley and the Jamaican Bobsled Team. Ya man.2826 Vine St., Corryville, 513-498-0680. Open Monday-Saturday.$8-$10.

CASUALALL IN CAFEAn authentic American cae experience, with traditional comortood oerings along with a ull bar and rustic and comortablesurroundings, including locally made art.480 Erlanger Road, Erlanger, Ky., 859-360-2878. Open 7 days.$10-$15.

ALLYNSThe sheer number o menu items youll fnd at Allyns willsurprise you. There are Cajun specialties like Blackened Gator,

jambalaya and red beans and rice; slow-cooked ribs; Tex-Mextreats like enchiladas and chimichangas; and standard pub grublike hot wings, ries and sandwiches. There is also a menu orthe kids and beverages or adults (tr y the margaritas).3538 Columbia Pkwy., Columbia-Tusculum, 513-871-5779. Open7 days. $6-$25.

ANTHONYS BAR & GRILLEFormerly a cigar bar, Anthonys still eatures a walk-in humidorand you are welcome to enjoy your cigar on the patio. Butgood ood and drinks are available, too. An extensive menu osandwiches, steaks and seaood accompanies their well-chosencollection o scotches, bourbons and wines. Its classy, yet

casual enough to stop by and watch the game with riends andknock back a ew cold ones. Space available or private events.7641 Voice o America Center Drive, West Chester, 513-779-3455. Open Monday-Saturday. $10-$30.

ARNIES ON THE LEVEE

Classic American are in a popular Newport hot spot. Munchiesinclude smoked and ash-ried chicken wings, Rueben rolls andArnies own Hanky Pankys (three dierent thick, cheese-baseddips served with party rye bread). Other choices include soups,salads and signature burgers with Saratoga chips.120 E. Third. St., Newport, 859-431-4340. Open 7 days. $5-$15.

ARNOLDS BAR AND GRILLArnolds serves up a nice range o lunch and dinner options atbargain prices, including a lunch menu with weekly specials,sandwiches, burgers, Greek specials, steak, fsh, salads, meatsand pasta. Just as important is its one-o-kind atmosphereas the oldest continuosly running establishment o its kind inCincinnati. A classic.210 E. Eighth St., Downtown, 513-421-6234. Open Monday-Saturday. $4-$17.

BAGPIPES IRISH PUBOccupying the great corner space at Seventh and Race streets,Bagpipes oers moderately priced, Irish-themed are, which(naturally) includes 27 beers on tap and 75 bottled varieties.The kilt-clad sta serves up comorting entrees like bee andlamb-flled Shepherds Pie, The Blarney Filet with Irish whiskeysauce and the outstanding Lamb Lollipops. Dessert oeringsare equally pleasing, but well just leave you with this: deep-riedMars Bar. Yum.700 Race St., Downtown, 513-421-PINT (7468). Open 7 days.$11.95-$19.95.

BEHLE STREET CAFBehle Streets crowd-pleasers include crab cakes, excellentpasta salads, homestyle meatloa with mashed potatoes andCappellini Behle Street, avored with resh basil and romatomatoes in an olive oil blend. Save room or a slice o OtisKey Lime pie.50 E. Rivercenter Blvd., Covington. 859-291-4100. Open 7 days.$14-$28.

BELLEVUE BISTRO

With a menu ull o tasty vegetarian and meat loverssandwiches that all have gourmet touches such as the Bistrosamous basil butter, one can hardly decide what to choose.The Turkey Cranberry Wrap with cranberry cream cheese, aBellevue sta avorite, or the Veggie Wrap or Bistro Grill withresh mozzarella and tomatoes? Decisions, decisions.313 Fairfeld Ave., Bellevue, 859-581-5600. Open 7 days. $5-$10.

BLINKERS TAVERNThis new casual American tavern located in the spot departedby Chalk has been transormed into a horse-racing-themedpub oering traditional are with a upscale twist. There aresandwiches, burgers, salads and entres that range rom GingerPork Tenderloin to Filet Mignon, Shrimp Risotto or baby back

ribs. The portions are large and the ser vers are super riendly.Save room or the weekly bread pudding dessert special.318 Greenup St., Covington, 859-360-0840. Open 7 days. $9-$25.

BLUE ASH CHILIThis amily-owned chili parlor, established in 1969, oers notonly a traditional Cincinnati-style chili with coneys and three,our and fve ways but also a menu loaded with sandwiches,burgers, salads and sides. (Traditional breakast dishes arealso served during breakast hours.) Have a triple-decker withyour choice o three meats, a beer and some gravy cheese ries,then probably a nap.9565 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, 513-984-6107. Open Monday-Saturday. $3-$8.

BROTHERS BAR & GRILLPart o a small restaurant group with 17 locations throughoutthe Midwest. Menu eatures classic American dishes in asports bar atmosphere. Try the Reuben or Philly Sliders (minihamburgers on Kaiser buns) and homemade kettle chips, orThe Big Dog! (quarter-pound bee rank served on a poppy seedbun). Choose rom more than 16 sandwiches and wraps, allunder $9, or come or grill specialties like the Diner Burgers,ajitas or grilled chicken or fsh.Newport on the Levee, Newport, 859-291-2767. Open 7 days.$4-$14.

BUCKHEAD MOUNTAIN GRILLA Louisville-based neighborhood restaurant chain oering reshand handmade dishes in a relaxed mountain lodge atmosphere.Homestyle classics include the Bualo Chili, Kentucky HotBrown and Wyoming-Style Pot Pie. The Bellevue locationincludes a 180-person-capacity deck overlooking the riverbankand a ull bar.35 Fairfeld Ave., Bellevue, Ky., 859-491-7333. Open 7 days.$8-$15.

BY GOLLYSAn American-style bar and grill specializing in unique and

extremely large burger options, including the Grilled Ham nNurger, a 10-ounce bee patty served between two grilled hamand cheese sandwiches.714 Lila Ave., Milord, 513-248-4444. Open 7 days. $7-$10.

CADILLAC RANCHWhile this chain joint is better known or its sports-riendlynightlie, hitting them up or a quick meal is un, too. StandardAmerican are includes Caesar and Wedge salads, chili and

adventurous hamburger variations. Chops, steaks and BBQround out the menu. All kids selections are under fve bucks,including a drink and dessert.Sixth & Walnut streets, Downtown, 513-621-6200. Open 7 Days.$7-$25.

CAMP WASHINGTON CHILIGreat or breakast, lunch or dinner, Camp Washington Chilieatures greasy-spoon breakast oerings, double-deckersandwiches, chili, coneys and even a ew salads. Its true dineraesthetic makes eating a meal un.Hopple and Colerain streets, Camp Washington, 513-541-0061.Open Monday-Saturday. $5-$8.

CHEZ NORAChez Nora is a Covington MainStrasse institution that eaturesa roo-top patio with antastic views and some o the best liveJazz around. Music and un mix with a varied menu oeringsomething or all. Chez Nora is amous or its jumbo lump andcrab claw crab cakes, but it exquisitely dishes up ried oysters,Eggs Benedict or Jambalaya. However, nothing can beat theSteak Nora, a flet with crabmeat and barnaise. Make sure tostop by or Sunday Brunch.530 Main St., Covington, 859-491-8027. Open 7 days, $13-$29.

THE COMETI its burritos you crave, look no urther. The Comet is sure tohave just what you need. Their extensive burrito menu includesavorites like the Black & Tan (pinto and black beans, Monterey

jack cheese, rice and salsa) and the Marinated Jerked Tou. Ortry a basket o chips with a trio o their homemade salsas. Andthe jukebox still rules.4579 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-541-8900. Open 7 days.$4-$9.

COPPER BL

citybeat dining guide2011

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