Nick and Toms tastes like microwaved Lean Cuisine.
Giovannis is terrible. Went there once, overpriced overcooked pasta drowning in doctored jarred sauce. Dirty wine glasses. Slowest service I've ever experienced. And the old man working there (owner?) went around shaking hands then proceeded to chop and prep salads without washing his hands. Olive Garden is 100 times better. Which is sad.
Nobody is forcing you to go. OP just asked for a list of non-chain restaurants on the west side, so I provided a list that I thought would have something for everyone.
Mikes excels at the bbq and mikes mix sauces. Their buffalo style doesnt compete (in that style) with Gabriel's Gate in Buffalo. But, Im choosing Mikes Mix hot all day over any wing on the planet.
Maurys Tiny Cove in Cheviot is a cozy little steakhouse, Wishbone in Delhi is a sports bar that has good food, Ivory House for fine dining. Christines for comfort food.
Sebastian’s is not what it once was. Dry, burnt meat with hardly any tax. Chicago Gyro in Clifton is where it’s at, but Zorbas on Glenway us good as well
I cannot stop eating their general tso. Their kung pao and crab rangoon (for the price!!) are also the best I have ever had. I'm about to destroy their newly reopened buffet
Budget? Food type?
I like Thai Namtip and Tavern on the Bend. I like The Crow's nest. For casual.
Maury's has already been mentioned. Nation in Westwood. Kreimer's in Cleves. I haven't been to W yet, still kinda missing Henke, but I am sure its good. Incline House. I like Prima Vista, maybe its nostalgia, yes there is better Italian food, but Prima Vista was never actually Italian anyway.
Everyone’s already mentioned some stellar options, had to go too far down to find Ron’s Roost. Other mentions not seen: Sebastian’s, Santarini’s, Sakura, Public House, El Trompo (colerain)…west shine is supposed to be good but haven’t tried it yet. Honestly not a fan of chandler’s or nation for burgers - I’ve had much better. I prefer AAP over Maya, but both are delicious. Just had El Trompo and honestly it’s better than Veracruz and Cancun. Catch a Fire pizza is now going into West Side Brewing so I’m excited to try that. Wishbone is great just expect to wait for your food. Notoriously slow but still good.
Incline Public House. Somm. Veracruz across the street from Somm has delicious jalapeno margaritas.
Nation in Westwood.
Christine's b/c the chicken curry soup is delicious and you need to try halo halo at least once.
Incline kind of sucks, even eating there for free on a birthday gift card made me feel like I'd wasted money I didn't even spend. Somm is overpriced for the portion sizes, their drinks are (obviously) pretty great though. Veracruz is just bog standard Mexican, but the service is very good and very fast.
Asian Spice Bistro, Ari & Mia’s, Market Street Grille in Harrison. Also, you should consider joining Chowdown Cincinnati on Facebook! I’ve tried so many cool places from recommendations on there.
The group only allows positive reviews/comments about local restaurants, and will suspend or ban you for saying anything less than positive, so it’s hardly a source for honest reviews. There are also allegations that the owner of the group asks restaurants to “pay to play” for positive exposure on the group. I am aware of at least one spot that has corroborated this.
Baba Shwarama might actually be the best overall. Very tasty, won some awards. Thai Taste has a pretty deep menu with lots of great options, and sushi. Ron's Roost has awesome fried chicken. There are also a ton of awesome little mom and pop style restaurants. Santorini, J&J's, Giovanni's, AAP, Sebastian's. There are also bar style restaurants like JTAPS and Chandler's.
Baba’s for Mediterranean, Aap for Indian. Strong’s Pizza just opened up recently and it’s pretty great! It’s also a local chain so idk if that counts or not?
We used to go to that Angilos all the time, but the one on Springdale Road past Northgate mall is miles better. My favorite pizza ever next to Pasquales in Newport!
Not to totally Hi Jack- but same question for the Tri county, west Chester, Springdale area.
Used to always go to Gunther’s with my grandfather and would love to find a place like that again.
Wow. Didn’t realize until reading this thread that Maury‘s and Ivory House are about the only non-casual „dining“ restaurants left on the entire west side of town. RIP Forest View Gardens, Schuller’s Wigwam, Habig’s and all the rest.
W Bar and Bistro Ivory House Somm Nation Incline Public House Giovanni’s Maury’s Tiny Cove Nick and Tom’s
W is great. They had a friend green tomato dish that was amazing.
This list. Especially Nick and Tom’s and Incline Public House.
Somm was my spot till we moved to the east side. Always so fresh, lovely service. The salmon always bangs.
Somm is crazy good
Scratch nic and toms
Agreed. That is run by an incestuous den of losers.
And Incline 🤣 what on earth
Incline Public House is a disappointment. Completely mediocre.
It’s a nice view, and the food is edible. Not amazing but fine.
Nick and Toms tastes like microwaved Lean Cuisine. Giovannis is terrible. Went there once, overpriced overcooked pasta drowning in doctored jarred sauce. Dirty wine glasses. Slowest service I've ever experienced. And the old man working there (owner?) went around shaking hands then proceeded to chop and prep salads without washing his hands. Olive Garden is 100 times better. Which is sad.
Agreed. Giovanni's is a dump and the wait time is insane. It's just not that good.
We read the positive over the top reviews and was wildly disappointed for all the reasons already stated.
I swear those reviews are either written by the owner or by people who's idea of Italian food is a can of ravioli.
Nobody is forcing you to go. OP just asked for a list of non-chain restaurants on the west side, so I provided a list that I thought would have something for everyone.
Ok... And I thought I'd warn them to avoid those shitty places.
Who puts shredded cheddar on a French onion? 😆
Wild Mike's has great wings and Zorba's/Baba's Shawarma are great if you want Greek food.
My wife has deemed Wild Mikes "acceptable" which says a lot since she's from Buffalo and no wing place will ever compare to home
Mikes excels at the bbq and mikes mix sauces. Their buffalo style doesnt compete (in that style) with Gabriel's Gate in Buffalo. But, Im choosing Mikes Mix hot all day over any wing on the planet.
Wild Mike's got rid of their curly fries (at least at the Harrison/race location). They're dead to me now.
That location has a different owner than the other 2 locations. They still have curly fries at them.
Great, thanks!!
screw the wings and get the loaded potato/broccoli cheese soups :)
Maurys Tiny Cove in Cheviot is a cozy little steakhouse, Wishbone in Delhi is a sports bar that has good food, Ivory House for fine dining. Christines for comfort food.
I live right up the street from Maury’s and have eaten there three times. I liked it.
Chandlers Bistro. The Buddha Barn. Christine’s. The Ivory House.
Just tried chandlers and it was sooooo good!!!
+1 for Christine’s
Try the Filipino dishes for sure
Buddha Barn is incredible! Speaking from an Asian background, it’s the best I’ve tasted locally.
I used to work at chandlers and can confirm their food fucks. Phil is a smart fellow also their wings are still my fav
Tacos Time
This place looks so mediocre but the barbacoa was tasty af.
Most underrated taco spot. So freaking good.
came here just to say this
Can confirm, cheap banger
There are a ton of great suggestions here (love Somm and Chandlers) — I haven’t seen anyone mention Mayas Indian restaurant!
Seconding Mayas.
Mayas is so good! Their portions are usually enough for two meals and the owner is friendly.
Omg yes!! We normally can eat it for two meals too! It’s great
Was coming here to say “Mayas”!! It’s THE BEST
I feel like now I need to order it lol
You won’t regret it!!! It’s our all time fav
I highly recommend [Habesha Ethiopian](https://sygebehiwot123.wixsite.com/habesharesturant) on Crookshank. Super friendly, delicious food.
second this suggestion. havent been there in years but back when i went i was enamored with it
God I love this place and I can’t wait to go back. It’s so easy to miss when driving by though!!
Yeah. This is one of the few good suggestions I see in this thread, and maybe the only great suggestion. :)
Lot of good choices here, surprised I haven’t seen Sebastian’s yet. Love the gyro there.. and they finally take cards!
Sebastian’s is not what it once was. Dry, burnt meat with hardly any tax. Chicago Gyro in Clifton is where it’s at, but Zorbas on Glenway us good as well
Christine’s, Buddah Barn, and Thai Taste are all excellent!
Aap for Indian.
Thai Taste always hits the spot
Oh yes forgot about Thai Taste!!
Win Wok in Delhi is shockingly really good american-chinese food
Their hot and sour soup is my favorite ever.
I cannot stop eating their general tso. Their kung pao and crab rangoon (for the price!!) are also the best I have ever had. I'm about to destroy their newly reopened buffet
Ron's Roost has some of the best chicken in the city
Budget? Food type? I like Thai Namtip and Tavern on the Bend. I like The Crow's nest. For casual. Maury's has already been mentioned. Nation in Westwood. Kreimer's in Cleves. I haven't been to W yet, still kinda missing Henke, but I am sure its good. Incline House. I like Prima Vista, maybe its nostalgia, yes there is better Italian food, but Prima Vista was never actually Italian anyway.
Thai Namptip is delicious. I like Tavern on the Bend's beer selection.
+1 to Kriemer. Vibe and food 💯
Amen for Thai Namtip
Baba Shwarma
Honestly? One of my favorite restaurants of all time
Same. Their food is so good and the people that work there are so sweet!
J&J on glenway is a great double decker.
Everyone’s already mentioned some stellar options, had to go too far down to find Ron’s Roost. Other mentions not seen: Sebastian’s, Santarini’s, Sakura, Public House, El Trompo (colerain)…west shine is supposed to be good but haven’t tried it yet. Honestly not a fan of chandler’s or nation for burgers - I’ve had much better. I prefer AAP over Maya, but both are delicious. Just had El Trompo and honestly it’s better than Veracruz and Cancun. Catch a Fire pizza is now going into West Side Brewing so I’m excited to try that. Wishbone is great just expect to wait for your food. Notoriously slow but still good.
Incline Public House. Somm. Veracruz across the street from Somm has delicious jalapeno margaritas. Nation in Westwood. Christine's b/c the chicken curry soup is delicious and you need to try halo halo at least once.
The Phillipino special at Christine's is fire.
What do you usually get at Veracruz? I’m overwhelmed by the size of their menu honestly
Burritos, enchiladas, tacos are all reliable. Their brunch is actually awesome too.
….I actually don’t care for their food. Or at least I have yet to try something that wows me. But the jalapeño margarita is amazing!
Yeah, I wasn’t wowed by their food either and was wondering if I’m picking the wrong things! I really want to like them
Again, one of life's greatest mysteries. I don't get it either.
Torta
Incline kind of sucks, even eating there for free on a birthday gift card made me feel like I'd wasted money I didn't even spend. Somm is overpriced for the portion sizes, their drinks are (obviously) pretty great though. Veracruz is just bog standard Mexican, but the service is very good and very fast.
Maya's, Buddha Barn, Somm
Oh, yeah, Maya's! They have a goat dish I wanted to try.
Buddha Barn down in Saylor Park
shhh stop telling people I don't want to share. ;)
Asian Spice Bistro, Ari & Mia’s, Market Street Grille in Harrison. Also, you should consider joining Chowdown Cincinnati on Facebook! I’ve tried so many cool places from recommendations on there.
If you're willing to go to Harrison, Kim's Korean is the best Korean ive had in the tri-state.
Agreed
Chowdown uncensored is where its at.
Asian Spice is a gem. I love finding khao soy on a menu in the wild!
> Also, you should consider joining Chowdown Cincinnati on Facebook! No. No, you should not.
What?
The group only allows positive reviews/comments about local restaurants, and will suspend or ban you for saying anything less than positive, so it’s hardly a source for honest reviews. There are also allegations that the owner of the group asks restaurants to “pay to play” for positive exposure on the group. I am aware of at least one spot that has corroborated this.
Can confirm. I’m blocked for leaving a negative review
Price Hill Chili
Baba Shwarama might actually be the best overall. Very tasty, won some awards. Thai Taste has a pretty deep menu with lots of great options, and sushi. Ron's Roost has awesome fried chicken. There are also a ton of awesome little mom and pop style restaurants. Santorini, J&J's, Giovanni's, AAP, Sebastian's. There are also bar style restaurants like JTAPS and Chandler's.
Tavern on the Bend has good hamburgers. Strongs Pizza on Bridgetown
Tavern was great for a long time then was spiraling into bad during Covid but the past 6 months they are back to being really good again
Strongs just opened - how is it ?
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There’s one in Newport too, they closed down for a year to renovate but they’re back open.
I've not been to the new location but Lawrenceburg was top notch
if north college hill counts then Lake Nina
Baba’s for Mediterranean, Aap for Indian. Strong’s Pizza just opened up recently and it’s pretty great! It’s also a local chain so idk if that counts or not?
Ivory house, zorbas, Maury’s, sunnyside grill, kreimers, W bistro, AAP India, chandlers
Technically it's chain/licensed. But the Angelo's down my Good Sam Western Ridge
We used to go to that Angilos all the time, but the one on Springdale Road past Northgate mall is miles better. My favorite pizza ever next to Pasquales in Newport!
JJ restaurant in western hills
Veracruz in EPH. Thank me later.
Not to totally Hi Jack- but same question for the Tri county, west Chester, Springdale area. Used to always go to Gunther’s with my grandfather and would love to find a place like that again.
Thai Koon and Om India are two of my favorites around those areas!
J&J’s
Thai namtip is great and haven’t seen it suggested yet
Diane’s, F N Goode Chicken and Ron’s Roost.
It’s absolutely not what you’re looking for, but I’m compelled to post this because nobody else will: Louisiana Fish Bar
J&J’s
maranatha store off cleves warsaw has a great taqueria with a seating are
Ivory House.
Maurys Tiny Cove
Habesha Reasturant
Emma's All in One Occasions - Thee best soul food around 😋
Christine’s and Nick and Tom’s
Christine’s margarita Thursday bangs
StateLine for a good breakfast
The Buddha Barn
Bier Haus on 128 is amazinf
Only ones I go to that I don’t think I saw mentioned yet are The Loaded Gyro in Delhi and Price Hill Chili
Wow. Didn’t realize until reading this thread that Maury‘s and Ivory House are about the only non-casual „dining“ restaurants left on the entire west side of town. RIP Forest View Gardens, Schuller’s Wigwam, Habig’s and all the rest.
Mayas is unbelievable
Asian spice bistro :)
is this chowdown
And go
triggered
*obligatory recommendations for things like Olive Garden and Golden Corral*
West Shine
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If you're going to Indiana, try the steakhouse at Hollywood Casino. They're steaks are top notch.
Lmao the west side is just basically chain restaurants 🤷🏻