Eats Staff Picks

BEST GYROS IN A CHILI PARLOR: Price Hill Chili Photo By: Cameron Knight

BEST USE OF AN OLD UNO’S: Olives has great salads, highlighted by one of the best in the city, the Roasted Chicken Tortilla. Fantastic brunch. The bar area has tables next to large open windows that offer perfect people-watching opportunities. They also have on of the best bartenders in town, Rom, who has the handlebar mustache to prove it. 342 Ludlow Ave, Clifton, 513-221-4200.

BEST UNDER-THE-RADAR COFFEE SHOP: Northern Kentucky’s Reality Tuesday Café is a fine independent coffee house: comfortable atmosphere, friendly staff, great pastries and doughnuts made fresh daily and good coffee at reasonable prices. The also have sandwich and breakfast options, the best of which is the turkey sausage, egg and cheddar cheese on sourdough bread. 1518 Dixie Hwy., Park Hills, 859-261-4939.

BEST BUBBLE TEA: The Essencha Green Bubble tea with jasmine green tea, honey, condensed milk, a hint of vanilla (if I recall correctly), and these wonderful bursts of tapioca beads at the bottom that you can “catch” through your straw. 3212 Madison Road, Oakley, 513-533-4832.

BEST HAPPY HOUR PIZZAS: Palomino’s pizzas are, according to a server, “Hotter than the beard of Zeus.” We’re not sure what the means, but we do know that Palomino’s brick-oven pizzas taste really good, go perfectly with an ice-cold Stella draft and, best of all, are only $5 during happy hour (3-7 p.m.). 505 Vine St., Downtown, 513-381-1300.

BEST GYROS IN A CHILI PARLOR: Price Hill Chili is more than just a chili joint. A selection of home-style breakfast, lunch and dinner options populate the massive menu, including one of the best Gyro sandwiches this side of the Atlantic — the Greek classic features grilled gyro meat, tomatoes and tasty Tzazikee sauce, all served on delicious pita bread. 4920 Glenway Ave., Price Hill, 513-471-9507.

BEST SIGN OF TONY SOPRANO’S REACH: The aptly named Angelina’s Fine Italian Food serves up a killer meatball sub, dubbed the Bada Bing Meatball ($5.95), which is replete with old-school Italian-style balls of meat, tomato sauce and a four-cheese blend on a fresh baguette. No doubt The Boss would be proud. Findlay Market, 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-381-2222.

BEST GRILLED CHEESE: Lavomatic’s Grilled Cheese du Jour, which features French bread, brie and jam, is perfect with after-work drinks or for those looking a quick snack before heading over to a Ensemble Theater production. 1200 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-621-1999.

BEST AFFORDABLE EATERIES AROUND FOUNTAIN SQUARE: Despite often being labeled as chain-hating vegan Commies, CityBeat employees applaud the opening of several affordable eateries on Fountain Square to supplement our previously dwindling lunch options (we’ve been reeling ever since Mullane’s closed): Chipotle, Graeter’s Ice Cream, Ingredients and Potbelly Sandwich Works. Sure, Via Vite, Nada, Morton’s, McCormick and Schmick’s, Boi Na Braza and the like are fine establishments, but our meager alternative-weekly paychecks are better suited for a $5 chicken burrito than a $40 steak.

BEST GELATO: Madisono’s Gelato Photo By: Emily Maxwell

BEST GELATO: Matt Madison is a great guy, but his Madisono’s Gelato might be even better. Made with tender loving care and gourmet ingredients — as well as something he calls “molecular gastronomy” — in small batches on the family farm, Madisono’s gelato comes in interesting flavors such as eggnog and spiced chai. He’s known to set up little gelato stations at events, and his stuff is available at various local venders (including, obviously, Madison’s at Findlay Market). It should come as no surprise that Matt’s singular, refreshing concoctions are quickly become famous outside Cincinnati — some have driven hours just to get it. We’re lucky he’s right here in our backyard. 110 W. Elder, Over-the-Rhine, 513-723-0590.

BEST BREAD BAKERY ADDITION TO FINDLAY MARKET: Williamsburg, Ohio-based Blue Oven Bakery sells its fresh, artisan bread every Saturday from 8-5 p.m. at Findlay Market. Baked with care in Blue Oven’s custom-built, wood-fired oven, each loaf is concocted from a “time-tested” recipe that includes local and organic ingredients. The result is so good that we’ve eaten an entire loaf before finishing our weekly Saturday stop at Findlay Market. 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine.

BEST LOCAL DONE GOOD: Megan Ketover, CPC at Midwest Culinary Institute, won a prestigious award when she was named the American Culinary Federations Northeast Regional Pastry Chef of the Year. She will go on to compete against three other chefs in July in Orlando for the national crown. If her delicious, creative cakes — they almost look to good to eat — are any indication, they might as well call off the competition right now.

BEST CHEESE FRIES: Bard’s Burgers serves up some great poutine: French fries covered with cheese curds and veal gravy. A dish of French-Canadian origins, Bard’s version has just the right mix of flavors and textures. And don’t forget their tasty, reasonably priced burgers. 3620 Decoursey Ave., Covington, 859-261-9115.

BEST F-ING CUPCAKES: Alecia Lott’s F-ing Good Cupcakes Photo Provided

BEST F-ING CUPCAKES: Alecia Lott’s F-ing Good Cupcakes are the best-kept secret in Cincinnati sweets. The one-person operation was created out of necessity: “I realized that, as a vegan, I couldn’t just run out to Busken and buy a cake,” she says. Being the DIY sort, Lott took things in her own oven mitts: She bakes each handcrafted vegan cupcake in her Over-the-Rhine home using nothing but fresh, organic ingredients. So far Lott’s only been selling her unique creations — flavors include Sexy Low-Fat Vanilla, Margarita Cupcakes and Chocolate Hazelnut Orange — at Second Sunday on Main, but look for F-ing Good Cupcakes to surface elsewhere in the future. “You caught me at the right time — I am just getting out of a ‘radical sabbatical’ in which I took some time to figure out what I wanted to do with my career. Now, I’m ready to continue making cupcakes and trouble,” Lott says. We can’t wait to see what she cooks up next.

BEST BURGER SOUTH OF THE BORDER: Zola’s is a MainStrasse hole-in-the-wall with an old-bar feel. Wednesday is burger night. You can get a great burger with five toppings and French fries or chips for $5. Simple food, good price. 626 Main St., Covington, 859 261-7510.

BEST SALAD PROBABLY PROCURED FROM A GARDEN WITHIN THE HOUR: Pimping exoticsounding ingredients like bianca riccia endive and cavallo nero, Slims’ ultra-fresh salads look as good as they taste. And they even come complete with flowers you can eat! Now if we can just get them to deliver. 4046 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-681-6500.

BEST BIRTHDAY ICE CREAM SURPRISE: The good folks at Graeter’s offer free ice cream cones to anyone who can prove it’s their birthday. No word on how many of this longtime local treasure’s 13 locations one can visit on a given birthday — what better way to taste Graeter’s many flavors? — but we’re certainly happy to volunteer to find out. Multiple locations.

BEST SEAFOOD APPETIZERS: The Oceanaire’s appetizers are stellar across the board — as is just about everything else on the menu — but the halibut cheeks breaded with panko, pan fried and served over a Thai chili buerre blanc takes the cake. Outstanding fish, beautifully presented and the flavors are note perfect. We love fusion cuisine that’s not self-conscious, and this is a perfect blend of Eastern and Western flavors, down to the mango slivers and black sesame-seed garnish. Elsewhere, the Jumbo Lumpmeat Crab Cake is no slouch; the crab meat is so fresh that one can almost detect the sea salt. 580 Walnut St., Downtown, 513-381-8862.

BEST SLIDERS: BlackFinn serves up three versions of (relatively) cheap ($6.99) and delicious sliders: Classic Beef, Pulled Pork and Southern Fried Chicken. While the term “slider” conjures White Castles or food so greasy you don’t have to chew to get it down, BlackFinn’s beef sliders are made from Black Angus, topped with white American cheese and grilled onions and served on potato rolls with au jus on the side. 19 E. Seventh St., Downtown, 513-721-3466.

BEST COMMUNITY HUB POSING AS A COFFEE SHOP: Northside’s Sidewinder Coffee & Tea Photo By: Emily Maxwell

BEST COMMUNITY HUB POSING AS A COFFEE SHOP:
Northside’s Sidewinder Coffee & Tea is more than just a great place to satiate your caffeine habit — it’s a community hub that hosts everything from musical performances and art exhibitions to book-release parties and various workshops. Four years in, Sidewinder finally celebrated with an October anniversary party called “Spirits Come Alive.” The excellent Halloween shindig featured food and drink deals as well as the solid musical sets by Mike Fair, Billy Catfish and Michael Macintire. What could possibly be a better combination than delicious food, distinctive coffee (try the Turkish Latte), admirable literary leanings and a summer-time patio full of local original music? Nothing, that’s what. 4181 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-542-8321.

BEST CREATIVE TACOS: Who isn’t down for a mini taco party? Head over to Nada, which has four different taco offerings: Mahi Mahi, Carnitas, Baracoa and Chicken Taquitos. The Baracoa Tacos, possibly the best of the bunch, are essentially short ribs covered in a Mexican barbeque sauce of fire-roasted jalapeño, poblano, Anaheim and chipotle peppers, brown sugar, tomato and vinegar served with cilantro and pickled red onion. You’ll swear you’re dining in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. 600 Walnut St., Downtown, 513-721-6232.

BEST BRUSSELS SPROUTS: Boca chef David Falk’s divercaught sea scallop with carmelized brussels sprouts is out of this world, so buttery rich and succulent that your taste buds will thank you with every bite. 3200 Madison Road, Hyde Park, 513-542-2022.

BEST CHINESE MAKEOVER: Covington Chinese joint AmerAsia recently reopened under new management, and
were happy to report the change has been a good one. Every dish is freshly cooked, the chicken is tender and the
steamed dumplings are simply amazing. 521 Madison Ave., Covington, 859-261-6121.

BEST PLACE TO EAT ON THE CHEAP: The prices haven’t changed at Mt. Adams Bar & Grill since the ’90s, and you can still get a turkey, veggie or regular burger and fries for about $6. 938 Hatch St., Mount Adams, 513-621-3666.

BEST AND MOST DIVERSE LATE-NIGHT DELIVERY: Burger? Omelette? Chicken wings? If you’re even remotely close, Holligan’s in Pleasant Ridge will bring right to your door up until bar-closing time. 3340 Highland Ave., Pleasant Ridge, 513-841-9994.

BEST LOW-KEY SUNDAY BRUNCH: Nectar in Mount Lookout has a delightful, low-key Sunday brunch — especially the superb vegetable frittata. And in warm months you can sit outside in the secret rear patio. 1000 Delta Ave., Mount Lookout, 513-929-0525.

BEST PLACE TO HAVE A GLASS OF WINE: The Vineyard Wine Room File Photo

BEST PLACE TO HAVE A GLASS OF WINE: The Vineyard Wine Room is sure to please even the pickiest of palates. The extensive wine list, the quality, the knowledge of the staff and the fact that the patio makes you feel like you’re in Florence (Italy, this is; you have to use your imagination a bit, but it’s definitely European!) give this elegant establishment a nearly unrivaled element of Queen City sophistication. And don’t be scared off, wine novices: The friendly servers are happy to help you. 2645 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, 513-871-1110.

BEST ALL-HOURS GOETTA: We haven’t conducted an official taste test, but The Anchor Grill’s goetta has got to be among the best in the Tristate. There’s something ineffably alluring about the Anchor’s version of this Queen City staple. Maybe it’s the fact that we can get it there at any hour of any day. And, yes, we’ve gone in at every hour imaginable, often with the sole intention of putting lots of goetta in our mouths. 438 Pike St., Covington. 859-431- 9498.

BEST GOETTA COMBINATION: The Goetta Avalanche at Mokka offers an interesting combination of goetta, eggs, cheese, European greens and French dressing on an open-faced English muffin. One word: yes. Oh, and while you’re there, why not order the orgasmic Mokka French Toast as a dessert: an original batter of corn flakes, topped with créme brülée pastry cream. While the bananas that top it are completely unnecessary, the dense, velvety créme patisserie is heavenly. 500 Monmouth St., Newport, 859-581-3700.

BEST HANGOVER BREAKFAST: Sugar ’N Spice has long been a CityBeat staffer’s prime spot for late-morning night-afters. The menu item of choice? How about the Bacon and Cream Cheese Omelette, which is good enough to rouse even the most dedicated of partiers. Well, that and the endless cups of coffee so faithfully refilled by S&S’ dedicated staff. 4381 Reading Road, Bond Hill, 513-242-3521.

BEST RESTAURANT WITH A LESS THAN APPETIZING NAME: We’d never want to eat chalk or anything made with chalk, but damn, Chalk the restaurant serves tasty, creative cuisine in a classy but unstuffy dining atmosphere. And kudos for the creative chalkboard-in-the-bathroom idea — though we’re kind worried about the presence of an ex-girlfriends phone number being there. 318 Greenup St., Covington, 859-643-1234.

BEST NEW RESTAURANT NAME TO KEEP ON THE DOWN-LOW: Well, it’s new and we guess it’s kind of a secret since the restaurant name implies it. The name of the place is Shhhhh Restaurant and Deli, and it’s rumored to open in College Hill any day now. Shhhhh’s MySpace page says that Mayor Mallory will take part in the grand opening. We hope he hears about it. 5915 Hamilton Ave., College Hill.

BEST EXPANSION OF AN ALREADY SUCCESSFUL FORMULA: Javier’s Mexican Restaurant Photo By Emily Maxwell

BEST EXPANSION OF AN ALREADY SUCCESSFUL FORMULA: Javier’s Mexican Restaurant has long been a destination for downtown workers/dwellers looking for a quick, affordable lunchtime fix. While the fairly straightforward menu has all the Mexican staples — burritos, taco, quesadilla and enchiladas, all fresh and tasty — it also features a number of healthier alternatives: a weekly fish special, unique salads and a number of vegetarian options. Not content with just being a lunchtime favorite, the ever-present, everjovial Javier expanded his vision by opening for dinner, procuring a liquor license (check the impressive Mexican beer selection), adding a Latin music night and participating as a hosting venue for the MidPoint Music Festival. Yes, add a refreshing sense of community to Javier’s list of accomplishments. 100 Eighth St., Downtown, 513-381-3287.

BEST NEW RESTAURANT ON THE MOVE: After debuting last
spring in an odd, suburban-sprawlladen location on Dream Street in Florence, NuVo moved to the old Mokka space on York Street in Newport. More importantly, NuVo’s food is as fine as ever. Everything happens in the kitchen, where the co-chef/co-owner Michael Peterson features a seasonal menu based on fresh food from local Kentucky farms like Neltner’s in Camp Springs, Shady Grove in Corinth and Thistlehair in Union, as well as Findlay Market vendors. You can’t help but admire two young friends (Peterson’s coowner is Mark Bodenstein) who clearly have big dreams and are starting in humble surroundings not once but twice. They’re focused on the most important things: quality of ingredients, expert preparation, friendly staff, affordable quality wines and damn good French press coffee. 527 York St., Newport, 859-261-1222.