Seven of the Best Restaurants in Cincinnati that are Truly Gems

Cincinnati has a population of approximately 300,000 people, and it also plays hosts to many visitors each year. There are almost 1700 restaurants in The Queen City, and so it is always a good time to venture out and enjoy a nice meal. It might be easy for you to spot a popular dining establishment, but it’s even easier when you have a list of 7 of the best restaurants and where they are located in Cincinnati Ohio.
1. Orchids at Palm Court
This first establishment is special, is currently ranked #1 and has a really cool name. It’s called Orchids at Palm Court, and it is located at 35 West 5th Street. You can order up Maine lobster at Orchids at Palm Court, and red snapper and duck breast are two other favorites. This restaurant is classy, complete with a jazz singer and a delightful restaurant atmosphere and elegance. It is also a great place for happy hour according to the reviews.
2. Eli's BBQ
Are you ready to enjoy some Cincinnati barbecue? Located at 3313 Riverside Drive, Eli’s BBQ features some of the best barbecue in Cincinnati. Order up a barbecue sandwich, or you can have your meats, sides and bread separately. Baked beans, Cole slaw, pulled pork, smoked turkey, mac n cheese and more are waiting for you. One reviewer even claimed that this place serves up one of the best pulled pork sandwiches in the entire country.
3. Krueger's Tavern
While there are many burger places in Cincinnati, it is hard to recommend a burger place ahead of Krueger’s Tavern. This establishment located at 1211 Vine Street serves up huge burgers, and the buns and everything look delicious. You can dine on the upstairs rooftop patio. Have you ever heard of sauerkraut balls? Neither have I, but that, beer cheese and perhaps a few other things are on the menu that are a little different and unique to try.
4. Dewey's Pizza
Just as it’s hard to recommend any burger place ahead of Krueger’s Tavern, it’s hard to recommend a pizza place ahead of Dewey’s Pizza. Take one look at the pictures of the pizza served up at this place, and you will want to stop by if you are in the mood to enjoy some pizza. Dewey’s Pizza is located at 265 Hosea Avenue, and the place serves up all kinds of unique signature pizzas. This is a top ranked establishment, but it can be a little hidden to those who don’t know the area well. According to reviews, and look behind Skyline Chili for the alley that is Hosea Avenue.
5. Pontiac
One good BBQ restaurant has been mentioned already, but Cincinnati is known for its delicious barbecue. You have to make sure that you have more than one good spot to try out. Pontiac is another great barbecue restaurant, and it is located at 1403 Vine Street. Order up some brisket, wings, fried pickles, ribs, smoked turkey, Frito pies and more. People talk about the meat not needing sauce, but folks, the signature barbecue sauces are part of the equation. Eat at Pontiac, but use the sauce.
6. Swampwater Grill
Do you like cajun and creole cuisine? Swampwater Grill is located at 3742 Kellogg Avenue, and its jambalaya, smoked pulled pork, alligator bites, oysters and more are said to be delicious. This is a very casual restaurant, and it is said to be a little out of the way. Keep that in mind as you make your way to this top ranked restaurant in Cincinnati.
7. Pelicans Reef
The 7th restaurant is Pelicans Reef. Pelicans Reef is located at 7261 Beechmont Avenue, and it has one of my favorite seafood choices, coconut shrimp. Do you like coconut shrimp? It is delicious, and the sweet potato fries, island tacos and crab cakes are also said to be delicious. The homemade desserts are also said to be delicious. Pelicans Reef is certainly a great stop in Cincinnati if you are looking for seafood.
All seven of these restaurants bring something unique and special to the table. Whether you are craving barbecue, burgers, pizza, seafood or something else, Cincinnati has you covered. Pick a popular place from this list of establishments to grab a bite to eat in The Queen City, and you will certainly be glad that you did.
Read next about the Best Hotels In Cincinnati to have a comfortable stay while you are in Cincinnati.
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