The Readers Speak Out: Hidden Gems around Cincinnati

When it comes to locally-owned, "mom and pop" restaurants, each one has their own unique, special quality to them. Whether that quality is in their atmosphere, their service, their food or a combination of the three, each person that goes to any place like these will find some special quality in them that they find enjoyable. However, more often than not, these places are unknown to the general public, which means that their reputation has to be spread by word of mouth from patrons like ourselves.

Recently, I asked you, the readers, a question regarding your favorite "hidden gems" around Greater Cincinnati, and several of you came up with some great places that sound very appealing to visit.

Reader Adam Niemeyer mentioned two great establishments on the West Side of Cincinnati, Price Hill Chili and Proud Rooster, both located on Glenway Avenue. Here's what he said:

"As I said before, I'm a West Side guy through and through, and I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on Price Hill Chili. Although it might be safer if you venture to PHC with a West Sider so you don't end up drowning in purple!

And I might not consider PHC really a "hidden gem" either since it gets plenty of publicity.

One place I really enjoy is the Proud Rooster (which has a location on Glenway Ave as well as one closer to campus I believe). They've got some really cheap breakfast deals and the service (at least here on the West Side) is generally very good."

Another one of our readers, Ben Grewe, mentioned another restaurant on Glenway.

"J & J Restaurant on Glenway is truly a hidden one. A cash-only diner, it has the biggest deli sandwiches you have ever seen (literally), all awesome, and all about $5. Worth the drive."

Hannah McCartney brought up a great place down in Newport that certainly sounds like something worth visiting when you want a touch of class and local flavor:

"The York St. Cafe in Newport is really cool! It's kind of hidden among a residential area and the inside of the restaurant is so cool. The walls are completely covered with little knick-knacks and pieces of art. It's a little pricey and I would never go there just on a whim--it would have to be for a special occasion--but it's so worth it!"  

When it comes to discovering local gems around the area, it is always interesting to hear the opinions from someone who is not from the Greater Cincinnati area. Jackie Turner was kind enough to provide her thoughts on a classic Clifton staple for hungry UC students:

"Not being from the Cincy area, I am still trying to find my neighborhood gem. In Clifton however, I have grown very fond of Krishna. The five booth, Styrofoam containers, and warm smell of Indian spice greets you as you walk through the door. My favorite is the chicken tikka masala. and I am a wimp, seeing as I only get a 2 on the spice level, but the flavor is what keeps me going back!"

Heading slightly south to downtown, Nick Grever provided us with a late-night staple of downtown bar-hoppers that also features some great food and atmosphere:

"Shanghai Mama's is great. It's downtown, open late, has great Asian cuisine and a wonderful atmosphere. It's a little pricey, but being able to watch the bar crowd and eat delicious food at the same time is worth it."

Finally, while I wasn't able to feature each and every comment from you in this brief recap, I also had someone from Facebook chime in on this discussion. Shane Harrison mentioned a great breakfast eatery not too far from UC off of Reading Road in Paddock Hills:

"Sugar and Spice is a breakfast and lunch diner with GREAT food, good food portions, good people that work there, and finally there is AMAZING art work on the inside. If you live around Clifton, or off Reading you NEED to check this place out."

These aforementioned comments are just a small sampling of some of the great hidden gems around Greater Cincinnati. While this is by no means comprehensive, they give you a variety of places to go around the area, should you feel particularly adventurous. Feel free to chime in on some more places in the comments section.

I would like to thank each and every one of you that was kind enough to leave great recommendations on places to go, and I will definitely post another question to you well-informed readers soon. Take care, everybody!