Cincinnati is a city of forgotten places, rich in food offerings and culinary flare. Nestled by the Ohio River, the town has a superb blend of traditional and innovative foods. Cincinnati has several restaurants serving regional delicacies and hidden treasures, offering the best of the city’s food identity. This guide takes you on a vivid and appetizing treat of foods the Queen City offers. Irrespective of whether you are a local or a first-time visitor, dive deep into the vibrant food flare that stands on its own.
What is Cincinnati Food Culture All About?
Cincinnati’s culinary culture fuses traditional Midwestern cuisine with dishes from the city’s melting pot of immigrants. The ingenuity of Midwestern cooking is epitomized in signature local meals such as Cincinnati chili (served over spaghetti or hot dogs) and goetta, a German-inspired sausage-oat blend. The German roots of brewing in the region are also a part of the local’s passion for craft beer. Cincinnati’s culinary scene’s approachable yet distinctive nature ensures that people with varying preferences will find something to enjoy.
Understanding Cincinnati’s Unique Culinary Identity
Cincinnati’s food culture reflects the city’s history and the people who have lived there. The signature dish of this city is Cincinnati chili, a Mediterranean-inspired mixed blend cooked with either spaghetti or hot dogs. Another famous dish is goetta, developed by German immigrants, which is shredded pork, beef, and steel-cut oats fried into a savory breakfast dish. Apart from these, the city is also known for its innovative craft beer industry, which pays homage to German roots, as well as the local markets and restaurants that emphasize using fresh ingredients. All of these different facets depict the versatility and uniqueness that define the food culture of Cincinnati.
Historical Influences on Cincinnati Food
Cincinnati’s distinct food culture is intricately defined by the historical periods of immigration, predominantly from Germany. Cincinnati’s German population in the 19th century significantly contributed to the region’s culinary culture with traditions like sausage making, beer brewing, and preparing dishes such as goetta. Furthermore, the city’s position as a prominent trade center along the Ohio River offered a plethora of ingredients, thus enhancing culinary innovation. All these factors contributed to the rich and diverse Cincinnati cuisine shaped by the city’s cultural heritage.
Modern Trends and Innovations in Cincinnati Cuisine
Cincinnati has experienced a shift towards the farm-to-table dining model, and many restaurants in the region are now known to create seasonal menus utilizing fresh, local produce. Furthermore, to reach a more extensive base, there is an increase in the blending of traditional regional cuisines with international ones, known as fusion cuisine. Local craft breweries and artisanal food makers showcasing a thriving industry are distinctively committed to quality and innovation. There has also been a significant increase in vegetarian and vegan offerings, which indicates a growing demand for plant-centered food options. All of these factors showcase Cincinnati’s effort to blend contemporary culinary trends with the rich food culture of the region.
What are the Iconic Cincinnati Foods?
The Legacy of Cincinnati Chili: From Skyline to Camp Washington
Cincinnati chili is a beloved traditional delicacy that is famous among locals and tourists. This type of chili differs from the more traditional chili con carne as it is based on Mediterranean cuisine and is usually thinner in texture. It also contains some local spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. The dish is a product of Greek immigration to the United States in the 1920s, and it quickly became a staple of the region’s culinary culture.
One of the foremost sellers of this dish is Skyline Chili, which Nicholas Lambrinides opened in 1949. This particular diner is well-known for its sweet and savory blends. They serve the chili in different styles, including “2 Way” (chili with spaghetti) and “3 Way” (chili with shredded cheese), with the addition of beans and onions being optional. Camp Washington Chili, founded in 1940, has a similar claim to fame. Along with its global presence, Camp Washington Chili has received the James Beard Foundation’s “American Regional Classic,” one of many awards given to entities for excellence, showcasing their dedication to American traditions.
Cincinnati’s estimated annual consumption of 2 million pounds of chili and 850,000 pounds of shredded cheese highlights that chili is deeply rooted in local traditions. Cincinnati-style hot dogs, popularly referred to as “coneys,” are also served with excessive shredded cheddar cheese, reinforcing the regional custom. The city’s legacy and enthusiasm for chili are further accentuated by the existence of over 250 chili parlors.
Cincinnati chili captures the essence of the city’s innovation and history. It is more than just food—it is a cultural institution. The distinct and meticulous manner in which it is prepared, alongside its rich history, draws many tourists from all over the globe, making them eager to experience this unique culinary tradition in person.
Savoring the Taste of Goetta: A Cincinnati Staple
Goetta (pronounced “get-uh”) is a cherished regional delicacy that embodies the German history of Cincinnati, making it one of the iconic foods that Cincinnati is known for. Traditionally, this dish is prepared by mixing ground pork and beef with pinhead oats, also known as steel-cut oats, and seasoning the meat blend before baking it into loaves or forming it into patties, which are then fried until crisp. Goetta’s origins trace back to German immigrants in the 19th century who attempted to find an economical yet delicious way to extend their meat supply.
Goetta today has evolved from a humble breakfast staple to a culinary icon within the region. Local estimates gauge that Cincinnati and its suburbs consume over a million pounds of goetta each year, underscoring its regional popularity. In modern cuisine, goetta is no longer confined to breakfast, as chefs have started using it creatively by incorporating it into burgers, pizzas, and even tacos. To commemorate goetta as a cherished comfort food, the city hosts events like Glier’s Goettafest, an annual summer festival that attracts thousands of people to savor inventive goetta-based dishes while watching live entertainment.
The cuisine reveals not just the creativity and craftsmanship of its original artisan culture but also how older items still flourish with modern tastes and inventive cooking. Goetta is more than a source of nutrition; it is a delicious symbol of Cincinnati’s history and persistent local affection.
Sweet Indulgences: Graeter’s Ice Cream and Its Famous Flavors
Using the unique French Pot process, Graeter’s Ice Cream has been a highlight in Cincinnati delicacies for over 150 years. This proprietary small-batch technique sets them apart and yields ice cream that is luxuriously dense and creamy. Each flavor is churned in 2.5-gallon batches, guaranteeing consistency and attention to detail.
Graeter’s also offers various famous ice cream flavors, including the ever-popular Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip, which combines a rich, fruity base with indulgent chunks of gourmet chocolate. Other notable options include Buckeye Blitz, which combines peanut butter and chocolate, and Madagascar Vanilla Bean for those who prefer classic simplicity. That showcases the diverse foods Cincinnati has to offer. Graeter’s goodness stems from using high-quality ingredients such as locally sourced dairy and handpicked chocolate.
From humble beginnings in Cincinnati, Ohio, Graeter’s now serves customers across the United States through over 6,000 retail locations. They offer online shipping services that make it easy for customers to get their favorite treats, showcasing the company’s contribution to modern desserts. Their expansion also highlights the company’s appeal as they blend traditional techniques with modern accessibility, continuing to delight dessert lovers nationwide.
Where to Eat in Cincinnati: The Best Restaurants and Diners
Top Picks for Cincinnati’s Best Restaurants
- Boca: Known for its contemporary European cuisine, Boca has fine dining, masterfully crafted dishes, and an elegant atmosphere.
- Sotto: Famous for rustic Italian cuisine and its intimate, quaint decor, Sotto serves authentic dishes with age-old recipes.
- Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse: A luxury restaurant renowned for premium steaks, fresh seafood, and unrivaled dining experience.
- The Eagle: Famous for Southern comfort food, The Eagle is a favorite for fried chicken and its relaxed, homey atmosphere.
- Taste of Belgium: A signature for Belgian-inspired dishes, especially traditional waffles, Taste of Belgium merges tradition and bold flavor.
These establishments showcase the breadth and vibrancy of the culinary scene in Cincinnati and their wide-ranging preferences.
Classic Diners and Hidden Gems in Downtown Cincinnati
- Hathaway’s Diner: This downtown diner is a local staple with unrivaled nostalgic value. It features unparalleled 1950s decor and all-American breakfast and lunch options.
- Cheapside Cafe: Incorporating a modern take on diner-style dining, Cheapside Cafe is well known for its innovative coffee selections and fresh breakfast and brunch offerings.
- Sugar n’ Spice Diner: Featuring whimsical decor, this diner has been a Cincinnati staple since 1941. Children and adults alike love the restaurant’s unique “wispy-thin” pancakes and all other house specials.
- Arnold’s Bar & Grill: A historic downtown spot, Arnold’s serves unparalleled meals. The oldest continuously operating tavern in Cincinnati, the bar’s cozy and distinct charm sets it apart from its competitors.
These establishments showcase a blend of modern and historic dining experiences for Cincinnati, Ohio, residents and visitors alike.
Exploring Findlay Market: A Food Lover’s Paradise
Findlay Market is Ohio’s oldest open market, situated in Cincinnati. It serves as a center of local foods and a marketplace. Visitors to the market will find vendors selling artisanal baked treats, specially crafted cheeses, fresh vegetables, international foods, and more. The market operates all year round, enabling visitors to enjoy the fine arts and food throughout the year.
What Should You Try in Cincinnati for an Authentic Experience?
Must-Try Dishes for First-Time Visitors
- Cincinnati Chili: A local favorite, this regional specialty is commonly served with shredded cheese on top of spaghetti. Gold Star Chili and Skyline Chili are well-known places that epitomize the Cincinnati food scene.
- Goetta: An oat-based, German-inspired dish containing pork and beef often served as a breakfast and pan-fried alongside eggs.
- Graeter’s Ice Cream: Notable for its decadently flavored ice cream, especially those flecked with chocolate, this restaurant is a destination for any dessert enthusiast.
- Barbecued Ribs: The Montgomery Inn’s ribs are a classic dish known for being succulent, sweet, and tangy.
- Freshly Baked Pretzels: Many local gastropubs serve warm, soft pretzels and different dipping sauces.
Cincinnati’s traditional foods and the surrounding suburbs blend perfectly to showcase the city’s rich culture.
Food Tours: A Guide to Cincinnati’s Culinary Hotspots
Cincinnati provides extensive food-themed tours to explore the city’s rich culinary offerings. Some of the most popular are the Findlay Market Tour, where guests can taste local artisan products, and the Over-the-Rhine Food Tour, which features eateries and microbreweries in the district’s historic buildings. The Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour is unique as it blends casual bites with upscale dining along the streetcar route. Each tour is planned with specific stops to ensure guests have an actual Cincinnati experience while gaining insights into the city’s culture and history.
Why is Cincinnati Known for Its Unique Food Combinations?
The Origins and Popularity of Cincinnati Chili
In the 1920s, Macedonian immigrants infused a Mediterranean-spiced meat sauce over spaghetti and began serving it as Cincinnati chili. This remarkable recipe became a sensation because of the mouthwatering blend of chili sweetened with cinnamon and allspice. These spices indeed set it apart from traditional chili. Consumed in “ways,” Cincinnati chili is served as two-way (chili over spaghetti) and five-way (chili with spaghetti, cheese, onions, and beans). Cincinnati chili has been celebrated for its unique taste and preparation style, which contributed to the culinary identity of Cincinnati alongside famous restaurants like Skyline Chili and Gold Star Chili.
The Uniqueness of Montgomery Inn Ribs and Other Meaty Delights
Montgomery Inn ribs are well-known for their tender, slow-cooked taste paired with their signature barbecue sauce, which is sweet and tangy at the same time. This dish is prepared with accuracy and precision, ensuring a consistent and delicious offering that has earned acclaim nationwide. Aside from the flagship offering, Montgomery Inn also serves pulled pork, smoked chicken, and other high-quality meat dishes crafted with the same care. The restaurant’s emphasis on these unique specialties further cements its legacy in the culinary world alongside its unparalleled dedication to premium barbecue cuisine.
Skyline Chili Spaghetti: A True Cincinnati Original
Cincinnati has a special place in its heart for Skyline Chili Spaghetti. It is a one-of-a-kind dish with its very own recipe, which is prepared with chili sauce and served with a scoop of cheddar cheese over a mountain of luscious spaghetti. This can also be ordered as a “three-way” accompanying these components, “four-way” with the addition of onions, or “five-way” with the added beans. What sets this dish apart is its use of Mediterranean-inspired spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg, giving the dish a unique taste and making it an adored classic in the region. Skyline Chili claims to have served this culinary delight since 1949, which cements its revered status as a Cincinnati essential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the must-try local foods in Cincinnati during my visit?
A: If you are visiting Cincinnati, you must try their iconic dishes, starting with the Cincinnati chili with its distinct blend of spices served over spaghetti with a generous helping of cheddar mounded on top. Other must-tries include Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip flavor ice cream from Graeter’s and a coney, a hot dog smothered in Cincinnati chili and cheese.
Q: Why is Graeter’s Ice Cream unique?
A: The ice cream is renowned for its silky smooth, rich texture, which results from the French pot process or small-batch freezing method, which originated in 1870. Because of this, it has a dense, luxurious texture, making it a favorite among Cincinnatians, particularly the Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip flavor.
Q: Where will I be able to get Graeter’s Ice Cream in Cincinnati?
A: Graeter’s ice cream is available at several locations across Greater Cincinnati. Several local restaurants and ice cream parlors also serve this delicacy, making it accessible from anywhere in the city.
Q: What makes Cincinnati chili distinct, and how does it differ from other types of chili?
A: It is distinct from traditional chili because its spices are Mediterranean, including a touch of cinnamon and chocolate. Also unique to Cincinnati is the chili served atop spaghetti noodles with a mountain of cheddar cheese poured over it.
Q: Can you point out any Cincinnati food tours aimed at showcasing local Cincinnati eateries?
A: Certainly, there are a number of food tours offered in Cincinnati that enable tourists to try a variety of local delicacies, including Cincinnati’s signature chili and dishes from its German heritage. These tours are a great way to experience the city’s best food and flavors.
Q: What impact does German Immigration have on the food of Cincinnati?
A: German immigrants have greatly contributed to the variety of food in Cincinnati, especially the città’s sausages and other heavy power food. We can still find these in the local restaurants and during festivities such as Oktoberfest, which promotes the German culture of the city.
Q: Where can one try local cuisine in Cincinnati?
A: Local cuisine can be tried in numerous places, such as Camp Washington Chili, famous for its chili parlor style, and many other eateries in the vibrant Over-the-Rhine, which has both modern and traditional Cincinnati food experiences.
Q: Is there a signature breakfast dish in Cincinnati that you can try?
A: Steel-cut oats are the highlighted local ingredient for breakfast. A few restaurants serve their specialties on mac and cheese throughout the day.
Q: How does the Ohio River influence Cincinnati’s cuisine?
A: The Ohio River has been important for Cincinnati’s Ohio River for good and cultural exchange in transportation, which led to the growth of business and culture in the region. Because of this, there are numerous diverse, regional foods to enjoy, making visiting Cincinnati a rich culinary adventure.
Reference Sources
1. It’s Always Hungry in Cincinnati: The Oculus of Kroger’s Food Desert
- Author: Julie Yingling
- Publication Date: May 20, 2021
- Citation Token: (Yingling, 2021)
- Summary: This paper analyzes the sociological problem of food deserts in Cincinnati, paying special attention to the neighborhood surrounding Kroger stores. It describes the problems that local residents encounter in obtaining suitable food and the public health ramifications of these obstacles.
- Methodology: The case study uses a geographical approach to the problem of food access as it relates to socioeconomic conditions, employing local survey and demographic study data.
2. Cincinnati Food Security: A Community Assessment
- Author: Brandy McQueary
- Publication Year: 2008 (not within the last 5 years but relevant)
- Citation Token: (McQueary, 2008)
- Summary: This assessment analyzes the food security in Cincinnati, locating gaps in food accessibility and its consequences on health.
- Methodology: The assessment utilizes focus groups and open-ended interviews with residents to obtain detailed information on food access and security.
3. Interest and Perceived Obstacles to the Implementation of Food Donation Policies at Food Pantries in Greater Cincinnati
- Authors: Alison Wheeler et al.
- Publication Date: June 1, 2019
- Citation Token: (Wheeler et al., 2019)
- Summary: The research investigates pantry coordinators’ concerns about implementing food donation policies and the challenges they encounter. It argues that although challenges usually accompany food donations, efforts are being made to promote healthier food donations; however, logistical and resource-based barriers always seem to stifle efforts.
- Methodology: Data were collected using a cross-sectional survey of food pantry coordinators in Greater Cincinnati. The data were descriptively and thematically analyzed.
