Cincinnati, a vibrant city nestled on the Ohio River, boasts a rich culinary heritage. From unique takes on classic comfort food to dishes born from its diverse immigrant history, Cincinnati offers a delightful experience for every palate. If you’re planning a visit and wondering What Foods Is Cincinnati Known For, this guide will introduce you to the must-try dishes that define the city’s food scene.
1. Cincinnati Chili: A Queen City Staple
Forget everything you know about chili. Cincinnati Chili is a one-of-a-kind dish. It’s a thin, almost soupy chili featuring finely ground beef simmered in a blend of spices, often including cinnamon, chocolate, and allspice. Served over spaghetti and topped with shredded cheddar cheese, onions, or beans (or all three!), it’s a local obsession. Two major chains dominate the scene: Skyline Chili and Gold Star Chili. While similar, each has its own unique spice blend, making a taste test essential. You’ll find locations throughout the city, ready to serve up this iconic dish.
2. Graeter’s Ice Cream: A French Pot Legacy
Established in 1870, Graeter’s Ice Cream is a Cincinnati institution renowned for its rich, creamy texture and unique chocolate chips. What sets Graeter’s apart is its French Pot process, an old-fashioned method that freezes ice cream in small, two-gallon batches. This slow churning process results in an incredibly dense and flavorful ice cream. But the real star of the show are the chocolate chips – large, irregular chunks of dark chocolate that shatter in your mouth with every bite. With numerous locations in the area and availability in major supermarkets, a Graeter’s fix is never far away.
3. LaRosa’s Pizza: A Family Success Story
In 1954, Buddy LaRosa defied his father’s skepticism and opened his first pizzeria in Cincinnati. Today, LaRosa’s Pizza is the city’s number one choice, a testament to its quality and enduring appeal. Known for its sweet sauce, generous toppings, and distinctive square-cut slices, LaRosa’s offers a classic pizza experience that has won over generations of Cincinnatians.
4. Montgomery Inn Barbecue Ribs: Fit for Royalty
Montgomery Inn is synonymous with barbecue ribs in Cincinnati. Since 1951, this family-owned restaurant has been serving up tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs slathered in Matula Gregory’s secret family sauce. The ribs are so good, they’ve attracted a long list of celebrity diners, including presidents and baseball legends. Whether you visit The Boathouse location on the Ohio River or the original restaurant on Montgomery Road, prepare for a finger-licking good experience.
5. Izzy’s Reuben: A Kosher Deli Delight
Izzy’s is a Cincinnati institution, tracing its roots back to 1901 when Izzy Kadetz opened a kosher-style delicatessen. Consistently ranked as the “best deli in Cincinnati,” Izzy’s is famous for its Reuben sandwich. Piled high with Izzy’s signature corned beef, sauerkraut, special dressing, and melted Swiss cheese, it’s a savory masterpiece served with a side of all-you-can-eat dill pickle slices.
6. Glier’s Goetta: A German Heritage
If you’re from Cincinnati, you know Goetta. For those unfamiliar, Goetta is a German-inspired dish brought to the city by immigrants in the 1800s. A blend of pork, beef, steel-cut oats, and spices, goetta was originally a way for families to stretch their meat supply. Today, it’s a beloved breakfast staple, typically pan-fried until crispy and served alongside eggs or on a sandwich. Glier’s Goetta is the most recognizable brand, and you can find it in grocery stores throughout the region.
Cincinnati’s culinary scene is a blend of tradition and innovation. From the unique flavors of Cincinnati Chili to the comforting classics like LaRosa’s Pizza and Montgomery Inn Ribs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, come hungry and explore the delicious foods that make Cincinnati a true foodie destination.
