Cincinnati, Ohio, a vibrant city nestled along the Ohio River, boasts a rich history and a unique cultural identity. This identity is deeply intertwined with its culinary landscape, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. More than just a flyover state stop, Cincinnati has cultivated a distinctive food scene, influenced by its German heritage, Midwestern practicality, and a touch of southern charm. Let’s embark on a delicious journey through the dishes that define Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Chili: A Skyline of Flavor
Perhaps the most iconic and recognizable Cincinnati food is, without a doubt, Cincinnati chili. It’s more than just a bowl of chili; it’s a cultural experience, a local obsession, and a point of pride for Cincinnatians.
The Unique Spice Blend
What sets Cincinnati chili apart from other chili variations is its unique spice blend. Forget the traditional kidney beans and chunks of beef; this chili features a fine-ground beef simmered in a broth seasoned with a complex mix of spices. Cinnamon, cloves, allspice, chocolate (or cocoa powder), and other secret ingredients create a flavor profile that’s both savory and subtly sweet. It’s not spicy in the traditional sense, but rather a warm, aromatic, and deeply flavorful dish.
The “Ways” of Ordering
Ordering Cincinnati chili involves understanding the “ways.” This refers to the combination of ingredients served with the chili. A “two-way” is chili served over spaghetti. A “three-way” adds shredded cheddar cheese. A “four-way” includes diced onions or beans. And a “five-way” is the ultimate experience, featuring chili, spaghetti, cheese, onions, and beans all in one bowl. Each “way” offers a different textural and flavorful experience, making it customizable to individual preferences.
Skyline Chili: The Reigning Champion
While many local establishments serve their own versions of Cincinnati chili, Skyline Chili is arguably the most famous and recognizable brand. Founded in 1949 by Greek immigrant Nicholas Lambrinides, Skyline has become synonymous with Cincinnati chili. Their restaurants are a staple of the Cincinnati landscape, and their chili is a must-try for any visitor. Gold Star Chili is another prominent local chain offering a similar, though slightly different, chili experience. The debate over which chain reigns supreme is a lighthearted, ongoing rivalry among Cincinnatians.
Goetta: A German-American Breakfast Staple
Another Cincinnati food with strong German roots is goetta. This breakfast sausage is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for a cold Ohio morning.
Oats and Meat: An Unexpected Combination
Goetta is a unique combination of ground meat (typically pork and beef), pinhead oats, and spices. The mixture is formed into a loaf and then sliced and pan-fried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The oats act as a binder and filler, giving the goetta a distinctive texture and a slightly nutty flavor.
A Versatile Dish
While traditionally a breakfast food, goetta can also be enjoyed as a sandwich filling, crumbled into omelets, or even used as a topping for pizzas or salads. Its versatility makes it a beloved ingredient in Cincinnati kitchens.
Glier’s: The Goetta King
Glier’s is the most well-known brand of goetta in Cincinnati, and their product can be found in most local grocery stores. They even host an annual Goettafest, a celebration of all things goetta, featuring goetta-themed dishes, live music, and other festivities.
Montgomery Inn Ribs: Fall-Off-The-Bone Goodness
Beyond chili and goetta, Cincinnati also boasts some truly exceptional barbecue. Montgomery Inn is a local institution famous for its fall-off-the-bone ribs.
The Secret Sauce
What makes Montgomery Inn ribs so special is their signature barbecue sauce. The sauce is a sweet and tangy blend of spices, tomato, and other ingredients, creating a unique flavor that’s both addictive and unforgettable. The ribs are slow-cooked and then slathered in the sauce, resulting in a tender, flavorful, and messy masterpiece.
More Than Just Ribs
While the ribs are the main attraction, Montgomery Inn also offers other barbecue favorites, such as pulled pork, chicken, and brisket. Their Saratoga chips, thin-cut and crispy, are a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
A Cincinnati Landmark
Montgomery Inn has been a Cincinnati landmark for over 60 years, serving generations of families and visitors. Their flagship restaurant on the Ohio River offers stunning views of the city skyline.
Graeter’s Ice Cream: A French Pot Process Tradition
For dessert, Cincinnati offers a sweet treat that’s been delighting locals for over a century: Graeter’s Ice Cream.
The French Pot Process
Graeter’s Ice Cream is made using the French Pot process, a unique method that involves freezing the ice cream in small batches in a rotating pot. This process results in a dense, creamy, and intensely flavorful ice cream.
Chocolate Chips with a Twist
Graeter’s is famous for its signature chocolate chips, which are not your typical tiny chips. Instead, they pour melted chocolate into the freezing ice cream, and then break it up into large, irregular chunks. These chunks of chocolate add a delightful texture and a burst of intense chocolate flavor to every bite.
A Cincinnati Staple
Graeter’s Ice Cream is a Cincinnati staple, with locations throughout the city and beyond. Their ice cream can also be found in many grocery stores. A scoop of Graeter’s is the perfect way to end a culinary tour of Cincinnati.
LaRosa’s Pizza: A Regional Favorite
LaRosa’s Pizza is a regional chain with a strong presence in Cincinnati and surrounding areas. It holds a special place in the hearts of many Cincinnatians.
A Sweet Sauce and Provolone Cheese
LaRosa’s pizza is known for its slightly sweet tomato sauce and generous topping of provolone cheese. The crust is thin and crispy, and the pizza is typically cut into squares, making it perfect for sharing.
Beyond Pizza
In addition to pizza, LaRosa’s also offers a variety of other Italian-American dishes, such as pasta, salads, and hoagies. Their Buddy Bread, a garlic-flavored breadstick, is a popular appetizer.
A Community Institution
LaRosa’s is more than just a pizza chain; it’s a community institution. They are actively involved in local charities and events, and they have a strong connection to the Cincinnati community.
Other Culinary Delights in Cincinnati
While Cincinnati chili, goetta, Montgomery Inn ribs, Graeter’s Ice Cream, and LaRosa’s Pizza are the most iconic Cincinnati foods, the city’s culinary scene is diverse and vibrant.
Sandwiches and Local Specialties
- Cheese Coney: A hot dog topped with Cincinnati chili, mustard, and onions. A simpler and equally beloved cousin to the ways.
- Cincinnati-Style Barbecue: Beyond Montgomery Inn, numerous local barbecue joints offer their takes on slow-smoked meats.
- Pretzels: Cincinnati enjoys its pretzels. Many establishments offer fresh, Bavarian-style pretzels served with beer cheese.
A Growing Culinary Scene
Cincinnati’s culinary scene is constantly evolving, with new restaurants and chefs pushing the boundaries of creativity. From farm-to-table cuisine to international flavors, there’s something for every palate in Cincinnati. The Findlay Market, a historic public market, is a great place to sample local produce, meats, cheeses, and other artisanal products.
Cincinnati is emerging as a foodie destination that celebrates both its heritage and its evolving contemporary culinary scene.
In conclusion, Cincinnati’s food scene is a unique and delicious reflection of its history, culture, and people. From the iconic Cincinnati chili to the comforting goetta, the city offers a culinary experience that’s both memorable and satisfying. So, the next time you’re planning a trip, consider adding Cincinnati to your list of must-visit foodie destinations. You won’t be disappointed.
What are the quintessential dishes that define Cincinnati cuisine?
Cincinnati’s culinary identity is most strongly tied to a few unique dishes. Cincinnati chili, a distinctively spiced meat sauce served over spaghetti and often topped with shredded cheddar cheese, onions, and beans, is arguably the city’s most famous creation. Goetta, a breakfast sausage made from ground meat (typically pork and beef), steel-cut oats, and spices, is another local favorite, particularly popular served fried or grilled.
Beyond these iconic dishes, other regional specialties contribute to Cincinnati’s food scene. Montgomery Inn ribs, known for their sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, are a beloved local staple. Graeter’s ice cream, especially its French Pot process flavors with large chocolate chunks, enjoys a strong regional following and is a must-try for visitors with a sweet tooth.
What is the history behind Cincinnati chili, and why is it unique?
The origins of Cincinnati chili trace back to immigrant Macedonian brothers, John and Tom Kiradjieff, who started a restaurant called Empress Chili in 1922. Their goal was to create an affordable and accessible meal for a broad clientele. Instead of focusing on traditional American fare, they developed a Greek-inspired stew seasoned with Mediterranean spices, served over spaghetti to make it a more substantial dish.
The “ways” of ordering Cincinnati chili are what truly set it apart. A “two-way” is chili over spaghetti, a “three-way” adds shredded cheddar cheese, a “four-way” includes onions or beans, and a “five-way” has both onions and beans. This unique presentation, combined with the distinctive blend of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, gives Cincinnati chili its unusual and celebrated flavor profile.
Where can one find authentic Cincinnati goetta?
Authentic Cincinnati goetta can be found at various local establishments, particularly butcher shops, grocery stores, and breakfast restaurants throughout the Greater Cincinnati area. Many local butchers still produce their own goetta recipes, often passed down through generations, offering a range of flavors and textures. Some popular options include Eckerlin Meats and Avril-Bleh Meat Market.
Many restaurants specializing in breakfast or brunch also feature goetta prominently on their menus. Servatii Pastry Shop & Deli and other local cafes frequently offer goetta patties or incorporate it into dishes like breakfast sandwiches and scrambles. Exploring local farmers’ markets is another great way to discover artisan goetta from smaller producers.
How has Cincinnati’s German heritage influenced its food culture?
Cincinnati’s strong German heritage has profoundly influenced its culinary landscape. The city’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, once predominantly German, retains significant architectural and cultural markers of this influence. This heritage is evident in the prevalence of beer gardens, traditional German restaurants, and the popularity of certain foods and brewing styles.
German immigrants introduced staples like bratwurst, sauerkraut, and pretzels to Cincinnati, all of which remain integral parts of the local food scene. The city’s beer brewing industry, which thrived in the 19th century thanks to German brewers, laid the foundation for Cincinnati’s current craft beer boom, with many breweries embracing traditional German styles.
What are some notable restaurants that showcase modern Cincinnati cuisine?
Beyond the classics, a new generation of chefs is elevating Cincinnati’s culinary scene by reimagining local ingredients and traditions. Restaurants like Pepp & Dolores and Sotto focus on fresh pasta and Italian-inspired dishes with a regional twist. Salazar offers a contemporary American menu emphasizing seasonal ingredients and innovative flavor combinations.
For a modern take on Southern cuisine with a Cincinnati sensibility, consider restaurants such as Please, known for its refined dishes and thoughtfully curated wine list. Metropole, located in the 21c Museum Hotel, highlights wood-fired cooking techniques and showcases regional produce, offering a stylish dining experience that celebrates Cincinnati’s evolving food culture.
How has the local craft beer scene impacted Cincinnati’s culinary identity?
Cincinnati’s thriving craft beer scene has significantly impacted its culinary identity, fostering collaborations between breweries and restaurants and inspiring innovative food pairings. The city’s rich brewing history, rooted in its German heritage, has been revitalized by a new wave of craft breweries that are pushing the boundaries of flavor and brewing techniques.
Local breweries often partner with restaurants to create custom beer pairings that complement specific dishes, enhancing the dining experience. The availability of a wide variety of locally brewed beers has also encouraged chefs to incorporate beer into their recipes, creating unique and flavorful dishes that showcase the versatility of craft beer.
What food festivals or events provide an opportunity to experience Cincinnati cuisine?
Cincinnati hosts several food festivals and events throughout the year that provide excellent opportunities to experience the diversity and richness of Queen City cuisine. Taste of Cincinnati, one of the nation’s largest street festivals, showcases the offerings of dozens of local restaurants, offering a wide array of dishes ranging from Cincinnati chili to gourmet creations.
Other notable events include Bockfest, a celebration of Cincinnati’s brewing heritage, and the Cincinnati Food + Wine Classic, which features cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and food vendors. Smaller neighborhood food festivals and farmers’ markets also offer opportunities to sample local specialties and support local producers and chefs.