
Cincinnati is an amazing place to call home, thanks in part to the city's wonderfully unique arts, entertainment, sports, and culture. Whether you've enjoyed a morning at the Duke Energy Children's Museum, spent the afternoon at The Great American Ball Park, or experienced a stunning performance at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, you'll have surely worked up an appetite for great quick-service eats that aren't from the traditional fast-food chains. Satisfy your hometown hunger at one of these local Queen City restaurants.
1538 Race St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Believe it or not, there's one place in the Midwest where you can get the best Mid-East street food — Forty Thieves Gang. Located in the heart of Over-the-Rhine, Forty Thieves Gang brings Arabian and Israeli dishes like shawarma and falafel to Cincy. Choose between grilled chicken, beef shawarma, and falafel on a sandwich, over hummus, or over couscous. Add a side of soup, Za'atar fries, or roasted beets and don't forget to ask for a little bit of their delicious Habibi sauce.
1509 Race St. Unit #104, Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Another delicious destination in OTR, Poke Hut serves up fast-casual Hawaiian-Asian fusion using fresh, real ingredients. Try a signature chef-inspired poke bowl like the Honolulu with veggies and seaweed salad or the Luau with BBQ pork and soy-marinated egg. You can also build your own bowl with a modern Midwest twist with a variety of rice, greens, noodles, raw fish, cooked meats, toppings, and sauces. Top it off with a tasty customized bubble tea, and your day will be propelled forward like a perfect North Shore swell.
4176 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223
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At Tickle Pickle in NorthSide, they have one rule to live by: Life's short, lick the bowl! This music-themed gourmet burger and shake shack has a rocking menu full of meat and vegan options. Those craving a traditional burger should consider the Meatallica, the Breadzepplin, or the Nom Petty. Vegan options include the Buns N Roses burger, When Buns Cry sandwich, and Coney Bennet vegan dog. Kids can also rock out with their own menu items like the Melton John Jr., Fleetwood Mac N Cheese, or Bun Jovi. The Oreo Speedwagon, Flan Halen, James Brownie, and Goobie-Brother shakes area available as both dairy and vegan options, giving meat-eaters and those with diet restrictions the chance to turn their fast-casual dining experience up to 11.
3204 Linwood Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45226
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Introducing amazing Latin American flavors to Cincinnati, Delwood puts their own spin on favorite classics. Bring the family, and even your four-legged friend, in for a sharable plate of tostones, yuca fries, and shishito peppers before digging into a classic burger, fried chicken sandwich, or a fresh chopped salad. As huge soccer fans, Delwood is the perfect place to root for FC Cincinnati while enjoying craft cocktails and great food.
201 W. McMillan St., Cincinnati, OH 45219
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Greek food and Chicago-style cuisine converge at Chicago Gyros and Dogs. For over 35 years, Chicago Gyros and Dogs has delivered an extensive menu of fantastic Mediterranean and Midwest meals. From a traditional falafel pita and gyro to Chicago Style hot dogs and Cincy chili cheese dogs, there are enough mouth-watering options to satisfy your craving for greasy goodness.
7810 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45239
Himalaya Restaurant believes that the best way to make your day better is with traditional foods from Nepal, India, and Bhutan. Take your taste buds on a journey through South Asia as you enjoy tandoori, shorba, aloo matar, vindaloo, and sukuti prepared with lamb, chicken, salmon, beef, or served as vegetarian options. Just short of crossing the Himalayas on foot, Himalaya Restaurant is the best place to savor the diversity of the region.
611 Main St., Cincinnati, OH 45227
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Take-out and tacos go hand-in-hand which is why Mazunte makes it easy to enjoy a night out in Swine City without having to wait in line for dinner. As you head to a Bearcats or Cyclones game, grab some Mexican munchies to go at Mazunte Centro. Tacos, tostadas, tortas, and tlayudas are all perfect hand-held treats perfect for strolling the streets. Many of their items include gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options, and while you can't take a tequila shot to-go, you can slide into a booth and enjoy all of the margaritas and cervezas you want before you hit the town.
3440 Burnet Ave. Suite 100, Cincinnati, OH 45229
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Have you heard the buzz about Cincinnati's newest breakfast spot? From the owners of the Sleepy Bee Café comes Waggle Breakfast and Bowls. These busy bees forage for seasonal, sustainable local ingredients to use in their made-to-order dishes. Try their made-from-scratch pancakes and grain bowls for breakfast or stop by for a fresh salad bowl during lunchtime. Build your own bowl by choosing a base of egg, tofu, greens, or quinoa, add your favorite protein, mix some veggies in, blend it with cheese, throw a little sauce in, and top it with avocado or kimchi for a healthy meal that'll get your morning buzzing.
1344 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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For a quick chicken tender fix, there's none better in Cincinnati than CityBird. Cage-free, all-natural chicken made to order, CityBird offers the tenderest of chicken tenders with made-from-scratch sauces that are too tasty to believe. While most add a side of City Sauce, we suggest either the sweet Lemon Thyme Ranch, Honey Dijon, or Thai Chili BBW. If you're hoping to turn up the heat on flavor, definitely order the Hot Honey or Jalapeno Hot sauces. Trust us, eat at CityBird once, and you'll never choose chicken from another fast-food chain again.
6900 Cheviot Road, Cincinnati, OH 45247
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Quality over quantity is what makes Mad Mike's a Cincinnati favorite. All meat is 100 percent black Angus beef, cut and prepared on-site. You won't pay an arm and a leg for their high-quality burgers either—nearly every gourmet burger and chicken sandwich are less than seven dollars. This includes the Rockefeller with blue cheese and beer-battered onion rings, the Pride of Zeus with gyro meat and tzatziki, and the What The Cuck chicken sandwich with avocado slices and cilantro mayo. Make sure you order your fries "MAD" style with nacho cheese and grilled onions.
4498 Harrison Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45211
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Let your taste buds run wild at Wild Mike's. An American eatery offering the classic grub that hits the spot every time. Mozzarella sticks, wild nachos, and potato skins set the stage for as many wings as you want. Order between five and fifty wings, tossed in your favorite flavor and served at your preferred level of hotness. If mild, medium, and hot are too tame for you, we dare you to try their Xtra Hot! or Stupid Hot! temperatures. With other favorites like burgers, hoagies, chicken sandwiches on the menu, Wild Mike's never disappoints.
Where is your favorite Cincinnati eatery to chow down at? Let us know in the comments!