Cincinnati is a classic town in so many ways, and one of the most obvious is the food. We have restaurants, diners, and mom & pop shops that have been around for generations, some of which have grown into successful chains that now span the country. There's so much good food in Cincinnati and you start to learn about it at a young age, thanks to the traditions of many local families. If you grew up in Cincinnati, chances are you love these 10 particular dishes that are served up in our state, from the best ice cream to mouthwatering burgers and everything in between.
1. Graeter's Ice Cream
Every local has their favorite flavor of this classic Cincinnati ice cream. It's best scooped right in front of you and onto a sugar cone, but we're also thankful to be able to pick up a pint at Kroger to enjoy at home.
2. Cincinnati-Style Chili
3-Ways and Chili Dogs (with lots of crackers, of course) are staples in any Cincinnati diet. Whether you enjoy it at Skyline or a neighborhood chili parlor, there's nothing quite like it. It also finds its way onto the food tables of many local parties in the form of Skyline Dip.
3. Busken's Smiley Face Cookies
The sight of these cookies alone just makes you smile, and even more so after you take a bite. You can smell the sweetness of Busken from miles away and there's no better way to celebrate than with a trip into the bakery to pick up a cookie.
4. LaRosa's Pizza
Pizza, hoagies, spaghetti, salads - there are so many things on the menu at LaRosa's that can be considered classics. You'll also find this Cincinnati favorite at local destinations, including Reds games, festivals, and at Kings Island.
5. Blue Ice Cream
Speaking of Kings Island, a Cincinnati childhood is incomplete without a cone of their famous blue ice cream. There's no better summer memory than a hot day enjoying the rides, getting splashed on White Water Canyon, and then cooling off with a cone of blue soft serve.
6. Frisch's Big Boy
Frisch's Big Boy is another eatery with many favorites on their menu. A Big Boy with onion rings is a classic, but don't forget the grilled cheese, vegetable soup, epic breakfast bar, and the hot fudge cake. Frisch's recently brought back Coke products, which made many Cincinnatians very happy.
7. A Hot Dog and a Root Beer from The Root Beer Stand
Many locals have countless memories of visiting this classic root beer stand. The root beer is a must-taste, but don't leave hungry! Try their delicious hot dogs and cheeseburgers as well.
8. Goetta
Cincinnati's very own mystery meat is a breakfast staple in our city. Whether you like it fried up in patties or mashed together to make it extra crispy, Goetta is a savory favorite in the Queen City.
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9. Putz's Ice Cream
Putz's is arguably the most classic of creamy whips in Cincinnati, and every local has memories of enjoying a cone at one of them. As a kid, you'd order one with a silly face made out of candy and eat it as fast as you could so it didn't melt all over you.
10. Grippo's
Grippo's Potato Chips are a party staple in Cincinnati, especially the Bar-B-Q flavor. You'll find these savory snacks on the table at any gathering you go to, and Cincy kids will always remember gobbling them down by the handful at any (and every) opportunity.
Cincinnati's food scene is constantly evolving and incredibly delicious, but these 10 classics will always have a place in our hearts - and bellies. Are you a native Cincinnatian and do you love these 10 local foods? What did we leave out? Let us know in the comments!
In addition to craving these 10 favorites, check out more ways that living in Cincinnati ruins you for life in our previous article here.
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