If you’re a senior living in Cincinnati, and you’re looking for some great restaurants to try, you don’t always have to go fancy. Sometimes, it’s the simple indulgences — like a good burger and fries — that make life meaningful.
Given that Cheeseburger Day is coming up in September, we thought we’d take a look at some of the best places in the Tristate to satisfy that all-American craving. We’re counting down the city’s top 5 burger joints:
5. Gas Light Café
They say that sometimes the best eats are found in dives.
The exterior of the Gas Light Café in Pleasant Ridge has undoubtedly seen better days. But its grill is still in its prime. Residents of the neighborhood can tell you that the $6.50 Gas Light Burger is one of the best-kept culinary secrets in the Queen City.
You know a burger is going to be good when it outsizes the bun — and the Kaiser roll of the Gas Light is no bite-sized biscuit. With thick slices of tomato and onion, fresh lettuce and a side of waffle fries or golden, crispy onion rings, the Gas Light Burger is a char-grilled, greasy spoon masterpiece.
4. Quatman Café
Another bit of hole-in-the-wall grilling genius: the Quatman Café, in the heart of Norwood. The Quatman has been serving up cheap and simple burgers with a side of homespun friendliness since 1966.
You’ll love the murals on the walls (including one of its late founder, Albert Imm, complete with his signature cook’s dishtowel-over-the-shoulder look) and the price — a burger is only $5.25. Or, try the daily special, which comes with fries and a drink for the curiously-specific price of $7.03.
And, whatever you do, don’t leave without trying a side of Quatman’s famous Mock Turtle Soup.
3. Zip’s Café
Over in Mount Lookout, there’s a place that’s been slinging burgers for just shy of 90 years. And that must mean they’re doing something right.
Zip’s Café has lasted through five owners and thousands of patrons since opening in 1926. And its famous Zipburger is the heart of the business. At only $5.50 ($6, with cheese), it’s a cheap and tasty way to chase away hunger.
You can get a little adventurous, too: the Girth Burger is topped with a split, grilled Mettwurst. Or, try the Flying Pig (named for Porkopolis’ charming mascot), which is topped with shaved ham and two slices of bacon. And, with a side cup of Zip’s Famous Chili, you’ll come away satisfied.
2. Arthur’s
A favorite with Hyde Park residents — and with Cincinnatians in general. With a robust beer list, diverse menu and lively atmosphere, Arthur’s is sure to please everyone in your party. But you’ll be going in with a leg up on everyone else — you’ll have the secret scoop on the Original Arthur’s Burger.
If a well-seasoned, ½-pound of 90% lean beef sounds like your thing, the Original Arthur’s is your Holy Burger Grail. Customize it any way you like.
Pickles. They have those.
Sautéed mushrooms and bleu cheese? No problem.
Tex-Mex style, with jalapeños, BBQ sauce and sweet caramelized onions? Díos mio¸sí! They can do it.
And, if you keep going back, who knows? One day you may end up in a future installment of “Arthur’s Gang” — the restaurant’s giant, painted mural of regular customers who have graced its doors over the years.
1. Terry’s Turf Club
Sitting in the shadow of the Beechmont Viaduct, just out Eastern Avenue in the Linwood neighborhood, is a teeny little burger joint that just happens to serve up the best burger in all of Ohio.
That’s right. The folks over at Thrillist ain’t wrong. Nor are the folks at the Food Network, the Travel Channel, CityBeat, LonelyPlanet, or any of a host of other media entities who have given Terry’s a top nod.
Beset on all sides with the iniquity of night-banishing antique neon, Terry’s is an all-senses delight, from the spectrum of brilliant colors, to the crunch of peanut shells strewn on the floor, the smells of juicy thick burgers being cooked up and customized in any number of combinations, the taste of 13 different signature sauces, or the occasional live swing-jazz combo set in the corner.
Terry’s has only 15 tables, so sometimes the wait is out the door. And it can be a little pricey. But, boy, is it worth it. Most nights, they pack ‘em in until they shut ‘em down.
Sometimes, the best things in senior life are just the small joys.
And if you’re looking for a new way to explore Cincinnati, try the small joys of trying out restaurants with your friends and family. Just bring your appetite — and your love of a great burger.
