The Best Cheap Eats in Cincinnati

The history of cheap eats in Cincinnati traces back to at least 1795. It was then that the area became self-sufficient thanks to the founding of Turner Farm. Since that point, the city’s love for great food evolved to the point that it's now the home of the Midwest Culinary Institute. When asking all these food experts their favorite restaurant hotspots, though, where do they most often enjoy a sit-down? Welcome to our Tastemakers List. We’ve gathered data from OpenTable’s most seasoned and expert diners to find the top eateries in Cincinnati that won’t empty guests’ wallets. The city is well-known for its ice cream and chili, and no one should venture through the area without trying the misunderstood goetta. All this is enjoyable at affordable prices for those who know what to look for, and this includes the city’s ever-popular gyros and barbecue. Go ahead and show off that economic genius and book a table today!

The OpenTable Team

19 Restaurants

Updated October 01, 2021

Restaurants:	BRU Burger Bar - Fort Mitchell, Arnold's Bar and Grill, CWC, the Restaurant…
Price Range:	$$ - $$
Cuisines:	American…
Neighborhoods:	Fort Mitchell, Cincinnati, Wyoming…

BRU Burger Bar - Fort Mitchell

$$$$

American

Fort Mitchell

4.7

310 reviews

It’s not necessary to leave town for the best cheap eats in Cincinnati, but Bru Burger Bar is just a few minutes away in Kentucky. Guests can’t miss the large blue neon sign out front, and the interior holds on to that contemporary feel with modern lighting, two televisions behind the bar and fashionable green-backed chairs. What really stands out, though, is the Bru Burger. It’s been popular for over 100 years! Additional options like chef salads, a variety of gluten-free dishes and some of the best hand-dipped milkshakes out there make this short trip well worth it.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Arnold's Bar and Grill

$$$$

American

Cincinnati

4.6

557 reviews

Looking for the oldest bar in Cincinnati that’s operated continuously? At Arnold’s Bar and Grill, that’s exactly what guests find along with a vintage aesthetic that holds true to the eatery’s place in history. The worn brick inside features paintings of waitresses from the old days, photos of guests from antiquity and what many believe to be a haunted presence from the past. Gluten-free options that were never heard of in 1838 – when the place was founded – are available in abundance. Guests should also try out the pork belly and waffles, blueberry chicken and variety of pastas, burgers and sandwiches.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

CWC, the Restaurant

$$$$

American

Wyoming

4.8

208 reviews

This great eatery is part of the local Cooking with Caitlin brand. Their signature staples of Char Cheddar Burgers and Baby Biscuits certainly live up to the owners’ popularity. Guests will also find a variety of other comfort foods such as fish tacos, blueberry-ginger pie + honey whipped cream and a variety of different pizzas. The menu is seasonal, but the luxurious interior décor lasts all year. Sit under the chandelier, contemporary-styled ceiling or one of the many gorgeous paintings that line the walls. Finding cheap eats in Cincinnati has never felt so high-class.

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Gaslight Bar & Grill

$$$$

American

Clifton

4.4

406 reviews

Not everyone will enjoy sitting in the outdoor area of Gaslight Bar & Grill, but those who do will have access to their very own rooftop bar. Beer, wine and cocktails are served throughout the day. Those who have never had the Hemingway Daquiri will immediately fall in love. The menu offerings are wide-ranging and include Greek spaghetti, grilled pork tenderloin, clam chowder, po boys and even the surprisingly popular beet plate. Relax upstairs or stay inside to enjoy the modern appeal of this cheap eat in Cincinnati.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Birch - In Terrace Park

$$$$

American

Milford

4.5

327 reviews

The lush foliage, relaxing string lights, quaint entrance and even the lime-green door at The Birch offer a tranquil escape from the big city life. Inside, guests discover a creative and modern style that includes specialty-designed chairs, unique lighting and small pieces of framed artwork that catch everyone’s stares. The full-service restaurant specializes in craft beers, boutique wines and a scratch kitchen menu. Some of the most popular offerings include the shared beer cheese board, veggie gyro, grilled chicken BLT and Birch Burger.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Matt the Miller's Tavern- West Chester

$$$$

Pub

West Chester

4.3

1016 reviews

There are some offerings at Matt the Miller’s Tavern that wouldn’t typically fall under cheap eats in Cincinnati. Considering all the other available options and the upscale tavern experience, though, guests definitely get their money’s worth visiting here. Chic booths, fancy lighting and an assortment of televisions lining the walls makes this unlike any other tavern experience. Guests can also enjoy a wide-ranging selection of dishes such as wild mushroom flatbreads, soup & salad combos, pork tenderloin and the delectable Wagyu Top Sirloin.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Buckhead Mountain Grill

$$$$

American

Bellevue

4.4

828 reviews

Right across the Ohio River sits Buckhead Mountain Grill, and people across both states know it as one of the best cheap eats in Cincinnati. Guests can enjoy their meal among the lodge-like setting inside – surrounded by more televisions than anyone would need – or they can dine on the deck overlooking the river. Either way, they'll enjoy awesome options such as homemade meatloaf, baby back ribs, black Angus burgers and delicious fried chicken dinners. Those looking to cut calories will also have over a dozen healthy sandwich and salad options.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Tano Bistro - Loveland

$$$$

Contemporary American

Loveland

4.6

1783 reviews

The fire that tore through Loveland in 2017 might’ve knocked down Tano Bistro, but this Ohio hotspot came back better than ever. With three floors, gorgeous art, au courant décor and a rooftop terrace, guests are getting far more than what they pay for at this cheap eat in Cincinnati. The eatery is focused on consciously sourced food which includes organic produce, eggs and seasonings. Guests also can't get enough of the candied bacon, baked brie, 5 Points Ranch Water Buffalo Burger and eggplant linguine.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Rusty Bucket - Dayton

$$$$

American

Dayton

4.4

190 reviews

Located at The Village at Dayton Mall, Rusty Bucket offers a variety of cheap eats in Cincinnati for those exhausted from a day of shopping. These include Baja fish tacos, the Rusty Bucket Burger, several classic pizzas and a gluten-free friendly menu for those with dietary restrictions. Daily Blue Plates are offered, and for tourists who can only visit once, Monday's Cincinnati 3-Way will make the entire trip worth it. While the inside definitely has a franchise feel to it, the stone fireplace, strategically placed televisions and variety of delicious cocktails really make this eatery stand out.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Sacred Beast Diner

$$$$

American

Over the Rhine

4.7

1406 reviews

The intriguing portraits of farm animals dressed in royal attire aren’t the only unique aspect of Sacred Beast Diner. The 19th-century buildings in the neighborhood are well-preserved, but the modern lighting, mirrored ceiling and impressive audio system designed by Chicago-based Uncanned Music thrust this eatery straight into the present day. Enjoy a variety of breakfast options whenever the restaurant doors are open, and yes, this includes the popular Goetta Breakfast. Other options throughout the day include chicken schnitzel, quinoa power bowls, Milwaukee Style Bratwurst and the aptly named One Big A** Meatball.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Bakersfield - OTR

$$$$

American

Over the Rhine

4.8

576 reviews

Tacos. Tequila. Whiskey. That’s the mantra of Bakersfield located in the Over the Rhine neighborhood. Popular menu items include the short rib taquito, Huitlacoche taco, Milanesa tortas and the delicious Trio appetizer. They’re so popular, in fact, that Guy Fieri filmed an episode of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives at the location. There are more than 100 tequilas and American whiskeys behind the bar, but many guests prefer the San Luis, Bakersfield Sour and Paloma cocktails. Whatever a patron’s specific tastes, they enjoy them surrounded by impressive industrial décor.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Nicholson's Fine Food & Whisk(e)y

$$$$

Gastro Pub

Central Business District

4.4

2477 reviews

Seekers of great food might not expect to find cheap eats in Cincinnati in the downtown area, but Nicholson’s Tavern & Pub fits the bill. The wooden pillars, European lighting, Medieval sitting corner and banners featuring popular kilt designs make for an authentic Scottish tavern experience. There are over 100 bourbons and whiskeys on hand, and the selection of rotating draughts is unrivaled. Toss in awesome dishes like baked baby brie, lobster macaroni pie, pork loin sliders or Nicholson's Fish & Chips, and guests will feel like they’ve transported directly to Scotland.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Goose & Elder

$$$$

American

Over the Rhine

4.6

620 reviews

Jose Salazar’s third restaurant, Goose & Elder, is located in the historic Findlay Market. They offer the traditional dishes Ohioans have come to expect from great restaurants, but there are also delicious new takes on classics. Try something unique like the fried bologna sandwich, grain bowl, chicken schnitzel or roasted bone marrow. It’s nearly impossible to miss the green brick building at the corner of Welder and Race. The purple walls, vibrant artwork, chic lighting and German-inspired décor make for a unique atmosphere in one of the best cheap eats in Cincinnati.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Krueger's Tavern

$$$$

American

Over the Rhine

4.6

618 reviews

Everything about Krueger’s Tavern in the Over the Rhine neighborhood screams ‘Old World.’ The distressed brick, naturalistic wall décor, simple seating and industrial lighting help pull off this atmosphere. This feel is increased by the fact that the meat for their burgers and sausages are ground in-house. Even the sign outside – resembling a traditional coat of arms – adds to the feel. Guests enjoy the Krueger's Burger, roast chicken club, Lincolnshire sausage and sauerkraut balls while taking in an experience authentic to the one their ancestors enjoyed.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Washington Platform Saloon & Restaurant

$$$$

American

Cincinnati

4.3

1090 reviews

Those who love jazz or the periodic dinner event – such as the historic Murder on the Menu tour and period meal – shouldn’t miss Washington Platform Saloon & Restaurant. Save for the bright red ceiling, every piece of décor in this eatery is low-key. The art is still pretty impressive, though, and guests get to enjoy their meal in what was a saloon over 150 years ago. Don't miss events like Lobstapalooza, Bockfest and the Oyster Festival. Of course, options like the fried oyster dinner, Creole Combo, Cajun grilled snapper and OTR Loaf keep people coming year-round.

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The Eagle - OTR

$$$$

Southern

Over the Rhine

4.8

757 reviews

Socially conscious people will love the fact that The Eagle serves all-natural chicken that’s both free roaming and cage free. Guests can buy a whole chicken if they want, but those with smaller appetites often go for the braised pork sandwich, sausage & kale dip, fried chicken BLT or the blackened shrimp po boy. These simple yet delicious dishes are enjoyed under large eagle paintings and banners, industrial and vintage décor, several televisions featuring ‘the game’ and a crew of friendly servers. Those seeking some of the best cheap eats in Cincinnati can’t miss the huge green building and eagle head sign outside.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Basil 1791

$$$$

Asian

Hamilton

4.4

321 reviews

When seeking the best cheap eats in Cincinnati, it doesn’t get much more unique than Basil 1791. They shipped in their own 12-foot wok weighing over a ton, for instance, just to create dishes most places couldn’t even begin to do justice. Guests get more enjoyment out of watching one of the televisions or taking in the traditional Asian décor and artwork, but knowing the wok even exists is impressive. Guests will find expected menu items like Pad Thai, General Tso and Vietnamese Pho, but the house sushi rolls, avocado curry and basil stir fry are indicative of a more expansive menu. It’s no doubt one of the more eclectic cheap eats in Cincinnati.

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Bite Restaurant

$$$$

American

Milford

4.9

454 reviews

The lush greenery, chicken coops and overall serene setting of Bite Restaurant’s exterior is a sign of good things. They focus on reducing their carbon footprint and pride themselves on feeding the body and soul. Guests can come as they are and bring their own beer, but many simply enjoy the hot tea, choice of sodas and organic milk or coffee. Everyone should try out the Monte Cristo beignets, vegan edamame with sesame ginger, pickled goat salad and the wild caught seafood option of the day. This might be a cheap eat in Cincinnati, but the experience is priceless.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Zula Bistro & Wine Bar

$$$$

Tapas / Small Plates

Over the Rhine

4.7

2264 reviews

The Cincinnati Enquirer called Zula Bistro & Wine Bar one of the best bistros in the entire city. Patrons who have tried the charred calamari, deconstructed lamb, Mussel Bar and unique daily Big Plates would tend to agree. The street-side eatery has large windows for those who take joy in ‘people watching,’ but those who turn their attention inside are treated to gorgeous flowers throughout, a vintage atmosphere and art that’s so unique and expansive that it’s hard to even describe it in a word.

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