I changed my dinner choice. My first choice was downtown Cincinnati and I wasn't sure what parking would be like, so I changed to a spot called Pepper Pod. One of those complete game-changer decisions I'm so thankful for. This was a blast from the early 80s, late 70s!!!! No joke, it immediately smelled like cigarettes when I came in. It was like literally walking through a time warp. Yellow/tan decor with all stainless steel diner facilities and everything. But, let me stress how impressed I was with the cleanliness. When I first came in, the cook came out with an industrial size container of fish fry mix and asked me to help him open it. That thing about ripped my skin off! It took 3tries AND he had to hold the container while I twisted the lid. ...but the point is I was quickly taken back to a time where people weren't afraid to speak to complete strangers. I ordered an egg salad sandwich and 2containers of broccoli/cheese soup to go to go on top of my grilled chicken sandwich:) I WILL be returning to Pepper POD whenever I come back to northern Kentucky (Cincinnati) area. Thank y'all! read more

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I tried to call and place a pickup order. I was immediately put on hold and left hanging. I only live less than a block away, so I hung up and went there in person to order. It took about a minute. I entered the restaurant, and there were only 4 people in there with TWO waitresses. I ordered a cheeseburger platter, burger fully loaded. Normally, this would mean lettuce, onion and tomato. I got my food home and found my fully loaded burger had one small piece of lettuce and a LOT of mayonnaise. That was it. The accompanying cole slaw had been cut so small it was as if it was riced, and swimming in mayonnaise. It was inedible. I paid 13 dollars for this, and I wound up giving my burger to my dog. This restaurant is going downhill fast and I'm tired of throwing good money away, as this is more than the 10th time I've gotten bad food there. Done. Won't be going back. read more

We've been coming here for years and it never disappoints. The goetta and cheese omelette is the best there is partnered with our new favorite side, fries with gravy. The Big Eddies are a great go-to, my wife loves their fish and our daughter goes crazy for their pancakes. read more

The food is so so good especially breakfast! The staff makes you feel like you're among friends. There's a smoking and non smoking room. Place looks like your stepping back in time :) read more

Pepper pod is a great place if you want simple diner vibes at ok prices. It's got a charming atmosphere and good portions. Service can be slow sometimes but is always friendly. Their double burgers are especially good. Be aware that they do allow smoking. I don't mind, but that may bother some people. read more

This place would get 5 stars from me except for two things . . 1. Smoking - there is smoking allowed in the dining room. As a non smoker it gets brutal if everyone is smoking especially when the non smoking section is rarely open. 2. I got food poisoning from here the one time I ventured away from my usual - learned my lesson. Besides the above I love the country fried steak from here! It is delicious and cheap for a dinner that will fill you up . My mom loves their breakfast which is also inexpensive. She loves their pancakes and omelettes. The staff is always nice ! I don't recommend the Mac and cheese or the meatloaf as that's what I think gave me food poisoning . read more

Pepper Pod Restaurant - Country fried steak, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables . Mom's pancakes off to the side. - Diners Near Me - Newport, Kentucky

On line - it looks like it would be a great cozy home cooking experience, except when you open the door a waft of cigarette smoke stench permeates your entire body. I cannot imagine eating in this environment. Interesting that they do not uphold the public space no smoking ordinance for the city of Newport, as well as the entire state of KY! "Newport, KY has a citywide smoking ordinance that prohibits smoking in indoor public places, including workplaces, restaurants, and other buildings where the public is invited." read more

I love Pepperpod and it's one of my go to restaurants when I'm going to Cincinnati for Reds or Bengals. It's fast. Good food. Interesting people. You can smoke. Get old school diner vibe. Love it! read more

Pepper Pod Restaurant - Goetta omelette & hashbrowns - Diners Near Me - Newport, Kentucky

Food is ok, typical diner food. The place is a little run down, the cobwebs on the window sill right by our table. There are hidden charges, such as extra charge if you order breakfast with eggs (which menu ready states egg included), 3% credit card charge, etc. Probably not going to return. read more

We came here on Easter and the employees were wearing bunny hats which was fun! I ordered the biscuits & gravy breakfast which came with a side of hashbrowns, which I got loaded (ham, peppers, onions, cheese). I also got a side of goetta since it's a Cincinnati classic and it was my first time in the city! Loaded hashbrowns were great, I think I'll start doing that when I make my own. I also enjoyed the goetta and the interesting, grainy texture that it has. I definitely got more food than I could finish. My friend got the country ham breakfast and also enjoyed it! It was less than $30 total for both of us combined which is a great deal. I found it interesting that people were smoking inside? read more

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Awesome food and big menu. Home cooked meals at great prices. Still smoking just be prepared as it's clearly a known destination to be able to smoke while you eat. Other than that awesome service, and a friendly staff beginning to end. read more

Pepper Pod Restaurant - Menu - Diners Near Me - Newport, Kentucky

Don't need to mention the smoking as that topic has been mentioned a lot. Still unbelievable though in the year 2024 people smoke in public. Smokers haven't changed much over the years, still selfish and oblivious to others being able to breath fresh air. The clients in this place look like a scene from the Mickey Rourke movie Barfly or perhaps the bar scene in a Star Wars movie. Stopped in as I never had their chili and this week is Cincinnati Chili Week! Chili not too good as possibly food service. The cheese tasted freshly grated, however. Knocked this one off the old bucket list! read more

Pepper Pod Restaurant - 4 way - Diners Near Me - Newport, Kentucky

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SMOKING!!! The stench of cigarette smoke made dining there horrible. I'll never go back.

Very unfriendly, staff needs lessons in manners. Walked out before ordering. Never to return. BTW, it was lunch time and the place was nearly empty. read more

My first time eating here. For being a 68 yr old family business that has survived the ups and downs of the economy, this place is a gem. It is a diner that serves diner food. Yes, there are fancier places to eat breakfast, but you should not expect more when you walk into here. That is why I'm giving them five stars. They met my expectations perfectly. The waitresses were friendly and talkative, and even the elderly Marine who was busing the tables spoke to everyone. -- As far as the person who reviewed this place 30 days before me and accused them of racism... That is a bunch of baloney. I saw ALL people being served. Some would walk in and greet each other like it was a Cheers bar. Go and enjoy a neighborhood diner!! read more

Terrible staff and management. Sat down and was not served. Everyone that came in after was serviced. Was told they do not serve black people. Another server apologized for the situation and confirmed they indeed discriminate based on race. She was tipped $100 for her honesty. And left. Do not eat where you are unwanted simply based on the color of your skin. I pray this place gets shut down. read more

I'm highly allergic to bleach and they mopped with bleach when I was waiting for my food when I told the waiter the guy mopping said yeah I'm almost done even though it was causing me to have an reaction I'll never be back here again read more

As non-smokers, we still found this to be an incredible gem of a restaurant. When I saw the inexpensive prices, I was worried food would be mediocre, at best. However, we found every bite to be fantastic! If we are traveling within 30 minutes of this place in the future, we will definitely return. We are still talking about the delicious omelette, bacon, biscuits and gravy and perfectly cooked hash browns 3 days later so I decided it was time to offer a review. All items pictured were a total of $24 with drinks! Service was fantastic! Enjoy! read more

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We. Love. Pepper. Pod!! This little mom-and-pop feeling restaurant delivers great service whether through order-ahead or UberEats. We frequently order through UE and consistently receive what we are looking for. In the past, there have been issues of ordering multiples of the same kids menu item and not receiving more than one of that item, but it has not been an issue lately. Good food, great prices! read more

Never go into this location. I thought it was a law to not smoke inside restaurants, but if it is, they are not complying. Ashtrays everywhere, the place wreaked of smoke. I left immediately. read more

When you walked in, immediately you were hit with cigarette smoke. Debated to stay or not. It was completely empty. Very old looking. The jukeboxes were nasty to touch. I have to say, the food was good overall read more

The food and service was good. We were surprised that there were smokers on each side of us and the smoke was heavy at times. We are non smokers and should have read the reviews. read more

I'm really not picky with restaurants but I think the smoking inside is really what got me. I will say they have good hash browns but the gravy almost had the consistency of marshmallow fluff LOL very strange read more

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Some gave it a 5 star rating? You haven't been out nor explored much. Food was alright, service was good. An hour later, I am still trying to get the 2 sips I had of the foul coffee taste out of my mouth. I've never had such horrible coffee in my 62 years of life. It tasted like they decided to reuse the coffee beans from 6 days ago. Bit expensive for my taste. I won't be visiting them again. I didn't care that they smoked inside. read more

This place was disgusting. We waited for an hour to get our order taken. Then another hour and a half for the food to come. When it was served it was cold dry and burnt. Absolutely disgusting. read more

Neither fast or fine, the Pepper Pod is Newport's greasy spoon. The diner decor is straight outta mid-century modern. The Pod is a good spot to spend some time with a burger and fries, read a newspaper, and do a little people watching. The price is nice and the doors are always open. read more

The food was great!! BUT the smoking! NO! Had to shower when I got home to remove the smoke smell. Not a fan! read more

30 years ago my parents had a store across the street from Pepper Pod so I have some fond memories of their French fries with cheese and gravy-- SUPER healthy, I know. :) Last night I was meeting someone and we chose here. I haven't been back here in decades... mostly because I can't handle much cigarette smoke. For people that smoke this is a great greasy dinner. If you come at the right time and it's not that smoky, then it's a pretty darn good dive like diner...as I got lucky yesterday. I wasn't hungry enough for a meal so I got the fries and cheese with gravy that I used to get as a teenager.... comes with a TON (I asked for a small) and it was as good and as unhealthy as it was back then but a nice treat and everything tasted great. Things haven't changed much in 30 years and aside from the smoke I think it's awesome. They have a board of specials and I noticed they still have pecan pie on the menu... couldn't do it last night but totally curious if it's the same as the last time I came as I loved it as a teen.. Around me, people had some great looking food and I am curious to try some but the smoke will keep me away for the most part, however, if you are a smoker then I am sure it's nice to have a few joints left that allow indoor smoking and really good, diner food! Service was great and I always saw a busser looking to refill drinks... excellent service! read more

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The food was great but in the state OK ky it is illegal for restaurants to smoke in the restaurant.stopped in to get breakfast and customers were free to smoke nothing said to them never stop again ! Smoke stinks. read more

This place is amazing. Great food and great staff. I was reading other reviews, if customers have issues with smoking inside then don't go there. Regardless of what everyone thinks about smokers we have rights as well. Most smoking establishments have plenty of business. Why is it necessary to complain about others? Do what makes you happy. Other than that this is a great place and enjoy going there. read more

Pepper Pod is a dive. It has always been a dive. That being said, if you want some good old fashion dive for you have to check out Pepper Pod. We both ordered the Big Eddie platter. Fries and Cole Slaw. Everything was fresh HOT and very good. Just as other reviews have stated the Big Eddie is better than the other Big "Burger" chain across town. I've already been back and got 3 to go. I will definitely be back again. It is much better, really. read more

The food was great, prices good, BUT smoking is allowed in this restaurant. The restaurant is not large enough to escape the smoke.

A comfortable place for some simple down home American diner fare. What you see is what you get, nothing flashy. The feel is traditional and the decor is dated, but the food is decent and the service is friendly. Breakfast for two came to about $20 including beverages. The only big negative in my opinion is that the place allows smoking on one side -- haven't been in a smoking restaurant in years. read more

Well unfortunately I have to write about a bad experience I had with one of my favourite diners. We got sat down like normal but then the problems started. Started as in we never saw another staff member for more than a half hour. At that point someone poked their head out of the kitchen and then yelled for whoever it was that the waitress was and she very gruffly came out and took our order. Now at this point I'm annoyed but still trying to keep things positive but then she came out and was cleaning another table along with a co worker when she starts using extremely vulgar language when conversing with him. Now I'm not one of those people easily offended by bad language or anything but that's extremely unprofessional and I shouldn't have to hear that from the staff of a restaurant. Lastly after we got our food that was it. No more interaction from the waitress. This was absolutely atrocious service and if I didn't have years of good food and service from here I would be done with this place. As for the food their Mac And Cheese Bites continue to be the best version of this appetizer I've ever had as the combination of the bites and the parmesan dipping sauce is absolutely fantastic. For my main course I got a Chicken Tenders And Fries plate. The tenders were fried and battered and were kind of middle of the road as far as tenders go. A dipping sauce would have really helped elevate these a lot. The crinkle cut fries were quite good and plentiful. The perfect ketchup fry. The food was fine but again service like we had here was inexcusable. I'll be back because this was one bad experience in many years here but if it happens again then there's too many other good diner options to have to deal with this again. read more

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Decent food, good service, old school diner feel. Speedy service ample serving sizes. A place where locals hangout and discuss the state of affairs locally and nationally. Also, plenty of refills on the coffee. read more

I can't describe the feel of this restaurant without saying the clichés of "70s aesthetic" or, "Ted Bundy vibes." Aside from the obvious, it's small, quaint, local, friendly, hillbilly, diverse, cozy, drunken, and everything you can think of. But that's what makes it special. I will always recommend this place to someone who's looking for a low-priced American diner food that's right around the corner and open 24 hours. read more

It was ok. Big turn off is they still allow smoking in here. Service was meh. Food was meh. Prices were moderate. For this type of place I'd rather go to waffle house or PRC. Oh well it was worth a shot. read more

Entering this place feels like walking straight onto the set of a 70's sitcom, and I mean this in a good way. Yes, it's smoky and the service/servers are slow... I wouldn't recommend going here if you're in a hurry. Luckily my friend and I weren't, so we took our time to enjoy the charm this place offers. It's another great example that Newport is so much more than just the Levee. The food hit the spot too - pancakes, eggs, goetta, hash browns, toast, everything a good greasy spoon has to offer. When we went on a Saturday late morning there were lots of older folks at the counter and families at the booths. I feel like I need to go at least once late-late at night to see what everyone else is talking about. There's a parking lot just south of the restaurant (right before it on the right as you're traveling down one-way Monmouth St). read more

This is more of an old diner feel. The staff was extremely friendly and attentive. We went there for lunch when we were in a hurry to eat and run. The food here is very inexpensive and has the usual 24 hours diner staple. There were old Seeburg Consolette in every booth. The music from the jukebox will give you some genre whiplash as it plays, Korn, Nsync, Pink Floyd, Rihanna right after another. We had the fish and chips (which for some reason can be found under the sandwich section of the menu) and the burger with mac and cheese side. The fish was a bit salty, but the unsalted steak fries helped with the saltiness. The burger was huge in serving and was sufficient. The mac and cheese was a bit lacking in flavor. However, their sweet tea with free refill was delicious. It's a decent place to grab a quick bite to eat. read more

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This greasy spoon can't be beat for after-the-bar-closes late night grub. Just blocks from Newport on the Levee, the Pepper Pod serves breakfast all day as well as comfort food staples, like Salisbury and Chicken Fried Steak. And the prices are cheap, too. I asked the waitress for a recommendation, and she told me that if I like Frisch's Big Boy then I will love their version, called Big Eddie. When my burger arrived, I was drooling. The bread was softer and the tartar sauce tangier than a Big Boy, and overall the Big Eddie trumped Big Boy hands down. At most of the tables fixed onto the wall are 1950's mini juke-boxes, but they don't work. However, there is a standard size juke box in the corner near the entrance with selections like the Beatles. Service was fast, food tasted great, and the atmosphere was a testament to Americana. read more

Pepper Pod Restaurant - Diners Near Me - Newport, Kentucky

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