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Ruth's Parkside Cafe

4.2 (214 reviews)
Closed • 11:30 am - 8:00 pm

Ruth's Parkside Cafe Photos

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RUTH'S PARKSIDE CAFE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
Good for kids
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - Ruth's Parkside Cafe

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Inside
Wendy K.

I'm back! I love this place and I'm so disappointed it took me so long to return. Everything is amazing and the service is top tier. I love the food and the atmosphere. If you haven't been here run don't walk!

Salmon Salad Salad
Scott N.

I love the decor at Ruth's Parkside Cafe. It's just cool enough. We were there this past week for lunch. We made reservations for eight for 1 pm. We arrived a bit early, but the parking lot was packed. We lucked into one of the last available spots. When we entered the restaurant, a gentleman was putting the tables together for us and told us it would be ready by 1:00. We were seated and ready to go by 12:59. I had reviewed the menu online and still didn't know what I wanted. Good thing I waited because I opted for one of the specials, Salmon Salad Salad. I'm not sure that's the actual name, but in the description they explained that the Salmon Salad was much like tuna salad, but with salmon. And the Salmon Salad was served on a salad, so... Salmon Salad Salad. The salmon salad serving on the salad was large and easily lasted through every bite of the salad. With Champaign Dill dressing, it was all quite tasty. I won the clean plate (bowl) award. I didn't ask about anyone else's meal. We were too busy talking and catching up. I would not hesitate to come back.

Chicken burger with potato chips: lettuce, cheese and red onion.
Michael C.

The food was delicious. Chicken burger and potato chips.Eric is a great server and made sure we had everything we needed. The restaurant had a great vibe, quaint and relaxing. Not a lot of loud talking.

Pasta Ratatouille with tempeh
Vandana M.

Food: 4 stars Service : 4 stars Ambiance: 2 stars I love the food, it's the 'made from scratch' vibe. We were told the kitchen doesn't have a fryer which is a huge green flag. The taste and quality of the food is really good! I'd go back for the food. For the vegan population, there are vegan protein options like tofu, tempeh etc that can be added to most dishes. Service was casual and friendly. The server came around at appropriate times and asked the right questions. Ambiance: The place really needs a renovation. If the ambiance is set the way it is intentionally for some historic representation, the place could could still use a good carpet scrub and a good paint job. The outdoor space can also perked up a bit. Parking: There is plenty of open free parking outside

NY Strip
Cody B.

If I were to rate my experience this Friday in one word it would be disappointing. Typically I order pickup from Ruth's (with mostly positive results) but today I decided to eat dinner inside. Unfortunately it was a less than stellar experience. My date ordered the lamb chops and was told about 10 mins after placing her order that they were unfortunately out of lamb chops. That would've been fine, but she requested the NY strip with the sides included from the lamb chops if possible (mostly omitting the asparagus as both sides share similarities). Seems like an easy substitution but it was incorrect. If this were the only issue I'd likely not be as negative with this review, but both of our NY strips were VERY fatty, tough, and difficult to chew. We ordered medium but both cuts were closer to a medium-well done on some parts. I'm not sure if we were served lesser quality cuts because we're both younger than most of Ruth's customer base on average (seeing the average being about 20-30 years older than us) so perhaps it's assumed we don't know what we're ordering, but we do and we weren't pleased. Our entrees were plated decently, but it doesn't matter how good a dish looks if taste doesn't follow suit. The cheese plate was ok I guess (though definitely not worth $16 in my opinion), but if you're considering appetizers I suggest the corn risotto cakes.

Catfish
Chad P.

A friend of mine just moved in nearby and said that we should try this place. I always thought it was a bit strange being a cafe underneath a giant old factory that I guess is now apartments? Anyway I never really paid much attention to it but we finally decided to go. They have a good amount of space once you get around the entrance wall and they use it well! Service was very nice and you could tell this was a place where the same people have worked at for quite a long time. I feel like their menu selection was very eclectic as well as appealing to what most people might want. I had the cavatappi with the vodka sauce and I added Italian sausage to it. My friend had their catfish. My cavatappi was amazing! With the vodka sauce as well as the slices of mozzarella cheese on top and sliced asparagus, it was just amazing and full of flavor and you really got a big portion of it. I almost couldn't eat the whole thing! Make sure to ask for a side of bread which does not cost extra to sop up more of that sauce. My friend had the catfish which was on top of one of their fried butter ball and sauce. Butter ball is probably the wrong word. But it was some sort of fried thing that the catfish was sitting on top of and he said it was excellent. Definitely want to return here and try some more of their amazing dishes!

View inside Ruth's
Walter B.

Delightful atmosphere for our lunch group. The service was friendly and very attentive. The owner stopped by several times to check on how our experience was. My Spinach Saute was served over pasta and was very flavorful. One of my lunch mates said it even looked and tasted healthy. I had a very favorable experience. I only 5 star if I am completely blown away.

Mindy H.

In the previous American Can factory building, Ruth's Parkside Cafe is right off of Mitchell and Spring Grove in Northside Cincinnati. I called ahead for reservations and stated my name when we arrived. Long after we had beefed seated & served, the hostess called me by name. That kind of personal use of my name made me feel very at home. The vibe is an artistic space- no apparent central theme, but artsy. Coca Cola products. In addition to the regular menus (menu for lunch & a different one for dinner), there is a vegan/gluten free menu available. We were well cared for by our waitresses, and enjoyed Appetizer: rosemary/gorgonzola gravy potatoes as well as entree: Spinach Saute with zucchini, squash, feta, and pasta.

NY Strip
Maya W.

I was not expecting this little cafe to be so cute! The art everywhere is phenomenal and makes the dining experience even better. I ordered the steak with potatoes and asparagus. The service was great and the staff is very friendly.

Greek Salad
Courtney L.

I really enjoyed Ruth's! Came here with my parents for lunch while visiting Cincinnati. We really enjoyed the wide variety of vegan options, our server was very sweet and on top of her game as well! The interior of the restaurant was super funky and had a cool vibe. My dad and I ordered the Greek salad and the Ruben. We split both and really enjoyed each. I definitely would go with the Ruben over the Greek salad but the salad wasn't too bad either! My mom loved her salad as well! I am looking forward to trying this restaurant out for dinner in the near future now that I'm living in Cincinnati!

Roasted Beet Caprese
Geri R.

Ruth's is definitely off the beaten path and a little oasis in the midst of normally buzzing Northside. We dined on the patio and it was quiet and calming for a sunset dinner. The interior is bright and airy and I like the vintage vibe of the bar area. Service was too notch. The cocktails, appetizer (roasted beet caprese), and entrees (catfish and stir fry) were all on point with super fresh ingredients. Bonus that nearly everything on the menu can be vegetarian/vegan and they have many gluten-free options. That risotto corn cake...heavenly.

Bruce Y.

I really need to visit Ruth's more often, because I always leave happy (and full). I dropped in with a friend for lunch today, and again left happy, and with leftovers this time. We shared a wonderful appetizer of corn risotto cakes, with a nice red pepper coulda. They were great. My friend got the blackened catfish, which rested on another corn risotto cake (which was even better, because it had a little more sage in it), and a nice creamy sauce. I had chorizo with sautéed onions and mushrooms on brown rice, with a champagne dill dressing. Everything was wonderful, as always. I didn't catch our server's name, but she took excellent care of us.

More seating area.

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12 years ago

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12 years ago

Amazing service! Yummy food! GREAT ARTWORK! Could be a little hard to find, but it does have parking!

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10 years ago

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7 years ago

Food is awesome. I love that you can pick your protein on most all of their dishes. Excellent little place to go!!!!

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12 years ago

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Mary K.

Erin, thanks for taking the time to post!

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Mary K.

Diane, thanks for posting. We hope you will join us again!

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6 years ago

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Mary K.

We are glad you enjoyed your Airline Chicken!

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8 years ago

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9 years ago

Had a great lunch. Portions are huge. The atmosphere is relaxing and the service was wonderful. We will be making this a lunch habit.

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Fillo Modern Greek  - Lamb chops!

Fillo Modern Greek

4.6(114 reviews)
3.5 mi•Over-the-Rhine
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Everything at Fillo was SO GOOD! I'm sad we didn't learn until this place until now--it has…read moreapparently been open for years! Our server was very kind, and he explained that the chefs are the owners, and they are in the kitchen every single night. This is their passion project, focusing on super fresh ingredients, and you can absolutely tell. We started with the bread service, which was delicious. It was covered in seeds and spices, giving it an extra punch of flavor. We then moved on to the cheese saganaki and fried feta, which was my favorite bite of the night! For mains, we got both branzinos. The filet came on a bed of rice and spinach flavored with spices. The filet was perfectly crispy. The whole branzino was also delicious, but just watch out for bones! We were pleasantly stuffed so we didn't try dessert this time, but we'll be back soon!

The service at Fillo was great, and the atmosphere was pleasant, although the restaurant felt too…read morecold. I saw others holding their shoulders obviously cold as well. Also there were no paper towels in one of the restrooms. Unfortunately, the food wasn't to my taste. It may be that I LOVE Mediterranean food ( Armenian/Persian) but not Greek food. The olives were too salty for me and the feta-filled phyllo appetizer felt too heavy. The octopus was beautifully presented but not for me. The chicken was fine, though nothing special. I'm more accustomed to Armenian and Persian food, so personal preferences certainly played a part. Our server was attentive and enthusiastic. I would have appreciated being asked about our tastes before receiving recommendations based on what was popular. Overall, I appreciated the the service and setting, but dinner was disappointing to me personally.

Photos
Fillo Modern Greek  - Interior!

Interior!

Fillo Modern Greek  - Grilled Octopus!

Grilled Octopus!

Fillo Modern Greek  - Persephone, soda water

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Persephone, soda water

Abigail Street - Peach, tomato, mozzarella salad

Abigail Street

4.5(579 reviews)
3.8 mi•Over-the-Rhine
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First, I have not been to Abigail street in two years, because I now live in Maine. Every time I…read morereturn to Cincinnati I go to Abigail street, EVERY TIME. Heck, my wife was there in June and had the nerve to send me pictures of each course, but I digress. So why write this review now, well let me tell you. I just got back from a trip to Scotland and we went to what was supposedly the best Tapas place in Edinburgh, and it was not even close to Abigail street. So, rather than write a scathing review for that place, I figured I would come on and write this review instead. Food: 7/5 (I know, more than 100%). The reason, the food is beyond exceptional, but the pacing of the meal is great. We usually order 6-7 dishes (always finish with the ricotta and honey) and they will come out one or two at a time. You get to savor each dish, and then laugh and talk with your party about how good that course was and then BOOM, more amazing food arrives. Service: 5/5 - never had a bad thing at all. Watched them handle some very difficult circumstances with some very entitled people with such grace and professionalism. Also, they are so knowledgable, but more than that, they are not afraid to not know something. They work as a team. If one of the staff knows the wines better, they will answer wine questions. It is a rarity to find a staff at a restaurant that truly works as a team like that. Atmosphere: 5/5 - from the second you walk in, relaxed, calm, comfortable. The whole establishment welcomes you in, exuding confidence in the culinary adventure you are about to experience. Drinks: 5/5 - the cocktails may be a 6/5. The wines are delicious. Consistency: 5/5 - every time I go it is an incredible experience. Value: 5/5 - be ready to drop some money, but also know that that it will be so worth it.

My husband I were visiting Cincinnati on vacation and found this place based on online reviews. We…read moretypically like small plates, bar seating and a lively scene where we can interact with others. This place hit all the boxes. We were able to score bar seats without a reservation and had a nice time here. Parking - we ubered here, it looks like they had street parking but that might have been more tricky. We tried: Octopus - great, a tad salty Gambas - my husband enjoyed this Salmon - I especially liked the crunchy chickpeas Chenin Blanc Normandia White Blend Neon Lights (cocktail) - not my favorite Rosé - amazing, a great porch pounder. (Muga Rose, Spain)

Photos
Abigail Street - Tall ceiling makes the place very inviting

Tall ceiling makes the place very inviting

Abigail Street - Bouillabaisse, Gnocchi

Bouillabaisse, Gnocchi

Abigail Street - Wood grilled octopus - only 1 tentacle. The fried chick peas are really good. Overall it was too spicy to for me.

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Wood grilled octopus - only 1 tentacle. The fried chick peas are really good. Overall it was too spicy to for me.

Phoenician Taverna - Taverna Falafel

Phoenician Taverna

4.6(503 reviews)
16.5 mi
•$$

My best friend wanted to take me to Phoenician Taverna for the longest time. She raves about this…read moreplace and been coming here for years. Finally she made reservations for Saturday evening (it is recommended because they get super busy). We got there and was greeted by the owner. BTW, was very down to earth. So their menu looked good (Lebanese food). There is so much to choose from and hard to decide. I especially loved their drink menu, especially wines. We ended up ordering: Appetizers: Baba ghannouge M'hammara Taverna falafel Dinner: Shawarma chicken Kebab mixed grill Drinks: Chateau kefraya, Les Bretches Almaza Pilsner My favorite from the appetizers is the eggplant and falafel! Super fresh and the bread that came with it was so good. Even the dipping sauce was amazing. My Shawarma chicken was super delish. You have to put the garlic butter on the rice! It gives it great flavor. My Mr enjoyed his meal as well. We definitely had to get a to go box because there was so much food. But we will look forward the next day to eat it. Overall, the service was great and I loved the experience. We can see ourselves coming back for more! I can see why my best friend loves it here! Highly recommend you try it.

A couple very close friends of ours recommended we try this spot with them and we're definitely…read moreglad we did. The food was fantastic, the service was awesome, and the atmosphere was very laid back. We even met the owner who was immensely friendly and welcoming. We went for dinner on a Saturday evening. For weekends, reservations are strongly recommended because they get busy FAST. They're only open for dinner hours too. Their menu is pretty big with a plethora of options to choose from including lots of appetizers, flatbreads, shawarmas, kebabs, falafel, and lots of tasty desserts. Their libations menu was very nice too, with numerous options for beer, wine, and spirits. (Try the Almaza for a crisp and tasty Pilsner) all at great prices. Here's what we had: Appetizers: Baba ghannouge M'hammara Taverna falafel Dinner: Shawarma chicken Kebab mixed grill Drinks: Chateau kefraya, Les Bretches red wine blend Almaza Pilsner Hoegaarden Belgian wit bier They also give you unlimited fresh pita bread with a delicious dipping sauce. Everything was incredible and cooked to perfection. We'll definitely be coming back here again. Unfortunately, this time, we had no room for dessert, but maybe next time.

Photos
Phoenician Taverna - More seating and the ope kitchen.

More seating and the ope kitchen.

Phoenician Taverna - Kafta Djaj--chicken kafte, another home-run special

Kafta Djaj--chicken kafte, another home-run special

Phoenician Taverna - Open bar seating

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Open bar seating

Ruth's Parkside Cafe - newamerican - Updated October 2026

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