Zip's Cafe has that old-timey saloon feeling inside--you almost feel like you rode up on a horse tethered outside waiting for you. I love the tavern-style door leading into the bar area. I ordered a burger and their famous chili to-go. Adam was the bartender and immediately greeted me, insisted on finding me a seat while he got my order together, and was pleasant and helpful all-around. The burger was perfectly cooked and tasted very fresh. The chili has a unique combo of spices and is especially lovely on a cooler day. Looking forward to dining inside next visit! read more

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I have been wanting to try this place for a long time I hate that I waited so long Their zip burger is top notch and I got it on toasted rye bread The onion rings are some of the best I have eaten crispy not greasy Tasted the chili has a little kick to it The decor is fun with a toy train going around Our server was great nice friendly and order arrived quickly read more

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First time in Zip's and it was a Saturday and there were no tables to be had when we walked in. It was after a Reds game and although about 15 minutes away I still saw fans in the seats. We came in from the Reds game ourselves. The service was quick which was a great thing. This is more like a 3.5 star review. Parking as always in the Mt Lookout neighborhood is hard to get. We ended up parking a block away and it was parallel parking on the street. The place was packed full of customers making it pretty hard to hear each other talk. We originally sat at a high-top table but moved to a booth when one opened up. I ordered a Bourbon Lemonade cocktail but would not order it again, it was ok but really not boozy and did not have a lot of flavor. About the food, I ordered the Zip's Burger as it comes and also a dinner salad to go with it. My husband ordered the Double Zip's Burger and fries and my friend ordered the Zip's Burger and Onion Rings. The salad although large was just mostly iceburg lettuce and a few croutons and two slices of tomato, nothing special. I will say their house-made balsamic dressing was good though. I had one of my friend's onion rings and also my husband's fries. The onion rings were not crunchy and I was not a fan. The fries were ok but I would pass on those as well. The standout for all of us was the burger. I would definitely rate their burgers 4.5 stars. Perfect medium cook and juicy and if you like your burgers on the thicker side then you will like these. I am typically a smash burger girl but I gave the thicker burger a go and it was really good. This place is continually mentioned in Cincinnati foodie groups as one of the top spots to get a burger in Cincinnati and I will have to agree. Next time I may try a soup as my side as on this day it was a tomato bisque. This spot is definitely worth trying and we may hit it up again after another Great American Ballpark outing. read more

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Took a long weekend and decided to visit Cincinnati, stop by this 100 year old burger joint and man I was not disappointed. The service was great and the no frills atmosphere was perfect. No trendy trying to keep up with the latest craze just great food done right . read more

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Such a fun little restaurant with yummy burgers They have a limited menu with burgers, sandwiches and sides. It is small inside so get there early. read more

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Atmosphere is very quaint and love the history of this place. There is limited seating. Food was fine and we had their zip burger which is what they are know for. There is street parking only which can be tough. read more

The atmosphere was nice. I was very excited to try it as a lot of folks had hyped up the burger. The food was disappointing. It was pretty average and mine was a little over done. read more

Zip's Cafe is an Iconic Cincinnati Classic and there is nothing that compares around! Their burgers are fresh with fresh ground meat and perfectly prepared and the chili is in my opinion, the best chili in Southwestern Ohio! Thus is a must go to stop if you have not been and I guarantee, it won't be your last stop. I would go into details inthus review but this time, I'm going to just tell you, you have to come experience it yourself. The place is small so if you have to wait, it's well worth it. Tables turn pretty quickly. Just be patient! You can't rush perfection! Don't think about it, just GO! read more

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Burgers are as good as advertised. The decor is very typical of 100 years ago. Service was excellent. read more

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This place is awesome inside. I love it. It's fun to bring family. The food is fresh and you get good portions. This is always fun to go with the boys. read more

Zip's Cafe - Pubs Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I grew up going to school with so many Ursula girls that talked about Zips. Today at 58, I visited for the first time. My son has been here before me. Old school joint doing a good burger. Quality meat in the burger, made at a local butcher. I do like a thicker crinkle cut fry, these are thinner but it was cool.Server was super friendly. I will be back. read more

Zip's Cafe - Twice bitten burger. - Pubs Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Have heard so much about this place, so we gave it a try for lunch today. I had a salad, a bowl of white chicken chili and a Zipburger fully dressed with fries. Everything was pretty good. The burger probably could have been a lot better with a premium bun. It was OK, but I personally think it's a little overrated. I would like to visit here again and get the regular chili, which I heard is really good. Service by Krislynn was friendly and attentive. Zip's is a Cincinnati institution that is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Don't miss it. read more

I loved going here! The food was good, i got fried chicken, and it was so nice to see the servers knowing the guests names and the place is definitely full of locals! It has a very cute aesthetic and I will be back. read more

Nothing new to add. Just grabbed a burger at Zips on a Sunday afternoon and it was awesome as always. Love it! read more

Zip's Cafe - The vintage photo over the bar. - Pubs Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Do not miss this place if your local or a long way off like us. It's 100+ years old. They have a pic of the OG place. Amazing. Amazing food and amazing people. read more

Zip's Cafe - The original menu. Get those prices - Pubs Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Well this place has been in the neighborhood forever. I don't know how many owners it's had but you can tell it's a staple because it is completely full during lunch and dinner on most days of the week. Just moved to the neighborhood a few months ago and even though I feel the menu here is pretty limited, it's just always busy. And good for them! Ambience is very classic and lots of wood. Service seems to be good for the past few times I've been here. I had the zips burger which I thought was pretty good and my friend had the train wreck which he really liked. Everything else is sort of extra and there's not much else on the menu besides burgers and fries. But if that's what you want, it's going to be here! Maya was our server and she did a great job of taking care of us. read more

Zip's Cafe - Menu as of 6/24 - Pubs Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

We had a great lunch at Zip's today. It's small but there was plenty of seating and the historic building is super cool. Our kids loved watching the train go around the top of the restaurant. The burgers were excellent. The mac and cheese is classic diner style and our toddler devoured it. The onion rings were giant and some of the best I've ever had. The chicken tenders were great. The fries weren't the best I've had but they were fine. Overall, I can't believe this was my first trip and I'll definitely go back. The staff was incredibly nice and quick with refills, etc. This is a must visit in Cincinnati. read more

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This was my first time at Zip's, a longtime Cincy staple in Mt. Lookout. My friend and I arrived around 6 PM and had plenty of options for seating ourselves. Our waitress was friendly and attentive, and we made our selections. I had heard good things about the burgers and was not disappointed! I opted for the classic Zip Burger (with cheese of course!) and a side of onion rings. Food came out fairly quickly and the burger was nice and juicy! The onion rings were also well breaded and had a nice crunch. My only cons were that we were seated in the front half of the restaurant and it was pretty cold inside, so keep that in mind when choosing your seats. Also, it was pretty dark due to lack of overhead lighting and while the lamps at each table gave the restaurant a subtle glow, the lack of lighting could be difficult for some to read the menu or navigate through tables. read more

Zip's Cafe - Inside of the menu - Pubs Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Zip's is just one of those spots that always hits. It's chill, the vibe is cozy, and the food is solid every time. I got the classic Zip burger and it was juicy, messy, and perfect. The fries are crispy the way I like them too. What surprised me most was the drink menu. They actually have some pretty fancy cocktails. I had one with bourbon and smoked cherry--it looked cool and tasted even better. Felt kinda fancy without being too much, you know? Service was friendly and quick. It's just a good place to hang, eat something great, and sip a good drink. I'll definitely be back. read more

Pretty dang tasty burger, exceptional thin crispy French fries and excellent onion rings (hubby says, "the cat's meow"). We had Zips in mind to visit for a while since we moved to Cincinnati. Tried to go on a Sunday too close to lunch time; there was a long line and we were short on time. Came back on a Friday, post-prime time: no line, immediate seating. Very cozy, casual place with a basic burger and sandwich menu. Excellent service by our server - she was very personable as well as efficient. Food cooked perfectly and served hot. Loved it! We sat in front at a booth near the windows. We did not peep at it but looks like there is a bar in back behind swing doors. Street parking and a small paid lot available but plan on some time to hunt. read more

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Zip's is a great little bar & grill-type place on the edge of a quirky, fun neighborhood. Their burgers are super good! It's a small place, so it does get crowded at times. The food is worth the wait, though! read more

Food was really great. Service was terrible. Literally waited 15 mins for 2 diet cokes and another 20 for our check. It wasn't even busy, our sever just clearly lacked environmental awareness and hospitality. read more

One of my favorite burgers in town. I was disappointed in the error in my to go order, however.

I usually start with what I like the most, definitely the chili! I suggest getting all the fixings, sour cream, onions, and shredded cheese on the side, so you can add it in if you want. But start with just the chili and see if it even needs anything added to the deliciousness. I also got the Saratoga chips. This is always one of my favorites to order at a restaurant if I see it on the menu. The barbecue sauce was delicious, but not sure if it's housemade or not. I thought it might be Open Pit, since I really like that brand anyway. For out of towners, it is a small, tiny place that can get very packed very quickly because it is famous for its burgers. If you have some anxiety about that, come during non-busy/mealtime hours. Otherwise, if you can consider it a party, come during a lunch or dinner time and join the fun. The kitchen gets your meal out hot still because the staff are veterans who work together, get you out pretty quickly, and make you feel like home even though they are slammed. Over the years, I've been here 5-6 times and all friends' feedback agrees, the food is really delicious and worth it! read more

Great burgs and onion rings! The burgers here are sooo juicy! The ambiance is kinda like a dive bar or old pub but the service is great! Friendly staff and great times all around. read more

Used to be a great place to eat, until greed outpaced value and quality. Only place in America where a $10+ burger does not come with fries.

A true Cincinnati classic and the food is good I will say it's almost impossible to get a good parking spot outside and it is really small inside but if you go on a weekend at like 4 or something you will find a seat and we had amazing service I truly recommend read more

Zip's Cafe - Hot dog and French Fries - Pubs Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Been hearing about the famous Zips burger, and finally got one today for lunch. It reminded me of a home grilled burger...and since I no longer have a grill (forbidden in tall buildings) I really, really enjoyed it. Reminded me of a long gone era of small neighborhood taverns, mostly gone by the way side in this age of fast food burger joints. Those burger joints can't hold a candle to Zips. Understand it gets really busy at lunchtime, but we hit it early enough there was no problem getting a booth. Oh... did the mention the fries? They were heavenly. If you're in or near Mount Lookout, check this place out. You'll be glad you did. And I'm not even a burger lover, but when the yearning does arrive, I will return here. read more

The location is supremely cool and worth a visit if you want that kind of atmosphere. However, I've been a little let down by the turkey and black bean burger from my recent to-go orders. Maybe the quality/taste is lost when it's packaged to go, but I'd rather go with another spot for those times when I'm craving a burger. read more

A quirky place with a long history.... THISCLOSE to 100 years! My friends and I recently visited based on recommendations, of which there are many. So, I'm adding mine. Location - perfect. Mt. Lookout. Parking lot nearby. Easy to get to, in and out of, all that. Inside, there are multiple slices of history, a train running around the ceiling, a separate bar behind the dining area, and the best burgers we've found. (One of my pals is a burger connisseur. ) The fries were ok, but when going there you go for the burgers, onion rings, and chili. :) Despite the number of peeps in the dining room (it was noon'ish), the food came out within a reasonable amount of time hot and ready for consumption. Served by a crew of happy employees. It's a small place in a neighborhood of small places. it's locally owned, and the prices were pretty decent. Not something you can find anymore (so it seems anyway) at chain restaurants and drive thru places. Zip's -be back soon! read more

Zip's Cafe is such a cozy spot. It's pretty small, but the tight space is part of the great atmosphere in my opinion. Absolutely loved the train going around the trim (not sure if it's just for Christmas, but it made my day). I really enjoyed the Zip Burger! Highly recommend you try it with the zip sauce (on the side, so you can dip your sides in it as well). I had the onion rings which were great but pretty heavy, so I wasn't able to eat much. The fries looked amazing--I will definitely be ordering them next time. The service was quite slow, but we were there during a Christmas lunch rush. Not enough to keep me from returning again! Looking forward to trying the rest of the menu. read more

Zip's Cafe - Onion Rings - Pubs Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Obviously, everybody knows Zips has amazing food! It almost seems silly to do a review for them because they've got to have five stars by the thousands!! Over the last decade, I don't think we've ever had a bad meal there. read more

8/23/2024. Today was my first visit to Zips. While I had no expectations I can say that the service was great and the server was knowledgeable about the food menu as well as the beer options. Everyone in our group ordered the basic Zips cheeseburger. The food was perfectly prepared and presented promptly. The ambiance was noisy and active. The restrooms were clean and stocked. Most important was being able to experience an old Cincinnati landmark that has managed to remain in business in a time when many Mom and Pop food establishments are suffering. Well worth a visit! read more

I've been going here since I was a kid. Dating myself that's been 40 years. The restaurant has not changed much in those 40 years I've been gracing the place. The Zip burger and/or chili, chili cheese fries have remained the same. The service is usually the same in any place like this. Also the toy train that rides around the restaurant is a good thing for any child. I recommend this place any day of the week. read more

The food here is always amazing and I love the atmosphere. If I were to define a hole in the wall with a picture it would be a picture of the front door. Service is always top notch. Food is always great. Get here early! It's good and it is small so there will be a wait. read more

Zip's Cafe - The Train Wreck. - Pubs Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

My sister-in-law and I went to zips café today, and I had a double cheeseburger and my sister-in-law had a single burger. The food was.good. I also had a cup of chili and my sister-in-law had an order of the coleslaw. The service was good and the atmosphere was neat. They have a train that goes around all close to the ceiling which I thought was neat. read more

Cincinnati is filled with tons of burger places. Yes there are places that are better than this place that serve more gourmet or more unique style burgers, but Zip's is the perfect place if you just want a backyard style burger. Their burgers are simple and taste like any decent burger would taste. Zip's is causal and as expected their food also follows a similar trend. Their prices are reasonable compared to other restaurants that charge $11+ dollars for a regular single cheeseburger. I recently ordered my double Zip's burger and had no complaints. The patty's were cooked nicely, juicy and well seasoned. I was able to order all of the basic toppings I enjoy such as pickles, lettuce and tomatoes with no extra charge. The fries needed salt, but I liked how fresh they were. They were piping hot, crispy on the outside and super thin. Overall I'd eat here again when I'm in the mood for a no frills basic cheeseburger and fries. I admit I wasn't expecting two thick patties, so I definitely will be ordering the regular Zip burger next time that comes with only 1 patty. But if you're really hungry I highly recommend getting a double cheeseburger and giving Zip's a try. read more

Zip's Cafe - Double Zip Burger - Pubs Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Just good food served right way! Burgers are great but is the fish sandwich. Good service too.

Everything is always great! Delicious each time! Food is consistent as is the service

A good burger but there is just something missing. The service was good but the building is a bit dark and old feeling. I'd come back but my fav burger place is just down the street, so.... read more