Come for the history- stay for the burgers! Zip's has been around forever and it's very cool to look at the old photo printed on their menu and see how much character they were able to maintain. They are famous for their burgers and chili so if you stop in- at least one of those is a must. I have tried the turkey burger and though it is good, it doesn't compare to the real deal- you gotta get a Zip burger! On my most recent visit I ordered the chili and it is very well balanced with just enough spice. The onion rings are the best I have ever had- large and crispy without being greasy. Whatever batter they use to make them is perfect texture. The service is super friendly and you can't beat the price. Daniel and I had lunch here for $14. read more

Yummy but I wouldn't call it "the best burger of Cincy." Hubs and I each got a Zip Burger on Rye with various toppings and BBQ sauce. The burger itself was good but nothing to call home about. I wasted sooooo much bread because the burger to bread ratio was way off. As good as rye is, it's so wasteful with a small(er) patty. Another wasteful side was the amount of BBQ sauce we received. I am super thankful for a bigger portion of sauce to fully cover the burger but it's just obnoxious the huge side you get. I feel like a quarter of my meal was wasted (bread and sauce). The amount of fries in a "basket" was small, IMO. I would consider that amount to be in a regular side, not a basket. Now that I mention it, portion control is an obvious problem, atleast for us. However, I can't complain about the cheese sauce that came with our fries. It was delicious! My toddler devoured her hot dog and it was huge! Props to Zips for finding the biggest hot dog ever. I'm just finding a lack of consistency across the board. Our waitress was sort of friendly, atleast. read more

This is a fun local spot in Mount Lookout! You can walk to Zips Cafe your house if you live within a walking distance to mount lookout square. the fries are good and they have great burgers. read more

Honestly this place is a hidden gem. I had a girth burger, which is a met on a burger and it was very tasty. My friend had a double bacon cheese burger. It's a pretty small place right now but they were slammed with take out orders when we were there. The only thing I didn't like was the parking situation. It's mostly street parking with a small pay for lot about a block away! If you're looking for a simple burger joint/bar zips is it! read more

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

I have had Zip Burgers and I always recommend that anyone in the Mt. Lookout/Hyde Park area go to Zip's Cafe to have one but now I have new respect for this gastronomic establishment. Try the Train Wreck. I have discovered the most amazing combination of hamburger, meats, and condiments EVER put on a bun! My son says it was as big as my head so I added some pictures to prove it. Go sample the Zip Burger or go big and sample The Train Wreck! I highly recommend any and all of it! read more

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It's time to be honest people. Let's take off the rose colored glasses and be real for a minute. This place is objectively bad. Notice most of the reviews have a nostalgic glance - referencing how long it's been open or how they've been coming here "forever". That's the only thing this place has going for it - sentimental value. The burgers are bad. Delwood, another restaurant on the same street, has much better burgers and at a cheaper cost. And don't get me started on the fries. I can't think of a place with worse fries. Let's stop being sentimental about the good old days in the 80s and be transparent about the quality of food here. read more

I've been eating here for years. It's still the BEST Cincinnati burger :). And the chili Rocks too!!

Best burger in Cincinnati! Affordable and never busy. The food comes out extremely fast. Couldn't recommend the onion rings enough.

I was surprised by how many families with kids were at lunch here on Saturday. That is an awesome indication of catering to the masses. We brought my son's gf who is from various other cities to have the iconic Zips burger. We also had onion rings. The place hasn't changed since I have been coming when I first moved here in 1990. The train still runs above our heads around the place. Just expect to share a table with others if you want to be seated. read more

Zip's burgers were really good and I loved the chili with sour cream, cheese and onion. The service was really good and it was worth the trip. I guess the place was legendary and been there forever. It was a little dark and dingy. The family had zip burgers with cheese and cheese fries which they enjoyed. I don't think i will make it a regular stop but it was still good read more

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This is a pretty casual spot. And quite popular on a Saturday night around 6p. Thank goodness my friends got there early and got a table! I opted for the Trainwreck Burger which comes topped with ham and a mett. And this makes this sandwich pile pretty high. This burger had a thin patty and was the perfect simple bar grub. I'd totally go back for it. My dad and I also shared an order of chili fries. The chili's leading flavor was the tomato. And the cheese sauce tasted like an American cheese. The Fries themselves were nothing special. I'm not sure if I'd get them again. The service was good and food came out pretty fast. Thumbs up! read more

Zip's Cafe - Trainwreck Burger - beef patty, ham, met, tomato, Lettuce, mustard Ketchup, pickles, Swiss, cheddar and jack. Plus bacon. - Pubs Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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My burger spirit animal. Home style burger with good chili and fries. Only downside is the place is tiny

I walked in and thought I was in a child care center. Children under the age of 5 were everywhere. Many of them were screaming and crying. I'll never come back. There's a sign on the wall that states "mind your children or they'll be given an espresso.." What they need is a valium. 2 stars instead of one because the burger was ok. Like the beer, the fries were cold. Wait staff is very busy so they don't come around in a timely manner. And the kichen is slow like a snail. The wait for lunch was long, about 30 minutes. Beer is over priced at $6 per can of local rhinegeist. Goodbye zips...forever. read more

I had always heard about this place and their burgers. I gave it a try and it was pretty good but nothing that blew me away. The service was fine but the environment was overall very dark and cramped. read more

Probably the most consistent restaurant I have been to my whole life. It tastes the same as it has the first time I ever went. And, by the way, the menu hasn't changed since I've been going for 20 years. I took my husband here when we first started dating and anytime he wants a burger this is where we like to go. That being said, it is a very small place. If you want to try this place for the first time DO NOT go over your Christmas holiday break. There are way too many people that moved away and want to eat here while they are in town. You won't get it at typical lunch or dinner times. Not only is the restaurant small but it was built at a jaunty angle so it doesn't fit as many tables as you would think. Kids like it because there is a train that circles the restaurant the whole time and randomly blows a whistle (but not in an obnoxious way). I recommend ordering a zip with cheese and everything on it but the burger is delcious enough to eat "pure". Also, order the onion rings. They always have local beers on tap with about 5-10 to choose from, remember, they're small. Today, the first time since we've been going, we got dessert. Vanilla bean cheesecake. It was amazing. I'm looking forward to this place never changing. read more

Zip's Cafe - Zip burger with cheese and everything on it, plus fries. - Pubs Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Overpriced! Burger was good, onion rings were not. Had to try it but likely will never return. Same price for our meal at Texas road house today. read more

Stopped this afternoon for burgers, fries , onion rings and chili. All of the food was hot and fantastic. The service was even better. One young lady waiting on all of the tables with help of a busser and a hostess. We were probably at least the third table that had been sat. It was great seeing her work the room after being tripled. When we were paying out I had to compliment her on her service. I was amazed that she had recently started in the position. As many restaurants are struggling with filling positions, Zips has figured it out. Please be kind to your servers. Many are amazing like this young lady read more

This is my fiance's favorite burger place and I can see why. Whenever he gets back to the Cincy area he loves to go here. Burgers are delicious. It is a bit dark inside but the decor hasn't changed in a while and it really has that old saloon kind of feel. The staff was friendly and patient as we took our time deciding what beer we actually wanted. They are located in a great little area so you can easily walk it off if you get too full. read more

A little diver burger bar with very tasty burgers. My wife and I love burgers from Zip's and I recommend giving them a try.

Zip's was always a favorite of mine and we'd visit when we were back in Cincinnati; now that we've moved here, it is our local, family place. We can literally walk to Zip's and if my kids had their way we'd be there every week. Zip's may be dark and a bit divey, but it is super child friendly. There are multiple highchairs, coloring in sheets and crayons. There is also a model train that drives around the ceiling which my 2 year old LOVES---go there when it's quiet and they'll toot the horn. The menu is simple and this is a case where simple is best. Burgers are there thing--you can get hot dogs or salads (not to mention a cup of their famous chili) but you come to Zip's for the burgers. I go for Zip burger with cheese to keep it classic, but my husband is a big fan of the Girth burger that's topped with a split grilled Mettwurst. If I'm feeling super hungry I get the cheese fries---fries topped with that famous chili and slices of American cheese. Is it fancy? No. Is it delicious? Yes. It can get pretty busy and it is first come first serve, but tables turn over fairly quickly. When all the magazines do their best burger features, all the fancy chefs choose Zips and with good reason. We are so lucky to have it in our neighborhood! read more

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Always a good burger at Zip's. It is worth the effort and wait. I usually opt for the double and skip the fries, but to each his own. I have tried the porkopolis burger in the past, and it is good as well. Have not tried the bratwurst topped burger, but my friends swear it is a great combo. read more

Super nice servers and delicious food I would highly recommend it to any one my to ten favorite restaurants

I rarely write reviews for restaurants good or bad, so it's saying something that I took the time to write one. Went for a late lunch. Got a simple cheeseburger ($5.25), fries (2.25), and a small cup of chili. Left with a $15 dollar check. Do the math, that was $6.50 they charged for a cup of chili where they have a bowl listed for $4.25. They wouldn't give me a breakdown on check. When I asked for one the guy went back loud as day clearly badmouthing me to another employee for all to hear. To top it all off, I had been waiting 15 minutes for my check and this is after the rush, so no it wasn't busy. After I received the check I had to ask again after 5 minutes to run my card. Ended up making me late to work. Needless to say I'll never be back to pay for over priced over hyped food (I think Wendy's is just about as good) and piss poor service. Thanks alot read more

Went to zips today for lunch with my boyfriend! Friendly environment and was super busy. I'm typically patient and have worked in customer service so I understood that it took a little bit for them to get to us. However, our waitress was super sweet and gave good service after initially greeting us. The zip burger is my favorite and so delicious. I also got the onion rings which were great too. The only thing I noticed was how dark it was inside. I don't know if this is intentional or the vibe they are trying to give. I do like it's charm though on the inside with how they decorate. It feels "old school" but you always know you'll walk out having a great meal. Will always come back to Zips! read more

I'm a little sad to say this, but I think Zip's has gone down hill in the last year since I first wrote my review. I still love the the train of course and the nostalgia, but the food and service are not that great. My husband and I ordered dinner here last Friday...We got the chicken strips ($5.75), the chili cheese fries ($4), and the Flying Pig with cheese ($11.50, Zip burger with ham and bacon). 30 minutes later (long enough that I was starting to get hangry), we got our food. The chicken strips were previously frozen, could've made them at home. The chili cheese fries were too tomatoey, and they needed salt and pepper. And the Flying Pig was swimming in grease...Grease dripping everywhere. It was so unappetizing, we only ate half, even though we spent over $10 for a cheeseburger. I think I'll be going elsewhere for cheeseburgers from now on. read more

The third best burger in Cincinnati. Gaslight is #1, Quatman is #2, then this place. Seating is tight but cozy. You'll enjoy it.

Ah-mazing burgers and laid back atmosphere. Might just become a regular spot for me! I went here with friends last night. We went on the recommendation of a frequent Zip-er. We all ordered different burgers: two Train Wrecks (one with turkey instead of beef), one regular Zip burger with bacon, and one chicken fingers and a hot dog. Everyone loved their meals. One even got seconds to take home! I got the regular Zip burger. I'll admit that I was a little nervous about not taking an order oh the cooking temperature: I go medium rare for beef products (emphasis on the rare). I was pleasantly surprised that I loved the taste all the same! The bacon was crispy, the bun didn't get soggy, and the meat was really good. I also had a bite of some of the shaved ham from a Train Wreck--seriously melts in your mouth! Also a good selection on beers for a variety of tastes. The beer and burgers go well with a side of their crispy onion rings too! Since we went at night, we got to see the train that goes around the room near the ceiling all lit up. Very nice! The AC was set to tundra though. Even with it turning off and on, I was freezing most of the time. Next time: going for the wreck! read more

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I've been multiple times over the years. The food is fine for typical bar fare. Nothing over the top or fancy. The service was always decent, I just never got the hype. read more

Zip's is both overrated and underrated. The burgers at Zip's are plainly overrated. The notion that this is the "best burger" in the world or even in the city of Cincinnati is not to be taken seriously. (In fact, it's not even the best burger on Mt. Lookout Square.) The reality is that Zip's burgers are rather average: The meat is somewhat flavorless and tough compared to top-notch burger joints, the buns are plain and white, and the toppings are pretty shabby. Pretty forgettable, when you get down to it, but enjoyable enough while you're scarfing one down. The atmosphere and tradition at Zip's is underrated. It's what makes the place special and worth returning to repeatedly. It's comfortable like an old pair of shoes. Dark, inviting, and timeless, and versatile enough both for families during the day and for knocking back a few later in the day or evening. Every city should have a classic neighborhood joint like this, but all too few actually do. Food: three stars. The burgers are decent enough, and the menu has some other quality bar fare, like a much-better-than-average black-bean burger. Atmosphere: five stars. Average it out.... (I sound like I'm parroting out-of-towner Bryan G. below, but he's on the money....) read more

Zips is consistently rated the top burger in Cincinnati, and while there are better burgers in town (Oakley Pub, Arthur's, the Kobe Burger at Teller's) - none of the other joints have the history and ambiance to match. Situated just off Mt Lookout Square, Zips has been dishing out burgers made from fresh meat delivered daily from Mairose Prime Meats for over 75 years. Sit in the main dining room and enjoy a girth burger (a burger with a split mettwurst on top) while the model train passes overhead or sneak back to the Code Room for a beer, a nice escape from the frat bars on the square. If you were going to take an out-of-town visitor to the "must visit" Cincinnati institutions, Zips would certainly make the cut. One note, one of the reasons that Zips hamburgers may be viewed as overrated by some is that they do not ask you how you would like your burger cooked - all burgers are cooked medium-well. read more

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

This is a cozy cafe with really good basic burgers, fries, and onion rings. They also have hot dogs and sausages. It was such a good burger, sometimes that is all you want. I see why they are so packed regularly.Try them out! read more

If you want a fresh juicy cheeseburger go to Zips! It's worth the $. My husband got a double cheeseburger with fries and I got a single with onion rings! Great little place. read more

Zip's Cafe - Cheeseburger and onion rings - Pubs Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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This is the best burger Cincinnati has to offer? Well then I feel sorry for them. My son and I got the Zip Burger and when they brought it out on a tiny plate it was as small as a regular McDonalds Cheeseburger only that it cost me $5.25 with no sides! My husband got the trainwreck for $11 which was the same tiny burger only with ham and mett on it! We got an order of fries, which were plain shoestring and onion rings which were beer battered and probably the best thing we had but still not good. Their homemade BBQ sauce is A1 Steaksauce and their $8 cesar salad also a rip! We paid $40 for 3 tiny burgers, 2 sides and a small salad and left hungry, what a dissapointment! read more

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

Nothing better! Food, service, atmosphere. It's the way a neighborhood place ought to be! Don't change!

Zip's used to be one of my favorite places for burgers and the key is eating at the lone table in the bar. Also, having a burger that isn't falling apart with onion rings that aren't over-cooked works to Zip's advantage. Having been quite a few times lately, the consistency it once had is missing even if we get table in the bar, the food has been lacking in quality. But we've always had good service. It is small and often crowded, but it does have a few booths so you can try to hold out and get one those rather than be at the long center tables, which is like eating in a cafeteria. If you go, get a good seat and it seems to meet the hype, you hit the jackpot! read more

Walked in and was transported into the 50's. The front door opened into a walkway with a set of swinging doors. Pretty unique and cool atmosphere, with a model train running over head. The menu is small classic American diner; burgers, sandwiches, salad and sides. We had heard so many great things about this place, but came away a bit underwhelmed. The burgers are good but nothing spectacular. They were well cooked but just a tad under seasoned. We shared some fries and onion rings. Again nothing spectacular with the fries a little limped, lacking the crunch of great fries. Ordered the famous Zips chili, thinking it was gonna be a homemade version of Cincinnati chili. Not so. Another review mentioned Wendy's classic burger and chili being a better alternative. I'd disagree in regards to the burger but would agree that Wendy's chili is a better option. The staff was very good, especially with the families that had small kids. The service was very fast and attentive. If you want a good enough burger, friendly and welcoming staff, go to Zips. If you want a great burger, it's not here. If you want chili, go to Gold Star, if you want great chili, go to Krolls on the east side. read more

Did anyone say burger with a side of awesomeness??? That's certainly what you get at Zips! Is a very nice, cozy location that attracts locals and outsiders alike. There burgers are juice and tender and have that mom homemade taste. The servers are a joy, and really listen to your request. Ask for the grilled onions( extremely grilled) best decision in my entire burger life, they where caramelize to perfection! read more

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

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I would say the burgers are a 5 Star! I love the zip burger it was really good. The fry's could be way better tho they are to plain, you could buy frozen fry's from the store and they would be better fry's. But the service is awesome and I love the vibe of the restaurant read more

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

By far my FAVORITE burger place in Cincinnati. It's simple food and good beer and GREAT people. I LOVE the train that goes around the upper part of the wall. I always try to sit in the back where the bar is. Even though i have lived in Cincinnati the majority of my life, i really only got to know this place when i got married and he introduced me. read more

I am a zip's fan, but not a fanboy. I can see why some people don't get all hot and bothered, but I dont get offended when someone says they don't like it. Burgerquest continues. Zip Burger Cooking Style/Temp: all burgers prepared medium-well, griddled Additions/Subtractions: with cheese Burger: 4 about 6oz, hand formed and cooked to a juicy medium well, great beefy flavor and texture. its just the right size that you feel satisfied after eating but not overstuffed. Bun: 3 egg buns that you can buy at the grocery store, so they're noting special, but they're the perfect size and complement for a zip burger Toppings: 3 fresh toppings, perfectly sliced tomato, chopped lettuce. some burgers you need to disassemble the onions or reduce the lettuce, everything here is perfectly proportioned, notice on the plate, theres no extra greenery. Accoutrements: 4 simple menu. amazing onion rings. the fries are so-so shoestrings. i always wish they had krinkle cut fries. great beers on tap. Atmosphere: 4 this place is almost always crowded, its a super small and unique space, you're lucky if you get one of the few booths. there is a back room with a bar and one or 2 tables. a great place to get lunch on a saturday in the wintertime. just a laid-back neighborhood joint, except everyone in town goes there. Overall: 3.6 a lot of people's favorite for best burger in town and it's hard to argue. there's nothing fancy or over the top about zip's. it's just the best "homemade" burger you've ever eaten and always consistently delicious. never overcooked, perfectly proportioned and for what you get in quality, reasonably priced. this is the everyman burger at it's finest. read more

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

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