Where is the Best Lunch Spot in Cincinnati, Ohio?
Chef David Conner has recently changed the name to La Caravelle. He prepares everything from “scratch” including desserts. Nothing out of a can. Has a great wine list at reasonable prices. Chef Conner is always surprising his regulars with something different. He prepares many unusual varities of fish uncommon to most restaurants. La Caravelle is hidden behind the Green Hills Shopping Center and even the “locals” are unfamilar to it. I have recomended La Caravelle to many people as I try to support local non-franchised eateries. Of course these people have thanked me profusely the next day. Green Hills is probably the most unlikely location for a restaurant of this caliber in Greater Cincinnati.
I enjoyed my first visit to Carol’s, and was blown away by the quality of the Black Jack veggie burger. One of the best burgers I’ve ever had, with or without meat!I like to sit in a corner and read a book while I eat, so the dark atmosphere and somewhat loud music/conversation noise levels were a bit distracting. I should probably have requested an isolated table, since I was seated between two other close-by tables. On the other hand, it’s nice to see a place which actively encourages “sociability” and which has a very friendly feel. I’ll be back.Pros + Great veggie burger!, Friendly atmosphere, Friendly staffCons – Loud, Dark, Slow laidback service
O’Bryon’s suffers from the typical sports bar syndrome: lots of shouting at televisions and people tend to only interact with who they came with aside from “shared” editorials about whatever game is on T.V. However, its a nice bar, has a decent deck on the second floor, the service is excellent, and it is one of the few places in the city where you can get lunch with a beer on Sunday. More imporatntly, appetizers are half off between 4 and 7, Monday through Friday. This is important because O’Bryon’s hot garlic wings are some of the best in Cincinnati. Wings are one of the many vices that I take seriously, and I typically only order them from “professionals” (e.g. BW3, Wings and Rings, and Wild Mike’s), but O’Bryon’s are hot, un-breaded, meaty, fresh, and the garlic ones are covered in big flakes of garlic chips. Both food and beer are generally over-priced, but I highly recommend happy hour for a pitcher and wings.Pros + Happy HourCons – over-priced
I am a lifelong Cincinnatian and have patronized this restaurant for 20 years. Trio is one of the best casual dining experiences in town. Highly recommended for locals and visitors. Very conducive to comfortable, long conversations as the waiting crew is never pushy but rather courteos and polite. Truly, I don’t work work there. Trust me – go for it!
