Pleasant Ridge Chili Restaurant — Restaurant in Cincinnati

Not very busy at the time we went and the server only came to our table 3 times, 2 of them being taking our order and receiving our food. I was out of coffee and water for about 15 minutes before I was asked if I wanted more. After politely saying I did, they said okay but didn't bring any. Had to ask again then they finally brought some but didn't bring any cream. I asked for some and didn't get it until 10 mines later. By then, the coffee was room temperature. As for the chili - it wasn't bad, just tasted like Skyline out of a can. The omlette was good, however (I'd put it right under Waffle House). Long story short if you like canned skyline more than the restraunt, you don't drink water (or anything for that matter), like black/lukewarm coffee, or don't have a credit/debit card, this will be a good option for you.

After leaving a generous tip on a $100+ bill we left to swing through the record store less then a block away. Once we were 50 feet away a dishwasher came outside yelling at us that we couldn't stay parked in their parking lot threatening to have us towed. Keep in mind, we didn't talk to this guy at all before and we're nothing but kind to our waitress despite the crappy service we received. This was right after the lunch rush, I really don't think 20 cars were about to all come in at once and the 1 parking spot we were in for 10 extra minutes would have made any difference. Totally unprofessional, not how you run a business. We are fairly young, I know they like their regulars that are 60+ years old, but in 20 years when they have no customers I hope it doesn't come as a shock to them.

If you're looking for a greasy spoon place that knows how to do it right I'd recommend Mom's Restraunt in...

I was driving thru town on my way home to NY after a long cross-country trip. This was my third time driving thru Cincinnati — the first two times I completely forgot to stop and try the city’s famous dish, Chili 5-ways. There was no way I was going to make that mistake again. So after a quick Google search, and reading a couple Yelp reviews, I decided to take a chance on Pleasant Ridge Chili. And oh boy, did I select the perfect place for a memorable, authentic experience! I sat at the breakfast bar and immediately was greeted by an extremely friendly waitress. I told her I was driving through to NY and how much I’ve been wanting to try Chili 5-ways for years but kept forgetting to stop. She not only guided me on what to get, but also suggested to get the fries w gravy too. So I did! While waiting, I began chatting w a nice female customer from Cincinnati and explained to her how much I’ve been waiting to try their city’s famous dish! After a very nice conversation, she left, and it wasn’t until I was ready to pay my bill that I realized she paid for my tab without me even knowing it! I was floored. What hospitality and kindness! It was a moment I will never forget and a gesture that I promise to pay forward to someone else. As for the food, it didn’t disappoint! Everything I hoped it would be and more! You would be doing yourself a disservice if you are driving thru and don’t stop here for the authentic Cincy diner and chili experience! Just an overall great place w the friendliest of people! You can bet I’ll stop back again if I ever find myself...

First off, I’ve been coming here for 16+ years. It appears they’ve had some serious staff changes in the past few years. Still great food, but service has declined. Still worth the taste, but most unfortunate.

Food: 5/5, GRAVY CHEESE FRIES. Their burgers, coneys and x-ways are great as well. Pre and post Covid. All good. Too bad the new cooks, post Covid, don’t know how to make the old secret menu item “Magic Mountain” without having it explained and it’s not correct or the same anymore unfortunately. This was our groups staple.

Service: 3/5, This place was always the spot after the bar or a concert. Now they are only open until 11, they never seem to pick up their phone in the evenings and we’ve not been able to place a to go order in forever as such after 8 pm. If they even do that anymore. Slower than they used to be for time to order vs food to table. Not sure if this is new from post Covid cooking rules or just less experienced cooks.

Atmosphere: 5/5, it’s def that old time diner feel with lots of Cincinnati history. The photos and articles on the walls are so interesting and the old school juke box is great.

NOTE: Very narrow with limited seating and only accept cash....