Zip's Cafe — Restaurant in Cincinnati

I discovered Zip's back in the 1970’s. Many times I would pick up a carry-out on the way home from work. Their menu is basic pub-style food including burgers, fries, onion rings, chili, mett's, and fish sandwich. The décor hasn't improved much over the past several decades, except for the narrow entrance wind break added many years ago to prevent cold winter air blowing on those seated by the front door. The perimeter lighting is located inside an old house gutter attached to the walls. The walls are adorned with vintage lacrosse sticks and the like and haven’t changed since my first Zips Burger. The restaurant is dark and likely for reasons I'm afraid to ask.

PRO’S • Reservations are not accepted, so you can walk in anytime. • Their pub food is good, but not spectacular. • Their pub food is reasonably priced compared to similar pubs. • The staff are always friendly. • Walk-in traffic is convenient. • The overhead train is fun for youngsters (and many adults).

CON’S • Reservations are not accepted, so you may have to wait 10-20 minutes during busy times. However, reservations would not work in this type of restaurant. • There are limited tables and booths. Most folks want a booth as it’s more private than sitting at a long table with strangers. • People waiting for a table or booth will sometimes hover over guests while they’re finishing their meal. • Seating is uncomfortable with hard wood chairs, stools, and booth seating. The stools take up less space but feel like sitting on a rock. • Given the acoustics, it’s very difficult to hear each other talk when Zip’s is filled up and a line waiting to be seated. • During busy periods, you may need to flag your server a few times to order food and/or pay your tab. • Parking is difficult out front since traffic heading north on Delta may take your driver’s side door off coming around Mt. Lookout Square at 35mph. • Restrooms are small due to limited space.

SUGGESTIONS FOR ZIP'S • Add noise abatement materials in the bar and main dining areas. • Upgrade décor. Replace “wood paneling” on walls. Replace low lighting inside roof gutter with anything else. • Look into more comfortable seating materials such as marine vinyl covered cushions that can easily be cleaned and handle wear. • Consider adding caramelized onions to the menu. It’s a low-cost, fast-preparation accoutrement that would further enhance the flavor of their...

We tried #ZipsCafe because of the July 27, 2021 "Zip's Cafe ranked best burger in Ohio by Food & Wine" article online. While the review brought me in, the burgers are what will bring me back! Henry, the owner, served us, taking our To-Go order. His warm, inviting banter, especially upon finding out this was our first experience, only added to the ambiance of this quaint Cafe in Mount lookout. Our meal was ready before we had to push the free "10 minutes'' on the parking meters outside, a third time.

We ordered the Zipburger with pepper jack cheese (a single cheeseburger made like your mom's: juicy, @ least ½" thick, flavor-FULL, homemade burger on a soft, slightly sweet hamburger bun complimented with mild, dill slices, shredded iceberg lettuce, and sliced tomato. We also tried the double Zipburger with Grilled onions, fried onions and a side of their sweet and tangy BBQ sauce! Picture the equivalent of 6-8 Frisch's patties stacked on top of each other but with juices gently slipping over the bun as you sink your teeth into the best quality meat for the modest $8.50 & $12 price points respectively! You'll Never settle for Chain-fast-food Ever again!!

The menu isn't extensive, however, in these Covid times, I Prefer pubs & hamburger joints to focus on their Specialty: Hamburgers! I was, however, pleasantly surprised to find Black Bean burger & Turkey burger on the menu.

The bar is sequestered in back behind swinging saloon doors, with 2 flat screens to watch your favorite sports teams!

The staff ALL wore masks and the diverse crowd was socially distant, as much as possible, in this cozy space. Always conscious of safety, I felt COMPLETELY comfortable, recommending this restaurant!

Next time, and it will be soon, we'll try the suggested sides of fries, onion rings, cole slaw, or...

My wife and I stumbled into Zip's Cafe a couple of weekends ago after Lunken Aviation Days. We actually attempted to stop in at Terry's Turf Club, but quickly left when we were told that they didn't have high chairs and it seemed a little too crowded for our infant son. We got back in the car and ended up at Zip's, which worked out well since a couple of my wife's brothers and some guests all joined us for lunch.

I had been to Zip's before but not for many years. They are famous for their hamburgers, but I am not a big red meat eater so I wouldn't know if they are any good. My wife tried the turkey burger with cheese ($5.75) and she seemed to enjoy it. I also saw a black bean burger on the menu that I may try in the future. She also ordered a side of french fries ($2.25) which actually looked better than they tasted. I've read good things about the fries, so maybe we had a bad batch, but they seemed to be exceptionally dry and perhaps overcooked.

I went with the chicken salad sandwich ($6.00) and a side of onion rings ($3.25). The size of the sandwich was a little small, but the taste was great. Though the real standout from my meal were the onion rings. These large slices of onion had a great tasting batter on them and were perfectly fried. I would definitely recommend these over the fries for just a dollar more. Others in our group had Zip Burgers and they all seemed to enjoy them. Overall I enjoyed the food that I ordered and I hope to go back to sample more of their bar food...