Ollie works on a plate of pork chops with macaroni and cheese and collard greens at Ollie's Trolley in the West End.
(Credit: Amie Dworecki | Metromix)
Readers' Choice Dining Guide: Soul food
The top 10 soul food spots as voted by our readers
MetromixOctober 28, 2009
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Ollie's Trolley
1601 W. Central Ave. - Cincinnati513-381-6100
Ollie’s Trolley serves up good old-fashioned Southern soul food from a vintage trolley car parked on Central Avenue in the West End. The Trolley itself is hard to miss—it’s adorned with photos of African-American leaders and a picture of the owner, Marvin Smith, with Barack and Michelle Obama (for whom he has catered numerous fundraisers). Ollie’s is a longstanding but small national chain with only a few locations left—including one in Washington, D.C. and two in Louisville—however, the unique experience is worth the stop. The food is typically take-out only, but there are a few tables and chairs available, if you can grab one.
A Taste of Julia's
6025 Dixie Highway - Fairfield513-942-1800
Want home-cooking but too tired to do the work? The warm and cozy atmosphere here makes it easy for you to feel right at home - or you can pick up some carryout. This restaurant serves and caters an array of comfort and soul food dishes at reasonable prices. If you're watching your weight, there is a Healthy Choice Menu that provides food with lower calories. If you're not, then head in on the weekends for the buffet.
Richie's Fast Food Restaurant
1301 Linn St. - Cincinnati513-241-1876
The neighborhood can be a little rough, but the homemade biscuits, delicious fried chicken and old-school Southern sides (beans, mac and cheese, corn bread) draw fans from all over. Fish sandwiches and dinners can be perch, tilapia, cod, whitefish and/or shrimp depending on whats fresh. The Woolper and Linn locations are carry-out only.
Rima's Diner
2520 Hazelwood Drive - Crescent Springs859-331-6444
Comfort food in a comfortable atmosphere defines Rima's Diner. There's a quaint feel to this family-owned restaurant featuring a 1950's motif. James Dean and Elvis might be comfortable here. Food leans toward country-southern, such as the popular fried pork chops and fried cod. Fried okra and succotash sometimes show up on the menu. The Sunday brunch offers quantities of food: homemade biscuits and gravy, pasta, bread pudding, corn salad, fried chicken, and more. You can eat Sunday brunch for only $9.95.
Ms. Helen's Grill
1801 Race St. - Cincinnati513-381-5678
Ms. Helen's is a Findlay Market staple that has earned its recognition as a place for down-home cooking. From ribs to collared greens and from cornbread to macaroni and cheese, you’ll find delicious food at fantastic prices at this small restaurant.
Scott's BBQ & Home Style Cooking
637-A Northland Boulevard - Cincinnati513-742-8646
Located inside Forest Park’s cozy North Point Plaza minutes away from both Cincinnati Mills and Tri-County Mall, Scott’s BBQ is a friendly soul food restaurant with a rich legacy of BBQ, good homemade food and delicious sauce that began three generations ago for the Scott family. Enjoy home style cooked meals plus all your favorite pit BBQ dishes including pork spare ribs, chicken, their famous beef brisket and the Scotty Burger.
Rachel's Bar-B-Que & Soul
1931 Seymour Ave. - Cincinnati513-731-6673
Hidden behind Jordan’s Crossing, but no secret to it's friendly neighbors from every part of the city, Rachel's is the small quaint space that serves up the heat and feels just like any Alabama kitchen. Known for their great barbecue chicken and ribs and the amazing sauce that drizzles overtop, the friendly staff also prepares gourmet fish dinners, wings, and offers an assortment of sides including corn bread, candied yams, baked beans, Cajun rice, and mac 'n cheese. The popular stop is carryout only and open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. 7 days a week.
Rasheedah's Deli and Catering
3563 Montgomery Road - Cincinnati513-531-2999
Looking for soul food with no pork? Islamic-based Rasheedah’s is the place to go. Her salmon croquettes, rice, mac and cheese and cornbread are beyond delicious. This is a carry-out-only restaurant where the staff is warm and friendly. For 15 years, Rasheedah’s has served the community of Evanston. Her place is fairly inexpensive and Rasheedah doles out large portions. And while you are waiting there is bound to be an informative documentary on that will hold your interest. Rasheedah's also does catering and has recently expanded to a second location in Pleasant Ridge.
You voted for two other places, but we couldn’t find current locations and phone numbers for them: Gillie’s in Lockland and Flo’s Plate Full of Soul. If you can update us, help them get listed.
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