Best Burgers in Cincinnati
Cincinnati's best burgers come from century-old taverns, Over-the-Rhine favorites and creative neighborhood bars, from Mount Lookout and Hyde Park to Northside and Norwood.
Where to Eat
How to eat burgers in Cincinnati
Cincinnati is best known for chili, but its burger scene is strong and very neighborhood-driven. Many of the city's favorite burgers come from long-running taverns and corner bars, and a newer group of spots in Over-the-Rhine and the East End has added smash burgers and more creative menus. Local reader polls run every year, so there is no shortage of debate about who does it best.
A few areas are worth knowing. Over-the-Rhine, just north of downtown, is the dense restaurant and bar district. The East Side, including Mount Lookout, Hyde Park, Linwood and the East End, has several of the city's classic burger bars. Northside is an independent-minded neighborhood to the northwest, and Norwood is a small city surrounded by Cincinnati. Every spot below appears on the cards above, and you can browse more cities in our restaurant directory.
Best burgers in Cincinnati by style
Classic taverns
Zip's Cafe in Mount Lookout is the place most people mention first. It has been around for more than a century, and a model train runs above the dining room. Nearby, Arthur's near Hyde Park Square is another longtime favorite. In Norwood, Quatman Cafe has served burgers since 1966, and Gordo's Pub & Grill ranks among the area's highest-rated burger spots. If you like this style, our best classic burgers page has more.
Over-the-Rhine favorites
Krueger's Tavern on Vine Street topped a 2025 list of the area's highest-rated burger restaurants and is known for a strong veggie burger too. A few blocks away, Milkman on Race Street is a casual counter whose Cali Burger is a reader favorite. Just east, Nation Kitchen & Bar in Pendleton is a perennial pick in CityBeat reader polls.
Big, creative burgers
The Turf Club in Linwood serves oversized burgers with a long list of toppings. In Northside, Tickle Pickle has been voted the city's best veggie burger. For more ideas, see our best gourmet burgers page or our guide to the best burger toppings.
Smash burgers
Local Post East End Eatery on Eastern Avenue serves a well-reviewed smashburger. Not sure which style you prefer? Read smash burger vs. regular burger or browse our best smash burgers picks.
Local burger traditions
The biggest local tradition is the neighborhood burger bar. Places like Zip's, Arthur's and Quatman have served their neighborhoods for decades, and the city's annual reader polls even split the vote by side of town, with separate honors for the best East Side and West Side burger spots.
Cincinnati chili is the other local flavor to know. The thin, spiced meat sauce is usually served over spaghetti or hot dogs, but you will sometimes find it on burgers too. If you want to understand how local burger styles differ around the country, our guide to American burger styles is a good place to start.
Tips for visiting
- Group stops by area. Zip's, Arthur's, The Turf Club and Local Post are all on the East Side, while Krueger's Tavern and Milkman are a short walk apart in Over-the-Rhine.
- Use the streetcar. The Connector runs between downtown, The Banks and Over-the-Rhine, which makes an OTR burger stop easy without a car.
- Expect crowds at classic spots. Zip's in particular can have a wait on weekends and game days.
- Check hours before you go. Several spots on this list keep limited or changing schedules.
- Cooking at home? Our burger temperature and doneness guide covers the USDA-recommended 160°F for ground beef.
Browse by style
Want just one kind of burger? See our shortlists of the best classic burger joints, gourmet burgers in Cincinnati.
FAQ
What is the best burger in Cincinnati?
Zip's Cafe in Mount Lookout is the classic answer, and its Double Zip Burger is the order. For a more modern pick, Krueger's Tavern and Milkman in Over-the-Rhine are both highly rated.
Where can I find a cheap burger in Cincinnati?
Quatman Cafe in Norwood is a no-frills neighborhood burger bar, and Zip's Cafe and Gordo's Pub & Grill are casual, everyday spots.
Where is the best veggie burger in Cincinnati?
Tickle Pickle in Northside has been voted the city's best veggie burger by CityBeat readers, and Krueger's Tavern and Nation Kitchen & Bar also place well.
Where should I get a burger in Over-the-Rhine?
Krueger's Tavern on Vine Street and Milkman on Race Street are a few blocks apart, and Nation Kitchen & Bar is a short walk east in Pendleton.