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This Nostalgic Diner In Ohio Has Been A Local Institution For More Than 60 Years


Looking for a taste of nostalgia?

Price Hill Chili in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been delighting locals with its comforting diner classics for over six decades!

A slice of Americana, served with a side of nostalgia! Price Hill Chili's unassuming exterior belies the culinary treasures within.A slice of Americana, served with a side of nostalgia! Price Hill Chili's unassuming exterior belies the culinary treasures within.
A slice of Americana, served with a side of nostalgia! Price Hill Chili’s unassuming exterior belies the culinary treasures within. Photo credit: Tamara Green

Nestled in the heart of Cincinnati’s Price Hill neighborhood, this unassuming eatery has been serving up hearty portions of nostalgia and comfort food for over six decades.

It’s the kind of joint where the aroma of simmering chili greets you before you even step through the door, and where the regulars have their own designated seats.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Another chili place in Cincinnati? Isn’t that like finding sand at the beach?”

But hold onto your spoons, my friends, because Price Hill Chili is no ordinary chili parlor.

This place is a bona fide time capsule, a living, breathing testament to the enduring power of good food and even better company.

Step into a time machine disguised as a diner. This cozy interior has witnessed more family gatherings than a Thanksgiving turkey.Step into a time machine disguised as a diner. This cozy interior has witnessed more family gatherings than a Thanksgiving turkey.
Step into a time machine disguised as a diner. This cozy interior has witnessed more family gatherings than a Thanksgiving turkey. Photo credit: Price Hill Chili Family Restaurant

As you approach the building, you can’t help but notice its no-frills exterior.

The simple brick facade and modest signage might not scream “culinary destination,” but don’t let that fool you.

In Cincinnati, we know that the best flavors often hide behind the most unassuming doors.

Step inside, and you’re immediately transported to a bygone era.

The interior is a charming mishmash of decades past, with wood-paneled walls, cozy booths, and the kind of worn-in comfort that only comes from years of loyal patronage.

It’s like walking into your grandma’s living room, if your grandma happened to be an expert chili maker with a penchant for feeding the masses.

Decisions, decisions! This menu is like a greatest hits album of comfort food classics. Warning: May induce hunger pangs.Decisions, decisions! This menu is like a greatest hits album of comfort food classics. Warning: May induce hunger pangs.
Decisions, decisions! This menu is like a greatest hits album of comfort food classics. Warning: May induce hunger pangs. Photo credit: Tamara Green

The first thing that hits you is the buzz of conversation.

This isn’t one of those trendy, hushed eateries where you’re afraid to clink your fork against your plate.

No, sir. Price Hill Chili is alive with the chatter of friends catching up, families sharing meals, and solo diners chatting with the ever-friendly staff.

Speaking of the staff, they’re the real MVPs here.

These folks have seen it all, from first dates to retirement parties, and they treat every customer like a long-lost relative.

Don’t be surprised if your server remembers your usual order, even if your last visit was during the Clinton administration.

Behold, the sandwich that ate Cincinnati! This towering creation could make the Incredible Hulk say, "I'm full."Behold, the sandwich that ate Cincinnati! This towering creation could make the Incredible Hulk say, "I'm full."
Behold, the sandwich that ate Cincinnati! This towering creation could make the Incredible Hulk say, “I’m full.” Photo credit: Kris Staverman

Now, let’s talk about the main event: the food.

Price Hill Chili’s menu is a veritable encyclopedia of comfort cuisine, with enough options to satisfy even the pickiest eater in your group.

And trust me, I’ve seen some picky eaters in my day. I once dined with a guy who considered ketchup too exotic.

But I digress.

At the heart of the menu, of course, is the chili.

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill, straight-from-the-can stuff.

No, this is Cincinnati-style chili, a unique blend of flavors that’s more of a Mediterranean-spiced meat sauce than a traditional Texas chili.

It’s the kind of dish that sparks heated debates among locals about which chili parlor reigns supreme.

But here at Price Hill, they’ve been perfecting their recipe for over 60 years, and it shows.

You can get your chili served up in the classic Cincinnati “way” system.

For the uninitiated, that means you can order it as a 3-way (spaghetti, chili, and a mountain of finely shredded cheddar cheese), a 4-way (add onions or beans), or go all out with a 5-way (both onions and beans).

It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure book, but with more cheese and potential for heartburn.

Not your average BLT! This sandwich has more layers than a Shakespeare play, and twice the drama.Not your average BLT! This sandwich has more layers than a Shakespeare play, and twice the drama.
Not your average BLT! This sandwich has more layers than a Shakespeare play, and twice the drama. Photo credit: Wayne Spies

The chili here is a culinary chameleon, adapting to your wildest cravings.

Want it on a hot dog?

They’ve got you covered with their famous cheese coneys.

Craving a chili cheese sandwich?

It’s like a warm, savory hug between two slices of bread.

Feeling particularly daring?

Try the chili cheese fries – a crispy, gooey, messy masterpiece that laughs in the face of utensils.

And for those moments when you need chili but also want to maintain a semblance of adulting, there’s always the option to take home a quart.

It’s perfect for those nights when you want to impress your date with your “cooking skills” without actually cooking.

The Mailman Breakfast Sandwich: Delivering deliciousness rain or shine. It's the morning fuel that keeps Cincinnati running.The Mailman Breakfast Sandwich: Delivering deliciousness rain or shine. It's the morning fuel that keeps Cincinnati running.
The Mailman Breakfast Sandwich: Delivering deliciousness rain or shine. It’s the morning fuel that keeps Cincinnati running. Photo credit: Cassie H.

But don’t let the chili overshadow the rest of the menu.

Price Hill Chili is also famous for its double-decker sandwiches, a towering testament to the belief that more is indeed more when it comes to lunchtime indulgence.

Picture this: two slices of toasted rye bread, layered with your choice of meats, cheeses, and toppings, all stacked higher than your cardiologist would probably recommend.

It’s the kind of sandwich that requires a strategy to eat and possibly a nap afterward.

Behold the legendary 5-way chili! It's like a culinary Jenga tower – precarious, yet perfectly balanced.Behold the legendary 5-way chili! It's like a culinary Jenga tower – precarious, yet perfectly balanced.
Behold the legendary 5-way chili! It’s like a culinary Jenga tower – precarious, yet perfectly balanced. Photo credit: Jason G.

One of the most popular options is the “Landmark,” a behemoth featuring ham, turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo.

It’s named “Landmark” because after you finish it, you’ll need to be rolled out of the restaurant like a historical monument.

For those looking for something a little lighter (and by “lighter,” I mean “slightly less likely to induce a food coma”), the menu also offers a variety of salads, soups, and Greek specialties.

The Greek influence is a nod to the restaurant’s founders, who brought a touch of Mediterranean flair to Cincinnati’s culinary scene.

Try the Greek salad, a crisp and refreshing mix of lettuce, feta, olives, and a tangy dressing that’ll have you saying “Opa!” faster than you can say “Pass the tzatziki.”

Quench your thirst with a classic. This drink is cooler than the other side of the pillow on a hot Cincinnati night.Quench your thirst with a classic. This drink is cooler than the other side of the pillow on a hot Cincinnati night.
Quench your thirst with a classic. This drink is cooler than the other side of the pillow on a hot Cincinnati night. Photo credit: MaryAnne R.

Now, let’s talk about breakfast because Price Hill Chili doesn’t believe in sleeping in when there are hungry mouths to feed.

They open bright and early, serving up plates of eggs, bacon, and pancakes that could wake even the most committed night owl.

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Their omelets are the stuff of legend, fluffy creations stuffed with an array of fillings that’ll make you forget all about that sad, microwaved breakfast sandwich you usually grab on your way to work.

And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous (or still riding the wave of last night’s questionable decisions), you can even get your breakfast topped with a ladle of their famous chili.

It’s a combination that sounds bizarre but works surprisingly well, much like pairing socks with sandals or watching reality TV while exercising.

Where strangers become friends over forkfuls of comfort food. This dining area has seen more stories than a library.Where strangers become friends over forkfuls of comfort food. This dining area has seen more stories than a library.
Where strangers become friends over forkfuls of comfort food. This dining area has seen more stories than a library. Photo credit: John Machacek

But Price Hill Chili isn’t just about the food.

It’s about the experience, the atmosphere, the feeling of being part of something bigger than just a meal.

It’s where high school students come to celebrate after the big game, where third-generation families gather for Sunday brunch, and where local politicians rub elbows with blue-collar workers over cups of steaming coffee.

Happy faces and full plates – the universal language of a great diner. These folks look ready to solve the world's problems over pie.Happy faces and full plates – the universal language of a great diner. These folks look ready to solve the world's problems over pie.
Happy faces and full plates – the universal language of a great diner. These folks look ready to solve the world’s problems over pie. Photo credit: Donna Blum Fahey

In a world of fast food and impersonal chain restaurants, Price Hill Chili stands as a beacon of authenticity and community.

It’s the kind of place where the owner might stop by your table to chat, not because it’s good for business, but because they genuinely care about their customers.

And let’s not forget about the Golden Fleece Lounge, Price Hill Chili’s attached bar.

It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a long day or catch the game with friends.

The name “Golden Fleece” might conjure images of Greek mythology, but trust me, the only epic quest you’ll be embarking on here is the journey from your barstool to the bathroom after a few too many local brews.

The Golden Fleece Lounge: Where Cincinnati's thirsty heroes come to wet their whistles after a long day of... being awesome.The Golden Fleece Lounge: Where Cincinnati's thirsty heroes come to wet their whistles after a long day of... being awesome.
The Golden Fleece Lounge: Where Cincinnati’s thirsty heroes come to wet their whistles after a long day of… being awesome. Photo credit: M Payler

As you sit in one of the well-worn booths, surrounded by the hum of conversation and the clinking of plates, you can’t help but feel a sense of history.

These walls have seen decades of first dates, family celebrations, and late-night chili cravings.

If they could talk, they’d probably tell you to order the cheese coney. And maybe lay off the onions if you’ve got a hot date later.

Price Hill Chili is more than just a restaurant; it’s a Cincinnati institution, a living, breathing piece of the city’s history.

It’s weathered economic ups and downs, changing food trends, and the rise of trendy gastropubs with unpronounceable menu items.

Where everybody knows your name... and your usual order. This staff could teach a masterclass in Midwestern hospitality.Where everybody knows your name... and your usual order. This staff could teach a masterclass in Midwestern hospitality.
Where everybody knows your name… and your usual order. This staff could teach a masterclass in Midwestern hospitality. Photo credit: Greg Peck

Through it all, it’s remained true to its roots, serving up hearty portions of comfort food with a side of nostalgia.

In a world that’s constantly changing, there’s something reassuring about a place that stays the same.

Price Hill Chili is a reminder of simpler times, when a good meal and good company were all you needed for a perfect evening out.

It’s a place where the coffee is always hot, the chili is always simmering, and there’s always room for one more at the table.

A Greek salad that would make Zeus himself say A Greek salad that would make Zeus himself say
A Greek salad that would make Zeus himself say “Opa!” Fresh, crisp, and more colorful than a Santorini sunset. Photo credit: MaryAnne R.

So, whether you’re a lifelong Cincinnatian or just passing through, make sure to add Price Hill Chili to your must-visit list.

Come for the chili, stay for the double-deckers, and leave with a full belly and a newfound appreciation for the enduring power of a family-owned restaurant.

Just be prepared for the inevitable food coma that follows. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Spinach and artichoke dip: The unsung hero of appetizers. It's like a warm, cheesy hug for your taste buds.Spinach and artichoke dip: The unsung hero of appetizers. It's like a warm, cheesy hug for your taste buds.
Spinach and artichoke dip: The unsung hero of appetizers. It’s like a warm, cheesy hug for your taste buds. Photo credit: MaryAnne R.

And who knows?

You might just find yourself becoming one of the regulars, with your own designated seat and a standing order that the staff knows by heart.

After all, in a world of fleeting trends and flash-in-the-pan eateries, there’s something to be said for a place that’s stood the test of time.

Price Hill Chili isn’t just serving food; it’s serving up a slice of Cincinnati’s soul, one plate at a time.

Goetta: Cincinnati's answer to "What if we made breakfast... even better?" It's crispy, it's savory, it's a Queen City tradition!Goetta: Cincinnati's answer to "What if we made breakfast... even better?" It's crispy, it's savory, it's a Queen City tradition!
Goetta: Cincinnati’s answer to “What if we made breakfast… even better?” It’s crispy, it’s savory, it’s a Queen City tradition! Photo credit: Sam R.

So go ahead, pull up a chair, and join the family.

Just don’t ask for ketchup on your cheese coney. Some traditions are sacred, after all.

For more information about Price Hill Chili, including their full menu and hours of operation, be sure to check out their website or Facebook page.

And if you’re planning a visit, use this map to find your way to this Cincinnati gem.

16. price hill chili family restaurant map16. price hill chili family restaurant map

Where: 4920 Glenway Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45238

Trust me, your taste buds (and your sense of nostalgia) will thank you.





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