Best Restaurant in Cincy

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Originally Posted by nuts4xu

The only minor complaint I have about The Precinct is how close the tables are. It doesn't make me want to avoid the place, and it is about the only criticism I have ever had there. The food is always as good as advertised, and the service is some of the best in town. I like all of the Jeff Ruby restaurants, but The Precinct is my favorite with Carlo and Johnny's a close second.

I enjoyed Jag's in West Chester a whole bunch too, but it is out of the way of most everything. I have not heard a bad review about Tony's, I will have to check them out some time.

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Big fan of Tony's. Have been there probably close to 10 times now between drinks at the bar and dining in with family and friends and it has always been not just good but great. The food, the service, the way they've handled my kids (6 & 9), the way they ask if you're celebrating anything and then acknowledge it (usually a free desert or the like) without making a big deal about it, solid wine list, and good bartenders. I could go on and on. Maybe its because we're in Mason but its quickly become our first choice for a special night out.

Tony's is what the Precinct would be if they were in Mason, and the demographics and real estate are the primary reason for the differences.

The building lacks any character. It's the same layout from when it was Ditto's in the mid 90's, and I think that was even a converted structure of some kind. You get more space, but you lose some intimacy. There are more kids there, which is true of the area, not just the restaurant.

The overall feel to me is a half-step more casual, in-line with being more family friendly.

The food is great. It would be interesting to put a couple steaks side by side and see if you could tell the difference. I would think that if either one has an edge, it's slight to Precinct simply because Ruby has been at it longer and should have better relationships with meat suppliers. If I'm in the business of selling prime steaks to restaurants, I'm going to make sure Ruby gets my best meat, because I know he'll be around.

Kahns, agree on the building at Tony's, its the one slight knock on the place, but I do appreciate having more room and a sizable bar area for when you just want drinks out. We appreciate that its a bit more casual, although one couple was taking it a bit too far a few weeks ago when we were in on a Sunday as they appeared to have just been boating for the day and while the lady had a decent cover up dress and heels on the guy had flip flops, his bathing suit, and a Tommy Bahama shirt on. Granted it wasn't crowded at all and I could care less personally but I'm not sure that's the image Tony's wants.

If I remember right, Tony's was either started by or pulled some big wig that used to be at Carlo & Johnny's but I could be totally wrong in that recollection.


On a completely different and unrelated note, we recently tried the Stone Creek Dining Co. in West Chester and came away impressed. I understand there is also one in Montgomery as well. Had no expectations going in but we all had good experiences. Casual enough for families and kids but nice enough for a nice night out, good service, good food, lots of tables and space, good and big bar area if you just wanted to stop by for drinks or eat at the bar. Not something that we could or would do on a weekly or regular basis but certainly a place we'll be adding to our list of places to consider for nights out or nicer dinners. Big menu but not quite big enough to be overwhelming that has something for almost everyone.

If you haven't been to the "new" bar at Precinct, it's worth checking out. Adds a whole new space to the place.

I doubt most of you would find yourselves in downtown Lebanon, but if fate takes you there, I would definitely recommend Taste of India. Opened this year. Will likely close within the next year because people in Lebanon don't eat anything but fast food, pizza, Mexican food (Acapulco, the local Mexican restaurant is packed 7 days a week) or BW3. I'm not an Indian food connoisseur, but I know what tastes good...and their food is good. Huge flavors. I got to-go food for the family. Got the chicken tandoori tikka and the chicken tikka saag and a basket of assorted naan breads. Two entrees can feed my family of five. And the 10, 8 and 6 year olds absolutely love it. Sad that it sits empty at 6 pm on a weekday. It's getting great word of mouth and has high ratings on Yelp and UrbanSpoon. Hopefully it can get some out of town business.

Family will likely eat there once every couple of weeks to enjoy it while we can. Lebanon is a great little town. It has a lot going for it. Unfortunately, the food scene is lacking.

If you don't want to read the whole thread, here are the best of:

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Originally Posted by Titanxman04

The girlfriend is coming into town tonight, and up until a little bit (once I got an actual job), we didn't go out much. She doesn't want to go someplace terribly fancy, but we're looking for someplace new that isn't fried food. We live in the Hyde Park/Mt Lookout area. Anyone give me some good places to eat?

Thanks in advance. Winner gets reps and a beer next time at Dana's/Cintas.

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Originally Posted by Snipe

Drop her off at my place and I will put her on a protein diet.

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Originally Posted by Lamont Sanford

Might I suggest this new burger joint in Norwood that opened up rather recently...I believe it's called Five Guys. Best burger in town. Nothing else is even close.

Smelling like a "protein" is a definite panty-dropper.

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Nigel. You forget the Golden Lamb???? It's still in Lebanon isn't it? I know it's a little pricy, but it's always had wonderful food. And the gift shop below keeps the wife or girl friend very happy.

When is the last time you've been, 59? Since I've been in Lebanon (2003), Golden Lamb has been inconsistent, to put it nicely. They've gone through a lot of different owners and chefs throughout the years. I've gotten a lot of mixed reviews...although lately, I've heard good things. Still would take Taste Of India over it right now. Course, totally different styles of food.

Had lunch at Eli's BBQ today and it was awesome!

The line was out the front door at 12:30 with one guy holding a growler as he was waiting in line.

Highly recommend using the call ahead order and picking it up to eat under the tent.

Good stuff!

Gotta go with Mahogany's.