Aside from getting to experience and enjoy different takes on Cincinnati chili, one thing we enjoy about the quest is getting to visit communities we don't visit often or have never even been to. While we visited Pleasant Ridge Chili one thing both of us noticed was the lack of chili parlors on the Eastside of town. Sure there are plenty of Skyline's and Gold Star's, but not many independent chili parlors. So far on the quest we have been to the Westside, Uptown, and Northern Kentucky, this was the first parlor on the Eastside and there won't be many more upcoming.
View Cincinnati Coney Quest Locations in a larger map
A little background on us: I was born and raised on the Eastside, then moved over to Northern Kentucky for college, and then Downtown after that. Alison is originally form Northeast Ohio, then went to UC for college, and moved to Mt. Lookout after she graduated. While we live in the city now, if we had to choose battle lines in the Eastside-Westside argument, we are Team Eastside.
As we have both lived in the Eastside we were both disappointed in the lack of non-chain chili parlors on that side of town. Sure there are plenty of quality dining options, especially if you like sushi, but we wished there were more independent chili parlors. Right now we have to admit, the Westside (and even NKY) is kicking the Eastside's butt in the chili category. Step your game up Eastside! Stop being snooty and embrace our chili heritage!
Isn't Blue Ash on the Eastside? It's pretty close to Kenwood, right? Not quite far enough north to be grouped in with Mason/West Chester/Hamilton. Definitely not Westside.
ReplyDeleteSome consider Blue Ash a northern Suburb, some consider it eastern. I used to lean towards calling it eastern, until recently cincinnati.com did a quiz where they showed a picture of a landmark you had to guess what side of town each landmark was in. The ones in that area of town they had labeled as North.
ReplyDeleteIf there are any Blue Ash residents that read the blog, feel free to chime in if you think Blue Ash is a northern or eastern suburb.
It's not open yet, but just off of 275 on Ohio Pike (State Route 125), the sign just went up for a restaurant named Eastside Chili. They've been working on it for a month or two now, so hopefully it won't be much longer until it opens.
ReplyDeletethanks for the info!
ReplyDeleteI've been to the new Fat Timmy's Eastside Chili (opened 10/03/11), mentioned above by Steve, twice since the establishment opened. I've only had a Double Decker sandwich both visits and have not yet tried the chili or coneys. The sandwiches I've had have both been excellent, reasonably priced ($6.50) and I highly recommend them. The sandwiches were as good as Camp Washington Chili which I personally consider the best. I'm going back today and plan to try the chili. I'm very pleased with the place and am glad to have something like this on the Eastside finally.
ReplyDeletegood to hear! my parents live out that way so next time I'm in that area to visit I will definitely try Eastside Chili. Thanks for the info!
ReplyDeleteI live in Amelia and was really looking forward to the new Eastside chili opening at the interchange of I-275 and Beechmont avenue.
ReplyDeleteSo today my brother and I decided to eat there, we both were very disappointed. The chili tasted old... the buns used for coney dogs were dry and crumbly, and the cheese was waxy and dry, and the BLT sandwich did not have enough bacon... and what was on was over cooked and the bread wasn't very good.
I will say the resturaunt was nice, spotlessly clean, and service was excellent. My brother and I are both huge fans of independant small businesses and "Cincinnati Chilli connoisseur's" of sorts. We would really love to see Eastside Chili improve their quality even if means raising prices. I am willing to return to the resturaunt if I hear they improved.
Interesting. We visited today as well. Our review should be next week, so you will see our thoughts then. Just out of curiosity sake, what time did you visit Eastside Chili?
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I mother in law and grandkids visited Eastside chili today , Being from the eastside (Deerpark!) We had a pleasant experience , I had a BLT Bacon & Bacon It was great ( huge!) And my mother in law got the Turkey & dressing special it was the best ! My wife got the 3 way and cheese coney it was also very good , The gravey cheese fries where to die for! We are going to tell our friends for sure . Don from Deerpark !
ReplyDeleteWe also enjoyed our visit to Eastside Chili: http://cincyconeyquest.blogspot.com/2011/10/eastside-chili-review.html
ReplyDelete