Jump to content

Featured Replies

My opinion:

 

Lebanon isn't the middle of nowhere, but it's definitely pretty blue collar and not very amenable to the overpriced small plates that Wild Bill's was serving. When they reopened last year my wife and I tried it and the small plates seemed like nothing very special (green "ancho mashed potatoes" that didn't taste all that exotic, somewhat gristly bison or buffalo for meat.)

 

Also the seating and the space in the place wasn't really very comfortable or private. No booths. Too much interaction and traffic from other tables.  The original place in the location was called "Mighty Casey's" and had a baseball and sports theme (and a brewpub that quickly "went dark" and stopped custom brewing of beers.) The layout was more like a place where you go to play pool. They really needed a remodel.

 

And Wild Bill's removed *all* "blue collar" friendly foods like fried pickles, ordinary sandwiches, etc. when they reopened. (I keep hammering on that blue collar thing, but Lebanon is truly a Bob Evans type of place.)

 

I'd say the chef's professional vanity got the better of him. Too fancy, not special enough, and too expensive. I agree, it was authentic, but I never "got" it.

  • Replies 6.9k
  • Views 361.5k
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Most Popular Posts

  • How come every time you haven't heard of a place, most people on this forum have?

  • Opal has a nice view:    

  • Looks like Boomtown is deciding to not close its Pendleton location: https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2022/01/21/boomtown-remaining-open.html

Posted Images

LOL i was skimming through all this. Didn't realize it was IN Lebanon.

Last I checked, there was no burgeoning Middle Eastern population in Warren County...  :lol:

BlackFinn eatery and bar slates Friday opening

March 10, 2008 | CINCINNATI BUSINESS COURIER

 

DOWNTOWN - BlackFinn Restaurant & Saloon, a casual downtown eatery and bar that will specialize in popular American fare, is scheduled to open March 14, to replace the former McFadden's.

 

See link above for article.

^ They are open for lunch now.

i guess i already know the answer to this question, but is there any chance that McFadden's will reopen in another location? That was a nice bar and it really added to all the things happening on Seventh St. It wold be nice to see it re-open in the vicinity of 7th or near Cadillac Ranch.

 

Also it seems to me that BlackFinn is more of a Restaurant than a bar, but they have the "Suite" as well which is only a bar. Is this accurate? Or will it be essentially the same as McFadden's with a different name?

^ My impression is that BlackFinn is pretty much the same concept as McFadden's.

My opinion:

 

Lebanon isn't the middle of nowhere

 

Wild Bill's is a 65 mile round trip from fountain square

BlackFinn Cincy grand opening to highlight major changes

 

SOAPBOX, 3/11/2008

When BlackFinn Cincy holds it grand opening on March 14, restaurant patrons can expect to see major changes to the former McFadden's space on Seventh Street downtown.

 

"You wouldn't recognize it walking in," says restaurant manager Kirk Shaffer.  "It's much, much more polished than McFadden's."

 

A new bar and brand new decor has been added to the restaurant, and a club lounge, Suite, now occupies the rear of the space.

 

"It's really an entertainment venue like Cincinnati's never seen before," says Shaffer.

 

Shaffer describes BlackFinn Cincy as very inviting, upscale casual dining.

 

"We have a very nice menu with what we call 'high-quality pub food'," he says.  "It's mostly American fare, with some Irish influence.  There's an attention to detail, and we take great pride in the menu."

 

Shaffer says that downtown is a great location for any restaurant.

 

"There's lots of foot traffic, especially in the summertime with a lot going on," he says.  "We also have a lot of 9-to-5 workers, and we schedule a lot of private events.  And developing relationships with people downtown is always nice."

 

BlackFinn Restaurant & Saloon, which was established in New York City in 1994, has locations in 12 U.S. cities.

 

The downtown location will employ approximately 130.

 

Writer: Kevin LeMaster

Source: Kirk Shaffer, BlackFinn Cincy restaurant manager

My opinion:

 

Lebanon isn't the middle of nowhere

 

Wild Bill's is a 65 mile round trip from fountain square

 

And exactly who *lives* at Fountain Square?

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cincinnati-Hamilton%2C_OH-KY-IN_Metropolitan_Statistical_Area

 

Note that according to the article (and as reported here) Dayton and Cincinnati are in the process of becoming one big population smear for statistical purposes.

 

Lebanon seems pretty central to all that.

Kansas is pretty centrally located, in the US, as well...it is still in the middle of nowhere.

If you consider being surrouned by a 6 mile radius of farmland, then it's in the middle of "nowhere". I'm sure its a charming litte city but probably it's not for most of the people on this forum.

Andy's Mediterranean Grille owner to manufacture his products

BY LISA BIANK FASIG | CINCINNATI BUSINESS COURIER

March 14, 2008

 

WALNUT HILLS - The owner of Andy's Mediterranean Grille plans to enter the manufacturing business, having purchased a small building that soon will be converted to make his marinades, salad dressings and falafel for retail.

 

See link above for article.

That's pretty cool. I love the restaurateurs around here!

We stopped in for a beer at the newly reopened Grammer's tonight.  The historic interior is beautiful but has been thoroughly cleaned and refreshed.  There were 50 or more patrons, not bad for 8:30 with no food except pretzels and sausages.  The emphasis was clearly on beers, with a well-edited selection favoring seasonal bock beers. Overall the atmosphere was great and I will definitely be returning.

I finally made it to Lavomatic this evening. I loved my rabbit (first time I had this in Cincinnati) and I thought the interior looked great. They have an old press at the entrance, and they also have a sign showing the place really was a laundrymat at some point (that sign advertises furnished apartments and indicates people should inquire at the laundrymat at 1211 Vine Street). Needless to say, the restaurant was packed the entire time I was there.

Grammer's is next on my list. I love OTR!

When I get back to Cincy I'm immediately going to check out both of these places...and I will order everything at Grammer's in German.

I heard alot of good things about Mythos, and decided to check them out for dinner tonight. I walked up to the shop and it was CLOSED. It had the new hours in the window 10:30-4:30  forget that! I'll never go there with those crappy hours.

I heard alot of good things about Mythos, and decided to check them out for dinner tonight. I walked up to the shop and it was CLOSED. It had the new hours in the window 10:30-4:30  forget that! I'll never go there with those crappy hours.

 

 

Was this the location at 4th and Walnut?

Was this the location at 4th and Walnut?
This was on vine between 4th and 5th.

^wrong location for the dinner hours............you were about a block and a half off.  The one with evening hours is on Fourth and Walnut (the old Atlanta Bread Company store).  No need in giving up on them yet!!

wrong location for the dinner hours............you were about a block and a half off.  The one with evening hours is on Fourth and Walnut (the old Atlanta Bread Company store).  No need in giving up on them yet!!
Oh! :-o I walked right past 4th and walnut on my way to Vine. I ended up having Thai express instead, (yummy). I will try the other location next time,  thanks!

I can't wait, now it will be more convenient for me to grab a bite at my favorite restaurant before I go shopping at JC Penny.

 

Olive Garden to open in Colerain Township

March 18, 2008 | CINCINNATI BUSINESS COURIER

 

COLERAIN TWP. - Restaurant chain Olive Garden plans to open April 28 at the new Stone Creek Towne Center development in Colerain Township, and is looking for workers to run the store.

 

See link above for article.

I can't wait, now it will be more convenient for me to grab a bite at my favorite restaurant before I go shopping at JC Penny.

 

Olive Garden to open in Colerain Township

March 18, 2008 | CINCINNATI BUSINESS COURIER

 

COLERAIN TWP. - Restaurant chain Olive Garden plans to open April 28 at the new Stone Creek Towne Center development in Colerain Township, and is looking for workers to run the store.

 

Article removed - xumelanie

 

The only thing good about this project is that the restaurant didn't move outside the 275 loop - that being said - it leaves another "redevelopment opportunity" across the street from Northgate Mall.

eeeewww olive garden.  My friend found a bandaid in her pasta at the parkersburg WV store, about 8 years ago. Haven't been to one since.

^haha  :laugh:

I have now been to Lavomatic thrice, and i must say it is turning into one of my favorite places. So far i have been there for Dinner, Brunch and drinks. And each time something new was going on at the restaurant. Jean Robert should be commended over and over again for his excellent work and for his support of the city core.

:clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:  :clap: 

There is only one conclusion to draw from all this: the French are awesome.

I bet Olive Garden is going to be packed...besides free parking, they have great breadsticks. Can Lavamatic top that?

Just got back from Balboa's (where Dink's used to be on Vine).  Pretty decent cheesesteaks and pizza, but awesome late night hours.  They are going to be open until 4am Thurs - Sun, which makes me very, very happy.

lavomatic rules! Can't wait for the balcony to open!

Does anyone know if Oceanaire ended up opening on time, on March 22? There weren't any write-ups in the  Enquire or anyone talking about it on here. Just curious.

Does anyone know if Oceanaire ended up opening on time, on March 22? There weren't any write-ups in the  Enquire or anyone talking about it on here. Just curious.

 

I walked by there this past weekend and there is a sign on the door that says "Opening Late Spring"  By looking through the window, the construction phase looks complete, and they have a menu posted by the door.  The menu didn't have any prices, but it looked very similar to McCormick and Schmicks.  I keep asking my foodie friends from the enquirer what the status is, but they didn't have any info. 

Does anyone know if Oceanaire ended up opening on time, on March 22? There weren't any write-ups in the  Enquire or anyone talking about it on here. Just curious.

 

I walked by there this past weekend and there is a sign on the door that says "Opening Late Spring"  By looking through the window, the construction phase looks complete, and they have a menu posted by the door.  The menu didn't have any prices, but it looked very similar to McCormick and Schmicks.  I keep asking my foodie friends from the enquirer what the status is, but they didn't have any info. 

 

Just called and they won't be open until the second week of May.  I call that ALMOST summer, not late spring!!

^

Thanks for the update... Disappointing, but thats kind of what i expected

I consider that sprummer more or less.  It's my favorite time of year.

Grammer's - Lower prices.

We listen.

 

The prices are dropping on the pints of many regular beers - 16oz pints will start at $3.00

 

I am cutting the prices on all of our large glasses by quite a bit, for instance:

$6.00 24oz. pours of Moerlein's OTR and Barbarossa

$4.50 24oz. pours of Sam Adams

$5.00 24oz. pours of BarrelHouse's Dubeneck Lager

$5.00 24oz. pours of Paulaner Hefe-Weizen

$5.50 24oz. pours of Bells Two-Hearted

 

Lois and I are planning some happy hour specials (still working out details of those, but will run from 4:30 - 6:30 M-F and will include rotating beer and drink specials).

 

We rotate beers regularly on a couple of out taps, so always look for new ones.  Our bottle selection changes frequently as well and will soon be increasing.  Also, let us know if you want us to start stocking something that we currently do not. 

 

We like input from our customers, and we always take care of our regulars (and sometimes go with them on outings...and to Ikea).

 

On other subjects, briefly and in no particular order:

- We are going to have live music very soon, and are now officially part of the falls annual Mid-Point music festival

- A website is being developed, and I hope it will be completed soon

- The kitchen is being worked on, so a little expansion to the menu is coming soon, although a full menu wont be for a while

- A beer garden is in the works, I'm really working to get that set up as soon as possible

- The new gate for our gated/secure parking lot is being installed

- The facade will be painted in nicer weather, as well as blacktopping the parking lot

- When customers are there, we are open until 2:30am, but if not we'll close earlier (cough cough, Monday nights). 

 

Thanks so much to those of you that have supported us thus far, the overwhelming positive response has been great, and we can't wait for everyone else to come visit Grammer's.

.

It is just an amazing place. 

There really isn't a better way to describe it...

                                       ...wait, yes there is - an amazing place, now with cheaper beer.

 

 

     Ryan Breen,

       General Manager for Grammer's

 

Outstanding, thanks for the info and Welcome!   

 

I know I will be checking it out for my first time in the coming week.

 

Please keep us posted!

Grammer's - Thanks for the information and welcome!  The Beer Garden will be fantastic.

Great to hear...Grammer's is going to be one of the first places I hit up after I'm back in Cincinnati.

Thats great news!!! Thanks

Keep up the good work guys.  I really do love going down there after work for a pint or 3 (or when I get talking to developers, perhaps 4, like last night *cough*)  At least the walk back up the hill was fun :)

 

Seriously, I love the place, and will continue to come.  If you are trying to stick with the German style beers, I think the selection you have is excellent.  Would have loved to have seen the Barbarossa tapping take place at a couple of locations, and Grammers would have been ideal.  Anyhow, I'll be back for more, its too cool to miss.

$5.00 24oz. pours of Paulaner Hefe-Weizen

 

Damn, Paulaner on tap?  Count me there...

Great news, thanks for posting! I love Grammer's!

 

2338184509_76ca47f8b8.jpg

I checked out Balboa's (7th & Vine) the other day ... the pizza was pretty damn good. They're emphasis is on Philly food, with philly cheesestakes with cheesewiz and Tastycakes. Ummm ...

 

 

They told me that they are having slices of pizza for only a buck for opening day! Everyone go down and support this awesome new place!

 

Thursday-Sunday, they're open until 4 am.

I will for sure be hitting that up late night when i get home

Dewey's Pizza opens at Crestview Hills

 

BY CINDY SCHROEDER | [email protected]

 

 

CRESTVIEW HILLS – Dewey’s Pizza is opening today in the former Nothing But Noodles space in the Crestview Hills Town Center.

 

No link available for full article.

That is great news to hear from Grammers, you might also want to mention that Grammers is easily accessible from the 17 18 and 19 busses which run from downtown to OTR, UC, Clifton, and Northside, the last one leaves gov't square at 12:50am so you can stay out late and still make it home safe for 1.50

Goodies Barbecue owner imagines network of rib restaurants

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2008/03/31/story11.html?b=1206936000^1611758

 

Creola Robinson plans to expand her Goodies Barbecue Restaurant concept to Price Hill, with a 140-seat eatery that could be a prototype for a franchising venture.

 

See link above for article.

"You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers

Create an account or sign in to comment

Recently Browsing 0

  • No registered users viewing this page.