It can be overwhelming to find a good, reliable dinner spot in Cincinnati with its endless options, especially for students with busy schedules balancing sports, academics, and social lives. Some of the Seven Hills students shared where they go for dinner, from quick Cincinnati classics to sit-down favorites, and why these spots are perfect for a dinner dilemma.
For junior Allison Koth, a good go-to dinner spot needs to be efficient and have good food. She said Mango Tree is her top choice because it checks both boxes. “My go-to dinner spot is Mango Tree because it’s fast and has really good, quality food,” Koth said. Mango Tree is a popular option and is convenient because it is located in Mariemont. Junior Campbell Coyne’s go-to dinner spot is a Cincinnati favorite, Dewey’s. “I would say Deweys just because it has the best pizza, and you can pick it up, but the restaurant is also a good, chill sit-down place,” Coyne said.
After games or school events, finding a quick and convenient dinner option can be challenging, but Coyne and Koth both agreed that Element Eatery is a great choice. Koth said she “would probably say Element Eatery because it’s super close to school, so it’s perfect for after a game, but it has a variety of options.” She added that “every single one of my friends or family members can find what they like, and it’s perfect for grab-and-go if it’s late too.” The option to grab food quickly while having many selections makes it ideal.
When time is limited, and the easiest option is needed, Chick-fil-A was a popular answer between Coyne and senior Siena Motch. The drive-through component is convenient, especially “if it’s cold or raining.” Coyne mentioned that her go-to order is chicken nuggets, fries, and a milkshake. Motch also mentioned an option near her in Anderson, Crisp & Green. She said Crisp & Green salads are “a fast, healthy option” and described it as “basically Chipotle for salads.”
Some restaurants are perfect for specific occasions. Koth said her friend group almost always goes to E+O to celebrate each other’s birthdays. Motch said for birthdays in her family, they like to choose something they would not get often or on a random day. “Boca is a good birthday option for my sisters and me. It’s a nice, expensive special occasion,” Motch said. She also added that “hibachi at Wild Ginger is a fun experience with good food.”
When recommending restaurants to other students that they may not have tried before, Motch suggested an underrated option. “Los Cuñados is a truck at the BP on Madison Road. It’s so underrated, and it has tacos, burritos, and quesadillas,” Motch said, adding that it is also easy and convenient. While Motch recommended tacos, Koth suggested a Japanese-inspired restaurant. “I would definitely recommend Baru. It’s downtown, and it’s a sushi place,” Koth said.
When hunger levels are especially high, Koth suggested Panera as the best option. She explained that it is filling and said her go-to order is chicken noodle soup and a grilled cheese. Coyne said she would choose Olive Garden, explaining that unlimited pasta, salad, and breadsticks make it perfect for that situation.
From quick and easy drive-throughs to sit-down favorites, these students shared their approved go-to dinner spots, showing that Cincinnati has plenty of dinner options perfect for every schedule, mood, and appetite
