FROTHY FRIDAY: CAMP WASHINGTON CHILI

Get your hot chocolate and coneys all in one stop! One of the fabulous staples of Cincinnati, Camp Washington Chili has been serving up classic chili and spaghetti dishes since 1940. Also known for their double-decker sandwiches, this 24/6 diner offers up a tall cup of cocoa to keep you warm long after you finish your Three Way.

A no-frills beverage, Camp Washington's hot chocolate comes in their signature styrofoam cup and is made with hot water and milk chocolate. Thin to the taste but large in portion, this cocoa is great to knab if you're in a hurry or are craving the beverage at all hours of the night.

 

PARKSIDE CAFÉ

The best use of a refurbished restaurant goes to Parkside Café , who turned an abandoned Walnut Hills Frisch's into a brunching delight.

While the layout and furniture remains familiar, Parkside added some violet decor and new carpeting to add a bit of class to this former chain. It's just the right amount of tweaking to give it character, but not totally overhaul the building.

During the weekends, the signature double buffet tables are open filled with everyone's breakfast favorites plus fresh fruit and salad. Customers can also order off the menu. Whatever you choose, the prices are very reasonable and two people can dine for under $15.00.

Blueberry pancake with whipped cream cheese topping

Goetta, egg, and cheese sandwich with a side of tots.

Scrambled eggs with cheese and bacon

The best thing about Parkside is that it is a true community restaurant. Other diners in Cincinnati attract certain demographics. Here, everyone blended together: young, old, professionals, families, people coming from church, and people working off a hangover.

Make Parkside Café your next stop for a weekend breakfast (or brunch.) It's one of the friendliest, tastiest local diners in town.

HATHAWAY'S DINER

Open since 1956, Hathaway's Diner has been serving Cincinnatians breakfast and lunch for over 65 years.  This classic diner features all the accents of a mid-century eatery: black and white checkered tile, long winding counter tops, and waitresses in 50's style dresses with their hair piled in a beehive. Located Downtown in the Carew Tower Arcade, one can find Hathaway's near the Race Street entrance.

Carew Tower Arcade

The menu is simple yet satisfying. For breakfast, folks can order an assortment of eggs, meat, toast, and pancake dishes. Of course, as a diner, one of the staples is that you can order breakfast any time of the day.

For lunch, I enjoyed a crisp, savory Turkey Club sandwich with a cup of homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. Some of the freshest soup I've had in the city, the bowl was filled with thick noodles and tender chunks of chicken. They also offer several burgers, salads, and a unique sandwich that I must go back and try: grilled roast beef and chicken salad.

Best turkey club in Cincinnati.

Hathaway's is also known for their hand-dipped milkshakes and ice cream soda fountain. Just like back in the old days, one can sit at the counter with their sweetheart and sip on a treat.

One of the old 1950s Cincinnati pictures that line the wall of Hathaway's.

Hathaway's Diner is open from 6:30am - 4:00pm on weekdays, and 8:00am - 3:00pm on Saturdays.