High above the West Side sits a restaurant with a rising legacy. Located in
Price Hill, Incline
Public House was erected on the site of the former Price Hill
Incline. Over 140 years ago, Cincinnati was home to five inclines: each a
mode of rail-based transportation that moved streetcars and passengers from the
Downtown basin to the suburbs located on hillsides. Resorts were opened at the
top of each incline, offering both entertainment and libations
which attracted locals, tourists, and even Hollywood celebrities.
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| Price Hill Incline via CincinnatiViews.net |
Price Hill Incline was also one of the steepest at 350 feet high
and 48% grade. Of course, this makes for a gorgeous view at the modern-day restaurant,
which opened in 2013. My dining companions and I ventured to Incline Public
House, each with very different appetites: a foodie, a meat-and-potatoes lover,
and a pescatarian (a vegetarian that also
eats fish.)
We started with appetizers accompanied with one of the 50+ beers
on the drink list. Two of us opted for beer cocktails: The End of Time and a Shandy-tini.
Both were a unique mix of lighter beers with a splash of citrus; a refreshing
compliment to a summer dinner on the patio.
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| The End of Time, a draft IPA, and the Shandy-tini |
Our first course included four appetizers:
- Mushroom Pastry with olive tapenade, roasted red peppers, bleu cheese, candied walnuts , and basil pesto
- Shrimp Wontons with a ginger sauce
- Fried Calamari with sweet chili sauce, roasted peppers, and gremolata
- Lamb Burger Sliders with arugula, goat cheese, and cherry bourbon chutney
- Mushroom Pastry with olive tapenade, roasted red peppers, bleu cheese, candied walnuts , and basil pesto
- Shrimp Wontons with a ginger sauce
- Fried Calamari with sweet chili sauce, roasted peppers, and gremolata
- Lamb Burger Sliders with arugula, goat cheese, and cherry bourbon chutney
Both myself and the meat-loving man agreed the Lamb
Burger Slider was the highlight of the meal, with its tender
hand-pressed patty, fluffy bun, and palate of flavors. The Fried Calamari was a hit
with our pescatarian friend, and was my second favorite of the four. An order comes with plenty to share and also
packs some spicy heat with each bite.
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| Lamb Burger Sliders with arugula, goat cheese, and cherry bourbon chutney |
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| Fried Calamari with sweet chili sauce, roasted peppers, and gremolata |
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| Mushroom Pastry with olive tapenade, roasted red peppers, bleu cheese, candied walnuts , and basil pesto |
Our second round of drinks included two fizzy delights from the
cocktail menu:
- Cream Soda: Southern Comfort, Stoli Vanilla, ginger ale
- Blueberry Lavender Lemonade: Stoli, agave nectar, blueberry puree, lemon juice, and lavender
- Cream Soda: Southern Comfort, Stoli Vanilla, ginger ale
- Blueberry Lavender Lemonade: Stoli, agave nectar, blueberry puree, lemon juice, and lavender
The Blueberry Lavender Lemonade was our preferred drink of the
night, perfect for someone looking for a fruity, light cocktail. My Cream
Soda looks spot on like the classic beverage, complete with a cherry.
Strong and sippable, I’d recommend this for Happy Hour and small bites.
With each of their menu items
crafted from scratch in the kitchen, the mains were the most
anticipated portion of the meal. I selected the Braised Short Rib Grilled Cheese,
which featured a generous portion of finely-pulled beef, gooey cheese, and BBQ
sauce. Ms. Pescatarian opted for the Margherita Pizza with tomato,
mozzarella, and basil. Of course, our meat-lover ordered the House
Burger, with crispy onion, bacon, and cheddar. Surprisingly, while he
loved the burger, the side salad left him speechless for
the rest of dinner. Never underestimate a simple bed of fresh greens!
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| Braised Short Rib Grilled Cheese |
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| Margherita Pizza |
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| House Burger |
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| Side Salad with fresh shredded cheddar |
As you settle in with your meal, be sure to take in the grand
scenery the Incline Public House has to offer. From high on its perch, guests
can see not only Downtown and Over-The-Rhine, but also to the West End,
Northern Kentucky, Clifton and other hillside neighborhoods.
While you’re up there being mesmerized by the sunset, be sure to
check out neighboring Olden View Park, which hosts monthly movie nights. The
park also includes an overlook as well as historical placards that tell the
background of the area.
From 1800s classic resort to a delectable contemporary restaurant;
the Price Hill Incline District has risen
to the top of places to visit in Cincinnati.
My Incline Public House experience was part of:
Livin' in the Cin is the
Cincinnati USA Regional Tourism Network’s new initiative that taps into
and creates a movement of passionate Cincinnati USA advocates. The goal is to
generate awareness and excitement about the region and broaden residents’
perceptions of the area from a place they live to a place they should rave
about to family and friends as a visitor destination.
