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Local picks in Cincinnati

Cake spots

A meal that balances a hearty American dinner with a cake that is actually worth saving room for.

Based on 493 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Sweets & Meats BBQ Restaurant - Avondale image 1
Sweets & Meats BBQ Restaurant - Avondale image 2
Sweets & Meats BBQ Restaurant - Avondale image 3
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Barbecue restaurant offers a clean, spacious setting with comfortable seating and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. The vibe is inviting and homey, with bright, well-maintained decor. It draws people looking for scratch-made barbecue and a relaxed dining experience.

Pulled pork and brisket stand out with juicy, smoky flavors and simple seasoning. Sides like collard greens and baked beans come well-seasoned and complement the hearty mains.

Strawberry crunch cake stands out with its delightful texture and rich flavor. Banana pudding also offers a creamy, satisfying finish.

People are saying

"I thought the food was amazing and full of flavor."

"The American food here is amazing; I thought every dish was delicious."

"The strawberry crunch cake was so good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 7 PM and turns off their grills before 6 PM.

2

Catering services are available for events like weddings.

3

Expect large portions that justify the pricing.

02
Funnel Cake Island image 1

Black-owned food truck offers massive funnel cakes with creative toppings and a clean setup. Atmosphere is minimal with just two picnic tables and limited seating upstairs. Lines form but move steadily, and topping shortages are not always announced in advance.

Thick, perfectly cooked funnel cakes come with creative twists like butter pecan and powdered sugar. Fresh Fried Oreos add to the delicious, fresh American food experience at affordable prices.

Funnel cakes here stand out for their freshness and creative twists on the traditional recipe. Varieties like butter pecan, strawberry crunch, and cheesecake offer a delicious range beyond the classic powdered sugar.

People are saying

"I thought the funnel cake here was the best I ever had."

"I thought the funnel cakes here were the best I ever had."

"The American food, especially the funnel cake, is delicious and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

Expect a variety of topping choices for your funnel cake.

2

Prices are reasonable, with funnel cakes and drinks averaging around $56 for a group.

3

The line moves quickly, so wait times are minimal.

03
Bourbon's Craft Kitchen & Bar image 1

Bar and grill with luxe, cozy decor and street-level views creates a visually engaging atmosphere. Music varies from pleasant background tunes to loud DJ sets that can overwhelm conversation. Outdoor seating offers a small, relaxed space for enjoying city views and cigars.

Burgers come with muenster cheese, creamy coleslaw, crushed Grippo's chips, smoked bacon, and fancy sauce on a soft brioche bun. Crab cakes stand out as delicious and well-crafted. Salads and hamburgers also feature on the menu.

Dessert options include triple chocolate cake and Creme Brulee cheesecake with raspberry sauce. Cakes come at a high price point, contributing to a meal cost over $40.

People are saying

"I was skeptical about the truffle burger, but it was one of the best."

"The American Food here, especially the crab cakes, is some of the best I've ever tasted."

"The burgers were the juiciest and cooked perfectly."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for busy nights, especially weekends.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Automatic gratuity is added for large tables, so be aware when dining with a group.

04
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill image 1
Fast food restaurant

Bright interior and family-friendly atmosphere create a welcoming environment. Consistently clean with a self-service pop machine and drive-thru that moves quickly. Ice cream treats stand out with superb quality and fresh toppings.

Bacon cheeseburgers come hot with fresh toppings and strong flavor. Chicken strips and plain cheeseburgers are also available, with options to customize condiments like mayo and pickle.

Ice cream cakes stand out with delicious flavor and amazing quality. Staff provide helpful service when selecting cakes for special occasions.

People are saying

"I found the ice cream here to be awesome and delicious."

"I loved the cheeseburger; it was hot with fresh toppings."

"I love getting an ice cream cake for birthdays or weekends."

Good to know

1

The Dairy Queen Grill & Chill has a drive-thru, indoor, and outdoor seating.

2

The drive-thru moves quickly, making it worth the wait.

3

The kids' meal offers good value for the price.

05
Chef Nem Kitchen To-Go image 1

Takeout-only restaurant offers a small, cool space with unique patron artwork and a welcoming vibe. Loud music sometimes makes ordering difficult, but the bottled house drinks add a distinct touch. Parking is limited, and wait times can be long due to careful preparation.

Lamb chops and Mac and cheese stand out with rich flavors and perfect seasoning. The shrimp and lobster Cajun Alfredo offers a creamy, spicy twist, while the Philly cheesesteak egg rolls come with a tasty sauce that complements them well.

Carrot cake stands out with a homemade taste that feels like it comes from family recipes. Some versions use artificial sweeteners, which affects the flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is great, seasoned perfectly and full of flavor."

"The American Food, especially the lamb chops and mac and cheese, was amazing."

"I thought the lamb chops and wings were the best in the city."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 30-60 minutes for food preparation.

2

Parking is extremely limited and can be difficult to find.

3

The fish fry is served every Friday and is very popular.

06
Soul Secrets image 1
Soul food restaurant

Small soul food restaurant with walls lined by family portraits creates a cozy, home-like atmosphere. Gospel and DJ music add to a warm, energetic vibe that feels both family-oriented and chill. Tables sit close together, making the space intimate but tight.

Fried chicken stands out with its crispy texture and rich flavor. Sides include creamy grits, mashed potatoes, and buttermilk cornbread served without issues.

Pound cake stands out with its rich flavor and moist texture. The Red Velvet cake also impresses with its classic taste and smooth finish.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and cooked perfectly."

"The seafood here is seasoned just right and tastes phenomenal."

"The cake here is seasoned to perfection."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times.

2

Parking can be difficult and costs around $9 for two hours.

3

You can join the waitlist on Yelp before arriving.

07
Montgomery Inn The Boathouse image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue restaurant sits right on the river with stunning riverfront views and a relaxed atmosphere. The space includes a balcony for smoking cigars and offers live music that enhances the vibe. Guests often enjoy strong bourbon cocktails and highly praised ribs in a setting that balances casual comfort with scenic beauty.

Brisket stands out with its juicy and moist texture and flavorful tenderness. Ribs fall off the bone, and sides like outstanding coleslaw complement the BBQ well.

Warm, gooey Chocolate Volcano Cake pairs well with vanilla ice cream. The Carrot Cake is moist and not too sweet.

People are saying

"The food here was incredible, tender, and juicy."

"The American Food brisket here is so tender and moist."

"I thought the ribs were the best I have ever eaten."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dining.

2

Happy hour offers specials on drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

3

Cigar Night occurs every Thursday with a relaxed atmosphere.

08
Just Cookin BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Small interior showcases positive Black culture and honors community memories, creating a nostalgic, friendly vibe. The space feels chill and welcoming despite being warm inside. High demand leads to early sellouts, with generous portions and soul food reminiscent of Chicago or Detroit spots.

Big, juicy chicken wings and large portions like the meatloaf stand out. Plates often include sides like mac and cheese, cornbread, rice, and greens alongside fried pork chops or whiting.

Pound cake stands out with a great portion size and delicious flavor. Other cakes like strawberry often taste like they come from the freezer and are not made from scratch.

People are saying

"The American food, especially the turkey ribs and mac and cheese, was delicious."

"The dinner here is delicious and seasoned to perfection."

"The pound cake here is amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is take-out only on Sundays due to high customer volume.

2

Expect long wait times between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm on weekends.

3

The portions are generous, often enough for two servings.

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