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Guide to Cincinnati

Mac and cheese lunch spots

Mac and cheese that feels like a legitimate lunch choice rather than just a side dish for the kids.

Based on 739 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Bourbon's Craft Kitchen & Bar image 1
Bourbon's Craft Kitchen & Bar image 2
Bourbon's Craft Kitchen & Bar image 3
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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.

Lunch offers perfect portions with delicious food. The bourbon espresso martini stands out as a notable drink choice.

French onion soup features Mac n cheese inside instead of melted cheese on top. White cheddar Mac & cheese stays very creamy and rich.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the bourbon espresso martini at this Lunch Spot."

"The white cheddar Mac and Cheese was so creamy."

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.

02
Sweets & Meats BBQ Restaurant - Avondale image 1

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.

Lunch features BBQ options with brisket available in batches. The spot serves quick meals and is convenient near the Zoo.

Unique and exceptional mac and cheese stands out here, with fried mac and cheese balls also on the menu. Sides like mac and cheese and collard greens receive strong praise.

People are saying

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

"I thought the Mac and Cheese was delicious."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is amazing and fresh."

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.

03
San Jeanetta's Table - Kenwood image 1

Restaurant offers huge chicken sandwiches and soul food flavors with amazing mac and cheese and best grits in Cincinnati. Atmosphere feels family-oriented and cool, encouraging guests to linger and socialize. Wall art featuring Jacksonville adds a unique local touch.

Lunch features Cheesy Angie loaded fries that stand out for their flavor. The spot offers a scrumptious and satisfying midday meal option.

Mac and cheese bowls come creamy and cheesy with a rich, smooth texture. Varieties like the jerk and Hollywood crystal offer bold flavors and a divine taste that stands out.

People are saying

"You've gotta try the American Food here; the chicken sandwiches are huge."

"The mac and cheese was nice and creamy."

"This Lunch Spot's mac and cheese is creamy and perfectly al dente."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers $1 wings on special wing nights.

2

Sandwiches cost $15 and can easily feed two people.

3

Portion sizes are generous, making meals a good value.

04
Tēla Bar + Kitchen image 1

Gastropub with dim lighting and local art murals creates a cozy, upbeat atmosphere that balances energy without being loud. Multiple seating options include an outdoor patio with a roll-up window, enhancing the relaxed vibe. The focus on jam band culture adds a unique character to the space.

Cemita sandwich stands out as a solid lunch choice. The spot offers a pleasant lunch experience worth revisiting.

Short rib Mac & cheese features smoked Gouda, cheddar, and braised beef short rib with fried shallots. It combines creamy cheese with tender pulled short rib for a rich, hearty dish.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and from scratch."

"This lunch spot's Cemita sandwich is flavorful and perfectly cooked."

"The short rib Mac and Cheese is heavenly."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on busy weekends.

2

The patio allows dogs if they are tied up outside the fenced area.

3

They do not accept Visa gift cards for payment.

05
Good Thangz Cookin image 1

Open kitchen reveals fresh soul food preparation in a clean, orderly space with a homey, backyard barbecue vibe. Mostly takeout with limited seating and parking, it draws a steady lunchtime crowd. Signature dishes include collard greens, salmon fries, and hot honey chicken sandwich.

Generous portions make lunch here stretch into the next day. The veggie burger and potato wedges offer solid choices for a midday meal.

Mac and cheese comes hot and full of flavor. It stands out alongside collard greens and mashed potatoes as a delicious choice.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and fresh."

"This lunch spot's soul food, like the greens and mac and cheese, is the best I've ever had."

"I'm telling you, the mac and cheese here is fire."

Good to know

1

Order ahead to avoid a wait.

2

The parking lot can get limited around the lunchtime rush.

3

The restaurant is small with limited seating, so it's not really a place to eat in.

06
LongHorn Steakhouse image 1

Steakhouse offers cozy western decor with dim lighting and a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. It feels slightly upscale and less rowdy than similar venues, making it suitable for relaxed meals. The setting encourages lingering without rush, even with occasional large groups present.

Service stands out during lunch, making the experience smooth and enjoyable. The burger and fries offer a solid meal choice for midday.

Mac and cheese comes as a fresh side often paired with steak or chicken dishes. It has a creamy texture and is recommended alongside Brussels sprouts or broccoli.

People are saying

"The steak here is always cooked perfectly and tastes amazing."

"The service here is outstanding, making it a great spot for dates."

"The Mac and Cheese here is fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is from 3 to 6.

2

Tuesdays are slow and an excellent time to give them a try.

3

Reservations are recommended for large parties.

07
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.

Lunch features a large catfish special that stands out for its size and flavor. The overall experience during lunch feels amazing and satisfying.

Mac and cheese has a balanced cheesiness and solid flavor. It pairs well with dishes like whiting fish and green beans.

People are saying

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

"The Mac and Cheese here is outstanding and delicious."

"This lunch spot's fried chicken is juicy with a crispy coating."

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.

08
Just Q'in BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue restaurant offers a stylish, modern dining room inside a classy old building with a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Neo-Soul music plays softly, and a back patio provides space for gatherings. The place is known for exceptional brisket and a community-centered vibe.

Lunch offers brisket, ribs, and macaroni and cheese with a yummy taste. No lunch specials exist, but lunch is a good time to avoid dinner sell-outs.

Mac and cheese stands out as the clear favorite side here. Options like the pastrami mac and cheese and brisket mac and cheese meet high expectations for flavor and texture.

People are saying

"The American food here, especially the brisket, is amazing."

"The mac and cheese was the clear standout among the sides."

"The brisket at this Lunch Spot is amazing and could be cut with a fork."

Good to know

1

They often run out of ribs and chicken by evening.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak hours.

3

There is extra parking available in the back.

09
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.

Quick service delivers food within 10 minutes, making it easy to use a full hour-long lunch break. Convenient for nearby offices and heading back to work promptly.

Mac and cheese tastes like homemade by grandma, rich and comforting. It pairs well with sides like yams and cornbread, creating a hearty meal.

People are saying

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

"The Mac And Cheese tasted like homemade by grandma."

"The Lunch Spot's mac and cheese tastes like grandma made it."

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.

10
The Filson Queen City Kitchen & Bar image 1

Large patio offers breathtaking river views and dog-friendly outdoor seating with fire pits. Energetic atmosphere fills the space, especially during sports games shown on wall-to-wall TVs. Seating is crowded and lively, creating an upscale yet bustling vibe for fans and diners alike.

Large groups gather here for lunch before events like Reds games. The spot suits both casual and social midday meals.

Offers very good mac and cheese with some dishes like the KY Hotbrown and Porkopolis featuring it as a standout. Opinions vary, but many find the mac and cheese comparable to Prime's quality.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the burgers and fries; they were cooked perfectly."

"The service at this Lunch Spot was excellent and the staff was so friendly."

"The mac and cheese here was out of this world."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially during busy events.

2

Happy hour offers $2 off craft beers and $10 food specials.

3

Thursday Martini day features $6 martinis, a great deal for cocktail lovers.

11
Mz. Jade’s Soul Food sharonville image 1

Soul food restaurant offers a spacious, vibrant interior with colorful murals and a full bar. Atmosphere feels warm and smoky, creating a lively, family-friendly vibe. Banquet hall and event space add versatility beyond dining.

Large meal portions offer enough food for lunch and leftovers for dinner. Groups and couples find it a solid spot for a midday meal with a casual vibe and generous servings.

People are saying

"The food here is always hot and delicious."

"The mac and cheese here is soft with amazing cheese."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious and served hot."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night happens every Tuesday at 8pm with a two-drink minimum.

2

The restaurant often runs out of popular menu items by 5pm.

3

Prices for meals start at $22.99 for two sides and a protein.

12
Richie's Chicken and Soul image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food restaurant with loud music and a friendly atmosphere. Dining area shows signs of wear, but kiosks for ordering help skip lines. Known for excellent fried chicken and flavorful sides.

Lunch here offers quick service with the option to call ahead for orders. The food delivers soulful flavors that satisfy during a busy midday break.

Mac and cheese comes out quickly alongside the fried chicken. It tastes very good and complements the meal well.

People are saying

"I thought the fried chicken here was the best in town."

"I thought the fried chicken was the best I ever had."

"This lunch spot's fried chicken tasted like home."

Good to know

1

The lobby has been closed for two years, and it is still not open.

2

Currently, customers placing online or mobile orders have to stand in line behind in-person customers.

3

They should have a dedicated line for online and mobile orders to improve efficiency.

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