Zip's Cafe

The service here is great — friendly and fast, especially considering how packed this place usually is. Zips is always busy, so expect a wait in line. It’s a true Cincinnati staple with plenty of history and that classic, laid-back neighborhood vibe. That said, the food is just okay. The burgers are fine — nothing mind-blowing, but solid. The fries this time were a bit stale. Our server did their best to keep up, but they were clearly swamped. If you’re in a hurry, this probably isn’t the spot for a quick bite. Come with a little patience, soak up the nostalgic atmosphere, and go more for the experience than for the food itself.

You don't stick around for 100 years without making a few friends. Zips embodies that. The food is pretty straight forward Cincinnati burger fare, but they do it well. Always a few good beers on tap, and the kids still love the train.

I had to check this out after a colleague kept raving about it. It was a great burger with a really fresh thick juicy patty. Definitely worth to check it out.

I would say a 5 out of 5. It was cool to experience a business that’s been in business for 100 years. It takes a lot to accomplish that milestone. The burger, beer and fries were very delicious.

Seems like Zips is living off of old reputation. The burger could be the most bland I've ever had in a restaurant. No seasoning whatsoever. Incredibly overrated. Honestly, a Whopper blows this away. Years ago, when it was under $10 for a burger and fries I'd give it a pass. People who think this is a good burger haven't tasted a good burger apparently.

Hard to deny the fact that they offer up a killer burger that checks all of the boxes. Even though the place was filled with families around 4:00 on a Saturday, they don't offer any kid's options. $18 for a burger and fries for a 9 year old isn't exactly "reasonable." The place has a warm vintage vibe coupled with a friendly staff. It's probably a better place to visit without kids just to grab a drink and a quick bite.

My mom & dad used to live in Mount Lookout and have always loved Zip’s, and now my brother & I do too! It’s one of those places that stands the test of time & keeps people coming back. We visited during the very busy lunch rush and had about a 10-15 minute wait to be seated. The staff kept things moving and got us settled quickly. There was a roughly 30 minute wait for the food, but it was definitely worth it. Everything came out hot, fresh, & delicious. My parents mentioned the chilli portion was a bit smaller than remembered and were a bit hungry afterwards, but overall the quality and flavor of the food made up for it. Zip’s continues to be a family favorite, and we’d love to go back again sometime soon!

Their burgers are a special blend of different meats. They are fresh meat and come with all the toppings and mayo. The fries are fresh and plentiful. It’s a small, unique place that has been there for years. If you go, arrive early or you might have to wait.

Do not miss this place if your local or a long way off like us. It's 100+ years old. They have a pic of the OG place. Amazing. Amazing food and amazing people.

I grew up going to school with so many Ursula girls that talked about Zips. Today at 58, I visited for the first time. My son has been here before me. Old school joint doing a good burger. Quality meat in the burger, made at a local butcher. I do like a thicker crinkle cut fry, these are thinner but it was cool.Server was super friendly. I will be back.

This was my first time at Zip's, a longtime Cincy staple in Mt. Lookout. My friend and I arrived around 6 PM and had plenty of options for seating ourselves. Our waitress was friendly and attentive, and we made our selections. I had heard good things about the burgers and was not disappointed! I opted for the classic Zip Burger (with cheese of course!) and a side of onion rings. Food came out fairly quickly and the burger was nice and juicy! The onion rings were also well breaded and had a nice crunch. My only cons were that we were seated in the front half of the restaurant and it was pretty cold inside, so keep that in mind when choosing your seats. Also, it was pretty dark due to lack of overhead lighting and while the lamps at each table gave the restaurant a subtle glow, the lack of lighting could be difficult for some to read the menu or navigate through tables.

Nothing new to add. Just grabbed a burger at Zips on a Sunday afternoon and it was awesome as always. Love it!

Well this place has been in the neighborhood forever. I don't know how many owners it's had but you can tell it's a staple because it is completely full during lunch and dinner on most days of the week. Just moved to the neighborhood a few months ago and even though I feel the menu here is pretty limited, it's just always busy. And good for them! Ambience is very classic and lots of wood. Service seems to be good for the past few times I've been here. I had the zips burger which I thought was pretty good and my friend had the train wreck which he really liked. Everything else is sort of extra and there's not much else on the menu besides burgers and fries. But if that's what you want, it's going to be here! Maya was our server and she did a great job of taking care of us.

Zip's is a great little bar & grill-type place on the edge of a quirky, fun neighborhood. Their burgers are super good! It's a small place, so it does get crowded at times. The food is worth the wait, though!

We had a great lunch at Zip's today. It's small but there was plenty of seating and the historic building is super cool. Our kids loved watching the train go around the top of the restaurant. The burgers were excellent. The mac and cheese is classic diner style and our toddler devoured it. The onion rings were giant and some of the best I've ever had. The chicken tenders were great. The fries weren't the best I've had but they were fine. Overall, I can't believe this was my first trip and I'll definitely go back. The staff was incredibly nice and quick with refills, etc. This is a must visit in Cincinnati.

Zip's is just one of those spots that always hits. It's chill, the vibe is cozy, and the food is solid every time. I got the classic Zip burger and it was juicy, messy, and perfect. The fries are crispy the way I like them too. What surprised me most was the drink menu. They actually have some pretty fancy cocktails. I had one with bourbon and smoked cherry--it looked cool and tasted even better. Felt kinda fancy without being too much, you know? Service was friendly and quick. It's just a good place to hang, eat something great, and sip a good drink. I'll definitely be back.

I've been going here since I was a kid. Dating myself that's been 40 years. The restaurant has not changed much in those 40 years I've been gracing the place. The Zip burger and/or chili, chili cheese fries have remained the same. The service is usually the same in any place like this. Also the toy train that rides around the restaurant is a good thing for any child. I recommend this place any day of the week.

A true Cincinnati classic and the food is good I will say it's almost impossible to get a good parking spot outside and it is really small inside but if you go on a weekend at like 4 or something you will find a seat and we had amazing service I truly recommend

I usually start with what I like the most, definitely the chili! I suggest getting all the fixings, sour cream, onions, and shredded cheese on the side, so you can add it in if you want. But start with just the chili and see if it even needs anything added to the deliciousness. I also got the Saratoga chips. This is always one of my favorites to order at a restaurant if I see it on the menu. The barbecue sauce was delicious, but not sure if it's housemade or not. I thought it might be Open Pit, since I really like that brand anyway. For out of towners, it is a small, tiny place that can get very packed very quickly because it is famous for its burgers. If you have some anxiety about that, come during non-busy/mealtime hours. Otherwise, if you can consider it a party, come during a lunch or dinner time and join the fun. The kitchen gets your meal out hot still because the staff are veterans who work together, get you out pretty quickly, and make you feel like home even though they are slammed. Over the years, I've been here 5-6 times and all friends' feedback agrees, the food is really delicious and worth it!

My sister-in-law and I went to zips café today, and I had a double cheeseburger and my sister-in-law had a single burger. The food was.good. I also had a cup of chili and my sister-in-law had an order of the coleslaw. The service was good and the atmosphere was neat. They have a train that goes around all close to the ceiling which I thought was neat.

Pretty dang tasty burger, exceptional thin crispy French fries and excellent onion rings (hubby says, "the cat's meow"). We had Zips in mind to visit for a while since we moved to Cincinnati. Tried to go on a Sunday too close to lunch time; there was a long line and we were short on time. Came back on a Friday, post-prime time: no line, immediate seating. Very cozy, casual place with a basic burger and sandwich menu. Excellent service by our server - she was very personable as well as efficient. Food cooked perfectly and served hot. Loved it! We sat in front at a booth near the windows. We did not peep at it but looks like there is a bar in back behind swing doors. Street parking and a small paid lot available but plan on some time to hunt.

A quirky place with a long history.... THISCLOSE to 100 years! My friends and I recently visited based on recommendations, of which there are many. So, I'm adding mine. Location - perfect. Mt. Lookout. Parking lot nearby. Easy to get to, in and out of, all that. Inside, there are multiple slices of history, a train running around the ceiling, a separate bar behind the dining area, and the best burgers we've found. (One of my pals is a burger connisseur. ) The fries were ok, but when going there you go for the burgers, onion rings, and chili. :) Despite the number of peeps in the dining room (it was noon'ish), the food came out within a reasonable amount of time hot and ready for consumption. Served by a crew of happy employees. It's a small place in a neighborhood of small places. it's locally owned, and the prices were pretty decent. Not something you can find anymore (so it seems anyway) at chain restaurants and drive thru places. Zip's -be back soon!

The location is supremely cool and worth a visit if you want that kind of atmosphere. However, I've been a little let down by the turkey and black bean burger from my recent to-go orders. Maybe the quality/taste is lost when it's packaged to go, but I'd rather go with another spot for those times when I'm craving a burger.

Great burgs and onion rings! The burgers here are sooo juicy! The ambiance is kinda like a dive bar or old pub but the service is great! Friendly staff and great times all around.

8/23/2024. Today was my first visit to Zips. While I had no expectations I can say that the service was great and the server was knowledgeable about the food menu as well as the beer options. Everyone in our group ordered the basic Zips cheeseburger. The food was perfectly prepared and presented promptly. The ambiance was noisy and active. The restrooms were clean and stocked. Most important was being able to experience an old Cincinnati landmark that has managed to remain in business in a time when many Mom and Pop food establishments are suffering. Well worth a visit!

Zips is the best! I almost hate giving zips a good review because now it's just going to become harder to get into for lunch . Zips is a fantastic neighborhood burger joint and bar. It's an institution in cincinnati. When people tell you things to do while in cincinnati 1) will be skyline chili 2) montgomery inn... but usually in that top 5 will be "go to zips cafe". And theres a reason for that, the burgers are fantastic, the staff is super friendly, and the ambiance is patina-ed/historic. This is not one of those burger places that makes gigantic burgers or one that places 1000 items on the burger. These are all American burgers made to perfection. I usually go large when i'm at zips. Double cheeseburger with all the fixings (sometimes the train wreck when i feel real hungry), One bowl of chili with all the fixings, an order of onion rings and a truth (maybe 2) if josh or tank convince me to have an additional beer. Then you have to toll me through the old timey saloon doors in the bar A few specifics. Zips is in mt. Lookout. Which is right next to hyde park. 10-12 min drivibg from downtown cincinnati. And 30 min from mason. Mt lookout is a cute neighborhood with a very walkable square containing shops, restaurants, ice cream, coffee shops and bars. Its a great place to spend the afternoon. When you walk into zips it will be dark. Don't be surprised. Its part of the charm and always very clean. Often there will be a wait. Sometimes you will need to sit at a community table, which is way more fun than it sounds. The kids will love the train that goes around the top of the dining area, and if they are nice to the waiter/waitress they may even toot the whistle for your table. Zips is very kid friendly. Pro-tip: if you do not have kids with you, go back to the bar. The bar is small, but welcoming. The bar is full of locals that will tell you all about the place. Make sure you say hi to Dr. Alan The resident Cincinnati sport fanatic & deadhead. The bartenders are a cast of characters that will keep you in stitches and up to date on your sports. Stop into say hi to the gang. You won't regret it.

Amazing burger that was a good enough size to finish without feeling awful after, and it tasted amazing so that was a huge plus. Got food pretty quickly for how packed it was, and got offered a refill almost instantly after my drink was out. Bathroom is a little shady but overall a good and vintage vibe. Would recommend any day.

Everything is always great! Delicious each time! Food is consistent as is the service

Been hearing about the famous Zips burger, and finally got one today for lunch. It reminded me of a home grilled burger...and since I no longer have a grill (forbidden in tall buildings) I really, really enjoyed it. Reminded me of a long gone era of small neighborhood taverns, mostly gone by the way side in this age of fast food burger joints. Those burger joints can't hold a candle to Zips. Understand it gets really busy at lunchtime, but we hit it early enough there was no problem getting a booth. Oh... did the mention the fries? They were heavenly. If you're in or near Mount Lookout, check this place out. You'll be glad you did. And I'm not even a burger lover, but when the yearning does arrive, I will return here.

The train wreck Burger taste great as always. The service is phenomenal. And I love the little train that goes around the main dining area.

Zip's Cafe is such a cozy spot. It's pretty small, but the tight space is part of the great atmosphere in my opinion. Absolutely loved the train going around the trim (not sure if it's just for Christmas, but it made my day). I really enjoyed the Zip Burger! Highly recommend you try it with the zip sauce (on the side, so you can dip your sides in it as well). I had the onion rings which were great but pretty heavy, so I wasn't able to eat much. The fries looked amazing--I will definitely be ordering them next time. The service was quite slow, but we were there during a Christmas lunch rush. Not enough to keep me from returning again! Looking forward to trying the rest of the menu.

Opened in 1926 and going strong in 2022, Zip's should make your top 5 burger places to visit in Cincinnati and a historic and fun anchor to the greater Hyde Park / Mt Lookout area. I started coming to Zip's when it was a new, barely 60 year old business in the early 90's, and after all these years it consistently offers a great burger in an old time venue from the past. The train still circles the room and saloon doors separate the front from back. It's a small dining area so it can get crowded, but it has always been worth the wait for me. I always get the burger, and you should too. If you have a cheat day relative to your Vegan, GF, animal free diet, use it on this burger. The burger meat is ground fresh daily at a local butcher and the buns are made locally. You can't get more Cincinnati than this. If you've read this far, you're wasting time. Get to Zip's!

Obviously, everybody knows Zips has amazing food! It almost seems silly to do a review for them because they've got to have five stars by the thousands!! Over the last decade, I don't think we've ever had a bad meal there.

Delicious burgers in a fun pub type restaurant. Generous portions, reasonable prices and great service!

A good burger but there is just something missing. The service was good but the building is a bit dark and old feeling. I'd come back but my fav burger place is just down the street, so....

The food here is always amazing and I love the atmosphere. If I were to define a hole in the wall with a picture it would be a picture of the front door. Service is always top notch. Food is always great. Get here early! It's good and it is small so there will be a wait.

We recently moved to Cincinnati and have had so many people tell us to go to Zip's for the best greasy burger around. We finally went and it did not disappoint! We sat at the bar and the bartender, you could tell, has been working there for a long time. He welcomed us to Cincinnati and answered any questions we had. We ordered some beers, I got a Zip burger, my fiancé got a double zip burger, and we shared an order of fries. Everything was incredible!! The double burger was so big that my fiancé struggled to finish it, and he can eat! They don't mess around when they say double burger. The regular, single patty burger was definitely enough for me. We had a great experience with great burger and we will definitely return!

Best spot on the block to grab food and drinks. This old school establishment is fun for the whole family. Service is fast and super friendly. Food is cooked to order and always on point. It can get crowded so plan ahead.

My friend and I are new to Cincy and we are doing a burger tour of sorts. And Zip's was our first stop. LOVE THE ATMOSPHERE! It feels very neighborhood and homey sitting where we sat. It feels like Cheers, a place where people would know your name, and that was an awesome feeling. The staff was way busy and so not so attentive, but that was okay. As for the burger. The burger was fine. A solid burger, no flare, nothing fancy or distracting, a solid burger, like you would get in a back yard cooked out. And the onion rings were so tasty! Now, I was on the clock, so to speak, so I couldn't have a beer, but the burger would be an amazing beer and burger, burger!

Service was ok pretty busy with locals from what we seen and heard but food was as expected. Burgers were pretty solid burgers, we came here for the Rueben but no longer have it on the menu. It is such a small venue, my hubby suggested a new place based on food and ratings so we had to try it out. I had the chili and zip burger while he had the train wreck both were pretty good onion rings we could have done without just average. We may be back again to try it out when less busy and less local attention.

The zips burger is pretty good and the fries/mac n cheese are exceptional. The service was okay of making sure that the food is good. The ambiance was good as well.

Always a treat to eat here. Must've been a perfect time to come because we got the booth of our choice. Food is so consistent. Just thinking about it makes my mouth drool. Have to go back before too long.

Cincinnati is filled with tons of burger places. Yes there are places that are better than this place that serve more gourmet or more unique style burgers, but Zip's is the perfect place if you just want a backyard style burger. Their burgers are simple and taste like any decent burger would taste. Zip's is causal and as expected their food also follows a similar trend. Their prices are reasonable compared to other restaurants that charge $11+ dollars for a regular single cheeseburger. I recently ordered my double Zip's burger and had no complaints. The patty's were cooked nicely, juicy and well seasoned. I was able to order all of the basic toppings I enjoy such as pickles, lettuce and tomatoes with no extra charge. The fries needed salt, but I liked how fresh they were. They were piping hot, crispy on the outside and super thin. Overall I'd eat here again when I'm in the mood for a no frills basic cheeseburger and fries. I admit I wasn't expecting two thick patties, so I definitely will be ordering the regular Zip burger next time that comes with only 1 patty. But if you're really hungry I highly recommend getting a double cheeseburger and giving Zip's a try.

The food was delicious, the chicken tenders were in fact tender and when paired with fries it's amazing. The service was good at the door you may have to wait a while depending on the time and day. Anyways the waiters were super nice and it was just awesome. I would love to come back sometime!

I've been taking my family there for years. Great burgers nothing fancy but the old atmosphere is really the star here. Zips is a classic Cincinnati staple and I highly recommend it. Also love the old bar in the back.

Old time standard Lots of memories at this place. Very solid. Not quite the same as 30 years ago but still very good

I love the train that goes around the top. Amazing vibes. Food was good and fairly priced, the specialty stuff gets expensive. Best mustard I've ever had.

Zip's Cafe was excellent!! The cheese burger was perfect and the French Fries were the Best.

When it comes to some of the oldest establishments in Cincy, Zips is in my top 3. The restaurant/bar itself may be "tiny" but their food and service makes it MIGHTY. My only wish is a double edged sword; bc on one hand I don't particularly like driving out to the MLT area (parking is always an ordeal), it being the ONLY location is what adds to the it's special-ness!

There is not a better burger in town; the meat is from Avril-Bleh, a legendary butcher, it comes out juicy and cooked to order!

Today (12-18-2024) I ordered from Zip's Cafe from door dash. I ordered the double cheese burgers with bacon, grilled onion with onions rings and chili fries. WOW what a burger please ordered from Zip's Cafe.

What can I say? Still one of the best burgers in town. It's been 20 years since I'd eaten at Zip's due to moving out of the area. But when hubs and I dropped in on a Thursday night for a burger and beer, we were not disappointed. We experienced the same great service, food, and atmosphere that I remembered.. I had a Zip burger, onion rings, and cold draft beer, and consumed every last bit! I will def be returning.

Always a very good burger, but it is too expensive for what you get. $10 small burgers with nothing included, no fried, chips, picke, nothing, just the burger. And specialty ones in th 17$ - 18$ range - also with no sides included. Great burger, but meh.

This place was thought to be really hyped, but I would consider on par with Fristchs. The burger was just sort of mid. Onion rings are OK. The best part about it was really just a neighborhood tavern ambience field.

It's unquestionably my favorite burger, no cheese, just mustard, pickle and onions...their fries are world class, as is their chili...plus the owner owes me big time...this place is nothing but good!

I love Zip's. My wife told me she'd never been so I had to take her on Saturday. You really just can't beat their burger. The onion rings are really good too. I love that this place looks it hasn't been changed in half a century. The service is always great and the servers seem to love being there.

Overall, not bad, but overpriced! It was packed and the atmosphere is great. Very dark/dim inside so it that isn't your cup of tea, maybe don't go! I had the zips burger with cheese and the chili- both were good, but the burger was way overpriced for the size and toppings. Overall, I think it's a good hole in the wall to try once for the history- but there are better burgers at that price point elsewhere.