Zip's Cafe - Cincinnati, Ohio

Introduction to Zip’s Cafe

Zip’s Cafe is a highly-regarded hamburger restaurant and bar located in the vibrant Mount Lookout neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio. Situated at 1036 Delta Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208, the establishment has cultivated a strong reputation for its delicious food, lively atmosphere, and commitment to customer satisfaction. With a phone number of 38719876 and a comprehensive website at zipscafe.com, Zip’s Cafe offers a convenient and accessible experience for a diverse clientele.

Location and Ambiance

Mount Lookout provides a charming and historic backdrop for Zip’s Cafe. The cafe’s location contributes significantly to its appeal, fostering a sense of community and offering a pleasant setting for dining and socializing. The cafe itself is often described as a cozy hole in the wall, with a unique feature: a miniature train that circles the interior, adding a playful and memorable element to the dining experience. The interior is generally characterized as casual and cozy, appealing to a wide range of visitors. It’s also considered a trendy spot, attracting students and those seeking a lively atmosphere.

Specialties and Menu Highlights

While Zip’s Cafe is primarily known for its exceptional burgers, the menu boasts a broader selection of comfort food favorites. The Trainwreck burger is frequently cited as a standout dish, earning rave reviews for its phenomenal flavor and quality. The accompanying Cole Slaw is also consistently praised as being exceptionally good. Beyond the burgers, patrons frequently recommend trying the chili and fried fish, both of which are considered to be among the cafe’s best offerings. However, the burger remains a consistent favorite, drawing customers back repeatedly. The menu also incorporates classic American fare, including desserts, coffee, and a wide selection of drinks, catering to various tastes and preferences. They offer a comprehensive selection of hard liquor, beer, cocktails, wine and happy hour drinks.

Points of Interest and Services

Zip’s Cafe provides a multitude of services and amenities to enhance the dining experience. Takeout, dine-in, and delivery options are available, offering flexibility for customers. The cafe prides itself on its fast service, ensuring a prompt and efficient dining experience. A great beer selection is a significant draw for many patrons, complemented by a diverse range of cocktails and alcohol. The cafe’s popularity often results in a usual wait, highlighting its desirability and the need for reservations, which are accepted.

Accessibility is a key consideration. The cafe is wheelchair accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible parking lot, wheelchair accessible seating, and a wheelchair accessible entrance. Payment options are diverse, accepting credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments. The cafe is particularly welcoming to college students, groups, tourists, and families with kids, offering high chairs and a kids' menu. Free street parking is readily available, though paid street parking is also available nearby. Restrooms are provided on-site.

Customer Feedback and Reputation

Zip’s Cafe enjoys a remarkably positive reputation, as evidenced by its impressive customer feedback. Currently, the cafe has amassed over 1600 reviews on Google My Business, reflecting a significant level of customer engagement. The average opinion is 4.6/5, indicating a consistently high level of satisfaction. Customers frequently comment on the quality of the food, the friendly service, and the unique atmosphere. Many describe it as one of the best burger experiences they've had in a long time, highlighting the quality and flavor of the quick bite options.

The cafe’s popularity extends to offering a variety of dining options, accommodating solo dining, lunch, and dinner. It's a good option for those seeking a casual meal and is considered suitable for good for kids. The cafe’s commitment to providing a welcoming and enjoyable experience is clearly reflected in the overwhelmingly positive feedback received.

👍 Reviews of Zip's Cafe

Jeb A.

5/5

I had the Trainwreck burger, and it was phenomenal… the Cole Slaw was also really good… this was one of the best burgers I’ve had in quite awhile. Great job Zip’s!!

Bowmanlaurapiper

5/5

Cozy hole in the wall with a train going around the room. They have super good burgers. Their chili and fried fish are said to be very good, but I have to get a burger when I come here. Mt Lookout is a charming area.

jeff G.

3/5

So, the feel of the place was great, a low lit neighborhood bar with a nice approachable menu that is simple in an effort to be great. Lets start at the top;
Salad- limp
Burgers kinda dry
Chili & cheese fries : bland - zero going on with the chili, not even salt on fries- came out with the salad? By time burgers arrived, the fries were soggy and cheese on top ehh… swing-and-a-miss.
Onion rings saving grace.. under seasoned but crispy and good.
Wanted dessert was given check and waitress ran, just like when she dropped food no return to see if we needed anything.
I’m sounding negative but I write what happened- would like to contact owner see if they want to sell place to me and I will take over and attempt to do it correctly , not sure if Zips will last another 60 years as it stands.
Really wanted Zips to live up to the 4.6 rating, but everyone has off nights! Would I give it another try… perhaps, but competition stiff and poor service nearly unforgivable.

Larry D.

5/5

A really good friend of mine took me here said the best hamburger's 🍔 in town. They were right the robust flavor of this burger was fantastic. The small size French fries 🍟 were Great. I got the Zip burger. It was enough to fill me. They also have a double zip burger. Service was awesome, fast refills without having to ask. And the swinging doors coming in was different, I really liked the old time look and feel. The lights on the wall for the table, the restroom was very unique as well. I give this place a 5 Star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. I got so caught up I didn't even take any pics. Dang.

Jesse F.

5/5

If ya like dive bar feel but with a family atmosphere. This is your place. Burgers are exceptional. The sides are okay but nothing to write home about. A few beers on tap. And a fun little train goes thru the dining area. Sports on TVs for...those people.

Its a very small place and gets crowded quick.

Ben P.

4/5

Zips is an iconic staple I've visited for the past 30 years void of fancy fixings, it's an honest made burger. The chili is so good with just a hint of sweet flavor, sour creme for the perfect add, jalapeno if it tickles you.

The burgers are awesome, with the double this day being exactly what I needed... Fries are the shoe string variety.

Add it to the list of must tries.

Lelia

5/5

Was recommended to try a Zip’s burger for it was “the best”!
This is a very small place that I would like to say is “a hole in a wall”, very small space.

IMO, it was a really good thick fresh hamburger! I also had fries and a bowl of chili. I would definitely return to have burger and fríes. 🥰

B S.

4/5

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.