Ollie's Trolley

There were once 100 Ollie's locations across the Southeastern United States, an idea born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1973 serving American takeout from an actual repurposed trolley car. This Cincinnati location is one of only three remaining in the U.S., and the only location still in its original trolley.It was the Knoxville, Tennessee, location that we frequented in the late '70s and early '80s, a memorable part of my coming of age. My father would transport us to Ollie's in downtown to eat their mediocre burgers and absolutely stellar french fries. Unlike all the other American joints in town with their plain fries, Ollie's loaded theirs with seasoning. We're talking dozens of spices, a very complex mixture indeed! And even though my last taste of those fries would happen in 1984, they never left my memory.Fast forward to 2024. It was 40 years later, and I was driving through an unsavory section of Cincinnati when I spotted that telltale red streetcar and Ollie's Trolley emblazoned in yellow lettering across the top. I nearly lost my mind! I had no idea they still existed anywhere! You can't miss the countless signs lining the fence touting all of the dishes they serve.While the neighborhood isn't as nice as the original takeout spot still standing in Louisville, it didn't matter. The curt greeting from the employee I couldn't see who took my order while remaining invisible behind tinted glass didn't discourage me either. All I needed were those fries. And they are still just as good as they were four decades ago, still thoroughly seasoned with such a level of complexity! That was all I ordered on my stop there, a simple flashback to my youth that I thought was lost forever.

Stopped by while traveling thru the area.I had the whole ribs with a side of baked beans and my wife had the whole chicken with wings and fries.This place has a old school dinner feel. We each had a 24 oz Lemonade. Topped it off with Chess pie. It was a different experience. The service was attentive and our order was correct. Ours was not the same as some other reviews, but your mileage may vary. If you are in the area, you might want to get it a try for your self.

I got the $9 fried chicken buffet which included a fried quarter chicken leg, potato salad, coleslaw, and Mac & cheese and I didn't like any of it. The chicken was not seasoned, the Mac and cheese had too much cheese and no seasoning, and the coleslaw and potato salad didn't have much of a wow factor.

While I'm a vegetarian who doesn't eat most of what Ollie's is known for, I've trusted Marvin with catering parties and preparing dishes ( including vegetarian) or holiday turkeys and the food always gets raves from my guests without emptying my pocket. He's a pleasure to deal with and I've recommended him to others.

Wow, man, awesome spot! Gotta admit, I was pretty skeptical. But, the food here is BOMB! I had the brisket buffet-with collard greens and Mac-n-cheese. I wanted desperately to try the sausage, but it's just too much food! For $9 I walked away feeling fatter and happier than I could in any 'fancy' restaurant. I can't wait to go back and try more when I'm nearby again. Absolutely go!!

Burger 10/10 whatever you could want they got it. Fries 5/10 seems like they aren't seasoned right, kinda dry. You also have to wait outside which isn't the best but the burger is worth it

The burgers are always amazing. Staff is always very friendly and helpful. Great place to stop if want fresh and in a hurry. Did I forget to talk about the ribs. Mmmmmm

Excellent breakfast bowls! After a horrible experience at Sugar & Spice, we happened upon this perfect breakfast on the go with excellent service and food!

The was not fresh rib tips were cold and hard. The greens were under cooked, Mac and cheese was ok

I'm visiting from California been here a few times before. I've seen Ollie's Trolley but never tried it til today, ordered a mushroom burger w fries. It was delicious and would definitely order again. I read the reviews n it was recommended to ask for extra seasoning on fries and burger, I'm glad I did, they have a seasoning of their own and it tastes great. I love mushrooms so next time I'll ask for more on my burger. My boyfriend had the Lincoln Ware breakfast cup, I tried it and wasn't to my liking, it just wasn't as flavorful as I would prefer.