Zip's Cafe

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

Such a good burger here. It's really simple, nothing crazy here, but a great spot. Can get crowded easily on the weekends but is worth it!

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.

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.

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.

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!