50 Best American Restaurants near Cold Spring

“Attached is a letter submitted to Cracker Barrel in Cold Springs, Ky to express an appreciation for a job well done. Amy, Manager at Cracker Barrel in Cold Springs, Ky impressed us with her friendly demeanor and willingness to take the time to ask our table if the food is to our liking. Outstanding food and staff (Server/Manager) interaction. ( 5 Star) rating re: the excellence in dining atmosphere and quality of food.“

“great food, we were pleasantly surprised“

“Our experience was just incredible. My family came here for a pre birthday dinner for myself. Our waiter Dylan was fantastic - very down to earth, kind and funny. He was running every which way but he also maintained a great attitude. I believe he just may be the best server I’ve had at a restaurant! Our food/drinks were so tasty. My husbands food was running a bit behind ours due some malfunction in the kitchen with the stoves/ovens, so the manager Devin came over and let us know that my husbands meal would be comped AND we would get a free dessert. We truly were not expecting anything like that. I overheard Devin at another table complimenting his entire staff by saying he has the best in the world. It truly shows. Even if we did not get anything for free, it was still a great experience that deserved a great review. Thank you to both Dylan and Devin for going over and beyond for your customers!“

“Gotta say that I’m sorry I waited so long to attend this establishment. Definitely put Fridays to shame. Food was great and the server Cathy was on point. For once I didn’t feel suffocated by some wench pushing cheese sticks on me. Thank you O’Charleys for the wonderful seafood sampler platter and being able to dine in peace.“

“We used Jeanna Nichole Garmany and Barleycorn's Select Catering for my wife's retirement party (75 guests). Her and her team did a terrific job! Food and service were both top shelf. Will definitely use again.“

“The food was great and filling. Our waitress , Diana, had a smile on her face and was very friendly.“

“The smash burgers and fries are yummy! I just wish that they still served their delicious pies for dessert. It's a real shame to not serve something so mothwatering good as their honey vinegar pie.“

“Excellent service and Food. Compliments to the Chef and staff. Had French Pork Chop. Absolutely phenomenal! Fried Green Tomatoes - best I’ve ever had! Martini was also perfect! Very classy place! Highly recommend! Wish there was a location near me!“

“We ate here for the first time last night , it was packed but we were seated right away and they moved us over to be closer to heat with no issues whatsoever; our server Emily was super sweet and the hostess as well !!! We can’t wait to come back, our food was delicious and great servings … Emily was very attentive and was great with recommendations .. hubby is a cook and can be a little picky haha 🤣 but he LOVED everything he even wanted to tip whoever made the Mac and cheese anywho 10 stars ⭐️“

“Chat GPT had directed us here on Saturday the 4th. The food was great! My son and I each had the Salmon with Sweet Potato fries. We had both flown in from 2 different states for a couple of attractions. After the Salmon we finished off a huge slice of Carrot Cake. The best I have ever had. Annie M was very attentive, kind and had a very happy face. For everyone, actually. I just wanted to say how pleased and surprised we were with how good everything was. And I also wanted to compliment Annie M.“

“Great food and service. This is now our favorite place.“

“This is my favorite restaurant in Cincinnati. The service and food is always on point. I get the garden hash for breakfast and either the scallops or the mushroom pasta for dinner. I love the ambiance in there as well. They have a nice outdoor area and they have areas you can rent out for parties. Highly recommend.“

“Last night our family unexpectedly stopped in while a large group (20ish people. The staff was quick to make space for us and our waitress was amazing. She got all of our orders correct and even helped me order safely w food allergies. The chefs also did a wonderful job. The food was cooked to perfection and came out pretty quickly considering the size of our group. Great job everyone! Thank you for being awesome. We will definitely be back again“

“I had dinner here last weekend and honestly, everything was phenomenal. The heirloom tomato salad was refreshing on a summer evening. Their cod was tender, and the accompanying chimichurri sauce was divine that I could've slurped it. If you love bananas, you must order the banana bliss for dessert.

Now on to the not so good, which was unfortunate, as the service overall from everyone was friendly. However, the evening was nearly ruined by the waiter who had an extremely offensive body odor. I understand that while serving, you may work up a sweat. But if you're larger, you have to take extra measures (besides a soapy shower), such as wearing an undershirt, anti-perspirant, and men's body powder.

I won't let that deter me and will definitely visit again because Alara is truly a wonderful restaurant with a beautiful aesthetic and food to match.“

“Great Service. Great Food. Coldest beer in town.“

“takes you back in time. homemade food ,great atmosphere, treat you like family!“

“My family and I was there today to celebrate my mothers birthday, we ABSOLUTELY loved the food them ribs are to die for, however the memorable part was our server Tonya, I think I’m saying her name right, she was AMAZING I mean she engaged with my mom and son like if she was apart of the Family and THAT took us right away, the only downside was by the time we had received our drinks she was no longer our server which REALLY upset my mother, However the new server was nice she just wasn’t her,,, we LOVE the spot and enjoyed the whole atmosphere and my mother and Family DEFINITELY will be back we just hope that we run into that server Tonya again!!! OUR NEW FAVORITE SPOT!!!“

“Full House when arrived but short time to wait to be seated. Server friendly and attentive. Food just as I like it. Coffee fill up plentiful. Right price. Highly recommend for breakfast.“

“Was looking forward to the beer braised tofu sandwich but the other tofu hoagie was good too. Maybe next time Greatbupbeat place to dine.“

“Hands down the best food and staff for the area! We loved it so much we came back multiple times over the weekend.“

“Grabbed some tacos and beer today. Excellent and highly recommended.“

“They have the best carrot cake!“

“always a taste treat with clever choices and healthy too.“

“Amazing food and community oriented owners“

“Great lunch option in downtown Cincinnati. Lively, fast paced quick casual spot that focuses on salads, sandwiches and soups. Always packed for weekday lunch though tables turn over quickly. They have a great pick two option with soup/sandwich or soup/salad.“

“Friendly, neighborly atmosphere. Service was excellent! Best burger you will have“

“Great food but not too fancy.“

“Great environment with a friendly wait staff“

“Friendly, neighborly atmosphere. Service was excellent! Best burger you will have“

“thanks for feeding our #primeelite boys tonight before their first tournament tomorrow! showing love to the locals ❤️🔥“

“Good environment and good people! We came here while visiting our family and the food, environment and service were great! I would recommend this place to any one living in the area or visiting! And thank you to the manager on duty, she graciously paid for our meal! It was greatly appreciated!!! It goes to show that there are good people still out there!“

“We had a wonderful private party for my husbands retirement. Everything was wonderful from the environment , food and drinks! Highly recommend!“

“Empress chili is where it all started. You have Empress to thank for Cincinnati chili. Had to go to the last remaining one open. Coneys were my favorite menu item. Glad to see chili pizza on the menu and interesting takes on classics like chili and spaghetti coneys. They also had fresh baked chocolate chip cookies and a variety of sandwiches. The building itself was very large inside and very clean. I was surprised how nice it was. Awesome restaurant, definitely check it out and pay your respects to a chili legend.“

“Great food! My only suggestion is to have a website so we can see the every day menu.“

“The food is delicious and the staff are very friendly and excellent at their job!“

“Everything is AMAZING!!!!“

“If you're looking for a very good steakhouse with excellent quality food, great service, atmosphere, and affordable that's without the Jeff Ruby price tag, then I would recommend giving this establishment a try. It's a nice step up from your Longhorn or Texas Roadhouse chains. It's very reasonably priced for the food and service you receive. Everything on the menu that I have orderd has been excellent. So if you're looking for something more than your average chain steakhouse without dropping the high end steakhouse pricing, then I would recommend giving it a try.“

“I love that every thing is farm to table from local farmers. Delicious food and everything was fresh“

“Everything about Main St. Café is superlative. I think they have one of the best burgers in the city. Certainly in the top five of all the burger joints that I have been to, including zips and Dellwood. But on top of that, the last time I was there, I had the homemade
roasted red pepper soup. It was as good as the best soup in any high end restaurant. Service is excellent. As far as atmosphere, it is closer to zips than to Dellwood in terms of atmosphere.“

“I love the food, the staff, the atmosphere and the rewards. I just wish that the rewards could include the salads or the price of the coney could be put towards whatever you want to put it to. I'm trying to lose weight and I love the salads and I go 2 or 3 times a week to get them. I end up either giving away or losing out on my free coney.“

“Great deal and tasty! I had the pick chop dinner special that included blackberry cobbler. The asparagus was stringy and woody, mostly inedible. However, the mashed potatoes with gravy and fried pork chops were perfect! And the blackberry cobbler was amazing! Service was spot on, like usual.“

“I had the “ In the Beginning “ with a side of fruit. It was well cook and presented.“

“Had breakfast and everything was great. My wife and I ordered different meals and shared. Eggs over easy, home fries, bacon, goetta, and pancakes. All hot, fresh, and delicious. $20 for 2 folks, including tip, is hard to find. My only complaint is 4 huge pancakes is way too much for most people, especially when they taste great. We brought 2 of them home. Young man working the grill was terrific. He was working only 3 feet from the counter and talked to the guests while cooking.“

“Didn’t disappoint. I’m glad I stopped“

“Update: They no longer serve biscuits (gravy), pancakes nor French toast. Total bummer !!

Their breakfast is made with the best tasting ingredients and I'm not just saying this because I have a hangover. Even though I was dreaming of sausage gravy and thick juicy bacon I was not expecting much from a pizza joint. Let me tell you! They sure made my taste buds dreams come true! Over the Top!!“

“Hubby and I visited Cincinnati for the first time (we are from Ontario Canada) and enjoyed touring the Findlay Market. The food display at the Gourmand Group booth was both captivating and attractive. They offered a wide assortment of salads and some were vegan friendly. We both thoroughly enjoyed our food. The bonus was a friendly chat with one of the booth keeper. Highly recommend! (PS. Thanks for that delicious black bean salad!)“

“We were visiting from Toronto for the MLS game and popped in for a quick beer. The staff was very friendly. Ended up meeting a very friendly manager who took us outside and explained the statues outside the ball park. Was definitely a highlite of the trip.

Beers were good, alot of staff. Very friendly. We only had a beer and left but the food portions we saw were big. Very clean washrooms and cool layout of the entire restaurant/bar.

Thanks, will be back.“

“We had lunch at the cafe prior to one of the Jazz series. The cafe is just delightful inside the museum. Our waitress was wonderful, very attentive and friendly while the food was terrific in both taste and presentation. A very enjoyable experience and we will be back“

“Literally some of the best views in the city !“

“Was there on 6/21/25 and it was the best and awesome food and probably the best waitress we have ever had (Jala?). Highly recommend and will definitely be back to eat there again.“