Bigger doesn’t always mean better and that definitely holds true when it comes to restaurants. In fact, some of the best food in Cincinnati can be found within tiny restaurants, carry out locations, and food trucks that all make up for their size with incredible flavor. These small but mighty eateries are often the favorites in the city, and one that definitely tops the list for many locals is Proud Rooster in Clifton. This tiny storefront can’t seat many, yet many enjoy its classic breakfast and lunch options and if you do show up and have to wait, it’s always worth it.
Proud Rooster is an iconic Cincinnati restaurant that remains a favorite among locals, despite its small size and never-changing decor.
Google Maps It’s located in the heart of Clifton, near U.C., and is what many would call a classic greasy spoon. Breakfast is a favorite here, but they also serve lunch and you’ll find a mix of just about everyone filling the few seats at this little restaurant.
The photos of the interior below may look like they came straight out of the ’70s, but this is what Proud Rooster looks like today! This nostalgic, simple appearance is what many customers love the most.
Google/Michael Emerick
TripAdvisor/Bob S There aren’t many tables and booths inside, but even if you do have to wait, it’s worth it. Turnover is pretty quick and it’ll give you time to decide what to order once you sit down. The restaurant only accepts cash, so keep that in mind when you visit.
Breakfast at Proud Rooster is a great way to enjoy the most important meal of the day, with a no-frills, delicious plate of food.
Google/MOHAMMED DALOWAR HOSSAIN
Google/Jon Byers They serve up all the breakfast classics done right and many say they cook Cincinnati’s very own Goetta better than anywhere else. If you want the most classic of breakfast choices, order eggs the way you like them, fried potatoes, and Goetta. Pair that with a cup of coffee and you have a meal that’s worth waiting any amount of time for.
Proud Rooster is also open for lunch, and their fried chicken is the midday star of the show.
Google/Alexandra N Green
Facebook/Proud Rooster Restaurant They have some of the best in Cincinnati and their lunch menu also includes diner favorites like burgers, fries, and sandwiches. Of course, you can always order breakfast for lunch, as well.
Proud Rooster is a unique little restaurant in Cincinnati that’s filled with flavor, nostalgic flair, and no frills. That’s how it’s always been, and that’s how it will always be.
TripAdvisor/Bob S If you enjoy quaint, family-owned diners that serve simple yet scrumptious food, then check out Proud Rooster sooner rather than later. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. They are closed on Mondays.
Proud Rooster is a nostalgic Cincinnati restaurant that hasn’t had to change much with the times to remain a favorite of locals. Is this “greasy spoon” one of your go-to spots in the city? Let us know in the comments!
Google Maps
It’s located in the heart of Clifton, near U.C., and is what many would call a classic greasy spoon. Breakfast is a favorite here, but they also serve lunch and you’ll find a mix of just about everyone filling the few seats at this little restaurant.
Google/Michael Emerick
TripAdvisor/Bob S
There aren’t many tables and booths inside, but even if you do have to wait, it’s worth it. Turnover is pretty quick and it’ll give you time to decide what to order once you sit down. The restaurant only accepts cash, so keep that in mind when you visit.
Google/MOHAMMED DALOWAR HOSSAIN
Google/Jon Byers
They serve up all the breakfast classics done right and many say they cook Cincinnati’s very own Goetta better than anywhere else. If you want the most classic of breakfast choices, order eggs the way you like them, fried potatoes, and Goetta. Pair that with a cup of coffee and you have a meal that’s worth waiting any amount of time for.
Google/Alexandra N Green
Facebook/Proud Rooster Restaurant
They have some of the best in Cincinnati and their lunch menu also includes diner favorites like burgers, fries, and sandwiches. Of course, you can always order breakfast for lunch, as well.
If you enjoy quaint, family-owned diners that serve simple yet scrumptious food, then check out Proud Rooster sooner rather than later. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. They are closed on Mondays.
Proud Rooster Restaurant is located at 345 Ludlow Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45220. For more information, follow along with them on Facebook here.
And for more tiny restaurants in Cincinnati that also happen to be favorites, check out our previous article here.
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