Cincinnati’s culinary contributions extend far beyond its borders, offering a slice of the city’s flavor to anyone in the U.S. This blog introduces some of Cincinnati’s most famous food brands you can enjoy anywhere you live! Notable among them are Skyline Chili and Doscher’s Candies, makers of the nostalgic French Chews. We’ll highlight several brands and how you can get their products delivered right to your front door, allowing you to experience the taste of Queen City from anywhere in America!
Busken Bakery
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Busken Bakery, established in 1928 in Cincinnati, Ohio, is renowned for its baked goods, especially its yeast-raised doughnuts. This family-owned business has grown significantly from its humble beginnings and now operates several locations throughout Cincinnati. Busken Bakery is also famous for its seasonal and festive cookies, which have become a local tradition during holidays.
Cincinnati Recipe
Cincinnati Recipe offers authentic Cincinnati-style chili, a regional style distinct for its use of spices such as cinnamon and clove, often served over spaghetti or hot dogs. Established to bring this unique chili variant from local parlors to kitchens across America, Cincinnati Recipe provides canned chili that allows enthusiasts to enjoy this specific flavor profile from the comfort of their homes.
Dixie Chili
Founded in 1929 by Nicholas Sarakatsannis, Dixie Chili is a family-owned business that has become a hallmark of Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati’s culinary landscape. The restaurant’s signature offering, Cincinnati-style chili, is known for its unique spice blend and is traditionally served over spaghetti or as a “coney” with hot dogs. Over the decades, Dixie Chili has expanded to multiple locations, maintaining its commitment to quality and tradition, and continues to be a beloved local favorite.
Doscher’s Candies
Doscher’s Candies, established in 1871, is one of Cincinnati’s oldest confectionery companies. It is renowned for creating the French Chew, a taffy-like candy that has been a favorite for generations. The company prides itself on maintaining traditional methods of candy making, ensuring that each piece is as flavorful and high-quality as those produced over a century ago. Doscher’s remains a key player in Cincinnati’s confectionery scene, bringing classic and nostalgic sweets to new generations.
Frisch’s
Frisch’s Big Boy, founded in 1939 in Cincinnati, Ohio, by David Frisch, started as a single restaurant and evolved into a regional Big Boy franchise. Frisch’s became famous for its Big Boy hamburger, a double-decker burger that has become iconic in American fast food. The restaurant chain is also known for its Tartar Sauce and Hot Fudge Cake, local favorites that highlight Frisch’s commitment to unique, flavorful offerings. With multiple locations across several states, Frisch’s continues to be a cornerstone of Midwestern dining culture.
Gold Star Chili
Gold Star Chili is a Cincinnati-based restaurant chain founded in 1965 by the Daoud brothers, immigrants from Jordan. Specializing in Cincinnati-style chili, the chain has grown to become one of the city’s most prominent chili establishments. Gold Star’s menu features a variety of dishes that showcase its signature chili, including spaghetti, coneys, and cheese fries. Gold Star Chili is a key contributor to spreading Cincinnati’s unique chili culture, with numerous locations across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.
Grippos
Grippos, founded in 1919 in Cincinnati, Ohio, began as a simple popcorn and peanut vendor. However, it has since grown into a beloved regional snack food brand famous for its barbeque-flavored potato chips. These chips are known for their unique blend of spices that offers a sweet, spicy, and smoky taste. Alongside their flagship BBQ chips, Grippos produces a variety of snack foods, including pretzels, popcorn, and cheese nibs, maintaining high standards of flavor and quality.
Kaiser Pickles
Established in 1920, Kaiser Pickles is a family-owned business based in Cincinnati, Ohio, known for its commitment to traditional pickling methods. The company produces a wide range of pickled products, including dill pickles, sweet pickles, and relishes, using locally sourced cucumbers and a proprietary blend of spices. Kaiser Pickles serves retail and food service customers, offering flavors deeply rooted in Cincinnati’s German heritage, emphasizing quality and craftsmanship in pickled foods.
LaRosa’s Pizzeria
LaRosa’s Pizzeria was founded in 1954 by Buddy LaRosa in Cincinnati, Ohio. It has grown to become a well-loved regional pizza chain, known for its distinct recipe that features a sweet, tangy pizza sauce and a diverse menu that includes pasta, calzones, and salads. LaRosa’s commitment to quality ingredients and family-friendly dining experiences has helped it expand to over 60 regional locations, making it a staple of Cincinnati’s dining scene.
Montgomery Inn
Montgomery Inn is a renowned barbecue restaurant in Cincinnati, Ohio, known especially for its ribs and signature barbecue sauce. Founded in 1951 by Ted Gregory, the “Ribs King,” Montgomery Inn has become a destination for locals and celebrities seeking classic, well-prepared barbecue. With locations including the original “Boathouse” on the Ohio River, Montgomery Inn continues to serve its famous dishes while embodying the hospitality and charm of Cincinnati.
Papa’s Candies
Papa’s Candies specializes in handcrafted confections based on traditional recipes. Established in Cincinnati, the company is famed for its gourmet candies, which include caramels, chocolates, and seasonal specialties. Papa’s Candies uses time-honored methods to ensure superior taste and texture, appealing to candy lovers seeking artisanal quality. Their commitment to small-batch production preserves the personal touch that has been their hallmark since inception.
Skyline Chili
Founded in 1949 by Greek immigrant Nicholas Lambrinides, Skyline Chili is synonymous with Cincinnati-style chili. This unique culinary creation is characterized by its unusual spices, such as cinnamon and chocolate, served over spaghetti or hot dogs topped with a mound of shredded cheese. With numerous locations across several states, Skyline Chili not only dominates the local market but also brings a taste of Cincinnati to a national audience.
Worthmore Brands
Worthmore Brands, established in Cincinnati in 1918, has a history of producing hearty soups and chili. Their canned mock turtle soup and Cincinnati-style chili are local legacies, maintaining popularity through consistent quality and nostalgic appeal. Worthmore’s commitment to tradition in its recipes and cooking methods ensures each batch meets high standards, securing its place in Cincinnati’s rich culinary heritage.
Join the Conversation
As we celebrate the distinctive flavors that make Cincinnati’s culinary scene so memorable, we invite you to share your favorites! Have you tried any of these iconic Cincinnati dishes? Share your experiences in the comments below or connect with us on Facebook. Whether it’s a memorable meal or a recent discovery, we’re eager to hear your stories. Thanks for joining us today; we look forward to hearing from you!
