“Are you a food blogger?” 1Murph, the bartender asked me.
I was quick to say “no”—as that is not my trade, but it did cause some introspection. I sure do post a lot of pictures and descriptions of food, but that’s part of this free journey I offer readers as I discover my new hometown. Some of you know me from my day job, others from DC, or from the before times.
But if you really know me, you’d know I could never be a food blogger because I am too picky and understand that I am not representative of an average person.
Always love getting your comments and anecdotes. Keep it up!
Hang Over Easy in Mt. Lookout is a somewhat new entrant, having opened just last month. I’ve driven by it a bunch, usually on weekends when it’s slammed, and always chuckle to myself about the branding: HOE.
The Ohio-based chain has a college-y flair, and other locations are close to various great Ohio schools. This one is a bit different, as Scott McCrary from On The Fly Hospitality told WLWT:
“We’re thrilled to be expanding our presence in Cincinnati, and the location in Mt. Lookout is a perfect opportunity for us to jump into a new part of the community and refresh our brand… With this opening, our team focused on creating a more refined ambiance that aligns with the playfulness of the brand and caters to a different audience than our location in Clifton. This gives us the chance to try some new things and see how it resonates with guests.”
When they’re talking about a refresh for the brand, you can get a sense of what the brand was when it was Nick’s Diner at Ohio State. Seems like a great brand, but also not one you’d take your kids to after mass unless you went to Ohio State or something. The refresh is much more family friendly.
Had I not already decided this was my lunch destination, “The Griddler” advertised on the sandwich board was an enticing option that might have sold me on it alone. Before anyone asks, I did not try the fries. Next time.
Absent the fry test, one can administer the craft pop test. If they have good craft soft drinks, like Cheerwine or Boylan’s, you can usually count on it being pretty good. While I don’t partake anymore, Murph and staff take their craft seriously and their drink menu is impressive.
I wanted to try the fries, but felt brunch-y and went with the Chicken & Waffles:
As you can see, it was a great decision. You could taste the butter in the hot sauce, and the chicken was ample. Good maple syrup to boot, and a friendly staff and fast turnaround. Will definitely be back with family in tow.
I also added a rootbeer float, which was perfect for the end of summer.
As far as partaking, I have to pay more attention to my A1C than my C₂H₆O but that menu is so full of temptations!
We have a friend visiting who just passed thru Cincinnati, brought a box of Busken cookies. In case you wanna lean in on the food blogging?
Looks delicious. My wife went a few weeks ago to Mt. Lookout and regularly meets friends before zoo trips to the Clifton restaurant with our boys in the summer.