This place is awesome. Happened by here while walking. It looked like everybody's all time favorite place and it is. No hesitation to return. This was a great experience. Thanks Pepper Pod. read more

This place is classic! Get the goetta! We were surprised when people started smoking cigarettes inside the diner while eating. Evidently there's no law in Ky against this. Luckily we left soon after, but I'm sure there was a non-smoking section. Service was friendly and prices were decent read more

The place had the acrid stench of smoke. The staff the look of freedom from prison mixed with how can I afford to feed my kids on these wages and tips. The walls and floor were a muted brown from the 70s. All in all it had the flavor and vibe of an old 70s film. Food was nothing special and the place was non-hip generation compliant. All in all, there was a silver lining to the story. The staff had a gleam of general content about them. This place was home. This place was family. Maybe they weren't world renown chefs but their food could fill your belly. The patrons were working class. Enjoying a meal with family and catching up. This is the restaurant you go to when you want to escape all of the excitement of hipster spots. Pepper Pod has its place in the heart of any patron. Good Job Pepper Pod. read more

The Pepper Pod is one of those places that just confuses. People speak fondly of it, but when you actually go in, you're hit with a thick wall of smoke, food that is lower than Waffle House quality (and yet more expensive), and the vibe that if you're not a regular, you don't belong there. Staff is insanely rude and not welcoming, and appears weirdly suspicious of new customers. read more

Pepper pod has been a mainstay in Newport and in the 24-hour dining scene for my entire life, for good reason. I usually stick to what I think they do best, breakfast, complete with goetta, eggs, toast and potatoes. I would be remiss to not mention the fried pickles, which in my opinion are one of the best appetizers in the NKY/Cincinnati area. Stay smoky Pepper Pod!! read more

Pepper Pod Restaurant - Diners Near Me - Newport, Kentucky

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Never knew this place existed-went here late on a Saturday night. I liked the vibe, nice diner feel. The whole menu looked amazing so it was tough to make a choice. It was pretty packed so the service seemed a little overwhelmed, however when we got our food--- it was delicious. read more

Second time at Pepper Pod, first review. I am a fan of diners and this one doesn't disappoint. Breakfast offerings are typical Kentucky-diner fare. I had the veggie omelette, tons of veggies, which I loved, side of goetta (patties, not the "slab"), and coffee. Husband got the county biscuit breakfast. We were both happy with what we chose and enjoyed our breakfast. Nestled in the heart of Newport, KY, of course there is a smoking dining room with a non-smoking dining room off to the side. My husband and I went to breakfast around 9:30 on a Sunday, sat in the smoking area though, didn't really smell a lot of smoke. Caveat - he smokes and I do occasionally, a real non-smoker might feel differently about the smoke smell. Neither of us smoke indoors so I am sensitive to that. While we enjoyed our meal and the dive-diner appeal, the service was almost overwhelming in terms of multiple people checking on us to refill coffee or ask about food. I am of the sect of servers that believe only the server should be checking in on their tables, maybe a manager once, but not everyone in the restaurant. That might be exaggerated but, really in the span of a 45 minute meal were were checked on by three different people like 8 or 9 times all together. That is a little too much, I appreciate the effort, but at a point it becomes a little disruptive and can tend to spoil the ambiance. We would return, great breakfast destination and you can tell there is a huge base of regulars that comes in, always a good sign in a local joint. read more

Don't know if it's reopened or permanently closed after Covid, but if it's closed, there breakfasts options were amazing. They do allow smoking, which is either a positive or negative depending on your opinion. I have smoked when others at my table are fine with smoking or I was the only one at my table. They also take most debit/credit cards. read more

We had the Bid Ed special tonight it was better than Frisch's . You can not ask for better food than the give out for the dollar amount. Liver and onions ,Pork Chops and other great dinners. read more

So first off, the food is NOT 4 or 5 star quality. The food is all GFS quality and is not the purpose of walking in to this establishment. Pepper Pod is open 24/7 and if you don't want Waffle House or White Castle this place is an alternative in KY. The reason you go is to people watch and listen to crazy stories screamed at by drunk patrons frequenting the establishment. I ordered a burger and fries and it tasted just like every other good greasy spoon joint. Serviceable and tasty so order what's good to your taste buds and enjoy the scenery!!! read more

I think people are expecting a tad too much. It's a 24 hour diner. Greasy food. Cigarettes. Drunk people at the proper time. GO OVER THE RIVER TO OHIO IF YOU DONT WANT TO BE AROUND PEOPLE SMOKING. It's not that difficult. They have a huge menu. The food is freaking good. Take your snotty attitudes over to ihop. They just opened one in newport. Good day. read more

I'm a diner connoisseur of sorts and this isn't a bad diner...but it's not an amazing diner either. Be warned, smoking is legal in this establishment and there WILL be somebody smoking. This didn't really bother me but I'm sure to some people it's a deal breaker. The service was great, the coffee was decent and plentiful. The food was ok. I've been here a couple times after the bar and thought it was great, so I was hoping my sober experience would be the same. It was not. My country ham was awesome. The gravy on the biscuits and gravy was cold, bland and didn't have much sausage. The boyfriend got an omelet, he thought it was decent, nothing great. This is a great spot for soaking up the night's over-indulgence. If you're just looking for breakfast in the light of day, there are better options. read more

Dear Pepper Pod, I know I have not been completely faithful to you. I will be honest and tell you that I have repeatedly visited other establishments. You probably know them, Joe's Diner and The Anchor Grill. Now I know this may come as a shock, and for that I humbly apologize. I never meant to hurt you. It's just that I had never experienced greasy spoon diner food and I wanted to try everything there is to offer. I'm young, I have to try new things. Just because I started with the best doesn't meant I didn't want to try second best and even the worst. I need experiences and even though you're fantastic, I had to spread my wings. Having said that, I have flown around. A lot. I've been around the block and sampled what is out there. It doesn't compare to you. The 24 hour diner with always hot coffee and a friendly face is rare. You have that going for you. Immeasurable opportunities to people watch is one of the main reasons I keep going back. You have an eclectic clientele that isn't just full of drunk college kids, but townies, hipsters, art folks, and everything in between. You're everything I ever wanted in a diner and I'm sorry I strayed from you. Please take me back? Love, Christopher read more

First off, this diner has NEVER been known to me as the Pepper Pod. It is, and will always be "The Pepper Poo". Why is that? Well, take a look at their sign the same way as I did when we moved here seven years ago and tell me it doesn't says 'poo' rather than 'pod'. I actually said to my wife "Why on earth would any restaurant call itself The Pepper Poo?" Poo or Pod we simply had to try it, drawn in by what appeared to be good prices twinned with a, let's just say, 'eclectic' clientele. True it was at about midnight on a Saturday when alcohol had control over our senses but the experience was nevertheless instantly memorable. Our 2004 server was unflatteringly under dressed, dolled up in low cut hipster jeans and a tight, but too short t-shirt. In terms of 'culinary attractiveness' try and imagine whatever the opposite of Hooters might be. At one point she reached up to scratch the top of her head with her pencil, an act which revealed her muffin-top and a - how can I say this discreetly? - "certain level of hirsuteness" which presumably extended down to her nether regions. If I hadn't have been quite so alcoholically- challenged' it would have been enough to have sent me on a diet and order no food. However, the bourbon spoke for me and it drunkenly mumbled "You need the Country Fried Steak" which was swiftly delivered and thoroughly enjoyed. In the years following "The Poo" has become our favorite greasy spoon... and not just when under the influence. Indeed, when we have visitors from overseas we proudly take them there and present the place as "an old-fashioned American diner", complete with melamine tables, booths, jukeboxes, friendly service and country cooking. I have grown to really like their Liver & Onions - my only reservation being the gravy which can sometimes be a little overwhelming - but almost everything on their extensive menu comes out fresh, hot and very tasty indeed. The Poo will not win many 'dietary concern' awards or be on any cardiologist's 'must-do' lists but it does dish up some mightily flavorsome goodies. It remains the one - and only - restaurant in NKY where I will endure the oft-punguent smell of smoke (yes, it still allows smoking) and this is because the crowd is usually fantastically diverse and fascinating to spend time with, from wizened old dudes sat at the counter, the occasional loudmouthed jock, all the way to *ahem* 'celebrities' from the local titty bars. The Poo is Monmouth Street's jewel in the crown, a shining example of how these kinds of diners should cater for the populace. It's open 24 hours a day - closing on just a handful of days in the year - the staff are always friendly and helpful, the prices keen, the environment only sullied by the smoking policy. You want cheap and cheerful?... this is your place! read more

One of my favorite diners. Service is always fast and friendly, and the food is always hot and fresh. The only downside is the smoking, but I still come here regularly. One of my favorite places in Newport. read more

Stepping into the Pepper Pod, I half-thought I was walking into Mel's Diner from the classic tv show, Alice (for those of you old enough to remember "Kiss my grits!"). Just as everyone has noted, this is the true classic diner experience. We sat down a few minutes before the top of the hour and were greeted by a rooster crowing. Yes, a rooster. It was the clock on the wall. After we finished laughing hysterically, a very hospitable gentleman greeted us just like we were guests in his home. The staff here are very welcoming and very attentive. Make no mistake, this is a greasy spoon in all of its glory. My visit was for breakfast. If you are ultra health-conscious or not into trans fats, this is probably not the place for you. There was even a layer of grease on our menus. Check out the specials which take up the majority of the wall in the front room. There's even one named a "slab of goetta," and it's a breakfast platter with just that. The menu is quite extensive and I got overwhelmed by all the choices, surprisingly. I settled for the classic 2 eggs, bacon, toast, hash browns. It was good, but nothing terribly special. The hash browns were tasty but were swimming in grease, which didn't sit well on my tummy later. Some of my companions substituted biscuits for the toast and were very pleased, even though they weren't made on site. The hot sauce, however, is made on site, if you're so inclined. Of course, this is KY so there's smoking galore. As we were seated at a long table in the back room and not the counter area, we didn't have to endure the smoke. Pepper Pod is open 24 hours a day so if you've been imbibing and in need of some greasy eats, this place fits the bill. read more

Three stars if you're sober. Five stars if you're drunk. Bonus love for being the most convenient parking on Monmouth St. read more

Alright let's get down to brass tax...Let's call a spade a spade...This place is a greasy spoon at it's best. Do not go in with any expectations. I came here after a night at the theatre. I know classy right? But I had heard so many wonderful things about this lil' mom and pop. Lets start off with the decor, you walk in and feel like you have yellow goggles on. Everything is YELLOW! Or maybe faded beige? Either way nothing fancy. Old school booths with funny little jukeboxes from the 50's. The menu is very extensive which I thought was kind of odd. They also have specials up on the wall that are hand written on pieces of computer paper. So what to order off this crazy list of breakfast served all day, lunch, dinner, famous chili? So our group of five orders an array of different dive foods. One of us got chocolate milk and tator tots, school lunch memories? I think so. My boyfriend got the Fat Eddie Special. A huge double greasy burg served with tots on the side. (My favorite item of the night, actually I kinda stole his at traded him my chicken sandwich which was just okay). Another ordered the loaded hashbrowns which how can you go wrong with hashbrowns at a greasy spoon? The answer is you cannot! Hashbrowns for the win! And I got the chili cheese fries which the city was way heartier than I expected but still had good flavor and the fries were crispy. Key points worth mentioning: +THIS PLACE IS OPEN 24/7! Maybe if I was coming here at 3 am my review would be slightly different. +Best Coffee I have ever tasted straight up. Weird, I know, but it was darn good! - This place allows smoking, and not just like one cig, or a puff. This place holds nothing back this is a smokers paradise, I had a headache the entire time. Is it worth it to you when you are desperate and need hangover food? I don't know, your call. Overall a very interesting place, my advice is come here tipsy and have a free for all of greasy spoon deliciousness. read more

Breakfast club If it makes you want to light up a cig and order some bacon from the waitress that calls you honey...it's legit. Breakfast specials in the morning, typical offerings. The biscuits are made in house and the goetta is delish. Service was great and food was served up hot and fast. Perfecto for our diner breakfast club adventures! read more

Been here many more times since 2008, but always for breakfast or early lunch. Sit in the first room unless you really can't tolerate smoke...usually much quicker service. I love this place! All the employees have been there as long as I have been eating there and I suspect many more years before that. I try a lot of menu items...today it was the vegetarian omelet and it was great! Service is always consistent, portions are generous, prices are extremely reasonable and it's just a very laid back place with lots of opportunity for people watching. read more

This is a great restaurant if you like everything out of the can. I ordered biscuits and gravy and the gravy was out of the can is where the biscuits. The hashbrowns were burnt and the place smells. Needless to say, I will never go in this place again read more

I hesitate to tell y'all how wonderful I think this place is, because I don't want you to take up all the seats during prime time and make me wait for a seat and for my food. Please come give these people your business, but don't come during the select times we'll be there. :D Hot, fresh, homestyle food served with wit and grace and more than a heapin' helpin' of warm family-style greetings by the staff. These people are great, and the cooks are fast and good at what they do. This is my favorite greasy spoon in the area - the food is really well priced and service is fast as long as you avoid the church crowd. Credit cards accepted. Why is this not a five star review? Because I don't like cigarette smoke. Making this a non-smoking restaurant would make this a five star visit (and they can't kid us - the "non-smoking" section still reeks to high heaven). #Ilovethisplace read more

I've long believed that in order for Cincinnati nightlife to cross over from solid to great, the city needs a few more quality restaurants that are open 24 hours. Sadly, Pepper Pod isn't the restaurant I've been hoping for, although it certainly isn't the worst option available. Pepper Pod's food is decent and affordably priced. On my last trip, I had their meatloaf platter (complete with an amazing bowl of cottage cheese) for less than $10, including drink and a tip. Their waitresses are emotionally distant but I've never had one be flat-out rude to me. My biggest complaint with the Pod is its lack of personality, especially in terms of decor. Tan walls. Tan tables. Fluorescent lighting. Pardon me while I grab a quick nap. If the Pod were located in a different part of town, this review might be a little kinder. But when you consider that nearby Anchor Grill and Waffle House serve better food and offer a more memorable dining experience (if sometimes only for the wrong reasons), why should anyone settle for the Pepper Pod? read more

I'm being generous and giving 2 stars because of the waiters. They were so kind. However, the strawberry pancakes were the worst I've ever had and I don't consider myself a super picky eater. The pancakes were sticky in consistency and I had one sliced strawberry that was drowned in the strawberry pie filling you buy that comes in a plastic pouch and tastes like artificial sweetener. The coffee looked like tea...I could see the bottom of the cup...and it tasted like it looked - weak and just bad. When I walked to the restroom, I did notice that other people's coffee was actually black, so I'm assuming my pot was an accidental re-perk on used coffee grounds. The bacon I ordered was good...thank goodness. Needless to say, I still had to eat when we left because I was starving. My husband did like his goetta and cheese omelet. The atmosphere was ok. Typical old school diner, which I love. There's no way I'd return...or if I do go back, there's no way I'd order the pancakes again. Maybe the omelet is the way to go. read more

It's like Cracker Barrel with more grease and smoking. When its down home, stick to your ribs kinda food you need, Pepper Pod will hit the spot. The clientele is a mix of Newport's finest and not so fine, especially depending on the time you are there. From goetta slabs to all kinds of fried concoctions, you will not eat healthy, but you will enjoy the food and possibly encounter some hilarious near table entertainment. With 24 hour dining and the ability to eat at tables that serve everyone from strippers to lawyers, how can you go wrong? read more

Love pepper pod. Was my dad fav restaurant when he was younger and now the whole family goes together!

Thank you Pepper Pod for finally providing me the greasy spoon experience I've been searching for in Cincinnati! I spent a few years in Chicago and came to love and adore many of their 24-hour diners, but hadn't been able to find the same experience back home...until now! I wanted to try and save this tid-bit for the end of the review, but I can't contain my excitment....FRIED PICKLES!!!! Pepper Pod has some of the best I've ever eaten. I've made several trips exclusively for the fried pickles. In fact...I know I've had other food items there, but the fried pickles are the only thing that REALLY sticks out in my mind (though I'm sure everything was tasty...it was just overshadowed by the battered and deep fried delicacy). Pepper Pod has the down-home family run feel that makes a diner a special experience. The waitresses all call you "hun" and everyone is extremely personable. I have found that late at night (after the bars close) this place gets PACKED! You will for sure have to wait. I've walked in and right back out a few times due to the size of the wait list. Of course this only speaks highly of the establishment and it is well worth the wait. So in conclusion: Pepper Pod...fried pickles...YUM! read more

Nothing fancy here but great place to go in the middle of the night. Meatloaf, soups.... or a great breakfast.

A 24/7 diner right across the river from downtown Cincinnati in Covington, Kentucky. Good food, reasonable prices, clean tables/countertops and friendly service. What one should expect from a restaurant at any hour of the day. read more

Pepper Pod Restaurant - Dining area. - Diners Near Me - Newport, Kentucky

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Good service. If your looking for the true "old time diner" experience, including the smoke, this is the place to be.

Pepper Pod is a 24/7 greasy-spoon stop to fill up. The food is simple yet tasty. Anything from loaded chili cheese fries or breakfast at 2 am, you got it. Healthy eats here? Eh, not so much, but the food will keep the hunger pangs away for sure. Like the people watching. Dislike the smoking in the diner. read more

Food is always good, I will get a Big Eddie and fries if I want dinner food and will for the two egg breakfast with Goetta and Rye toast if I want breakfast. It is reasonably priced in a relaxed diner setting. Smoking is allowed. There is a non smoking section but it has been closed my last 3 most recent trips. 4.25/5 TRY IT (when in doubt get a big Eddie. Personally can't go wrong with breakfast though.) read more

I didn't realize this place was one of the late night hole in the wall places when we stepped through it's doors during the light of day. But the charm oozed out as we walked inside and I knew this was our lunch choice of the day. The waitress told us to sit wherever we'd like and she was a spunky little thing. She was nice although the place was pretty busy and she was crammed with customers. I'm pretty sure she was the only one working.. so service was slow, but it was no biggie since we were enjoying ourselves. It seemed like a few of the customers gave her a hard time and that ticked me off.. (I've been a server before in a very busy dining room, and it's no easy task.) There were other employees there, but nobody offered to help her with anything so it was a bit hectic. When we walked in we had drinks with us from walking up and down the block, and instead of telling us to throw them away like many restaurants would have.. she asked to put them in the fridge for us. After she took our order we played with the mini jukeboxes that they had at each table.. bonus! I ordered the goetta omelet and hasbrowns and it was pretty good, and the slice of goetta was the largest portion I've ever been served in a restaurant. Prices were great, and the food was good, but I could have poured myself a cup of grease from what was left on my plate.. haha I know to expect that at a little place like this though. We will definitely go back at some point, but it'll be awhile in our rotation of new places to try. read more

So you're sick of your commercialized evening at Newport on the Levee, it's late, maybe you're hungry and working with a budget, coffee sounds terrific but there aren't many options left at 2am. Anchor Grill is miles away and fast food just doesn't sound appealing. Newport still has a couple options for you, aren't you glad! Down home, homemade food, hot coffee and some good old Newport vibes are just a few blocks south on Monmouth Street, my favorite dive-strip in the city (followed closely by Hamilton Ave. in Northside). Pepper Pod is a family owned spoon. I've spent several afternoons eating large greasy breakfasts, drinking coffee, chatting with the friendly women behind the counter and enjoying the company of the people with me. The service isn't always super fast but then you're dealing with cheerful servers and good food. I haven't visited the Pod during late-night hours so I don't know what the service is like during drunken 3am but every time I've bicycled past in the evening the booths are full of local patrons enjoying their dinners. read more

The Pepper Pod is another restaurant in the vein of the Anchor in that you normally wouldn't want to be caught there during the day but you can't deny its attractiveness post-midnight. Possibly even more affordable than the Anchor, the Pepper Pod has decent tradtionally American food on the menu with good sandwiches and okay entrees. The big downfall for a nonsmoker like me is that it's not unusual to see your waitress carrying your food in one hand and a cigarette in the other, but that's just part of the territory. read more

This place is as authentic as it gets. And by "authentic," I mean "waitress-might-have-a-black-eye-and-may-ash-her-cigarette-into-your-eggs." Of course I've never experienced a waitress ashing into any of the food - I don't want to libel the place. But this place is great - especially if you're looks for some cheap, greasy food (I can't get enough of the stuff). Are you going to get the five star treatment? Of course not. But that's not why you go to the Pepper Pod. You go to the Pepper Pod because you're drunk. Or stoned. Or you have an ugly date but you want that person to be the one to break off communication. Or because you're really in the mood for some classic American cuisine. I had the bacon cheeseburger with hash browns. Both items were very standard, but very tasty. My boo ordered an omelet and cole slaw, which he enjoyed very much. You really can't go wrong here. The waitresses are nice (enough). You try working with drunk people every weekend and see what it does for your view of humanity. They're very good at their job. This is a total dive, so don't expect anything more than you pay for. That's a large part of this place's allure. Note: Don't look at the ceiling. Several decades of smoking has turned certain areas a particularly foul shade of gray. read more

I recently visited the Pepper Pod Restaurant for lunch and found about what i had expected out of a local diner. The selection is fairly wide for a smaller diner of this type. The prices are decent, you can find cheaper breakfast or lunch but you won't leave here spending more than 10 bucks. The waitstaff at the restaurant are friendly and fast enough, the food was good but not great. I ordered a 5-way and wasn't disappointed but next time I'll probably head to Gourmet Chili down the street. The restaurant is smoker friendly which is a minus for me but a plus for others. They accept credit cards or cash. read more

Indoor smoking?! Didn't they get the memo about the dangers of second hand smoke? Ick gross... ran away to seek clean air and some food.

We were in Cincinnati for a Cub game and wandered across the river to Newport and stumbled upon this great old school diner. There was a great old jukebox counsel in every booth. Very friendly service and good and reasonably priced food. I had the country ham breakfast. My wife had the breakfast special. We loved it all. My kind of place. read more

Pepper Pod Restaurant - Jukebox - Diners Near Me - Newport, Kentucky

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Okayyyyy....so maybe I should have been drunk before wandering in here for breakfast. Drunk, I was not, hungover, I was. Thus,being hungover...I was soooo looking forward to some fast, greasy breakfast food. Greasy food. Check. Fast service. NOPE. I mean, the three of us ordered breakfast fare: a couple egg sammies, an omelette..some tator tots..really should not have taken over an hour. Yup. Over an hour. Forget the fact that the waitress kept taking her smoke break 2 feet from the kitchen. I know that KY is soooo against being "smoke-free"...but gimme a break. We kinda joked about venturing in here during the daylight..and maybe we shouldn't have. If I find myself drunk in Newport and my tummy is a grumbling..then maybe I'll venture to the Pepper Pod again...but definitely not for Sunday Brunch. read more