Gem spot! The Gravy Cheese Fries have a special place in my heart...Mom & Pop spot here...Super amazing Chili! All home cooked from scratch daily!! Service was top notch!! It's so wonderful to have places like this still around! Also amazing Cincy Coneys!! 100% recommend! read more

Pleasant Ridge Chili - three bowls of chili and cheese - Diners Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

If you are looking for a great chili place look no further. I highly recommend going to PRC if you have not before. It is a CASH only place so be prepared but if you forget they do have an ATM in the place. Service is great and the food is delicious and not too expensive! I got the gravy cheese fries and a cheese coney with onions and mustard on it. The gravy cheese fries from PRC is a brown gravy that they make in house! The place isn't very big so if you have a big group try to get there early to get the table! read more

Pleasant Ridge Chili - Gravy cheese fries - Diners Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

They get five stars just because of French fries and home fries with gravy and cheese, and because you can get a half order, so it works as a side. Today I got a cheeseburger deluxe, which wasn't great, but not bad, either. I'm not fond of their chili, but that's just a matter of personal preference. You might love it. They have a big menu and are family friendly, so I recommend this place. read more

I love PRC. Their chili is delicious, and their double deckers are the bomb.com. I also love their salads! They can't get 5 stars from me though- they don't take cards, at all! I always have to remember to take cash out before I take that 10mi trip. But it's worth it! read more

Pleasant Ridge Chili - Chef salad - Diners Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

It's more than just pleasant at Pleasant Ridge Chili. It's positively tasty and then some! I'd recommend it for any fan of Cincinnati style chili for sure. Yeah, if you've been in Cincinnati long enough (a week or so), you'll already have heard the big two in a debate over Cincinnati style chili. It usually comes down to Skyline vs Gold Star. But true Cincinnati chili fans know there's MUCH more than just those two. Pleasant Ridge Chili is a perfect example of that too. Walking inside, it feels like a cozy, classic diner, complete with a jukebox full of great tunes. Grab a table or sit at the counter, but wherever you sit, you'll feel at home. The servers are all friendly and prompt, greeting with a smile, making sure you get everything quickly. My lady and I had been wanting to try their chili for a while and finally did on a Saturday. I'd heard they can get busy FAST on Saturdays, but it wasn't too bad when we got there. I ordered a 3-way and a cheese coney while my lady ordered two cheese coneys and some fries. When at a chili place, right? But their menu holds FAR more to discover, including sandwiches, burgers, salads, and lots of breakfast options (served ALL day). The chili tasted a little on the milder side spice-wise but was more robust than some I've had before. I found both of my choices to be quite delicious. Needless to say, my 3-way and coney didn't last too long before they were in my belly. Even better, the price was very easy to stomach. Great lunch at a great price with great service! Cincinnati chili is something I've grown to be a big fan of after moving here from North Carolina. Ever since, I've enjoyed trying different Cincy style chili destinations, and Pleasant Ridge is certainly no exception. I'll definitely be coming here again and enjoying more! read more

Pleasant Ridge Chili - Chili time!! - Diners Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Kinda watery, hardly any meat. No substance to this. Definitely not the best like everyone said. Price was good though, cheap! Idk Cash only is a bummer. I tried Camp Washington and it was 10 times better. Sorry guys I tried. read more

Pleasant Ridge Chili - Diners Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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I was driving thru town on my way home to NY after a long cross-country trip. This was my third time driving thru Cincinnati -- the first two times I completely forgot to stop and try the city's famous dish, Chili 5-ways. There was no way I was going to make that mistake again. So after a quick Google search, and reading a couple Yelp reviews, I decided to take a chance on Pleasant Ridge Chili. And oh boy, did I select the perfect place for a memorable, authentic experience! I sat at the breakfast bar and immediately was greeted by an extremely friendly waitress. I told her I was driving through to NY and how much I've been wanting to try Chili 5-ways for years but kept forgetting to stop. She not only guided me on what to get, but also suggested to get the fries w gravy too. So I did! While waiting, I began chatting w a nice female customer from Cincinnati and explained to her how much I've been waiting to try their city's famous dish! After a very nice conversation, she left, and it wasn't until I was ready to pay my bill that I realized she paid for my tab without me even knowing it! I was floored. What hospitality and kindness! It was a moment I will never forget and a gesture that I promise to pay forward to someone else. As for the food, it didn't disappoint! Everything I hoped it would be and more! You would be doing yourself a disservice if you are driving thru and don't stop here for the authentic Cincy diner and chili experience! Just an overall great place w the friendliest of people! You can bet I'll stop back again if I ever find myself driving thru again! (Brendon, Albany, NY) read more

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Pleasant ridge chili is a late night Cincy staple. Their menu is diner-ish food but really, you need to, no you MUST, have either the chili cheese fries OR the cheese fries and gravy. We had a large group of people and when they saw us trying to cram into a booth, they immediately offered to move a table over for extra space. My fries were great. Other friends had french toast, 5 way, 3 way, and pie. The only issue that arose, was my friend had chocolate milk that was spoiled. They apologized and took it off the check. *CASH ONLY* although there is an ATM in the back if you get in a jam. This is what keeps their prices very low!! Plenty of parking in their private lot (which isnt always easy to come by in the Ridge). read more

Pleasant Ridge Chili - Chilli cheese fries - Diners Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Love this place, but they never want to work. They've cut the hours, and they never answer the phone. This place gets such rave reviews from everyone but it just seems like they don't want customers. Can they at least sell the recipe if they don't want customers? read more

Great local chili parlor. The chile is by far the least spicy - and not just hot spice, any spice - I've had in town, and I think that's why so many people like it, not everyone likes deep and/or spicy food. So good on' em, but I prefer way more flavor! No reason to take away stars. And gravy fries - where else you gonna get that? read more

TOYALLY IN LOVE WITH THIS PLACE. 1. the ladies here are wonderful! service is great. they let us sample the popular fries dish 2. came here to try chili spaghetti. we got it full blown done up. that means with cheese and onions and beans. it was good. i'd get it again. 3. they make the cole slaw here. and, damn. it was good. usually slaw has no flavor. this slaw has flavor all over. 4. they cook roast beef here and make their own gravy. the gravy cheese fries is the dish to get. sorry chili spaghetti. OMG. this dish is it. it shames everything else ever eaten before this day. GET SOME. read more

Pleasant Ridge Chili - Diners Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Gravy. Cheese. Fries. Clearly it's a must try. A Cincinnati staple for late night eats that includes the typical chili parlor fare: double deckers, coneys, fries, breakfast, and random things. Pretty much everything I've tried here has been very good. Don't expect too much in the way of service. The staff isn't rude or anything, they're just focused on getting everything done quickly. I don't understand how they haven't taken over the store front next door and expanded cause they could use a little more space. Bring cash. If you want to carry out, call ahead. It doesn't move as quickly as Skyline. read more

What a pleasant surprise!!! We were here from Arkansas helping our son move into town. Had a craving for the famous Cincinnati chili - why try a chain?? I wanted the real deal. Thats what we got at Pleasant Ridge! This store front was CLEAN as a pin! Smelled delicious and tasted even better. The staff was wonderful and helped me make some fabulous choices for our first (of many) visits. French fries with brown gravy and cheese???!!! Y E S. Who knew. read more

I want to bathe in Cincinnati chili and PRC is my weapon of choice. Known for some beautiful gravy cheese fries as well.

GRAVY CHEESE FRIES!!! My friends took me here on an adventure this weekend after a long hilarious night. The place is packed and it is almost 1:00 in the morning. I'm thinking okay this place must have some draw to it. Of course I am always looking for what the local's say is the best dish. I ask around and there is no questions, "GRAVY CHEESE FRIES" rings off their voices! I order up a small gravy cheese fry and some cheese coneys. The food arrives really quickly and the smell coming off that steaming pile of gravy cheese fries was like nothing I have ever witnessed. This must be what heaven is without the calories. (Boy I can't wait to get to heaven) I dive in and wow was it delicious. It was a nice take on chili cheese fries, I actually liked the gravy cheese fries better. The fries were the big fat crinkle fries too so they totally withstood the thick deliciousness of the gravy. Moral of the story, this place is the bomb diggity and I have been having the gravy sweats for two days now. NEED MORE GRAVY CHEESE FRIES!!! read more

Pleasant Ridge Chili - The best damn gravy cheese fries you've ever seen!!! - Diners Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Pleasant Ridge Chili is the personification of authenticity, for better or for worse. For me, it's definitely "for better." If somebody unearthed and busted open a giant Cincinnati time capsule interred circa 1964, this working-class diner might be stored inside, still looking pristine. From the stone exterior to the plain, cozy old-school coffee-shop/diner interior, there's nothing ersatz or kitschy or slick about it. (This ain't Johnny Rockets or some flashy yupscale diner trying to emulate American Graffiti or Happy Days.) Instead, this place has the simple and modest grace to do little more than to look exactly like it probably did back in the day. (I grew up in the 1970s and got a small jolt of deja vu walking through the front door; some very early childhood memories might've been triggered.) The mostly working-class customers--a roughly even smattering of both white and black folks, much like Pleasant Ridge's own demographics--lend to the authenticity. Oh, yeah, they serve food, too, and it's all right or maybe even slightly better, which is about all you should ask of a place like this The chili is solid, both slightly chunkier and "wetter" than Skyline's, if not quite as distinctively Eastern European in flavoring. Unlike the local chili chains, PRC offers a long list of giant double-decker sandwiches, the fries (Ore-Ida or some knock-off, naturally) with gravy and/or cheese mentioned by some of the other reviewers, and breakfasts. Prices are very reasonable and service great. It's been a number of years since I was regularly out drinking in the wee hours, but I have to believe that reviewers here must be correct in suggesting that this place offers a post-binge atmosphere virtually unparallelled in Cinci, at least on the East Side, with alcohol-soaking fare to match. An underrated Cincinnati experience. Pleasant Ridge Chili, don't change a thing. read more

One of the best diners in the city. It's always busy with people of different races and families and diners mostly smiling and friendly. I love the diner smell when we walk in. Large menu and breakfast served all day. We love the Cincinnati chili and the Danny's Special sandwich. Bring cash because they do not take cards but there is an ATM in the diner. We love this place. read more

I know everyone says this is a good old place to eat at but be very careful what you ask for. I have never been here and have wanted to try it for a while. They only take cash its a bit small but thats not the problem the problem is the food is not bad but that depends on your stomach. My food was not bad i had a 3 way chilli but its a small 3 way i also had a ham and turkey double decker but you have to pay for extras like cheese and tomato and not cheap. My wife's cheese Coney's wers green she got very very sick that night. Be careful watch what you eat. read more

Pleasant Ridge Chili - Diners Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Stopped in during my first trip to Cincinnati to get a 5 way to go because I already had eaten. I was served right away and two servers hustled to try and help me while I was making up my mind. I got it home and heated it up and it was really good. The place was busy and I imagine it's always busy. Yup must stop if you are near. read more

Pleasant Ridge Chili - Diners Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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I thought gravy cheese fries sounded weird/potentially-gross when my boyfriend's co-worker first suggested that we try "PRC", but WOW they are awesome! Ever since we first tried them, this is my go-to place for "it's 1am and I'm STARVING" food. Service can be a little slow at times, but that's because they usually only have one server working late at night when we've been there, and it can actually get decently busy at that time. Their 3-way chili spaghetti is great, the BLT is also awesome, and obviously the gravy cheese fries are the bomb! This is definitely one of those community treasures when it comes to getting good food that's easy on the wallet - and the late hours make it even better, since there aren't a lot of places in the area to get good food after 10 or 11pm. read more

This place has been at its current location forever and a day, and you can tell that easily from the look of the place The thing that is "the item to get" here is the cheese fries with gravy, but count me among the minority that does not get the appeal of this item. The fries used are fresh-from-the-freezer-bag crinkle cuts, and both the cheese (same as they put on ways and coneys) and the gravy is on the bland side. What I do like to order here are the Cincinnati-style chili items, especially the cheese coney, which are loaded a bit heavier with the chili than at most chili parlors in town, and the same cheese mentioned above works a lot better for some reason. The place has a full diner menu, so the selection is a lot bigger than at most chili parlors. I had a slice of chocolate cream pie, and while I think it was institutional rather than made there, it was pretty good Open long hours, plenty of parking on their lot, and service is quick and efficient Recommended read more

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My boyfriend and I stumbled upon Pleasant Ridge Chili while taking a walk to find dinner near his apartment. I had heard of PRC, but as a gal who isn't a fan of Cincinnati-style chili *don't hate me*, I hadn't gone out of my way to give it a try. But, there is one word that'll get me inside any restaurant: DINER I love me a good diner, and was anxious to see what PRC is all about. I asked the waitress what she recommended for a first-timer, and without skipping a beat, she recommended the gravy cheese fries and chili. I felt like I owed it to PRC to give the ole chili a try - but skipped the gravy cheese fries since I didn't want to contradict my previous workout TOO much (luckily for me, our waitress still gave us a sample - YUM). My boyfriend, also a non-Cincinnati chili fan, but a pro-breakfast-for-dinner fan, ordered pancakes and bacon and it was a hit! My chili was full of flavor and not nearly as runny or cinnamon-y as Skyline or Gold Star - another hit! The only downside to PRC is the fact they are cash-only. Luckily we had cash (a rarity), but it might deter us from going under normal circumstances. read more

Put simply: The owners of this restaurant are too cheap to staff the restaurant properly and this is on a regular basis!!! It took over an hour to get our food. The extremely sparse staff do their best, it's not on them. To render these people spread so thin to the point that they don't get a chance to sit down for twelve hours at a time is ABUSE plain & simple. read more

oh and that chicken noodle soup! straight out of the campbells can ain't it? waited 30 minutes for cold food. the salad had a whole head of lettuce the salad was chopped poorly. read more

I called to get a reservation earlier they told me just to call 20 minted in advance to double make sure and I call back 20 minutes before and they tell me something completely different saying they don't do reservations and they gave our table away. Just horrible read more

I come here almost 7 nights a week and every single thing has been amazing. From my omelettes, turkey sandwiches, French fries, to their coneys, never a mediocre experience. Gayle along with the Blonde (can't remember her name at the moment) are both ALWAYS there and in such a great mood for 3am when I'm getting off work. Their smiling faces make me come back everytime and recommend it to everyone I know.. even my own customers at the restaurant I work at. Thank you PRC we love you! read more

Went in at a slow time, waited 45 minutes for 6 cheese coneys. When we asked about our meal we were attacked by a very rude waitress. We were lied to about a "new" cook in the chili department as the reason for the wait. Most people in the kitchen were basically doing nothing. read more

The words: CHILI CHEESE FRIES. Two more words: DOUBLE DECKER. These are a few of my favorite things. *cash only

I've been hanging out at Pleasant Ridge Chili since 1994. I used to walk there after school and get chili cheese fries several days a week after school. I even had my birthday party there once. The restaurant is very quaint and the food is delicious. The juke box has a great selection too. read more

Whoa!!!!! I love Cincinnati chili! I came in on a Thursday night around 11. The parking lot seems a bit unsafe. Homeless beggars out front. The only waitress was running around, she had the whole place to herself! Service wasn't too slow with that considered. I got three cheese Coneys. They weren't any different from any other Coney place....which means they are excellent. I also had the cheese fries with brown gravy on top. Super fattening. This place is CASH ONLY. I guess I should've checked out the bathroom while I was there. read more

***UPDATE*** My husband and I went back, took a seat and were ignored for 15 minutes, no acknowledgement that we were even there. We promptly got up and left. There are plenty of other places that actually wait on their customers. I ordered a burger and fries to go. I waited roughly 15 minutes but as I didn't call ahead I don't consider that a lengthy amount of time as everything is made to order. First off, the burger was delicious. It was served just like any diner would, but it was cooked and seasoned really well. Fries were normal diner fries, tasty. It's a very small place.. So make sure you're comfortable with being elbow to elbow with your neighbor, if it's busy. Not really a surprise as its a diner. The waitress was pleasant but frank. I wouldn't expect "wow" customer service from her. But she got my order right and told me to have a good day. Not much else I can ask for. Overall it's a nice neighborhood diner, it's clean with good food. I'll be back. read more

Great old school breakfast and chili place. We came for breakfast and my goetta/ cheese omelet was very tasty. Service was very quick and friendly. read more

Excellent fries and gravy as recommended. They are cash only so don't forget this one important fact. Parking was really easy even in spite of on street construction and everyone was friendly. You can tell this place is well patronized. I'll be back at the recommended 4 PM middle of the week. read more

Saddens me think I never visited here when I lived in the city. Stopped in for late late eats and was blown away. Evening cook Herman is great. Friendly staff and delicious comfort food. Weekends late can be crazy busy with 2 hour wait for food. It's been a staple of the neighborhood since 1964. It certainly won't be another 53 years before I visit again. They won't kick you out until 4:30 am, but the doors do get locked at 4am. read more

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If you are going here during the day, you are living life wrong. Only 3 tips needed. -Bring cash -Order Gravy Cheese Fries -Go after midnight (have a sober friend drive you) read more

Our second visit didn't go so well. The culprit was lukewarm chili. It should be hot enough to melt the cheese. Didn't bother sending it back as the place was super busy with the lunch trade. Otherwise service was great. Restrooms clean. No problem parking in a very busy area. read more

OK, I know, Gravy Cheese Fries sound disgusting. I, too, was hesitant to try them for the first time. Luckily for me, my friends are persistent enough that I finally gave in and sampled the delight that PRC is best known for. Greasy, crinkle-cut fries (the best kind), is topped with a ladle full of steaming hot classic turkey gravy, which is then topped with a handful of shredded cheddar cheese. Strange, but delicious! Not to mention cheap, a whole plate of these babies is something like $2.25! I don't think anything on PRC's menu tops $5. The best part about PRC is the restaurant's hours. Pleasant Ridge Chili is open until 4:30 AM six days a week...making it a favorite of drunk college kids and hungry shift workers. If you visit after midnight, you'll undoubtedly come back with a few stories to share with friends. read more

Pleasant Ridge Chili - Gravy Cheese Fries! photo from website - Diners Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

My latest booze fueled adventures found me face down in some congealed goodness at this really cool little dive in Cincinnati. I asked for a triple decker sandwich with ham, turkey, american cheese, tomatoes, mayo and mustard. I also asked that they stuff closeslaw and french fries into said sandwich. They let me do it. And it was totally bomb. Then i ate part of a cheese omelette and some other shit i cant remember. i got some gravy cheese fries too. Ate as much of those as i could and demanded to take the rest in a to go container. It wasnt the best idea i've ever had - since i would somehow end up wearing most of the cheese/gravy mixture as a consequence of a really drunken walk home - during which i apparently either tried eating the fries again, or just decided to slather my body with them. I couldnt tell you. All i know is they were really amazing. I woke up with a mega hangover the next day and found coleslaw in my hair. I immediately went downstairs and started eating what was left of the gravy cheese fries. Great success. read more

Oh sweet baby Jesus I almost forgot about PRC... How!? How could i forget those artery clogging gravy cheese fries that tasted like Heaven???? So many late night memories of PRC from my high school and college days. I miss it dearly. Such a little divey diner. This is a must experience in Cincinnati! read more

Known for its gravy cheese fries served as a late-night delicacy*, PRC (as it is so affectionately known around the Greater Cincinnati area) is a local institution. Having gone to college out of town, I have not been well versed in this inexpensive yet delightful dive. That is, however, until I started dating a Xavier grad. Date all but required me giving this place a try after a night of a drink or 7**--a state in which I was primed to enjoy my first tryst with the beloved and much talked about PRC. Location: PRC is located conveniently on Montgomery Road, smack dab in the middle of it all. Therefore, it is convenient to get to and there is a parking lot adjacent to the restaurant. Because most of its patrons are of the late night variety, may I suggest a DD? (And I don't mean bra size.) Atmosphere: There is absolutely nothing to write home about regarding the atmosphere. I will say, though, that it is not near as dingy and run down as other late-night diners in the area. (From what I've heard, there's been a "renovation" as of recently. I shudder to think the kind of money they spent on that.) There is a decent amount of seating; at least until the crowd comes in after the bars close. In that case, good luck finding a table for more than 4 without waiting an hour. It should be noted that there is a rotating wheel that "sends" the kitchen the checks with orders on them. I don't even know what those are called, but it's charming and a little bit adorable. And you shouldn't be surprised when I say that this place is cash only. Food: I can't vouch for PRC without being at least a few drinks deep. But after drinking myself to a level of what I will call "PRC Delicious", I've quite enjoyed this place the two times I've been. The first time it was mandatory that I delve into gravy cheese fries. They were as good as advertised, even if I felt like I gained 7 pounds after eating them. Because I'd already given those a try, my second tryst I decided to get a grilled cheese and cheese fries with the ranch dressing I was so in the mood to have. That was also very good. PRC is your standard greasy spoon diner with a plethora of history and tradition, which is awesome. It also helps that it gives me a peak into the world of Date and his friends many moons before he and I even met. I'm not sure if the best part about this place is the people watching or the gravy cheese fries, but either way it is a real treat. read more