The most difficult decisions I have on trips always revolve around where to eat. Cities are even harder to choose from. With so many options in Cincinnati and a stomach capacity of only so much you’d think I’d have nightmares of indecision. The reality is I knew immediately where I wanted to go. Just across the park from our hotel was a tiny burger joint called Milkman. They advertised “Boozy Shakes. Juicy Burgers. Speedy Service.” with retro vibes and great reviews.
Sold.
By the time we got into town we were starving. We barely looked at our room before scurrying over to our meal. Parking on a quiet Tuesday night was easy and the only wait we had was deciding what to order.
While they had dairy free shake options, that machine was broken. I opted for a boozy slushie with gin and winter spices. Dylan got a Butterfinger shake with Extra Butterfinger.
Our food came out speedy, indeed.
The burger was everything we imagined it would be. Four and a half long hours on the road and it was worth every second. Soft but solid bun, double patty glistening and hot from a well seasoned grill, perfectly melted cheese, and whatever other toppings you want make your own damn burger.
There are two different house sauces, one for fries and one for burgers. I tried them both. They were both perfectly paired for each option. The burger sauce was thicker to compliment the juicy meat and the fry sauce delivered a punch of flavor rendering the double fried sticks of heaven merely a vehicle for more sauce.
Color returned to our lives as we ate. For the first time that day we relaxed and stretched out our legs as we experienced satisfaction in a window booth.
I saved the last bite of my burger so it would be the last flavor to savor when we left.
Those that have traveled with me know that I am always seeking out new experiences, so returning a second time on the same trip is an honor not to be taken lightly. We returned the next day to recharge with some fries and a local beer after the sign museum.
If I ever find myself in the neighborhood again I’d only go there. I don’t even know what other restaurants are around there except for some cool cocktail bar our server told us about, in case we were looking for another thing to do.
Hands down best burger in Ohio.
I’m not even going to try any others.
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Milkman
1106 Race St. Cincinnati, OH 45202