Skyline Chili
With over 70 area locations, pick a corner and you'll probably find a Skyline. New Orleans has its gumbo, Chicago its deep-dish pizza, Cincinnati has Skyline Chili. A unique style of chili, served over spaghetti, and topped with a mountain of grated cheddar cheese. A hearty dose of hot sauce on top rounds it out. Known for their cheese coneys too.

Montgomery Inn Boathouse
A Cincinnati landmark restaurant set on the Ohio River. This place is all about the ribs, arguably some of the best anywhere. Bob Hope is said to be a regular mail-order customer of Montgomery Inn's ribs. The meat literally falls off the bone ( which, in Bob's case, is a good thing…with no teeth and all). 925 Eastern Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45202; 513/721-7427..

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
Good food and fresh beers brewed on site, Rock Bottom offers a lively, casual atmosphere. Set in the heart of downtown at Fountain Square, it's a convenient stop for the downtown happy hour crowd. One Fountain Square, Cincinnati, OH, 45202; 513/621-1588.

Redfish Looziana Roadhouse & Seafood Kitchen
Decorated in authentic Cajun style, this downtown hot spot features Creole cuisine and fresh daily seafood, served up with live blues and jazz. 700 Race St, Cincinnati, OH, 45202; 513/929-4700.

Arnold's Bar & Grill
A laid-back bar that also serves some great Italian food if you're in the mood, Arnold's has that corner bar feeling. You'll love the live jazz and blues and she'll love the outdoor patio out back. Because of its relaxing atmosphere, Arnold's is a great place to take a date. 210 E. 8th St., Cincinnati, OH, 45202; 513/421-6234.

Arthur's
Neighborhood restaurant/bar in trendy Hyde Park. The bar area is pretty small and can get a little tight. Good meeting spot/warm up spot before a night out. The talent level can be pretty impressive at times. Nice, comfortable patio out back with outdoor dining for a more intimate date setting. 3516 Edwards Rd. Cincinnati,OH ; 513/871-5543.

Cassano's
If you're looking for some of the best pizza in town, check out Cassano's. It may not look like much, but this is the place to be for those late-night munchie attacks. 8227 Daly Rd., Cincinnati, OH, 45231; 513/522-2263.

Dewey's Pizza
For your pizza fix, Dewey's may give Cassano's (see above) a run for its money. Dewey's has some of the more imaginative pizza names ("Edgar Alan Poe pizza") and a great salad selection too. Grab a cold one here while you and your buddies chow down on some great grub. 3014 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH, 45209; 513/731-7755.

Vincenzo's
The owner, Vincenzo Mazzocca, has managed to transform an old gas station/diner into one of the Italian hot spots in Cincy. Great, authentic Italian food is complemented by a laid-back atmosphere and the infamous beer can airplanes hanging from the ceiling. But don't let the casual environment fool you - this is some serious Italian food. 11085 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, OH, 45246; 513/771-0022.

Cafe Cin/Cin
This moderately priced restaurant is located in the Crowne Plaza Hotel and, considering the fantastic menu and affordable prices, is a good place to grab some dinner on the go as it's never really crowded. Combined with the live entertainment, Cafe Cin/Cin offers a decent date setting. 25 W. Fifth St., Cincinnati, OH, 45202; 513/621-1973.

NORTHERN KENTUCKY