Burger Impressions: Bru Burger Bar
Posted Wednesday, December 16, 2015I was looking forward to experiencing Bru Burger Bar in Cincinnati after it had recently opened in what's become a rather doomed location cater-corner to Nada. The interior is vastly different (read: improved) from the former Cadillac Ranch and El Coyote location: it's smaller and cozier, with smooth contemporary lines, dark wood throughout and a striking lack of a mechanical bull...
The menu is chock full of about two dozen burger and sandwich varieties offering several proteins. Beyond beef, there's pulled pork, mahi-mahi, ahi tuna, cod, lamb and even several vegetarian options like portobello mushroom, quinoa and garbanzo bean-based burgers. Sides include fresh cut fries, onion rings and a very delectable-looking roasted jalapeno mac-n-cheese.
I chose the signature "Bru Burger" and a side of onion rings ($14). The burger was a cooked-to-order beef patty topped with pungent taleggio cheese, bacon, mayo, "tomato jam" (i.e. Bru's homemade ketchup), lettuce and caramelized onions on an oversized bun.
I've seen some very impressive photos of meals from the other three locations this Indianapolis-based chain offers (it's the same company that runs the superior Moerlein House), but I found my meal a bit underwhelming given the price. The onion rings were greasy and one "ring" actually lacked onion --it was just a strip of empty fried batter.
Bru Burger w/onion rings
Wait times were rather long, which can be somewhat forgiven for a freshly opened business. We finally received our plates twenty minutes later and were about to dive in only to be immediately interrupted by our server, who wanted to sell us on VIP cards. He droned through his spiel as I tried to focus on the food before me. My co-worker, who happened to be paying for the business meal this time around, was offered the VIP card, and then the server strangely made a point to deny me one because he claimed only "paying customers" were eligible (That's great, buddy, but I hadn't even asked for a card). Interestingly, their website reads, "Becoming a VIP is fast, easy, and - best of all - free."
In any case, the long wait, passable burgers, steep prices and disjointed service left me wanting. There are plenty of good burger places in town, and this one must really step up its game if it hopes to break the 6th St. curse.
41 East 6th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202513-463-6003
Rating: 2.5 out of 4
= Outstanding
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
The best TACO joint in the city. I go there as a treat to myself every Monday. TEX MEX TACOS are delicious culinary treats that look beautiful and taste great. I'm so impressed with this place that I never explore the other items on the menu. If you don't get your taco fix here, you're losing in life.
posted: Tue., Apr 27th, 2021 @ 2:37 PM
My Wife and myself dined at Ferrari’s on Saturday and the Food and service was great/ I had the Butternut Squash Ravioli with misc nuts and sauce and it was the best meal I’ve had there/ My wife had the Fish and Vegetables and was very happy/ I also got a couple of their pizza and olive loaves of bread/ The bread is always a hit at work.
posted: Mon., Nov 23rd, 2020 @ 1:14 PM
@Rick: Thanks for the suggestion! I'll have to remember to give them a try.
posted: Sat., Nov 21st, 2020 @ 9:06 AM
Try Joe's Pizza located at Airway and Smithville Rd. You might like it...That's one of favorite haunts. I definitely think it beats Cassano's.
posted: Fri., Nov 6th, 2020 @ 4:19 PM
Hands down the best Indian in the area. I have yet to find their yellow Punjabi dish anywhere. It is my favorite, and what keeps me coming back time after time. I think I have been here over 100 times. I love this place.
posted: Thu., May 28th, 2020 @ 12:03 PM
I found a gyro I keep thinking about
https://www.yelp.com/biz/tazikis-mediterranean-cafe-cincinnati
their lamb gyro is about 2-3 bucks higher in cost than a gyro elsewhere - B U T - it is made with whole pieces of lamb meat, not the lamb and beef loaf that all other Gyro joints in Cincinnati seem to do
it is a chain. A minus for me, and I suspect for you as well.
But its good.
really, really good
one caveat: skip the baklava as it is not made in-house
posted: Mon., Dec 9th, 2019 @ 12:43 PM
I'll take your word for it, then.....it is fairly close to work so it'll be an upcoming lunch
I also need to try out this little taco wagon near Quatmans in Norwood
posted: Mon., Sep 9th, 2019 @ 6:21 PM
Hi @TJ - We were pretty impressed with the quality of the items, which I think justifies some of the pricing. I really liked the house-made tortillas and their salsas. Chilero offered some extra little touches that were a pleasant surprise. :)
Just by way of comparison...that same week we'd tried the new Mazunte location downtown...and our experience at Chilero beat them out.
posted: Thu., Aug 29th, 2019 @ 10:18 PM
Great food and fantastic atmosphere
posted: Wed., Aug 28th, 2019 @ 8:29 PM
Seems very pricey for a mostly carryout/counter-service joint
posted: Wed., Aug 28th, 2019 @ 5:51 PM