Restaurant Graveyard

Economic hardships and fickle consumer tastes wreck havoc on even the heartiest of restaurant business plans. The following ever-growing list of dining establishments were among our faves, facing an untimely death. Rest in peace, Cincinnati eateries. You're sorely missed.

Amigo's (199? - 2002)

Another great Mexican restaurant that was located near Tri-County Mall in Fairfield. It's been replaced by a more generic, Tex-Mex style joint called the Blue Agave Mexican Grill. We'll miss the Shrimp and Cactus: sauteed shrimp with strips of tender cactus, garlic and arbol pepper sauce. Other notable menu items were the Pechuga Habenero and the Guachinango a la Varacruzana (red snapper covered in "Veracruz sauce," made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, green peppers, olives and oregano.

Cuba Cafe (2009)

It was an unassuming sandwich shop specializing in authentic Cuban fare including, of course, the Cuban sandwich. Cuba Cafe was the first restaurant reviewed on Cincinnati Bites that has since closed. It lived a short life but, as the saying goes, "the candle that burns twice as bright burns twice as fast."

Dink's (2006 - 2008)

One of the cheapest and tastiest of the downtown Cincinnati restaurants, Dink's was a throwback to the 50's diner, serving great burgers, specialty hot dogs (like the Chicago Dog), deep fried twinkies and the beloved gravy fries. I still yearn for their chunky chicken salad sandwich.

Hyde Park India (2006 - 2008)

Our favorite Indian restaurant (read: better than Baba India) closed its doors. Not surprising, as we were typically only one of a few couples who ever frequented the place.

Jalapeno's (1999 - 2008)

This was easily one of the best Mexican restaurants in the Cincinnati area. Alas, thanks to the magic of greedy landlords, the restaurant was put to pasture long before its time, replaced by a Chicago pizza joint we predict won't last two years.

Javier's Mexican Restaurant (2000 - 2010)

Javier Villaneuva started his eatery as a small hole of a place located at 30 E. Court St., downtown. Focusing primarily on burritos, the place quickly grew in popularity as one of the key "go-to" places for lunch, often sporting lines out the door.

As success grew, Javier moved his location in 2007 to a much larger, seemingly more convenient corner location at 100 E. 8th St. Unfortunately for Javier, the downtown opening of the big-name burrito chain, Chipotle, combined with an awful recession spelled doom for his business. Javier's served its last burrito February 26, 2010.

Pasta Wagon (2004 - 2007)

Great cheap Italian fare, large salads, great pastas and a decor that paid homage to all the Italian cliches: Rocky Balboa, the Soprano's, the Godfather, Frank Sinatra and more.

Porkopolis Tavern and Grill (2005 - 2008)

Their ribs and pork chops were legendary; their portions were huge and tasty. And who wouldn't want to eat while seated inside a kiln? Sure, another restaurant has taken up residence at the old Rookwood Pottery building, but it's just not the same.

Pusch's Family Restaurant (19?? - 2002)

When I lived and worked in Fairfield, Ohio, I had stumbled upon some of the best-tasting pancakes ever made. Serving breakfast all day in addition to its long list of down-home favorites like meatloaf, open faced roast beef sandwiches and chicken, Pusch's made a regular out of me.

I still yearn for those pancakes; nothing else in the area has come close.