Arnold’s is the oldest bar in Cincinnati and it’s right downtown – only a few blocks from me! You’ll know it by the bathtub contraption in front of the place. When you walk inside – it’s very dark – and if you’re a first timer – you might think, “Um – I’m going to eat here?!” – but just – TRUST ME!!! Ask to sit outside on the patio! Now you’re going to say – IT’S NOVEMBER!!! But…it’s covered and heated…and…amazing!!!!
Yeah – so THIS is the patio! It’s literally a WOW moment when you walk out there! They have huge massive heaters and it’s so adorable! They have live music some night as well – but we were there for lunch – so the only noise was me blathering on!
Chef Kayla just added these Naked Wings (8 for $10) to the menu – they’re brined, seasoned with a dry rub and then fried. There is no sauce because they don’t need it!! These are from the dinner menu but Chef K wanted to be sure I got to try them. They are amazing!!! And let me also say – THEY’RE FREAKIN HUGE!! We shared a few and then I had enough left over for dinner that night!
I ordered the Notorious P.I.G. ($8.50) and wow – let me just start your drooling – it’s beer braised pork belly, BBQ sauce, pimento cheese and pickled red onion on a toasted bun. It also comes with fries and they’re really good (and I had a side of ranch too – duh!).
I’m not a huge fan of pimento cheese but this sandwich is definitely something special – but that is also coming from someone mega obsessed with pork belly.
Side note: Chef K came from the Nation – and Arnold’s is known for burgers – so don’t hesitate to order a “regular” burger!! Chef dared me to try some of her other options and I accepted the challenge!
Monica killed me with her choice – PORK BELLY & WAFFLES ($15 – you can also swap and get chicken – but why would you???). It’s a Marty’s waffle topped with the same beer braised pork belly I had, Ale-8 ginger bacon jam, pickled red onion, pickled apples and fries – oh and you can add a gorgeous (and giant) sunny-side-up egg on top!
Monica couldn’t say enough amazing things about this! I’m sort of a traditionalist with waffles and syrup – but Mon said that the sweet from the pork belly and bacon jam was a perfect compliment. And – just look at it!!! That egg!!!!
Why should you go? Well – it’s all fucking amazing food! Chef Kayla is wonderful and makes kickass food. We were rolling in the pork belly but the wings are fantastic and you know the burgers are awesome!!! Enjoy! And tell them Food Hussy sent you!
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