Andy's Mediterranean Grille

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chappys

Joined 3 years ago

casual and hip. When we first moved to Cincinnati a couple of years back, we immediately noticed that there weren't too many Middle Eastern/Med options around. It's too bad, because the cuisine, even when prepared properly with fresh ingredients, can be inexpensive, healthier than most, and delicious. The lighter fare and cool, bright flavors are especially welcome during warmer months. Andy's seems to get the most attention among the meager collection of Middle Eastern/Med places in the Cincinnati area. The focus of a restaurant like this is grilled meat:chicken and lamb, especially. And Andy's prepares these things competently. Although Andy's much-renowned shish tawook (chicken kabob) is really tasty. Salads at Med places can be fantastic. Andy's does have some very good hummus and felafel. Andy's 8-dollar lunch special--you get to choose three items from a short list--is a great deal. The vibe and atmosphere at Andy's feels pretty hip by Cincinnati standards. The rather odd decor in the main dining area--sort of Middle-Eastern-mural-meets-ski-lodge--is charming, and the rooms are pleasantly lit. (The restaurant is actually chopped up into two or three different areas, including a bar dining area, and up a flight of stairs, a dark rustic area.) Music volume is kept pleasantly low. Although the non-Middle Eastern waitstaff is friendly enough. But the bottom line is that Andy's is a casual restaurant.

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MrsCoffee

Joined 3 years ago

cincinnati favorite for years. When you go to a restaurant, how much does the environment matter? For most, it makes a big difference so before I talk about the food at Andy's, I have to talk about the ambiance. This is a place that is constantly improving their space. Every season it seems like Andy has a new addition or renovated dining area to accommodate more people and make their experience better. The place is family run and if you stop in more than a couple times, there is a good chance you will actually get to know the owner Andy in the process. I have had several conversations with him and find him to be an "old school" restaurant owner that will actually sit down with you and recommend a new dish or help keep the hookah going. The food is exceptional as well of course. With the highlight being the Shish Tawook. With so few good Mediterranean options in the area, this dish really stands out. Andy's signature sauce and always enjoyable chicken are hard to not order every time I'm here! But if you must wander a bit, the hummus, tabouli and Baba Ghannouj are all recommended as well. And the hookah, well, the Lebanese pipe takes any meal and turns it into a 3 hours social event if you are willing. I'm a big fan of the relaxed environment and menu here, a Cincinnati favorite for years and certainly for years to come.

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mightymorphin

Joined 3 years ago

Fantastic!. Fantastic! The shish kabob is the best I've ever had at Andys Mediterranean Grille.

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clearbluesocalwaters

Joined 3 years ago

authentic. One of the few authentic Lebanese places in the area,the chicken shawarma is fantastic at Andys Mediterranean Grille

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MildMondayMorning

Joined 3 years ago

great food. We tried Andy's tonight--hoping to finally find a great Mediterranean restaurant in Cincinnati. It WAS great food

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Complicated99

Joined 3 years ago

Love Thee. Oh Andy's, how I used to love thee. When I lived in Clifton 6-7 years ago, I'd frequent Andy's no less than once a month. It was the first Mediterranean place I'd ever actually liked. The shish tawook was to die for. The tabouli and baklava were also consistently good.

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garota

Joined 7 years ago

smoking allowed at this restaurant. The food was good - the problem was the smoking which you could smell inside the restaurant. would return.

Doesn't Recommend

midnight1

Joined 6 years ago

Too noisy on weekends. Went with a group of friends. We sat in the front of the restaurant and we couldn't hear each other talk. We sat through most of the meal in silence, talking only when the musicians took a break. I don't care how good the food is, if I can't hear the person next to me then I won't go there!. Yelling and screaming over the music so your dinner companions can hear you is not my idea of a good time. Sorry

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l_d_

Joined 6 years ago

Andy's is the Best. By far the best mediterranean in Cincinnati. It no longer is called "Andy's Delicatessen" because it has evolved into a really nice restaurant and bar. The owners, Andy and Majed are a riot and the servers are all friendly and helpful and have a great grasp of what's on the menu. I recommend this restaurant for a date, with an appetizer, a bottle of wine, and a shared entree. It's also a fun place to come on Friday or Saturday night when there is a DJ and belly dancer and a crowd at the bar. If you are a fan of the scented tobacco water pipe they are a great "dessert" for after the meal, especially if you're with a group out on the patio. This restaurant is my favorite for excellent middle eastern (Lebanese) food, a fun atmosphere, and great service. (And don't forget the baklawa.)

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ahannan

Joined 6 years ago

Fantastic food, must try. Andy's is great. The food is awesome, chicken and beef dishes as well as desserts. Good lebanese coffee. I don't drink coffee but I love this stuff. Andy is usually around and will check on you often. On weekends they sometimes have a belly dancer.

Nice inside but also has a patio that in a winter has a wood burning stove and is inclosed, in the summer it is open.