When they say "The Best 3-way ", they mean it. Turkey chili, made so well that it has more flavor than it's beef counter-part, topping angel hair pasta and covered in finely shredded cheddar. Great staff, great food. Get there early, it fills up quickly.
(5)
Linda J.
I have been going to Paula's (when living in Cincinnati) since it was on the Skywalk 20 years ago. When she moved to 4th street, we waited patiently for her to open and we were not disappointed. She brought all the good stuff with her and it's all still there. Lunch this week was a great homecoming: the chicken salad with grapes and cashews was all that and more. Yum. Going back next week for the Nicoise Salad and one day soon I will try the burger everyone talks about. In the old days there was not grill, so the whole burger fries deal is a new development, but I've been gone for 8 years so things do change! Love the food here, really quality ingredients make such a difference. Yes, you might pay a few bucks more, but it's worth it. Get down to 4th street, live a little!
(5)
Hannah T.
I work nearby and so I have had Paula's quite a few times. Over time the price just keeps going up and the food really isn't that great. Today I had a bad enough food experience to warrant a Yelp review. Imagine a tiny cup of the most watery potato soup you have ever had. Now imagine it's seasoned much like a bad Italian wedding soup and NOTHING like potato soup. That's what I paid $4 for. Save your money and your mouth and chose one of the way better options nearby downtown. I am giving them 3 stars rather than 2 because their Cuban is pretty good (but overpriced as well-- even for downtown).
(3)
Kasturi V.
Location: This place is right next to the Chase ATM on 4th street. For people who are new to Cincinnati downtown that's the mark. Service: I went in alone and I was directed towards a small table and the waiter took for ever to come take the order and food also took a lot of time to arrive. My wait time was 20 mins Food: I ordered a classic garden burger and it was very tasty, totally worth the money. But you might have to wait a lot. If you company then I think it's a good place, even if they serve slowly! Can try once! Good food!
(3)
Heather W.
Oh, Paula - you never do me wrong. I seriously underestimated the lunch wonder that is Paula's cafe. To the point that I walked by this place a number of times with no interest in going in - big mistake. People in my office were raving about the burgers and sandwiches at Paula's on multiple occasions so I decided to check it out for myself. I typically get the roast turkey sandwich hold the bun and fries. The fries are the crunchy shoe string kind that remind you of being a kid - but make you thankful you are grown up enough to dunk them in an amazing blue cheese sauce. The sandwich comes with Paula's special sauce. What is said special sauce? I have no idea. But it was so good I wanted to drink it (shameless). The chili is perfect on a cold day - served with a truckload of cheese on the side. Then there's the burger we've all heard about. It's legit - even without a bun. Paula's is consistently good and the perfect lunch spot if you work downtown. It is a get you in and out, no frills in the decor, no nonsense kind of place - which I love.
(4)
Katie B.
I worked downtown for about a year before someone finally let the cat out of the bag on this one. OH MY GOSH, YOU HAVE TO TRY THE CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICH. I'm telling you, you won't be sorry. It's got a yogurt base (not mayo), grapes, nuts and a tang. I've been probably a half dozen times, and have honestly not tried another item on the menu. It's THAT good. If you don't have time to wait for a table, they do carryout. If you have time to wait for a table, they have always been really speedy for sit-down, so you can get in and out during your lunch break.
(5)
Cindy G.
The rumors are true folks. This IS Cincinnati's best burger (at least in my opinion). Paula's is a downtown cafe that serves the hungry lunchtime crowd. The atmosphere has a modern diner feel with a long bar running almost the entire length of the restaurant. They also have a decent amount of tables. Pro tip: get there early to snag a seat, especially if you are with a group. Their claim to fame is their "7 minute burger." The burg I ordered was traditional just how I like it: topped with lettuce, tomato, mayo, ketchup, mustard and a perfectly grilled bun! People that know me -- you should have seen the look on my face, pure awe! This was it, the moment I had been waiting for for so long had finally come. I went in for the kill, and not only was this burger a BEAST but it was juicy, hand packed, and oozing with flavor. Seasoned to perfection and it melted in my mouth. I sat there and let the first bite linger thinking, I've finally found my burger soul-mate. I don't know about you, but I judge a good burger on the ratio of ingredients, to bun, to patty. And this ratio was spot on. I'd also like to address the fact that people are saying this place is expensive. The lunch deal I had was $7.95 for chips and a gigantic burger. Total with drink I think it was $10. That is a steal if you ask me! If there is one thing that you do right this year, it will be going to get your greasy little paws on a burger from Paula's.
(5)
Timnlaurie A.
I've been a fan of Paula's for years and years. I've honestly only ever ordered one thing there - the cashew and grape chicken salad. I've tried to duplicate it at home without success. Today, after a long stretch of not making it down to Paula's, we made our way there. My friend and I were both really disappointed. For $9.10 each we got the chicken salad and water. The portion size was drastically reduced and didn't even cover the bread (about half). The dressing used seemed to have changed and it was not at all like it used to be. Maybe we just had a bad batch, or the bottom of the barrel, but we were just sadly disappointed to have made the trip, paid $11.00 after tip and not liking it after all.
(2)
Tiera A.
Paula's is your traditional all American lunch spot. I went there with my coworkers, who rant and rave about it all of the time. The food was eh okay, the service was basic, nothing to write home about. I ordered the caesar salad with turkey, yes turkey, not chicken was listed on the menu. Everyone else got burgers or "the famous turkey chili." The burgers looked and smelled great and the chili was served in a huge portion. My salad would have been okay if it was topped with Caesar dressing (you know because it was a Caesar salad) rather than the random Italian dressing that it was served with. If the place wasn't so busy and the wait wasn't so long, I would've asked them to remake the salad. Paula's is okay and I'd try it again simply based off of the proximity to work. Lastly, I need to point out how pricey their burgers can get. The add-ons will add up! My coworker spent $15 on a burger, fries and a coke! That's waaaaaay to much for a lunch diner in my book.
(2)
Aly S.
We sat at the bar and the wait staff was so friendly and nice. All of the soups sound amazing, we had Tuesday's soup of the day, delicious! Had a huge juicy burger on a wheat bun that was cooked great and very tasty. Great fries, skinny and crispy. A very filling lunch! Next time I may try one of their delicious looking sandwiches I saw them making behind the bar for a not so filling option. Still going to need those fries though.
(5)
Larry S.
I don't get here often enough, but the 7 minute burger is a must. Been about 3x this year, and won't get anything else. Small place so get there early or you will be waiting.
(5)
Sean C.
Came here based off of Yelp reviews and it did not disappoint. I ordered the 7 Minute Burger and it lived up to my expectations. I went during lunch time and although we were 4 or 5 tables back in line, we were seated relatively quickly. They do a good job at moving everyone in and out of the restaurant in a timely manner. The service was much appreciated during my hour window for my lunch.
(5)
Katie F.
All I know is that after my first Paula's experience, I could not stop thinking about that darn "7 Minute Burger". I had to go back to make sure it wasn't a one-time thing. My taste-buds were craving it. Immediately. My second visit set it all in stone. It really is the best tasting burger I've ever had. Paula's is a small cafe downtown that's famous for their turkey chili and their burger. I've never tried anything but their burger (which is a MUST order for me) because I simply do not have the room in my stomach for it all. But oh my gosh, that 7 Minute Burger with a Fried Egg in the middle is TO DIE FOR. Seriously. I have dreams about it. The service is quick, friendly, and to-the-point. I like that. No B.S... the waitress comes up, asks what you want, maybe throws in a "hun" or "sweetie", and returns shortly after with your food. Simple, quick, authentic diner-style service. As you can imagine with it's location, the place gets pretty busy around lunchtime. As long as you only come with a party of 2-3, you should be seated pretty quickly if not right away. Especially if you're okay with sitting at the counter. The only reason for the -1 Star is that the burger is so enormous that I don't know how to eat it. I really dislike over-sized food and playing the "How am I going to fit this in my mouth?" game. By the end of the meal I have egg yolk all over my hands and ketchup or mustard on at least one article of clothing...which is kind of annoying.
(4)
Anjelica N.
Reminiscent of a mom + pop diner, this downtown lunch spot is quite the hidden gem. This review will be short because only a few words are necessary when describing Paula's. Best hamburgers in Cincinnati. - "7 Minute Burger" Get the blue cheese sauce. - You won't regret it. It's orgasmic. It's messy. - But worth every single napkin you go through. That is all.
(5)
C R.
Best lunch spot in downtown -period. Unbeatable sandwiches, burgers, salads, soups, and that famous turkey chili! Thank you Paula and your staff!
(5)
Karen D.
Wow a co-worker celebrating post Christmas holiday lunch and we tried the 7-minute burger today really good!. When ordering, ask your server to bring you extra napkins, you will need them, so better to have them in advance and be prepared for the delicious burger you're about to eat. My burger I ordered with swiss and mushrooms while co-worker ordered hers with the blue cheese sauce. The burger did come in minutes to our table, in less than 7-minutes and we both ordered fries, the fries were hot and the thin shoestring style. The burgers were delicious and messy - the need for extra napkins. Fresh and juicy, interesting the mushrooms were on the bottom of the burger, but all of the better. The blue cheese sauce looked good on the burger, it was dripping off the sides. We now know when downtown and craving a good burger to head on over to Paula's Cafe.
(4)
Kimberly K.
Good food, nice atmosphere. Quick and friendly service too. Not too pricey either.
(4)
Alex N.
7 Minute burger: medium rare, bleu cheese, fries and some Lipitor. If that was a meal I had every lunch I probably would die a happy man a very one large one but nevertheless a pretty stoked one. This little hole in the wall lunch-only place on 4th Street is a total gem. I cannot tell you how many times I have walked by and did not notice, only wishing now I had seen it way before. You cannot go wrong with any menu item here. They have great soups, salads and the quiche is really something else. The staff here is always nice and as great as the food. If your office needs a place to cater I totally recommend Paula's they can fix any size party as long as you give them a heads up. Just keep in mind as with all lunch places downtown seating at peak times might be hard but I have not waited any longer than fifteen minutes for a table. Now the burger... it's delicious and the size of your face. Juicy and hot off the grill any way you like it. I had it the bleu cheese sauce and it blew me away. Wheat bun with fries on the side or chips completes this lunch mammoth.
(5)
Erica J.
They're known for their burgers... but omg, the BLT. Amazing. Visited during the lunch rush so service took a few minutes to get organized, but the food was well worth the wait. Words of warning: You'll need a nap after your meal. And a good dry cleaner... your clothes will reek of flattop.
(4)
B T.
This Friday, I had a craving for a great cheeseburger. I decided to try Paula's for myself and ordered the "7-minute" burger...well done with "Frenchy Fries". I was not disappointed. The burger was big and had that homemade taste. The frenchy fries were very crispy and delicious. With this great food, how can I give it just 3 stars? Two words: The Price. I had an older menu which showed the burger about 8 dollars, and the fries, almost 2. When I paid for the food, the burger was OVER 8 dollars, and the fries were about 3! The food may be good, but that was one bit of "sticker shock" I will not do again, unless I win the lottery. For the total price I paid, I could have gone a couple of other places and either have gotten a drink with it, or bought a meal, twice. Word to the wise: This is a good place for burgers and fries, but it will surely leave your wallet much, much lighter.
(3)
Alex S.
Paula's may be my first great Yelp find, and easily the best lunch spot in Cincy. Oh sure, I've walked through Cincinnati and found a highly-rated spot I wanted to try or a convenience store I didn't know existed when I needed a soda using Yelp, but before Paula's, I had never read reviews and gone out of my way to do it. But I just keep seeing these things pop up glorifying the name of all things Paula's as a downtown lunch experience, and I figured 1,000 Cincinnatians can't be wrong ... rounded up for hyperbole sake. I went in for lunch with my girlfriend, and at once I felt like turning around. It was PACKED! People everywhere, shoved into tables and seats at the long booth, and then a line almost out of the door. Uh oh. Still, my girlfriend's a food-person and had a feeling that this was the kind if place where they move the line and get you in and out. She was, of course, right (she usually is). We were seated in less than 10 minutes in a tiny little table, surrounded by downtown employees eating on burgers and chatting about number reports. We were given a menu and our waitress took our drink orders. Looking down, I could now see that the place was deceptive - although it was only a one room restaurant, it extended way, way down, so there's actually more space than it first seems. I mean, it was still packed all the way down, but at least there were multiple tables in different states of eating. Our waitress came back with our drinks quickly, which was surprised actually. In fact, even though it was so busy, she checked in on us multiple times throughout the meal. She worked that room, moving from table to table, and it was very impressive. Plus, she kept putting her hand on my back and asking, "You doing ok, honey," which I weirdly liked. It was very maternal of her and it made me feel like I was a little kid again at my mother's table. I have no doubt that it would piss other people off, and if you asked me before I went in if I would have liked it, I would have looked at you strangely ... but, here we are. And then food! The food. I don't remember what award, but this place won something for their burger. It was delicious and well-cooked and flavorful and hot and giant! And CHEAP! Everything on this menu was cheap, which was just so great if you're looking for a fast, delicious, inexpensive meal. The ONLY thing that made me a bit put-off was the fact that the burgers came with chips instead of fries, but it didn't bug me enough to take away from the fantastic experience (just figured I should mention it). Five stars easily earned!
(5)
Tobe S.
My first visit to Paula's and I had the best corned beef Reuben. I sat at the counter, my server was helpful and friendly. I had intended to only eat half and take the rest home for another meal but it was so delicious, I ate the whole thing right there. Yum! I definitely will go back again.
(5)
Michael E.
Burgers steal the show But lunch crowds make for long waits Come early, beat the rush.
(4)
Jackie S.
Paula's is a little-known all-American restaurant that is sure to please. As a great place for lunch, the service is remarkably fast and friendly. I ordered french fries along with my meal and was delighted by the cute presentation. However, just as when someone describes a blind date as "nice" this restaurant is lacking that pizzazz that might earn them a second date.
(4)
Paige M.
Paula's easily makes my list as one of the best burgers in Cincinnati. Walking by, the storefront made me think it was a hole-in-the-wall like Tucker's Restaurant; not the case. Paula's is cafe classy inside, with deep red walls, lots of mirrors and artwork. We each ordered a 7-minute Burger. It comes out juicy, covered in your choice of cheese and fried onions and condiments. We munched away on our burgers in silence. I also ordered a cup of the turkey chili, which was fabulous. It's a hearty-style chili, served up with a wee cup of shredded cheddar and sour cream, and comes with round tortilla corn chips for scooping. Our waitress was very attentive and sweet. She put her hand on my back when she came by to check on us. It was very sweet and felt like I was eating at my mother's kitchen table. She also gushed over my outfit and told me I was beautiful (this lady knows how to get repeat customers!) Paula's easily earned five stars until we got the bill. We were expecting two $8.00 hamburgers and $3-4 for the chili, plus two sodas. The total for lunch, including tip, was $30.00. That's a bit too steep for cafe style eating. When the bill for burgers looks more like a bill from Terry's Turf Club, I had no choice but to bump it down to four stars. Still, I'll be back. I need to try this cake everyone is raving about. And of course, another burger. Price per person: $15.00
(4)
Roth M.
Went to Paula's for the "7 Minute Burger" yesterday. It was named as the #8 Burger in town by Cincinnati Magazine. It did not disappoint. Topped with balsamic carmelized onions and put on a bun from Shadeau Bakery, it was great. Super greasy, embarassingly messy, this burger is just as big and glorious as Terry's Turf Club (and on the same bun). Difference being that there is much less seasoning at Paula's than at Terry's. I know some people think Terry's overseasons the meat, well Paula's is the place for you! More meatiness and less seasoning lets this #8 burger shine! -or it could be the (glorious) grease running down your arm.
(4)
Tiffany N.
If you believe the adage the messier the burger, the better you better head on down to Paula's. Even if you don't believe that you better head on down to Paula's because the ladies working here are quite possible the nicest, most maternal people I've come across in a long time. Sitting down at my table felt like sitting down at a favorite aunt's kitchen table and ordering up some home-cooked goodness. Just a suggestion - the fries are almost shoestring in width so you're gonna want to order those to go with you aforementioned messy burger to round out your meal. The lunch rush goes fast thanks to the efficiency here, but it sure doesn't feels like you're personally being rushed which I can appreciate for sure. And I'm guessing all the folks working downtown appreciate it, too.
(4)
Ben N.
Paula's Cafe is precisely the antithesis of the hype-of-the-week, what-have-you-shown-me-lately dining culture of the present day. It's weird about Paula's: As others suggest here on Yelp, it kind of flies under the radar and doesn't get much press or Internet props. But when you step inside, it always seems to be crowded, and it obviously has a long-time loyal following. (Hell, for all I know, these patrons don't want even us outside agitators crashing their scene.) The food is easily a couple of steps better than average for this kind of place. I was aware of the raves about Paula's turkey chili, but my gut reaction is that substituting turkey for some reddish meat is usually going to be lame. Not so here. This was a solid, hearty bowl of Texas-style chili, and, if I hadn't known it was turkey to begin with, I'd just have assumed it was beef-based. Niether of the sandwiches I've tried, the reuben and the Cuban, was terribly authentic, but they were hot and tasty and used seemingly quality ingredients. And as Joe L. says, the big, sloppy "7 minute" burger might not quite get to you in seven minutes, but what's a minute or two? Served on a Shadeau roll, it's actually one of the better burgers in town. It also might be a little too big and sloppy if you work downtown in an office; you'll probably need to clean up afterwards. And it might induce an afternoon nap. Paula's is a little upscale decor-wise, too, for a diner or cafe: Deep red and goldish color scheme, with a big Elvis screenprint at the back of the shotgun room, and some odd, mismatched wall-hangings behind the counter. Chairback lunch-counter stools are comfortable. Service is efficient and friendly, and prices are really reasonable. One of the more likeable lunch stops downtown.
(4)
Nikki F.
The food was great. I loved the burger and the blt. I would go back but I would have to be in the right mood. It gets really really packed at lunch and therefore the service lacks a bit. I felt rushed and that made me enjoy my lunch much less. I will give it another try and see if there is improvement. The food really was good.
(3)
Greg L.
I just had the 7 minute burger for lunch. To be honest, it's an expensive hamburger. I was expected more and I've had better elsewhere.
(2)
Doug S.
Surprised it took me so long to get here now that I'm working downtown, but glad I finally made the trek. This really is a diner so expect a bit of grease to go along with your foods. That said, the service is top notch (fast & friendly) and the cheeseburger I ordered was excellent. I will definitely be back.
(4)
Josh O.
An adorable little lunch spot in downtown Cincinnati. We walked past it at first without even seeing it. The inside is a very long, almost hallway-like space with a lunch bar that stretches the length of the space and small 2-4 tops on the other side. I got the burger with fries. The burger was cooked perfectly medium-well (as requested) on the griddle. Normal toppings. It was absolutely delicious, if a little messy. I definitely could have used some more napkins. The fries were of the shoestring category, crunchy and not greasy at all. I would love to go back. I'd probably choose something other than the burger on a work day, as I wanted to curl up under my desk and fall asleep afterwards. They have a wide variety of sandwiches that looked very good. They were doing a brisk business of take out the entire time I was there, so that option is there, too.
(4)
Marie E.
Loved this place! My husband and I went downtown for a little lunch time break together. Walked down to Paula's and loved it from the minute we walked in. Not too crowded. We were seated immediately. If you go at lunch there is nobody waiting to seat you. Here is how it works... When you walk in and a waitress looks up hold up the number in your party with your fingers. We just stood there and stared blankly at her waiting for her to come talk to us which she did and was nice about it. After watching everyone else do it I know what she was looking for. The food was very good. We had the Cuban and the BLT. Both very nicely done. Just enough mayo on the BLT which has been a hard thing to find here in Cincinnati. Will certainly come back again.
(4)
Brian P.
Love their burgers and Turkey chili 3 way!
(5)
Josh S.
Really neat local spot that is not like the rest of the burger joints. A pretty good burger and I will go back.
(4)
Robert M.
Best chicken salad in the city. Try the hot ham sandwich. Also new is the 7 minute burgers which looked great. Also tried the brownies, yummy.
(5)
Sarah F.
Paula's is a great little lunch place downtown. They're famous for their turkey chili, which is served every day (along with another soup of the day), but also have burgers and sandwiches. You can get half of any sandwich and there are 2 sizes of soup/chili so a half sandwich and a cup of soup makes a great lunch. The turkey chili was hearty and tasty and they serve it with tiny sides of shredded cheese and sour cream so you can dress it how you want it. It also comes with a handful of corn chips, so a full bowl serving would also be plenty for lunch. My half sandwich was a Reuben--on thin, toasted wheat bread, so that was different, but overall a very solid sandwich. A little heavy on the sauerkraut, but the meat was tender and delicious and the whole thing was surprisingly non-greasy for a Reuben. Service was efficient and fast, about what you'd expect in a diner-like setting. The only disappointment was actually the iced tea--it was so weak that I actually thought my first glass was just water. Prices are quite reasonable--my half sandwich+cup of chili and iced tea was under $12, including tip.
(4)
Matt M.
Awesome Reuben and friendly staff! Wanted to try the fries and chili but didn't have a big enough appetite...
(4)
Erik S.
Went down here at 9am during the week. I work weird hours so it is difficult to find a place that is willing to make you lunch at this hour, but the staff at Paulas was more than welcome to do so. I was surprised at how many seats there were in the restaurant and can imagine how packed it must be during lunchtime. The menu has some varied items. Next time I will try a burger, but I wanted to take it easy on my stomach at 9am. The Ham and Cheese was melty and delicious, as to be expected. The soup I ordered was decent, my only complaint being that the container it was in was leaking. For a half sandwich and cup of soup it was about 8 dollars which isn't too bad. I will be back, but next time I will eat in and avoid the leaky soup!
(4)
Chris P.
Paula's Cafe in downtown Cincinnati is a quirky little spot for a great lunch. Went there with co-workers while in town and had a great sandwich for lunch. I ordered fries with my sandwich, so it came with the chips and the fries and more fries than I could possibly eat. The staff is friendly, the service is good and the food is a great price for lunch. Get there early or prepare to wait as there are limited tables and counter space.
(4)
Dan M.
I hit up Paula's for lunch with a few coworkers the other day. It's a nice little diner spot. We snagged a table quickly at noon, but right after us, the line shot right out the door. I got their famous turkey chili (and if you're a purist, the turkey is a very good substitution for beef in this case) and my coworkers got the burger and the pastrami sandwich. All menu items were very good. The chili had a different spice I just couldn't put my finger on - it gave it a little extra flare. Who knew Cincinnatians can make good chili for the rest of the world too? But let me tell you about the fries. Those things are the bomb dot com. They're thin and battered, so they're not for everyone, but if they're for you, you're gonna love em. I would say this place is almost five stars. It just doesn't have that extra umph to make me want to give it five. Bottom Line: I'll be back before noon for a great lunch downtown.
(4)
Andrea R.
As someone who works downtown, I thought I'd been to just about every lunch spot in the area, so when my co-worker suggested going to Paula's for lunch one day, I was excited to try somewhere new. My co-worker told me that we needed to arrive by 11:45 at the very latest if we didn't want to wait for a table, and she was absolutely right. We got to Paula's at about 11:40, and we snagged the last available table. The environment at Paula's is very much what you see in the movies when you picture a local diner... a long serving counter with barstools, and then some small tables along the wall. The service is very prompt, taking drink orders as soon as you're seated. We had a few minutes to browse the menu, which has a great selection of sandwiches, salads and pizzas. There are also a few soups to choose from. My co-worker ordered a half sandwich and the turkey chili, which is Paula's specialty, and I ordered Paula's Fave salad, which was phenomenal. As we were chowing down, my co-worker pointed to a huge carrot cake on the counter, and mentioned that Paula's cakes are also a big hit with the customers. I have a serious sweet tooth, so i ordered a slice. Absolutely heavenly. I had every intention of eating only a few bites, but I just couldn't stop myself. The cream cheese frosting was the perfect pairing with the moist and sweet cake. I will definitely be going back the next time I want a delicious meal on my lunch break.
(5)
Mike M.
ok, when a place is a "self-proclaimed-anything," it usually isn't. however, paula's boasting of having the "best burger downtown" is NO joke. the 7 minute burger is, without question or rival, the BEST burger in downtown. the fries are rediculously good too. and the feta vinagarette dressing? get outta town. no, don't really get outta town, paula's. i have a new favorite place.
(5)
Camilo O.
LOVE THE CHILI. GET IT, YOU WONT REGRET IT. Yes, it's turkey chili, but you'll forget about that after the first spoonful. Trust me. The hot pastrami on rye is pretty good too, so I usually get half the sandwich with a cup of chili. I know that I like the chili more than the sandwich, but I get the half & a cup for the variety. One of my absolute favorite lunch spots downtown.
(5)
Danny S.
This is the place to be for lunch in Downtown Cincy. Family owned and you can see the passion when you eat here. Burgers are amazing and the soups are even better. Get there before noon or you will wait for an open seat.
(4)
nonya b.
I'd give these guys 4 1/2 stars. Excellent burger. Great fresh ingredients. Meat was tasty. Tried the balsamic onions. They were flavorful without being overpowering. Fries were thin but tasty. Service was awesome. Excellent server. It would have been better if the air wasn't set so low. It felt like we were in an icebox. I would rather have something besides chips with my burger. One can pay extra for fries. I wouldn't consider the burgers cheap but they were well worth the price. I would definitely eat here again. Best burger i've had in some time.
(4)
Heather J.
Surprised there aren't any reviews of this place - it's always packed and it's so good. They've moved (I submitted their new address to Yelp) and are now on 4th St. Get there early so you can get a seat! Great chili! Went back today - and they had cream of chicken with mushrooms & wild rice as the soup - DELISH!!!! I can't wait to go back on a Tuesday!!!!!!
(5)
Ryan C.
Why does no one really talk about this place? From the lack of people talking about Paula's you would think it's a hidden gem in downtown, I even thought this but damn does it get packed! Luckily we went to lunch at 11:30, so we were able to seat 3 people in under a minute. When we left, around 12, there was a huge group of people waiting to get seated. I think the staff & service is great here. We sat at the bar so it was interesting to see how they handled everything. It seems like a giant mess but they had a handle on everything and knew what was going on. One of my friends thought that our waitress was the owner and I can totally see it. At first I thought she was just super sassy and enjoyed acting like she ran the place, I assumed she was just a veteran there, but maybe just maybe she is the owner. This could have been why our service was great. She was definitely on the ball. She was taking care of everybody around us and still had the time to look out for you and call you sweetie. Now, the burger. I was having kind of a bad week and just couldn't snap out of it. My trip to Paula's definitely brought me out and made my week. I gotta be honest, I wasn't sure about waiting 7 minutes for a burger. Maybe I'm just not patient when it comes to my food. It is definitely worth it to wait. For my first time, I decided to top my burger with an egg & bacon. The egg was cooked to perfection where it was runny enough to spread around a bit but I didn't drip anything. The bacon was cut thick and cooked flat. It was simply amazing. Paula's is easily one of my favorite burgers in Cincy. I think it's definitely underrated. I can't wait to go back and try other toppings on my burger.
(5)
Joe L.
Paula's still makes a mean burger, but the last couple of times I have been in the place the service has been poor. The seven minute burger takes at least 10 (I know, nitpicky but if you are gonna call it that then, well) and the staff at the bar seems pretty uninterested in helping out. Still a fan of the food, but bumping this down a notch due to service and also the fact that its a bit pricey.
(3)
Mike D.
Paula's 7 Minute Burger Paula's description: some clever saying about the wheat bun, plus lettuce tomato, pickle and onion, gives other topping options for cheese (50¢) to egg and bacon (95¢) Cooking Temp: 7, 8 or 9 minutes. I got 7 but should've asked for 6 or 5, just to see if they'd do it. Additions/Subtractions: got it as listed on the menu, plus sharp american cheese, no mustard Burger: 4.75 If they allowed for burgers to be cooked to your choice, this burger would've been perfect. The meat tasted fresh, it was perfectly griddled with a nice caramelization and had amazing seasoning, subtle and not overpowering in the least. It was a perfect size and thickness, big, but not so much that i felt gross after eating it. Even though it was cooked medium+ it still was nice and juicy. Bun: 4 a Shaddeau Wheat Kaiser Roll. I couldn't tell if it was toasted or not but I think the consensus was "very lightly toasted" It was good, and it didn't have an overly "wheat bread" taste, which I was worried about going in. It didn't disintegrate while was eating, which earns big points. It allowed for a good meat-to-bun ratio. Toppings: 2.75 I like my burger toppings a certain way, and Paula's does them all pretty much the exact opposite way that I like them, the paper-thin white onions aside. Cheese-not melted, and on the bottom side of the burger, causing all of our burgers to slide and fall apart as soon as you pick them up. Leaf lettuce - another element that allows slippage. Thick tomato - while I appreciate the fresh and delicious tomato, it was about a half inch thick, when combined with the sauces and natural burger juices it makes the whole thing a wet mess. I also appreciated the generous amount of pickles. Accoutrements: 2.5 Comes with Wavy Husman's chips, with an option for fries. I saw some fries on other tables and they didnt look like anything special, typical lunch counter fries. Atmosphere: 2 Paula's Cafe is a small busy lunch spot downtown, with limited seating and a wait at lunch time. The staff is a bit gruff, and you're surrounded by businesspeople. It's more a place that you want to eat and then GTFO. Pepsi products, and a heapin' helping of hot and cold sandwiches. I hear the Cuban is good. Overall: 3.2 This burger loses points because of its surroundings and toppings, but it is tops for the actual burger meat and bun. If you're downtown and want a real burger, hit this place up, because it cant be beat. A good sign of a great burger is if, while you're eating it, the juices run down your hands and you need to set it down to roll up your sleeves. This one scrapes that realm, though if you set it down, it's likely to fall apart. Keep reaching for that sun, Icarus! It's also a bit expensive, my bill was about $10 with just the burger and a soft drink.
(3)
Ashley K.
This is the perfect place for a quick lunch. I tried this place for the first time with a friend who just moved back to Cincinnati from NYC and she said that it reminded her of some diners in the city. I opted for a cup of the famous turkey chili and half of the chicken salad sandwich and both were excellent. My friend got the Turkey special and said that it was amazing after just one bite. Looks like we will be going back soon!
(3)
Melissa S.
We are from out of town and read the raving reviews so we were excited to try Paula's! Of course I ordered the famous "7 minute burger" which states on the menu that it is grilled to perfection (medium) so I didn't ask for it to be prepared medium nor did my server ask how I wanted it prepared. We got our food and my burger was very well done. No pink at all. It was greasy and tasteless and I would have said something to my waitress about it but she never came back and didn't ask us how our food was. She only silently dropped the bill and walked away. The whole experience was disappointing and tasteless. I would NEVER recommend eating here.
(1)
Shari H.
food is good, but the pricing is outragous. turkey sandwich add swiss $9.20 not worth it.
(2)
Whit R.
Yum! My brother and I met here for lunch and it was PACKED. I definitely recommend going to Paula's with a group of 2 or fewer (not exactly a group, I know). They have a counter with probably 20 seats - packed. There are about five or six 4-tops - packed. We were fortunate enough to come in just as one of the dozen or so 2-tops emptied, so we only waited a few minutes. FYI - there were people standing the entire time we were there. Paula's is known for the turkey chili, so we split a bowl. It was very good, a little bit spicy but not overpowering, nice and thick and served with cheese and sour cream on the side (and chips). They're also known for their "7 Minute Burger", which my brother got and I tasted. It was really good, too. Far above average. Though no the best burger I've ever had in my life, it definitely ranks towards the top. Hard to say for sure since I only had one bite... I got a cuban sandwich, an old favorite of mine, and I was not disappointed. It was a good size without being overbearing - the burger was too - and the flavor was terrific. Wash it down with an ice cold Coke and you're all set. It's not super cheap - we split it down the middle at $14-something each - but what can you expect when eating downtown. I wasn't the only guy in a suit and tie, which was a nice change of pace. The service here is far above average, too. Very pleasant people who are smiling and making you feel welcome. They seem happy to be there an why not?! The place, as I mentioned, was totally packed.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Christopher F.
When they say "The Best 3-way ", they mean it. Turkey chili, made so well that it has more flavor than it's beef counter-part, topping angel hair pasta and covered in finely shredded cheddar. Great staff, great food. Get there early, it fills up quickly.
(5)Linda J.
I have been going to Paula's (when living in Cincinnati) since it was on the Skywalk 20 years ago. When she moved to 4th street, we waited patiently for her to open and we were not disappointed. She brought all the good stuff with her and it's all still there. Lunch this week was a great homecoming: the chicken salad with grapes and cashews was all that and more. Yum. Going back next week for the Nicoise Salad and one day soon I will try the burger everyone talks about. In the old days there was not grill, so the whole burger fries deal is a new development, but I've been gone for 8 years so things do change! Love the food here, really quality ingredients make such a difference. Yes, you might pay a few bucks more, but it's worth it. Get down to 4th street, live a little!
(5)Hannah T.
I work nearby and so I have had Paula's quite a few times. Over time the price just keeps going up and the food really isn't that great. Today I had a bad enough food experience to warrant a Yelp review. Imagine a tiny cup of the most watery potato soup you have ever had. Now imagine it's seasoned much like a bad Italian wedding soup and NOTHING like potato soup. That's what I paid $4 for. Save your money and your mouth and chose one of the way better options nearby downtown. I am giving them 3 stars rather than 2 because their Cuban is pretty good (but overpriced as well-- even for downtown).
(3)Kasturi V.
Location: This place is right next to the Chase ATM on 4th street. For people who are new to Cincinnati downtown that's the mark. Service: I went in alone and I was directed towards a small table and the waiter took for ever to come take the order and food also took a lot of time to arrive. My wait time was 20 mins Food: I ordered a classic garden burger and it was very tasty, totally worth the money. But you might have to wait a lot. If you company then I think it's a good place, even if they serve slowly! Can try once! Good food!
(3)Heather W.
Oh, Paula - you never do me wrong. I seriously underestimated the lunch wonder that is Paula's cafe. To the point that I walked by this place a number of times with no interest in going in - big mistake. People in my office were raving about the burgers and sandwiches at Paula's on multiple occasions so I decided to check it out for myself. I typically get the roast turkey sandwich hold the bun and fries. The fries are the crunchy shoe string kind that remind you of being a kid - but make you thankful you are grown up enough to dunk them in an amazing blue cheese sauce. The sandwich comes with Paula's special sauce. What is said special sauce? I have no idea. But it was so good I wanted to drink it (shameless). The chili is perfect on a cold day - served with a truckload of cheese on the side. Then there's the burger we've all heard about. It's legit - even without a bun. Paula's is consistently good and the perfect lunch spot if you work downtown. It is a get you in and out, no frills in the decor, no nonsense kind of place - which I love.
(4)Katie B.
I worked downtown for about a year before someone finally let the cat out of the bag on this one. OH MY GOSH, YOU HAVE TO TRY THE CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICH. I'm telling you, you won't be sorry. It's got a yogurt base (not mayo), grapes, nuts and a tang. I've been probably a half dozen times, and have honestly not tried another item on the menu. It's THAT good. If you don't have time to wait for a table, they do carryout. If you have time to wait for a table, they have always been really speedy for sit-down, so you can get in and out during your lunch break.
(5)Cindy G.
The rumors are true folks. This IS Cincinnati's best burger (at least in my opinion). Paula's is a downtown cafe that serves the hungry lunchtime crowd. The atmosphere has a modern diner feel with a long bar running almost the entire length of the restaurant. They also have a decent amount of tables. Pro tip: get there early to snag a seat, especially if you are with a group. Their claim to fame is their "7 minute burger." The burg I ordered was traditional just how I like it: topped with lettuce, tomato, mayo, ketchup, mustard and a perfectly grilled bun! People that know me -- you should have seen the look on my face, pure awe! This was it, the moment I had been waiting for for so long had finally come. I went in for the kill, and not only was this burger a BEAST but it was juicy, hand packed, and oozing with flavor. Seasoned to perfection and it melted in my mouth. I sat there and let the first bite linger thinking, I've finally found my burger soul-mate. I don't know about you, but I judge a good burger on the ratio of ingredients, to bun, to patty. And this ratio was spot on. I'd also like to address the fact that people are saying this place is expensive. The lunch deal I had was $7.95 for chips and a gigantic burger. Total with drink I think it was $10. That is a steal if you ask me! If there is one thing that you do right this year, it will be going to get your greasy little paws on a burger from Paula's.
(5)Timnlaurie A.
I've been a fan of Paula's for years and years. I've honestly only ever ordered one thing there - the cashew and grape chicken salad. I've tried to duplicate it at home without success. Today, after a long stretch of not making it down to Paula's, we made our way there. My friend and I were both really disappointed. For $9.10 each we got the chicken salad and water. The portion size was drastically reduced and didn't even cover the bread (about half). The dressing used seemed to have changed and it was not at all like it used to be. Maybe we just had a bad batch, or the bottom of the barrel, but we were just sadly disappointed to have made the trip, paid $11.00 after tip and not liking it after all.
(2)Tiera A.
Paula's is your traditional all American lunch spot. I went there with my coworkers, who rant and rave about it all of the time. The food was eh okay, the service was basic, nothing to write home about. I ordered the caesar salad with turkey, yes turkey, not chicken was listed on the menu. Everyone else got burgers or "the famous turkey chili." The burgers looked and smelled great and the chili was served in a huge portion. My salad would have been okay if it was topped with Caesar dressing (you know because it was a Caesar salad) rather than the random Italian dressing that it was served with. If the place wasn't so busy and the wait wasn't so long, I would've asked them to remake the salad. Paula's is okay and I'd try it again simply based off of the proximity to work. Lastly, I need to point out how pricey their burgers can get. The add-ons will add up! My coworker spent $15 on a burger, fries and a coke! That's waaaaaay to much for a lunch diner in my book.
(2)Aly S.
We sat at the bar and the wait staff was so friendly and nice. All of the soups sound amazing, we had Tuesday's soup of the day, delicious! Had a huge juicy burger on a wheat bun that was cooked great and very tasty. Great fries, skinny and crispy. A very filling lunch! Next time I may try one of their delicious looking sandwiches I saw them making behind the bar for a not so filling option. Still going to need those fries though.
(5)Larry S.
I don't get here often enough, but the 7 minute burger is a must. Been about 3x this year, and won't get anything else. Small place so get there early or you will be waiting.
(5)Sean C.
Came here based off of Yelp reviews and it did not disappoint. I ordered the 7 Minute Burger and it lived up to my expectations. I went during lunch time and although we were 4 or 5 tables back in line, we were seated relatively quickly. They do a good job at moving everyone in and out of the restaurant in a timely manner. The service was much appreciated during my hour window for my lunch.
(5)Katie F.
All I know is that after my first Paula's experience, I could not stop thinking about that darn "7 Minute Burger". I had to go back to make sure it wasn't a one-time thing. My taste-buds were craving it. Immediately. My second visit set it all in stone. It really is the best tasting burger I've ever had. Paula's is a small cafe downtown that's famous for their turkey chili and their burger. I've never tried anything but their burger (which is a MUST order for me) because I simply do not have the room in my stomach for it all. But oh my gosh, that 7 Minute Burger with a Fried Egg in the middle is TO DIE FOR. Seriously. I have dreams about it. The service is quick, friendly, and to-the-point. I like that. No B.S... the waitress comes up, asks what you want, maybe throws in a "hun" or "sweetie", and returns shortly after with your food. Simple, quick, authentic diner-style service. As you can imagine with it's location, the place gets pretty busy around lunchtime. As long as you only come with a party of 2-3, you should be seated pretty quickly if not right away. Especially if you're okay with sitting at the counter. The only reason for the -1 Star is that the burger is so enormous that I don't know how to eat it. I really dislike over-sized food and playing the "How am I going to fit this in my mouth?" game. By the end of the meal I have egg yolk all over my hands and ketchup or mustard on at least one article of clothing...which is kind of annoying.
(4)Anjelica N.
Reminiscent of a mom + pop diner, this downtown lunch spot is quite the hidden gem. This review will be short because only a few words are necessary when describing Paula's. Best hamburgers in Cincinnati. - "7 Minute Burger" Get the blue cheese sauce. - You won't regret it. It's orgasmic. It's messy. - But worth every single napkin you go through. That is all.
(5)C R.
Best lunch spot in downtown -period. Unbeatable sandwiches, burgers, salads, soups, and that famous turkey chili! Thank you Paula and your staff!
(5)Karen D.
Wow a co-worker celebrating post Christmas holiday lunch and we tried the 7-minute burger today really good!. When ordering, ask your server to bring you extra napkins, you will need them, so better to have them in advance and be prepared for the delicious burger you're about to eat. My burger I ordered with swiss and mushrooms while co-worker ordered hers with the blue cheese sauce. The burger did come in minutes to our table, in less than 7-minutes and we both ordered fries, the fries were hot and the thin shoestring style. The burgers were delicious and messy - the need for extra napkins. Fresh and juicy, interesting the mushrooms were on the bottom of the burger, but all of the better. The blue cheese sauce looked good on the burger, it was dripping off the sides. We now know when downtown and craving a good burger to head on over to Paula's Cafe.
(4)Kimberly K.
Good food, nice atmosphere. Quick and friendly service too. Not too pricey either.
(4)Alex N.
7 Minute burger: medium rare, bleu cheese, fries and some Lipitor. If that was a meal I had every lunch I probably would die a happy man a very one large one but nevertheless a pretty stoked one. This little hole in the wall lunch-only place on 4th Street is a total gem. I cannot tell you how many times I have walked by and did not notice, only wishing now I had seen it way before. You cannot go wrong with any menu item here. They have great soups, salads and the quiche is really something else. The staff here is always nice and as great as the food. If your office needs a place to cater I totally recommend Paula's they can fix any size party as long as you give them a heads up. Just keep in mind as with all lunch places downtown seating at peak times might be hard but I have not waited any longer than fifteen minutes for a table. Now the burger... it's delicious and the size of your face. Juicy and hot off the grill any way you like it. I had it the bleu cheese sauce and it blew me away. Wheat bun with fries on the side or chips completes this lunch mammoth.
(5)Erica J.
They're known for their burgers... but omg, the BLT. Amazing. Visited during the lunch rush so service took a few minutes to get organized, but the food was well worth the wait. Words of warning: You'll need a nap after your meal. And a good dry cleaner... your clothes will reek of flattop.
(4)B T.
This Friday, I had a craving for a great cheeseburger. I decided to try Paula's for myself and ordered the "7-minute" burger...well done with "Frenchy Fries". I was not disappointed. The burger was big and had that homemade taste. The frenchy fries were very crispy and delicious. With this great food, how can I give it just 3 stars? Two words: The Price. I had an older menu which showed the burger about 8 dollars, and the fries, almost 2. When I paid for the food, the burger was OVER 8 dollars, and the fries were about 3! The food may be good, but that was one bit of "sticker shock" I will not do again, unless I win the lottery. For the total price I paid, I could have gone a couple of other places and either have gotten a drink with it, or bought a meal, twice. Word to the wise: This is a good place for burgers and fries, but it will surely leave your wallet much, much lighter.
(3)Alex S.
Paula's may be my first great Yelp find, and easily the best lunch spot in Cincy. Oh sure, I've walked through Cincinnati and found a highly-rated spot I wanted to try or a convenience store I didn't know existed when I needed a soda using Yelp, but before Paula's, I had never read reviews and gone out of my way to do it. But I just keep seeing these things pop up glorifying the name of all things Paula's as a downtown lunch experience, and I figured 1,000 Cincinnatians can't be wrong ... rounded up for hyperbole sake. I went in for lunch with my girlfriend, and at once I felt like turning around. It was PACKED! People everywhere, shoved into tables and seats at the long booth, and then a line almost out of the door. Uh oh. Still, my girlfriend's a food-person and had a feeling that this was the kind if place where they move the line and get you in and out. She was, of course, right (she usually is). We were seated in less than 10 minutes in a tiny little table, surrounded by downtown employees eating on burgers and chatting about number reports. We were given a menu and our waitress took our drink orders. Looking down, I could now see that the place was deceptive - although it was only a one room restaurant, it extended way, way down, so there's actually more space than it first seems. I mean, it was still packed all the way down, but at least there were multiple tables in different states of eating. Our waitress came back with our drinks quickly, which was surprised actually. In fact, even though it was so busy, she checked in on us multiple times throughout the meal. She worked that room, moving from table to table, and it was very impressive. Plus, she kept putting her hand on my back and asking, "You doing ok, honey," which I weirdly liked. It was very maternal of her and it made me feel like I was a little kid again at my mother's table. I have no doubt that it would piss other people off, and if you asked me before I went in if I would have liked it, I would have looked at you strangely ... but, here we are. And then food! The food. I don't remember what award, but this place won something for their burger. It was delicious and well-cooked and flavorful and hot and giant! And CHEAP! Everything on this menu was cheap, which was just so great if you're looking for a fast, delicious, inexpensive meal. The ONLY thing that made me a bit put-off was the fact that the burgers came with chips instead of fries, but it didn't bug me enough to take away from the fantastic experience (just figured I should mention it). Five stars easily earned!
(5)Tobe S.
My first visit to Paula's and I had the best corned beef Reuben. I sat at the counter, my server was helpful and friendly. I had intended to only eat half and take the rest home for another meal but it was so delicious, I ate the whole thing right there. Yum! I definitely will go back again.
(5)Michael E.
Burgers steal the show But lunch crowds make for long waits Come early, beat the rush.
(4)Jackie S.
Paula's is a little-known all-American restaurant that is sure to please. As a great place for lunch, the service is remarkably fast and friendly. I ordered french fries along with my meal and was delighted by the cute presentation. However, just as when someone describes a blind date as "nice" this restaurant is lacking that pizzazz that might earn them a second date.
(4)Paige M.
Paula's easily makes my list as one of the best burgers in Cincinnati. Walking by, the storefront made me think it was a hole-in-the-wall like Tucker's Restaurant; not the case. Paula's is cafe classy inside, with deep red walls, lots of mirrors and artwork. We each ordered a 7-minute Burger. It comes out juicy, covered in your choice of cheese and fried onions and condiments. We munched away on our burgers in silence. I also ordered a cup of the turkey chili, which was fabulous. It's a hearty-style chili, served up with a wee cup of shredded cheddar and sour cream, and comes with round tortilla corn chips for scooping. Our waitress was very attentive and sweet. She put her hand on my back when she came by to check on us. It was very sweet and felt like I was eating at my mother's kitchen table. She also gushed over my outfit and told me I was beautiful (this lady knows how to get repeat customers!) Paula's easily earned five stars until we got the bill. We were expecting two $8.00 hamburgers and $3-4 for the chili, plus two sodas. The total for lunch, including tip, was $30.00. That's a bit too steep for cafe style eating. When the bill for burgers looks more like a bill from Terry's Turf Club, I had no choice but to bump it down to four stars. Still, I'll be back. I need to try this cake everyone is raving about. And of course, another burger. Price per person: $15.00
(4)Roth M.
Went to Paula's for the "7 Minute Burger" yesterday. It was named as the #8 Burger in town by Cincinnati Magazine. It did not disappoint. Topped with balsamic carmelized onions and put on a bun from Shadeau Bakery, it was great. Super greasy, embarassingly messy, this burger is just as big and glorious as Terry's Turf Club (and on the same bun). Difference being that there is much less seasoning at Paula's than at Terry's. I know some people think Terry's overseasons the meat, well Paula's is the place for you! More meatiness and less seasoning lets this #8 burger shine! -or it could be the (glorious) grease running down your arm.
(4)Tiffany N.
If you believe the adage the messier the burger, the better you better head on down to Paula's. Even if you don't believe that you better head on down to Paula's because the ladies working here are quite possible the nicest, most maternal people I've come across in a long time. Sitting down at my table felt like sitting down at a favorite aunt's kitchen table and ordering up some home-cooked goodness. Just a suggestion - the fries are almost shoestring in width so you're gonna want to order those to go with you aforementioned messy burger to round out your meal. The lunch rush goes fast thanks to the efficiency here, but it sure doesn't feels like you're personally being rushed which I can appreciate for sure. And I'm guessing all the folks working downtown appreciate it, too.
(4)Ben N.
Paula's Cafe is precisely the antithesis of the hype-of-the-week, what-have-you-shown-me-lately dining culture of the present day. It's weird about Paula's: As others suggest here on Yelp, it kind of flies under the radar and doesn't get much press or Internet props. But when you step inside, it always seems to be crowded, and it obviously has a long-time loyal following. (Hell, for all I know, these patrons don't want even us outside agitators crashing their scene.) The food is easily a couple of steps better than average for this kind of place. I was aware of the raves about Paula's turkey chili, but my gut reaction is that substituting turkey for some reddish meat is usually going to be lame. Not so here. This was a solid, hearty bowl of Texas-style chili, and, if I hadn't known it was turkey to begin with, I'd just have assumed it was beef-based. Niether of the sandwiches I've tried, the reuben and the Cuban, was terribly authentic, but they were hot and tasty and used seemingly quality ingredients. And as Joe L. says, the big, sloppy "7 minute" burger might not quite get to you in seven minutes, but what's a minute or two? Served on a Shadeau roll, it's actually one of the better burgers in town. It also might be a little too big and sloppy if you work downtown in an office; you'll probably need to clean up afterwards. And it might induce an afternoon nap. Paula's is a little upscale decor-wise, too, for a diner or cafe: Deep red and goldish color scheme, with a big Elvis screenprint at the back of the shotgun room, and some odd, mismatched wall-hangings behind the counter. Chairback lunch-counter stools are comfortable. Service is efficient and friendly, and prices are really reasonable. One of the more likeable lunch stops downtown.
(4)Nikki F.
The food was great. I loved the burger and the blt. I would go back but I would have to be in the right mood. It gets really really packed at lunch and therefore the service lacks a bit. I felt rushed and that made me enjoy my lunch much less. I will give it another try and see if there is improvement. The food really was good.
(3)Greg L.
I just had the 7 minute burger for lunch. To be honest, it's an expensive hamburger. I was expected more and I've had better elsewhere.
(2)Doug S.
Surprised it took me so long to get here now that I'm working downtown, but glad I finally made the trek. This really is a diner so expect a bit of grease to go along with your foods. That said, the service is top notch (fast & friendly) and the cheeseburger I ordered was excellent. I will definitely be back.
(4)Josh O.
An adorable little lunch spot in downtown Cincinnati. We walked past it at first without even seeing it. The inside is a very long, almost hallway-like space with a lunch bar that stretches the length of the space and small 2-4 tops on the other side. I got the burger with fries. The burger was cooked perfectly medium-well (as requested) on the griddle. Normal toppings. It was absolutely delicious, if a little messy. I definitely could have used some more napkins. The fries were of the shoestring category, crunchy and not greasy at all. I would love to go back. I'd probably choose something other than the burger on a work day, as I wanted to curl up under my desk and fall asleep afterwards. They have a wide variety of sandwiches that looked very good. They were doing a brisk business of take out the entire time I was there, so that option is there, too.
(4)Marie E.
Loved this place! My husband and I went downtown for a little lunch time break together. Walked down to Paula's and loved it from the minute we walked in. Not too crowded. We were seated immediately. If you go at lunch there is nobody waiting to seat you. Here is how it works... When you walk in and a waitress looks up hold up the number in your party with your fingers. We just stood there and stared blankly at her waiting for her to come talk to us which she did and was nice about it. After watching everyone else do it I know what she was looking for. The food was very good. We had the Cuban and the BLT. Both very nicely done. Just enough mayo on the BLT which has been a hard thing to find here in Cincinnati. Will certainly come back again.
(4)Brian P.
Love their burgers and Turkey chili 3 way!
(5)Josh S.
Really neat local spot that is not like the rest of the burger joints. A pretty good burger and I will go back.
(4)Robert M.
Best chicken salad in the city. Try the hot ham sandwich. Also new is the 7 minute burgers which looked great. Also tried the brownies, yummy.
(5)Sarah F.
Paula's is a great little lunch place downtown. They're famous for their turkey chili, which is served every day (along with another soup of the day), but also have burgers and sandwiches. You can get half of any sandwich and there are 2 sizes of soup/chili so a half sandwich and a cup of soup makes a great lunch. The turkey chili was hearty and tasty and they serve it with tiny sides of shredded cheese and sour cream so you can dress it how you want it. It also comes with a handful of corn chips, so a full bowl serving would also be plenty for lunch. My half sandwich was a Reuben--on thin, toasted wheat bread, so that was different, but overall a very solid sandwich. A little heavy on the sauerkraut, but the meat was tender and delicious and the whole thing was surprisingly non-greasy for a Reuben. Service was efficient and fast, about what you'd expect in a diner-like setting. The only disappointment was actually the iced tea--it was so weak that I actually thought my first glass was just water. Prices are quite reasonable--my half sandwich+cup of chili and iced tea was under $12, including tip.
(4)Matt M.
Awesome Reuben and friendly staff! Wanted to try the fries and chili but didn't have a big enough appetite...
(4)Erik S.
Went down here at 9am during the week. I work weird hours so it is difficult to find a place that is willing to make you lunch at this hour, but the staff at Paulas was more than welcome to do so. I was surprised at how many seats there were in the restaurant and can imagine how packed it must be during lunchtime. The menu has some varied items. Next time I will try a burger, but I wanted to take it easy on my stomach at 9am. The Ham and Cheese was melty and delicious, as to be expected. The soup I ordered was decent, my only complaint being that the container it was in was leaking. For a half sandwich and cup of soup it was about 8 dollars which isn't too bad. I will be back, but next time I will eat in and avoid the leaky soup!
(4)Chris P.
Paula's Cafe in downtown Cincinnati is a quirky little spot for a great lunch. Went there with co-workers while in town and had a great sandwich for lunch. I ordered fries with my sandwich, so it came with the chips and the fries and more fries than I could possibly eat. The staff is friendly, the service is good and the food is a great price for lunch. Get there early or prepare to wait as there are limited tables and counter space.
(4)Dan M.
I hit up Paula's for lunch with a few coworkers the other day. It's a nice little diner spot. We snagged a table quickly at noon, but right after us, the line shot right out the door. I got their famous turkey chili (and if you're a purist, the turkey is a very good substitution for beef in this case) and my coworkers got the burger and the pastrami sandwich. All menu items were very good. The chili had a different spice I just couldn't put my finger on - it gave it a little extra flare. Who knew Cincinnatians can make good chili for the rest of the world too? But let me tell you about the fries. Those things are the bomb dot com. They're thin and battered, so they're not for everyone, but if they're for you, you're gonna love em. I would say this place is almost five stars. It just doesn't have that extra umph to make me want to give it five. Bottom Line: I'll be back before noon for a great lunch downtown.
(4)Andrea R.
As someone who works downtown, I thought I'd been to just about every lunch spot in the area, so when my co-worker suggested going to Paula's for lunch one day, I was excited to try somewhere new. My co-worker told me that we needed to arrive by 11:45 at the very latest if we didn't want to wait for a table, and she was absolutely right. We got to Paula's at about 11:40, and we snagged the last available table. The environment at Paula's is very much what you see in the movies when you picture a local diner... a long serving counter with barstools, and then some small tables along the wall. The service is very prompt, taking drink orders as soon as you're seated. We had a few minutes to browse the menu, which has a great selection of sandwiches, salads and pizzas. There are also a few soups to choose from. My co-worker ordered a half sandwich and the turkey chili, which is Paula's specialty, and I ordered Paula's Fave salad, which was phenomenal. As we were chowing down, my co-worker pointed to a huge carrot cake on the counter, and mentioned that Paula's cakes are also a big hit with the customers. I have a serious sweet tooth, so i ordered a slice. Absolutely heavenly. I had every intention of eating only a few bites, but I just couldn't stop myself. The cream cheese frosting was the perfect pairing with the moist and sweet cake. I will definitely be going back the next time I want a delicious meal on my lunch break.
(5)Mike M.
ok, when a place is a "self-proclaimed-anything," it usually isn't. however, paula's boasting of having the "best burger downtown" is NO joke. the 7 minute burger is, without question or rival, the BEST burger in downtown. the fries are rediculously good too. and the feta vinagarette dressing? get outta town. no, don't really get outta town, paula's. i have a new favorite place.
(5)Camilo O.
LOVE THE CHILI. GET IT, YOU WONT REGRET IT. Yes, it's turkey chili, but you'll forget about that after the first spoonful. Trust me. The hot pastrami on rye is pretty good too, so I usually get half the sandwich with a cup of chili. I know that I like the chili more than the sandwich, but I get the half & a cup for the variety. One of my absolute favorite lunch spots downtown.
(5)Danny S.
This is the place to be for lunch in Downtown Cincy. Family owned and you can see the passion when you eat here. Burgers are amazing and the soups are even better. Get there before noon or you will wait for an open seat.
(4)nonya b.
I'd give these guys 4 1/2 stars. Excellent burger. Great fresh ingredients. Meat was tasty. Tried the balsamic onions. They were flavorful without being overpowering. Fries were thin but tasty. Service was awesome. Excellent server. It would have been better if the air wasn't set so low. It felt like we were in an icebox. I would rather have something besides chips with my burger. One can pay extra for fries. I wouldn't consider the burgers cheap but they were well worth the price. I would definitely eat here again. Best burger i've had in some time.
(4)Heather J.
Surprised there aren't any reviews of this place - it's always packed and it's so good. They've moved (I submitted their new address to Yelp) and are now on 4th St. Get there early so you can get a seat! Great chili! Went back today - and they had cream of chicken with mushrooms & wild rice as the soup - DELISH!!!! I can't wait to go back on a Tuesday!!!!!!
(5)Ryan C.
Why does no one really talk about this place? From the lack of people talking about Paula's you would think it's a hidden gem in downtown, I even thought this but damn does it get packed! Luckily we went to lunch at 11:30, so we were able to seat 3 people in under a minute. When we left, around 12, there was a huge group of people waiting to get seated. I think the staff & service is great here. We sat at the bar so it was interesting to see how they handled everything. It seems like a giant mess but they had a handle on everything and knew what was going on. One of my friends thought that our waitress was the owner and I can totally see it. At first I thought she was just super sassy and enjoyed acting like she ran the place, I assumed she was just a veteran there, but maybe just maybe she is the owner. This could have been why our service was great. She was definitely on the ball. She was taking care of everybody around us and still had the time to look out for you and call you sweetie. Now, the burger. I was having kind of a bad week and just couldn't snap out of it. My trip to Paula's definitely brought me out and made my week. I gotta be honest, I wasn't sure about waiting 7 minutes for a burger. Maybe I'm just not patient when it comes to my food. It is definitely worth it to wait. For my first time, I decided to top my burger with an egg & bacon. The egg was cooked to perfection where it was runny enough to spread around a bit but I didn't drip anything. The bacon was cut thick and cooked flat. It was simply amazing. Paula's is easily one of my favorite burgers in Cincy. I think it's definitely underrated. I can't wait to go back and try other toppings on my burger.
(5)Joe L.
Paula's still makes a mean burger, but the last couple of times I have been in the place the service has been poor. The seven minute burger takes at least 10 (I know, nitpicky but if you are gonna call it that then, well) and the staff at the bar seems pretty uninterested in helping out. Still a fan of the food, but bumping this down a notch due to service and also the fact that its a bit pricey.
(3)Mike D.
Paula's 7 Minute Burger Paula's description: some clever saying about the wheat bun, plus lettuce tomato, pickle and onion, gives other topping options for cheese (50¢) to egg and bacon (95¢) Cooking Temp: 7, 8 or 9 minutes. I got 7 but should've asked for 6 or 5, just to see if they'd do it. Additions/Subtractions: got it as listed on the menu, plus sharp american cheese, no mustard Burger: 4.75 If they allowed for burgers to be cooked to your choice, this burger would've been perfect. The meat tasted fresh, it was perfectly griddled with a nice caramelization and had amazing seasoning, subtle and not overpowering in the least. It was a perfect size and thickness, big, but not so much that i felt gross after eating it. Even though it was cooked medium+ it still was nice and juicy. Bun: 4 a Shaddeau Wheat Kaiser Roll. I couldn't tell if it was toasted or not but I think the consensus was "very lightly toasted" It was good, and it didn't have an overly "wheat bread" taste, which I was worried about going in. It didn't disintegrate while was eating, which earns big points. It allowed for a good meat-to-bun ratio. Toppings: 2.75 I like my burger toppings a certain way, and Paula's does them all pretty much the exact opposite way that I like them, the paper-thin white onions aside. Cheese-not melted, and on the bottom side of the burger, causing all of our burgers to slide and fall apart as soon as you pick them up. Leaf lettuce - another element that allows slippage. Thick tomato - while I appreciate the fresh and delicious tomato, it was about a half inch thick, when combined with the sauces and natural burger juices it makes the whole thing a wet mess. I also appreciated the generous amount of pickles. Accoutrements: 2.5 Comes with Wavy Husman's chips, with an option for fries. I saw some fries on other tables and they didnt look like anything special, typical lunch counter fries. Atmosphere: 2 Paula's Cafe is a small busy lunch spot downtown, with limited seating and a wait at lunch time. The staff is a bit gruff, and you're surrounded by businesspeople. It's more a place that you want to eat and then GTFO. Pepsi products, and a heapin' helping of hot and cold sandwiches. I hear the Cuban is good. Overall: 3.2 This burger loses points because of its surroundings and toppings, but it is tops for the actual burger meat and bun. If you're downtown and want a real burger, hit this place up, because it cant be beat. A good sign of a great burger is if, while you're eating it, the juices run down your hands and you need to set it down to roll up your sleeves. This one scrapes that realm, though if you set it down, it's likely to fall apart. Keep reaching for that sun, Icarus! It's also a bit expensive, my bill was about $10 with just the burger and a soft drink.
(3)Ashley K.
This is the perfect place for a quick lunch. I tried this place for the first time with a friend who just moved back to Cincinnati from NYC and she said that it reminded her of some diners in the city. I opted for a cup of the famous turkey chili and half of the chicken salad sandwich and both were excellent. My friend got the Turkey special and said that it was amazing after just one bite. Looks like we will be going back soon!
(3)Melissa S.
We are from out of town and read the raving reviews so we were excited to try Paula's! Of course I ordered the famous "7 minute burger" which states on the menu that it is grilled to perfection (medium) so I didn't ask for it to be prepared medium nor did my server ask how I wanted it prepared. We got our food and my burger was very well done. No pink at all. It was greasy and tasteless and I would have said something to my waitress about it but she never came back and didn't ask us how our food was. She only silently dropped the bill and walked away. The whole experience was disappointing and tasteless. I would NEVER recommend eating here.
(1)Shari H.
food is good, but the pricing is outragous. turkey sandwich add swiss $9.20 not worth it.
(2)Whit R.
Yum! My brother and I met here for lunch and it was PACKED. I definitely recommend going to Paula's with a group of 2 or fewer (not exactly a group, I know). They have a counter with probably 20 seats - packed. There are about five or six 4-tops - packed. We were fortunate enough to come in just as one of the dozen or so 2-tops emptied, so we only waited a few minutes. FYI - there were people standing the entire time we were there. Paula's is known for the turkey chili, so we split a bowl. It was very good, a little bit spicy but not overpowering, nice and thick and served with cheese and sour cream on the side (and chips). They're also known for their "7 Minute Burger", which my brother got and I tasted. It was really good, too. Far above average. Though no the best burger I've ever had in my life, it definitely ranks towards the top. Hard to say for sure since I only had one bite... I got a cuban sandwich, an old favorite of mine, and I was not disappointed. It was a good size without being overbearing - the burger was too - and the flavor was terrific. Wash it down with an ice cold Coke and you're all set. It's not super cheap - we split it down the middle at $14-something each - but what can you expect when eating downtown. I wasn't the only guy in a suit and tie, which was a nice change of pace. The service here is far above average, too. Very pleasant people who are smiling and making you feel welcome. They seem happy to be there an why not?! The place, as I mentioned, was totally packed.
(4)