The OTR (Over-The-Rhine) area of Cincinnati continues to draw great restaurant and retail development and has firmly secured itself as “the place to see and be seen” downtown.  Last weekend we tried a new (to us) spot in Krueger’s and it will definitely be one to come back to again and again.  Situated right on Vine Street it’s on the south end of the strip.  And like some of it’s sister establishments it has just enough seating and an open garage-door-front that gives you a great place for lunch, dinner and/or drinks while watching the eclectic mix of people stroll by.  However, what Kruger’s has that the others do not is an awesome rooftop deck that’s perfect for afternoon sunshine or evening dining al fresco.

With a fairly nondescript modern american interior, there is seating at the bar, a few tables and then a wall of tables with banquette seating.  It’s warm, comfortable and a little dark – which I like!  There’s a diverse drink menu with craft cocktails and two beers on tap.  That’s right, just two.  You also have your choice of an amazing array of 70 canned beers as well – from local faves to classic PBR tall boys.  We grabbed a few cans and started our lunch with the warm pretzels and beer cheese.  Made with Rhinegeist Cougar and sharp cheddar, it was delicious.  I’m kicking myself that we didn’t add sausage to it!  The cheese is kept warm in a cast-iron skillet over a small flame – bonus points for the fresh presentation and beer cheese that stays steamy to the last bite!

Krueger’s is known for their house-ground burgers and sausages so we naturally had to sample both.  The burgers are fresh with full beefy flavor and perfectly crispy edges.  They’re all doubles and the classic was excellent.  There are A LOT of great burger places in Cincy and this one is right up there with the best.  We also tried the Lincolnshire english sausage with colcannon (a scrumptious mixture of whipped potatoes and wilted kale).  It was perfectly spiced and a really hearty dish.

Overall, we were definitely impressed with the menu and the fact that they do just a few things and do them really well.  The team at TRG, founders of The Eagle and Bakersfield, hit another home run with this one.  You can find out more on their website at kruegerstavern.com.