Maribelle’s Tavern

Cooking Style/Temp: grilled, medium

Additions/Subtractions: bacon, bleu cheese

Burger: 3

Again, my fault but I should’ve just ordered medium rare. The meat was a bit dried out and didn’t have much flavor aside from the nice charred taste from the grill. The picture makes the burger seem more pink than it really was. About 6oz.

Bun: 3.5

A nice, sturdy soft cornmeal dusted fresh egg bun, possibly housemade? Toasted just right. 

Toppings: 4

I docked a half a point because limiting the burger to 2 toppings for an $11 burger is pretty ridiculous. The taste and quality of the bleu cheese and bacon were exceptional.

Accoutrements: 2

Below average. The napa slaw was ok, but was really onion-y, and they only offer potato chips from a bag. I learned this is because they don’t have a fryer. I understand they want to be high end, but just because you have a fryer doesn’t mean you have to serve applebee’s level drek. The side dishes listed on the menu sound like they’d be delicious though.

Atmosphere: 3.5

Maribelle’s is set in a house along us50 in a sparse neighborhood and a view of the river, has a patio that seems like it would be really great in the summer, a cozy bar area on the first floor and then a more dainty dining room on the second floor. It was a lot less fussy than I had anticipated which was good. Overall something for everyone.

Overall: 3.2

Maribelle’s is a nicer place that serves what looks to be some really great food, especially at dinner. The burger experience leaves a bit to be desired however.   The topping restrictions and the underwhelming side options combined with the size of the burger really drag the whole thing down. Cincinnati Magazine’s #27 ranking seems a bit high. I bitch about the price, and on a regular day when the burger is $11, I would really be annoyed, but we went on a Tuesday when the burger is a mere $7 so it’s not that big of a deal, but still an issue. I’ll definitely go back, but probably not for a burger.