Fort Wright Family Restaurant might not immediately catch your eye as you drive by. Nestled in a quiet strip mall off the main road in Fort Wright, Kentucky, this eatery is more than just a chili parlor; it’s a classic family restaurant with a Cincinnati twist. While Cincinnati style chili graces their menu, they offer a broad range of comforting diner fare.
Interior of Fort Wright Family Restaurant
Upon entering Fort Wright Family Restaurant, you’ll quickly realize it’s a local favorite. On a typical weeknight, we found the place bustling, with only one table available. The interior has a distinctive, almost cave-like ambiance, characterized by a palette of grays and blacks. Adding a touch of unexpected decor are two Greek-themed paintings adorning the side walls. These paintings offer a subtle hint at a possible Mediterranean influence, which could explain the presence of Cincinnati chili on the menu, given the region’s Greek culinary heritage. While some wall decorations attempt to brighten the space, a splash of brighter colors could further enhance the dining atmosphere and make it feel more inviting.
In contrast to the bustling staff we observed at Skyline Chili in a previous visit, Fort Wright Family Restaurant operated with a lean team – just one waitress and one cook. Despite the busy dining room, our waitress was remarkably friendly and attentive, regularly checking in on us. However, it was clear she could have benefited from additional support to manage the crowd more efficiently.
The menu at Fort Wright Family Restaurant is exactly what you’d anticipate from a classic “Family Restaurant.” Beyond their Cincinnati chili offerings, you’ll find a diverse selection of double-decker sandwiches, juicy burgers, hearty steaks, breakfast staples, and various grill items. The prices are reasonable, and their dinner specials likely appeal to the established, older clientele who frequented the restaurant during our visit.
Clint’s Review: Cheese Overload on Coneys
As a self-proclaimed cheese enthusiast, I was particularly eager to try the cheese coneys at Fort Wright Family Restaurant. Cheese is, undeniably, one of my favorite foods, and I believe it enhances almost anything. However, in a surprising twist, I must admit that Fort Wright Family Restaurant might be a little too generous with their cheese. The cheese used was a heavier variety than the typical shredded cheddar found on coneys, and while the flavor was pleasant, the sheer quantity was overwhelming. It felt as though each coney was buried under a pound of cheese.
While the overall taste was acceptable, portion control seemed to be an area where Fort Wright’s fell short. Alongside the excessive cheese, the chili distribution was inconsistent. Two of my coneys were noticeably lacking in chili, while the third had an excessive amount. The chili itself had a decent flavor profile – smoky and savory with a subtle spicy undertone, and less sweetness than some Cincinnati chili variations. The texture was also noteworthy, being thicker and heartier than typical Cincinnati chili.
Despite these critiques, and this not being the most enthusiastic review, I’m still rating Fort Wright Family Restaurant a 3 out of 5 stars. The fundamental flavors were present and enjoyable; they simply need to refine their chili and cheese ratio. Achieving the right balance could easily elevate their coneys to a 3.5-star experience, as the ratio is crucial for a truly satisfying coney.
Alison’s Review: Homemade Effort, Missing the Mark
I suspect that Fort Wright Family Restaurant includes Cincinnati chili on their menu primarily because it’s become a standard offering at many independent, family-run restaurants in the Cincinnati area. While there was nothing overtly negative about their coneys, the overall execution felt somewhat lacking.
The cheese, while appearing fresh, was simply too heavy and dominated the entire texture of the coney. I missed the light, fluffy shredded cheddar that is characteristic of a classic Cincinnati coney. The chili, while meaty and possessing a hint of spice, lacked a distinctive and memorable flavor profile. It didn’t seem to have any secret or unique ingredient, and I felt I could probably replicate the recipe at home with relative ease. Furthermore, the onions and mustard tended to overpower the more subtle flavors of the chili and cheese. While the hot dog and bun were satisfactory, they weren’t exceptional enough to redeem the overall coney experience.
Ultimately, the coneys at Fort Wright Family Restaurant came across as a decent, homemade attempt to recreate a Cincinnati classic, but falling short of the mark. Therefore, I also give Fort Wright Family Restaurant a 3 out of 5 stars.
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