Discover what happens when you take classic American comfort food and give it a fresh, modern edge.
Milkman opened its doors in Cincinnati’s historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood with a simple yet powerful mission: deliver juicy smashburgers, boozy milkshakes, and lightning-fast service.
The locally-owned burger joint has transformed the way locals think about fast-casual dining with its commitment to made-to-order smashburgers and inventive adult milkshakes that keep customers coming back for more. 🍔
How Milkman Won Cincinnati’s Hearts
The secret to Milkman’s local popularity lies in its ability to blend nostalgic diner vibes with contemporary execution.
The restaurant doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel—it just makes everything exceptionally well.
From the moment you walk through the door, the counter-service format keeps things moving quickly without sacrificing quality.
Every burger is smashed to perfection with those crispy, lacy edges that burger enthusiasts crave, while the boozy shake menu offers grown-up twists on childhood favorites.
Locals appreciate the transparency in ingredients and the build-your-own options that let them customize their ideal burger experience. 🎯
Cincinnati diners also fell hard for the restaurant’s commitment to local partnerships, including using Eckerlin’s all-beef hot dogs and incorporating Cincinnati-style chili into multiple menu items—a nod to regional pride that resonates deeply.
The affordable pricing paired with generous portions sealed the deal, making it a go-to spot for quick lunches, casual dinners, and late-night cravings.
Food Highlights
-
Spicy Burger: This smashburger sensation packs damn hot spice, pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, bacon, and garlic herb mayo onto a perfectly seasoned patty—ideal for heat seekers who want bold flavors with every bite.
-
Cheeseburger: A straightforward classic topped with American cheese, dill pickles, and ketchup that lets the quality of the smashed patty shine through—perfect for purists who want nothing but burger perfection.
- Cali Burger: This West Coast-inspired option features Swiss cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, red onion, avocado-cucumber spread, and bacon for a lighter, fresher take on the smashburger.
-
Cowboy Burger: Featuring cheddar, bacon, an onion ring, jalapeños, and cowboy ranch, this Texas-inspired creation delivers a satisfying crunch and tangy kick that customers rave about in reviews.
- Damn Hot Chicken Sandwich: This Nashville-style creation features crispy chicken with damn hot spice, slaw, and pickles—delivering authentic heat and crunch that keeps spice lovers satisfied.
- Club Chicken Sandwich: Crispy chicken topped with Swiss cheese, bacon strips, shredded lettuce, tomato, and garlic herb mayo—a satisfying alternative for those seeking something beyond beef.
-
Deluxe Burger: The classic done right with American cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, pickles, and special sauce—a must-try for traditionalists who appreciate quality ingredients.
-
Fiesta Burger: This flavor-packed option combines pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, grilled onions, tomato, avocado-cucumber spread, and tortilla chips for a crunchy, zesty experience that brings Southwestern flair to every bite.
-
Chili Cheese Fries: Crowned as a customer favorite, these fries are loaded with Cincinnati chili, nacho cheese, fry sauce, cheddar, and chives for an indulgent side that often steals the show.
-
Milkman Burger: The signature namesake creation features a smashed burger patty with American cheese, dill pickles, and special sauce—proving that simplicity executed perfectly wins every time.
-
Cookies & Bourbon Cream Shake: One of the most popular boozy shake options, blending Buffalo Trace bourbon cream, Old Grand Dad 100, Oreo cookies, and whipped cream into a decadent adult dessert that reviewers consistently praise.
Atmosphere
Milkman’s diner-style setting features classic tables where you seat yourself after ordering at the counter, creating a relaxed, no-fuss environment. 🪑
The space channels nostalgic vibes without feeling kitschy, balancing retro charm with modern cleanliness.
Both indoor and outdoor seating options accommodate different preferences, while the efficient counter service keeps the energy moving.
The casual, welcoming vibe makes it equally suitable for solo lunches, family dinners, or catching up with friends over burgers and shakes.
Bottom Line
Visit for perfectly smashed burgers with crispy edges, inventive boozy milkshakes that adults will love, Cincinnati-style chili cheese fries that locals swear by, affordable prices with generous portions, and quick, friendly counter service in the heart of Over-the-Rhine. ⭐
Address:
1106 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
📞 (513) 381-0009
🕔 Mon-Thu 11 AM–9 PM, Fri-Sat 11 AM–11 PM, Sun 11 AM–9 PM