Oakley Pub & Grill

Review #9 @ Stop #19
Oakley Pub and Grill
3924 Isabella (Just off Oakley Square)
513.531.2500

Since posting this review, the Oakley Pub and Grill changed owners. We have received several concerns about the current burgers, which prompted one of the Burger Guys to visit. He noted that the burger had undergone significant enough changes that it should be removed from the Burger Honor Roll and be re-evaluated by the team. This review is not meant to endorse or criticize current ownership, but to only inform readers of the situation.

Bucky previously visited one of its siblings, the 915 Pub and Grill in Ft. Thomas, and raved about the burger and recommended a trip here. Talk about a corner bar. The Oakley Pub and Grill has a funky shaped front on a corner. After seeing the front for the first time, how could one not anticipate the inside?

The inside is a small, dark but neat bar with several TVs positioned so everyone could see. Although one can visualize the primetime excitement, professional workers arrived for lunch. The menu offers a variety of half-pound hamburgers (as the Black and Bleu) and all are served with fries or their unique house slaw.

The burger topped with lettuce, tomato, and onion and served on a toasted Kaiser bun, has average diameter - but this burger was thick! Bucky takes a bite and exclaims, “Just how I remember the 915.” Freddie follows with, “Yes – Another burger with flavored meat!” There’s no mistake here − this was one tasty, juicy burger oozing with freshness. Intern Wolfy could not attend that day, but received his marching orders to proceed to Oakley Square because these burgers serve as a good reference point for excellence.

Freddie appreciated the meat’s flavor, but wondered if more could be done. Bucky, with his tendency of exhibiting fussy-old-woman behaviors, openly wondered if a perfect score (10) is even possible. Readers should be thankful that Freddie is along to be the voice of reason.

Bucky's gut feeling is that everyone will find quality burgers at Oakley's two siblings: 915 (Ft. Thomas) and Zola’s (Covington). On the other hand, Freddie trusts his friend, but also stand by his "only time will tell" mantra. Maybe they'll be reviewed in future back-to-back postings? Hmmmm ....

Hats off to the Oakley Pub and Grill for receiving our highest honor! Don’t forget to mention the Cincinnati Burger Guys when you visit.

Points: 9.0
CBG Rating: Exceptional

Next Review: Burgers Not Even for Wimpy