Back Porch Saloon

Review 15 @ Stop 16
Back Porch Saloon
9626 Princeton Glendale Rd @ Mulhausser
513.874.2432

Opened in 1972 and with the same owner since 1983, the Back Porch Saloon has an interesting motto: It’s more fun to eat in a saloon than drink in a restaurant. This friendly, neighborhood atmosphere (that’s in a business district), offers indoor and outdoor seating, a friendly atmosphere, and many servers. Hey, hey – very good service!

Don’t be fooled by the motto as the Back Porch menu is quite ample and this isn’t a smoky tavern.

The Angus Burger ($6.95) is topped with shredded lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayonnaise plus served with a side order of chips and sliced pickles. Freddie likes shredded lettuce touch as opposed to a chunk of iceberg lettuce. Of course, Bucky loves a place serving raw onions because he also gets Freddie’s.

The bun is one of the more interesting sampled on this mission – a light tasting, toasted Klosterman’s bun. The bun’s skin had two sliced slits and appeared squished and creased by a Foreman grill. This is not a negative – just unique – but a hit with both Bucky and Freddie!

The medium thickness patty makes it difficult to differentiate cook-to-order levels, plus it was a tad dry. On the plus side, the combined taste of the bun, toppings, and patty paved the way for a decent tasting sandwich.

For sure, the Back Porch is an interesting and enjoyable. It also has a relatively new sibling in Deerfield Township, The Porch of All Sorts. As for the burgers, individual preference could tell the tale. For those who find large, thick burgers to be overwhelming, this place is worth a try. The opposite side of the burger spectrum should also go, but the Angus Burger may or may not meet your needs.

Score: 6.5
Rating: A Step Up

Next Review: Mansion Hill Tavern

Readers Speak About Mingles

Recently, Zip's was voted Best Burger in Cincinnati both City Beat and the AOLCity Guide poll. (We linked the AOL poll in the sidebar.) We congratulate them! Below are comments we've received about our top-rated burger.

A 9.5 to Mingles? Is it that good or are you Burger Guys becoming easy graders? I might have to make a run out there if it is that good.

We went to Mingles on your recommendation and couldn't agree more. The burgers are fantastic!

My family and I ate at Mingles last week and really liked the burger. We mentioned your review, and the owner came by to talk about how much business you had brought him. He wanted to know our opinions of the burgers. They said to let you know they appreciate the review.

Finally made it over to Mingles to try out the fare and now I realize this is a very subjective rating and burgers vary by who is manning the grill but, we found them to be slightly above average. Neither was cooked as ordered, although they smelled delicious and looked very good. Taste was a strong 7 I would say.

I must agree about Mingles, it is the best burger I have ever had in the area. Mingles also has excellent appetizers and other food, I had never been there before, but will go now for their burgers. Thanks guys.

I had never tried Mingles before and even though I live in Sycamore Township, I still drove all the way out to Mt. Repose, and I definitely agreed with your review there. I have since returned with different friends and family members 5 times, and they all love the burgers. Overall, their food is very good.

Good choice for Mingles..tried it once, and raved..tried it twice and confirmed

I am a dedicated burger guy, and follow your leads...the Mingles is the best Try the Blue Goose in Sharonville and give it a chance to compete as I think it deserves a look!!