AJ's Roadhouse: Before or after the Concert
Location, location, location. The 3 rules of real estate provide the primary reason for the continued success of AJ’s Roadhouse. Located on prime real estate near Coney Island, Riverbend, and Riverdowns, AJ’s is pretty much the only place to enjoy some food or a drink along Kellogg Avenue if you want to avoid the premium prices usually charged inside those major attractions.
A fountain out front with a pond and lively koi fish greet you as you pull in the parking lot. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere with plenty of indoor seating and a large patio outside to take advantage of the warm weather that makes the nearby attractions popular, feeding AJ’s customer base.
Because most of their customers are headed to, or from, a big event, the servers recognize their role as part of the party. They’ll greet you warmly, get you seated, and ask about the evening’s concert or other area events. They also know the importance of timing to get visitors served, fed, and out in time so they don’t miss their ticketed attraction.
AJ's menu complements that combination of quick and comfortable food. Visitors are recommended to “Start their visit to AJ’s with the famous soups and appetizers.” But while the appetizers include all the usual pub favorites—potato skins, cheese sticks, chicken strips and more, the only soup available is the soup of the day.
In fact, availability of items can be a problem at AJ’s, especially on crowded concert nights. They sometimes run out of some of their more popular sandwiches and chicken, pasta and beef entrees. Come early if you crave the Jack Salmon sandwich, listed parenthetically on the menu as "AJ’s FAMOUS," and described as tender walleye fillet, breaded and fried, served on rye, with a dill pickle and homemade tarter sauce.
No matter what you order though, save room for dessert. AJ’s Chocolate Layer Cake is among the best around—moist and delicious with decadently rich chocolate frosting.
HelloCincinnati Tip: Bringing a big party on a crowded concert night? Make reservations by calling 513-231-2447.
Posted by Barbara David
