Football may be the first love for most Cincinnati Bengals players, but many are also passionate about the Queen City’s food scene.
Taste of the Bengals returned Aug. 27, bringing fans, players and coaches together to combat hunger in the region.
The annual fundraiser, hosted by the Bengals and the Freestore Foodbank at Paycor Stadium, is a “dinner by the bite” event that features food from over 45 local restaurants, including Crown Restaurant Group, E+O Kitchen, Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse, Tom & Chee, Saturday Morning Vibes Cereal Bar, Taste of Belgium, Skyline Chili and more.
In honor of the preseason celebration and feast, The Enquirer’s trending news team asked some Bengals stars about their favorite Cincinnati restaurants. Surprisingly, there was one restaurant beloved by almost all of Who Dey nation: Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse.
“I love Jeff Ruby’s, main staple,” offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. said.
Cornerback D.J. Ivey and defensive end Isaiah Thomas also chose Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse, with Thomas adding that he usually gets a steak with macaroni and cheese.
“I’m new here essentially. So, that’s really all I’ve really been (to),” he said, adding he also loves E+O Kitchen.
Center Ted Karras said that “obviously Ruby’s is world-class,” but he ultimately chose National Exemplar as his top restaurant of choice, due to the $1.50 oyster special on Mondays.
Kicker Evan McPherson’s favorite eatery is Sotto, and he proceeded to detail his and his wife, Gracie McPherson’s, go-to four-course meal, which includes: grilled bread, a kale caesar salad, cacio e pepe (for him), cappellacci (for his wife), a side of potatoes, and donuts for dessert.
“Me and my wife have it down,” McPherson said.
Brown also said that “believe it or not” he likes Skyline Chili, especially a cheese coney, and rookie William Wagner said he’s a big fan of Teak OTR.
“I had some chicken fried rice. It was really good,” the long snapper said.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Where do Bengals players eat? Orlando Brown Jr., Ted Karras, more talk Cincinnati food
Reporting by Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
