CINCINNATI -- You should never grocery shop on an empty stomach. But if you shop at Findlay Market, thankfully there are plenty of delicious bites to eat as you walk around picking up your regular groceries.
Findlay Market is home to some now-classic Cincinnati restaurants, as well as some newer, less-familiar eateries that are worth a try.
Here are nine of our top picks you should check out on your next market day.
TUESDAY - SUNDAY
Taste of Belgium
Taste of Belgium originated at Findlay Market, evolving from one man and one waffle iron into a small waffle empire for owner Jean-Francois Flecher. Though Taste of Belgium now has multiple locations -- and a partnership with the Cincinnati Reds -- there's still nothing better than strolling with a Liege-style waffle, hot off of the iron, at Findlay. authenticwaffle.com
Eli's BBQ
Eli's BBQ started on Fountain Square and eventually set up a tent at Findlay Market. Now, it has its own space at the market, where you can get the full menu. While it might be a bit difficult to walk around eating a pulled-pork sandwich or hot dog, Eli's is one of the best spots to take a quick break from shopping. elisbarbeque.com
Dean's Mediterranean
Want to put together a quick mezze platter to eat in the biergarten? Dean's Mediterranean has everything you need, including what may be the best pita chips on the planet: thick, crisp, spiced and made in house. They're perfect with any of Dean's hummuses, baba ghanouj or other dips. mediterranean-imports.com
Davis Cookie Collection
Sometimes, you just need a cookie. Stop into Dirt Market and grab one from Davis Cookie Collection. These are classic cookies: Think chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, M&M or sugar, and they 're perfect for a sweet treat during your shopping. These cookies are delicious and big enough to share (though you likely won't want to). daviscookiecollection.com
Smooth Cincy
Need a quick pick-me-up? Smooth Cincinnati is cold brew nitrogen-infused coffee. The nitrogen gives it a creaminess and a head (like a beer), but it's non-alcoholic. Dirt Market has a rotating variety of both plain and what Smooth Cincy calls nitro lattes, which are sweetened and feature flavors like cinnamon, vanilla and mint. It's smooth, cool, delicious -- and a nice hit of caffeine to help you power through your shopping trip! facebook.com/smoothcincy
Hen of the Woods chips are available at Madison's, Dirt and Eli's in Findlay Market in their classic sea salt, buttermilk and chive and red wine vinegar flavors, as well as new options Everything and Chile con Queso.
Hen of the Woods
A crisp bag of chips? Yes, please! Hen of the Woods chips are available at Madison's, Dirt and Eli's in their classic sea salt, buttermilk and chive and red wine vinegar flavors, as well as new options Everything and Chile con Queso. They're a fun, local choice for snacking, whether as a side for Eli's pulled pork or simply on their own. henofthewoodsotr.com
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY ONLY (Check each business' Facebook page for menu information.)
Little Berlin
You may think of German street food as sausages and pastries, but you'll also find Doner kebab on many street corners. It's similar to a gyro: grilled meat wrapped in pita, with a variety of sauces. Little Berlin uses homemade pita and fills it with ingredients like chicken, vegetables or currywurst, a German pork sausage topped with curry ketchup (another very German dish). Doner is portable, delicious and a touch of modern German street food in a German-American city. facebook.com/eatmydonerstreetfood/
Baudry French Pastries
During Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, you will see a lot of people walking around eating German-style cream puffs. At Baudry, located in the farmer's market area of Findlay Market, you can get your cream puff fix without having to wait for a special occasion. Baudry also sells French croissants, cinnamon rolls and a variety of other pastries, all great to take home or enjoy at the market. facebook.com/baudrycreampuff/
The Arepa Place
In New York, you can't go to a street festival without seeing an arepa stand, where people fry up a cornmeal-based bread and stuff it with cheese, meat and other fillings. The too-hot-to-handle arepas are a quick meal -- not too filling but delicious. Arepa Place is Cincinnati's answer to those stands, serving Colombian-style arepas and empanadas, filled with chicken, beans, vegetables or beef (or a combination) and cheese, and then topped with salsa. facebook.com/arepaplace/
