Berea Restaurant Tips by Krumlovgirl Top 5 Page for this destination

Papa Leno's

I’ve been eating at this place for nearly 17 years now. And, unfortunately, I’ve been ordering the same thing. Hot ham and cheese on homemade bread or a bowl of Wisconsin cheese soup. I don’t know why. Habit, maybe? But anyway, this is a great little place on College Square, around the corner from Boone Tavern. It’s a very old world kind of restaurant with wooden booths and dark corners and has become a favorite with the college crowd. If you’re in the mood for pizza, subs, or pasta, it’s definitely the place to go in Berea.

Favorite Dish: There are a few dishes that I like...the Wisconsin cheese soup is good, but strong so stay away if you don't like harsh cheese. The hot ham and cheese on Papa Leno's bread is good and comes with a side of potatoe chips and a pickle. The baked spaghetti with meat sauce is excellent and comes with a huge garlic bread stick that is nice to dip into the meat sauce. For dessert, there is the chocolate suicide cake (it's as rich as it looks) and the turtle cheesecake, my favorite.

Address: 108 Center Street

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: Located on College Square

Other Contact: jlewis1329@aol.com

Phone: 859-986-4497

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Italian

Coffee Conspiracy

Located at the top of the Old Town Arts District in Berea, Coffee Conspiracy is a place for specialty coffee, food, and live music. Old world motif, high ceilings, art and photography adorn the walls. Not just hot coffee-they also serve smooth blended ice coffee drinks and fruit smoothies. Definitely the hangout for the young, intellectual crowd.

Address: 440 Chestnut Street

Comparison: least expensive

Other Contact: coffeeconspiracy@msn.com

Phone: (859) 986-8597

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Coffeehouse

Website: http://www.coffeeconspiracy.com

Blondie's Ice Cream Parlor: Ice Cream!

Some people think that this place is too high for the area, but it's about as much as Graetter's or White Mountain Creamery. I guess it just takes the local people time to warm up to a new place-especially since in the past the only place to get ice cream at has been Dairy Queen and Sonic.

Favorite Dish: I think it's a good place as far as ice cream goes. And I'm a huge ice cream fan. It's cute and they're trying to make a nice atmosphere with the outdoor seating and "vintage" feel to it. And anyway-it's ice cream! What's not to like?

Address: 636 Chestnut St

Comparison: least expensive

Other Contact: jupton@mis.net

Phone: 859-986-6633

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Ice Cream

Mario's

A local hangout (especially for the people at my workplace), Mario's has something for everyone. Pizza, pasta, salads, subs-and that's just for the Italian side. They also have burgers, fries, and baked potatoes. And then there's the Mexican menu. Go for the buffet-you get more for your money.

Favorite Dish: I really like their baked ziti. The cheese on top is soft and creamy. A lot of times the ziti is over (or under) cooked and it has a hard taste to it. This place has just about mastered it. The people I work with like the burgers, but I don't care much for the bread they put them on. I guess it's all just a matter of taste.

Address: 636 Chestnut St

Comparison: least expensive

Other Contact: jupton@mis.net

Phone: 859-986-2331

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Other

Boone Tavern

This is the place to eat at when you're feeling like something a little more upscale than the Dinner Bell. Used to, it was black tie, but now you can find people dining in jeans. Personally, I miss the old days...But anyway. It's definitely the most expensive restaurant in Berea, and quite possibly the county. It's still elegant and refined and the food above par.

Favorite Dish: I love the spoonbread that comes with every meal. It's basically soft corn bread with a little sweet taste. For meals, you can't go wrong with any of the meat dishes, and the baked Alaska is a great dessert when they have it.

Address: 100 Main Street

Comparison: most expensive

Phone: 859-985-3700

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

Website: http://www.boonetavernhotel.com/