The Legendary Cincinnati Restaurant That's Been Around Forever And Hasn't Changed A Bit
By Andrea Limke|Published September 23, 2018
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Andrea Limke
Author
A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
Many long-running restaurants in Cincinnati tend to have their highs and lows throughout the years. Especially when an eatery transitions through owners, things can go up and down for awhile. But these local favorite dining destinations also tend to have their loyal customers who love them no matter what. Situated on Reading Road, Sorrento’s Restaurant & Lounge has been a community staple for 56 years. It’s been around forever and, in many ways, it hasn’t changed a bit.
Sorrento's Restaurant & Lounge is located in Reading and has long been a fixture on this corner of Reading Road. The location began as a general store in the late 1800s that served those headed to downtown Cincinnati. It was various restaurants after that until officially becoming Sorrento's around 1964.
Since the '60s, the restaurant has maintained the same character and atmosphere, despite going through a few different owners and managers. The current owners aim to continue the traditions of the restaurant to serve good food in a nostalgic environment.
The interior of Sorrento's hasn't changed much throughout the decades and it definitely has that local, lived-in feel. You'll find many regulars enjoying the food, drinks, and music on any given evening, but even if it's your first visit, you'll be welcomed in with a smile.
If you've ever visited Sorrento's, then you have an idea of what to expect when you walk through the door. It definitely has a lounge vibe, plenty of seating, a banquet room for parties, and even an area dubbed the "clown room," where you may or may not want to sit, depending on how you feel about clowns...
One thing that has definitely not changed at Sorrento's and keeps it unique is its status as a piano bar. Every night of the week you'll be treated to live music on the piano as a musician entertains with popular songs and even takes requests.
The food on the menu at Sorrento's is a mixture of Italian classics and American favorites. You'll find everything from chicken parmesan and lasagna to ribs and steak.
There's definitely some conversation going on among patrons of Sorrento's in terms of the food now offered. Some miss the flavors of the old days, while others think things are just the same. Many rave about the mozzarella sticks, but the only way to form your own opinion is to give this iconic restaurant a try for yourself.
Sorrento's has earned its legendary status as a long-running restaurant in Cincinnati that remains the favorite of many. If you haven't been there in a few years - or decades - stop in and have a meal, enjoy a glass of wine, some music on the piano, and see just how much has or hasn't changed at this Queen City classic eatery.
Sorrento’s Restaurant & Lounge is legendary in its own right, and if you haven’t tried it in a while, maybe it’s time to stop by. Is this one of your favorite Cincinnati classics? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Sorrento’s Restaurant & Lounge is located at 8794 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45215. For more information, visit its website here and follow along on Facebook here.
For another legendary Cincinnati spot that recently reopened, check out our previous article here.
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