Update: Please note that Hathaway’s has now closed.
My first experience at Hathaway’s Diner was more of a Cincinnati induction than a breakfast. It was here that I first experienced Goetta and would order my morning coffee from that point forward. Conveniently located on the first floor of Carew Tower, the diner was my first stop before reaching the elevators to the 9th floor.
I had just moved to Cincinnati from Raleigh, where I had taken a position at Kendle International as a Marketing Manager and was excited to be working downtown. The Carew Tower was considered not only one of the most prestigious locations to work just as historic. The tallest building in the city, it included its own parking garage as well as a network of store shopping and restaurants.
Hathaway’s Diner was one of the first floor restaurants which first opened in 1956 by Lloyd Hathaway and his wife, Vera. A 1950s diner with black and white checkered flooring and seafoam green naugahyde chairs, it was a popular place for Kendle employees to stop for lunch, an afternoon coffee or an old-time milkshake made from ice cream and milk. It was also popular enough for a visit by Elvis Presley in 1977, only seven weeks before his death.
The servers wore dining uniforms from the 1950s and took our order on a green Guest Check pad and pen. For lunch, I looked forward to ordering the cheeseburger and mashed potatoes combo with a vanilla milkshake and if I was extra hungry, I would add a piece of chocolate cake. The comfort food served at Hathaway”s has always been amazing.
I later learned that the Food Network had visited Hathaway’s Diner in 2019 and named the restaurant the Best Diner in Ohio and I couldn’t agree more.
Have you visited Hathaway’s Diner? I would love to hear about what you ordered and your dining experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my longtime admiration for Hathaway’s and wishing you many Happy Travels.
Where to Eat:
Hathaway’s Diner
441 Carew Tower
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 621 1332
Hathaway’s Diner has moved closer to the Hilton Netherland Plaza with a new address at 25 West 5th Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202.