Question about downtown Cincinnati business (Hamilton, Oxford: 2009, rent, live)

[jkgibb1]

Does anyone know anything about the history of that little orange drink/hot dog establishment on the south side of Fifth Street just east of Walnut Street? I believe the words "Orange Drink" are in their outside advertising.

I know that this business has been operating since the mid-sixties and I assume much longer than that. Those hot dogs turning on the rollers in the window remind me of something you would see in the fifties.

If anyone has ever eaten there, knows anything about the place, or knows where I can find information on it, would you please post a response?

I am intrigued that such a small, independent business continues to survive in this economy and in this decade.

[Ohiogirl81]

Those hot dogs turning on the rollers in the window remind me of something you would see in the fifties.

And those hot dogs just may have been there since the 50s! LOL

I've never had the notion to go in there, alas. From the sidewalk, the place doesn't look too appetizing. To me, anyway.

[jkgibb1]

Haha...my brother and I were discussing this place just the other day and he said the same thing about the hot dogs! You both may be correct!

I agree that the place does not look too appetizing. I wonder how long the orange drink churning in those big vats has been there, too.

[aquila]

If the business has been operating since the 60s, obviously they are doing something right.

Have you ever heard of a place called the Millville Restaurant in...tada....Millville (along US 27 outside West Hamilton)? The place is rather nondescript, and reminds you of an old diner you'd see on the side of the road in the 50s. But let me tell you, they use to have the best sauerkraut and sausage ever!

Also...Hyde's, on Rt. 4 in Hamilton. Ordinary diner that doesn't look like much, and you'd probably fly right by it without taking notice of it. But they have incredible Swiss steak and homemade pies!

Somehow, these places that don't look like much are surviving. There's a reason why.

[jkgibb1]

I live right up the road (Oxford) from the Millville Restaurant. I have never eaten there, but the lot is ALWAYS full and I have heard great things about the food they serve. From the outside, it looks like it might seat what--20 people or so?

[jkgibb1]

Considering what Government Square rent must be, I just don't see how this business can survive serving orange drink, lemonade, hot dogs, and chips.

[wilson1010]

Originally Posted by jkgibb1

Does anyone know anything about the history of that little orange drink/hot dog establishment on the south side of Fifth Street just east of Walnut Street? I believe the words "Orange Drink" are in their outside advertising.

I know that this business has been operating since the mid-sixties and I assume much longer than that. Those hot dogs turning on the rollers in the window remind me of something you would see in the fifties.

If anyone has ever eaten there, knows anything about the place, or knows where I can find information on it, would you please post a response?

I am intrigued that such a small, independent business continues to survive in this economy and in this decade.

That was the California Orange Bar. A little counter on one side and some seating against the other wall. They had a Gold Medal Products hot dog cooker and what can you do to a hot dog anyway.

[aquila]

Originally Posted by jkgibb1

I live right up the road (Oxford) from the Millville Restaurant. I have never eaten there, but the lot is ALWAYS full and I have heard great things about the food they serve. From the outside, it looks like it might seat what--20 people or so?

That's probably about right. But if you have to wait for a table, it's worth it.

[mike1003]

Originally Posted by wilson1010

That was the California Orange Bar. A little counter on one side and some seating against the other wall. They had a Gold Medal Products hot dog cooker and what can you do to a hot dog anyway.

I've been eating there since I was 10 or 11. That was 1956 (Mom took me down town to see The 10 Commandments --Either on the BR Bos or the 32??). I'm sure that they were open a while before that

I just grab a coney for old times sake. Not as good as some, better than others

[jkgibb1]

RIP California Orange Bar (Ravings of an Intermittent Fool)

I just found this "blog" entry--it looks like the California Orange Bar is no more.