Raising the bar
This Week: Martino's on Vine
KATRINA SODARO | CIN WEEKLY

It's no secret that Cincinnati sports fans want nothing to do with Pittsburgh fans unless it involves some sort of name-calling, mockery, death stares, or general distaste. Imagine my surprise upon walking into Martino's on Vine to find Pittsburgh's hockey game airing and Steelers memorabilia proudly displayed on the wall.

THE EXPERIENCE
After the shock of seeing such a large slice of a rival town splattered all about a restaurant and bar, I was charmed by the Italian decor. Being that Martino's is both a bar and an Italian restaurant, this was more what I expected. My friend and I basked in the glow of white Christmas lights strewn about the place and admired the faux frescoes of Italian cities painted on the brick walls. Maybe this place wasn't so bad after all.

We were met by friendly service and a great beer selection. We settled into our pints of Warsteiner Dunkel ($4.25) and after perusing a menu that boasts pizza, pastas and hoagies, we selected appetizers that would best satisfy our need for grease, spice and salt: Buffalo Fries and the Cheese Trio.

The Buffalo Fries ($4.25) were just as I imagined: the all-holy and powerful fried potato covered in a nose-runningly good wing sauce. The Cheese Trio ($6.95) brought the delights of fried mozzarella and provolone to my mouth with that perfect kiss of marinara, not to mention the fried ravioli "pasta pillows" that were like a dream come true. Then we discovered the magic of the Friday night special, a $2.50 half-yard. Imagine a world where a 24 oz plastic cup of Honey Brown is only $2.50. That world is realized in Martino's on Vine.

DID IT RAISE THE BAR?
For all of you closet Pittsburghers longing for a sample of home and maybe a good spot to watch a Penguins game, a stop to Martino's is highly recommended. The rest of Cincinnati can get some enjoyment in Martino's through the great drink specials and a taste of Italy right across from Bogart's.