Cincinnati's Zip's Cafe Celebrates 100 Years in Business

Owner Mike Burke shares plans for the historic restaurant's centennial anniversary.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 3:06pm

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Zip's Cafe, a beloved burger joint in Cincinnati's Mount Lookout neighborhood, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Owner Mike Burke, who has run the restaurant for over a decade, discussed the cafe's storied history, evolution, and plans for commemorating the milestone on the "That's So Cincinnati" podcast.

Why it matters

Reaching 100 years in business is an extraordinary accomplishment, especially for a local restaurant in a rapidly changing city like Cincinnati. Zip's Cafe has remained a cherished community staple, weathering economic and social shifts over the decades by adapting to customer preferences while staying true to its roots as a classic "burger joint."

The details

Burke, a Mount Lookout native, began working at Zip's Cafe when he was just 15 years old. He has now owned the restaurant for over 10 years and is deeply proud of its history. During his podcast appearance, Burke shared stories about Zip's past as a hub for sports gambling, how the restaurant has evolved to keep up with the times, and the secret menu items that keep loyal customers coming back.

  • Zip's Cafe opened in 1926.
  • The restaurant is celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2026.

The players

Mike Burke

The owner of Zip's Cafe, who has run the historic restaurant for over a decade.

Zip's Cafe

A 100-year-old burger joint located in the Mount Lookout neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio.

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What they’re saying

“Zip's Cafe celebrates 100 years of business this year − a rare feat for restaurateurs, especially nowadays.”

— Kaycee Sloan, Trending News Reporter

What’s next

Burke did not provide specific details on the 100-year anniversary celebration plans, but he is expected to share more information as the milestone date approaches.

The takeaway

Zip's Cafe's ability to maintain its status as a beloved community institution for an entire century is a testament to the power of staying true to one's roots, adapting to changing times, and fostering deep connections with loyal customers. The restaurant's centennial celebration will likely be a significant event for the Mount Lookout neighborhood and Cincinnati as a whole.