Sacred Beast goes to Flavortown 

Are you a fan of the foodie favorite show “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives?” I am, though I have to admit I don’t watch it as often as I’d like. Mostly because Guy Fieri takes viewers to places I’d love to visit — but they always seem to be miles away. I’ve often thought, what if one of those spots were right here? Well, I finally got my wish.

When I stopped by Sacred Beast, in Over-the-Rhine, and asked owner Bridget Lieb what I should try, she surprised me with some big news: Sacred Beast will be featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” in the coming weeks. Needless to say, I wanted whatever Guy was having — so I ordered the Chili Crunch Chicken Nuggets.

To call them “chicken nuggets” hardly seems right. These aren’t pre-fab fast-food bites, but tender, perfectly cooked pieces of all-white meat chicken with a crisp, light breading that lives up to the “crunch” in the name. The chili flavor delivers just the right kick — spicy enough to keep you reaching for more. Paired with cucumbers and rice, the dish turns a childhood classic into something worthy of hunting for a downtown parking spot. I was genuinely impressed — and I can’t wait to see what Guy Fieri thinks.

Curious how this sleek, modern “diner” earned such attention, I decided to go for something more traditional: a burger and fries. Sacred Beast serves its burger as a double patty, maximizing that crave-worthy charred surface, with pickles, chopped red onions and dijonnaise. Tender, juicy and served on a Blue Oven Bakery bun, this burger checks all the boxes. It’s simple, satisfying and deeply flavorful. Or, like Guy Fieri says, for me it was a trip to Flavortown.

But the menu doesn’t stop there. Sacred Beast offers an unexpected range of dishes, from Matzah Ball Soup to Parisian-Style Gnocchi with Marinara, a Blackened Mahi Reuben and even Chicken Schnitzel — items you don’t often see sharing space in a “diner.” The Matzah Ball Soup, in particular, was comforting and homey — a taste of nostalgia done right.

As I enjoyed the casual, relaxed vibe, my eyes wandered to the all-day breakfast menu. That’s when I started planning my next visit. Corned Beef Hash, Bread Pudding French Toast and Lemon Ricotta Pancakes? I’m sold. When I asked about coming back for weekend brunch, Bridget smiled and recommended making reservations, and I believe her.

So now I’m not just looking forward to going back — I’m also eager to tune in when Cincinnati gets its much-deserved moment in the national spotlight. The “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” episode featuring Sacred Beast, titled “Dirty, Crunchy, Sticky and Veggie,” airs December 12 at 10 p.m. on the Food Network, with a replay at 1 a.m. on December 13.

I’ll be watching — and probably craving another round of those unforgettable Chili Crunch Chicken Nuggets, because Sacred Beast is the kind of place where the last taste lingers long after it’s gone.