Grilled citrus chicken, fried green tomatoes, chicken salad, and a menu option that was removed recently, the peach glazed chicken sandwich are some of my favorites. Enjoy these amazing menu options in a beautiful renovated historic home located in the heart of downtown Burlington. Erastus Tousey and his wife had owned this building many moons ago, one rumor that a waitress shared with me is that the home was used during the Underground Railroad. The restaurant has two floors for dining, I've only been on the first floor where the bar is, as well as two patios, and one of my favorite spots that I've ever been in a restaurant. A dining room that feels like I'm stepping in the Victorian era with a beautiful fireplace. When I'm here I feel like I'm stepping back into the past and taking a bite out of history. Here's a breakdown of the menu options I have tried: Firstly my most goofy restaurant recommendation. Coca-Cola. You can't enjoy southern-style cooking without a ice cold soda to scarf down the juicy fried chicken that you'll have the pleasure of chewing down on. Now that I've got that off my chest, let's review one of my favorite options. Grilled citrus chicken. I felt like I overlooked this menu option because the citrus nearly scared me off from trying it. I thought to myself, "Fruit and chicken? That sounds repulsive." Then it came to my attention that the orange chicken at nearly every Asian restaurant I've ever been in has offered this. Except that this chicken is better. It's not the odd crunchy skeptical mystery meat chicken at Asian restaurants at the mall. It's good ol' Kentucky chicken and let me tell you, it's probably the most juiciest chicken I've ever had. I nearly felt it would explode in my face from how juicy it was. (Maybe I'm over exaggerating a bit, or maybe I'm not...) Chicken so good you have to go and bring your momma and old granny in to try some? You betcha. I tried the family-style fried chicken ALONE. After telling them about how amazing it was, they still didn't come. Maybe I'm just going to have to pick them up, sit them in a chair, and let the chefs blow their minds. I'm still wondering why KFC is still in business. Just kidding, Kernel Sanders you can never be replaced! Peach glazed chicken sandwich, where art thou? I miss thee. After looking at the menu on my most recent visit -- I'm pondering on what made the owners eliminate the funky combination of peach goodness and poultry. It was quite possibly one of the most creative culinary masterpieces that I've ever had the luxury of holding in my hands. Reintroduce it with a twist that I've tried at another tavern, zucchini fries. That alone would blow anyone's socks off into the crevices of space. I can't cook this southern classic at home no matter how hard I try. Fried green tomatoes. Maybe it's because I'm not from the south or I'm just awful at frying things. My great-grandfather Dewey introduced me to the concept of fried green tomatoes, Tousey allowed me to experience the flavor intended to me. My fried green tomatoes = awful mess. Tousey House tomatoes = delicious. Folks I'm just going to have to let you try this for yourselves, however you expect fried tomatoes to taste, that's nearly what they'll be. House caesar salad was above average. It was better than Wendy's offering, but not quite as good as a higher end dining establishment. No need to explain Caesar salads, you've probably had countless. Chicken salad with my cousin? Was it good or bad? In between. Not as good as my aunt Gail's homemade chicken salad, but better than that funky stuff in a can that you can get at the grocery store. Well maybe it's going to be amazing to someone who hasn't had Gail's chicken salad which is exclusively limited to about ten people. The general population will enjoy the chicken salad. BONUS: It also comes with fruit! I've never braved the courage of shelling out nearly $10 for one of their desserts, but from what everyone I know that's tried them, from what I hear they are scrumptious. I haven't been to Tousey House in quite some time, so they may have added, modified, or eliminated menu items (For the sake of Erastus, please being back the peach glazed chicken sandwich!) Would I recommend THT to a friend? Of course. Would I recommend THT to my neighbor? Of course. Would I recommend THT to my childhood dog Joe Joe? Of course, that beast eats anything. Go just go! It's not my favorite place to eat, but it's at the top of my list for southern style cooking.
(3)
Angel G.
Charming atmosphere, delicious food, and great service!
(5)
Christie B.
You must go here if you're in the area and haven't tried it. I went on a business dinner and the service and food were fabulous. Everyone at the table really enjoyed their meals. I don't think it matters what you order. Get whatever sparks your fancy and you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Larry H.
Tried this for the first time. Dining rooms are intimate - very difficult to have a private conversation, but the ambiance is nice, and the service was very good. My wife had the halibut, I tried the bourbon and brown sugar pork tenderloin. She said the fish was good. I enjoyed the tenderloin, although I tasted the brown sugar more than the bourbon. Our daughter had the signature burger - it looked really good. Would definitely visit again, nice hidden gem in northern Ky.
(4)
Richard K.
Dinner at Tousey's is a fabulous experience! The service is excellent, the serve staff is knowledgable, the food just delicious. I would highly recommend the pasta dish with shrimp, perhaps the best I have tasted. All in all, a delightful dinner experience in beautiful surroundings of a very well restored home of years past. We shall return for our next special occasion! Richard and Peg
(5)
Kathy M.
Yummy. Good atmosphere sitting out on the patio. Cod sandwich was good. My husbands banana French toast was more like dessert. The boys fried chicken sandwiches were very good. Will go back if we're ever in the area again.
(4)
Red P.
Besides the scrumptious food and the cozy atmosphere I really love the history of the Tousey House. Built in 1822 it has been a home, tavern, livery, hotel, boarding house, consignment shop and so much more. History tells us that Erastus and Catharine Tousey inherited four slaves and set them free, a story that I would love to know more about. Tousey house promotes itself as southern cuisine in a casual, relaxed atmosphere and what I love about it is there are not too many places like this around anymore. Their sister restaurant is The Greyhound Tavern in Ft. Mitchell and they serve many award winning dishes just like them but I really prefer this location for charm. Fried chicken, Kentucky Hot Brown, Fried Cod, Shrimp and Grits are just a few of the amazing choices and they even have hot slaw. I've never been a fan but I sure know it's hard to find so it might be worth a visit if your a fan. I stopped in for a business lunch and it was a perfect day to sit out outside, one of the rare warm sunny spring days so I couldn't resist. They had a nice crowd but we were greeted quickly, drinking iced tea and soaking up the sun. I choose the soup du jour - a creamy, savory delight of creamed cauliflower. I also ordered the chicken salad plate with fresh fruit and muffin. The chicken salad was very tasty but the muffin was my favorite. I skipped the fruit and indulged in the sweet cinnamon treat that I pretended was dessert. My friend had the shrimp and grits which turned out to be an excellent choice but she decided she needed a muffin to. The waiter, who was not overly welcoming announced that the muffins are not free. I nearly laughed out loud and responded by saying that I thought we could swing the cost so bring one anyway. I didn't look to see the charge and didn't care but I certainly wasn't a fan of his customer service. That being said, I'm going back because I really need to try the crispy chicken thighs..... and another muffin.
(4)
Michael M.
great food although service was kind of slow. Historical home with well decorated large rooms that can handle large groups or intimate date nights. I've been to a few old homes converted to restaurants and some do it better than others. Tousey house had the right mix of interesting things to look at, history and great food to make me want to come back. I ordered the fried chicken, something I never order but everyone said it eas the best I'll every have. I can't say that it was the best ever, but it was very good and reminded me of my Grandmother's Sunday dinners. The seem to have a good wine list and had nearly everything our group wanted to order. The service was kind of slow for our group of seven, but the conversation was good so we did not really mind it. My only real negative was the slow service, although the wait staff was prompt with drinks and checking on us it was the food that seemed to be slow getting prepared. Everything looked good and no one left anything on our plates! We ended with an order of several deserts to pass around the table and they did not disapoint.
(4)
Aaron C.
Our dinner at the Tousey House was great. We had a party of six. If you have a larger party you may want to call about a reservation on a weekend night. The Fried Green Tomato and Shrimp and Grits appetizers were great. I had the Tousey Pasta and it was also really good. I would definitely recommend.
(5)
G G.
Awesome food here...the Hot Brown was perfect comfort food when a long way from SoCal.
(5)
Andrea D.
We love the Tousey House! Each visit we've enjoyed our experience. We love the comfortable atmosphere and the staff has always been friendly. I always order their house soup and I've never been disappointed! They have the best fried chicken, which is what my husband likes to order. I love the fried chicken club! It's huge so I usually bring some home. Tousey is our favorite place to go. We don't like to eat at chain restaurants very often, and since we live in Florence, we don't always have the time to go downtown to Cincinnati. Tousey is the perfect choice for date nights or weeknight with the family. If you ever visit during warm weather, choose the patio!
(5)
Norman R.
Strategic eating dictated no appetizers in the hope of making it to dessert, so it was straight into the entrees. I had duck which was accompanied by an interesting combination of fruity sauce and prosciutto. My colleague opted for a filet which came out rare as requested and of sufficient quality to handle that minimal amount of cooking. Onion souffle sounded more interesting than its reality, but was good nonetheless. Everything we ate was excellent, but the surprising star of the show was a side: broccoli casserole. Dessert did not disappoint; peanut butter pie being of particular note. Good ambiance and attentive service. Comfortable, uncrowded upstairs table. Can't fault the experience at all, hence 5 stars.
Food is always on point. Brunch is not only affordable, but absolutely divine. Gran Mimosas are the BEST in the Cincy area. Fried chicken is absolutely delicious -- it's my favorite meal here. The halibut is my second favorite entree. You just can't go wrong if you like great food. Believe me, you will not be disappointed. Ask for Andrew if you are like me and like to be pampered.
(5)
Nicole L.
Excellent atmosphere. Love how close it is to home but it's not busy like Florence so sitting out on the deck and enjoying the slow life is wonderful with this place. The food is reasonably priced. Had the pasta and it was very fresh and the perfect portion.
(4)
Mike M.
Great food and great service. The staff went out of their way to make sure our family party was a success. Had the Alaskan Halibut for the 3rd time and it never disappoints. Save room for desert because they are ALL incredible.
(5)
Sherry T.
After reading so much about the fried chicken, my husband and I split an order. It was good, but nothing incredibly special. The mashed potatoes were worth repeating, as were desserts. The real stars were service and a special appetizer (egg rolls stuffed with Andouille) that is not on the menu. They should add it permanently! Although I liked the charming look of the place, it is not the most comfortable to dine in thanks to uneven flooring and old, hard chairs that beg to be replaced. I would be willing to give it another try.
(3)
Sean R.
Tousey house is exactly that. From the outside it looks like a house which would definitely have some history attached to it. Very pleasant to look at from the outside as you approach the front door and open it. We were greeted as soon as we entered the restaurant. We got there just in the middle of the lunch rush on a Tuesday afternoon. As soon as you walk in then you notice that the place has some history and was not built for a restaurant. What the owners have done instead is converted this establishment into a restaurant. Space is limited so tables and chairs are close to each other. Interior decoration is in great taste and gives the entire restaurant a personality of its own. Our waiter showed the party of 3 to our table. The table was located in one of the corners of one of the two dinning rooms that I could see. The floor in this restaurant is not fully leveled. My side of the floor was somewhat in a dip. I found it uncomfortable however I am certain that those who are from the area and are regulars chalk it in the name of preservation of history and love it. I prefer to sit on a leveled floor. The lunch menu was extensive with some Tousey House favorites. I ordered the Tousey Pasta with Shrimp along with some bread. The ambiance emits history. History that I wasn't sure of since I am not from KY and I was merely passing through this town. In due time I was brought a deep dish of Pasta with Shrimp and graded cheese spread over it. Looked extremely appetizing. The dish tasted very rich and had a good base of tomatoes and basil and cheese. I loved the experience. One thing to note and that is that this restaurant is no doubt unique in its ambiance however the food is not necessarily out of this world. It is good and the pricing is just right but not something that pops out of the ordinary. I liked the lunch experience and hopefully will try dinner there in the near future when I get another opportunity.
(3)
Ann L.
A big southern Thank you Tousey House for a nice lunch in an atmosphere that takes you back 100 years ago. I should have worn my Victorian dress and brought my vintage beaded handbag...and maybe I will next time. I ordered the ribeye steak sandwich and my lunch date ordered the grilled citrus chicken - then we split both to sample both. I decided to remove the rye bread and just enjoy a good steak...mmm..tender. The chicken was really nice too. I loved the rolls, even if they weren't handmade. Our server was very polite and friendly. He came around and lit all the candles in the room. A light rain was coming down outside. Fresh flowers were on the table. Yes, here we are enjoying a very romantic lunch right smack in the middle of a work day. Nice. As we left, I noticed other rooms that drew my interest. We look forward to going back, enjoying other rooms and other foods that have came highly recommended. Even the patio out back was inviting.
(4)
Liz S.
Wow, this was the most amazing meal I have had in years! We went as a group of 17 for my Mom's birthday and everything was amazing! Each and every meal was fantastic! I had the Alaskan Halibut that came with an amazing crust of crabmeat, parmesan cheese and artichoke hearts - it was the best fish I have ever eaten! The the rest of my family was fighting the desire to drink the hot slaw dressing out of the bowl when they had finished eating it. My husband had the crab cakes and said they were the best he has ever eaten. The service was great, and the decor is just beautiful.
(5)
Rachel K.
Delicious. A one of kind of experience in the Tousey House. Staff could not have been nicer and food was to die for. I will definitely be returning!
(5)
Carla G.
Tousey House in Burlington is the "newer" cousin of the Greyhound Tavern. Fried chicken is the star at both places (and my husband's favorite). It took me longer to find my favorite here. When we went recently for a celebration dinner, I decided to go for a steak. I got the ribeye black and blue style and it was great! And, as a previous reviewer pointed out, it was huge. I could only eat about a third of it that night and enjoyed the rest a later day. Service was friendly and attentive without hovering. Tousey House has been one of "celebration" dining locations, but when we went back this last time, we were reminded that they also have sandwiches and burgers on their menu. We're definitely going to stop in for lunch or Sunday brunch very soon.
(4)
Dorene S.
I ordered food-to-go and did not regret it. Even though it took 45 minutes from the time I placed an order on the phone to the time I got my order, the food was pretty good. Fried green tomatoes here rule! Came with Indian-style tomato chutney, tomato sauce and cream cheese mousse. The tomato chutney was really delicious. The fried chicken tastes very similar to KFC. It was about 1.5 hours from the time the chicken was fried to the time I started it eating it in my hotel room - and it was still fresh and crispy - so kudos to them for that. Would have preferred it if they had used fresh corn instead of frozen corn as a side. KPI (Key Performance Indicator) ratings (1-5, 5 - best): Quality: 4 Delivery/Service: 3 Cost: 3
(3)
Aaron S.
As a first timer, the Tousey House was a place I had passed by hundreds of times but never stopped for a meal. Our family stopped for lunch on a Sunday at 11:30am. The staff and waiters were courteous and attentive. I had the Hot Brown (I never pass up a chance to try a hot brown at a new place). The prices were reasonable and I left full and satisfied. I will recommend the Tousey House to friends and clients for sure.
(5)
Bobbie M.
Food and atmosphere always great after a day of antique shopping. I had the creole Mac and cheese. The hubs had southern spinach salad with grilled salmon. Both were delish. I would have given an extra star but we once again sat on the deck and had gnats and other flying pests at our table to deal with on this day. Maybe the deck could use treating??
(4)
Cacique G.
The atmosphere harkened back to a time of relaxed dinning with room for conversation. The menu has flashes of cajun and ky bluegrass. The fried fish and fried chicken are well known locally.
(4)
Kate F.
Super friendly service here, and the house is a beautiful setting. Too be honest, I wasn't that crazy about my dish, which was a lighter option with chicken and pasta, but my mom had the fried chicken and really enjoyed it, so I'll give them an extra star on her behalf. We also had fried green tomatoes, which were pretty good (although I prefer the cornmeal coating, and these were battered), and came with a tasty sauce. Dessert was really decadent. Like, Paula Deen territory. We had berry bread pudding with some kind of white chocolate sauce. So good, but almost too much, especially after four pieces of fried chicken.
(4)
Robin H.
Beautiful afternoon, so we ate outside, everything was fine. Nice staff, good food, ( always looking for the dish that wows). The question, the table had was this, why do they prepare fresh food, and then serve canned green beans and button mushrooms, as options for sides? Sampled appetizers, Crab sandwich, ( the best dish), Rib eye, Walleye , Filet, Mac n cheese. Elected to have dessert elsewhere.
(3)
Sarah F.
We had a dinner meeting here with a large group and they were very accommodating, friendly and the food was amazing!! I had the fried chicken and it was cooked perfectly! Crispy and juicy! The green beans were delicious too!! We WILL be coming back! Great experience!
(5)
Jesse F.
This review begins and ends with STEAK. Big, juicy -- just perfectly cooked man-steak. A He-Man steak fit for a king. Steak so good it makes you want to firebomb a PETA headquarters for blasphemy. I had had a gigantic ribeye that was seared to perfection. It was just smoky enough, just juicy enough and mouth-wateringly good. It didn't end there. In addition to the awesomeness of the steak, you could also get sauce to dip it in. I opted for the Maker's Mark bourbon butter. Now usually of the mind that a steak should stand well enough on its on. It shouldn't need any sort of sauce. I stand corrected. The sauce was just the right amount of sweetness and spice to elicit even more flavor from the steak. The sides and the apps were good too, but really, who cares because we're talking about STEAK. STEAK STEAK STEAK STEAK Not only do I recommend that you eat here -- I demand it! STEAK.
(5)
Mike W.
*sigh* So, I got a chance to try the Tousey House recently, from the same group that brought you Greyhound Tavern. I didn't have terribly flattering words for Greyhound in my review for them, and most of the complaints extend to Tousey. In the non-sarcastic way possible, I'm wondering what people are seeing in these restaurants that I am not. Both have exceptional service, and their bread is great. But without straining that's the only good thing I can say about them. Their food is mediocre, and for Tousey being Greyhound's more expensive cousin, they could do better. No, they should do better. If I had a choice between the two I would go for Tousey. However their parking situation is a joke, and you'll need to park in the lot across the street. This is quite a challenge, as everything was gridlocked on a Thursday night. I ordered a chicken breast, which was a bit tough and was not very warm to boot. I do give special props to the bartender, for making a phenomenal gin martini. However when I had ordered a beer from the waiter, the bottle itself was barely cool. Maybe they were busy. But if they're so busy on a Thursday, I'd hate to see them manage on a weekend. So I give Tousey the same rating for Greyhound. While their bartender is a wizard, they get knocked back to two stars for being more expensive than their counterpart. I just don't see the appeal. Sorry.
(2)
Megan G.
I've been to this restaurant quite a few times and LOVE the food and atmosphere. My husband and I have come here for our anniversary dinner and it was the perfect place for the celebration. I definitely recommend the fried chicken, fried green tomatoes, Burlington Punch (drink), you also won't go wrong with the Filet Mignon or the Hot Brown. This is also a great place to eat if you want to enjoy outside in the summer in the patio area.
(4)
Kourtney J.
My family and I cannot comment on how the food was. Unfortunately, we were not permitted due a miscommunication over the phone. We called to make a reservation. We were told to come AFTER 6:30. We arrived at 7:15. We were greeted by a very rude young lady(I use that term loosely.) she was very condescending and rude. She refused to be accommodating to us. We drove over 15 minutes to eat at their establishment. I cannot tolerate a rude and disrespectful person in a public job. Customers are the reason people have jobs in service jobs.
(1)
S B.
Shared the filet and chicken cordon bleu sandwich. Amazing quality filet and the sandwich was huge! They did a great job accommodating our party of 20, we will be back next year!
(5)
Thad A.
One of the best places to eat in Northern KY, fried chicken is amazing! It's sometimes hard to find parking but it is well worth it.
(5)
Troy G.
Just found this wonderful restaurant in the heart of Burlington, KY. It is in a large house type building that I think is about a 180 year old building. Very quaint, a great place for date night! The service was top notch from the management down to the servers. Our waitress was very friendly, helpful, and was always smiling! Now for the food and drink. Simply outstanding, A very extensive wine list along with an outstanding food menu on top of their daily specials which very from day to day and season to season. There steaks are outstanding. We also had the Linguini with Shrimp, but I believe chicken was also an option. It was very, very good and cost less than Olive Garden. If you are in the greater Cincinnati area, you have to come try this great little find in Burlington, KY. Don't worry it is easy to get to from I275 or from the Florence, KY Exit off of I75-71.
(5)
S W.
We loved this place, great atmosphere. Nice menu selection, definitely go back.
(4)
Jamie B.
Interesting if only for the history. Food was good, wine was goos, staff was attentive and knowledgable. Enjoyed it
(4)
John S.
Very good. This is about the 10th time I've been here. I've never had a bad meal. I really like this place.
(5)
Marlene S.
Tousey House is a place that has the ambiance, the food, and the service just right. Having enjoyed my meals here previously, I was not disappointed by the salmon entree. The large portion of chicken livers as an appetizer are wonderful, and could be an entree. The mashed potatoes were worth the calories.
(4)
Jessica V.
This really is the best food I have ever tasted. You can tell that it is homemade and prepared by an actual chef. Everything I have eaten from here has been mouthwatering good! The Kentucky Hot Brown is by far my favorite. I literally crave this dish. My husband ordered the filet and it was cooked to perfection. The service is always good, their cosmopolitans are to die for, and their food is just delicious. You are missing out if you haven't tried Tousey yet.
(5)
John B.
A great unknown restaurant in a 180-year-old house near Cincinnati, and one of the most romatic places to dine. My wife and I go here when we need a date night. Prix fix for three courses (like $47) but figure $80-$100 per person with wine and tip. It's only open Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Cooking style is called, I think, new Southern. The chef uses many local ingredients (cheeses from nearby Indiana farmers, and paw-paw). There's usually a choice of four entres, one of which is almost always the shrimp and grits, because it's such a favorite. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Lori G.
Great food ! Great bartender!! Great staff! Message for management: Please make sure you continue to give your amazing chef the ability to make ANYTHING he comes up with!!!
(5)
Mary Ann M.
Stopped in on a Sunday afternoon after going to the Burlington flea market. We chose to sit in the bar area. The restaurant is very comfortable and cozy. The staff was very friendly. We had the crab cake blt sandwich and sweet tea. Very nice selection of bourbons!
(5)
Julee E.
I would have given five stars based on my last visit, but I do have to make a note about my previous visit. On my previous visit I had gotten the Tousey House Burger, which comes with cheese and a fried egg on top. Although I ordered it medium, it arrived rare. After asking them to put it back on the grill for a few minutes, it came back in a few seconds, and was still rare. I was at a business lunch and didn't want to make a big deal out of it, so I just nibbled around the edges. The server did take the meal off the bill. Thank you. Recently my Mom was visiting, and I took her here, giving them a second chance, and I'm glad we went! We got the crab cake appetizer, and it was delicious! And ... it is served with smoked cole slaw, which is to die for!! The chef likes to smoke things, and this cole slaw is a winner!! It is delicious!!! Mom got the Hot Brown and she said, "It was very good, but when I come back again, I will try something else." I got the Tousey's Pasta with Shrimp, and it was very good. Lots of flavor, but light ... as light as pasta for lunch can be. I would order it again! The house salad wasn't really anything special. With such a creative chef in the house, I would like them to amp the salad up just a bit, maybe adding some smoked croutons or something to make it stand out. We will be back!
(4)
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Address :5963 N Jefferson St
Burlington, KY, 41005
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dessert Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Intimate Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Marcus F.
Grilled citrus chicken, fried green tomatoes, chicken salad, and a menu option that was removed recently, the peach glazed chicken sandwich are some of my favorites. Enjoy these amazing menu options in a beautiful renovated historic home located in the heart of downtown Burlington. Erastus Tousey and his wife had owned this building many moons ago, one rumor that a waitress shared with me is that the home was used during the Underground Railroad. The restaurant has two floors for dining, I've only been on the first floor where the bar is, as well as two patios, and one of my favorite spots that I've ever been in a restaurant. A dining room that feels like I'm stepping in the Victorian era with a beautiful fireplace. When I'm here I feel like I'm stepping back into the past and taking a bite out of history. Here's a breakdown of the menu options I have tried: Firstly my most goofy restaurant recommendation. Coca-Cola. You can't enjoy southern-style cooking without a ice cold soda to scarf down the juicy fried chicken that you'll have the pleasure of chewing down on. Now that I've got that off my chest, let's review one of my favorite options. Grilled citrus chicken. I felt like I overlooked this menu option because the citrus nearly scared me off from trying it. I thought to myself, "Fruit and chicken? That sounds repulsive." Then it came to my attention that the orange chicken at nearly every Asian restaurant I've ever been in has offered this. Except that this chicken is better. It's not the odd crunchy skeptical mystery meat chicken at Asian restaurants at the mall. It's good ol' Kentucky chicken and let me tell you, it's probably the most juiciest chicken I've ever had. I nearly felt it would explode in my face from how juicy it was. (Maybe I'm over exaggerating a bit, or maybe I'm not...) Chicken so good you have to go and bring your momma and old granny in to try some? You betcha. I tried the family-style fried chicken ALONE. After telling them about how amazing it was, they still didn't come. Maybe I'm just going to have to pick them up, sit them in a chair, and let the chefs blow their minds. I'm still wondering why KFC is still in business. Just kidding, Kernel Sanders you can never be replaced! Peach glazed chicken sandwich, where art thou? I miss thee. After looking at the menu on my most recent visit -- I'm pondering on what made the owners eliminate the funky combination of peach goodness and poultry. It was quite possibly one of the most creative culinary masterpieces that I've ever had the luxury of holding in my hands. Reintroduce it with a twist that I've tried at another tavern, zucchini fries. That alone would blow anyone's socks off into the crevices of space. I can't cook this southern classic at home no matter how hard I try. Fried green tomatoes. Maybe it's because I'm not from the south or I'm just awful at frying things. My great-grandfather Dewey introduced me to the concept of fried green tomatoes, Tousey allowed me to experience the flavor intended to me. My fried green tomatoes = awful mess. Tousey House tomatoes = delicious. Folks I'm just going to have to let you try this for yourselves, however you expect fried tomatoes to taste, that's nearly what they'll be. House caesar salad was above average. It was better than Wendy's offering, but not quite as good as a higher end dining establishment. No need to explain Caesar salads, you've probably had countless. Chicken salad with my cousin? Was it good or bad? In between. Not as good as my aunt Gail's homemade chicken salad, but better than that funky stuff in a can that you can get at the grocery store. Well maybe it's going to be amazing to someone who hasn't had Gail's chicken salad which is exclusively limited to about ten people. The general population will enjoy the chicken salad. BONUS: It also comes with fruit! I've never braved the courage of shelling out nearly $10 for one of their desserts, but from what everyone I know that's tried them, from what I hear they are scrumptious. I haven't been to Tousey House in quite some time, so they may have added, modified, or eliminated menu items (For the sake of Erastus, please being back the peach glazed chicken sandwich!) Would I recommend THT to a friend? Of course. Would I recommend THT to my neighbor? Of course. Would I recommend THT to my childhood dog Joe Joe? Of course, that beast eats anything. Go just go! It's not my favorite place to eat, but it's at the top of my list for southern style cooking.
(3)Angel G.
Charming atmosphere, delicious food, and great service!
(5)Christie B.
You must go here if you're in the area and haven't tried it. I went on a business dinner and the service and food were fabulous. Everyone at the table really enjoyed their meals. I don't think it matters what you order. Get whatever sparks your fancy and you won't be disappointed!
(5)Larry H.
Tried this for the first time. Dining rooms are intimate - very difficult to have a private conversation, but the ambiance is nice, and the service was very good. My wife had the halibut, I tried the bourbon and brown sugar pork tenderloin. She said the fish was good. I enjoyed the tenderloin, although I tasted the brown sugar more than the bourbon. Our daughter had the signature burger - it looked really good. Would definitely visit again, nice hidden gem in northern Ky.
(4)Richard K.
Dinner at Tousey's is a fabulous experience! The service is excellent, the serve staff is knowledgable, the food just delicious. I would highly recommend the pasta dish with shrimp, perhaps the best I have tasted. All in all, a delightful dinner experience in beautiful surroundings of a very well restored home of years past. We shall return for our next special occasion! Richard and Peg
(5)Kathy M.
Yummy. Good atmosphere sitting out on the patio. Cod sandwich was good. My husbands banana French toast was more like dessert. The boys fried chicken sandwiches were very good. Will go back if we're ever in the area again.
(4)Red P.
Besides the scrumptious food and the cozy atmosphere I really love the history of the Tousey House. Built in 1822 it has been a home, tavern, livery, hotel, boarding house, consignment shop and so much more. History tells us that Erastus and Catharine Tousey inherited four slaves and set them free, a story that I would love to know more about. Tousey house promotes itself as southern cuisine in a casual, relaxed atmosphere and what I love about it is there are not too many places like this around anymore. Their sister restaurant is The Greyhound Tavern in Ft. Mitchell and they serve many award winning dishes just like them but I really prefer this location for charm. Fried chicken, Kentucky Hot Brown, Fried Cod, Shrimp and Grits are just a few of the amazing choices and they even have hot slaw. I've never been a fan but I sure know it's hard to find so it might be worth a visit if your a fan. I stopped in for a business lunch and it was a perfect day to sit out outside, one of the rare warm sunny spring days so I couldn't resist. They had a nice crowd but we were greeted quickly, drinking iced tea and soaking up the sun. I choose the soup du jour - a creamy, savory delight of creamed cauliflower. I also ordered the chicken salad plate with fresh fruit and muffin. The chicken salad was very tasty but the muffin was my favorite. I skipped the fruit and indulged in the sweet cinnamon treat that I pretended was dessert. My friend had the shrimp and grits which turned out to be an excellent choice but she decided she needed a muffin to. The waiter, who was not overly welcoming announced that the muffins are not free. I nearly laughed out loud and responded by saying that I thought we could swing the cost so bring one anyway. I didn't look to see the charge and didn't care but I certainly wasn't a fan of his customer service. That being said, I'm going back because I really need to try the crispy chicken thighs..... and another muffin.
(4)Michael M.
great food although service was kind of slow. Historical home with well decorated large rooms that can handle large groups or intimate date nights. I've been to a few old homes converted to restaurants and some do it better than others. Tousey house had the right mix of interesting things to look at, history and great food to make me want to come back. I ordered the fried chicken, something I never order but everyone said it eas the best I'll every have. I can't say that it was the best ever, but it was very good and reminded me of my Grandmother's Sunday dinners. The seem to have a good wine list and had nearly everything our group wanted to order. The service was kind of slow for our group of seven, but the conversation was good so we did not really mind it. My only real negative was the slow service, although the wait staff was prompt with drinks and checking on us it was the food that seemed to be slow getting prepared. Everything looked good and no one left anything on our plates! We ended with an order of several deserts to pass around the table and they did not disapoint.
(4)Aaron C.
Our dinner at the Tousey House was great. We had a party of six. If you have a larger party you may want to call about a reservation on a weekend night. The Fried Green Tomato and Shrimp and Grits appetizers were great. I had the Tousey Pasta and it was also really good. I would definitely recommend.
(5)G G.
Awesome food here...the Hot Brown was perfect comfort food when a long way from SoCal.
(5)Andrea D.
We love the Tousey House! Each visit we've enjoyed our experience. We love the comfortable atmosphere and the staff has always been friendly. I always order their house soup and I've never been disappointed! They have the best fried chicken, which is what my husband likes to order. I love the fried chicken club! It's huge so I usually bring some home. Tousey is our favorite place to go. We don't like to eat at chain restaurants very often, and since we live in Florence, we don't always have the time to go downtown to Cincinnati. Tousey is the perfect choice for date nights or weeknight with the family. If you ever visit during warm weather, choose the patio!
(5)Norman R.
Strategic eating dictated no appetizers in the hope of making it to dessert, so it was straight into the entrees. I had duck which was accompanied by an interesting combination of fruity sauce and prosciutto. My colleague opted for a filet which came out rare as requested and of sufficient quality to handle that minimal amount of cooking. Onion souffle sounded more interesting than its reality, but was good nonetheless. Everything we ate was excellent, but the surprising star of the show was a side: broccoli casserole. Dessert did not disappoint; peanut butter pie being of particular note. Good ambiance and attentive service. Comfortable, uncrowded upstairs table. Can't fault the experience at all, hence 5 stars.
(5)Jeff S.
We drove down to stay at his local bed-and-breakfast and had a fantastic dinner here tonight! Martinis were well done, olives were hand stuffed with blue cheese, and the wine selection was robust. The appetizers were definitely on the country spectrum, but battered and fried chicken livers and fried green tomatoes were fun. The warm coleslaw was a little nondescript, but the entrées were fantastic. My wife had a petite filet and two generous scallops, the ribeye was perfectly done, and I had duck that was absolutely fantastic. This restaurant was a very pleasant surprise outside of our usual downtown Cincinnati dining, but the rustic antiques and down-home feel, with attentive servers made for a really wonderful evening. Prices were very reasonable, especially for wine and cocktails.
(5)Bozzie S.
Food is always on point. Brunch is not only affordable, but absolutely divine. Gran Mimosas are the BEST in the Cincy area. Fried chicken is absolutely delicious -- it's my favorite meal here. The halibut is my second favorite entree. You just can't go wrong if you like great food. Believe me, you will not be disappointed. Ask for Andrew if you are like me and like to be pampered.
(5)Nicole L.
Excellent atmosphere. Love how close it is to home but it's not busy like Florence so sitting out on the deck and enjoying the slow life is wonderful with this place. The food is reasonably priced. Had the pasta and it was very fresh and the perfect portion.
(4)Mike M.
Great food and great service. The staff went out of their way to make sure our family party was a success. Had the Alaskan Halibut for the 3rd time and it never disappoints. Save room for desert because they are ALL incredible.
(5)Sherry T.
After reading so much about the fried chicken, my husband and I split an order. It was good, but nothing incredibly special. The mashed potatoes were worth repeating, as were desserts. The real stars were service and a special appetizer (egg rolls stuffed with Andouille) that is not on the menu. They should add it permanently! Although I liked the charming look of the place, it is not the most comfortable to dine in thanks to uneven flooring and old, hard chairs that beg to be replaced. I would be willing to give it another try.
(3)Sean R.
Tousey house is exactly that. From the outside it looks like a house which would definitely have some history attached to it. Very pleasant to look at from the outside as you approach the front door and open it. We were greeted as soon as we entered the restaurant. We got there just in the middle of the lunch rush on a Tuesday afternoon. As soon as you walk in then you notice that the place has some history and was not built for a restaurant. What the owners have done instead is converted this establishment into a restaurant. Space is limited so tables and chairs are close to each other. Interior decoration is in great taste and gives the entire restaurant a personality of its own. Our waiter showed the party of 3 to our table. The table was located in one of the corners of one of the two dinning rooms that I could see. The floor in this restaurant is not fully leveled. My side of the floor was somewhat in a dip. I found it uncomfortable however I am certain that those who are from the area and are regulars chalk it in the name of preservation of history and love it. I prefer to sit on a leveled floor. The lunch menu was extensive with some Tousey House favorites. I ordered the Tousey Pasta with Shrimp along with some bread. The ambiance emits history. History that I wasn't sure of since I am not from KY and I was merely passing through this town. In due time I was brought a deep dish of Pasta with Shrimp and graded cheese spread over it. Looked extremely appetizing. The dish tasted very rich and had a good base of tomatoes and basil and cheese. I loved the experience. One thing to note and that is that this restaurant is no doubt unique in its ambiance however the food is not necessarily out of this world. It is good and the pricing is just right but not something that pops out of the ordinary. I liked the lunch experience and hopefully will try dinner there in the near future when I get another opportunity.
(3)Ann L.
A big southern Thank you Tousey House for a nice lunch in an atmosphere that takes you back 100 years ago. I should have worn my Victorian dress and brought my vintage beaded handbag...and maybe I will next time. I ordered the ribeye steak sandwich and my lunch date ordered the grilled citrus chicken - then we split both to sample both. I decided to remove the rye bread and just enjoy a good steak...mmm..tender. The chicken was really nice too. I loved the rolls, even if they weren't handmade. Our server was very polite and friendly. He came around and lit all the candles in the room. A light rain was coming down outside. Fresh flowers were on the table. Yes, here we are enjoying a very romantic lunch right smack in the middle of a work day. Nice. As we left, I noticed other rooms that drew my interest. We look forward to going back, enjoying other rooms and other foods that have came highly recommended. Even the patio out back was inviting.
(4)Liz S.
Wow, this was the most amazing meal I have had in years! We went as a group of 17 for my Mom's birthday and everything was amazing! Each and every meal was fantastic! I had the Alaskan Halibut that came with an amazing crust of crabmeat, parmesan cheese and artichoke hearts - it was the best fish I have ever eaten! The the rest of my family was fighting the desire to drink the hot slaw dressing out of the bowl when they had finished eating it. My husband had the crab cakes and said they were the best he has ever eaten. The service was great, and the decor is just beautiful.
(5)Rachel K.
Delicious. A one of kind of experience in the Tousey House. Staff could not have been nicer and food was to die for. I will definitely be returning!
(5)Carla G.
Tousey House in Burlington is the "newer" cousin of the Greyhound Tavern. Fried chicken is the star at both places (and my husband's favorite). It took me longer to find my favorite here. When we went recently for a celebration dinner, I decided to go for a steak. I got the ribeye black and blue style and it was great! And, as a previous reviewer pointed out, it was huge. I could only eat about a third of it that night and enjoyed the rest a later day. Service was friendly and attentive without hovering. Tousey House has been one of "celebration" dining locations, but when we went back this last time, we were reminded that they also have sandwiches and burgers on their menu. We're definitely going to stop in for lunch or Sunday brunch very soon.
(4)Dorene S.
I ordered food-to-go and did not regret it. Even though it took 45 minutes from the time I placed an order on the phone to the time I got my order, the food was pretty good. Fried green tomatoes here rule! Came with Indian-style tomato chutney, tomato sauce and cream cheese mousse. The tomato chutney was really delicious. The fried chicken tastes very similar to KFC. It was about 1.5 hours from the time the chicken was fried to the time I started it eating it in my hotel room - and it was still fresh and crispy - so kudos to them for that. Would have preferred it if they had used fresh corn instead of frozen corn as a side. KPI (Key Performance Indicator) ratings (1-5, 5 - best): Quality: 4 Delivery/Service: 3 Cost: 3
(3)Aaron S.
As a first timer, the Tousey House was a place I had passed by hundreds of times but never stopped for a meal. Our family stopped for lunch on a Sunday at 11:30am. The staff and waiters were courteous and attentive. I had the Hot Brown (I never pass up a chance to try a hot brown at a new place). The prices were reasonable and I left full and satisfied. I will recommend the Tousey House to friends and clients for sure.
(5)Bobbie M.
Food and atmosphere always great after a day of antique shopping. I had the creole Mac and cheese. The hubs had southern spinach salad with grilled salmon. Both were delish. I would have given an extra star but we once again sat on the deck and had gnats and other flying pests at our table to deal with on this day. Maybe the deck could use treating??
(4)Cacique G.
The atmosphere harkened back to a time of relaxed dinning with room for conversation. The menu has flashes of cajun and ky bluegrass. The fried fish and fried chicken are well known locally.
(4)Kate F.
Super friendly service here, and the house is a beautiful setting. Too be honest, I wasn't that crazy about my dish, which was a lighter option with chicken and pasta, but my mom had the fried chicken and really enjoyed it, so I'll give them an extra star on her behalf. We also had fried green tomatoes, which were pretty good (although I prefer the cornmeal coating, and these were battered), and came with a tasty sauce. Dessert was really decadent. Like, Paula Deen territory. We had berry bread pudding with some kind of white chocolate sauce. So good, but almost too much, especially after four pieces of fried chicken.
(4)Robin H.
Beautiful afternoon, so we ate outside, everything was fine. Nice staff, good food, ( always looking for the dish that wows). The question, the table had was this, why do they prepare fresh food, and then serve canned green beans and button mushrooms, as options for sides? Sampled appetizers, Crab sandwich, ( the best dish), Rib eye, Walleye , Filet, Mac n cheese. Elected to have dessert elsewhere.
(3)Sarah F.
We had a dinner meeting here with a large group and they were very accommodating, friendly and the food was amazing!! I had the fried chicken and it was cooked perfectly! Crispy and juicy! The green beans were delicious too!! We WILL be coming back! Great experience!
(5)Jesse F.
This review begins and ends with STEAK. Big, juicy -- just perfectly cooked man-steak. A He-Man steak fit for a king. Steak so good it makes you want to firebomb a PETA headquarters for blasphemy. I had had a gigantic ribeye that was seared to perfection. It was just smoky enough, just juicy enough and mouth-wateringly good. It didn't end there. In addition to the awesomeness of the steak, you could also get sauce to dip it in. I opted for the Maker's Mark bourbon butter. Now usually of the mind that a steak should stand well enough on its on. It shouldn't need any sort of sauce. I stand corrected. The sauce was just the right amount of sweetness and spice to elicit even more flavor from the steak. The sides and the apps were good too, but really, who cares because we're talking about STEAK. STEAK STEAK STEAK STEAK Not only do I recommend that you eat here -- I demand it! STEAK.
(5)Mike W.
*sigh* So, I got a chance to try the Tousey House recently, from the same group that brought you Greyhound Tavern. I didn't have terribly flattering words for Greyhound in my review for them, and most of the complaints extend to Tousey. In the non-sarcastic way possible, I'm wondering what people are seeing in these restaurants that I am not. Both have exceptional service, and their bread is great. But without straining that's the only good thing I can say about them. Their food is mediocre, and for Tousey being Greyhound's more expensive cousin, they could do better. No, they should do better. If I had a choice between the two I would go for Tousey. However their parking situation is a joke, and you'll need to park in the lot across the street. This is quite a challenge, as everything was gridlocked on a Thursday night. I ordered a chicken breast, which was a bit tough and was not very warm to boot. I do give special props to the bartender, for making a phenomenal gin martini. However when I had ordered a beer from the waiter, the bottle itself was barely cool. Maybe they were busy. But if they're so busy on a Thursday, I'd hate to see them manage on a weekend. So I give Tousey the same rating for Greyhound. While their bartender is a wizard, they get knocked back to two stars for being more expensive than their counterpart. I just don't see the appeal. Sorry.
(2)Megan G.
I've been to this restaurant quite a few times and LOVE the food and atmosphere. My husband and I have come here for our anniversary dinner and it was the perfect place for the celebration. I definitely recommend the fried chicken, fried green tomatoes, Burlington Punch (drink), you also won't go wrong with the Filet Mignon or the Hot Brown. This is also a great place to eat if you want to enjoy outside in the summer in the patio area.
(4)Kourtney J.
My family and I cannot comment on how the food was. Unfortunately, we were not permitted due a miscommunication over the phone. We called to make a reservation. We were told to come AFTER 6:30. We arrived at 7:15. We were greeted by a very rude young lady(I use that term loosely.) she was very condescending and rude. She refused to be accommodating to us. We drove over 15 minutes to eat at their establishment. I cannot tolerate a rude and disrespectful person in a public job. Customers are the reason people have jobs in service jobs.
(1)S B.
Shared the filet and chicken cordon bleu sandwich. Amazing quality filet and the sandwich was huge! They did a great job accommodating our party of 20, we will be back next year!
(5)Thad A.
One of the best places to eat in Northern KY, fried chicken is amazing! It's sometimes hard to find parking but it is well worth it.
(5)Troy G.
Just found this wonderful restaurant in the heart of Burlington, KY. It is in a large house type building that I think is about a 180 year old building. Very quaint, a great place for date night! The service was top notch from the management down to the servers. Our waitress was very friendly, helpful, and was always smiling! Now for the food and drink. Simply outstanding, A very extensive wine list along with an outstanding food menu on top of their daily specials which very from day to day and season to season. There steaks are outstanding. We also had the Linguini with Shrimp, but I believe chicken was also an option. It was very, very good and cost less than Olive Garden. If you are in the greater Cincinnati area, you have to come try this great little find in Burlington, KY. Don't worry it is easy to get to from I275 or from the Florence, KY Exit off of I75-71.
(5)S W.
We loved this place, great atmosphere. Nice menu selection, definitely go back.
(4)Jamie B.
Interesting if only for the history. Food was good, wine was goos, staff was attentive and knowledgable. Enjoyed it
(4)John S.
Very good. This is about the 10th time I've been here. I've never had a bad meal. I really like this place.
(5)Marlene S.
Tousey House is a place that has the ambiance, the food, and the service just right. Having enjoyed my meals here previously, I was not disappointed by the salmon entree. The large portion of chicken livers as an appetizer are wonderful, and could be an entree. The mashed potatoes were worth the calories.
(4)Jessica V.
This really is the best food I have ever tasted. You can tell that it is homemade and prepared by an actual chef. Everything I have eaten from here has been mouthwatering good! The Kentucky Hot Brown is by far my favorite. I literally crave this dish. My husband ordered the filet and it was cooked to perfection. The service is always good, their cosmopolitans are to die for, and their food is just delicious. You are missing out if you haven't tried Tousey yet.
(5)John B.
A great unknown restaurant in a 180-year-old house near Cincinnati, and one of the most romatic places to dine. My wife and I go here when we need a date night. Prix fix for three courses (like $47) but figure $80-$100 per person with wine and tip. It's only open Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Cooking style is called, I think, new Southern. The chef uses many local ingredients (cheeses from nearby Indiana farmers, and paw-paw). There's usually a choice of four entres, one of which is almost always the shrimp and grits, because it's such a favorite. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Lori G.
Great food ! Great bartender!! Great staff! Message for management: Please make sure you continue to give your amazing chef the ability to make ANYTHING he comes up with!!!
(5)Mary Ann M.
Stopped in on a Sunday afternoon after going to the Burlington flea market. We chose to sit in the bar area. The restaurant is very comfortable and cozy. The staff was very friendly. We had the crab cake blt sandwich and sweet tea. Very nice selection of bourbons!
(5)Julee E.
I would have given five stars based on my last visit, but I do have to make a note about my previous visit. On my previous visit I had gotten the Tousey House Burger, which comes with cheese and a fried egg on top. Although I ordered it medium, it arrived rare. After asking them to put it back on the grill for a few minutes, it came back in a few seconds, and was still rare. I was at a business lunch and didn't want to make a big deal out of it, so I just nibbled around the edges. The server did take the meal off the bill. Thank you. Recently my Mom was visiting, and I took her here, giving them a second chance, and I'm glad we went! We got the crab cake appetizer, and it was delicious! And ... it is served with smoked cole slaw, which is to die for!! The chef likes to smoke things, and this cole slaw is a winner!! It is delicious!!! Mom got the Hot Brown and she said, "It was very good, but when I come back again, I will try something else." I got the Tousey's Pasta with Shrimp, and it was very good. Lots of flavor, but light ... as light as pasta for lunch can be. I would order it again! The house salad wasn't really anything special. With such a creative chef in the house, I would like them to amp the salad up just a bit, maybe adding some smoked croutons or something to make it stand out. We will be back!
(4)