Skylin​e Chili and  Graeter's Ice Cream are Cincy Region staples that well known throughout the states of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. There's a lesser-known dish, however, that many Cincy locals also enjoy, goetta. Pronounced get-uh, this meaty dish is unique to the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area. It's a local favorite, with millions of pounds consumed each year.
 
Woman eating goetta balls at a street festival (photo: CincinnatiUSA.com)

So, what is goetta?

Goetta is a tasty mix of ground meat and steel-cut oats flavored with bay leaves, rosemary, salt, pepper, and thyme. The dish originated from German settlers who immigrated to the Cincy Region in the 19th century looking to stretch their food supplies. Today, you’ll find goetta on local restaurant menus alongside eggs and omelets for breakfast and brunch and a variety of goetta dishes - like Goetta Hushpuppies - available at lunch and dinner.

Goetta nachos at a street festival (photo: CincinnatiUSA.com)

Glier's Goetta, located in Covington, Ky., is the largest commercial producer of goetta. The company produces more than 1,000,000 pounds of goetta annually and around 99% of it is consumed in the Cincy Region! Eckerlin Meats at Findlay Market and Queen City Sausage also produce goetta. Visitors can order theirs online, have it shipped back home or pick some up at local grocery stores while in town at Jungle Jim's, Kroger, Remke Markets, Sam's Club, Wal-Mart and Meijer.

Taste Goetta at Glier's Goettafest - July 25-28 and August 1-4

Image is of the Newport Festival Park with people walking around and the skyline of Cincinnati in the background.

Goetta is such a local delicacy that we celebrate it with Glier's Goettafest at Newport on the Levee every year! One weekend isn't enough for this popular foodie festival. A few years ago Goettafest was expanded to two weekends! In 2024, the dates for Goettafest are July 25-28 and August 1-4. Enjoy live music, and a jaw-dropping variety of inventive goetta dishes like goetta empanadas, goetta balls, goetta rangoon, goetta nachos, goetta fried rice, and more. There are even goetta-themed games during two weekends of goetta-filled fun on the Newport, Ky., riverfront. Don’t miss this family-friendly food fest!

Ready to plan your trip? Find perfect places to stay in the Cincy Region this summer.

 

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