This was my second tine here. I was praying they still existed years after my first visit. First of all the service was excellent. My server was so friendly. Service was very fast. They start you off with a complimentary chili sampler of four chilis. I chose the Texas Chili with a bit of a kick and the Terlingua red chili which is just flavorful. The Cincinnati had a sweet flavor that I don't really care for and the Vegetarian chili is just not my thing!! You can order the chili in many different ways. I picked the two chilis over spaghetti and topped with cheese. This called the Chili Mac. All chili orders come with a great cornbread. The servings are very generous and was too much for me so I was happy to take leftovers to enjoy later!! This is a small, no frills place that delivers a lot of bang for your buck! If you like chili, you must come here and enjoy!!

Great atmosphere and great food. The sample of chilis they provide us helped us make the perfect selection!

Grew up with this restaurant, was in the the area, it was raining, and a friend mentioned it. Glad we stopped in. Had the Three Way Texas (dry). It really hit the spot and was just like I remembered, fantastic comfort food. Complimented by a side of cornbread. This is a small little place but was able to sit quickly and food didn't take long at all. I wish we had one where I live.

I got drunk off the chili. It was amazing. Ordered the frito pie chili with the Cincinnati chili. The cornbread was also amazing - moist and flavorful. Our waitress was also so sweet

The Hard Times Cafe celebrates cowboy culture and chili, hence, the horse out front. Our server was beyond friendly and gave us a complimentary tasting before asking which chilis we'd order. I had the Cincinnati and my date had the Vegetarian. Both were toothsome and tasty. The Long Island Iced Teas and onion rings rounded out the meal with deliciousness at a reasonable price. This was probably pretty high calorie but fairly Keto. I shall return with pleasure... 5/5 stars! Kudos to Debra for her amazing hospitality!

We came here after a lot of recommendations about the wings and they did not disappoint! Amazing wings, great service, beer, and an amazing chili flight. My husband got the chili five ways and it was awesome. This is exactly what you're hoping for, a hole in the wall Comfort food spot with great bar food and cold beer.

Amazing food. I'm a HUGE skyline chili fan but MAN this is a close tie. The fricking cornbread DONT FORGET THE CORN BREAD!! You can choose different chilis! I'd recommend the cincy chili :D over all 5 stars P.S the service is great very nice employees and pretty quiet place

Came in on a rainy day for the chili! Fast and friendly service. Cute and cozy vibe, like a small town diver and Cracker Barrel had a baby. The chili is good, prefer the spicy vegetarian version, which surprised me. Portions are generous as well.

One of my favorite places to go when I visit Cincinnati, Ohio is Skyline Chili. In Old Town Alexandria it's Hard Times Cafe. The Texas Chili has spicyness accompanied by awesome cornbread that is not dry and crumbly. This place is legendary and the perfect blend of divey bar and OK food. In other words a great place to spend a couple hours drinking good beer and eating good food in a very laid-back atmosphere. Like going back in time. Love it.