Greater Cincinnati Living is ramping back up for 2021 with a new series of Foodie Fridays. This latest episode takes us to downtown Milford, OH where we try some specials served up by The Governor, a modern diner owned by brothers Paul and Neil Barraco. My sister Maggie Curtis and I had the chance to talk to the Barracos about what inspired them to start the diner, what changes they’ve made during the pandemic, and what their plans are going into 2021.
The Barracos are from Milford and both have backgrounds in fine dining. The Governor is their version of an East Coast diner with a farm-to-table twist, and the result is delicious! They serve up diner classics like the Reuben using local sources and house-made ingredients (like their own pastrami made in house!) and focus on crafting new and interesting cocktails to complement their dishes.
Opened in January of 2020, just six weeks before the start of the pandemic, The Governor has been running successfully ever since, thanks to the support of locals and developing creative solutions like open-air dining in warmer months, installing plexiglass between booths, and offering walk-up service as well as family-style specials available through pre-order on the phone.
When warmer weather comes around again, they have garage doors that open up so the whole restaurant is open-air. Pair that with some of their specialty cocktail slushies and you will soon have a new local fave!
You can find out more about The Governor by visiting their website at governordiner.com. Their menu is available on their website and you can contact them by phone to order. Gift cards are also available for purchase.
