One order of Chicken fingers to rule them all:

When I was less adventurous about dining--though David will submit that I'm still pretty picky--my default option when most of the menu was unappealing was chicken. Chicken wings, chicken nachos and especially chicken fingers. I do enjoy a nice order of chicken fingers with ketchup.

Chicken in Cincinnati is not hard to find. It's on most menus. I've even had chicken fingers at McCormick and Schmicks (they were not very good, but I understand that their focus is elsewhere). But I figure that for fellow chicken defaulters and fellow chicken lovers I should share the lowdown on chicken in Cincinnati.

The best fried chicken is made at the Hitching Post off the the Smith Edwards exit on 71. It is also right next to Busken and Bonefish, so when you exit your car be prepared to want oak grilled fish, donuts and fried chicken all at the same time. It's a conflict that you'll just have to deal with.

The best wings in Cincinnati can be found at the Dilly Deli in Mariemont, which will have its own post because it's going to need it. But believe me when I say they are delicious. Not too much breading, always hot and juicy.

My focus has mostly been on chicken fingers. The best chicken fingers are found in a place I would never expect. The Rusty Bucket. It is located on the backside of Rookwood commons. I do not know why it's called the Rusty Bucket, it sounds like an odd name for a restaurant, but the chicken fingers are really good so I can overlook it. Whatever process Arthur's uses for its delicious fried cheese and The Pub at Rookwood uses for its yummy fish and chips, Rusty Bucket has stolen and harnessed this power to produce plates of chicken finger awesome. They are beer battered and delicious.

So there you have it. Now that you know where the best chicken fingers are, don't settle for the shallow and pedantic versions that you are presented elsewhere. I used to think that Friday's were pretty decent (although they as a restaurant seem to be obsessed with garlic salt) but my eyes have been opened and there's no going back. Rusty Bucket FTW.