Price Range: $$

It’s dining Bootzilla style baby! The funkateer himself definitely put Cincinnati on the map. When you think about funk music and the Midwest, of course you have to associate that with the one and only Bootsy Collins.

Known for his hit singles “I’d Rather Be With You” and “Bootzilla”, the funkmaster rose to fame performing with the legendary James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic. Born and raised in Cincinnati, Collins’ decision to team up with restaurateur Jeff Ruby for Bootsy’s in his beloved hometown was a natural one. “I knew he knew the restaurant business and he treated people the same way we treated them at our concepts and that was give the people what they want and what they need and make them feel special, very special” says Collins who is in the studio completing his next project.

The opening of Bootsy’s Produced by Jeff Ruby in December of 2008 has brought many from miles to try something different. The restaurant has set off the Entertainment District in downtown Cincinnati, making it one of the destinations to be. For Collins who loves soul food, said his mother was the inspiration behind it all. ”I had promised her when she was alive that one day I would get her a restaurant, well maybe this is not the one for her but at least I got a foot in the door and she is proud.” When many heard that he was opening a restaurant, they naturally thought it would be a soul food one, but Collins surprised them saying “I love to keep my {What tha funk is this} trend going on with that deep question mark; what is this boy going to do now?” And he did just that by opening one instead that offers Spanish inspired tapas.

You can’t help but to feel as if you’re on a tropical island or beachfront restaurant off the coast of Barcelona when you enter the doors of Bootsy’s. The warm tones, Spanish design and delectable aromas are tantalizing to the senses.

The décor captures the persona of Bootsy Collins; very eclectic, hip and demanding attention. The first floor features a Rock N Roll exhibit featuring Bootsy’s work and memorabilia. Just up the stairs, enjoy a colorful Moroccan designed room and sushi counter near the open kitchen.

The staff was very courteous, sharp and knowledgeable about the menu items. I heard so much about the fish tacos and decided to try those along with the Maryland Lump Crab Cake, which were scrumptious, crispy and delicious with the right texture, not mushy with a hint of jalapeño… just right. To celebrate, I finished my meal with some sort of chocolate cake rolled up served with fruit on the side.

I would recommend this as a place to dine while visiting Cincinnati and make sure to try the PP-Funk margarita - blanco tequila, blueberry, triple sec, mango, sour mix and soda. The average price of dining for two is about $50 not including the tip.

When asked about what experience Collins wants his customers to walk away with, he says “I want them to walk away saying golly gee, the food was awesome, the experience and professionalism was awesome, the service was 7-stars, and then Bootsy showed up and completely funked us all up with love and hope!” Spoken like a true funkateer who admits that he is not necessarily a foodie and learned at a young age to “eat to live and not live to eat.” He says his mother “taught us to put God first even before you put those white beans in your mouth, say your prayers.”