Having already done all the damage they could in Loveland's restaurants, on December 6 the TTA Duo (again ably assisted by Rod Gossett) acknowledged their standing commitment to visit every eatery which met their criteria along the trail, and accordingly (if admittedly somewhat reluctantly) ventured north on the trail to Chubby's Pizza (and Whippy Dip!) in South Lebanon. Chubby's, a minimalist local establishment, presently is the only place serving lunch between Loveland and Morrow (since the Monkey Bar in Fosters currently has yet to open its kitchen—but will be reviewed once it does). Thus, Chubby’s very basic appeal derives far more from its status as an "eating outpost" within half a mile of the trail than from any potential claims to offering memorable cuisine. Located in a freestanding building it shares with The Whippy Dip (which is open only seasonally), Chubby's is basically a burgers & pizza establishment, yet it has a surprisingly broad offering from its only menu located at the counter where customers place their orders. Locals appear to call in and then take out their orders, while transients such as the TTA and other trail users seat themselves inside at one of the five tables in the snug (13’ by 23') eating area looking into the kitchen—where they strive to ignore the sad reality that good housekeeping is not one of Chubby's priorities. A number of outdoor tables are available between the front door and the street, but obviously only appeal during fair weather. Canned soft drinks are available, but no alcohol is served. Service was prompt and efficient; all orders were delivered hot and simultaneously.
Rod led off with a small pizza with pepperoni, mushrooms, black olives, banana peppers and extra cheese with a soft drink, all of which cost $12.75. He was content with it, but not particularly enthused. John and George each had burgers which had been previously prepared and kept in a steam bath awaiting orders—so getting them cooked as desired was naught but an impossible dream. John took a double cheeseburger deluxe with onion rings and a soft drink, totaling $9.50. George lowballed at $5.88 for a bacon cheeseburger with a side of chips and soft drink. Both allowed that while their sandwiches were at least edible, they were of nothing more than "snack bar" quality and taste. Overall, Rod was much more satisfied with his pizza than were John and George with their pre-cooked burgers.
Positives: Broad menu offering, friendly and efficient service, moderate prices.
Negatives: Average food, not particularly clean, restrooms well hidden (none of us could find them, though to be fair, we didn't ask, either), proximity to the trail not as close as other places where we have eaten.
Rating: The TTA felt Chubby's rated two bells. This rating by no means suggests that this is a place to avoid. In fact, if you are heading north on the trail through South Lebanon and really need to get something to eat, go for it. It will fulfill your needs. But, if you are heading south on the trail through South Lebanon and are feeling hungry, we’d say, hold off for 8.5 miles until you get to Loveland where you have a wider variety of (better) places to choose from.
Chubby’s Pizza
150 North Main Street, South Lebanon (From the trail's intersection with North Main Street, just cross the nearby bridge over the river and proceed less than half a mile to Chubby's on your right.)
Phone: 513-494-1900
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
December 2017
Unfortunately, we found the kitchen to be overwhelmed by our party of five; each order was delivered individually, with complete service for the table spanning at least ten minutes. As a result, any hot dishes delivered first were cold by the time the last person was served. All offerings are served in generic plastic-coated pressed cardboard tubs, lacking any aesthetic appeal. Eating utensils were all plastic, with the knives incapable of cutting a strip of bacon. 
The Positives: GREAT proximity to the trail, attractive setting, pleasant personnel, and a light healthy menu for serious runners and bikers. 
Service was prompt and professional without being obtrusive. During our visit John led off with ordering a Breakfast pizza, which was basically a dry (no sauce) pizza base topped with scrambled eggs, American cheese and a variety of toppings of his choice (including jalapeño peppers), which he pronounced to be absolutely delightful. Bruce went for the same, but without the peppers, and was equally happy with his meal. Rod elected an Italian hoagie, and was completely pleased with it. Don got a Caesar Mahi Mahi salad, and noted that while the fish was just fine, he didn't particularly care for the sauce used on it. Both Mike and George ordered the fish sandwich, but Mike somehow had better luck with his, which he found eminently satisfactory. However, George, seemingly the ever-cursed curmudgeon, found his portion to be simply a heavily breaded slab of something which only might have once been some sort of fish. He deemed it to be unacceptable, sent it back—and ended up drinking IPAs for his lunch, which eventually made him just as happy as his more fortunate (or perhaps more tolerant) companions.
While obtrusive traffic noise was exasperating, Paxton's food, as expected, was delightful compensation. The multi-page menu truly offered "something for everyone"—from appetizers to soups to salads to sandwiches to burgers to wraps to platters to kids' meals to desserts—and even vegetarian choices! (While primarily lunch and dinner oriented, Paxton's even serves breakfast on the weekends.) With such a broad spectrum of choices, the group took some time deciding, so a dozen chicken wings were ordered for the table, and some of us took advantage of the various craft beers on draft at the full bar. The tasty wings didn’t last long.
George, intrigued by the Bleu Boy (thinly sliced roast beef topped by roasted tomatoes, shallots, mushrooms and blue cheese crumbles in a balsamic glaze served on a baguette), gave it a try, and was considerably relieved to discover that it tasted far better than it looked. All five members of the group felt their respective meals were excellent, and well worth the moderate prices charged. Service was consistently brisk and friendly.
Paxton’s Grill
Positives: Good people, efficient service, excellent coffee, comfortable atmosphere, bike rack out front and good food reasonably priced.
