CITY GUIDE
CITY GUIDE
Cincinnati Edition
There are many amazing things to do, but where to start?
We asked our staff and here is what they recommended.
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An OTR staple that offers an Intimate atmosphere, Owner and Chef-Operated, with an Exceptionally curated farm-to-table menu.
-Jeremy Moore/Kara Pelicano
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Located on a Vine street in Otr it is an Intentionally curated Mediterranean food with thoughtful wine pairings, Also offers Turkish coffee for a nice after-dinner reprieve.
- Beth Smiley
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A Greek Diner located in Northside, with a “Sweet Staff”, Nostalgic old world feels, and a touch of “magical” afterward mosey on to Shake It Records. They have an incredible selection of New and used vinyl with a knowledgeable staff that will recommend some of the coolest shit you have ever heard
- Aaron Stasser
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Located in Pleasant Ridge it is said to have the “best steaks in town”. The vibe in Tatiana's words is ” reminiscent of a 1960’s steakhouse you’d find along Route 66, and they offer everyone a complimentary glass of bubbly”. What's not to like about that old-world touch and charm? They also have the Overlook lodge right next door which is a cocktail bar inspired by Stephen King’s The Shining.
- Tatiana Parent
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Nestled in one of the busiest sections of Clifton, located a stone's throw away from UC is quite possibly the best takeaway Thai food in Cincinnati. Owned and Operated by two oldest, and loveliest Thai women, who continue over the years to serve no-frills, cheap, and delicious Thai food. In Emily's words,” Even in labor, I would have waddled her butt in there to get food”.
- Emily Patton
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A Nepalese restaurant located in Northside that offers a “Build-your-own bowl” option. Scary mentions that “ It is so family-run that whoever serves you is almost certainly one of them.” He also adds” The mother is adorable AF.” and “They have great samosas, too!”
- Scary
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Located in Covington and JP says it’s “ A Great hole in the wall spot” Which also lead to James adding “ +1 for the dirty lil burger.”
James Fisher
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Located in Findlay market it is “OTR’S oldest running establishment.” This could be controversial depending on who you ask but Dennis says “ It doesn't get more Local.” The staff have been lifers of the establishment and are committed to the local community they serve. Dennis says “ Everyone talks to everyone!” Dennis also mentions that they serve “ Heavy-ass drinks and that good “dirty” food for cheap.” -
-Dennis Dobry
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Located on the newly carved Court street just on the cusp of OTR and the Central Business district Mid City is an Intimately designed space, with a thoughtfully curated small plate restaurant with exceptional staff and hospitality.
- Beth Smiley
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A long-running favorite for best Pizza in Cincinnati. ATAVOLA is not just any pizza place, The owners traveled throughout Italy to capture the authentic qualities of Italy’s best Trattoria’s.
A personal favorite is the Fig jam and prosciutto pizza.
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Although they have Bar in their name, they are known most for their fantastic eastern European food. Albeit they have an excellent selection of house-infused vodkas and awesome cocktails, do not sleep on their perogies. Did I forget to mention they serve them to go? Well, walk up on 13th street and order from a window as you stroll from bar to bar.
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FOOD
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A unique art-driven bar that offers in Cody’s words “ The most inventive and least pretentious cocktails in the city.” Owner-operated and located in Otr on one of the quietest little side streets it is truly a hidden gem. Cody adds” I did design the space, and paint murals, so I am a little biased. However, if you partake they do have the only four seasons smoking room in the city.” He also adds” They also have the best spaghetti nights on Wednesdays but get there early, they go FAST!” -
Cody Gunningham
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Located on Clay and 13th street in OTR. Owner/Operated “Neighborhood Bar” with consistently great cocktail offerings from new to old with incredibly curated small plates.
- Everyone
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A new cocktail and Wine bar is located on Sycamore Street in OTR. Bar Saeso has a unique minimal design aesthetic that reminds me of the small dive bars in Spain. Something to make note of, they have a very nice intimate patio. A summer staple.
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Located on Main Street across from our Alice bar, Liberties has become an institution in our community. Lib’s as it’s known to locals and patrons is known for serving a long list of revolving draft beers, and an incredible wine selection. They also sell wine and chilled beer to go, so if your local bodega does not have that something special, walk on over to Libs and grab something different.
Social
DRINK
ENTERTAINMENT
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A local dive bar that offers an incredibly small and cheap drink program with an old-world vibe. You go here in Sara’s words “because the jazz is great”. It is the type of hidden gem that you are surprised is still hidden, but thoroughly enthusiastic that it is not populated by hipsters or empty nesters seeking craft beer and pretentiously named $20 cocktails.
-Sara Hutslar
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OTR’s claimed Dive-Dar music venue. Located on Main Street in the heart of OTR it has been a mainstay for anyone looking for live music, some late-night food, and some choice beer selections.
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A long-running favorite in Cincinnati’s music scene The comet is one of Northside’s many Dive-Bar music venues. Grab a pint, catch some tunes, and enjoy some awesome food.
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COFFEE
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Offering distinct and finely curated guest roaster coffee, Collective Espresso has been a staple in Otr before the coffee wave really hit.
They are a no-frills spot that has a minimal design aesthetic and leaves the coffee leading the brand.
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If you find yourself out in the burbs looking for a quality cup of coffee and a cool place to grab brunch. Look no further, started by a cool group of kids the space feels like a Pinterest board coming to life. (in the best way)
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Now offering two locations in Cincinnati, Mom’n Em has quickly become a local favorite. Family-owned and operated this little gem offers great coffee, an awesome space, and a chef-run small food menu. Highly recommend the breakfast sandwich and the yogurt with granola.
If you are lucky, follow them on social for their seasonal pop-ups that feature coursed-out dinners using their awesome outdoor kitchen.
Did I mention that they also sell an amazing selection of Wine? To go?
Well, they do!
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Located in Old Milford it is located along the Little Miami river. It has hidden “gem” beaches, and bike trails. Alex mentions that on a Sunday with dogs, lawn chairs, a cooler, and drinking on the kayak life doesn't get much better. If you so desire, you could also go to The Governor, less than a mile away. Which he says is “ Surpassingly romantic, and has specials every weekend that Kill.) It is an overall awesome menu and vibe. Alex also suggests if you allow the libations to take you, “ Get a drink and walk through the giant stone sculpture garden across the street after.”
- Alex Sherer
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You wouldn’t think that a cemetery would be such a local gem, but, Cincinnati’s spring grove cemetery is quite a beautiful place to find yourself on a nice day.
Established in 1845 it is one of the largest nonprofit cemeteries in the USA. It offers 750 acres of land to cover in this vastly unique landscape.