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Cincinnati Eats, Drinks, & Explores
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items Your go-to guide for the best bites, sips, and sights in Cincinnati! From hidden gem eats to can’t-miss drinks and iconic local adventures — explore the Queen City one stop at a time.
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Cinci Eats
Cinci Drinks
Cinci Explores
Cinci Eats
A refined, seasonal American grill in Kenwood. Their rotating menu highlights fresh, health-forward plates and excellent flatbreads. Great for lunch after a Kenwood Mall haul or dinner with wine pairings.
Seasons 52
Waffles, but make them iconic. This Belgian-American bistro is best known for their Liège waffles, chicken & waffles, and craft beer selection. A brunch hot spot with quirky Belgian twists on comfort food.
Taste of Belgium - The Banks
Crispy fried chicken, spicy honey, and a killer bourbon list. Soul food meets urban chic. Their mac & cheese and spoonbread are local legends.
The Eagle OTR
A glam steakhouse dripping in vintage Vegas-style decor. Expect top-tier steaks, seafood towers, and live music. Dress up—it’s a scene.
Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse
A polarizing must-try—chili over spaghetti with loads of shredded cheese. You can’t visit Cincy without experiencing the 3-way (yes, that’s what it’s called).
Skyline Chili
A luxurious, contemporary European restaurant just steps from Sotto (same ownership). Known for impeccable service, handmade pastas, and a romantic, upscale vibe. Their signature Boca Brussels are a must-order.
Boca
A “diner with style” in Over-the-Rhine. Think elevated comfort food like duck fat matzo ball soup and double smashburgers. Chic but not fussy—perfect for brunch or late-night eats.
Sacred Beast Diner OTR
Bright, Cali-inspired all-day brunch spot in the heart of downtown. Their lemon ricotta pancakes and avocado toast are fan favorites. Iced lavender lattes? Yes, please.
Maplewood Kitchen and Bar
A local Mexican fusion spot most famous for the Turtle Shell—a stuffed, grilled burrito with a cheesy crust. Small space, big flavor, and perfect for grab-and-go before exploring.
Gomez Salsa - Walnut Hills
A farm-to-table New American gem from Chef Jose Salazar. Seasonal menus and cozy, stylish atmosphere. Their wagyu burger and corn fritters are fan favorites.
Salazar Cincinnati | OTR Restaurant & Bar | Chef Jose Salazar
Gourmet hot dogs, duck fat fries, and rotating specials with cheeky names like the “Lindsay Lohan.” Casual, creative, and great for a fun night with friends.
Senate - Cincinnati
A laid-back BBQ joint with mouthwatering pulled pork, ribs, and mac & cheese. Grab a plate and eat outside at the picnic tables with views of the Ohio River.
Eli's BBQ - Riverside
Southern-inspired brunch and dinner spot themed around a gold rush saloon. Get the Yukon sandwich (buttermilk fried chicken on a biscuit), then treat yourself to a whiskey flight.
Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey
Wood-fired Italian restaurant tucked away in East Hyde Park. Their pizzas are Neapolitan-style perfection, and the pasta is house-made daily. Quietly one of the best Italian spots in the city.
Forno Osteria+Bar
Gorgeous baked goods with a cult following—fluffy morning buns, miso caramel cookies, and seasonal pastries that taste as good as they look. A sweet little stop before exploring OTR.
Brown Bear Bakery
A cozy Argentinian spot known for their handmade empanadas—flaky, golden, and packed with flavor. With fillings like beef chimichurri, chicken chipotle, and creamy spinach, there’s something for everyone. Don’t skip their chimichurri sauce or their s...
Ché
An underground Italian dining experience with dim lighting, hand-made pasta, and romantic, rustic vibes. Known for their ricotta donuts and short rib cappellacci. A Cincinnati staple for date night or elevated bites.
Sotto Cincinnati - Rustic Italian Cuisine in Cincinnati, Ohio
Cinci Drinks
Trendy bar with rotating craft beers, strong cocktails, and a cool crowd. Perfect for a low-key night out in Over-the-Rhine.
The Lackman
A swanky speakeasy-style bar located five stories underground. Live jazz, velvet booths, and moody ambiance—perfect for a cocktail lover.
Ghost Baby
Stunning city skyline views, cozy fire pits, and shareable small plates. A must at sunset with a craft cocktail in hand.
Top of the Park at The Phelps
Grab a cocktail, play retro arcade games, and be a kid again. Nostalgia meets nightlife.
16-Bit Bar+Arcade
A huge taproom in a historic brewery building. Their Truth IPA is iconic, and the rooftop is a favorite in good weather.
Rhinegeist Brewery
A moody, apothecary-style cocktail bar with vintage vibes and creative drinks served in glassware you’ll want to steal (but don’t). Each cocktail feels like a mini story. Their “Paper Plane” and “Black Walnut Old Fashioned” are local legends. Intimat...
Sundry and Vice
A hidden tropical oasis tucked into an old car dealership—yes, really. Step through the unassuming entrance and you’re met with lush greenery, string lights, and globally inspired cocktails. It feels like a secret garden party in Bali, right in the h...
Somerset Bar
More than just drinks—this historic church-turned-brewery in OTR is a full experience. Gorgeous stained glass, big open space, and a relaxed, beer hall atmosphere. Grab a pint and explore the multi-level space.
Taft's Brewing Co.
Cinci Explores
Home of the Cincinnati Reds and the perfect riverfront stadium. Whether you’re a baseball fan or not, the game-day energy is worth it. Pro tip: Concessions are pricey—look out for combo specials.
Great American Ball Park
One of the most respected and beautifully kept zoos in the country. From gorillas to giraffes, every exhibit feels up close and thoughtfully designed. The botanical garden paths are peaceful year-round, and their conservation work is top-tier. Foreve...
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Right across the river in Kentucky but a favorite for families and sea-life lovers. Walk through shark tunnels and pet stingrays. Great rainy day pick. Mermaids everyday except Tuesdays!
Newport Aquarium
Upscale shopping with brands like Sephora, Apple, and Nordstrom. A perfect mix of luxury and essentials. Cheesecake factory is right in the front!
Kenwood Towne Centre
Historic public market brimming with local food, spices, sweets, and handmade goods. Grab a fresh pastry and walk the colorful streets nearby.
Findlay Market
Take a walk along the Ohio River, hop on the giant swings, and watch the sunset behind the bridge. A calm moment between adventures.
Smale Riverfront Park
Free admission, impressive collections, and peaceful views of the city. For a quiet cultural afternoon.
Cincinnati Art Museum
Steps from Music Hall and the heart of OTR. Perfect for lounging, people-watching, food trucks, and summer events.
Washington Park
Set sail on the Ohio River with a classic paddlewheel boat ride. Choose from sightseeing tours, dinner cruises, or themed events. It’s a romantic and relaxing way to take in the city skyline—especially at sunset.
BB Riverboats
Stroll through one of Cincinnati’s most charming hilltop neighborhoods, then catch sweeping city and river views at Eden Park’s overlook. Pack a snack, bring your camera—it’s peaceful and picturesque.
Eden Park - Cincinnati Parks
Inside Eden Park, this Art Deco greenhouse is full of exotic plants, waterfalls, and butterflies. A calming, botanical escape right in the city. The seasonal floral shows (especially spring and Christmas) are stunning.
Krohn Conservatory
A historic train station turned into a museum hub. Features a natural history museum, the Cincinnati History Museum, and an OMNIMAX theater—all inside one jaw-dropping art deco building. Bonus: Instagram-worthy architecture.
Cincinnati Museum Center
Technically in Kentucky, but just minutes from downtown. Amazing panoramic views of the Cincinnati skyline, walking trails, and peaceful picnic spots. Great for photos and fresh air.
Devou Park
The oldest professional observatory in the U.S. (founded in 1842!). Take a guided tour and see the stars through antique telescopes. It’s geeky in the best way—plus, the view from Mount Lookout is beautiful.
Cincinnati Observatory