Annual Manual 2017-18 by Cincinnati CityBeat

Annual Manual 2017-18 T H E D E F I N IT IV E C IT Y G U I D E T O G R E AT E R C I N C I N NAT I

2017-18 PERFORMANCE

CCM Season Presenting Sponsor

SERIES

CCM Mainstage Season Production Sponsor

CCM’S 150TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON, FEATURING MOZART, BRAHMS AND MENDELSSOHN

KENTON WITH JOHN VON OHLEN

CON AMORE: FROM CCM WITH LOVE

ORCHESTRA

JAZZ

150th ANNIVERSARY EVENT

Sept. 8

Nov. 1

Feb. 18

MUSIC OF THE ROLLING STONES

J.S. BACH’S MASS IN B MINOR

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

JAZZ

CHORAL

MUSICAL THEATRE

Sept. 12

Nov. 4 and 5

Feb. 22-March 4

THE ARIEL QUARTET

CANDIDE

STRING QUARTET-IN-RESIDENCE

OPERA

Sept. 26, Nov. 14, Jan. 30 and March 20

Nov. 16-19

SESQUICENTENNIAL ALUMNI SHOWCASE

HAMLET ACTING

Sept. 27-Oct. 1

SEUSSICAL MUSICAL THEATRE

Oct. 19-29

THE ART OF MOTION DANCE

Nov. 30-Dec. 3

CELEBRATING CCM’S SESQUICENTENNIAL WITH DALE WARLAND

150th ANNIVERSARY EVENT

April 21 … and dozens of other events spanning the spectrum of the performing and media arts!

150th ANNIVERSARY EVENT

Feb. 11

Inspiring the stars of tomorrow since 1867

Y EA R S This season CCM celebrates the 150th anniversary of its founding with an unparalleled series of performances and special events designed to highlight a tradition of innovation and excellence dating back to 1867. This is our story. This is your season. Join us for a celebration 150 years in the making. CUSTOMIZABLE SUBSCRIPTIONS AND SINGLE TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

513-556-4183 boxoff@uc.edu ccm.uc.edu

P R OJ E C T E D I TO R MAIJA ZU M MO C R E AT I V E D I R E C TO R JENNIFER HOFFMAN L E A D P H OTO G R A P H E R HAILEY BOLLINGER A S S I S TA N T E D I TO R S DA N N Y C R O S S , E M I LY B E G L E Y I L LU S T R ATO R J O N FL AN N E RY CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ANNE ARENSTEIN , CASEY ARNOLD, BRIAN BAKER , J EFF B EYER , M I KE B REEN , B RIAN CROS S , JAN E DU RRELL , KRI STEN FR AN KE , JASON GARGANO, AU S T I N G AY L E , M C K E N Z I E G R A H A M , Z AC K H AT F I E L D , K AT I E H O L O C H E R , J AC K E R N , M A D G E M A R I L , J I M M C N A I R , A N N E M I T C H E L L , PA M A M I T C H E L L , L AU R E N M O R ET TO, R ICK PEN D ER , S EAN PETERS , GAR I N PI R N IA , I L E N E R O S S , H O L LY R O U S E , S T E V E N R O S E N , K AT H Y S C H WA R T Z , M A R I A S E DA - R E E D E R , L E Y L A S H O KO O H E , N I C K S WA R T S E L L , P. F. W I L S O N

CONTENTS 6 Introduction

8 Choose Your Own Adventure

E D I TO R I A L I N T E R N S E S L I A B E T H D O D D , G R AC E H I L L , M AC K E N Z I E M A N L E Y, A M A N DA W E I S B R O D

Quirky Local Attractions

C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R A P H E R S S C O T T D I T T G E N , J E S S E F OX , P H I L L I P H E I D E N R E I C H , K H O I N G U Y E N , B R I T TA N Y T H O R N T O N , C AT I E V I OX

10 Ways to Fit in Among Cincinnatiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sports Faithful

PUBLISHER TO NY FR AN K A DV E R T I S I N G D I R E C TO R JOSH SCHULER S A L E S AC C O U N T M A N AG E R S C O R Y H O D G E , DA N R A DA N K , N E I L W H I T E A D T R A F F I C C O O R D I N ATO R K AN E KITCH EN O F F I C E A D M I N I S T R ATO R SAMANTHA J O H N STO N E V E N T D I R E C TO R ALLIE MARTIN E V E N T & S A L E S C O O R D I N ATO R CHANELL KARR C I R C U L AT I O N M A N AG E R STEVE FERGUSON DISTRIBUTION TEAM R I C K C A R R O L , D E N N I S C O N OV E R , A S H L E Y DAV I S , D O U G D R E N N A N , J E R R Y E N N I S , T E R R E N C E E VA N S , T R E Y H O OV E R , L O R I M O R G A N , J OA N P O W E R S , DY L A N R O B I N S O N , T O M S A N D , M I C H A E L S WA N G O SOUTHCOMM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CHRIS FERRELL INTERIM CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER BOB MAHONEY C H I E F O P E R AT I N G O F F I C E R BLAIR JOHNSON EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT MARK BARTEL V I C E P R E S I D E N T O F P R O D U C T I O N O P E R AT I O N S CURT PORDES V I C E P R E S I D E N T O F C O N T E N T + C O M M U N I C AT I O N PAT R I C K R A I N S D I R E C TO R O F H U M A N R E S O U R C E S BECKY TURNER C R E AT I V E D I R E C TO R H E AT H E R P I E R C E

NEIGHBORHOODS 18

City Center

22 Northern Kentucky 26 Central Core 30 West Side 34 East Side 38 The Suburbs LIST INGS 43 Dining 81

Nightlife

101 Attractions 115 Shopping 133 Arts 144 Events

8 1 1 R AC E S T R E E T 5TH FLOO R C I N C I N N AT I , O H 4 5 2 0 2 C I T Y B E AT. C O M G E N E R A L I N F O/Q U E S T I O N S : L E T T E R S @ C I T Y B E AT. C O M

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P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

HI, OHIO RIVER

THIS IS CINCINNATI Have you ever sat around wishing there was a hand-held publication that could anticipate the answers to questions you might Google on your phone, like “restaurants near me,” “best bars in Covington” or “stuff to do around IKEA?” Well, #blessed, because you’ve found it. The Annual Manual is like the Magic 8 Ball of magazines. Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a recent transfer to one of Cincinnati’s multiple Fortune 500 companies and myriad startups or just have a really long layover at CVG, what you’re holding in your hands is a (mostly) definitive guide to navigating life in the Queen City — a local’s guide to living and a visitor’s guide to visiting. Published by CityBeat (Cincinnati’s news and culture weekly), the Annual Manual blends the usability of international travel guides with local expert insights, curating recommendations for things to eat, drink, see and do in each part of town. Need to find dinner in Westwood? Bored in the suburbs? Planning a weekend staycation? With overviews of Greater Cincinnati’s dozens of unique neighborhoods spread over our fair Midwestern metropolis — plus comprehensive listings of restaurants, bars, nightlife, arts and attractions — this guide is like a non-digital app, a reference and resource that can always answer the question, “What am I doing this weekend?” Whether you’re here for the long haul or are just looking to pass some time, this handy manual should make you feel right at home (or at least not bored).

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CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE So you like food? Or music? Or you really, really like sports? Finding your favorite niche in Cincinnati is easy if you know what you’re looking for. Here are five different ways to explore the city for five different types of people.

classes for a little inspiration in the kitchen; two-hour workshops on Saturday evenings include tasting portions of all demonstrated recipes (they’re also BYOB). Don’t leave without saying hi to lazy shop greyhound Gus, affectionately referred to by the Hugheses as Artichoke’s “store idiot.” 1824 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, artichokeotr.com.

For the Foodie

You identify strongly with the Barefoot Contessa, can pinpoint the specialty spices in any entrée and appreciate the finer foods in life.

The Rhined

wine, beer and assorted charcuterie. Grab a cheese flight, a bottle of wine and loosen up for a free tour of the market on second and fourth Saturdays. 1737 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, the-rhined.myshopify.com.

Artichoke Curated Cookware

After exploring Findlay Market, wander into Artichoke Curated Cookware Collection and meet husband-andwife team Brad and Karen Hughes. The couple opened their market-adjacent shop in 2016 after seeing a need for a store specializing in cookware. Sign up for one of Artichoke’s cooking

Cincinnati Food Tours

For some active food-centric fun, eat your way through a guided walking tour of popular Queen City restaurants. Cincinnati Food Tours

P H OTO S : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R / J E S S E F OX ( FA R R I G H T )

Most people don’t have pleasant associations with the phrase “American cheese.” However, The Rhined at Findlay Market aims to change that. The artisanal cheese store focuses on carrying the very best domestic cheese, with accouterments like Sixteen Bricks bread, Made by Mavis jams, housemade candied nuts and goodies from other local culinary stars to accompany the dairy of your dreams. You’ll find artisan and farmhouse cheddar, Humboldt fog, Brie, blue and more complemented by

Please

Take a selfie in the colorful bathroom at Please, an upscale American eatery tucked away on Clay Street in Over-the-Rhine. No, really — the Instagrammable bathroom’s handpainted tile and rounded mirror have even inspired the hashtag #pleasepotty on social media, and it was recently named one of the best restaurant bathrooms in the nation in Bon Appétit magazine. Helmed as a gypsy pop-up concept since 2011 (the restaurant, not the bathroom), Please features fine dining à la carte and creative four-course tasting menus courtesy of chef Ryan Santos. 1405 Clay St., Over-the-Rhine, pleasecincinnati.com.

T H E R H I N E D / # P L E A S E P OT T Y / S K E L E TO N R O OT

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offers five different opportunities to discover new eateries while grabbing plentiful samples along the way. Sign up for a Sweet Stroll through Overthe-Rhine for bites from places like Macaron Bar, Taste of Belgium and Holtman’s. Or hop on the Cincinnati Bell Connector for the Taste the Streetcar Tour, which makes stops at multiple eateries along the trains’ winding figure-eight route. Many tours even top things off with a complementary glass of wine, beer or tea. Go online for a full schedule and specific tour details. cincinnatifoodtours.com.

Skeleton Root

Raise a glass to Cincinnati’s winemaking past at The Skeleton Root, helmed by owner and vintner Kate MacDonald. In the 1850s, Cincinnati was the greatest producer of wine in the country, with 2,000 acres of vines inside the city limits. Inspired by 19th-century Cincy winemaker Nicholas Longworth, MacDonald is reinvigorating the city’s deep-rooted heritage by highlighting local grapes, producing wines in-house with minimal intervention. In the tasting room, you’ll even find a giant illustration depicting grape harvesters on a Cincinnati hillside during its winemaking heyday. 38 W. McMicken Ave., Over-the-Rhine, skeletonroot.com.

P H OTO S : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

M U S I C H A L L / S LOA N E B O U T I Q U E / 2 1 C C O C K TA I L T E R R AC E

For the Culture Connoisseur

You can tell the difference between cheap and fine wine, always use “whom” correctly and have a Cincinnati Opera ticket subscription.

Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

Cincinnati’s 19th-century Music Hall, home to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Ballet and Cincinnati Opera, closed its doors in June 2016 to undergo a major $135 million renovation. In addition to infrastructure improvements, the revamp added significantly more bathrooms, improved seating and made the entire building wheelchair accessible. The symphony comes home Oct. 6, 2017, and its 2017-18 season is packed with works by the greats — Debussy, Beethoven, Brahms — and featured artists like world-renowned conductor Sir Andrew Davis. The Cincinnati Pops, a division of the CSO, offers tons of family-friendly fun; highlights this year include The Music of John Williams: Star Wars and Beyond (Oct. 13-15) and Harry Potter in Concert (Dec. 28-30). cincinnatisymphony.org.

Contemporary Arts Center

The free-admission Contemporary Arts Center, designed by late, great architect Zaha Hadid, features thought-provoking modern art by artists like Caledonia Curry — aka mixed media street artist Swoon

(Sept. 22-Feb. 25, 2018). The museum also hosts the experimental and provocative Black Box performance series — think unusual dance works, eclectic live cinema and heavy audience participation. This year’s series revolves around the themes of strength and unifi cation. Stop by the museum’s lobby for artful cocktails by local celebrity mixologist Molly Wellmann — an extension of her restaurant Melt in Northside has taken over the CAC lobby and features thematic drinks in tune with current exhibits. 44 E. Sixth St., Downtown, contemporaryartscenter.org.

— sloanebaby — arrived as she was navigating the waters of pregnancy; her adorable new inventory includes onesies, T-shirts, moccasins and teethers, all in a surprisingly affordable price range. However, if you really feel like splurging on mommyand-me matching outfits, Sloane does carry the cutest baby leather jacket from Veda for a hair over $500. (Unfortunately, mommy’s is a little more expensive.) 1216 Vine St., Overthe-Rhine, sloaneboutique.com.

Sloane Boutique

Be #sloanespotted. With a focus on injecting fun and personality into what we wear, Sloane Boutique has been shaking up women’s clothing since it opened in 2011. Owner Duru Armagan says she established her shop with the intention to “invigorate the local fashion scene because Cincinnati was playing it safe,” and her curated selection of big and small designers offers endless ways to infuse creativity into your wardrobe. Armagan’s newest venture A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

Restaurant L

Cincinnati’s newest addition to a rarefied level of restaurant — joining Orchids at Palm Court, Boca, Jeff Ruby’s and others — is Restaurant L, helmed by brilliant and loveable chef Jean-Robert de Cavel. The threecourse dinner menu — or upgraded Menu Gourmand — features a sophisticated selection that blends French soul with contemporary flair, plus optional wine pairings. The centerpiece of the dining room is a steel, spindly sculpture in the shape of a wintry tree created by local artist Christopher Daniel. Depending on the season, vases of flowers, ornaments and copious 9

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other enhancements can be found dangling from its branches. 301 E. Fourth St., Downtown, lcincinnati.com.

21c Museum Hotel

Follow the flock of yellow penguins to 21c Museum Hotel, a contemporary art museum and award-winning 156-room boutique hotel. The sculptures, created by artist collective Cracking Art Group, have become synonymous with 21c and can be found in different locations throughout the hotel; pint-sized versions are available for purchase in the gift shop. In the summertime, head up to the rooftop — open seasonally, the museum’s Cocktail Terrace offers summery selections like “poptails” (aka boozy popsicles) paired with a breathtaking view of downtown Cincinnati. And the onsite Metropole restaurant focuses on dishes cooked in a custom wood-burning fireplace. Pair it with a Kentucky Wild gin and housemade tonic; the gin, from local New Riff Distillery, has a one-of-akind flavor stemming from the spice bush, a small tree used by Native Americans and Kentucky settlers. 609 Walnut St., Downtown, 21cmuseumhotels.com.

P H OTO S : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

For the Sports Fan

You miss work when your team loses, have worn a foam finger and have considered a team tattoo for (maybe more than) just a moment.

C I N C Y S H I R T S / F C C I N C I N N AT I ’ S J U S T I N H OY L E

The Mini Microcinema

When C. Jacqueline Wood started her Mini Microcinema in 2015, it was temporary — she used a $15,000 Globe Grant from the People’s Liberty philanthropic lab to program shorts, art movies and documentaries for several months at PL’s space near Findlay Market. It was a hit, and its beautiful red and white cinema sign excited and inspired many to dream about something long missing from Cincinnati’s — and Over-the-Rhine’s — cultural renaissance: a serious-minded cinematheque. Wood found a permanent home in OTR for the nonprofit Mini, which screens free films created outside the mainstream. 1329 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, mini-cinema.org.

Woodward Theater

Cheapside

With a menu featuring kale salads, breakfast sandwiches with pimento cheese and modern espresso drinks (like the bubbly chinotto, with housemade tonic, espresso and soda), along with an interior decked out with a white floor, rustic wood seating and live plants, the ambiance feels decidedly West Coast — especially when you glance at the patio. The focal point of Cheapside’s al fresco seating is a large wooden tepee, constructed out of slatted cedar, in which you can sit at a bright red table while enjoying

your smoked turkey on salted rye and locally foraged soda. 326 E. Eighth St., Downtown, cheapsidecafe.com.

Longfellow

Longfellow, a European café meets cocktail bar in Over-the-Rhine, is marked almost exclusively by a small, neon “Longfellow” sign illuminating the corner of one window. While it’s an OTR version of a dive bar, the menu showcases the life of the owner, Mike Stankovich, who has a Southern and Italian background — he grew up eating cornbread and rolling out homemade ravioli. Combine that with his experience traveling through Europe and Japan and his stint in New York bartending, and you have Longfellow’s menu. The bar snacks are globally influenced (hooray for late-night pierogies), and the drinks, which change on the regular, play with alcohols and additions like mezcal, Campari, cardamom, absinthe

P H OTO S : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

Just a few years ago, the century-old Woodward Theater in Over-theRhine was given new life as a live music venue and events hall by the

folks behind the nearby MOTR Pub, establishing it as a hub for Indie music and up-and-coming acts. The 600-capacity space has recently played host to the likes of Guided By Voices, San Fermin, Pinback, Dinosaur Jr. and even the Village People. 1404 Main St., Over-theRhine, woodwardtheater.com.

For the Geek

and shiso. Pay it forward and buy a drink for a friend, recorded on a green chalkboard. 1233 Clay St., Over-the-Rhine, longfellowbar.com.

Continuum

Continuum’s colorful wares look like they came straight off of Instagram — expect to lose track of time while browsing its constantly changing selection of scents, ceramics, homegoods and boxy linen. Shop owner Ericka Leighton is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning with a passion for discovering people who embrace their creativity as a lifestyle, producing ethical and sustainable products. She has created a unique space to share them — this eclectic bazaar supports an array of independent and emerging designers, artists and makers. 1407 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, continuumbazaar.com.

You speak fluent Klingon, video games are life and you expect to experience actual physical pain while waiting for the final season of Game of Thrones.

T H E R O O K OT R / A R C A D E L E G AC Y: B A R E D I T I O N

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FC Cincinnati

Cincinnati’s hottest sports ticket in town belongs to Futbol Club Cincinnati, which spread its orangeand-blue fandom all across Cincy during its inaugural season in 2015. With uber-professional business and marketing efforts led by the deep pockets of Carl Lindner III and former Bengals executive Jeff Berding, the organization asked for — and received — the city’s utmost attention. Then it followed through on the pitch, making the United Soccer League playoffs and competing against top European teams in friendlies and taking down Major League Soccer clubs along the way. fcccincinnati.com.

Reds Hall of Fame & Museum

This shrine to all things Cincinnati Reds is the sport’s most immersive museum outside the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. Its

10 full-time galleries include “Glory Days,” a tribute to championship teams like the Big Red Machine, and “The Reds Are on the Radio,” where fans can compare their own calls to those of legendary broadcasters in a recreated radio booth. Among other plaques and statues surrounding the museum (adjacent to GABP) stands a dynamic recreation of ole Pete Rose doing his famous head-first slide. Rose is both a hometown hero and villain — honor and/or disgrace his likeness while taking a picture with the bronzed Charlie Hustle. 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown, cincinnati. reds.mlb.com.

The Precinct

For excellent steak and seafood with fabulous sports-themed names, head to the upscale Jeff Ruby’s Precinct, founded in 1981 in the space that was formerly the Cincinnati Police Patrol

House No. 6. You’ll spot familiar names on the menu like the A.J. Green, a center-cut New York strip, and The Brennaman, a barrel-cut filet. If you’re feeling especially fancy, get the bananas foster for two, prepared flambé style at the Captain’s Table in the center of the dining room. 311 Delta Ave., Columbia Tusculum, jeffruby.com/precinct.

Craft Connection Brewery Tours

There’s no better way to pregame than by hopping on a brewery-bound tour bus. Sign up for a three-hour Reds Pregame tour with Craft Connection Brewery Tours; it stops at some of Cincinnati’s best breweries including the likes of Rhinegeist, Christian Moerlein, Braxton and Wooden Cask, complete with an optional drop-off at Great American Ball Park. Each tour — including

non-sports-related jaunts — include three to four tastings at each brewery, and the bus is equipped with a cooler and ample room for beer storage. Tours meet at Nation Kitchen + Bar, 1200 Broadway St., Pendleton, craftconnectiontours.com.

Cincy Shirts

This “vintage” T-shirt brand, helmed by local stand-up comic Josh Sneed, mines both the past and present to create apparel showcasing Cincinnati’s unique institutions and idiosyncratic culture — including sports attire galore. Some screenprinted creations feature staples like Pete Rose, but dig deeper and you’ll find distinctive and so-Cincy tees advertising everything from baseball and football to hockey and basketball — even the Ickey Shuffle. 1435 Main St., Over-the-Rhine; 2709 Observatory Ave., Hyde Park, cincyshirts.com.

P H OTO : J E S S E F OX

W O O D WA R D T H E AT E R

For the Urban Indie

You’re not a hipster, but you’re a close relative. You wax poetic about artisan coffee, share the best articles from The Onion and follow multiple plant shops on Instagram.

Lloyd Library

Established in 1898 by three pharmacist brothers, the fascinating Lloyd Library is home to rare illustrated medicinal books on botany, pharmacy, alternative medicine, gardening and more. More than 200,000 volumes comprise the library’s collection, ranging from just-published works to those dating back hundreds of years. On permanent display is the George Rieveschl Jr. History of Pharmaceutical Chemistry exhibit, featuring intriguing pieces of pharmaceutical ephemera like a cold still, used to extract medicinal properties from plants. 917 Plum St., Downtown, lloydlibrary.org.

The Rook OTR

With nearly 1,000 board games to choose from in-house, boredom is banished at Cincinnati’s first-ever board game parlor. Get your hands on nearly any title imaginable: Battleship, Cards Against Humanity, Trouble,

Connect Four, Yahtzee, Sorry, Bingo — the list goes on and on. If that seems a little overwhelming, head online before arriving at the bar — an online library allows users to search for specific titles or by categories like genre, difficulty and number of players. Tournaments take place every Tuesday for tabletop games; players of all skill levels are invited but are asked to be familiar with the game. Games are free to play with the purchase of food or drink. 1115 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, therootkotr.com.

Cincinnati Art Museum Fandom Tours

There aren’t many classier ways to geek out than during the Cincinnati Art Museum’s recently conceived Fandom Tours, held on the fourth Saturday of each month. Inspired by a striking resemblance between Baroque artist Anthony van Dyck’s Portrait of a Man in Armor and A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

Game of Throne’s Tywin Lannister, the museum launched the series in 2015, drawing correlations between pop culture and the pieces in their vast collection. Topics have included everything from The Hunger Games and Star Wars to Harry Potter and Stranger Things. Go online for upcoming topics (and may the odds be ever in your fandom’s favor). 953 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams, cincinnatiartmuseum.org.

Arcade Legacy: Bar Edition

This boozy hangout combines video games, alcohol and food — and honestly, what could be better? The Northside location opened its doors in August 2015 and features many of the same elements as the original Arcade Legacy in Fairfield: about 50 arcade games, pinball machines and a lounge with current and classic consoles. The big difference here is Bar Edition’s creative and extensive 11

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menu, on which hot dog concoctions are the stars. Games are free to play with purchase of food or drink, and although the bar is typically 21-plus, all ages are welcome 4-8 p.m. Sundays. 3929 Spring Grove Ave., Northside, arcadelegacyohio.com.

Hail Dark Aesthetics

Although Harry Potter references may be a little outdated (#harrypotterforever, nerds), there’s no better way to describe Hail Dark Aesthetics than as a real-life Borgin and Burkes — it’s the place you’d go locally if you were in the market for a vanishing cabinet. The oddities and record shop is stuffed with taxidermy, tarot cards, branded Ouija boards and Black Metal jewelry. For good or bad, there aren’t too many other stores where you can buy a pig fetus and the Twin Peaks soundtrack on vinyl in the same transaction. 720 Main St., Covington, Ky., facebook.com/hailcincinnati.

A M E R I C A N S I G N M U S E U M / P H OTO : J E S S E F OX

V E N T H AV E N / P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

S W I N G H O U S E / P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

P E R C U S S I O N PA R K / P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

L OV E L A N D C A S T L E / P H OTO : B R I T TA N Y T H O R N TO N

M R . DY N A M I T E M U R A L / P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

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QUIRKY LOCAL AT TRACTIONS

With big-ticket destinations like the Contemporary Arts Center, Krohn Conservatory, Freedom Center, Union Terminal and Kings Island, there’s no lack of things to do in Cincinnati. But what if you want something different? To assist in your adventure, here’s a list of off-the-beaten-path stops for an exploratory excursion. From the curious and strange to the decidedly amusing, these lesser-known attractions of our 229-year-old metropolis will offer a thoroughly entertaining and slightly odd afternoon.

Bathe in neon at the American Sign Museum

Get lost in the ads and landmarks of yesteryear. Winding pathways of colorful signage give way to a mocked-up Main Street, with faux storefronts, cobblestone and giant logos from Howard Johnson, McDonald’s and Marshall Field. From roadside nostalgia and a looming Big Boy to pharmacy signs and gas station markers, the flashing lights, buzzing electricity and rotating wonders are almost a sensory overload. Almost. Guided tours available. 1330 Monmouth Ave., Camp Washington, americansignmuseum.org.

Play at the Play Library

Operated by a former toy designer, The Play Library feels straight out of the Tom Hanks movie Big. Instead of books, this lending library stocks thousands of games and toys, from puzzles and board games to Cranium and Cards Against Humanity. It also offers 21-and-over beer and board game nights and family-friendly fun times that encourage everyone to make-believe and make new friends. 1517 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, playlibrary.org.

Get slightly freaked out at Vent Haven

Vent Haven is the only museum in the world dedicated to the art of ventriloquism. In addition to more than 800 figures (don’t call them dummies), guests can view a library of vent-centric books, playbills and thousands of photographs. The museum also hosts the international ConVENTion every year for more than 600 ventriloquists. 33 W. Maple Ave., Fort Mitchell, Ky., venthaven.org.

Pet a wolf at Wolf Creek Habitat and Rescue

When the wild calls, answer it at Wolf Creek Habitat and Rescue. The owners share their Brookville home with a pack of more than two-dozen wolves, all of whom were either surrendered to the sanctuary or rescued from the wild. Guests are able to go inside the animals’ enclosures and interact with them (alongside

a center volunteer). Warning: The wolves have been known to give kisses and request belly rubs. 14099 Wolf Creek Road, Brookville, Ind., wolfcreekhabitat.org.

Visit the grave of the inventor of the Pringles can

Fredric Baur, a Cincinnati chemist and the inventor of the Pringles can, died in 2008, after which he was cremated and buried at Arlington Memorial Gardens in an empty can of Original-flavored Pringles. While you can’t see the can itself (it’s in the ground), you can pay your respects to the snack food revolutionary while chomping on some crispy, stacked chips. Arlington Memorial Gardens, 2145 Compton Road, North College Hill, amgardens.org.

See the world’s only cardboard boat museum

Located along the banks of the Ohio River, historic New Richmond is home to the idiosyncratic Cardboard Boat Museum. See replicas of the Delta Queen steamboat, a John Deere Tractor and other cardboard creations from the city’s International Cardboard Boat Regatta. You can even take a class on building your own. 311 Front St., New Richmond, Ohio, cardboardboatmuseum.org.

Swing at the Swing House

Builder/artist Mark deJong has transformed a three-floor, shotgunstyle domicile into the Swing House, a large-scale art installation and rentable home in which the interior has been almost completely opened up — no stairs; no rooms with walls. The center attraction is a 30-foot-long rope swing that lets you travel from end to end imagining the generations who have lived there previously. It’s a trip through time as well as space. The Contemporary Arts Center hosts an exhibit about the house April 20-May 20, 2018, with guided tours. More info at contemporaryartscenter.org.

Look at Cincinnati’s stuffed police dog

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by a patrolman as an abandoned puppy, the mutt quickly became a fixture at the station and soon joined daily patrols, chasing down thieves and murderers. After his death, the beloved Handsome was stuffed and is now on display at the Greater Cincinnati Police Museum. 308 Reading Road, Pendleton, police-museum.org.

Drum at Percussion Park

This colorful, interactive outdoor musical instrument park was built DIY-style by local musician Ben Sloan. The playable instruments — perfect for a pop-up concert — range from marimbas to drums to vibraphones and are built out of wood, PVC pipe, propane tanks, water heaters, stainless steel and other upcycled items. 3546 Warsaw Ave., East Price Hill, percussionpark.com.

Souvenir shop at the Lucky Cat Museum

Pick up a feline friend from the gift shop at the Lucky Cat Museum. The museum features a collection of nearly a thousand maneki-neko cats in all shapes and sizes. The Japanese beckoning cats, depicted with one paw waving, are symbols of luck, summoning money and good fortune to those who own them. 2511 Essex Place, Walnut Hills, facebook.com/luckycatmuseum.

Ride the Anderson Ferry

This nationally registered historic site has been in operation since 1817, transporting people and goods across the Ohio River, from the West Side to Northern Kentucky. It used to be powered by horses walking on a treadmill, but now people use it as a shortcut to the airport. Still a fun novelty. Buy a ticket, drive your car onto the barge, go across the river and come back. 1 Anderson Ferry Road, Delhi, andersonferry.com.

Picnic at Loveland Castle

Former World War I army medic and Boy Scout troop leader Harry Delos Andrews built Château Laroche over the course of 50 years with handmade bricks (formed with quart-sized paper milk cartons) and 13

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stones from the nearby Little Miami River. Modeled after European castles, it features towers, a dry moat, hand-tiled ceilings, murder holes and a collection of period weaponry. The castle grounds are available for picnics, overnights and private parties and are rumored to be haunted by a variety of ghosts. 12025 Shore Road, Loveland, lovelandcastle.com.

Gorge yourself on the Donut Trail

Just a short 45-minute jaunt from Cincinnati is a magical place called Butler County, home to one of the largest number of donut shops per capita in the Midwest. And among these donut shops are nine familyrun establishments that have come together to offer humans a chance to test the limits of their interest in fried and filled dough, as well as their blood glucose levels. Get an official Donut Trail passport stamped at all nine and get a free T-shirt. gettothebc.com.

Stare at the walls with ArtWorks

Since its inception in 2007, the ArtWorks’ mural program has been a boon to public art along the streets of Cincinnati. The nonprofit organization — dedicated to employing and training local youth and other creative individuals to achieve community impact through art — has created more than 100 of them. To see the centrally located pieces, take ArtWorks’ Spirit of OTR walking tour ($7-$15), a mile-long look at 10 to 12 murals with stories of their origin and how they’re connected to the city. Tours run 2-3:30 p.m. Saturdays MayOctober. artworkscincinnati.org.

Go underground with a brewery tour

Once one of the largest brewing boomtowns in America in the 19th-century, Cincinnati’s Brewing Heritage Trail offers guided tours of historic brewing sites. Go into subterranean lagering tunnels, learn about beer barons and bask in pre-Prohibition boozy history. brewingheritagetrail.org.

B A B Y F I O N A AT T H E C I N C I N N AT I Z O O / P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

Must-Do Cincy Experiences Go to the top of Carew Tower

For just a couple bucks and a 49-fl oor elevator ride, you can stand on the top of the city’s second-tallest building (the tallest is the Great American Tower) and get a bird’s-eye view from the Observation Deck. 441 Vine St., Downtown, 513-579-9735.

Visit Fiona at the Cincinnati Zoo

Since being born six weeks early in January 2017, baby hippo Fiona has become a bona fide celebrity. Initially weighing just 29 pounds, she inspired the hashtag #TeamFiona as well as plenty of Buzzfeed articles and her own Facebook TV show. The former itty, bitty baby is now a sassy and playful multi-hundred-pound hippo. She’s on display with her mom and dad in the zoo’s Africa exhibit. 3400 Vine St., Avondale, cincinnatizoo.org.

Have a cocktail at the Bar at Palm Court

Nestled inside the historic Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, the bar is an astonishing French Art Deco masterpiece with Brazilian rosewood, a massive ziggurat-shaped fountain and seashell-framed booths like Venus rising from the foam. The art is in the design as well as the Great Gatsby-esque drinks. 35 W. Fifth St., Downtown, orchidsatpalmcourt.com.

Buy rare hot sauce at Jungle Jim’s

Jungle Jim’s is an amusement park for foodies, and not just because of its kitschy statues and animatronics. It sells nearly 1,000 different kinds of hot sauce, which makes the Aisle of Inferno (as it’s so dubbed) “the largest retail selection in the United States.” It’s pretty hard to miss — it’s the one with the giant fi re truck on top of it. 5440 Dixie Highway, Fairfield, junglejims.com.

Try a blue ice cream at Kings Island

If you’ve lived in Cincinnati for any length of time, chances are you can distinctly evoke the taste of blue ice cream, a blueberry-based soft serve — although the actual name of the flavor is just “blue.” Introduced by Kings Island in 1982 to promote a then-new Smurfs ride in the park’s Hanna-Barbera Land, it’s become a quintessential Queen City summer treat. 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason, visitkingsisland.com.

Or Graeter’s Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip

Family-run for more than 145 years, this local French pot ice cream chain is iconic for its giant chocolate chips — chunks, really. They pour gourmet chocolate over the churning cream to form a shell that their artisans then break up. It’s totally unique and perfect in flavors like Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip. graeters.com.

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Participate in the world’s largest Chicken Dance

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is the nation’s largest feier of authentic German food, music and beer with an estimated 500,000 festgoers each September. Odd traditions include the majestic Running of the Wieners dachshund races, brat-eating competitions and the world’s largest Chicken Dance, which has been led by celebrities like Weird Al Yankovic and George Takei. oktoberfestzinzinnati.com.

Ride the streetcar to Findlay Market

Or just park in the lot. Stroll Ohio’s oldest continually operating public market for farm-fresh food and weekend $7 wine flights at Market Wines. It’s also home to plenty of unique and local places to grab lunch. 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, fi ndlaymarket.org.

Feed a butterfly at Krohn Conservatory

The annual interactive butterfly show at this Art Deco greenhouse is kind of a big deal. Navigate your way through clusters of flowers, ferns and trees while hundreds of butterflies flit throughout the room — and maybe right onto your floral-scented butterfly landing pad. 1501 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams, cincinnatiparks.com.

Drink a local beer at Washington Park

Washington Park is a six-acre dream urban escape, complete with a water feature, dog park, playground and its own deck bar, which is open seasonally and serves wine, liquor and Cincy-made craft beer. It’s also home to nearly constant free festivals, live music, movies and more. 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, washingtonpark.org.

Eat a late-night 3-Way

Basic beginner stuff, but you can’t leave the city without indulging in our local delicacy: Cincinnati chili. Find it at mom-and-pop parlors, local chains and even veganized. The combo of spaghetti, chili and bright-orange cheese is good any time of day, but especially after a night of drinking. Luckily, plenty of parlors are open late , if not 24 hours, and depending on which one you’re at, they may offer our other specialty meat: goetta.

Remember history’s heroes at the Freedom Center

Using the city’s historical ties to the anti-slavery movement, the mission of the Freedom Center is “to inspire modern abolition through connecting the lessons of the Underground Railroad with today’s freedom fi ghters.” Permanent exhibits include a rebuilt 1800s slave pen, The Struggle Continues and a piece of the Berlin Wall. 50 E. Freedom Way, Downtown, freedomcenter.org.

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Anila Quayyum Agha: All The Flowers Are For Me Now–October 15, 2017 William Kentridge: More Sweetly Play the Dance Now–January 28, 2018 Ana England: Kinship September 8, 2017–March 4, 2018

Art in Bloom October 26–29, 2017 Albrecht Dürer: The Age of Reformation and Renaissance November 17, 2017–February 11, 2018 Terracotta Army: Legacy of the First Emperor of China April 20–August 12, 2018

Iris van Herpen: Transforming Fashion October 13, 2017–January 7, 2018

Art After Dark Final Fridays

cincinnatiartmuseum.org

General operating support generously provided by:

Anila Quayyum Agha (b. 1965), All the Flowers Are for Me (Red), laser-cut lacquered steel and lightbulb, Alice Bimel Endowment for Asian Art, 2017.7

T H E B A I L E Y AT F C C I N C I N N AT I / P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

W H O D E Y ! / P H OTO : C O U R T E SY O F T H E C I N C I N N AT I B E N G A L S

J O E Y VO T T O / P H OTO : C O U R T E SY O F T H E C I N C I N N AT I R E D S

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W E S T E R N & S O U T H E R N O P E N / P H OTO : P R OV I D E D

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10 WAYS TO FIT IN AMONG CINCINNATI’S SPORTS FAITHFUL Welcome to the Jungle… If you hang out with people in Cincinnati, there’s a good chance you’re going to talk about, witness or possibly even play some sports. It’s been part of our culture going back to 1869, when the Cincinnati Red Stockings became America’s first professional baseball team. While our franchises haven’t always been the best — the Bengals were the joke of the National Football League in the 1990s and the Reds are in the midst of a historically bad stretch of seasons — over the years they’ve given us much to cheer, chastise and lament. Whether you’re a die-hard fan painting your face orange and black (or FC Cincinnati orange and blue) or supporting the high school you attended long after graduation, follow these tips to fit in among Cincinnati’s most faithful, if often disappointed, sports fans.

Paint several body parts and go to an FC Cincinnati game.

Faces and torsos seem to be the most popular body parts to paint orange and blue at Nippert Stadium, where the up-and-coming Futbol Club Cincinnati has been filling the stands with chanting, drum-beating, soccer-scarf-wearing fanatics for two seasons. European futbol fever plays out on the pitch of the University of Cincinnati’s historic football field and in “The Bailey,” where the team’s support clubs get real rowdy lighting off colored smoke bombs, tossing up tifos and generally enacting flamboyant displays of FC pride in a spirited section just behind the north goal.

Prepare to revel in the best chant in baseball.

The Reds “rebuild” might be going on longer than many had hoped, but the team’s recent marketing efforts have been on point. When Reds pitchers reach 10 strikeouts in a game at Great American Ball Park, the crowd becomes jubilant with anticipation: The 11th strikeout means fans receive free LaRosa’s pizza (with their game ticket). The promo has helped keep butts in the seats and fill the opposing batter’s heart with fear as 40,000 lungs fill the park with the intimidating roar of “Pizza! Pizza! Pizza!”

Familiarize yourself with the wonderful world of Joey Votto.

Whether he’s throwing fists full of chalk in the air at spring training to emulate the WWE’s Undertaker or trolling opposing fans with taunts, No. 19 is one of a kind. On top of being immensely dedicated to his craft (choking up, going oppo, etc.), the likely future Hall of Famer is also quite funny. Votto once dressed

up as a Canadian Mounty for a TV interview and bought teammate Zach Cozart a donkey for earning a spot in the All-Star Game. One of the best hitters in baseball, Votto is a professional in game play, but a wizard of wonderful weirdness in between the action.

Don’t bet on playoff victories.

Losing in the first round of the playoffs was for a long time only the idealistic talk of dreamers and romantics in Cincinnati. Then the Reds made the playoffs three out of four years from 2010-13 but never advanced past the first round. And despite a somewhat miraculous run of seven playoff appearances from 2005-15, the Bengals have zero postseason wins. Neither UC nor Xavier men’s basketball has made the Final Four since 1992. WTF. Investing in queso and chips at your watch party is a way better way to spend money than betting on a win.

Ask someone how their high school football team is doing.

The only question more annoying in Cincinnati than “What high school did you go to?” is “Did Elder beat Moeller on Friday night?” Chances are your friend, coworker, boss or neighbor played on their school sports team and still attends games to this day. As parochial as our lifelong connections to high school sports might be, you have to give area institutions credit for winning mass state titles and putting players in professional leagues à la Carolina Panthers linebacker/St. X grad Luke Kuechly and Pittsburgh Pirates infielder/Princeton/UC grad Josh Harrison. Mount Notre Dame alumna Rose Lavelle was even chosen as the No. 1 overall pick in the National A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

Women’s Soccer League by the Boston Breakers last year.

Ingest $1 beers and cheap hot dogs while watching dudes beat each other up.

Typically an entertainment option in what we’ll describe as “lesser” cities, minor league sports offer the type of value anyone can appreciate — like $1 beer and hot dogs. A chant of “Sucks!” is traditional after the introduction of each opposing player at Cincinnati Cyclones hockey games, and fans can suck down responsible amounts of beer too as they watch the two-time ECHL champions play on dollar beer nights at U.S. Bank Arena. The Cyclones offer this promotion 15 or so times a season, along with other funny stuff like an ugly sweater T-shirt giveaway and weiner dog races. Cheap Hudepohl and hot dogs also happen to be available at your local grocer, who will not appreciate your “sucks” chants at the checkout lane.

Attend a highly respectful college basketball contest.

The Crosstown Shootout is a longstanding yearly competition that alternates between the campuses of Xavier University and the University of Cincinnati. The contest celebrates the school rivalry and student athletes engaged in majestic and gentlemanly competition and has taken place for more than 70 years with absolutely no controversy or bad blood. JK. An unfortunate brawl in 2011 threatened the annual contest’s existence, but after two seasons of neutral-court “Crosstown Showdowns,” the game has proceeded without incident.

Tailgate in the parking lots around Paul Brown Stadium.

The tailgating in Cincinnati is similar 17

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to that of other NFL cities: Orangeand-black-striped repurposed mini-vans, trailers and buses accompany games of cornhole, Playstation and beer pong. The one striking exception is that Bengals’ tailgaters love to pregame by listening to Bach and Brahms sonatas and, on special occasions, Handel’s Messiah. Just kidding. It’s ’80s hair metal — Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle,” mostly.

Call into The Big One and have your voice heard.

Talk radio might be contributing to the downfall of the American empire, but Cincinnati’s sports talk show hosts keep the conspiracy theories to a minimum. You can find hometown dudes Lance McAlister and Mo Egger on sister stations 700-WLW and 1530-WCKY contemplating the sports issues of the day, or check in with longtime WCPO broadcaster Ken Broo talking shop on Saturdays. Keep a lookout for “Brennaman & Jones on Baseball” segments on WLW to witness former Reds player Tracy Jones attempting to derail conversations as Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Brennaman feigns offense.

Get fancy and watch some world class tennis.

The Western & Southern Open is the oldest tennis tournament in the U.S., having been established in 1899. Today, it’s a stop on the U.S. Open Series, a five-week tennis season that culminates in the fourth Grand Slam of the year, the U.S. Open. Mason’s Lindner Family Tennis Center becomes home to the best players in the world, along with the loudest grunts, and the grounds include entertainment, bars, local restaurants, original music and shopping options. Just try not to spill any Skyline on your white clothes.

CIT Y CENTER

Once known mostly for Fortune 500 companies and business lunches, the city center is in the midst of an urban renaissance. Downtown’s business district, still the anchor of Cincinnati’s economic engine, has blossomed into an arts hub, while Over-the-Rhine has transformed into a mecca for foodies, creatives and all manner of hipsters. Connecting the two is a new streetcar to help you get from place to place. And up the hill, Mount Adams looms proudly over the river, boasting quaint streets and classic attractions.

Downtown Mount Adams Over-the-Rhine

Ride the streetcar

While originally a contentious public transportation project, the streetcar — officially known as the Cincinnati Bell Connector (cincinnati-oh.gov/streetcar) — was finally built and now offers riders the chance to travel a 3.6-mile loop from Findlay Market to The Banks downtown. With 18 stops (entertainingly narrated by hometown celebrity Nick Lachey), it’s a convenient way to get around whether you’re a tourist or playing one for the weekend. Cars come along every 12 to 15 minutes and zip you past cultural destinations like Music Hall, Washington Park, the Contemporary Arts Center, Fountain Square and JACK Casino. Tickets are only $2 for a day pass, so it’s a cost-effective way to see city highlights (and/or bar hop) without using your legs. A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

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P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

Wander around Findlay Market

P H OTO S ( L- R ) : J E S S E F OX / H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

Findlay Market (1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, findlaymarket.org), Ohio’s oldest public market, has been around for more than 150 years for a reason: The Italianate markethouse structure serves as a cultural melting pot for Cincinnati’s vibrant community, a place where you can wander aimlessly (or with purpose) through delicatessens, cafés, storefronts, floral shops, bakeries and more. Organic local farmers hawk their goods on the weekends, multi-generational butchers carry everything from homemade sausages to pigs’ feet and Market Wines keeps everyone happy with $7 wine tastings on weekends. Four heavy pours feature vinos ranging from peppery whites and fresh rosés to malbecs, sangioveses and more; all bottles are available for purchase.

Make friends at Washington Park

The six-acre Washington Park (1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, washingtonpark.org) is a renovated 150-year-old urban public space that offers a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of the city — like Central Park, but a lot smaller and without a zoo or restaurant. But what it lacks in zoos, it makes up for in interactive features like a dog park; children’s playground; synchronizable, splashable water jets; and an elevated deck with lounge seating, yard games and a full bar (hooray!). The park also offers plenty of free programming, from instructor-led workouts, movie screenings and pop-up markets to beer fests, holiday happenings and happy hours. It’s basically Over-the-Rhine’s backyard.

Get close to the Bard at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

P H OTO S : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

The Bard got new digs thanks to the sophisticated $17 million Otto M. Budig Theater (1195 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cincyshakes.com), which is situated on Over-the-Rhine’s “arts corridor” close to Music Hall, Memorial Hall and the School for Creative and Performing Arts. With a glass-enclosed lobby and new Bob’s Bar, the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (established in 1993 as the Fahrenheit Theatre Company) has crafted an entirely intimate experience in this classic-meets-modern space. Six rows of seats are horseshoed around a state-of-theart thrust stage, which means there’s not a bad seat in the house. No audience member will be more than 20 feet from the stage, so you can get up close and personal with the actors performing everything from season opener A Midsummer Night’s Dream to Othello and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Roof. P H OTO S : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

Stuff your face at Sotto

Downtown’s intimate underground trattoria Sotto (118 E. Sixth St., Downtown, sottocincinnati.com) is well known and well lauded for its collection of delicious housemade pasta (oh to be buried in a pile of their spaghetti cacio e pepe). But they have an equally ravenous cult following for their meat dishes, including the Bistecca Fiorentina. The huge 1-kilogram grilled Creekstone porterhouse steak comes sliced along the bone on a platter, with daily sides. For $85, it’s a dish to share con la famiglia — you just may have to fi ght over who gets to gnaw on the bone. For dessert, there’s fried and sugar-dusted ricotta donuts with three dipping sauces — chocolate, hazelnut and pistachio — or housemade limoncello.

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D O W NT O W N Cincinnati’s central business district boasts riverfront entertainment — including the city’s major sports stadiums — historic skyscrapers, world-class dining and a flurry of arts activity. downtowncincinnati.com EAT — Wake up and head for the California-inspired Maplewood Kitchen and Bar (525 Race St., maplewoodkitchenandbar.com),), a locally owned breakfast and lunch café with cold-pressed juice and buzzword ingredients (quinoa, kale, etc.). etc.) Pick which way your day will go by making a choice between a Brainstorm Coffee or a roasted-tomatillo bloody mary. Neighboring Mita’s (501 Race St., mitas.co) pays homage to chef Jose Salazar’s Colombian grandmother with a menu that plays off Latin American and Spanish traditions — expertly prepared empanadas, ceviche, paella and more. The bar also serves up a mean Mezcal Manhattan. Chef Cristian Pietoso’s Americano Burger Bar (501 Race St., americanoburgerbar. com) features an eclectic mix of steak burgers, tinged with international flavors, while his Via Vite (520 Vine St., viaviterestaurant.com) does Northern Italian with a view of Fountain Square (520 Vine St., myfountainsquare. com). The Square, centered around the iconic Tyler Davidson fountain, features almost nightly programming in summer and an ice rink in winter. For traditional Italian, Scotti’s (919 Vine St., scottiscincinnati.com), family-owned for more than a century, features nearly 20 different veal dishes and dripping candles in old Chianti bottles. Find more restaurants clustered near the Aronoff Center for the Arts (650 Walnut St., cincinnatiarts.org/aronoff ), home to Broadway in Cincinnati and other touring shows. Award-winning chef David Falk’s restaurant group encompasses some of the best downtown eateries: modern Mexican hotspot Nada (600 Walnut St., eatdrinknada.com) is next to the Aronoff, while just round the block, traditional Tuscan trattoria Sotto (118 E. Sixth St., sottocincinnati. com) and world-class French-Italian upstairs sister Boca (114 E. Sixth St., bocacincinnati.com) offer excellent high-end dining. At Boca, get the Pommes Soufflees “1942” — the classiest french fries — which are a call back to the restaurant’s former iteration as the five-star Maisonette. You’ll feel like Daisy Buchanan at the masterful French Art Deco Orchids at Palm Court (35 W. Fifth St., orchidsatpalmcourt.com)) at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza. Opt for a three- to five-course tasting menu (or a Chef’s Grand Ten Course Tasting) at Ohio’s only AAA five-diamond restaurant. After dinner, head to the bar: Decked out in detailed ceiling frescos, 1930s stylized Egyptian décor and weekend Jazz, it’s the perfect place for a champagne cocktail. For more prixfixe pampering, chef Jean-Robert de Cavel (or J-Ro, famous from his stint

at the aforementioned Maisonette) has opened Restaurant L (301 E. Fourth St., lcincinnati.com). The dining room pays homage to 1950s Paris and elevates the experience with fine China, a masterful sommelier and elegant attention to detail. For a more affordable version of J-Ro’s fare, head to Table (713 Vine St., jeanroberttable. com) for the bar-only Lunch Tray: four courses for $15. For a more laid-back lunch, Court Street Lobster Bar (28 W. Court St., courtstreetlobsterbar. com) blends “East Coast flavor with Midwest hospitality.” Among other options, find two styles of lobster roll: the Maine (chilled and topped with lemon mayo) or the Connecticut (hot and doused in clarified butter). Or eat in an outdoor teepee at Cheapside Café (326 E. Eighth St., facebook.com/ cheapsidecincinnati), a hip breakfast and lunch spot with pimento cheese, pour-over coffee and lots of kale. The nearby Bauer European Farm Kitchen (435 Elm St., bauercincinnati. com) is a truly unique exploration of German cuisine with French accents — a farm-to-table, Alsatian-influenced eatery. The sausage, charcuterie, steaks and chops are all dry-aged in house, and Bauer also offers “tete du cochon” — half of a piggy’s head cooked sous vide and crisped before serving (and honestly not as gruesome as it sounds). Before Before heading upstairs to one of the Contemporary Arts Center’s (44 E. Sixth St., contemporaryartscenter.org) new exhibits, visit the revamped lobby for the second location of Northside’s Melt Eclectic Café. For a sweet treat, there’s Hello Honey (633 Vine St., 513-977-0300), a hidden gem where everything is homemade, from the chocolate cayenne ice cream to the waffle cones to the hand-torched marshmallows. For more space and a family-friendly vibe, head to The Banks (thebankscincy.com), a booming mixed-use riverfront development. It’s home to the multi-level riverfront dining destination of local brewery Moerlein Lager House (115 Joe Nuxhall Way, moerleinlagerhouse. com), with 25 beers on tap and a great view of the Ohio River (and the Reds stadium). DRINK — Rooftop patios and hotel bars offer unique drinking experiences downtown. Head to the contemporary art gallery and boutique lodging experience 21c Museum Hotel (609 Walnut St., 21cmuseumhotels.com/cincinnati), voted one of the best hotels in America by Condé Nast Traveler readers. Check out the vintage tile floors at the in-house Metropole restaurant and bar, or take a secret elevator up to the seasonal rooftop terrace and watch the sun go down over downtown with a cocktail in hand. For an equally panoramic but greener view, Top of the Park (506 E. Fourth St., topoftheparkcincinnati. com) at the Marriott Residence Inn overlooks historic Lytle Park, where a rare beardless statue of Abraham Lincoln stands sentry. Although technically in OTR, the Symphony Hotel A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

(210 W. 14th St., symphonyhotel.com) — a nine-room hotel in a converted mansion — has seasonal craft cocktails and live Jazz Thursday through Sunday. Grab a local beer at the cozy, 150-plus-years-old Arnold’s (210 E. Eighth St., arnoldsbarandgrill.com), the oldest continuously operated tavern in the city. The historic Bay Horse Café (625 Main St., facebook. com/bayhorsecafe) — boasting a restored 1930s neon sign — serves up old-school bourbon, cheap schooners of Hudepohl and a “Cincinnati boilermaker”: a shot of bourbon and a 7-ounce Little Kings Cream Ale. For more history, Nation Kitchen & Bar (1200 Broadway, nationkitchenandbar. com) in neighboring Pendleton serves burgers, bottomless brunch and cocktails themed around Cincinnati’s defeat of Temperance warrior Carrie Nation. For singles looking to mingle, there’s Queen City Exchange (32 W. Court St., queencityexchange.com), a stock-exchange-insired YP hotspot where beer prices fluctuate with the popularity of the market. SHOP — Open since 1940, Ohio Book Store (726 Main St., ohiobookstore.net) is an independent five-story literary treasure trove with an expansive selection of books both old and new. And over the past 70 years, Algin Retro Furniture (800 Main St., alginretro.com) has transitioned from a typewriter and resale shop to a business selling hip Midcentury Modern reproductions and upcycled furniture. The nextdoor seven-floor Algin Office is an awesome warehouse to find vintage desks, filing cabinets and seating. DO — For a couple of bucks and a 49-story elevator ride, see everything Cincinnati has to offer from the Carew Tower Observation Deck (441 Vine St., 513-241-3888). Rent a surrey bike (wheelfunrentals.com) and ride along riverfront park Sawyer Point (705 E. Pete Rose Way, cincinnatiparks.com) or neighboring Smale Riverfront Park (100 W. Mehring Way, cincinnatiparks.com) near the Roebling Suspension Bridge, with spraygrounds, bench-swings and a whimsical carousel. The glassenclosed Carol Ann’s Carousel features 44 hand-carved animals, which you can ride for $2. For culture, discover the stories of freedom’s heroes at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (50 E. Freedom Way, freedomcenter.org) or have an exhibition-inspired lunch at the Taft Museum of Art’s (316 Pike St., taftmuseum.org) garden café. Downtown is also home to all of the major sports teams’ arenas: the Reds’ Great American Ball Park (100 Joe Nuxhall Way, cincinnati.reds.mlb.com), the Bengals’ Paul Brown Stadium (1 Paul Brown Stadium, bengals.com) and the Cyclones’ U.S. Bank Arena (100 Broadway St., cycloneshockey.com). EXPLORE — Rent a Red Bike (cincyredbike.org) — which comes with its own basket — and pedal around town. Now with almost 60 locations ranging 20

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from Northside to Newport, the bikeshare program costs just $8 a day. Check out Cincinnati artist Charley Harper’s public mural, “Space for all Species,” on display in downtown’s John Weld Peck Federal Building (550 Main St.). Or tour more buildings and cool sites on your own with the ArchiTour Cincinnati app from the Architecture Foundation of Cincinnati (architecturecincy.org). Using GPS tracking, the three walking tours — one along the streetcar route, a Fourth and Fifth Street Corridor Tour and a 20 Must See Buildings Tour — provide behind-the-scenes details, photos and info about architecturally significant spots. spots

M O U NT A DA M S A prime area for YPs and longtime urban-dwellers, major cultural and nightlife destinations reside between winding cobblestone streets, steep hills and stunning city overlooks. mtadamstoday.com EAT — Find plenty of places to grab a bite before a show at the Tony Award-winning Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park (962 Mount Adams Circle, cincyplay.com). The four-star and four-diamond Celestial Steakhouse (1071 Celestial St., thecelestial.com) includes the Incline Lounge for drinks with a floor-to-ceiling window view of the Ohio River. Mount Adams Bar & Grill (938 Hatch St., mtadamsbarandgrill.com), once a speakeasy, is now a great place for soup, salads and sandwiches. Although it functions primarily as a bar, Calle Cantina (950 Pavilion St., callemtadams.com) serves antojitos from a food cart, seasonal margaritas and housemade sangria. Bow Tie Café (1101 Saint Gregory St., bowtiecafe.com) does bistro bites, plus Intelligentsia coffee and cocktails. For Thai, sushi and a cool courtyard, mainstay Teak Thai (1051 Saint Gregory St., teakthaicuisine. com) offers three floors of seating. DRINK — Grab your laddies and head to Cincinnati’s oldest Irish pub Crowley’s (958 Pavilion St., 513721-7709) for a Guinness. City View Tavern (403 Oregon St., searchable on Facebook) is a classic dive that offers cheap beer and no-frills madeto-order burgers. Have both on the deck for the bar’s namesake view. And Tavern on the Hill (1111 St. Gregory St., mtadamstavernonthehill.com) has every sports station and package on 15 TVs, plus late-night pizza by the slice. Visit The Blind Lemon (936 Hatch St., theblindlemon.com) for live music and a romantic evening on the sequestered, secret-garden patio. If you feel like dancing, Mount Adams Pavilion (949 Pavilion St., mountadamspavilion.com) is a multi-level nightclub housed in an 1840s home, with four decks, great views, VIP table service, live DJs and a dress code. DO — Two of the city’s best attractions reside here: the Cincinnati

Art Museum (953 Eden Park Drive, cincinnatiartmuseum.org) and Krohn Conservatory (1501 Eden Park Drive, cincinnatiparks.com). On Friday afternoons, the art museum offers free public tours of their collection, which spans 6,000 years and includes everything from African, Contemporary and Folk art to fashion and photography. With rotating exhibits photography and more than 3,500 plants on display at all times, the 1930s aluminum-andglass Krohn Conservatory (which looks like an upside-down heart) is home to an indoor waterfall, exotic plants, an orchid house and a superpopular annual butterfly show. EXPLORE — As one of Cincinnati’s seven hills, Mount Adams is renowned for its river and city views. Try the Celestial Street Overlook (corner of Celestial and Hill streets, hillsidetrust. org) or walk across the Ida Street Viaduct (once a wooden trestle that carried the 1880s streetcar) into Eden Park (950 Eden Park Drive, cincinnatiparks.com). Climb the 100 or so steps from the base of Columbia Parkway to one of the highest points in Cincinnati — Holy Cross-Immaculata Church (30 Guido St., 2011.hciparish. org). On Good Friday, the faithful make a pilgrimage praying the rosary as they walk slowly up the stairs.

OV E R-T H E- R H I N E The heart of the city’s booming 19th-century German immigrant population, OTR went through many transformations before fi nding its niche as a hip hub. It’s Cincinnati’s Brooklyn, consistently offering the latest in buzzworthy attractions while preserving one of the nation’s largest collections of historic Italianate architecture. otrchamber.com EAT — Vine Street is the epicurean epicenter of cutting-edge bars and restaurants in the heart of OTR. All the food trends are covered: farmto-table, high-end street eats and anything else that necessitates a long wait. Award-winning chefs own multiple eateries on and slightly off the strip, so anywhere you stop, you can be sure you’re in for a excellent meal and, in keeping with elevated expectations, masterful mixology paired with lists of local craft beers and fine wines. Chef Daniel Wright’s Mediterranean tapas-style stop Abigail Street (1214 Vine St., abigailstreet.com) is next door to Senate (1212 Vine St., senatepub.com), which features gourmet pop culture-themed hot dogs, and down the street from Pontiac Bourbon & BBQ (1403 Vine St., pontiacbbq. com), with Tiki drinks and smoked meats. Stop by Salazar (1401 Republic St., salazarcincinnati.com) for a playful seasonal menu of nibbles, like salmon with an everything-bagel-inspired crust. Take a selfie in the bathroom at Please (1405 Clay St., pleasecincinnati.com), a former pop-up turned

creative culinary hideaway with one of the coolest bathrooms in the country (#pleasepotty). In a similar vein is Pleasantry (118 W. 15th St., pleasantryotr.com), a polished yet easygoing gem that serves simple and seasonal Midwestern dishes. For fish and other creatures of the sea, The Anchor OTR (1401 Race St., theanchor-otr.com) serves remarkably fresh seafood with $1 oyster mania every Thursday night; Zula (1400 Race St., zulabistro.com) does big pots of steamed mussels; Japanese gastropub Kaze (1400 Vine St., kazeotr.com) serves creative sushi and sashimi; and Quan Hapa (1331 Vine St., quanhapa.com) has Asianinspired streetfood, sake and ramen. For Italian, A Tavola (1220 Vine St., atavolapizza.com) serves pasta and pizza made with an oven imported from Italy; Panino (1313-1315 Vine St., findpanino.com), a former food truck turned artisan panini shop, has a die-hard dedication to authentic charcuterie; and Nicola’s (1420 Sycamore St., nicolasotr.com), a top Zagat-rated Italian restaurant, does Bolognese Night on Mondays: get either a meaty beef and veal or vegetarian tagliatelle Bolognese, bread and salad for $15. Chef J-Ro relocated his French Crust Café (1801 Elm St., frenchcrust.com) to become the first full-service brunch and dinner bistro in Findlay Market. It’s a Francophile’s dream with noteperfect quiches, croissants, omelets and, of course, a croque monsieur. For more of France, Macaron Bar (1206 Main St., macaron-bar.com) is dedicated exclusively to the art of baking colorful macarons. Brown Bear Bakery (116 E. 13th St., brownbearbakes. com)) is the new brick and mortar of this cult favorite, which slings craft-made sweet and savory pastries and baked goods. The long-running Tucker’s Restaurant (1637 Vine St., facebook.com/tuckersrestaurantotr) serves breakfast, brunch and lunch to locals and suburbanites who love the anything-goes hospitality and basic comfort food. For late-night, Gomez Salsa (107 E. 12th St., gomezsalsa.com) does walk-up tacos until 2:30 a.m. on weekends, with craft growlers to go until 2 a.m. at next-door HalfCut (1126 Walnut St., halfcut.com). Or grab a midnight slice at Goodfellas Pizzeria (1211 Main St., goodfellaspizzeria.com).

Malt House Taproom (1621 Moore St., christianmoerlein.com) offers free tours into the 19th-century underground caverns used by the building’s former inhabitants — plus $5 fresh-tapped pints and frankfurters. Book an American Legacy Tour (americanlegacytours.com) or a Brewing Heritage Trail Tour (brewingheritagetrail.org) for more history. The Skeleton Root (38 W. McMicken Ave., skeletonroot.com) is a functioning winery and tasting room that pays homage to the city’s verdant winemaking past. If you’re serious about cocktails and history, visit Japp’s Since 1879 (1134 Main St., wellmannsbrands.com/japps1879) for pre-Prohibition style spirits, The Lackman (1237 Vine St., lackmanbar. com) for a barrel-aged Manhattan or the apothecary-themed Sundry and Vice (18 W. 13th St., sundryandvice. com) for drinks with egg whites, bitters and absinthe. Enjoy a wine flight at 1215 Wine Bar & Coffee Lab (1215 Vine St.,1215vine.com) or Revel OTR (111 E. 12th St., revelotr.com), which specializes in promoting regional wineries — and makes its own smallbatch vino in the basement using a family recipe. Liberty’s Bar & Bottle (1427 Main St., 513-429-2461) hawks European wine and beers, with halfpours and bottles to go. Longfellow (1233 Clay St., longfellowbar.com) is a very chill addition to the neighborhood bar scene. The craft cocktails are cool and dangerously drinkable, the food menu offers late-night pierogies and old-fashioned snacks and there’s a fun pay-it-forward drink board where you can buy booze for your friends. Head to the beer garden at Queen City Radio (222 W. 12th St., qcrbar.com) for a local pint, boozy slushies, wine and cocktails; get down to some free live music — or the final-Sunday Future Science sketch comedy show — at MOTR Pub (1345 Main St., motrpub.com); or take in a drag show upstairs at Below Zero Lounge (1120 Walnut St., belowzerolounge.com). For gamers, 16-Bit Bar+Arcade (1331 Walnut St., 16-bitbar.com) has free vintage video game/cabinet gameplay and nerdy nostalgia if you’re drinking, and The Rook OTR (1115 Vine St., therookotr. com) serves up the same flavor, but with board games.

DRINK — OTR is home to an entire Brewery District, launched in the 1800s by German brewers and decimated by Prohibition. Today, the district is exploding with new microbrewers inhabiting the onceabandoned skeletons of former beer giants. Named one of the top 10 best bars in the country by USA Today, Rhinegeist (1910 Elm St., rhinegeist. com)) brews hoppy West Coast-style beers in an old bottling plant (with an awesome rooftop deck). Down the street, Taft’s Ale House (1429 Race St., taftsalehouse.com), named after President/Cincinnatian William Howard Taft , has creative craft brews and a curated menu in a former German church. The Christian Moerlein

SHOP — There’s a bevy of local boutiques within a several block radius. Sloane Boutique (1216 Vine St., sloaneboutique.com) meets clothing needs for the style-blogger set; Continuum (1407 Vine St., facebook.com/ continuumbazaar) is a concept shop showcasing indie designers; Elm & Iron (1326 Vine St., elmandiron.com) sells industrial vintage homegoods; and MiCa 12/v (1201 Vine St., shopmica.com) has locally made gifts. For upscale underpinnings and ethical intimates, visit Swoon (1421 Vine St., @swoon_otr). Reunion Clothiers (1212 Main St., facebook.com/ reunionclothiers) focuses on vintage workwear for men and women, while the eclectic TMBTITWI (6 W. 12th St.,

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themostbeautifulthingintheworldis. com), helmed by a world-traveling art specialist, has storied clothing, jewelry and homegoods. Article (1150 Vine St., articlemenswear.com) features durable menswear and has its own sister store, Idlewild Woman (1230 Vine St., idlewildwoman.com), with all the indigo and linen clothing you need. The Brush Factory (1417 Main St., brushmanufactory.com) is a handmade furniture store, design studio and shop for indie makers. Homage (1232 Vine St., homage.com) sells vintage-inspired T-shirts and apparel that focus on hometown and sports-team pride. Mannequin Boutique (1311 Main St., mannequinboutique.org) collects high-end vintage and donates sales proceeds to local nonprofits. To see them all in one place, visit Second Sunday on Main (secondsundayonmain.org), an eclectic summer festival, or The City Flea (thecityflea.com), an urban market held April through December. DO — Get a green manicure at Spruce Natural Nail Shop (1235 Vine St., sprucenailshop.com) or catch a concert at the Woodward Theater (1404 Main St., woodwardtheater. com), a century-old Beaux Arts venue that once played silent movies. It now hosts touring Indie, Punk and Rock acts. The Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal (1301 Western Ave., cincymuseum.org) is a 1930s railroad station converted into a natural history museum, OMNIMAX theater and children’s museum. (The Super Friends’ Hall of Justice is modeled after the building.) For the latest in avant-garde theater, check out Know Theatre of Cincinnati (1120 Jackson St., knowtheatre.com), with $15 rush tickets right before performances. For avant-garde cinema, head to the Mini Microcinema (1329 Main St., mini-cinema.org) for free screenings of experimental films. On any given weekend, find musicians, a murder mystery dinner or a ComedySportz improv competition at Memorial Hall (1225 Elm St., memorialhallotr.com). EXPLORE — Stroll Findlay Market (1801 Race St., findlaymarket.org) for farm-fresh food and outposts of favorite eateries like Dojo Gelato (dojogelato.com), which offers an excellent affogato (gelato drowned in espresso); Eli’s BBQ (elisbarbeque. com), cult-favorite smoked meats; and Pho Lang Thang (facebook.com/ dothelangthang), a Vietnamese eatery with the city’s best banh mi. Go online for an ArtWorks (artworkscincinnati. org) mural map to take a self-guided walking tour — the nonprofit paints large-scale works on local buildings every summer. Visit classical performance landmark Music Hall (1241 Elm St., cincinnatiarts.org), which also features haunted tours. Reputedly it’s one of the most haunted places in America — it was built over a pauper’s cemetery. Or catch the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops, Cincinnati Opera or May Festival (one of the world’s longest-running choral festivals) there.

NORTHERN KENTUCKY

Just a hop, skip and a jump across the river will land you in Northern Kentucky, unique for simultaneously being part of Greater Cincinnati and inextricably linked to the Bluegrass State. Take the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge (the prototype for the Brooklyn Bridge) from downtown for a heavy dose of German heritage, good bourbon and family-friendly entertainment.

Bellevue Covington Newport Florence + Nearby

Meet the dog mayor of Rabbit Hash

A working general store since 1831, the Rabbit Hash General Store (10021 Lower River Road, Rabbit Hash, rabbithash.com) is located in the quaint, unincorporated river hamlet of Rabbit Hash, home to impromptu outdoor Bluegrass concerts, weekend motorcycle stops and a string of dog mayors â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a position currently held by a pit bull rescue named Brynneth Pawltro. After a recent devastating fi re, the store has been rebuilt as an indistinguishable replica of its former self. Even imperfections like the crooked front porch have been restored. Located approximately 30 miles southwest of Cincinnati in Boone County, time stands still in this town.

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#LiftOneToLife at Braxton Labs

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P H OTO S : P H I L H E I D E N R E I C H

While the original Braxton Brewing Co. in Covington (one of the city’s many excellent craft breweries) has the feeling of a Midwestern garage — a place that holds memories, nuts, bolts and beer — Braxton’s second “lab” location has opened the doors to innovation. Braxton Labs (95 Riviera Drive, Bellevue, braxtonbrewing.com), located in the Party Source mega liquor store, features 40 taps dedicated to its most unique offerings, as well as brews from across the U.S. and around the world. It’s a place for curious craft enthusiasts and anyone excited to try something new. Experimental beers include a cucumber wit, cherry saison and coffee-vanilla milk stout. The outdoor AstroTurf beirgarten is a place to spark conversation, make friends and play giant Connect Four.

Pet a stingray at Newport Aquarium

Find some aquatic fun at the Newport Aquarium (1 Aquarium Way, Newport, newportaquarium. com). Full of underwater acrylic tunnels, guests can get up close and personal with fish, sharks, turtles and other be-finned friends in exhibits that mimic the conditions of the Amazon River, a coral reef and more. In Surrounded By Sharks!, the aquarium’s collection of rare shark rays (shark-stingray-looking hybrids with human-like eyes and names like Sweet Pea) glide overhead, or you can glide on top of them as you cross the world’s first Shark Bridge — a rope structure suspended over an open 385,000-gallon tank. Pet a regular stingray at Stingray Hideaway, or opt for an up-close 20-minute penguin encounter. Take pictures with the penguins, watch them waddle and maybe even touch one.

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Try a Brussels sprout taco at Frida 602

Sound weird? Wait ’til you hear about the peanut salsa… Covington’s mezcal bar and taqueria Frida 602 (602 Main St., Covington, facebook.com/ frida602) is the second MainStrasse eatery for owners Paul Weckman and his wife Emily Wolff, who also run Otto’s down the street. Named after colorful painter Frida Kahlo, the restaurant mirrors her work with cerulean bar stools, bright-orange chairs, a floral banquette and Day of the Dead artwork. But you’re not here for the décor; you’re here for the tacos. The restaurant offers six different tacos à la carte, including the incredibly interesting vegetarian Brussels sprout tacos. The slightly caramelized sprouts are sautéed and topped with a rich smoked peanut salsa to produce an unexpected flavor explosion. On Tuesdays, the chicken tacos are only $2 (instead of $4), so you can double up while you sip on a complex, smoky Oaxacan mule.

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Indulge in Southern hospitality at Hotel Covington

Developers transformed Covington’s old City Hall (and former Coppin’s department store) into Hotel Covington (638 Madison Ave., Covington, hotelcovington.com), a luxury boutique hotel with a focus on modern-meets-vintage style. Yes, you could stay there — with rooms reminiscent of the posh Soho House and lots of local touches — or you could drink, dine and hang instead. Coppin’s restaurant creates magic with its mix of soulful Southern-inspired fare (fried chicken, pimentadew cheese) and storied décor, and the courtyard is a multi-use patio that offers everything from lawn games, live music and film screenings to an artisan coffee bar and daily happy hour. Hang out under string lights with a Carabello cappuccino, gin and housemade tonic or rosé on draft . For late-night, the alley-side Walk Up window offers chef-driven streetfood dishes. A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

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BELLEVUE With a population of less than 6,000, this quaint little sister of Covington and Newport has a main drag of eclectic gift shops, historic homes and cozy cafés. bellevueky.org EAT — Do brunch at Bellevue Bistro (313 Fairfield Ave., bellevuebistro. com), home to sweets, savories and six different types of benedicts, with choices like Kentucky Hot Brown and Veggie Benny (sweet potatoes, squash, avocado, cheddar jack). The Elusive Cow (519 Fairfield Ave., theelusivecow.com) does organic, farm fresh and sustainable for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. And Schneider’s Sweet Shop (420 Fairfield Ave., schneiderscandies. com) has been satisfying sweet teeth since 1939. They specialize in handmade, small-batch opera creams — chocolate candies with a creamy center — developed by a German confectioner for the Cincinnati Opera. History and sugar! DRINK — As the name would suggest, Bellevue’s Darkness Brewing (224 Fairfield Ave., facebook.com/ darknessbrewing) focuses on dark beers: stouts, black ales, porters and more. It’s very laid back with tons of quirky events, including classic horror fi lm screenings, paintand-pint nights and all-day happy hours on select Mondays. While there are a couple of other localsonly type dive bars on the Fairfi eld Avenue strip — and a little bit off, like the tropically themed Riverside Marina (145 Mary Ingles Highway, riversidemarinaky.com) — the booze-based highlight of Bellevue is The Party Source (95 Riviera Drive, thepartysource.com). With a mind-blowing selection of spirits at discount prices, there’s no other alcohol store like it in the country. Find expensive and rare bourbons, a giant local beer selection and college-budget party booze along with colorful plastic cutlery, bachelorette necklaces and easy hors d’oeuvres. It’s also home to the innovative Braxton Labs brewery, so not only can you shop for booze here, you can also drink booze here. Just outside the Party Source’s door is adjacent distillery New Riff (24 Distillery Way, newriff distilling. com), the northernmost stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour. This urban whiskey purveyor is still aging its fi rst batches of bourbon, but guests can sample New Riff ’s gin and unaged white dog after touring the operation on weekends. Get ready to sample a slew of rum — unbarreled, spiced and bourbon barrel-aged — at Second Sight Spirits (301 B. Elm St., secondsightspirits.com) artisan distillery. Built by former Cirque du Soleil prop masters and engineers/booze pirates, the distillery’s moniker is inspired by a vaudevillian swami, and free tours of the facility take visitors past the

on-theme steampunk-esque copper still. Tours and tastings run Thursday through Sunday.

American-Chinese with a kitschy lean and a binder-sized selection of brews. Find local and artisan deli items, brick-oven pizzas, hot sandwiches and pickle fries at The Gruff (129 E. Second St., atthegruff.com). Farm-to-table Bouquet Restaurant & Wine Bar (519 Main St., bouquetrestaurant.com) puts a twist on classic dishes and offers a constantly rotating menu. Browse an extensive wine list (more than 60 bottle and glass selections) while drooling over the current carnivorous offerings prepared by chef Stephen Williams. His ethically sourced meats are found in both small plates and entrées like local goat, lamb and red wattle pork. For dinner in motion and 360-degree views of the city, make a reservation at steakhouse Eighteen (668 W. Fifth St., 18dining. com), the largest rotating restaurant east of Las Vegas. (The lights surrounding the restaurant’s exterior also function as weather forecast alerts from WLWT news.)

SHOP — With too many gift shops and secondhand stores to name, just stroll down Fairfield Avenue and you’ll inevitably walk into one; all have a bit of that kitschy country vibe — some more than others. An excellent shopping district to find a hostess gift . But the new Coda Co. (400 Fairfield Ave., shopcodaco.com) stands out for its curated collection of urban décor and hand-crafted goods: wood pour-over coffee stands, macramé wall hangings, Aztec-print throw pillows and frequent guest foster dogs, up for adoption through a local rescue. EXPLORE — Wander down to Bellevue Beach Park (665 Frank Benke Way, bellevueky.org), a former 19thcentury community swimming spot, for views of Cincinnati from across the river. Or take a short drive to the campus of Thomas More College (333 Thomas More Parkway, thomasmore.edu) to see “the smallest church in the world.” The 6-foot-by-9-foot fieldstone Monte Casino Chapel was built in the late 19th century by Benedictine monks and moved to the college in 1965.

C OV I N GT O N Covington’s historic German MainStrasse Village is full of quirky shops, al fresco eateries, award-winning bars and an annual, infamous running of the goats. covingtonky.gov EAT — Thought MainStrasse was only about Germans? Nein. Pretend you’re in Amsterdam at the Dutchinspired Lisse Steakhuis (530 Main St., lisse.restaurant). Try gouda sticks, whitefi sh pâté and sides like hutspot (mashed-up potatoes, carrots and onions). The logo is even a windmill. For a Southern lean, Commonwealth Bistro’s ’s (621 Main St., commonwealthbistro.com)) entrées toe the line between contemporary and comfort food, with dishes like Kentucky-fried rabbit with creamed collard greens, burgoo ravioli and a burger with Duke’s Mayo on a Sixteen Bricks bun — they even serve Ale-8-One soda, a fizzy cultfavorite citrus-ginger drink bottled in Winchester, Ky. Sandwich-shopturned-bistro Otto’s (521 Main St., ottosonmain.com) excels at casual brunch. Their crab hash is wonderfully indulgent on a Sunday morning, and their bloody marys can be made with house-infused cucumber or jalapeño-garlic vodka. For excellent Asian, sit at a traditional fl oor table at Riverside Korean (512 Madison Ave., riversidekoreanrestaurant. com) and order a steaming stone bowl bibimbop, accompanied by a selection of tangy banchan. Or visit Johnny Chu’s Kung Food Chu’s AmerAsia (521 Madison Ave., facebook.com/kungfoodchu) for fresh

DRINK — Bourbon is king in Covington. New cocktail bar The Hannaford (619 Madison Ave., thehannaford.com) is named after famed local architect Samuel Hannaford and is decorated with wood, leather, concrete and top-notch bourbon, displayed in modifi ed bourbon barrels. Two bars on the MainStrasse strip made the list of the best bourbon bars in America as rated by The Bourbon Review: the Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar (629 Main St., wellmannsbrands.com/ okbb), which has more than 150 different types of bourbon, rotating flights and an extremely knowledgeable staff; and the Wiseguy Lounge (603 Main St., facebook. com/wiseguylounge), which has its own Bourbon Connoisseurs Club. If you’re more into beer than bourbon, visit Braxton Brewing Co. (27 W. Seventh St., braxtonbrewing.com), started in a garage by co-founder Evan Rouse when he was just 16. The garage-inspired taproom doubles as a creative space, with hightech accoutrements, whiteboard walls and iced coffee on nitro. It opens at 8 a.m. during the week to offer a space for the public and entrepreneurs to meet, mingle and machinate. Northern Kentucky’s “strip club” scene’s loss was the area’s classy cocktail lounge scene’s gain with the opening of The Globe (12 E. Fifth St., theglobecov.com). The former Club Venus sign is still outside, but little else remains from the structure’s days as a non-nude strip joint. Instead of gawking at “shower shows,” visitors can now sip on, say, a Cherry Bourbon Sour (a deceptive cocktail served with an egg white, cherry, lemon and Bulleit bourbon) and socialize with fully clothed fellow citizens. Molly Malone’s Irish Pub (112 E. Fourth St., covington.mollymalonesirishpub.com) is run by real Irish people — accents and all — and shows all English Premier League “football” games live. And for the

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LGBTQ crowd and allies, Rosie’s Tavern (643 Bakewell St., rosiestavernnky.com), just off MainStrasse, offers a casual environment for happy hour, darts, pool and pinball. For less than $2, you can grab a cup of joe at Left Bank Coff eehouse (701 Greenup St., leftbankcoffeehouse.com), an independent shop that serves coffee made with local Deeper Roots beans. They also serve local treats from Grateful Grahams, Yankee Doodle Deli and Shadeau Bread. Or get coffee for a cause at Point Perk (43 W. Pike St., facebook.com/thepointperk), which employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Indulge in a latte made with local Carabello Coffee and a New York-style bagel from cult fave Lil’s Bagels (facebook.com/lilsbagels) on Friday and Saturday… while they last. The hand-rolled bagels — made with “100 percent chutzpah” and Midway, Ky.’s Weisenberger Mills fl our — have a rabid following and sell out fast. SHOP — The city’s Renaissance Covington (rcov.org) project is helping to revitalize the downtown retail and restaurant district with cute shops and cool places to drink and dine. Whimsy is the word at storefront and studio Handzy (15 W. Pike St., hellohandzy.com), run by two best friends and girlbosses who graduated from the University of Cincinnati’s School of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning. Find a curated collection of stationery, paper goods, local craft s and greeting cards with cacti, cats, bright colors, evil eyes and anything else you’ve ever liked on Instagram. Madison Avenue is currently home to a Wedding District, and near the Roebling Bridge lies Roebling Point Books & Coff ee (306 Greenup St., facebook.com/ roeblingpointbooksandcoffee), a dog-friendly bookshop and coffee café. Make new friends with artistic taxidermy shop and enthusiastically approachable biological/naturalist educational organization Meddling with Nature (1707 Greenup St., meddlingwithnature.com). The group hosts a variety of workshops, where guests are invited to come and create their own taxidermied friend. Find many of them already stuffed at Hail Dark Aesthetics (720 Main St., facebook.com/hailcincinnati), a magnifi cently macabre shop full of oddities, witchy accessories and lots of used LPs. If you’re doing any type of home improvement, you can borrow, not buy, at EmpowerTools (305 W. Pike St., kentonlibrary.org/tools). Housed inside the Kenton County library, this effort lets people check out everything from weed-whackers and wheelbarrows to circular saws with their library card. They even offer DIY classes. DO — Drive up the hill to Devou Park (covingtonky.gov) for incomparable river views, as well as a golf course and the

Behringer-Crawford Museum (1600 Montague Road, bcmuseum. org), dedicated to collecting, preserving and exhibiting the Ohio Valley’s heritage. Can’t make it to Paris? NBD. The French-Gothic Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica (1140 Madison Ave., covcathedral. com) is a replica of the Notre Dame Cathedral. Located on the Covington fl oodwall along the edge of the Ohio River, the Roebling Murals (Riverside Drive) depict the city’s history painted along hundreds of feet of concrete. EXPLORE — Walk the Licking Riverside Drive Historic District. This 13-block area includes Civil War homes, carriage houses, Underground Railroad tunnels and life-size bronze statues of historic fi gures in lifelike poses; take your picture fake-sketching next to the permanently sketching John James Audubon, who visited Northern Kentucky in 1819. Or head to Goebel Park (501 Philadelphia Street, mainstrasse.org), a community gathering spot at the edge of MainStrasse Village that features a herd of goats that help eat weeds and maintain the park’s landscape. The annual running of the Goebel Goats (facebook.com/goebelgoats) is an entertaining afternoon spawned after the goats famously escaped for a 24-hour jaunt through the city in 2016. If you’re a fan of automatons or horology, watch little mechanical men act out the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin at the park’s Carroll Chimes Bell Tower (605 Philadelphia St.) at noon.

N E W P O RT Historically referred to as “Sin City,” Newport was once known for casinos, brothels and speakeasies; the city is now home to Newport on the Levee, a PGrated mixed-use entertainment development. newportky.gov; newportonthelevee.com EAT — Hit up the 1920s Dixie Chili (733 Monmouth St., dixiechili.com) for a three-way, or grab a slab of goetta 24/7 at the Pepper Pod (703 Monmouth St., 859-431-7455), a third-generation family-run restaurant, which recently celebrated 45 years. Have some handmade ravioli and play some bocce ball at Pompilios (600 Washington Ave., pompilios.com), the restaurant where the toothpick scene in Rain Man was fi lmed. La Mexicana (642 ( Monmouth St., 859-261-6112) dishes out excellent Mexican, including sesos (veal brains) and squash blossom tacos. It’s no secret that here in Zinzinnati we love celebrating German heritage (hello, Oktoberfest). Katharina’s Café-Konditorei (736 Washington Ave., katharinascafe. com) is an authentic German café run by transplants from Mainz, Germany. The café perfectly embodies gemuetlichkeit, or coziness,

with dishes like Jägerschnitzel, Holzfällersteaka and kaffee und kuchen. The new biergarten ain’t too shaby either. Other favorite eats are York Street Café (738 York St., yorkstonline.com) and Strong’s Brick Oven Pizzeria (336 Monmouth St., strongsbrickovenpizza. com), equipped with a state-of-theart pizza machine (aka the titular brick oven) imported from Italy. At Mad Mike’s Burgers & Fries (342 Monmouth St., madmikesburgers. com), you could go easy with a bacon cheeseburger, or you could go big with the Goliath, a black angus burger topped with bacon, grilled onions, American cheese and barbecue sauce between two grilled cheese sandwiches. There’s also a ton of larger chain-style stops at Newport on the Levee (newportonthelevee.com), including Brio, Bar Louie, Dick’s Last Resort and locals Dewey’s Pizza, Redondo Taqueria and Tom+Chee. DRINK — Grab a stein of German brew and a schnitzel in the biergarten at the first authentic Hofbräuhaus (200 E. Third St., hofbrauhausnewport.com) in America — “Where it’s Oktoberfest every day!” Originally a coffee shop and bistro, Newberry Brothers Coffee (530 Washington Ave., newberrybroscoffee.com) is now primarily a speakeasy nestled in the Mansion Hill neighborhood of Newport. The in-house Prohibition Bourbon Bar features more than 1,500 brands of bourbon, rye whiskey, Scotch and Irish and Japanese whiskey — the largest collection literally anywhere. But on “Third Sundays,” Newberry’s opens from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to serve its famous handmade pastries, like ham and cheese and goetta and cheddar croissants, cinnamon rolls, scones and more — all baked fresh Sunday morning and available while supplies last. Newberry’s coffee is also available at Jet Age Records (817 Monmouth St., facebook.com/ jetagerecords), a new and used vinyl shop with listening stations. The philanthropic Carabello Coffee (107 E. Ninth St., carabellocoffee.com) has cold-brew coffee on draft and a cool Analog Coffee Bar, for those serious about the craft . The six-seater space offers an intimate and interactive experience with expert baristas. Visit Trailhead Coffee (648 Monmouth St., facebook.com/trailheadcoffee) for Wood Burl Coffee, rotating pour-over selections, single-origin espresso, ceremonial-grade matcha and beautiful latte art. DO — Walk or bike across The Purple People Bridge (purplepeoplebridge.com) from Cincy’s The Banks to Newport on the Levee — or vice versa. The pedestrian-only bridge, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, opened in 1872 as Cincinnati’s fi rst railroad bridge spanning the Ohio River. In the early 2000s, it was renovated and transformed into a romantic and practical walkway connecting A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

the two states. The aforementioned Levee is a one-stop shop for dining and entertainment. It houses the Newport Aquarium (newportaquarium.com), an AMC Theatre (amctheatres.com) and Axis Alley (axisalleylevee.com), a boutique bowling alley. EXPLORE — The Newport Gangster Tour and the seasonal Newport is Haunted Tour (ameri( canlegacytours.com) both look at the city’s mob past with tales of murder, prostitution, gamblers and ghosts. For a more family-friendly adventure, BB Riverboats (101 Riverboat Row, bbriverboats.com) offers a variety of tours and dinner steamboat cruises down the Ohio River.

FL O R E N C E /N E A R BY N O RT H E R N K E NT U C K Y Famous for its “Florence Y’all” water tower, Florence is home to a big mall, chain restaurants and an independent minor-league baseball team. florence-ky.gov EAT — Greyhound Tavern (2500 Dixie Highway, greyhoundtavern. com) has been serving classic fried chicken in Fort Mitchell since the 1920s. It’s family-style fried chicken night on Mondays and Tuesdays, where you can get half a chicken and unlimited sides. Northern Kentucky — ironically home to the Greater Cincinnati airport — was also home to Toyota’s North American engineering and manufacturing headquarters from the mid-’90s until recently. With the influx of Asianfood connoisseurs to the area came an influx of good Asian restaurants. Named after the 17th-century Jō-an Teahouse, Jo An Japanese (3940 Olympic Blvd., joanjapanese.com) has updated its interior but kept its authentic menu of sushi, gohan (rice dishes) and noodles. Miyoshi Japanese Restaurant (8660 Bankers St., miyoshirestaurant.com) relishes in hearty Japanese hospitality, or omotenashi. With seasonal and imported ingredients, satisfying dishes like Takowasa Chazuke (seasoned broth poured over rice and topped with wasabi octopus), Una Ju Gohanmono (barbecued freshwater eel served over rice in a decorative box) and Hiyayakko chilled tofu go beyond standard sushi-joint fare. Rounding out the trifecta is Matsuya Japanese Restaurant (7149 Manderlay Drive, sites.google.com/site/matsuyaky), which offers traditional Kaiseki multicourse meals, Nabemono table-side hot pots and easy eats like chicken katsu. Their Tatami is available for larger and private parties. DRINK — Kentucky’s largest winery, Elk Creek Vineyards (150 Highway 330, elkcreekvineyards. com), is housed in the rolling hills of Owenton and offers award-winning sweet-style wines produced and bottled onsite. Before you start 25

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boozing, go shoot some clay pigeons at the next-door Elk Creek Hunt Club. For weird beer, two guys/employees of Northern Kentucky’s Party Town mega liquor store started experimenting under the moniker Mash Cult (6823 Burlington Pike, facebook.com/ mashcultbrewing) and created their own nanobrewery, which serves up small batch, gnarly brews like a Ramathorn maple coffee stout. SHOP — The extremely popular Burlington Antique Show (5819 Idlewild Road, burlingtonantiqueshow.com)) is one of the Midwest’s premiere antique and vintageonly shows featuring more than 200 dealers. From April through October, fi nd all the Midcentury Modern, farmhouse primitives and industrial salvage you can fit in your car. Florence Antique Mall (8145 Mall Road, fl orenceantiquemall. com) is fi lled with vintage treasures and cool stuff; and for non-antique, there’s the Florence Mall (2028 Florence Mall Road, fl orencemall. com), with various chain stores and a double-decker carousel in the food court (America!). DO — Venture into Vent Haven (33 W. Maple Ave., Fort Mitchell, venthaven.org), the world’s only museum dedicated to the art of ventriloquism. Home to more than 800 figures, thousands of photos, playbills, letters and an extensive library, this fascinating collection is open by appointment for guided tours. Florence is kind of a sports hub. Horse track Turfway Park (7500 Turfway Road, turfway.com) conducts live thoroughbred racing, with off-season year-round simulcast wagering, and Frontier League independent professional baseball team the Florence Freedom (7950 Freedom Way, florencefreedom.com) offers up the food, amenities and giant, fuzzy mascots of the major leagues. EXPLORE — The Creation Museum (2800 Bullittsburg Church Road, creationmuseum.org): the greatest fi eld trip for Young-Earth Creationists and mortal enemy of science (and its guy, Bill Nye). One part museum, one part fantasy and all parts Answers in Genesis, this private oasis brings the Bible to life with dynamic animal and human displays featuring the likes of Adam and Eve and dinosaurs — together — and an exotic petting zoo. If you need more ego with your religious fi gures, look no further than the Ark Encounter (1 Ark Encounter Drive, Williamstown, arkencounter. com), a 510-foot-long, 50-foot-tall, $90 million replica of Noah’s boat, complete with a restaurant and $40 admission fee. For a more realistic look at biological history, Big Bone Lick State Park (3380 Beaver Road, parks.ky.gov) is named after the fossils found there. The indoor museum houses a 1,000-pound mastodon skull while the outdoor museum is home to a herd of real bison.

CENTRAL CORE

A collection of some of Cincinnati’s most diverse and eclectic neighborhoods, just a stone’s throw from the city center. Architectural homes, local businesses and urban culture add to the charm of these historically significant areas. Here, longtime residents mingle with young families looking for city life — with a yard.

Avondale Clifton Corryville Camp Washington College Hill North College Hill Mount Healthy East Walnut Hills Walnut Hills Northside

Bleed blue and orange for FC Cincinnati

Ah, the sights, sounds and smells of professional soccer — namely colorful flares and crowds chanting over drums. In just two years, FC Cincinnati (fccincinnati.com) has carved out a culture of its own in Cincinnati — on game days, orange-and-blue-clad fans march from designated fan bars, forming raucous parades through Clifton. They culminate at “The Bailey,” the rowdy fan section near Nippert Stadium’s north goal where the songs, drums and chanting commence. The rest of the home fans hold their own, too — the team has already set multiple United Soccer League attendance records. A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

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P H OTO S : J E S S E F OX

Stroll through Spring Grove

More than 150 years after its founding, Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum’s (4521 Spring Grove Ave., Spring Grove Village, springgrove.org) 730-acre grounds are considered a masterpiece of landscaping art. Many famous Cincinnati families have found final resting places here, displaying their wealth in ornate marble and granite monuments, mausoleums and weeping stone angels. The nonprofit Heritage Foundation offers various tours of the aforementioned, as well as walkabouts focusing on topics such as horticulture, architecture and Civil War history. But for local ale fanatics, it’s worth a pilgrimage just for the annual Afternoon with the Beer Barons. Docents lead guests to the graves of famous local brewers like Christian Moerlein and John Kauffman while living brewers provide samples of their most popular and unique beers.

Make it a “Meatless Monday” at Melt

P H OTO S : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

Having moved from a cramped space in a crowded block on Hamilton Avenue to the ground floor of the Gantry building, funky little Melt Eclectic Café’s (4100 Hamilton Ave., Northside, wellmannsbrands.com/melt-cincy) brand-new digs have more than twice as much space, a completely different vibe and a new, full-service bar overseen by Cincinnati’s unofficial cocktail queen — and Melt’s new owner — Molly Wellmann. The vegetarian-friendly eatery’s niche is top-notch sandwiches, especially grilled ones filled with oozy cheeses and a protein (roasted chicken, smoked turkey, brisket of beef or tempeh strips, mostly), that can generally be made gluten-free or vegan upon request. With the specialty cocktails and a forthcoming expanded entrée list, it’s poised to become a dominant neighborhood hangout.

P H OTO S : B R I T TA N Y T H O R N TO N

“Awww” over the zoo’s baby boom

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (3400 Vine St., Avondale, cincinnatizoo.org) is the second-oldest zoo in the nation and a leader in the breeding of endangered animals. In July 2017, it birthed a critically endangered black rhino calf named Kendi, and he’s not even the most famous of the zoo’s babies: Fiona the hippo, born two months premature, has become a celebrity in her own right, spawning T-shirts, local beers and even her own Facebook TV show with the hashtag #TeamFiona. Other fuzzy additions include an okapi, red panda and three Malayan tiger cubs. To save more species — i.e. honeybees — the zoo partnered with local brewery Mt. Carmel to create Queen Bee, a blackberry-honey blonde ale, which you can enjoy while perusing the grounds.

P H OTO S ( L- R ) : C A L C U L L E N / H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

Jump in at Wave Pool

Founded by San Francisco transplants, Camp Washington’s Wave Pool (2940 Colerain Ave., Camp Washington, wavepoolgallery.org) is a dynamic Contemporary art gallery dedicated to experimental exhibitions and community events in a converted fi rehouse. Social-practice art is treated as a genre on par with traditional media, so expect the unexpected — from intersectional exhibits touching on protest signs, prayer fl ags and plant health to associated explorations like the Welcome Project, a café and boutique that aims to empower the neighborhood’s at-risk immigrant population. The gallery also offers an Art Space is Your Space live/work residency opportunity, clever themed parties and community events like Dark Asana Yo)))ga, an in-the-dark Vinyasa fl ow class set to Space Doom music.

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A V O N DA L E /CL I F T O N/ C O R RY V I L L E This cluster of “uptown” urban neighborhoods are among Cincinnati’s oldest. Avondale is socially, economically and racially diverse. Clifton is all things college — coffee shops, restaurants, bars — with a Gaslight District of independent, locally owned shops. Corryville’s Short Vine is an entertainment district anchored by longtime concert venue Bogart’s. avondalecommunitycouncil.com; cliftoncommunity.org EAT — Delicious ethnic food abounds in these neighborhoods. International students at the University of Cincinnati get a taste of home and locals can try something new with a plethora of Asian eateries near the school: Vietnamese bistro Cilantro (235 W. McMillan St., eatatcilantro.com) uses Mama Phan’s family recipes for their pho and sate; Izen’s Drunken Bento (212 W. McMillan St., 513-381-5905) has super affordable dolsot bibimbop; Maki Express Ramen House (209 W. McMillan St., 513-721-6999) doles out traditional tonkotsu ramen with pork belly and soft-boiled egg; and Fortune Noodle House (349 Calhoun St., fortunenoodles.com) serves a La Mian style of handmade noodles paired with everything from vegetables and squid to beef tripe. The edible trip around the world doesn’t end there. Habanero (358 Ludlow Ave., habanerolatin. com) has been in the big-ass buildyour-own burrito game since before anyone ever heard of Chipotle; Island Frydays (2826 Vine St., islandfrydays. com) was founded by a Jamaican native and former UC football player whose jerk chicken was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives; and Elephant Walk Injera and Curry House (170 W. McMillan St., elephantwalkcincy.com) does double-duty as an Indian and Ethiopian restaurant with a daily split buffet (and double-sided menu). For more Indian, head to Little India in the Gaslight District. Among several other nearby choices are local/visitor favorites Ambar ((350 350 Ludlow Ave., ambarindia.com),), Dusmesh (944 ( Ludlow Ave., dusmesh.com) and Grill of India (354 Ludlow Ave., grillofindiacincinnati.com),), which does a full dinner buffet. Grab a stack of famous wispythin pancakes or a fluffy omelet — and a free, kitschy rubber duck — at Paddock Hills diner Sugar n’ Spice (4381 Reading Road, sugar-n-spice-restaurant. com), which recently celebrated its 75th anniversary. For a taste of history, Mecklenburg Gardens (302 E. University Ave., mecklenburgs.com), which has been in Corryville since 1865, offers German fare and a giant grapevine-lined patio — named one of the best biergartens in America by Travel + Leisure magazine. Grab a 1-liter boot of Weihenstephaner and head outside, or stop by Wednesday night for trivia and quarter flip specials. Looking for

college-style grub? Gorge on slightly spicy Sicilian-style pizza at Adriatico’s (113 W. McMillan St., adriaticosuc. com),), a sports bar and pizzeria where drunk college kids rejoice over the Bearcat — a giant, rectangular, 30-slice thick-crust pie. Keystone Bar & Grill’s (249 Calhoun St., keystonebar.com) menu features nine different varieties of mac and cheese — among other casual bites — which inspired them to open the next-door Mac Shack (249 Calhoun St., eatmacshack.com), a fastcasual storefront that specifically deals in cheesy, gooey goodness. Top your noodles with everything from bacon and brisket to Doritos and cornbread. For a real college experience, head to the Clifton location of local chili chain Skyline (290 Ludlow Ave., skylinechili. com), open until at least 3 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and sit at the bar to order a 3-Way from the steam table. DRINK — Bohemian coffeehouses with light bites and alcohol abound in Clifton, from neighborhood staple Sitwell’s (324 Ludlow Ave., facebook. com/sitwells.coffeehouse) — with mismatched furniture, vegetarian food and coffee cocktails — to the Kerouac-esque Highland Coffee House (2839 Highland Ave., facebook. com/officialhighlandcoffeehouse), full of plants, a piano, board games and a mellow mix of artists and students. For tea — bubble tea to be specific — Tea ‘N’ Bowl (211 W. McMillan St., teanbowluc.com) offers about 80 varieties. Fries Café (3247 Jefferson Ave., friescafeclifton.com) is a low-key spot for bar games and freestanding shuffleboard. Arlin’s Bar (307 Ludlow Ave., 513-751-6566) has been a Gaslight District staple since the 1890s — it ain’t fancy, but the well drinks are cheap and the patio spans two stories. Watch every FC Cincinnati game live at the Irish-leaning Murphy’s Pub (2329 W. Clifton Ave., murphys-pub. com), an official team partner, where Mini Guinney cocktails (a liquor blend that looks like Guinness) are $3.50 every day. Martino’s on Vine (2618 Vine St., martinosonvine.com) catches flack for being a Steelers bar, but the restaurant, which is run by Italian-Americans from Pittsburgh, offers multiple cheesesteak variations, which makes it OK — even for a Bengals fan. SHOP — In the market for some Nag Champa or flowy boho duds? The Gaslight District on Ludlow Avenue is home to many hippiechic independent shops, including Coachella-friendly clothier Pangaea Trading Co. (326 Ludlow Ave., 513-7513330); fair-trade importer The Hansa Guild (369 Ludlow Ave., hansaguild. us); decades-old African clothing purveyor Kilimanjaro African Heritage (310 Ludlow Ave., africanforus. com); vintage homegoods store Lentz & Company (339 Ludlow Ave., facebook.com/lentzandcompany); and specialty gift shop Toko Baru (325 Ludlow Ave., 513-751-3338). Up the hill in Clifton Heights, mixeduse developments have attracted popular chains like Urban Outfitters

and Target. On Short Vine, Mike’s Music (2615 Vine St., mikesmusicohio. com) offers vintage instruments and repair specialists and is frequented by touring musicians who play nearby Bogart’s. By the university, Duttenhofer’s Books (214 W. McMillan St., duttenhofers.com) is a treasure trove of rare, old and used books — and there’s frequently a cat or two roaming the stacks. DO — Catch a movie and grab a glass of wine at art-house theater Esquire Theatre (320 Ludlow Ave., esquiretheatre.com), where the Rocky Horror Picture Show draws enthusiastic — and noisy — costumed fans every other Saturday. Head to the 150-year-old University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music (2600 Clifton Ave., ccm. uc.edu) to see students from one of the leading arts conservatories perform everything from Broadway classics to alternative theater as well as opera, dance and concerts — frequently for free. Play a game of chess on the porch of the Clifton branch of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County (3400 Brookline Ave., cincinnatilibrary.org), which is housed in the Samuel Hannaforddesigned former home of George “Boss” Cox, who ran Cincinnati’s corrupt political machine at the turn of the 19th century. Rock out at iconic club Bogart’s (2621 Vine St., bogarts.com), which has been part of the Short Vine landscape since the 1890s, when it was originally built as a vaudeville theater. Since the 1970s, it has played host to artists like U2, Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, The Police and hundreds of others at the dawn of their careers. EXPLORE — This winter, the 35thannual Festival of Lights will turn the Cincinnati Zoo (3400 Vine St., cincinnatizoo.org) into a sparkling “Wild Wonderland” with 2.5 million LED lights from Nov. 18, 2017-Jan. 1, 2018. Visit Ludlow Wines (343 Ludlow Ave., ludlowwines.com) for their expertise on all things vino (popular wine tastings take place and Friday and Saturday nights), or just grab a quick bottle and head over to Mount Storm Park ( 700 Lafayette Ave., cincinnatiparks.com) to take in the view.

CA M P WA S H I N GT O N Located between Clifton and Northside and established in 1845, Camp Washington is a tight-knit community with an up-and-coming arts scene. camp-washington.org EAT — For more than 50 years, Camp Washington Chili (3005 Colerain Ave., campwashingtonchili.com) has been serving up some of the best chili in the nation; the parlor won an “American Regional Classic” award from the James Beard Foundation. Open 24/6 (it’s closed on Sundays), it’s a retro spot to grab a 3-way or a cheese coney. You into paleo? Go

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straight to the source at Wild Joe’s (2905 Jessamine St., wildjoesbeefjerkey.com) and grab some all-natural beef jerky from the factory. DO — Camp Washington Urban Farm (3220 Colerain Ave., cwurbanfarm.org) provides produce, passion and practical education, plus two goats who serve as conversation starters and cost-effective lawn mowers. The public is welcome to volunteer Tuesday and Thursday nights; pull weeds, pet the animals and take home a colored egg or two from the laying hens. Visit the American Sign Museum (1330 Monmouth Ave., americansignmuseum. org), a nostalgic neon-dream and the largest sign museum in America, boasting more than 200 preserved, archived and displayed signs ranging from the late-19th century to the 1970s. Guided tours take place Wednesday through Sunday. EXPLORE — Builder/artist Mark deJong has been transforming a three-floor, shotgun-style Camp Washington domicile into the Swing House, a large-scale art installation that includes a 30-foot-long swing with ropes secured to an iron beam across the ceiling. It will soon be available for guests to rent — like an arty airbnb — and it’s the subject of an exhibit at the Contemporary Art Center April 20-May 20, 2018.

COLLEGE HILL/ N O RT H C O L L E G E H I L L / M O U NT H E A LT HY These central, old-school residential neighborhoods are adding amenities all the time. collegehillohio.org; northcollegehill.org; mthealthy.org EAT — The former owners of Clifton favorite Dushmesh now offer their legendary North Indian fare up the road in College Hill at Swad Indian (1810 W. Galbraith Road, swadtasty. com). Red Rose Pizza (5915 Hamilton Ave., Hill, redrosecollegehill.com) gives Italian fans a dose of superfood with their assorted avocado dishes and even offers specialty gluten-free pizzas. Chung Ching (5842 Hamilton Ave., 513-541-1243) is a mom-and-pop Chinese restaurant. The no-frills North College Hill Bakery (1807 W. Galbraith Road, northcollegehillbakery.com) has been serving tasty treats and homemade breads since 1933; they’re famous for their tea cookies. DRINK — Cincinnati’s brewing explosion continues: Brink Brewing Company (5905 Hamilton Ave., brinkbrewing.com) is one of the city’s newest microbrewers, a family-run operation whose beautifully designed taproom is meant to be a community gathering space — think reclaimed wood, a giant scrabble board and Wi-Fi. College Hill Coffee Co. and Casual Gourmet (6128 Hamilton Ave., collegehillcoffeeco.com) is another spot for locals to congregate and enjoy a full espresso and coffee bar

and extensive menu. Marty’s Hops and Vines (6110 Hamilton Ave, martyshopsandvines.com) brought a 1920s building back to life, transforming it into a watering hole with comfortable seating and an antique bar. Find a small plate menu, great vino, live music and wine tastings on Friday nights. Speaking of wine, Burnet Ridge Winery (6721 Richard Ave., burnetridge.com) in North College Hill makes award-winning wines and blends. People love their Purple Trillium. SHOP — “Design and flora” shop Fern (6040 Hamilton Ave., fern-shop. com)) carefully curates unique objects and assorted plants in a refurbished gas station. It was the only independent shop named by the TODAY Show as one of the best places to buy planters in the country. Silk Road Textiles (6106 Hamilton Ave., silkroadcincinnati.com) carries ethically traded international fabric and yarns and offers various quilting and knitting lessons. Schwartz Jewelers (6114 Hamilton Ave., schwartzjewelers.net) has an exciting collection of estate pieces, as well as modern jewelry.

E A ST WA L N UT H I L L S/ WA L N UT H I L L S These adjacent urban neighborhoods have historic homes and business districts witnessing a restaurant-and-retail renaissance. walnuthillsrf.org; eastwalnuthills.org EAT — Walnut Hills is bustling with new bars and restaurants. Former favorite food truck Fireside Pizza (773 E. McMillan St., firesidepizzawalnuthills.com) serves up wood-fired pizza and cold pints from a custom fire-extinguisher draft inside a historic firehouse. O Pie O (1527 Madison Road, opieo.com) does sweet-and-savory handcrafted seasonal pies for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The second location of catering service turned brick-and-mortar barbecue restaurant Just Q’in (975 E. McMillan St., justquin.com) smokes its meat using all wood, and its sides are made in-house daily. Andy’s Mediterranean Grille (906 Nassau St., Walnut Hills, andyskabob.com) has been around since the ’90s — on Friday and Saturday nights, enjoy live belly dancing with your shish tawook or shawarma. The historic dive Brew House (1047 E. McMillan St., facebook.com/brewhousecincinnati) is a welcoming neighborhood bar that has been hosting a February chili cook-off for two decades. Gomez Salsa’s walk-up window on 12th Street in Over-the-Rhine was so popular, owner Andrew Gomez opened a second space — Gomez Salsa Cantina (2437 Gilbert Ave., gomezsalsa. com) — in Walnut Hills. The eatery serves tacos, burritos, burrito bowls and the signature Turtle Shell, plus alcohol! The Fire Margarita delivers good jalapeño flavor, balanced by the sweet and sour of the margarita.

DRINK — Named in honor of the video rental store where director Quentin Tarantino once worked, The Video Archive (965 E. McMillan Road, facebook.com/videoarchivecincinnati) is ) is a rental store that doubles as a speakeasy, like a Blockbuster with a back-alley bar. Pull a specific VHS off the shelf and a secret door opens into a grindhouse wonderland with themed drinks. Founded by a lifelong Cincinnatian and an L.A. transplant, Woodburn Brewery (2800 Woodburn Ave., woodburnbrewery.com) promises the best of the West Side and the West Coast. Grab a growler to go from one of the aptly named Growler House’s (1526 Madison Road, thegrowlerhouse.com) 30 taps. Craft coffee and craft beer collide at Walnut Hills’ Landlocked Social House (648 E. McMillan St., facebook. com/landlockedsocialhouse), with a bonus backyard biergarten. Myrtle’s Punch House (2733 Woodburn Ave., wellmannsbrands.com/myrtles) serves handcrafted punches by the glass or bowl via a state-of-the-art draft system. For a bit of Greenwich Village in the Queen City, catch live Jazz, spoken word and art at The Greenwich (2442 Gilbert Ave., thegreenwich.com). SHOP — Experience the Woodburn Avenue business district — many of them women-owned — in one night during the monthly Walk on Woodburn (facebook.com/walkonwoodburn).). Pick up a curated curiosity at vintage boutique Hi-Bred (2807 Woodburn Ave., facebook. com/hibredlife); browse for Mad Men dresser sets and Scandinavian seating at Leftcoast Modern (2809 Woodburn Ave., facebook.com/ leftcoastmoderncincinnati); then stop by the shop next door, Your Friends & Neighbors (2808 Woodburn Ave., facebook.com/weareyourfriendsandneighbors), where owner and designer Maya Drozdz lovingly selects a collection of homegoods created by her talented friends from the design world and local makers. Make a change at Parlour (2600 Woodburn Ave., salonparlour.com), voted one of the best salons for color in America by InStyle Magazine. EXPLORE — The Lucky Cat Museum (2511 Essex Place, Walnut Hills, manekinekomuseum.com) features a collection of nearly a thousand maneki-neko cats in all shapes and sizes. Meow. Catch an excellent art show at creative research gallery Manifest (2727 Woodburn Ave., manifestgallery.org), known for its annual NUDE and small works exhibits. Or tour the Harriet Beecher Stowe House (2950 Gilbert Ave., stowehousecincy.org), which the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin called home before she penned her masterpiece.

N O RT H S I D E An eclectic, green-leaning urban enclave of artists, musicians, do-it-yourselfers and a

prominent LGBTQ community. northside.net EAT — Bridges (4165 Hamilton Ave., facebook.com/ashchipalu) is like a Nepalese Chipotle: Diners will find options to build their own bowls or combos, with additional soups, sides and samosas. Lentils are poured on top of a rice base before a stew-like entrée is added, like grilled chicken tikka masala or vegan aloo wala. Tickle Pickle (4176 Hamilton Ave., ticklepicklenorthside.com) offers organic beef and black bean burgers with classic or vegan milkshakes. Blue Jay Restaurant (4154 Hamilton Ave., facebook.com/bluejay-restaurant) is everyone’s favorite neighborhood diner, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Grab breakfast, 3-ways or any variety of Greek-leaning entrées. Enjoy more upscale dining at Bistro Grace (4034 Hamilton Ave., bistrograce.com) with a large selection of craft beers; or its owners’ wine bar, The Hamilton (4029 Hamilton Ave., thehamiltoncincinnati.com), specializing in unique eats (like vegan charcuterie), treats and craft y drinks. Stop into Ruth’s Parkside Café (1550 Blue Rock St., ruthscafe.com) — a reincarnation of defunct downtown favorite Mullane’s — located inside the America Can lofts. Django Western Taco (4172 Hamilton Ave., djangonorthside.com) recently moved out of its initial location with plans to continue serving up Tex-Mex favorites and tangy margaritas made with jalapeño right up the street. Dojo Gelato’s (1735 Blue Rock St., dojogelato.com) seasonally opened second location, a former dairy whip window, has milkshakes, a sundae bar, draft root beer and 10 flavors of gelato. DRINK — There is live music practically every night in Northside, and it’s almost always free at the power trio of bars — Northside Tavern, Northside Yacht Club and The Comet. Head to the Northside Tavern (4163 Hamilton Ave., northsidetav.com), or “the Tavern,” as locals call it, for an evening on their large patio or a concert in the back bar. The Comet (4579 Hamilton Ave., cometbar.com) leans a little louder as a haven for Garage Rock-loving burrito-eaters; it’s Bike Night — as in motorcycles — every Tuesday. Northside Yacht Club (4231 Spring Grove Ave., northsideyachtclub.com) continues a lineage of hip bars at this off-thebeaten-path location. Expect Indie Rock and creative twists on bar food, plus trivia every Tuesday and halfpriced wings on Wednesday. The Littlefield (3934 Spring Grove Ave., littlefieldns.com) is an artful bourbon bar with 50 to 60 different bottles of bourbon and art installations from local artists (plus a huge patio). Its sister bar, Second Place (3936 Spring Grove Ave., secondplacebar.com) is Northside’s self-deprecating sports bar with outdoor ping pong, boozy slushies and free popcorn. Across the street is Arcade Legacy: Bar

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Edition (3929 Spring Grove Ave., facebook.com/albaredition), with more than 60 vintage arcade games, gourmet hot dogs and another giant patio! Stop by bottle shops within a block of each other to drink there or to go: Craft beer and wine bar Listing Loon (4124 Hamilton Ave., listingloon.com) hosts various shows and specialty events in a comfortably dimly lit atmosphere; Higher Gravity (4106 Hamilton Ave., facebook.com/ highergravity) is a new addition to the block, offering a huge rotating beer and wine selection among modern décor. Craft brewery Urban Artifact (1660 Blue Rock St., artifactbeer.com) serves up specialty sour beers in the lower level of a historic church, where you can also find live music and “Old Time Mondays” when musicians can sit in with seasoned old-time musicians and learn traditional Appalachian music. For a pick-me-up after all that booze, stop by the somewhat-hidden Collective Espresso (4037 Hamilton Ave., collectiveespresso.com) and try their expertly selected coffee or delightfully different espresso and lemonade mix. Located in an unassuming brick building in nearby Saint Bernard, Woodstone Creek’s (4712 Vine St., woodstonecreek. com) all-in-one tasting room, winery, meadery and distillery uses historic techniques to produce rare runs of wine, mead and spirits each year. SHOP — Searches for used vinyl start and end in Northside, where indie record shops Shake It Records (4156 Hamilton Ave., shakeitrecords. com)) — a store and label with a nod from Rolling Stone as one of the best record stores in America — and Black Plastic Records (4027 Hamilton Ave., facebook.com/blackplasticrecords) are havens for dig-for-it vinyl collectors. Neon-and-glitter Chicken Lays an Egg (4178 Hamilton Ave., facebook.com/chickenlaysanegg) has all varieties of vintage, and Casablanca Vintage (3944 Spring Grove Ave., casablancavintage.com) is cool and classic. Embroidery shop The Hoop & Needle (4019 Hamilton Ave., thehoopandneedle.com) focuses on modern and edgy patterns, kits and accessories. NVISION (4577 Hamilton Ave., nvisionshop.com) has groovy clothing, art and home furnishings. Speaking of groovy, the newest location of Hemptations (4129 Hamilton Ave., hemptations.com) offers almost all the makings for a 4/20 celebration. DO — Get a permanent reminder of your time in Northside at Designs by Dana (4167 Hamilton Ave., danatattoo. com) tattoo shop. Open for almost three decades, Dana tattoos with his wife and son — along with other artists — in a converted 1930s bank, which doubles as a tattoo museum. EXPLORE — Kids freak out — in a good way — at Happen Inc.’s (4201 Hamilton Ave., happeninc.org) toy lab, where donated toys become the parts for their very own Franken-toys — like a creative and nonviolent Transformer.

WEST SIDE

Cincinnati’s West Side represents one half of the city’s most enduring rivalry. Though it’s technically everything west of Vine Street, I-74 is a popular dividing line. Full of some the city’s hidden gems, the East Side’s sister is home to some of the largest and most diverse neighborhoods in the city. Here, you can find blue-collar, down-to-earth communities that are equal parts mom-and-pop and big box.

Cheviot Green Township Price Hill Westwood

Get a retro martini and filet mignon at Maury’s

To experience West Side tradition, grab a damn good steak at Maury’s Tiny Cove (3908 Harrison Ave., Westwood, maurys-steakhouse.com). Like slipping through a crack in time, the aesthetics of the old-fashioned 1950s supper club are complete with wood panels, red vinyl and low lighting. Menu items are named after local sports mascots, including The Bearcat filet mignon, Bomber ribeye and Panther fried cod sandwich, and all are served with sides like a shredded lettuce salad or mashed potatoes. Bonus? Each table is treated to a ramekin of homemade pickles before their meal. To merge modern life with a bygone era, take a selfie with the restaurant’s Space Age sign depicting a steer drinking a Manhattan.

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P H OTO S : C AT I E V I OX

Grab a glass of local vino

Located on a former rural dairy farm, Vinoklet Winery’s (11069 Colerain Ave, Bevis, vinokletwines. com) 30 acres of rolling hills and ponds are home to the only working winery with a vineyard in Hamilton County. Tapping into the Ohio River Valley’s rich grape-growing history, Vinoklet produces almost a dozen award-winning red, white and fruit wines cultivated right in Colerain. A popular wedding destination, the winery also hosts an annual Art & Wine festival, summer Shakespeare performances and grill-your-own steak and seafood dinners on Friday and Saturday nights. Head to the gazebo and watch the sun go down over lush scenery with a full glass in hand.

Hang out in a treehouse hideaway

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For those in the know, Everybody’s Treehouse (5083 Colerain Ave., Westwood, cincinnatiparks.com) feels like a slice of a childhood fairy tale. Buried in the thick of the 1,459-acre Mount Airy Forest, this whimsical arboreal abode is one of Cincinnati Park’s biggest secrets. Thronged by trees and wildlife, the elevated, wheelchair-accessible treehouse is the perfect spot to curl up with a book, plan a picnic, hang out with friends or laze away the day.

P H OTO S ( L- R ) : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R / C AT I E V I OX

Double down at Cancun Restaurante and Western Bowl

It’s a two-for-one at Cancun Restaurante & Cantina (6385 Glenway Ave., Western Hills, cancunmexicanrestaurantes.com) and Western Bowl Strike & Spare (6383 Glenway Ave., Western Hills, westernbowl.strikeandspare. com) — the establishments are connected by a doorway, making it easy to go from classic strip-mall tacos and tequila to classic bowling and beer. Since 1958, the glowing Western Bowl sign has been beckoning amateurs and pros alike (the alley is home to the Hoinke Classic, once the world’s largest private bowling tournament) to play on its 68 automatic lanes. With a Big Lebowski-esque atmosphere, the rates are reasonable (less than $5 a game), the snacks are cheap and the bar is fully stocked. Grab a pitcher of beer for $9 and get ready to bowl.

Make some noise at Percussion Park

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March to the beat of your own drum (literally) at Percussion Park (3546 Warsaw Ave., East Price Hill, facebook. com/percussionpark), an interactive sculptural instrument installation built by Cincinnati musician Ben Sloan and fueled by local creative philanthropic lab People’s Liberty. Colorful DIY percussion instruments — marimbas, chimes, cymbals and drums — are made out of repurposed wood, steel, propane tanks, PVC pipes, old gears and bike racks and are affixed to a concrete pad underneath a park pergola. Anyone is welcome to come play, for free.

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C H E V I OT Once a farming village, this residential suburb boasts “big city spirit with a small-town charm.” Cheviot is often considered the heart of the West Side. cheviot.org EAT — Named after a small island in the Aegean Sea, Santorini Restaurant (3414 Harrison Ave., 513-662-8080) serves authentic Greek-inspired dishes that please the soul without emptying your pockets. It’s gyro-tastic with gyro omelettes, gyro pizza, gyro gyros and, of course, the largest local cultural contribution of the Greek people: Cincinnati-style chili. For more Mediterranean eats, Sebastian’s Gyros (5209 Glenway Ave., sebastiansgyros.com) is the place to grab an authentic gyro, prepared by an authentic Greek, Alex Vasiliou, who opened his family-run shop in 1976. If you’d rather pair dinner with a margarita, Avocados Mexican Restaurant & Bar (3527 Harrison Ave., avocadoscocina. com) is your spot. Serving up casual Latin-American fare, it’s a place for guacamole, tacos, tortas, burritos, etc. Enjoy an Irish sausage sandwich and a Dublin-certifi ed perfect pint of Guinness at The Public House (3807 North Bend Road, thepublichousecheviot.com). For dessert, head to creamy whip Zip Dip (4050 Drew Ave., zip-dip.com), a seasonal walk-up for soft serve. The building is topped by a neon sign featuring an ice cream cone bifurcated by a lightning bolt, a nostalgic, glowing reminder of summer since 1950. DRINK — Wander down Harrison Avenue in the Cheviot Entertainment District for a casual bar crawl — there are about a dozen bars in a three-block radius with cheap happy hours, bar snacks and plenty of big-screen TVs, darts, cornhole and, weirdly, shuffl eboard to entertain you while you drink. Sip and sit back at a place where everyone knows your name (especially if you’re from Cheviot): Rootie’s Brickhouse (3609 Harrison Ave., facebook.com/ rootiesbrickhouse) is a neighborhood bar without gimmicks but with multiple local craft beers on tap. Fogarty’s Irish Pub (3620 Harrison Ave., 513-827-6088), owned by Eileen Borgmann, is known for its large outdoor patio complete with shuffl eboard, 30 beers on tap and a wide selection of bottled beers. Borgmann’s other bar is slightly more upscale (there’s a chandelier): Dean’s Hops and Vines (3722 Harrison Ave., facebook.com/deanshv) specializes in wine, bourbon (50 types and counting) and 150 types of craft beers. The humble 2nd St. Saloon (3703 Harrison Ave., 513389-1900) has been catering to the community since 1980. Originally located on Pete Rose Way and Second Street downtown, it moved to Cheviot when the Bengals built

Paul Brown Stadium. Get in a game of sand volleyball (or cornhole) between beers at Game Time Sports Bar and Grill (3613 Harrison Ave., gametime2012.com). End the night at Kellers Cheviot Café (3737 Glenmore Ave., 513-661-9678), owned by the mayor of Cheviot. The drinks are strong and cheap, and there’s free popcorn. SHOP — Up Up & Away! (4016 Harrison Ave., upupandawaycomics.com) is a comic shop for serious collectors. Eat local year-round with Lettuce Eat Well Farmers’ Market, which sells local, sustainable and chemical-free produce, grass-fed beef, pastured pork and poultry and homemade craft s on Friday afternoons in the gymnasium of Cheviot Elementary School (4040 Harrison Ave., lewfm.org). Craving more meat? Wassler Meats (4300 Harison Ave., wasslermeats.com), a butcher shop that dates back to 1894, makes their own brats, metts, wursts, pickle loaf and goetta in-house. DO — Harvest Home Fair (3961 North Bend Road, harvesthomefair. com)) has been a staple among residents since the 1800s. Experience community pride with a parade, fl ower and art show, petting zoo, rides, games and music at the annual end-of-summer event. Catch a classic comedy or musical from one of the longest-running community theater groups in Cincinnati, The Drama Workshop, who found a permanent home in The Glenmore Playhouse (3716 Glenmore Ave., thedramaworkshop.org). It has produced at least three shows yearly since 1954. EXPLORE — The Cheviot Slow Ride (facebook.com/cheviotslowride) rolls out once a month and journeys through the nooks and crannies of Cheviot’s neighborhoods, parks, architecture and hotspots via bicycle. All ages and skill levels are welcome; the pace is kept slow so all the splendors of the suburban landscape can be taken in (and no one falls behind). Each ride is 4 miles and 30 minutes. The ride meets at Harvest Home Park (3961 North Bend Road, cheviot.org), where you can also wander walking trails or have a picnic.

a little bit like a convenience store chain, but it’s actually a casual dinner joint, in operation since the 1970s. House specialties include old-school favorites like mock turtle soup (garnished with hard-boiled egg), a Kentucky Hot Brown and sauerbraten over egg noodles. It’s German night on Thursday and date night on Two-Fer Tuesday, where you can grab two entrées, one app and a dessert for less than $30. Nick & Tom’s (5774 Bridgetown Road, nickandtoms.com), another locally owned (by the Skyline Lambrinides family) casual eatery, has been around since 1988. Saturday and Sunday brunch features a bloody mary bar, where imbibers can select their own rim garnish: kosher salt, Old Bay seasoning or Cajun celery salt. Find a giant white rooster statue on the roof and you’ve arrived at Ron’s Roost (3853 Race Road, ronsroost.net). As the statue implies, they’re famous for fried chicken. They also specialize in “old favorites,” like turkey Manhattan, breaded chicken livers with brown gravy and lemon meringue pie. Want some more local history? Lake Nina Restaurant (7200 Pippin Road, lakeninarestuarant.com) is a decades-old family-style tavern with an emphasis on fi sh, frog legs and a friendly waitstaff. They’re famous for their “fi sh logs,” hand-breaded fried Atlantic cod (in the shape of a log) served with drawn butter and tartar sauce. For burgers, stuff your face at Chandler’s Burger Bistro (6135 Cleves Warsaw Pike, chandlersburgerbistro.com), which sources fresh beef from Bridgetown Finer Meats and serves burgers on Servatii buns. Since 1946, the Guenther family has been making small-batch confections — like truffl es, bourbon cherries and chocolate-covered bacon — at their Fawn Candy Co. (4271 Harrison Ave., fawncandy.com).

GREEN TOWNSHIP Comprising the neighborhoods of Bridgetown, Covedale, Dent, Mack, Monfort Heights and White Oak, this bedroom community is one of Ohio’s largest townships. (We’re also grouping nearby Sayler Park and Delhi in this mix.) greentwp.org EAT — There are plenty of longstanding establishments in this part of town with extremely loyal patrons. Kennings Circle K (6166 Bridgetown Road, kenningscirclek.com) sounds A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

DRINK — Because of the proximity to the river, there are a lot of Tiki bars in this part of the West Side. The pirate-friendly Knotty Pine Rock Club & Tiki Bar (6947 Cheviot Road, knottypinerocks.com) blends both worlds in its moniker with nightly live music (and Tuesday karaoke) and competitive co-ed sand volleyball leagues. Grab a piña colada on the seasonal Cabana on the River (7445 Forbes Road, cabanaontheriver.com)) patio; it opens Mother’s Day weekend. Located along the Ohio River, the island paradise features glowing palm trees, beach volleyball and waterside seating. An ideal spot to take the Jimmy Buffett fan in your life. Drew’s on the River (4333 River Road, drewsontheriver.com) in Delhi is another island escape with a boat dock, outdoor Tiki bar and fi sh-forward menu. Located in the backyard of Kreimer’s Bier Haus (6052 State Route 128, facebook. com/kreimersriverbar) is a Bavarian biergarten on the Great Miami River with three decks, fi re pits 32

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and German eats. Not on the river is Tavern on the Bend (5471 North Bend Road, tavernonthebend.net), boasting 20 beers on tap and a loaded mac and cheese menu only found in your wildest dreams (halfprice on Mondays). DO — Get up for an early tee time at Woodland Golf Course (5820 Muddy Creek Road, woodland.cincygolf.org) and wind down afterward with warm coffee or artisan gelato at Aroma’s Java and Gelato (6407 Bridgetown Road, aromasgelato. com). Catch a show at the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts (4990 Glenway Ave., cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com), a converted post-war cinema house that is home to the Cincinnati Young People’s Theatre summer series and yearround grown-up productions of modern classics, like Annie,, Guys and Dolls and Oklahoma!. Ride the Anderson Ferry (1 Anderson Ferry Road, andersonferry.com). This nationally registered historic site has been in operation since 1817, transporting people and goods across the Ohio River from the West Side to Northern Kentucky. It used to be powered by horses walking on a treadmill, but now people use it as a shortcut to the airport. Buy a ticket, drive your car onto the barge, go across the river and come back. Get some dirt in your skirt at the annual Delhi Skirt Game (Delhi Park, 5125 Foley Road, delhiskirtgame.org). The cross-dressing soft ball game that helps local families in need just celebrated its 40th anniversary in August. Hairy dudes — many of them members of the local Delhi police and fi re departments — don thematic wigs, womenswear and makeup during a wild weekend of block parties, live music, food, drinks and fi reworks. EXPLORE — One of the West Side’s best-kept secrets, Fernbank Park (50 Thornton Ave., greatparks. org) is a 60-acre greenspace that features hiking and bike trails, a playground, fi shing areas and playfi elds. The park opens at dawn. For more outdoor exploration, the Western Wildlife Corridor (westernwildlifecorridor.org) runs along the Ohio River’s scenic wooded hillsides and greenspaces from the Mill Creek to the Great Miami River border. It’s full of parks, preserves and some strenuous hiking. To experience the spoils of the land fi rsthand, visit Carriage House Farm (10251 Miamiview Road, carriagehousefarmllc.com). This Ohio Century Farm was established in 1855 and has been owned by a single family for fi ve generations. Here, sprawled on 300 acres, exists a way of life that’s mostly faded from modern consciousness. Aside from food, the farm tends to horses, has trails and produces honey. Leave the phone behind and come for an on-farm dinner (they run from May to November), open house or farmers market. Looking for another

fall-infused activity? Delve into an instinct inherent to the human psyche: fear. The Dent Schoolhouse (5963 Hamilton Ave., frightsite.com) is open to the public during the Halloween season and renowned as one of Cincinnati’s most infamous haunted houses. Rumor has it that a series of unfortunate events surrounded the real school, including dozens of missing children and a terrifying janitor. Feeling daring? They offer ghost tours.

PRICE HILL The Price Hill incline ceased operation in the 1940s, but East, West and Lower Price Hill are all on the rise with redevelopments, new businesses, nightlife and arts programs. pricehillwill. org; eastpricehill.org EAT — A local staple, Price Hill Chili (4920 Glenway Ave., pricehillchilli.com) was opened in 1962 by Greek immigrants. It features family recipes and by-the-bottle homemade Greek salad dressing. The steam table serves up classic Cincinnati-style chili from 2-ways to 5-ways (chili, spaghetti, cheese, onions and beans), and bottomless coffee blended exclusively for the restaurant from the Wallingford Coffee Co., a Cincinnati roaster since 1909. For food with a view, the Incline Public House (2601 W. Eighth St., inclinepublichouse.com) boasts more than a dozen craft beers, artisan pizza, brunch, cocktails and a back patio with a city skyline backdrop. In fact, Price Hill’s entire Incline District offers excellent views of the downtown skyline, and as one of the originals to take advantage of the setting, Primavista (810 Matson Place, pvista.com) still serves up romance with their fresh pasta. The restaurant specializes in homemade sauces, veal dishes and being the location for hundreds of wedding proposals. Looking for lighter fare? Somm Wine Bar (3105 Price Ave., sommwinebarcincinnati. com) wants to make sure your glass is always half full. The menu offers reds, whites, rosés and sparkling selections by the glass or bottle, with light paninis, charcuterie and European-style snacks so you don’t have to drink on an empty stomach. If wine isn’t your forte (though we question your judgment), they also serve craft beer and cocktails. Since 1901, St. Lawrence Bakery (3715 Saint Lawrence Ave., 513-921-3331) has been catering to East Price Hill’s sweet tooth. Indulge in their wellnamed specialty: Goo Cake. DRINK — Feel like a good Irish Catholic at The Crow’s Nest (4544 W. Eighth St., cincycrowsnest.com), one of the city’s oldest Celtic pubs. Dine on their famous beer-battered cod sandwich (there’s actually an entire Lenten menu) while you listen to live local music and drink a cheap Guinness. For a caffeine fix, the

hyper-local BLOC Coff ee Company (3101 Price Ave., bloccoffeecompany. com) uses locally roasted beans from Deeper Roots and milk from Ohio’s Snowville Creamery. Come for a craft latte and stay for the relaxing, homey vibes. Using local, organic and sustainable products, Common Roots (700 Enright Ave., enrightecovillage.org), a product of the Enright Urban Ecovillage, is both a bar and café serving local craft brews, organic wines and sodas, kombucha and live music on select nights. Proceeds go back to the community. At Enright Ridge Urban Ecovillage, founded by Imago Earth Center (700 Enright Ave., imagoearth.org), chickens roam, backyard gardens are plenty, neighbors share food and yards are cultivated as ecosystems. Take a stroll down the block lined with historic houses and wooded lots. Here, urbanites strive to be sustainable and live off their own land. SHOP — A burgeoning community of Guatemalan refugees are beginning to call Price Hill home. And establishments like the Maranata Store (1215 Rulison Ave., maranatastore.com)) offer both a taste of Central America and an authentic cultural experience for outsiders. The tienda stocks ethnic groceries while the modest restaurant serves colorful cilantro-infused ceviche, pork pupusas, fried plantains and three-milk cake. Grab a comic book at Rockin’ Rooster Comics & Games (5000 Glenway Ave., rockinroostercomics.com) and, if you’re feeling in the mood, stick around for a Magic: The Gathering tournament. Looking for a suit that really fits? Look no further than Peppe Ramundo (5229 Glenway Ave., pepperamundo.com). Helmed by Italian immigrant and master tailor Peppe and his son Carmen, who holds a diploma in fashion design, this shop specializes in tuxedos, menswear and bespoke-style suit fittings. An American dream since 1967, this father-son duo has fitted many fi lm stars in town shooting everything from indies to blockbusters. DO — Thanks to the efforts of rejuvenation nonprofits like Price Hill Will (pricehillwill.org), Price Hill, as a whole, is burgeoning with up-and-coming businesses and arts organizations. See the students from MYCincinnati Youth Orchestra (3120 Warsaw Ave., Price Hill, mycincinnatiorchestra.org) perform with the poise and passion of adults in the historical Warsaw Avenue Firehouse cultural space. Inspired by Venezuela’s El Sistema program, MYCincinnati uses Classical music as a vehicle for social change by providing urban children access to free, intense and high-quality musical education. The annual, free Price Hill Creative Community Festival (creativecommunityfestival.org) showcases the talents of MYCincinnati musicians in partnership with different community arts groups and A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

independent artists like dancers, poets, musicians and more. The arts are alive at Cincinnati Landmark Productions’ Warsaw Federal Incline Theater (801 Matson Place, Price Hill, clpshows.org), which is redefining Price Hill and the Incline District as an arts destination, producing edgy, modern musicals and dramas in an intimate space. The 2017-18 season offers Cabaret,, Five Women Wearing the Same Dress and Monty Python’s Spamalot. Spamalot After more than 25 years based at Saint John’s Unitarian Church in Clifton, MUSE, Cincinnati’s award-winning women’s choir, moved to the Community Matters campus (2104 Saint Michael St., musechoir.org) in Lower Price Hill. The women blend musical excellence with a mission for social justice. The Cincinnati Type & Print Museum and BLOC Letterpress (2307 W. Eighth St., facebook.com/cincitypeprint) is a working museum that celebrates local printing history — Cincinnati (with the help of the Cincinnati Type Foundry) was once the second-largest printing center in America. The fledgling enterprise has the goal of teaching guests to use classic printing presses to play and create, while its ministry side (associated with BLOC Ministries) wants to help recovering addicts train for printing jobs. EXPLORE — Olden View Park (2610 W. Eighth St., cincinnatiparks. com) is hailed as having one of the best views of the city; an ideal spot for pictures or reading on a day off from work. As the sun sets, stroll along the sprawling 84 acres of Mount Echo Park (202 Crestline Ave., cincinnatiparks.com) for another beautiful city skyline as well as views of the Ohio River and parts of Northern Kentucky.

W EST W O O D Cincinnati’s largest neighborhood features tree-lined streets and historic mansions that give way to shopping centers and new developments. westwoodcivic.org EAT — This neighborhood is home to the fi rst LaRosa’s (2411 ( Boudinot Ave., larosas.com), a local pizza and pasta chain that has become part of Cincinnati’s cultural identity. But if you need to grab a pizza and a six-pack on the go, opt for Trotta’s Pizza and Drive Thru (3501 Werk Road, trottaspizza.net). A unique local experience, the Cincinnatistyle pony keg not only brings booze to your car, they also serve really, really good pizza — thick-crust pizza topped with your choice of extras, including salami, meatballs or chili — all without you leaving the driver’s seat. Westwood is also home to Queen City Pizza (2580 Queen City Ave, queencitypizza. com). Since 1994, this pizzeria has served up pies complete with their own authentic, fresh Mediterranean 33

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sauce recipe. Take your taste buds ’round the world at Habesha Ethiopian (5070 Crookshank Road, 513-429-4890), which has authentic East African cuisine. Or grab a classic Thai dish like Pad See Ew, Tom Yum Gai and various curries from Thai Taste (5120 Crookshank Road, thaitastecincinnati.com) or Lin’s Pad Thai (6155 Glenway Ave., 513-661-8080). Come back to the states and slide into a vinyl booth at J & J Restaurant (6159 Glenway Ave., 513-661-2260), a cash-only greasy spoon that serves heaping helpings of all-day breakfast, double-decker sandwiches and chili. Back in 1938, the Putz family opened an ice cream shop in a pair of trolley cars. Today, Putz’s Creamy Whip (2673 Putz Drive, putzscreamywhip.com) is not much larger in size, but it’s defi nitely a legend in reputation — a seasonal Cincinnati tradition. Try their “blue” ice cream plain, in a sundae, with a dip top or rainbow sprinkles. Just remember to ask for “ jimmies” instead of sprinkles if you want ‘em. #westsidewords DRINK — Embrace your inner wine lover and make the trek to Henke Winery (3077 Harrison Ave., henkewine.com), one of the top urban wineries in the country. Made in the cellar with grapes sourced from vineyards speckled across the Ohio Valley, tastings are $10 for seven pours. Plus, you get to keep the glass. Check out happy hour from 1-7 p.m. at Old Time Saloon (4901 Cleves-Warsaw Pike, 513-921-3005), where 16-ounce draft s are only $1.25. Pair a draft with a soft , doughy pretzel in a low-key environment. In a neighborhood where dive bars are plentiful, Babe’s Café (3389 Glenmore Ave., 513-661-0831) is popular among blue-collar workers for its friendly atmosphere and Cheersesque approach to business. SHOP — St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store (3015 Glenhills Way, 513-3470342) is almost overwhelming to enter. Loaded with marked-down clothes, knick-knacks, oddities, books and everything in between, St. Vincent is always swarming with deal-fi nders. For those who enjoy thrift ing and digging to fi nd treasures, you could very well spend an entire day browsing its accumulation of stuff. Bargains and Buyouts (5150 Glencrossing Way, bargainsandbuyouts.com) is another spot for the deal-seeker that lies within all of us. Find reduced furniture, décor and other housewares. Fuzzybutts Dry Goods (3022 Harrison Ave., facebook.com/fuzzybuttswestwood) offers high-quality food and toys for pets, plus a certifi ed canine massage therapist. EXPLORE — Traverse through miles of hiking and bridle trails at Mount Airy Forest (5083 Colerain Ave., cincinnatiparks.com), which also features a sprawling dog park, a wheelchair-accessible treehouse, campgrounds and ideal picnic spots.

Pick up classic vinyl at Everybody’s Records

Sift through bins and bins of black vinyl at this Queen City institution. Everybody’s Records (6106 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge, everybodysrecords.com) has been in business since 1978, and they have the reputation and the selection to prove it. They buy, sell and trade records, CDs, cassettes and more. Every record shop has Rock, Bluegrass, Jazz and Soul, but Everybody’s doesn’t swear by the standard genres. They’ll talk music with any taste.

EAST SIDE

Filled to the brim with shopping districts, young singles and ladies who lunch, Cincinnati’s East Side is considered the trendy sibling of the down-to-earth West Side. But it isn’t all opulence. Head here for historic attractions, some messy pulled pork and an unparalleled view of the night sky.

Columbia Tusculum Hyde Park Mount Lookout Norwood Oakley O’Bryonville Pleasant Ridge

Pork up at Eli’s BBQ

With plenty of outdoor seating and some Southern hospitality, Eli’s BBQ (3313 Riverside Drive, East End, elisbarbeque.com) is a literal breath of fresh air. The no-frills affair specializes in meats, pulled and smoked (for 18-20 hours) and served in a red plastic basket. The pulled pork and smoked turkey sandwiches, smothered with signature Memphis-style sauce and topped with optional coleslaw, are definitely crowd favorites. But don’t miss out on the sides — creamy mac and cheese, kicky jalapeño cornbread and famous baked beans. Stuff your face al-fresco at a picnic table under a freshly built shelter with twinkling lights. It’s a comfortable family-friendly church-picnic atmosphere with a Rock & Roll lean and a frequently long line. Named one of the best barbecue joints in the nation, we recommend coming prepared to luxuriate in the lazy wait to barbecue fulfillment. A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

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P H OTO S : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

Get a sincere ice cream soda at Aglamesis Bro’s

Cozy up to the countertop at Aglamesis Bro’s (3046 Madison Road, Oakley, aglamesis.com) for an old-fashioned ice cream soda. You’ll get heaping scoops of vanilla ice cream, your favorite homemade sauce, whipped cream and soda water in a frosted glass. Pick strawberry syrup and your dessert will be about as colorful as this century-old familyrun establishment — its blossoming Tiffany lamps, pastel-pink chairs and striped awning are as sweet as the confections sold inside. The premium Frenchstyle ice cream is made in small batches with cream, sugar, egg yolks and other honest ingredients to produce a rich dessert. For a dairy-free alternative, get a scoop of their ligh-pink champagne-flavored Italian ice, served in an artful chalice. P H OTO S : P H I L H E I D E N R E I C H

Have a beer at the new MadTree 2.0

Here’s an IPA PSA for you: MadTree’s taproom just got an upgrade. Equipped with a 10,000-square-foot beer garden, the expanded and renovated MadTree 2.0 (3301 Madison Road, Oakley, madtreebrewing.com) is ready to host. With 32 MadTree-exclusive taps, ambient lighting and an industrial brick façade leftover from the building’s factory days, there’s more than enough space to accommodate all the beer-drinking, cornholeplaying, dog-loving humans. Head to the taproom, carryout and café to meet friends or make new ones over a pint of Happy Amber ale. Or reserve a spot in advance to get a guided tour. You’ll get a look at MadTree’s production and packaging as well as a token for the drink of your choice. Bonus: The expansion also included bigger bathrooms.

See a starry, starry night at the Cincinnati Observatory

P H OTO S : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

P H OTO : J E S S E F OX

This year has already offered some beautiful views. Astronomers and amateur space-gazers recently came face to face with a total solar eclipse and a supermoon. Add the latest astronomical event to your own calendar and plan a visit to the Cincinnati Observatory (3489 Observatory Place, Mount Lookout, cincinnatiobservatory.org). On the average Thursday and Friday you’ll get a chance to get up close and personal with the moon, planets and stars as you look through the country’s oldest public telescope — a 16-foot-long wood and brass refractor. But be sure to take advantage of special events year round — beginners’ astronomy classes, behind-the-scenes tours, Celestial Sips wine tastings or Late Night date nights. You’ll leave the observatory feeling like an amateur astronomer — and hopeless romantic — every time.

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C O L U M B IA T US C UL U M Cincinnati’s oldest neighborhood is known for its gorgeous Ohio River Valley views and pastel-painted Victorian homes. columbiatusculum.org EAT — Taglio (3531 Columbia Parkway, eattaglio.com) focuses on large slices of gas-fired New Yorkstyle pizza (hand-tossed, thin crust, real cheese). The concept is simple: walk up to the counter, order a slice or a whole pizza, grab a six-pack or a bottle (or two) of wine from their booze wall, go home and stuff your face. Green Dog Café (3543 Columbia Parkway, greendogcafe.net) offers sustainable, sophisticated dining to the environmentally conscious. The attached Buz (3543 Columbia Parkway, buzrestaurant.com) is a little more upscale with full table service and a fun menu of craft cocktails and seasonal Bar d’Oevures. BrewRiver GastroPub (2062 Riverside Drive, brewrivergastropub.com) brings the Crescent City’s Creole and Cajun roots to the Queen City. Catch live Blues, Roots and Louisiana Gypsy Jazz most nights. More NOLA-leaning cuisine can be found at Swampwater Grill (3742 Kellogg Ave., swampwatergrill.com) or Allyn’s Café (3538 Columbia Parkway, allynscafe.com), which both serve bayou bites like fried alligator, crawfish etouffee, grits and lots of blackened proteins. For a casual joint that deals in surf and turf, head to Terry’s Turf Club (4618 Eastern Ave., 513-533-4222). It’s known for beefy burgers and fish sandwiches topped with the works. Add gourmet sauces and accouterment like grilled pineapple, fried egg or balsamic glaze. The Sky Galley Restaurant, located inside the Art Deco Lunken Airport (262 Wilmer Ave., skygalley.net), gives diners a front-row seat to watch planes take off and land. Grab a beer and listen to retired pilots reminisce about favorite flights. ights Jeff Ruby’s The Precinct (311 Delta Ave., jeffruby.com/ precinct) serves some of the best steaks in the country. The Romanesque former police patrol house is a frequent local stop for celebrities, but the upstairs BAR is more casual; grab some oysters Rockefeller, a hand-selected George Dickel 14-year bourbon and one of a dozen cigars from the cigar menu. DRINK — The deluge of creative new bars, breweries and eateries flooding into the East End continues with the Hi-Mark (3229 Riverside Drive, thehimark.com). From the owners of Eli’s BBQ and Pho Lang Thang, this transformed historic 1860s home — just about a block and a half from Eli’s famed barbecue haven — is a drink-forward establishment with a bar-food menu featuring wings and fries with housemade sauces. Built between the historic East End and Columbia Tusculum communities, Streetside Brewery (4003 Eastern Ave., streetsidebrewery.com) brings community and craft beer together.

Stop by to meet the Hickey family, Streetside founders and Columbia Tusculum residents, in the taproom. Try Raspberry Beret, a Berliner weisse with the aroma of raspberry. At nearby outlaw bewery Bad Tom Smith Brewing (4720 Eastern Ave., badtomsmithbrewing.com), the motto is “Bad ass in a glass.” Pearl’s (3520 Eastern Ave., pearls-cincy.com) is a neighborhood gem. The nearly 100-year-old residence has been transformed in the heart of Columbia Tusculum. Come for cocktails and conversation on the patio, at the bar or in the second-floor party space. If you’re a Deadhead or Deadhead-adjacent, Stanley’s Pub (323 Stanley Ave., facebook.com/stanleys.pub) brings the noise nearly every night, specializing in Jamgrass, Trashgrass, Reggae and other very chill tunes. For more Reggae, take a staycation at Pirates Cove Tropical Bar & Grill (4609 Kellogg Ave., piratescovecincy.com) at the Four Seasons Marina. There’s a steel drum band, Key West-inspired cuisine, tropical cocktails and a guy dressed like Captain Jack Sparrow. SHOP — Pour your own candles at the local craft Manitou Candle Co. (4015 Eastern Ave., manitoucandleco. com). You’ll get 70 hours of scented relaxation with your new creation. DO — The Irish Heritage Center of Greater Cincinnati (3905 Eastern Ave., irishcenterofcincinnati.com) is dedicated to fostering Irish culture and tradition in Cincinnati; head there for Celtic music, craic and a perfect pint of Guinness. Learn to Lindy Hop with West Coast Swing every Wednesday at The Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum (3738 Eastern Ave., thecarnegiecenter.org). The center also offers programing for kids and plays host to theater events throughout the season. Walk the Historic District (columbiatusculum.org) to see Victorian-style architecture from Gothic Revival to Queen Anne. Along Tusculum Avenue specifically there’s a whimsical collection of multi-colored pastel “Painted Ladies,” which use three or more colors to highlight architectural details.

com) offers another fusion, specializing in Italian-Argentinian cuisine. Chef Alfio Gulisano, the mastermind of the mix, has joined his native flavors of Italy and Argentina in dishes like ribeye with chimichurri and seafood risotto. Forno Osteria & Bar (3514 Erie Ave., fornoosteriabar. com) proprietor Cristian Pietoso brings Italian food stateside with imported ingredients and authentic recipes. Discover traditional appetizers, pastas, pizzas and more — “Italian comfort food” that he grew up eating. Grab a glass of wine and dine under the ironwork of teller windows or in a bank vault at Teller’s (2710 Erie Ave., tellersofhydepark.com). The restaurant offers 20 wines by the glass and more than 120 by the bottle. Arthur’s (3516 Edwards Road, arthurscincinnati.com) focuses on award-winning burgers and local beer — the entire tap list is local craft brews. Pick up fresh produce for a homemade meal at the Hyde Park Farmers Market (Erie Avenue and Edwards Road, hydeparkfarmersmarket.com), 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sunday, May through October, or head to Carl’s Deli (2836 Observatory Ave., carlsdeli.com), in operation since 1938, for spirits and a sandwich. Both make for a perfect picnic at the nearby Ault Park (5090 Observatory Ave., aultparkac.org).

Charming shops, leafy promenades, eclectic restaurants and a gentle, steady stream of souped-up strollers encircle a small sitting park in Hyde Park’s historic town square. hydeparksquare.org

DRINK — A purveyor of really good wine, beer and food, Dutch’s (3378 Erie Ave., dutchscincinnati.com) is a pony keg turned bar, bottle shop and artisanal larder. Play bocce ball or sit by a fire pit while you scarf some truffle popcorn or roasted olives. Thursday is Burger Night, with a special one-night-only gourmet-topped burger available from 6 p.m. until they sell out. Cock & Bull (2645 Erie Ave., candbpublichouse.com) is a local chain with a pub mentality featuring award-winning fish and chips and a whole buncha beer, from locals to craft favorites. Grab a Cincinnati flight to sample four breweries, or head to Pint Night on Thursdays. Grab a pint of a select craft draft and keep the glass. It’s Saint Patrick’s Day every day at Hap’s Irish Pub (3510 Erie Ave., 513-871-6477). Watch Premier League soccer matches live or raise a shot of Jameson and say sláinte. Every Sunday, it’s half-off bottle night at Unwind Wine Bar & Light Fare (3435 Michigan Ave., unwindhydepark. com). At Cork & Cap (2637 Erie Ave., corkandcapofhydepark.com), red, white, rosé and sparkling wines are divided by influences — the sea, the orchard, silk, etc. — and available by the themed flight.

EAT — Start your day with Glier’s German Greats (two eggs, Glier’s goetta, potato cakes and baked apples) at The Echo Restaurant (3510 Edwards Road, echo-hydepark. com), a friendly neighborhood diner open since 1945. E+O Kitchen (3520 Edwards Road, eokitchen.com) fuses the best of Latin and Asian cuisine. You’ll see miso soup, ramen, tacos and mochi on the menu. Alfio’s Buon Cibo (2724 Erie Ave., alfios-cincy.

SHOP — Enjoy a day of retail therapy at Hyde Park Square (2700 ( Erie Ave., hydeparksquare.org). Leave your car at a meter and explore the square’s eclectic shops on foot. Make your way to upscale Soho Boutique (2757 Observatory Ave., shopsohoboutique.com), slouchy and stylish Leeli + Lou (2732 Erie Ave., facebook.com/leeliandlou) and mod stationery boutique Poeme (3446 Michigan Ave., poeme-online.com) for

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gifts and greeting cards. Wine Walk Wednesdays on Hyde Park Square feature live music, promotional pricing and plenty of wine (June through October). Specialty shops worth a look include luxury lingerie stop Knickers of Hyde Park (2726 Erie Ave., knickersofhydepark.com); 45/46 Fine Men’s Apparel (2719 Erie Ave., 4546finemens.com), which promises the perfect look for boardroom or backyard; and specialty shoe shops Morrison & Me (2643 Erie Ave., morrisonandme.com) and Corporate (2643 Erie Ave., corporategotem.com). Also nearby is the third location of Rose & Remington (3764 Paxton Ave., roseandremington.com), a local boutique housing all the flowing floral a moon goddess could ask for. EXPLORE — See the work of visual artists from Cincinnati to Serbia at Miller Gallery (2715 Erie Ave., millergallery.com), which is curated from thousands of yearly submissions. Throw your own pot at Queen City Clay’s (3130 Wasson Road, queencityclay.com) open wheel nights, which welcome all curious clay creatives from beginner to expert to kids.

M O U NT L O O K O UT Mount Lookout doesn’t just offer a gorgeous view of the stars, it’s also a well-known YP nightlife destination. mtlookout.org EAT — Raise a Rhinegeist to Zip’s Café (1036 Delta Ave., zipscafe. com),), a friendly burger joint that recently celebrated its 90th birthday. It’s known for the nostalgic model train that glides on a track along the ceiling, communal seating and really good, really basic burgers. The fresh-ground signature-blend beef is delivered every morning from local Avril-Bleh & Sons meat market. Wurst Bar in the Square (3204 Linwood Ave., wurstbarinthesquare.com) revisits Cincinnati’s German roots with an updated take on a classic pair: beer and sausage. Buona Terra Gelato and Crepes (1028 Delta Ave., buonaterragelato.com) has perfected over 100 flavors of gelato. Try Italian classics stracciatella, tiramisu and almond Florentine. El Camino (1004 Delta Ave., facebook.com/elcaminocincy) serves up Latin streetfood, blending Puerto Rican and Cuban influences in everything from tacos to tostones. DRINK — Sister sports bars Million’s Café (3210 Linwood Ave., millionscafe.com) and Mount Lookout Tavern (3209 Linwood Ave., mtlookouttavern. com) are nightlife destinations for singles, sports fans and any young professional in between. SHOP — The shelves at Boardwalk Hobby Shop (1032 Delta Ave., 513871-2110) are loaded with party games, strategy games, family games, obscure games, RPG games… basically any game, even a few vintage finds. DO — The Cincinnati Observatory (3489 Observatory Place, cincinnatiobservatory.org) hosts Astronomy

Thursdays and Fridays for a fee. See a presentation by a local astronomer and view the moon, planets and stars in a guided gaze. Drive by the Mushroom House (3331 Erie Ave.), a whimsical private home built in the shape of a mushroom by local architect Terry Brown. EXPLORE — Hike the nine trails of Ault Park (5090 Observatory Ave., aultparkac.org). The 224-acre park is the perfect place for a walk, run or picnic. Get a gorgeous view of the Ohio from nearby Alms Park (710 ( Tusculum Ave., cincinnatiparks.com) overlook. Called Bald Hill, the point was originally cleared by Native Americans to get a look at the early settlement below.

NORWOOD You’ll find casual eateries and friendly faces in this blue-collar city. norwood-ohio.com EAT — Grab a slice of wood-fired pizza at Betta’s Italian Oven (3764 Montgomery Road, bettasitalianoven. com) or a pie topped with mama’s homemade sauce at Sorrento’s Pizza (5143 Montgomery Road, sorrentospizzanorwood.com). Both are sure to be packed on Reds, Xavier and UC gamedays. Award-winning burgers put Quatman Café (2434 Quatman Ave., quatmancafe.com) on the map. On Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, you can get a cheeseburger, fries and a drink for less than $8. For a slightly more expensive patty, Gordo’s Pub (4328 Montgomery Road, gordospub.com) serves up gourmet burgers and craft beer daily — and occasionally in the same dish. Try the IPA Burger for a two-in-one. It comes topped with MadTree’s Psychopathy IPA fondue, sautéed mushrooms, onions, smoked bacon, lettuce and tomato. Frenchie Fresh (3831 Edwards Road, frenchiefresh.com), from local celebrity chef Jean-Robert de Cavel, is a “fine, fast casual” French-American sandwich/ streetfood shop located in a strip mall. Like Panera, but fancier and with more cheese options. DRINK — Get cheap drinks and good conversation at Edge Inn Tavern (3935 Edwards Road, facebook. com/edgeinntavern), a dive bar that’s been voted best of the city multiple times; it has Christmas lights up year round, because why not? Or take a tour of the family-owned Listermann Brewing Company (1621 Dana Ave., listermannbrewing.com). You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look and a taste of its award-winning beer for only $10. The in-house Renegade Grille offers imbibers a selection of wings, burgers and more. For an in-depth experience, opt for Chipotle 562 wing sauce, made with Listermann’s 562 Lateral Oatmeal Stout. SHOP — Whether you’re looking for a new wardrobe, a good book or a week’s worth of groceries, Rookwood Commons/Rookwood

Pavilion (shoprookwood.com) has you covered. Bookworms can head to the local Joseph-Beth Booksellers (2692 Madison Road, josephbeth.com) and attached café Brontë Bistro (joseph( beth.com/bronte) — which has a selection of author-themed cocktails. Drink a Kurt Vonnegut Scotch and water in honor of your favorite author. DO — Stone Lanes (3746 Montgomery Road, stonelanes.com) is a spot for both competitive and casual bowlers. Join a club for team bowling, or join the Can Club for cheap refills. Get your Stone Lanes Growler Can for $6 and get Miller Lite refills anytime for just $2.95. Bargain!

OA K L E Y A blend of old and new in a walkable, tree-lined residential area with a cute town square, Oakley was also once home to Wild West markswoman Annie Oakley. oakleynow.com EAT — Head to Rooted Juicery + Kitchen (3010 Madison Road, rootedjuicery.com) for a plant-based and power-packed menu. The kitchen can transform brazil nuts into parmesan cheese, walnuts into taco meat and cashews into cheesecake, bringing healthy ingredients to comforting classics. Sleepy Bee Café (3098 Madison Road, sleepybeecafe.com) values local, pesticide-free and non-GMO ingredients. It’s a prime breakfast, lunch and brunch spot with frequent long wait times. Pro tip: Look for a spot at the bar. Maribelle’s eat + drink (3235 Madison Road, maribellestavern.com) makes fresh, local, creative food with love. People freak out over the Brussels sprouts, topped with shaved fennel and a sunny-side up egg. Mazunte’s (5207 Madison Road, mazuntetacos. com)) menu reflects its creator’s journey through the streets, markets and kitchens of Oaxaca. Grab an order of shredded pork tacos (add pomegranate seeds) and a glass of some of the best sangria in the city. The owner recently opened Mazunte Mercado (6216 Madison Road, mercado. mazuntetacos.com), a market where fans can pick up popular restaurant ingredients like dried chiles, chicken tinga and plantains. DRINK — Get wild at Oakley Pub & Grill (3924 Isabella Ave., oakleypubandgrill.com) with an order of 120 boneless wings for $89.95. Follow the gleam of neon signs to cozy dive bar Animations (3059 Madison Road, 513-871-7606). Sports fans dig The Oak Tavern (3089 Madison Road, oaktavernoakley.com) for its TV fetish. Join the Wine Club at Oakley Wines (4011 Allston St., oakleywines. com) for hand-selected wine. Your monthly grab will come complete with a description and expert food pairings. For a full espresso bar that’s as ethically conscious as you are, head to Deeper Roots Coffee (3056 Madison Road, deeperrootscoffee. A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

com). Essencha Tea House (3212 Madison Road, essenchatea.com) invites you to create your own tea rituals, whether by visiting the shop, curling up with a good book and a warm cup or enjoying tea and conversation with family at home. SHOP — There’s a mecca of kidfriendly shopping along this strip. Start at The Spotted Goose (3048 Madison Road, thespottedgoose. com) for envy-worth head-to-toe outfits for mini humans, then head to The Blue Manatee (3094 Madison Road, bluemanateebooks.com) for hand-picked children’s books and wrap up at King Arthur’s Court Toys (3040 Madison Road, kingarthurstoys. com), which blends classic brands like Breyer and Playmobil with modern marvels. MetaModern Music (2942 Markbreit Ave., metamodernmusic. com) is one of the latest additions to the city’s growing vinyl scene, offering new and used records from all genres and for all levels of collectors. If you’re interested in making your own music, DHR Guitar Experience (3092 Madison Road, dhrguitarexperience. com) sells high-end vintage guitars for both lefties and right-handed players. Oakley Square’s outdoor, pop-up flea, the O.F.F. Market (theoffmarket.org), invites Cincinnatians to enjoy the blue skies and warm weather of summer while supporting the city’s artisans, farmers and entrepreneurs. In winter, the vendors move into a nearby business with bonus brunch cocktails. DO — All aboard! Ride the Cincinnati Dinner Train (2172 E. Seymour Ave., cincinnatirailway.com) back to the 1940s for dinner, entertainment and a view. The Queen City Sisters, an Andrews sister trio, serenades guests following a three-course meal. Take a class in art glass at Brazee Street Studios (4426 Brazee St., brazeestreetstudios. com). Learn fl amework, fusing, kiln work, carving and more to make artful pieces like soap dishes, bowls, beads and ornaments. Pull an allnighter to perfect your attack on a 7-10 split; Madison Bowl (4761 Madison Road, madibowl.com) is home to 24-hour bowling on weekends. EXPLORE — “Little Sure Shot” Annie Oakley (3211 Madison Road, artworkscincinnati.org) has her own mural in her former town. Annie towers seven-stories tall in this ArtWorks mural dedicated to the world-famous sharpshooter.

O’ B RY O N V I L L E A historic retail strip on Madison Road. obryonville.com EAT — The BonBonerie (2030 Madison Road, bonbonerie.com) is where sugar plum fairies go to get their wings. Their signature Opera Cream Torte is a double-chocolate-chip cake filled with vanilla cream. And the expanded café has a French lean with quiche, a brie panini and crème brûlée. As suggested by the sea-themed art 37

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on the walls, Eighth & English (2038 Madison Road, 8thandenglish.com) lists plenty of seafood offerings in just about every menu category, but there’s plenty for landlubbers, too. DRINK — Settle in at O’Bryon’s Bar & Grill (1998 Madison Road, obryonsirishpub.com) for Flying Pig wings (pork shanks on the bone tossed in sauce) and a Shark Tank cocktail, perfect for people who like to play with their booze. The vodka, Sprite and sour mixed drink comes with a plastic shark full of grenadine, which you then pour into a souvenir 32-ounce cup so it looks like a bloody little feeding frenzy in a glass. They’re only $8 on Thursdays. SHOP — Channel your inner boho princess at Kismet (2037 Madison Road, 513-871-7879) or shop artisancrafted goods at Ten Thousand Villages (2011 Madison Road, tenthousandvillages.com/cincinnati), a fair-trade retailer that promotes ethical sourcing and sustainability.

P L E A S A NT R I D G E A mostly gaslight residential neighborhood complete with a small — and constantly expanding — business district. pleasantridge.org EAT — Ditch the drama between Skyline and Gold Star. Pleasant Ridge Chili (6032 Montgomery Road, pleasantridgechili.com) serves famous Cincinnati chili on 3-ways, coneys and on top of french fries. The brainchild of Emily Frank, owner of favorite grilled cheese food truck C’est Cheese, Share: Cheesebar (6105 Ridge Road, facebook.com/ sharecheesebar) offers more than 20 different types of cheese. Eat the decadent dairy on themed boards featuring options from America, Europe and more, with accompanying snacks (olives, dried fruits, etc.), meats and, of course, wine. Grand Central Delicatessen (6085 Montgomery Road, gcdeli.com) is a combo deli/seated restaurant/bar modeled after 1920sera New York City’s Grand Central Station. A neighborhood staple, Gas Light Café (6104 Montgomery Road, gaslightcincy.com) is the stop for classic burgers and sandwiches. DRINK — Nine Giant Brewing (6095 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge, ninegiant.com) is a brewery and snackery featuring an extensive list of beer and not-quite-health-conscious pub grub. The Overlook Lodge (6083 Montgomery Road, thatshiningbar. com)) may draw inspiration from the classic Stanley Kubrick horror flick The Shining, but its cocktails won’t put your in a murderous mood. Wait. Is that bartender’s name Lloyd? In nearby Silverton, Meier’s Wine Cellars (6955 Plainfield Road, meierswinecellars.com) is Ohio’s oldest and largest wine producer. The urban space hosts daily $1 tastings for oneounce pours of table wines. Build your own flight for less than $5.

THE SUBURBS Cincinnati’s outer ’burbs aren’t all superstores, chain restaurants and white-picket fences (although there certainly are enough of those, if you’re so interested). Swing by the suburbs for affable shops, offbeat eateries, local historical destinations and family-friendly fun, including one of the world’s most renowned amusement parks.

Blue Ash Kenwood Loveland Madeira Mariemont Mason Milford Montgomery West Chester + Nearby Buy-one-get-one at the Mariemont Theatre

Nestled in the historic Tudor-style village of Mariemont — recognized as a National Historic Landmark — the Mariemont Theatre (6906 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, mariemonttheatre.com) is a beloved cornerstone of the neighborhood, independently owned in conjunction with the Esquire and Kenwood theaters and Eastgate Brew & View. Sign up for a Critic’s Club card to receive 10 percent off concession purchases (excluding alcohol) and BOGO tickets on Thursdays — aka Thirsty Thursdays — when beers are just $3 until 9 p.m. Pair your movie with a brew from the in-house bar, which serves up local craft s, plus spirits and red, white and sparkling wines. A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

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P H OTO : P R OV I D E D

Ride the rails at Kings Islands’ Mystic Timbers

P H OTO S : C AT I E V I OX

The greatest draw of the brand-new Mystic Timbers wooden roller coaster at Kings Island (6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason, visitkingsisland.com) is its abandoned-lumber-yard theme and what lurks in the mysterious shed at the end, where no two encounters are alike. The coaster’s cars (modeled after a baby blue 1960s pickup truck) snake through thick foliage and 16 hills in a blur, screeching to a halt in the aforementioned shed where campy horror animations and soundtracks rotate. The addition of the new coaster’s 3,265 feet gives Kings Island more wooden track than any other amusement park in the world; the Racer, Beast, Woodstock Express and Mystic Timbers comprise a total of 18,804 feet.

Grab Senate hot dogs at Summit

When the streetfood savants behind Over-the-Rhine’s Senate opened a second location in Summit Park this summer (4335 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash, senateblueash. com), the ’burbs were blessed with favorite high-end hot dogs, like the Trailer Park, with applewood bacon, American cheese, coleslaw and crushed spicy-sweet Grippo’s, plus sidekicks like truffl e fries and shortrib poutine. But the Blue Ash menu also includes a dedicated kids menu, Sunday brunch (eggs, goetta, chilaquiles, etc.) and a creamy Salted Caramel Frostee.

Bike and brew at Fift y West

P H OTO S : S C OT T D I T TG E N

Embark on a boozy bicycle trip to Fifty West Brewing Company’s Pro Works (7605 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, fiftywestbrew.com), the brewery’s outdoor outpost that offers volleyball leagues, canoe and kayak rental, running groups and Fifty West Cycling. Located alongside the Little Miami Scenic Trail, a paved bike trail spanning more than 70 miles, Fifty West hosts 20- to 30-mile bike rides every Tuesday evening, beginning and ending at the shop. Ride your own or rent a bike for less than $30. Head to the brewpub after working your quads for a well-deserved and possibly 1-cent beer: Tuesday nights are also Penny Flip nights.

P H OTO S : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

Taste the world at Jungle Jim’s

Massive international grocery store Jungle Jim’s (5440 Dixie Highway, Fairfield, junglejims.com) turned 40 in 2015, marking more than four decades of embodying the concept of a “theme park of food.” The market, which has locations in Fairfield and Eastgate, is home to a staggering international department with 50,000 products from more than 70 countries — even hard-to-find African imports like Fufu flour and traditional meals. Take a mini trip around the world to destinations like Russia, Taiwan, Puerto Rico and Hungary, picking up fruits, chocolate and intriguing (sometimes bug-infused) candies along the way. A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

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BLUE ASH A family-friendly neighborhood that has become a hotspot for new restaurants and large-scale events, largely thanks to its still-expanding Summit Park. blueash.com EAT — Rise and shine at The Sleepy Bee (9514 Kenwood Road, sleepybeecafe.com), the second location of Oakley’s locally sourced breakfast and lunch spot. The menu balances healthy options, traditional comfort foods and specials like the Blue Ash Smash: scrambled eggs, potatoes, candied bacon, pesto and pickled onions on sourdough bread. Right up the road is Marx Hot Bagels (9701 ( Kenwood Road, marxhotbagels.com), a top-notch Kosher bakery known for its more than 30 varieties of bagels. They’re famously served with a side of cheerful sass from owner John Marx and his staff. Head to the family-owned Servatii Pastry Shop & Deli (9525 Kenwood Road, servatii. com) for a soft pretzel the size of your head. If you’re still hungry, check out Blue Ash Chili (9565 Kenwood Road, blueashchili.com) and ask for the No Freakin’ Way challenge — an 8-pound Cincinnati-style 3-way topped off with jalapeño caps that you have to eat within an hour. DRINK — In addition to its collection of lager-style beers, March First Brewing (7885 E. Kemper Road, marchfirstbrewing.com) brews and bottles its own cider, fermented with fresh, local juice. The industrial-vibed Queen City Brewery of Cincinnati (11253 Williamson Road, facebook. com/thequeencitybrewery) pays homage to Cincinnati in big ways, from its Ohio-shaped tabletops to Cincy-themed beers like the WKRP Chocolate Orange Wheat. SHOP — Stop by Benchmark Outdoor Outfi tters (9525 Kenwood Road, benchmarkoutfitter.com) for backpacking, paddling and travel supplies and advice. It’s a useful stop before spending a weekend at popular climbing and camping destination Red River Gorge (Stanton, Ky., redrivergorge.com). EXPLORE — Formerly the site of the Blue Ash Airport, Summit Park (4335 Glendale Milford Road, blueash.com/summitpark) is the perfect place for a passeggiata and walking taco. In addition to the aforementioned Senate, you can grab a brick-oven-fired pizza on the patio from Brown Dog Café (browndogcafe.com), fast-casual Mexican at TAHONA Kitchen + Bar (tahonakitchen.com) and ice cream in a waffle bowl from Nanny Belle’s (nannybelles.com). Take anything to go and explore the 130-acre park, home to woodsy walking trails, an all-sizes dog park and one of the most creative and lauded playgrounds in the city. The space has become a popular venue for large-scale events (blueashevents.com) like the annual

Taste: Blue Ash Food & Music Festival and Fourth of July Red, White & Blue Ash, attended by thousands of humans and name-brand nostalgia acts like REO Speedwagon.

KENWOOD With the Kenwood Towne Centre shopping mall at its epicenter, this ’burb is home to high-end retail stores and dining chains. kenwoodtownecentre.com EAT — Wander outside of the mall’s food court for some casual fine dining with early birds and classy blue-hair broads at Trio Bistro (7565 Kenwood Road, triobistro.com). Nearby in Deer Park, Arrechissimo (8100 Blue Ash Road, arrechissimo. com) serves up authentic Venezuelan to go: reina-pepiada-filled arepas, fried yucca and beef-pastry pastelitos. The white-table-clothed Barresi’s (4111 Webster Ave., barresis. com) has been open since the 1960s, serving a blend of Italian dishes from the southern city of Calabria and northern town of Genoa. Italianstyle tapas include beef carpaccio, zuppa di mussels and focaccia rustica. Vegans, vegetarians and Kosher customers can indulge in the Israeli and Mediterranean cuisine at Kinneret Café (8316 Plainfield Road, kinneretcafe.com). SHOP — The Kenwood Towne Centre (7875 Montgomery Road, kenwoodtownecentre.com) is filled with more than 180 stores and services, including the Apple and Microsoft stores, Nordstrom, Kate Spade, Anthropolgie and H&M, as well as kid-friendly meccas like the LEGO and Disney stores. DO — The indie Kenwood Theatre (7815 Kenwood Road, kenwoodtheatre.com)) screens both major releases and art films with a full bar. On Wednesdays, purchase a discounted movie ticket for $7.25 and receive a 20 percent-off coupon to participating area restaurants like Trio, Ferrari’s Little Italy and Slatts.

L OV E L A N D This close-knit community exudes a tranquil outdoorsy vibe, adjacent to the Loveland Bike Trail/Little Miami Scenic Trail and the Little Miami River. lovelandoh.com EAT — Hop on your bike and grab a burger at Paxton’s Grill (126 W. Loveland Ave., paxtonsgrill.com) in historic downtown Loveland. Located next to the Little Miami Scenic Trail, the eatery is a popular stop among bikers and boasts a dog-friendly outdoor patio. Down the street, Loveland Sweets (124 W. Loveland Ave., lovelandsweets.com) concocts handcrafted chocolates, nostalgic candies and homemade ice cream, plus a full line of brewed coffees, espresso drinks and teas. A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

Or order some ’za at the new Brick Oven Loveland (390 Loveland Madeira Road, facebook.com/ brickovenloveland). DRINK — Enjoy some brews outdoors at Narrow Path Brewery (106 Karl Brown Way, narrowpathbrewing. com). The five-barrel craft establishment — on the bike trail downtown — boasts a spacious outdoor patio complete with picnic tables, giant Jenga, a fire pit and plenty of shade. SHOP — Sift through new and used LPs at Plaid Room Records (120 Karl Brown Way, plaidroomrecords.com). The shop and music venue — home to label Colemine Records — sells vinyl, accessories and their own SOUL Blend coffee, brewed by the Daytonbased Twisted River Coffee Roaster. DO — Ride the Loveland Bike Trail/ Little Miami Scenic Trail (littlemia( mibiketrail.com), ), almost 80 mostly flat miles winding through the Little Miami Scenic State Park; plenty of restaurants and quaint shops line the pathway for taking a break to drink and dine. You can also canoe, kayak or tube down the Little Miami River with Loveland Canoe and Kayak (174 Karl Brown Way, lovelandcanoe.com). EXPLORE — Hunt for ghosts at the Loveland Castle (12025 Shore Drive, lovelandcastle.com). Also known as Château Laroche, the stone castle was built by Boy Scout troop leader and World War I veteran Harry Andrews. Paranormal activity here is frequently reported, with many believing Andrews never really left behind his labor of love.

MA D E I R A A top-rated suburb with a small-town feel, complete with a vintage train station. madeiracity.com EAT — A Tavola (7022 Miami Ave., atavolapizza.com) — the second location of the Over-the-Rhine hotspot — specializes in Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas, other traditional Italian fare and creative cocktails, plus housemade limoncello. The guys behind the restaurant recently opened authentic Italian gelato joint La Grassa Gelateria (7014 Miami Ave., 513-271-9000), with four sorbettos and eight gelato flavors including the excellent salted caramel. Family-owned Ferrari’s Little Italy and Bakery (7677 Goff Terrace, ferrarilittleitaly.com) serves sharable portions of both Northern and Southern authentic Italian, with an award-winning on-premise bakery. For French, visit La Petite Pierre (7800 Camargo Road, lapetitepierre. com), a cozy bistro and wine bar. During Pierre’s Happy Hour, get 33 percent off by-the-bottle French wine to accompany foie gras, canard, poulet and plenty of fromage. Or try Madeira’s historic 1872 train station, which has been transformed into Depot Barbecue (7701 Railroad Ave., depotbarbecue.com), with 40

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Saint Louis-style smoked ribs for only $10 a half-slab on Mondays. DRINK — Piazza Discepoli (7754 Camargo Road, piazzadiscepoli. com) has an expert selection of wine and informative tastings, along with other Italian staples: cheese, gelato and bread. For coffee, stop at Coff ee Please (6930 Miami Ave., 513-271-4700); they roast and fl avor their own beans. SHOP — Camargo Trading Company ( 7744 Laurel Ave., camargotrading.com) is an eclectic one-stop shop for home, hostess gifts and your closet. The specialty boutique, housed in a cute pink cottage, has everything from candles and cashmere to purses, plates and pillows. For all sorts of monogrammed items, head to The Pink Box (6929 Miami Ave., facebook.com/thepinkbox), which also offers cute clothes and accessories. And the Co-Op on Camargo (7892 Camargo Road, facebook.com/ cooponcamargo) has five independently owned women’s boutiques under one roof. At The Bookshelf (7754 Camargo Road, cincybookshelf. com), each book in stock is specifically selected by the owners. Their in-store book club meets third Tuesdays.

MA R I E M O NT The Tudor-style village of Mariemont is one of the nation’s few planned communities and is a National Historic Landmark. mariemont.org EAT — The Quarter Bistro (6904 Wooster Pike, qbcincy.com) offers contemporary New American fare — 18-hour short ribs, steak frites, airline chicken — and a nice patio. Finedining and brunch destination The National Exemplar (6880 Wooster Pike, nationalexemplar.com) is nestled in the historic 1920s Mariemont Inn — a certified Historic Hotel of America. Thursdays are Date Night, with half-price bottles of wine. The hotel’s Southerby’s lobby bar feels like a British hunting lodge, with cozy fireplaces, overstuffed chairs and properly stuffed deer heads. Dilly (6818 Wooster Pike, dillycafe.com) is a bistro, bar and bottle shop with a casual atmosphere, cobblestone patio and outdoor fireplace. They’re famous for their beer cheese; it comes with soft pretzels and a baguette but, pro tip: Add apples. Or order a specialty stuffed pizza from local chain Mio’s (6930 Madisonville Road, miospizza.com), a thick, deep-dish Chicago-style pie. DRINK — Fift y West Brewing Co. (7668 Wooster Pike, fiftywestbrew. com) pairs a variety of craft beers with a tapas menu in a historic building from 1827. The brewery has basically taken over a mile-long stretch of Wooster Pike with its Production Works facility (home of its canoe and kayak rental business and sand volleyball courts) and Fift y West Cycling Company. If you feel

like exercising your brain instead of your muscles, head to Pro Works on Wednesdays for weekly trivia nights. SHOP — The Strand shopping complex offers upscale boutiques in an outdoor setting. Sara Benjamin’s (6810 Wooster Pike, sarabenjamins. com) has contemporary women’s clothing ranging from jeans to leather, and The Wardrobe (6816 Wooster Pike, thewardrobecincinnati. com), owned by a graduate of New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology, houses designer duds from the likes of Derek Lam 10 and Marc by Marc Jacobs. Pomegranate & Lime (6804 Wooster Pike, facebook.com/ pomegranateandlime) sells gifts for “ladies, gents, babies and the home.” DO — The Shillito Elves are back, and they’ve found a permanent home in Mariemont. From the mid-1950s to mid-1980s, Shillito’s department store downtown was home to two generations of handcrafted elves — more than 130 animated figures positioned in different storefront scenes during the holiday season. Today, the elves are together again and displayed every winter in Santa’s Workshop (6940 Madisonville Road, thesantaworkshop.com). EXPLORE — Witness a tradition reaching back to ancient times — Mariemont maintains one of North America’s 14 town criers (mariemont. org/about-us/town-crier). This elected official leads the Memorial Day Parade and wears an authentic country squire uniform. Or head to nearby Anderson Township. Take a dip in Sunlite Pool at Coney Island (6201 Kellogg Ave., coneyislandpark. com)) — it’s the largest recirculating swimming pool in the world. The nostalgic destination is also home to classic amusement park rides like roller coasters, a carousel and a Ferris wheel. While you’re there, stick around for a concert at the adjacent Riverbend Music Center (6295 Kellogg Ave., riverbend.org), an outdoor amphitheater that hosts big-name bands all summer long.

MA S O N Home to both Kings Island and The Beach Waterpark, Mason and Warren County live up to the nickname of “Ohio’s Largest Playground.” imaginemason.org EAT — Enjoy cats and a cuppa at the new Kitty Brew Cat Café (6011 ( Tylersville Road, kittybrew.com), which is divided into two sections: a café and a cat lounge filled with adoptable felines, supplied in partnership with Animal Friends Humane Society. The Wildflower Café (207 E. Main St., wildflowergourmetcafe. com) is a converted century-old farmhouse that serves a changing menu of local, seasonal dishes and microbrews. Established in 1803, The Golden Lamb (27 S. Broadway, goldenlamb.com) is Ohio’s oldest hotel, and its former guests have included

Mark Twain, Harriet Beecher Stowe and Charles Dickens. EXPLORE — Take a one-hour scenic train ride on the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad (127 S. Mechanic St., lebanonrr.com), during which you’ll learn about the area’s local history. You can also hop aboard the Murder Mystery Dinner Train and discover whodunit with dinner. Or hit up the Butler County Donut Trail (gettothebc.com/donut-trail), comprised of nine mom-and-pop sweet shops. DO — Kings Island (6300 Kings Island Drive, visitkingsisland.com) draws visitors from all over the world. The amusement park is home to more than 80 world-class rides, a 1/3-size replica of the Eiffel Tower (in blue), a water park and an animatronic dinosaur display. This season, Kings Island is reinstating WinterFest, a popular holiday celebration complete with light displays, ice-skating and a 300-foot-tall Christmas tree. Speaking of the holidays, The Beach Waterpark (2590 Water Park Drive, thebeachwaterpark.com), which accompanies its water attractions with real sand and real palm trees, transforms into Beach Mountain in the winter, offering more than 400 feet of snow tubing.

MILFORD Located near the banks of the Little Miami River, the quiet town of Milford blends nature with small-town amenities. milfordohio.org EAT — 20 Brix (101 Main St., 20brix. com) specializes in New American cuisine and shareables. Entrées are seasonal and made with local ingredients from local farms and artisans — a perfect reason for dinner and a drink from the award-winning 200-plus bottled wine list. Popular family pizzeria Padrino’s (111 Main St., padrinoitalian.com) kicks it up a notch with housemade organic hot sauces called Dark Star Sauces, available to purchase and take home. DRINK — Old Milford Parlor (119 Main St., cincycreamywhip.com) is a year-round creamy whip/craft coffee bar that uses locally sourced dairy and locally roasted beans. Their affogato decadently combines coldbrew coffee, soft serve and chocolate espresso crumbles. SHOP — Second Saturdays invite visitors to wander down Main Street for dining, drinking and shopping; many merchants offer extended hours, and eateries will give special discounts. Find quality vintage clothing and accessories at Gayle’s Vintage Clothing (106 Main St., etsy. com/shop/gaylevintageclothing); products are from the ’20s-’70s. For something more modern, Coolest Toys on Earth (314 Main St., coolesttoysonearth.com) features gadgets and gizmos aplenty. It’s one of the coolest places on Earth for kids A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

and kids-at-heart. Founded in 1890, Bishop’s Bicycles (313 Main St., bishopsbicycles.net) is the oldest bike shop in the city, offering bikes for sale and for rent in addition to parts, services and informational clinics. Pick up some gear at outdoor outfitters Roads Rivers and Trails (118 Main St., roadsriversandtrails.com), or sign up for one of their seminars and learn everything from first aid to backpacking basics. EXPLORE — The Cincinnati Nature Center (4949 Tealtown Road, cincynature.org) has more than 16 miles of hiking trails of various diffi culties. The park contains 1,020 forested acres and hosts frequent nature-themed events, including the popular Hoots and Hops, which pairs nature with beer.

M O NT G O M E RY Famously known as the home of The Ribs King via the Montgomery Inn, this suburb also boasts 32 historical landmarks. montgomeryohio.org EAT — Check out the original location of Montgomery Inn (9440 ( Montgomery Road, montgomeryinn. com)) and fi nd out why the city’s rack of ribs is world-famous. For more meat, try the smoked wings at Delicio Coal Fired Pizza (9321 Montgomery Road, deliciocoalfi redpizza.com). Cinque (9415 Montgomery Road, cinquerestaurant.com), a ristorante by the famed family behind Over-the-Rhine’s Nicola’s, exemplifi es the essence of simple and elegant Italian cooking. And Mirage (11381 Montgomery Road, miragecincinnati.com), run by two Armenian-American brothers, features authentic Mediterranean family recipes. DRINK — Neighborhood watering hole The Village Tavern (9390 Montgomery Road, thevillage-tavern. com) is for locals and those who want to feel like locals. The Corner Pub (7833 Cooper Road, searchable on Facebook) is across the street, offering a roomy patio and live music. SHOP — For children, explore Little Lords & Ladies (7816 Cooper Road, facebook.com/littlelordsladiesboutique). Moms and daughters can check out local Pink Tulip Club (9395 Montgomery Road, pinktulipclub.com) for trendy clothing and formal attire — like homecoming and prom dresses under $60. For furry family members, visit Earthwise Pet Supplies Harper’s Point (11328 Montgomery Road, earthwisepet. com), part of a chain but independently owned. The all-natural pet nutrition market and spa frequently works in conjunction with Cincinnati Cats, housing adoptable felines in their cat room. Make sure to say hi to shop cat Gary. DO — Cincinnati’s premiere comedy spot is Go Bananas (8410 ( Market 41

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Place Lane, gobananascomedy.com), which brings in local and national acts and hosts the Funniest Person in Cincinnati Contest every year. Or attend the annual Bastille Day celebration; Montgomery’s relationship with sister city and Parisian suburb Neuilly-Plaisance is manifested in a summer street festival.

W EST C H EST E R / N E A R BY N O RT H Urban sprawl has been kind to these enclaves, cities unto themselves. westchesteroh.org EAT — Enjoy a meal at piano bar Jag’s Steak & Seafood (5980 West Chester Road, jags.com). The Root Beer Stand (11566 Reading Road, therootbeerstand.com), open seasonally, serves the best root beer float in the city, made with well water from the property. DRINK — DogBerry Brewing (9964 Crescent Park Drive, Road, dogberrybrewing.com), established by two former scientists and stay-at-home dads, is uniquely family-friendly, featuring kids’ activities and old-fashioned desks stocked with coloring books. For more beer, try an easy-to-drink Approachable Blonde Ale at Municipal Brew Works (20 High St., municipalbrewworks.com), housed in the awesomely Art Deco Frederick G. Mueller Municipal Building. SHOP — Keep a lookout for kitschy giraffes and neon palm trees — they stand by the entrance of Trader’s World (601 Union Road, tradersworldmarket.com), the Midwest’s largest flea market, which has a little bit of everything. Expect to spend hours in IKEA (9500 IKEA Way, ikea. com), the massive retailer of furniture and homegoods that’s essentially designed like a maze. Also expect to spend hours putting furniture together at home. For one-of-a-kind finds, the Ohio Valley Antique Mall (7285 Dixie Highway, ohiovalleyantiques.com) has more than 550 vintage dealers. EXPLORE — Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park (1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, pyramidhill.org) features more than 60 outdoor sculptures across its rollicking 300 acres, plus rotating art exhibits and a great holiday light display. Nearby, the Holiday Auto Theater (1816 Old Oxford Road, holidayautotheatre.com) is one of the country’s last drive-in theaters. DO — See the largest indoor train display in the country at EnterTRAINment Junction (7379 Squire Court, entertrainmentjunction.com). Like putt-putt for grown-ups, Topgolf (9568 Water Front Drive, topgolf. com) is a three-story range where players try to hit different targets with a microchipped ball. Food and booze can be delivered to your hitting bay — like a country club but with more glowing LED lights.

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DINING

There are more chili parlors in Cincinnati per square mile than any other place in the world. And while this cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dining scene is consistently raising the bar from brunch to fine dining and everything in between, we still appreciate the sweet hints of cinnamon, chocolate and Mediterranean spices on top of our coneys and 3-ways. This favorite regional delicacy, in fact, has spawned heated debate among outsiders, if not outright hostility. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s OK â&#x20AC;&#x201D; neighborhood chili parlors still feel cozy and welcoming, longtime coney-eater or not.

DINING

P R E V I O U S PAG E , C LO C K W I S E F R O M TO P L E F T: B L U E A S H C H I L I / C H I L I T I M E / B L U E J AY R E S TAU R A N T / P R I C E H I L L CHILI / DIXIE CHILI / CAMP WA S H I N G T O N C H I L I / P L E A S A N T RIDGE CHILI P H OTO S : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

Indicates winners from CityBeat’s 2017 Best of Cincinnati® issue.

BA R & G R I L L S / BRE WP U BS Arnold’s Bar and Grill

Open since 1861, Arnold’s is the oldest continuously running tavern in town, complete with dark wood walls, vintage memorabilia and a big ol’ bathtub in the dining room, rumored to have been used to make gin during Prohibition. A Cincinnati classic, it serves up a nice range of lunch and dinner options — pasta, sandwiches and burgers, plus vegan and glutenfree options — at bargain prices. Enjoy a local draft in the outdoor beer garden and almost daily live music. Named as one of the best bars in America by Esquire magazine. 210 E. Eighth St., Downtown, 513-421-6234, arnoldsbarandgrill.com.

Arthur’s

Serving only local beers on draft , Arthur’s is a relaxed gathering place on Hyde Park Square. The menu includes salads, soups, sandwiches and — their specialty — burgers with deals on “burger madness” days. 3516 Edwards Road, Hyde Park, 513-8715543; 8221 Beechmont Ave., Anderson, 513-388-0152, arthurscincinnati.com.

Boswell’s

A casual Northside townie bar and grill in a historic building that dates back to 1886. The menu features inexpensive items — soups, salads, sandwiches and burgers — with plenty of vegetarian-friendly dishes and a daily steak special. A renovated back patio houses an al fresco bar and yard games. 1686 Blue Rock St., Northside, 513-681-8100, boswellalley.com.

BrewRiver GastroPub

Chef Michael Shields, who earned his chops under Emeril Lagasse, opened BrewRiver GastroPub with craft beer and thoughtfully paired New Orleans-leaning cuisine in mind. Try the Decatur Street muffaletta, gumbo or shrimp po’ boy with a rotating list of more than 50 handpicked, locally brewed drafts, bottles and cans — some of which are even featured in recipes themselves. When the weather is nice, grab brunch on the

patio — a bacon-infused cake donut, chicken and waffles or poutine and eggs — with a view of the Ohio River. The bar specializes in Crescent City classics like Sazeracs and Hurricanes. 2062 Riverside Drive, East End, 513861-2484, brewrivergastropub.com.

City View Tavern

A hillside dive and home of one of the best spicy bloody marys and best views in town. The burgers are damn tasty, too. Meet Big Ted: six ounces of griddle-cooked, handmade beef patty with American cheese, brown mustard, lettuce, pickles, mayo, onion, ketchup and home-grown tomatoes (when in season), served in a plastic basket with a bag of chips. 403 Oregon St., Mount Adams, 513-241-8439.

Habits Café

A neighborhood bar and grill in Oakley. The dinner menu offers several types of burger protein patties — turkey, ostrich, Cajun or Gardenburger — served several different ways, including Godzilla-style, topped with pepper jack cheese and spicy onion straws. Order a starter of Potato Rags to share, aka hash browns on steroids smothered in cheese, bacon, onion, tomato and ranch dressing. There’s a french fry version, too. 3036 Madison Road, Oakley, 513-6318367, habitscafe.com.

Holy Grail Tavern & Grille

With more than 30 high-definition TVs, a plethora of beers on tap and great pub grub, this is a prime sports spot at The Banks. Munch on classic fare like ballpark pretzels, angus burgers, wings, wraps and nachos, with outdoor seating directly across from the Reds stadium. Offers a second location on the West Side. 161 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown, 513-6212222; 1278 Ebenezer Road, Covedale, 513-941-5555, holygrailcincy.com.

Incline Public House

With a 1,400-square-foot deck for soaking in vistas and cocktails, IPH’s name is derived from the actual Cincinnati Incline that existed there from the late 1800s to the 1940s. Their upscale twist on pub food features A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

sandwiches, salads, epicurean appetizers and a slew of craft cocktails and draft beers. Build your own pizza with toppings ranging from pepperoni and prosciutto to fried egg and oven-roasted tomato. 2601 W. Eighth St., Price Hill, 513-251-3000, inclinepublichouse.com.

Keystone Bar & Grill

This neighborhood joint offers a variety of tasty comfort food, like huge plates of pasta, a rockin’ quesadilla menu, build-your-own-burgers (including turkey or veggie options) and weekend brunch. But where it really shines is its macaroni and cheese menu: nine specialty selections of ooey, gooey carbs smothered in tasty dairy and named after famous bands, like the Fleetwood Mac with mozzarella, pesto and tomato. Multiple locations including 313 Greenup St., Covington, Ky., 859-261-6777; 249 Calhoun St., Clifton Heights, 513221-5397; 3384 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, 513-321-2150, keystonebar.com.

Lachey’s

When a celebrity opens a restaurant, customers likely fall into two camps: those who go there for the celeb brand, or those who actually enjoy the food, drink and ambiance. For Over-the-Rhine’s sports bar Lachey’s, it works both ways. The real winner here is the extensive drink menu; along with beer, wine and cocktails on tap, there are bottles, cans and a section devoted to both bloody marys and boilermakers. As for food, the menu (designed by celebrity chef Brian Duff y) wavers between fried foods such as tater tots and wings and healthier dishes like a heaping kale salad. 56 E. 12th St., Over-theRhine, 513-275-0740, lacheys.com.

Moerlein Lager House

Moerlein Lager House celebrates Cincinnati’s brewing tradition in a giant restaurant and brewery with sweeping views of downtown and the riverfront. Offers a large something-for-everyone menu of burgers and pastas, plus fancier dishes like fi let mignon and squash wellington. With 24 beers on tap — house brews 44

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and other craft s — plus more than 60 in bottles and cans, there’s a drink for every taste. Tours of the in-house brewery available. 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown, 513-4212337, moerleinlagerhouse.com.

MOTR Pub

MOTR Pub does two things really well: rocks your face off with loud music and sweaty crowds and serves up one hell of a burger. But fret not veg-heads — you can get a veggie burger or vegan BLT. There’s also the spicy St. Francis Monastery mac and cheese. Try the corned beef hash with Guinness gravy and a bloody mary during Sunday brunch. Now open for lunch. 1345 Main St., Overthe-Rhine, 513-381-6687, motrpub.com.

Northside Yacht Club

The fare might be best described as bar food with a creative twist: all meats are smoked in house and sides range from broccoli with harissa aioli and Truth IPA macaroni and cheese. Fan favorites include short-rib grilled cheese, smoked chicken wings with housemade sauce and award-winning poutine with duck fat gravy. For vegetarians, there’s also cauliflower wings, vegan lentil chili fries and a tofu banh mi. Features full service brunch on weekends, with Tiki-themed drinks and one of the meatiest bloody marys in town, garnished with celery, a house-smoked Boston butt pulled pork slider, American hickory bacon and a house-smoked jumbo wing. wing 4231 Spring Grove Ave., Northside, 513-5410528, northsideyachtclub.com.

Taft’s Ale House

Housed in a renovated multi-story 1850s-era church, Taft’s is named after William Howard Taft, the 27th president of the United States and native Cincinnatian. The working brewery and restaurant features meat platters, salads and sandwiches that focus on tri-tip beef — similar to prime rib — and a special kids’ menu. The creative beer selection boasts brews made with local goods, everything from locally roasted coffee to artisan chocolate. 1429 Race St., Over-theRhine, 513-334-1393, taftsalehouse.com.

Wurst Bar in the Square

Mount Lookout’s Wurst Bar in the Square has tricked-out sausages showcasing local meats from Wassler’s Meat Market, along with vegetarian dogs (stuffed with apple, potato and sage), and a carefully selected lineup of craft beer and mixed drinks. The Hans Gruber, a “ruthless” German brat, is topped with peppers, shaved onion and Vienna Dusseldorf mustard. For dessert? Fried Twinkies. 3204 Linwood Ave., Mount Lookout, 513-321-0615, wurstbarinthesquare.com.

BA R B E C U E / H O M E S T Y L E Alabama Que

Dwan Ward, a former fi refi ghter and football player, began catering through word of mouth; today, his barbecue joint is a popular haunt for professional athletes and celebrities like A.J. Green, Snoop Dogg and Wale. Home of turkey rib tips, all side items are non-pork based; greens and green beans are made with smoked turkey, baked beans are entirely vegetarian and meat is cooked on separate grills and cut with different knives. 2733 Vine St., Corryville, 513-376-8781, alabama-q.com.

Green Derby

Around since 1947, the Green Derby got its name from the original owner as both a reference to a famous California restaurant of the time (the Brown Derby) and a nod to her Irish heritage. The old Derby had been both a home-cooking, family-oriented community center and a place where the mobsters of Newport’s “Sin City” days met in the kitchen to set the gambling lines for each day. The new Derby definitely sticks to a comfort food menu with dishes like Kentucky burgoo and a classic, cheesy Hot Brown, and it relives the mob era by displaying dozens of framed, vintage photographs in its main dining room. 846 York St., Newport, Ky., 859-4318740, greenderbykentucky.com.

sandwiches) compete with traditional classics like meatloaf and liver and onions. 2715 Madison Road, Hyde Park, 513-871-9201, hydeparkhitchingpost.com.

Just Q’in

Owner Matt Cuff launched his pursuit of cooked meats by entering (and winning) barbecue competitions in South Carolina. If you don’t want pork, brisket, chicken or ribs, you can get wings, rib tips or even do a platter of sides since each one is only a couple bucks. With a base in faith, the “sammiches” have names like David, Goliath, Adam and Judas (chicken). 975 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills; 6901 Valley Ave., Newtown, 513-452-MEAT, justqin.com.

and the seasoning is aggressive but reasonable. The dinners come with two sides; try the original and fresh Tennessee Caviar and the loaded baked potato salad. There are multiple local beers available, including one from Covington’s Braxton Brewery on tap, as well as sodas and housemade milkshakes. 564 Buttermilk Pike, Crescent Springs, Ky., 859-360-6632, nashvillehot.com.

Ollie’s Trolley

Ollie’s — located in a literal trolley — uses special seasoning to spice up everything from grits and eggs at breakfast to a hearty lunch of barbecued turkey tips. Start with the Ollie burger and fries and stay for the ribs with homemade macaroni and cheese

City BBQ

P H OTO : C AT I E V I OX

This regional chain was named one of the best in America by Men’s Journal. They put out some dang tasty barbecue, including mouth-watering beef brisket and a good and sloppy pulled-pork sandwich. Mix and match your sauce and meat. Multiple locations including 10375 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, 513-257-0362; 7706 Voice of America Centre Drive, West Chester, 513-755-0518; 2760 Alexandria Pike, Highland Heights, Ky., 859-415-4544, citybbq.com.

The Eagle OTR

The Eagle is nested inside a retired post office and has a relatively small menu, comprised of fried chicken, sandwiches, snacks and several side dishes. Booze-wise, they serve 100 kinds of beer and have about 15 different brews on tap. The fried chicken is free-range, all natural and sourced from Ohio farms. Opt for a whole, half chicken (white and dark meat) or a quarter of a chicken (select white or dark). The Southern greens and artichoke dip is a must. 1342 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513802-5007, theeagleotr.com.

Eli’s BBQ

Eli’s specialty, the pulled-pork sandwich, is a good intro to his amazing barbecue sauce, and you can move on from there to hickory-smoked ribs, smoked turkey or an all-beef hot dog topped with pulled-pork crispins and coleslaw. Try the mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, baked beans or the jalapeño corn bread. 3313 Riverside Drive, East End; south side of Findlay Market, 133 W. Elder St., Over-the Rhine, 513-533-1957, elisbarbeque.com.

N O R T H S I D E YAC H T C L U B

Greyhound Tavern

Famous for its double-deckers, the Greyhound Tavern has been a Fort Mitchell institution since the 1930s. You won’t want to miss the divine fried chicken, the ginormous onion rings, the Hot Brown or the bread pudding. It’s family-style fried chicken night on Mondays and Tuesdays, with generous portions of bird — rolled in secret-recipe herbed fl our and fried — mashed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw and biscuits. 2500 Dixie Highway, Fort Mitchell, Ky., 859-331-3767, greyhoundtavern.com.

The Hitching Post

“World’s Best Fried Chicken” is this diner’s claim to fame, but you should try their outstanding breakfasts — especially Uncle Bubba’s Ultimate Omelet. Burgers and Tall Stacks (overstuffed double-decker A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

Montgomery Inn

World-famous for its ribs, Montgomery Inn has been a staple in Cincinnati for more than 60 years. Along with ribs, the Inn offers barbecued spring chicken, silver salmon, pulled-pork sandwiches, burgers, salads and more, including everyone’s favorite: Saratoga chips served with their famous barbecue sauce. Multiple locations including 9440 Montgomery Road, Montgomery, 513-791-3482; 925 Riverside Drive, Downtown, 513-721-7427; 400 Buttermilk Pike, Fort Mitchell, Ky., 859-344-5333; montgomeryinn.com.

Nashville Hot

The chicken can be ordered in four spice levels with cutesy names: 1) Yankee Mild; 2) Midwest Medium; 3) Southern Heat; and 4) Nashville Hot. The meat is very moist — it’s soaked in a buttermilk brine before frying — 45

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and lemon pound cake for dessert. This cooking feeds your soul. 1607 Central Ave., West End, 513-381-6100.

Pontiac

With pimento dip served with Ritz crackers, Cheerwine and Red Neck Frito Pie, barbecue palace Pontiac takes low-class grub to a self-aware, higher level. Along with their pulled pork, their Texas-style brisket, turkey, smoked kielbasa and barbecue veg are a beautiful thing. Saint Louis ribs available by the slab. 1403 Vine St. Over-the-Rhine, 513-579-8500, pontiacbbq.com.

Ron’s Roost

If you’re starting to experience occasional bouts of light-headedness, chances are you’re suffering from an iron deficiency. What better way to address that than to add some iron-rich liver to your diet, and what

better place to get that liver than at Ron’s Roost? A West Side institution since 1960, Ron’s Roost is known for its famous fried chicken, authentic sauerbraten and the giant fiberglass rooster that stands sentry on the roof. But diners also flock to Ron’s for the restaurant’s chicken livers dinner, with gravy and two sides (like German potato salad and hot bacon coleslaw). If you’d prefer calves’ liver, Ron’s has that on the dinner menu, too — pan fried and slathered in sautéed onions, of course. 3853 Race Road, Bridgetown, 513-574-0222, ronsroost.net.

Schoolhouse Restaurant

With the menu written on an ancient blackboard, you might expect (and maybe want?) a metal lunchbox to

monterey jack cheese. If you’re not in the mood for chicken, you can choose pork ribs, salmon, burgers and a variety of sandwiches. 8322 E. Kemper Road, Montgomery, 513-489-7044, thesilverspringhouse.com.

SmoQ

The “Q” is for barbecue, the specialty at SmoQ. It’s all done slow and low in a big ’ol smoker. You’re likely to fi nd your favorite Southern specialty here as well, be it Memphis-style baby back ribs, blackened catfi sh or Uncle Jerry’s Shrimp & Grits. 275 Pictoria Drive, Springdale, 513-671-7667, smoqbbq.com.

Walt’s BBQ

The menu is made for meat-lovers and includes many slow-smoked spe-

BIST ROS/CA F ES Bacalls Café

An Art Deco dreamland complete with a custom piece of frosted glass depicting Union Terminal and a phone booth tucked in the corner. Classy, but Bacalls still has TVs on which you can watch the game. The menu has something for everyone including soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, pasta and other entrées. Serving meals and booze to locals and visitors in College Hill for 35 years, they must be doing something right. 6118 Hamilton Ave., College Hill, 513541-8804, bacallscafe.com.

Bellevue Bistro

Bellevue Bistro is one of those places that you wish there were

on Wednesdays). Nine “signature cocktails” round out the drinks list. Mainstays for the seasonally adjusted menu include deviled eggs, a duck or steak dish, a vegetarian special and the Grace Burger, with white cheddar, aioli and beer-battered onion rings. 4034 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-541-9600, bistrograce.com.

Bow Tie Café

Coffeehouse and café that brews Chicago’s intelligentsia coffee and espresso, served in drip, pour-over and mixed coffee drinks — along with coffee cocktails. The expansive food menu features breakfast, weekend brunch, burritos, wraps, subs and salads. 1101 Saint Gregory St., Mount Adams, 513-621-2233, bowtiecafe.com.

Brontë Bistro

Brontë, located inside Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Rookwood, is a cozy, relaxed location to enjoy a book and a great meal. It has a lot to offer, including coffee, a full bar, starters, salads, sandwiches, home-cooked entrées and dessert. There’s a fun collection of author-themed cocktails, like Kurt Vonnegut’s Scotch and water or F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Gin Rickey. 2692 Madison Road, Norwood, 513-3968970, josephbeth.com/bronte.

P H OTO : K H O I N G U Y E N

B I S T R O G R AC E

Café de Paris

Feast on lunch and breakfast selections like salade niçoise, croque madame or a satisfying café bagel, topped with scrambled egg, fresh butter and a slice of tomato. Follow lunch with a Parisian espresso in the colorful and quaint downtown escape in the heart of Garfield Park. 17 Garfield Place, Downtown, 513-6511919, searchable on Facebook.

Cheapside Café

come to your table bursting with bologna sandwiches and Twinkies. What you’ll get, and be thrilled by, is delicious classic American fare served family-style. Among your choices: fried chicken, baked cod, meatloaf and roast beef. Bonus: All sides, from mashed potatoes with gravy to cornbread, are refillable when dining in. 8031 Glendale-Milford Road, Camp Dennison, 513-831-5753, theschoolhousecincinnati.com.

Silver Spring House

Dubbing itself “The Chicken Joint,” Silver Spring House definitely serves up some delicious chicken. Marinated in citrus juices and spices, it’s grilled and succulent. There’s an entire menu section devoted to “The Breast of Times,” with chicken breast prepared a variety of ways — Buffalo style, cordon bleu and Baja, with salsa and

cialties like pulled pork, rib tips, half a chicken, brisket and more. There’s also interesting offers like cactus chili, a pimento grilled cheese and a Hot Brown on Texas toast. 6040 Colerain Ave., White Oak, 513-923-9800, waltsbarbeque.com.

Walt’s Hitching Post

Walt’s Hitching Post is a kick-back, casual place where everybody knows your name. Open in some iteration since the 1950s, classic menu items include Walt’s Legendary Fried Chicken, country fried steak with white-pepper-bacon gravy and fried chicken livers. All steaks are dusted with a unique seasoning blend and charred to perfection at 850 degrees, and on Fridays, Kosher-salt encrusted prime rib is on special — while it lasts. 3300 Madison Pike, Fort Wright, Ky., 859-360-2222, waltshitchingpost.com. A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

more of: a small neighborhood café where the food is made from scratch, the coffee is worth having three cups and the service is effi cient and friendly. The super-cozy eatery specializes in breakfast bakes, burritos, sweets, savories and six different types of benedicts — choices like Kentucky Hot Brown, spicy mett and Veggie Benny (sweet potatoes, squash, avocado, cheddar jack) served over biscuits, with two fried eggs and homemade sauce. 313 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue, Ky., 859-5815600, bellevuebistro.com.

Bistro Grace

The impressive Bistro Grace offers quality from-scratch entrées on artsy, square plates. The bar serves local beers on tap, with a couple dozen more by the bottle and a 45-bottle wine list, including 17 available by the glass (with half-price bottles 46

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Dilly

Located in the heart of historic Mariemont, Dilly bistro and bottle shop serves lunch and dinner daily. Paying tribute to their origins as a deli, you’ll also find satisfying sandwiches, housemade soups and their famous beer cheese. Eat or sip a glass of beer or wine on their giant two-level English-courtyardstyle patio. Guests can also choose a bottle of wine from their in-house bottle shop to enjoy with their meal for retail price plus a small corkage

ITALIAN RESTAURANT

BEST RESTAURANT N.KY. BEST NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT IN N.KY.

Us again? Careful, you’ll make us blush. Come and enjoy our authentic Italian cuisine ... or just hav a e a drink at Colonel Po av P mp’s, Northern Kentucky’s original bourbon bar. r r. Live entertainment on weekends u Delivery via UberEats

600 WASHINGTON AVE . v N EWPORT, K Y. 41071 v (859) 581-3065 v

POMPILIOS . COM

ANDERSON 7625 Beechmont Ave • 513-231-5550

DOWNTOWN 800 Elm St • 513-721-4241 612 Main St • 513-241-6246

FOREST PARK 1198 Smiley Ave (At Winton Rd) • 513-825-3888

WEST CHESTER 7624 Beechmont Ave 8179 Princeton-Glendale Rd • 513-942-7800 Across from Beckett Ridge Kroger

WESTERN HILLS 5098B Glen Crossing Way • 513-347-9699

MADISONvILLE 4766 Red Bank Expressway • 513-376-6008

FLORENCE 7905 Mall Road (Next to Starbucks) • 859-525-2333

FT. WRIGHT 1965 Highland Pike • 859-331-4999

Voted Best Deli in Cincinnati, CityBeat A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

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Schneider’s Sweet Shop Home Made Candies & ICE CREAM

“Since 1939”

• Best OVERALL Bakery (Sweets) • Best Neighborhood Bakery (Eastside) • Best Wedding Cakes • Best Desserts (Retail) - 2nd • Best Cupcakes - 3rd • Best Macarons - 3rd 2030 Madison Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45208 (513) 321-3399 BonBonerie.com

Try our delicious Opera Creams, our most popular candy, a Greater Cincinnati specialty! Made with pure rich cream to tantalize the tastebuds and to create the ultimate of creams. Other specialties include Fudges, Caramels, Cordial Cherries, Pecan Caramelettes, and so much more. phone - 859.431.3545 www.schneiderscandies.com 420 FairFIeld ave. bellevue, ky 41073

fee. 6818 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, 513-561-5233, dillycafe.com.

Essencha Tea House

With an extensive menu of green, black, white, oolong, herbal and rooibos teas, plus a line of infusions from local Lola’s Botanicals, the tea selection (which you can sample for free) is about as vast as the café menu, which features edibles like kimchi crepes, a cold smokedsalmon sandwich and a matcha goddess salad. For bubble tea lovers — or those looking to try the Asian treat for the fi rst time — Essencha offers a customizable selection. Choose your freshly brewed tea base and fruit syrup, shaken and poured over sweet tapioca pearls. 3212 Madison Road, Oakley, 513-5334832, essenchatea.com.

Gabby’s Café

A family-owned restaurant serving American cuisine with Italian flair. Signature pizzas include The Capone with capicola, salami, pepperoni, sausage, olives, banana peppers, mozzarella, provolone and parmesan. Entrée options list eggplant parmesan, Gabby’s famous fish dinner and gluten-free zucchini linguine. 515 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming, 513-8216040, gabbyswyoming.com.

Half Day Café

Seasonal menu items with fresh, locally sourced ingredients make this popular Wyoming mainstay a breakfast and lunch standout. Try the thick-sliced mango-butter rum French toast, and for lunch, grab an avocado club wrap or grilled cheese with cheddar and provolone. 1 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming, 513-821-2323, halfdaycafe.org.

Hang Over Easy

New! New Orleans inspired brunch! Saturday & Sunday, 10am-3pm $20 Bottomless Mimosas

2062 Riverside Dr. • Cincinnati, OH 45202 513-861-2484

www.brewrivergastropub.com A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

A legit breakfast and brunch spot to cure your hangover. Try the chicken and chorizo skillet with peppers, onions, home fries, melted queso and egg, all scrambled up and cooked in a skillet, served with toast. Or the Walk of Shame, fried egg, cheese, sausage and bacon served on a grilled Holtman’s donut. 13 W. Charlton St., Corryville, 513-221-5400, hangovereasycincinnati.com.

The Hamilton

Although there’s a full kitchen for food prep at this Northside wine bar, almost all dishes come to the table cold or at room temperature. Portions are almost universally generous and easily can be shared by two, three or four people. Modern Fondue and Northside Charcuterie are favorites. The cheesy fondue (a melt of Gruyère, Port Salut and white cheddar) comes in a ceramic pot above a tiny flame. The charcuterie features an impressively stacked array of goodies, from cheeses to cured meats and house-brined olives to babba ganouj, ciopinni onions soaked in balsamic vinegar and various pickled vegetables. 4029 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-5419200, thehamiltoncincinnati.com. 48

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Inspirado at Madison Gallery

As the name suggests, the Madison Avenue restaurant/gallery offers diners a chance to enjoy their meals surrounded by changing local art displays. Inspirado is Spanish for “inspired” or “full of inspiration,” which is evident in the form of the super-eclectic menu with dishes like Cemita, a Mexican braised-pork shoulder sandwich; Prawn Laska from Malaysia; Aloo Jeera, an Indian appetizer with potatoes, chickpeas and coriander; and a good old Kentucky Hot Brown. 715 Madison Ave., Covington, Ky., 859-261-7600, inspiradocov.com.

Iris BookCafé

A combination of an art gallery, bookshop, coffee shop and wireless café, Iris BookCafé has both meat and veggie (and vegan) options on the menu. Soup selections run the gamut from chicken gumbo to vegan lentil kale, while sandwiches are simple with fillings like egg salad, salmon or turkey. They also serve scoops of local Aglamesis Bros. ice cream. 1331 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-3812665, irisbookcafe.com.

Maplewood Kitchen and Bar

Maplewood serves up dishes and ingredients that would be right at home on the West Coast: coldpressed juices, superfood salads, egg-white omelets and somewhat nutritious cocktails, like the roasted tomatillo bloody mary. Made with Tito’s vodka, house-roasted tomatillo bloody mary mix and coldpressed Super Green juice (a blend of kale, celery, spinach, romaine and pineapple), it’s topped off by a purple cabbage accouterment. If bloody marys aren’t your thing, ask for a cup of Brainstorm Coffee, the café’s take on the popular Bulletproof Coffee (coffee blended with grass-fed butter). 525 Race St., Downtown, 513-421-2100, maplewoodkitchenandbar.com.

Mokka

Whether it’s their corn-cerealbattered French toast topped with bananas and crème brûlée or their eggy arsenal of inventive frittatas, Mokka makes a mean breakfast. Vegetarians will love the California, veggie and Greek frittatas, while carnivores can tear into the three-meat and Green Goat (spinach, chicken and goat cheese) varieties. Lunch and dinner options include burgers and hearty grinder sandwiches. 500 Monmouth St., Newport, Ky., 513-666-2315, mokkasunset.com.

Om Eco Café

Om Eco Café features fresh, local and organic coffee, tea, soups, salads and sandwiches. Coffee is shade-grown, the apothecary bar features more than 100 herbs to add to cocktails and tea and they even have homemade biscuits for dogs. Lots of veggie-friendly options here. 329 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, 513-381-3436, aquariusstar.com.

B A R D Z I L L A B U R G E R / P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

Sit.

Local Food Feats

Stay.

For food lovers and eating enthusiasts only: Check out these eating challenges for the adventurous (and ravenous). 110 Reuben Challenge

To celebrate 110 years of serving up their “world’s greatest Reubens,” Izzy’s is hosting the 110 Reuben challenge. Finish off a side of pickles and a super-sized potato cake stuffed with a pound of Izzy’s Famous Corned Beef, crispy sauerkraut, Izzy’s special dressing and melty Swiss cheese in 30 minutes or less to complete this epic challenge. Izzy’s, multiple locations. izzys.com.

Bardzilla Challenge

To defeat the Bardzilla Challenge, one must consume an 11-patty Bardzilla burger, a 16-ounce milkshake and a pound of fries in 60 minutes or less. Out of the 100 people who have taken on this challenge, only three have succeeded. Bard’s Burgers, 3620 Decoursey Ave., Covington, Ky., facebook.com/bardsburgers1.

Savor.

Legend of the Drunken Fireman

As the legend goes, four off-duty firemen ordered a 20-inch pizza with every topping available at Giuseppe’s. After the hungry firemen finished off the entire pizza, the staff was so astounded they created the Drunken Firemen challenge. With toppings stacking up nearly 3 inches high, this behemoth pizza weighs 7 pounds. Finish off every bite in under an hour to win. Giuseppe’s Pizza, 2607 Madison Ave., Covington, Ky., eatattheg.com.

No Freakin’ Way Challenge

Two and a half pounds of spaghetti. Two and a half pounds of premium chili. Two pounds of shredded cheddar cheese. A pound of jalapeño caps. That’s a lot of chili — 8 pounds of it to be exact — and you’ll need to clean your plate in 60 minutes or less to conquer Blue Ash Chili’s No Freakin’ Way challenge. Blue Ash Chili, 9565 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash; 4200 Aero Drive, Mason; 11711 Princeton Pike, Tri-County, blueashchili.com.

4335 Glendale-Milford Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45242 (513) 794-1610 browndogcafe.com

Ramundo’s 26-inch Pizza Challenge

Team up with a friend to scarf down a two-topping, 26-inch pizza from Ramundo’s in 10 minutes or less. Choose your toppings and strategy wisely and you might just make it into their hall of fame. Ramundo’s Pizzeria, 3166 Linwood Ave., Mount Lookout, ramundospizzeria.com.

Uber Terminator Challenge

Consume a “super hot” 2-pound mettwurst measuring over 30 inches long in 60 minutes or less to win Mecklenburg Gardens’ Terminator Challenge. Mecklenburg Gardens, 302 E. University Ave., Clifton, mecklenburgs.com.

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C I T Y B E AT. C O M

A tailored EXPERIENCE Hotel Covington stands as a testament of high stakes, high fashion and high ambition. Sings in style, character and comfort.

Accommodations of Guest Rooms and Suites of • Locally-Curated Accommodations Guest RoomsRoom and Amenities Suites • • ffee Bar Serving Locally-Sourced Carabello Coffee • Outdoor • Event andServing Courtyard Locally-Curated Room Amenities CoﬀLawn ee Bar with Fireplace • Event Spaces for Groups of 10-250 • Coppin’s Restaurant and Bar

Locally-Sourced Carabello Coﬀee • Outdoor Event Lawn and Courtyard with Fireplace • Event Spaces for Groups hotelcovington.com • 859.905.6621 • sales@hotelcovington.com • 638 Madison Ave., Covington, KY 41011 of 10-250 • Coppin’s Restaurant and Bar

hotelcovington.com • 859.905.6621 • sales@hotelcovington.com 638 Madison Ave., Covington, KY 41011

Pair your burger with a beer from our wide selection of 30 drafts 4767 Creek Road Blue Ash | 513-745-9484 6691 Western Row Road | Mason, Ohio 45040 | 513-486-3772 A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

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Piccolo Wine Room

Conceived as a wine bar, Piccolo offers wines by the six-ounce glass or two-ounce taste, or you can select a bottle from the shop next door and pay $10 corkage. The menu rarely repeats from one week to the next but usually will include a soup and a salad, a hearty burger or meat dish and perhaps another sandwich and two or three entrées for a total of six choices. The setting, the bonhomie and food and drink make for a splendid experience. 23 Village Square, Glendale, 513-771-6612, piccolowineroom.com.

Farms’ humane, pasture-raised meats; and potatoes, sprouts and microgreens from nearby growers. Expect a healthy wait on weekends for healthy and hearty brunch fare. 3098 Madison Road, Oakley, 513-5332339; 9514 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, 513-241-2339, sleepybeecafe.com.

Somm Wine Bar

Somm Wine Bar makes it perilously easy to have a fun weeknight out. For one, they serve half glasses of wine (half full, that is), perfect if you’re indecisive, sampling or pretending not to drink very much. For another, the inviting back patio conjures up words like “sophisticated” and “adulting.” And finally, Somm’s snacks range from marinated olives,

10 burgers on the menu, ranging from The Argentinean (chimichurri, grilled onions, provolone cheese and mayo) to the hilariously named Florence Y’all (Taleggio cheese, portobello, arugula pesto). In addition to burgers, there’s German- or Chicago-style hot dogs, Russian slaw, New England clam chowder and classic starters like wings and beer cheese You’ll be full after the burgers, but save room for one of their frozen custard shakes. For a few extra bucks, you can add booze. 545 Race St., Downtown, 513-345-6677, americanoburgerbar.com.

Flipdaddy’s Burgers & Beers

A classic joint offering craft beer (135 tap handles at their four locations) and 16 signature burgers. Add a kick

poblano peppers, onions and smoked bacon. A Xavier hangout. 4328 Montgomery Road, Norwood, 513-351-1999, gordospub.com.

Herb & Thelma’s Tavern

Open in 1939 as Heine’s Café, the small drop-ceilinged dining room is what some may call a “hole in the wall,” but the simple and delectable burgers are made to order and served by an incredibly friendly staff. The burgers are basic — a juicy meat patty topped with cheese, onions and pickles — and a short list of sides includes chili, soup or Husman’s chips. The joint recently added craft beer to its program of PBR, Bavarian’s and Budweiser. One note: Herb & Thelma’s is cash only,

SLEEPY B EE CAFÉ P H OTO : K H O I N G U Y E N

O Pie O

While originally famous for their sweet pies, O Pie O’s restaurant also does savory — pot pies, quiche, empanadas, etc. And they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner with a selection of both types. The pie crust anchors the menu with a flakiness that truly melts in your mouth and tastes just as lovely and buttery whether filled with braised beef or blueberry lavender. 1527 Madison Road, East Walnut Hills, 513-274-3238, opieo.com.

Purple Poulet

Dayton, Ky.’s Purple Poulet brands itself as a Southern bourbon bistro, emphasis on the bourbon — and the hospitality and service. They boast an extensive bourbon collection, one of the largest in the area, and the spirit is woven into many of their dishes, like the KY Coq au Vin. The bourbon-brined chicken breast is juicy and stark white, and the redwine bacon gravy is full of flavor. The Swanky Shrimp & Grits come with bourbon-cream pan gravy, andouille, bacon debris and red-eye ganache. 603 Sixth Ave., Dayton, Ky., 859-9165602, purplepoulet.com.

Quarter Bistro

A romantic bistro offering seasonal cuisine and sophisticated ambiance. The 18-hour short ribs are to die for and the interesting taco selections — Korean barbecue pork, vegetarian wheat crumble, mahi fish — are divine. There’s a lovely wine list at Quarter Bistro, and outdoor dining in the historic Mariemont town square is wonderfully charming. 6904 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, 513-271-5400, qbcincy.com.

Ruth’s Parkside Café

Located in a factory bay at the American Can Building, Ruth’s offers diners a mix of comforting, well-known classics from the owners’ former restaurant Mullane’s, such as the spinach sauté and red beans and rice, as well as new dishes. Everything is from scratch, and there is plenty for vegetarians and carnivores alike. 1550 Blue Rock St., Northside, 513-542-7884, ruthscafe.com.

Sleepy Bee Café

A family-friendly breakfast and lunch spot. Much of Sleepy Bee’s food is sourced locally from farms with bee-friendly practices, including Holistic Acres eggs; Marksbury

mixed nuts and pickled vegetables to bondookies. Somm also makes mozzarella cheese in-house. 3105 Price Ave., Price Hill, 513-244-5843, sommwinebarcincinnati.com.

York Street Café

Built in the 1880s, the building holds a beautifully decorated eclectic café, a lounge with live music and an art gallery, along with a terribly romantic garden patio. Order a Conversation Board, with samplings of different appetizers, and let the words flow. A great place for a first date. 738 York St., Newport, Ky., 859-261-9675, yorkstonline.com.

BURGERS/DOGS Americano Burger Bar

Americano has taken the American staples we all love and elevated them with international flavors. They have A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

to your dish with the Chuck Norris, a locally sourced beef patty topped with fire-roasted green chile and jalapeño compote, lettuce and pepper jack cheese. Or go German with The Oktoberfest burger, topped with horseradish cheddar, grilled onion, sauerkraut, pickles and bacon Dijon on a pretzel bun. Multiple locations including 165 Pavilion Parkway, Newport, Ky., 859-431-2337; 7453 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, 513-272-2337; 12071 Mason Montgomery Road, Symmes, 513-677-2337; 8863 US Route 42, Union, Ky., 859-371-2337, flipdaddys.com.

Gordo’s Pub & Grill

What’s not to love about a pub with more than 100 microbrews and incredible gourmet burgers? Their two standbys are the Jean-Robert, with grape compote and goat and blue cheeses and the Gordo’s burger, topped with Boursin cheese, 51

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but burgers ring in at less than $5 (as does the fried bologna sandwich with cheese). 718 Pike St., Covington, Ky., 859-491-6984, facebook.com/ herbnthelmastavern.

Mad Mike’s Burgers and Fries

Choose from their creative signature offerings like the Rockefeller with blue cheese, cranberry chutney, beer battered onions, cilantro mayo and lettuce, or the Goliath, which features two grilled cheese sandwiches for buns because why not? Multiple locations including 6420 Dixie Highway, Florence, Ky., 859-647-6444; 342 Monmouth St., Newport, Ky., 859-360-6453; 6900 Cheviot Road, Cheviot, 513-376-7714; 194 N. Brookwood Ave., Hamilton, 513-844-6453, madmikesburgers.com.

Mr. Gene’s Dog House

Mr. Gene’s menu features hot dogs, metts and Italian sausages with

traditional sides of fries and onion rings. A portion of Mr. Gene’s profits are donated to charities, so pig out! 3703 Beekman St., South Cumminsville, 513-541-7636, mrgenesdoghouse.com.

Quatman Café

A no-frills burger joint with two locations — an original in Norwood and a second in Mason — that frequently wins best burger accolades from local publications (including this one). Founded in 1966 by Albert Imm and Ken Talmage, this icon is known for cheeseburgers, chili, soup and cold beer. Daily specials rotate between cheeseburgers and fries and other sandwiches, like barbecue pork and hot ham and cheese. Another famous dish? Their mock turtle

with applewood bacon, American cheese and crushed Grippo’s. The lobster BLT is a must have, as is the “$25 wood-grilled, dry-aged ribeye,” which costs just $24 and is served with marrow butter and truffle fries. 1212 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-4212020; 1100 Summit Place Drive, Blue Ash, 513-769-0099, senatepub.com.

Silver Ladle

Silver Ladle is a “fast-casual” restaurant that serves a variety of hearty sandwiches, a dozen soups, fresh salads, gluten-free options and its own twist on Cincinnati-style chili and coneys. Burger fans will be happy to see a stout lineup of heavily topped meaty patties, and the handful of salad offerings are far from skimpy.

exactly the kind of thing one would expect to find in Northside. And Tickle Pickle happens to serve just that. Patrons order their Rockthemed burgers — like the Nom Petty (with mushrooms, Swiss cheese and mayo) and Grateful Shred (shredded pulled-pork on a pretzel bun with spicy slaw and grilled onions) — from the counter and then take a seat. Vegans have one burger option on the menu, the Buns N Roses, and can also opt for non-dairy versions of thick and creamy milkshakes. 4176 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-9544003, ticklepicklenorthside.com.

Zip’s Café

Zip’s has been doing burgers right since 1926, and generations of East

specialty options like the Mo Town with barbecue sauce, bacon, onion straws and cheese are only $6 (with a side). Wings, which come in orders from 10 to 100 (for $73), are accompanied by homemade blue cheese or ranch dressing. 626 Main St., Covington, Ky., 859-261-7510, zolapubandgrill.com.

C A S UA L / N E W AMERICA N 20 Brix

Cutting-edge cuisine with more than 100 wines. The menu uses seasonally and locally sourced ingredients to craft a New American menu with French and Southern accents, like in the fried gulf coast oysters and steak frites. 101 Main St., Milford, 513-8312749, 20brix.com.

Bouquet Restaurant & Wine Bar

C O M M O N W E A LT H B I S T R O P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

Working closely with local sources, Bouquet’s farm-to-table approach means a fresh, frequently rotating menu packed with seasonal ingredients. Elegant small plates, entrées and thoughtful wine pairings set the stage for an intimate dining experience. The Motherboard charcuterie board is ever popular, featuring four cured meats, five cheeses and a multitude of accoutrements. 519 Main St., Covington, Ky., 859-491-7777, bouquetrestaurant.com.

Buz

Features full table service, a bountiful wine selection and an environmentally friendly menu in an elegant, exposed-brick dining room. Pick from a whimsical list of “Bar D’Oeuvres,” artful pizzas and entrées, like Seabuz hash (apple, bacon and root vegetables) with proteins ranging from tofu to seared scallops. 3543 Columbia Parkway, Columbia Tusculum, 513-533-2899, buzrestaurant.com.

Commonwealth Bistro

soup. 2434 Quatman Ave., Norwood, 513-731-4370; 224 W. Main St., Mason, 513-229-0222, quatmancafe.com.

The Root Beer Stand

The restaurant makes secret-recipe root beer (available by the jug) using water from the property’s 280-footdeep well and family-recipe chili for their famous foot-long coney dogs. Memorial Day-Labor Day. 11566 Reading Road, Sharonville, 513-7694349, therootbeerstand.com.

Senate

Pushers of beer, wine and gourmet street food. Senate’s mission is to present upscale street food, and they do a terrific job of it, grabbing national attention from the likes of the New York Post, Forbes and more. The menu plays heavily on hot dogs, from gourmet Chicago dogs to more interesting dog-of-the-days and menu staples like the Trailer Park,

580 Walnut St., Downtown, 513-8347650; 7917 Beechmont Ave., Anderson, 513-954-4825, silverladle.com.

Terry’s Turf Club

There’s no other character on the Cincinnati dining scene quite like Terry, and his little juke-joint is a legend — the hard-to-miss exterior glows with friendly neon signs. The short but sweet menu centers on burgers — big, beautiful hamburgers including a tender-as-butter filet mignon burger with béarnaise. Other sandwiches start with grilled chicken or portobellos and shiitakes. Take the basics and add one of the formidable sauce options for a customized burger experience. 4618 Eastern Ave., East End, 513-533-4222, searchable on Facebook.

Tickle Pickle

Back-alley, Earth-conscious, locally sourced Rock & Roll burgers are A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

Side Cincinnatians call Zipburgers their favorite. If you’re feeling like a light meal, order a classic Zip burger, with fresh, flame-broiled meat from local butcher Avril-Bleh & Sons, nestled in a toasted honey-egg bun from Klosterman Baking Company, and a side of super crispy onion rings. Or go big with the Girth Burger, a Zip burger topped with a split AvrilBleh mettwurst. Or even bigger with the Train Wreck, a Zip burger topped with shaved ham, the aforementioned split grilled mettwurst and three types of cheese. 1036 Delta Ave., Mount Lookout, 513-871-9876, zipscafe.com.

Zola Pub & Grill

The burgers are made with a halfpound of choice angus beef and served with mayo, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle. Every Wednesday is BurgerMania, which means 52

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Commonwealth Bistro is seriously good. For dinner, entrées toe the line between contemporary and comfort food, with dishes like Kentucky-fried rabbit with creamed collard greens, burgoo ravioli and a burger with Duke’s Mayo on a Sixteen Bricks bun — they even serve Ale-8-One soda. The soda. star of brunch is the chicken and waffle, simply described on the menu as fried chicken and cornmeal waffle with spicy maple glacé and buttermilk ice cream. Yes. Ice cream. 621 Main St., Covington, Ky., 859-916-6719, commonwealthbistro.com.

Coppin’s at Hotel Covington

There’s a strong local identity to the location and the menu, with nods to history and the new South, the bourbon and the banter that starts at the Roebling Bridge. For starters, Duke’s Mayonnaise, a kitschy favorite of the Garden and Gun magazine set, binds aged cheddar and roasted pimento peppers to make the Pimentadew cheese. The chef uses local ingredients as often as he can.

Napoleon Ridge Farm’s chorizo adds porky richness to the mussels. The sassy fregola pasta features delicious Kenny’s Farmhouse Norwood cheese, a local Swiss-style treasure. And the perfectly cooked striped bass has a fine crust of earthy Weisenberger Mills’ cornmeal that tastes like sumac. Hotel Covington, 638 Madison Ave., Covington, 859905-6800, hotelcovington.com.

CWC The Restaurant

To borrow from the tagline for the original Disneyland in California, CWC the Restaurant might just be the friendliest place on Earth — or at least in Cincinnati. CWC, from Cooking with Caitlin chef Caitlin Steininger’s longtime catering business, opened on Springfield Pike in a building that used to be a carwash. The menu isn’t extensive, with seven items listed as “shareables” or “starters” — just about everyone orders homemade baby biscuits with tomato jam and corn butter — and a half-dozen “Mains,” like the Char Cheddar Burger covered in a housemade cheese sauce. Dessert is also a strong suit here. The restaurant has very limited hours, only open for dinner on Friday and Saturday and brunch on Sunday. 1517 Springfield Pike, Wyoming, 513-407-3947, cwctherestaurant.com.

E+O Kitchen

E+O stands for “Earth + Ocean,” and the menu, which encompasses lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, is based on wholesome and organic ingredients. You’ll find Asian influences in dishes like the ahi tuna poke — cold and tender raw tuna mixed with crispy cucumber, carrots and cabbage — and miso-marinated black cod. For brunch, the fusion expands to eggs, like breakfast tacos, Loco Moco (Spam-fried rice) and egg sandwiches, including the Not Yo Eggwich (eggs, cheese, pork sausage and spicy honey). 3520 Edwards Road, Hyde Park, 513-832-1023, eokitchen.com.

Grand Finale

Operating at the same historic building since 1975, Grand Finale serves up everything from steak and lobster to crepes and outrageous desserts. Try the bacon, lobster and sun-dried tomato deviled eggs or the herbed filet mignon brochette. No worries for your vegetarian tablemates: Grand Finale has plenty of veggie fare. 3 E. Sharon Road, Glendale, 513-771-5925, grandfinale.info.

Krueger’s Tavern

The menu is broken up into snacks, sandwiches, sausages, burgers, “greens” and sides. The Lincolnshire sausage is bursting with herby flavor, served over colcannon — a tart, creamy take on mashed potatoes, with wilted kale and Guinness-braised onions. The rest of the menu is equally appealing; it features a tomato pesto jar appetizer, meatball sandwich crispy polenta and an awesome crunchy housemade veggie burger. Try their beer

cocktails — beer plus booze! 1211 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-834-8670, kruegerstavern.com.

Live! at the Ludlow Garage

Acoustic concerts in the renovated Ludlow Garage cellar have been wellreceived, and the upstairs restaurant and bar remains open five nights a week, even when the concert venue is dark. The menu, which features punnily named sections like salads under The Green Room, offers flatbreads, sandwiches, steaks, chops and skillets. 342 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, 513-221-4111, liveattheludlowgarage.com.

Maribelle’s eat + drink

With a homey feeling, diners can see — and actually eat — inside the kitchen. Some favorites include a Brussels sprouts starter with toasted walnut, shaved fennel and a sunny-side up egg; burger with cheese curds and duck-fat bacon mayo; and a turkey sandwich with peach butter and tomato on a pretzel bun. Saturday and Sunday brunch specials include cornmeal pancakes, housemade goetta and a sunny-side egg sandwich with truffle aioli and gruyère. 3235 Madison Road, Oakley, 513-321-9111, maribellestavern.com.

Marty’s Hops & Vines

This College Hill wine and beer emporium offers weekly wine tastings with six healthy pours accompanied by cubed cheese and crackers. Half the shop is retail, selling bottle craft beers and local and international wines, and the other half is a bar and restaurant. The expanded menu consists of panini, small plates, individual build-yourown pizzas and seasonal flavors of housemade ice cream. 6110 Hamilton Ave., College Hill, 513-681-4222, martys-hopsandvines.com.

The Mercer OTR

The Mercer OTR fills the niche for those diners looking for easy parking, a sense of space, delicious flavor and gracious service in OTR. The scallops starter, which, though plural, is indeed just two scallops, is amazing. The menu is wide, but the chef excels in seafood and mushrooms in combination, like in the branzino: two crisp filets perched on fregola sarda and maitake mushrooms. 1324 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-421-5111, themercerotr.com.

Metropole

With a menu focused on dishes cooked in a custom-built woodburning fireplace, the restaurant is a showcase for the area’s sustainable farmers and producers, and the menu features an ever-changing list of hearth-roasted meat and fish, along with vegetables, grains and housemade charcuterie. Offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and bar bites, including a seven-hour egg (boiled in coffee, tea and onion) and hot olives. Inventive craft cocktails feature housemade shrubs and tonic. 609 Walnut St., Downtown, 513-578-6660, metropoleonwalnut.com. A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

Otto’s

Otto’s does lunch and dinner, but it’s definitely a happening brunch spot. For brunch, Benedict Otto’s substitutes fried grit cake and smoked salmon for the English muffin and ham of a traditional eggs Benedict. It’s delicious, a bit rich and a true indulgence. There are a half-dozen mimosa options, from Violette Royale to citrus vanilla spice, and bloody marys made with houseinfused cucumber or jalapeño-garlic vodka. 521 Main St., Covington, Ky., 859-491-6678, ottosonmain.com.

Panino

Nino Loreto expanded his Italianstyle charcuterie and meat-sandwich food truck Panino, which he established in 2013, into a full restaurant on Vine Street. Having more space to cure his meats is ideal for an operation that literally uses the entire animal — from snout to tail — and stores the meat in the basement at a controlled 55 degrees. By day, Panino is more of a lunch spot in which hungry customers can order sandwiches to go, but at night the place lights up with a table service, a full menu, cocktails and beer. The front-of-house includes a cold case filled with local cheeses and meats, giving off a classic deli vibe. 1313-1315 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-381-0287, findpanino.com.

Pleasantry

Their motto — “Sip slow. Drink easy. Eat right.” — feels so doable in this calm, inviting space that a person could return to for breakfast, lunch and dinner… all in the same day. Pleasantry opens at 8 a.m. Tuesday through Friday to serve what they describe as “Midwestern food:” granola, quiche and classic scrambled eggs for breakfast, with lunch options including a butternut squash and rapini sandwich and a pimento cheese burger that will knock your socks off. Dinner service is from 5 to 10 p.m., featuring proteins like ocean trout, pork and cauliflower, and a wine list with organically produced and minimally processed vino. 118 W. 15th St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-381-1969, pleasantryotr.com.

Please

Tucked away on Clay Street in Overthe-Rhine, Please serves modern and artful small plates. Chef Ryan Santos helmed Please as a gypsy pop-up from 2011 to 2016 and the design of the cozy brick and mortar is note-perfect down to the very instagrammable bathroom (search #pleasepotty for guest selfies with the abstract hand-painted wall tile). It feels like a first-class affair because it is one — each four-course dinner is served with fanfare and attention. Diners can choose from a vegetarian, pescetarian or omnivore menu, although gluten-free options are always available. Please also offers an à la la carte and bar menu with options like beef tartare and apple aebleskivers. 1405 Clay St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-405-8859, pleasecincinnati.com. 54

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The Presidents Room

The Presidents Room restaurant inside The Phoenix has a traditional feel, but with some whimsical touches that welcome a younger crowd. The menu is modern American with Italian and German influences, visible in dishes like the Haus Burger with American cheese and dill sauerkraut and the Cacio e Pepe with toasted black pepper, pecorino, corn and guanciale. 812 Race St., Downtown, 513-721-2260, thepresidentsrm.com.

Red Feather Kitchen

Red Feather serves up from-scratch housemade dishes using the best possible ingredients. Described as New American, the chef-driven menu reflects a diversity of global influences; small plates range from shrimp and grits to fava bean agnolotti and entrées run the gamut from a burger with boursin cheese and candied bacon. “Shells & Bones” features oysters and mussels plus pork chops, a rack of lamb and lobster tail with truffled macaroni and cheese. The restaurant is an unpretentious, approachable neighborhood spot that serves fun food that people enjoy. 3200 Madison Road, Oakley, 513-407-3631, redfeatherkitchen.com.

Red Roost Tavern

The Hyatt Regency’s farm-to-table Red Roost Tavern joins top-notch hotel eateries downtown. Red Roost’s philosophy is: “Food. Thoughtfully Sourced. Carefully Served.” They emphasize harvesting produce within a 100-mile radius of the restaurant. 151 W. Fifth St., Downtown, 513-579-1234, cincinnati. hyatt.com.

Salazar

The eponymous restaurant from chef Jose Salazar mixes old and new to create an approachable yet refined farm-inspired menu. Salazar offers creative dishes including cured and potted items, like housemade rillettes and chicken liver mousse. There are also comfortable choices like burgers, fish and a vegetarian option. Seasonal, farm-fresh specials frequently pop up on the changing menu, as do staple favorites like the little fried oyster sandwich with kimchi, local radish sprouts and garlic mayo. The wide-ranging drink menu features thoughtful craft beers, cocktails and wines. Now offers lunch and limited reservations. 1401 Republic St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-621-7000, salazarcincinnati.com.

The Summit

Class is in session! Yes, this restaurant is inside a school. Culinary and hospitality students at the Midwest Culinary Institute at Cincinnati State are handpicked to staff the kitchen and dining room in this teaching restaurant. Top-notch food at reasonable prices paired with an extensive wine list make this a restaurant for the city to be proud of. 3520 Central Parkway, Clifton, 513-569-4980, facebook.com/thesummit.mci.

Tēla bar + kitchen

Serving both lunch and dinner six days a week, Tēla does steady business and really rocks on weekends. Rock & Roll cognoscenti will appreciate the numerous music references, starting with the restaurant’s name, taken from a song title by the owners’ favorite band, Phish. The pub-grub slant is apparent at the top of the dinner menu, with items such as pretzel nuggets, chicken wings and poutine. What brings this fare to a higher level might be such twists as preparing the wings as confit or adding housemade beer mustard to the poutine. 1212 Springfield Pike, Wyoming, 513-8218352, telabarandkitchen.com.

Teller’s of Hyde Park

plus more filling options like beef tenderloin sliders and some light seafood dishes. Wine available by the glass and bottle. 6206 Mulhauser Road, West Chester, 513-860-9463, wiseowlwinebar.com.

Zula

You could dine every night for a week and sample a new pot of mussels from a different locale around the world each time. Preparations include classic French, Mediterranean, Thai and New Orleans, among others. But don’t get stuck on the mussels: You’ll miss out on a half-dozen flatbreads and great appetizers like eggplant fries dusted with confectioner’s sugar and a spicy-sour dipping sauce. 1400 Race

wholesomeness. Find everything from cortados and con pannas to Chemex and Hario manual brews. The breakfast and lunch menu features tasty egg sandwiches, artisanal toast and tasty sandwiches, served on Sixteen Bricks bread. BLOC also has a satellite site inside of City Hall. 3101 Price Ave., Price Hill, 513-4294548, bloccoffeecompany.com.

Carabello Coffee

Husband-and-wife owners Justin and Emily Carabello roast and sell their coffee on the premises, but they’re also entrenched in local and international philanthropy, giving much of their profits to third-world coffee regions in Nicaragua and Kenya. Also carries frozen ice pops called Bello’s

Located in the historic Hyde Park Savings and Loan building, Teller’s offers a unique ambiance, 30 beers on tap, a plethora of wine and a comprehensive menu with pastas, pizzas, salads, steak and more. They also offer a back patio and the option to eat inside of a bank vault. 2710 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, 513-321-4721, tellersofhydepark.com.

Central Parkway, Downtown, 513-6515483, coffee-emporium.com.

Collective Espresso

Inspired by some of the best espresso bars and coffee shops in the country, this big-city-style coffee bar offers cool blends like cortados and espresso lemonade. There’s no pretense; just really, really good coffee. 207 Woodward St., Over-theRhine, 513-900-0154; 4037 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-900-0423, collectiveespresso.com.

College Hill Coffee Company

Full espresso and coffee bar with a hearty café menu and gift shop. Free music and Wi-Fi. 6128 Hamilton Ave., College Hill, 513-542-2739, collegehillcoffeeco.com.

Trio Bistro

P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

Trio offers something-for-everyone American-style menu items with an upscale twist. Choose from many great salads — including an award-winning chopped Cobb — sandwiches, gourmet pizzas and seafood and pair your meal with a nice glass of wine from the extensive wine list. The filet mignon, the Trio Meatloaf and the soy-glazed seabass are customer favorites. As is the classic vodka martini with blue cheese olives. 7565 Kenwood Road, Kenwood, 513-984-1905, triobistro.com.

Walhill Farm

By using what is readily available from the 250-acre farm itself and local farms nearby, the restaurant provides guests with higher-quality products at a lower price point. Walhill Farm raises Black Angus cattle, Berkshire pigs, chickens and other animals sustainably, free from antibiotics and fed with crops from the farm’s acres of pasture. They even have a butcher shop on the premises, where they prepare most of their cuts. 857 Six Pine Ranch Road, Batesville, Ind., 812934-2600, walhillfarm.com.

Wildflower Café

With local farm-raised, grass-fed beef and an extensive wine list that features products from Cincinnati-area vineyards, Wildflower is dedicated to producing the freshest and bestquality food at an honest price. Foods are local, sustainable and seasonable to offer peak freshness. 207 E. Main St., Mason, 513-492-7514, wildflowergourmetcafe.com.

Wise Owl

Expect thoughtful and consistently excellent wine recommendations in an inviting atmosphere at this wine bar and tapas restaurant. The menu includes small plates, like a charcuterie board and bruschetta,

PLEASE

St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-744-9852, zulabistro.com.

COF F EE HO USES Awakenings

Coffee and more than 500 bottles of boutique wine, plus food and artwork, in the middle of Hyde Park square. 2734 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, 513-3212525, awakeningscoffeeandwine.com.

Bean Haus Bakery & Café

A MainStrasse coffee café and bakery. 640 Main St., Covington, Ky., 859-431-2326, facebook.com/ beanhaus.

BLOC Coffee Company

BLOC earns its reputation for serving some of the best cups of joe in the city from local roaster Deeper Roots. All dairy comes from Snowville Creamery, giving that frothy latte an extra touch of A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

Bike Pops and features a six-seater Analog Coffee Bar, an intimate and interactive experience with baritsas. 107 E. Ninth St., Newport, Ky., 859-4151587, carabellocoffee.com.

Coffee Please

Local coffee roaster in Madeira’s town square, offering pastries, sandwiches, salads and soups. 6930 Miami Ave., Madeira, 513-271-4700.

Coffee Emporium

A Queen City staple with multiple locations, Coffee Emporium has been serving up artisanal roasted beans for decades (they’re the city’s oldest coffee house) and offers up some of the best breakfast pastries in Cincinnati. Lunch options are simple and hearty, with daily homemade soups. A hip, laid-back atmosphere makes it feel like you’re at a book club meeting with 20 of your friends. Multiple locations including 110 E. 55

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Fuel Coffee

Coffee shop, breakfast, brunch and lunch with signature biscuits and gravy. Offers a Saturday morning meetup for the cars and coffee concours to show off your unique ride. 2726 Riverside Drive, East End, 513-257-1858, facebook.com/ fuelcoffeecincy.

HD Beans and Brews Café

A coffee shop, bar, café and sports haven in one. Fair-trade coffee, more than 100 local and national microbrews and wines. 6721 Montgomery Road, Silverton, 513-793-6036, hdbeansandbrews.com.

Highland Coffee House

Open since 1978, this is not your traditional coffeehouse — Highland doesn’t open shop ’til 5 p.m., and alongside a bunch of coffee drinks and a full bar, there are

delights like boozy milkshakes, iced Thai coffee and fresh cookies. 2839 Highland Ave., Corryville, 513-861-4151, facebook.com/ officialhighlandcoffeehouse.

Kidd Coffee & Wine Bar

Open in Mason since 1999, Kidd focuses on high-quality coffee and blended drinks, plus a crafted menu of breakfast and lunch bites, like an egg and cheese croissant and threemeat chef salad. 653 Reading Road, Mason, 513-398-0718, kiddcoffee.com.

Kitty Brew Cat Café

Customers can sip on a latte while cuddling up to adorable — not to mention adoptable — cats. Making a reservation and paying a small cover

for the morning and the other is suitable only after the day’s work is done. Mostly. With this in mind, Landlocked Social House covers the socially acceptable drinking needs of an entire day in one place — and with gusto. This is achieved by offering a solid third-wave coffee and espresso menu alongside an extensive selection of beers, ciders and wines. 648 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills, landlockedsocialhouse.com.

Left Bank Coffeehouse

On the left bank of both the Ohio and Licking rivers, this shop serves Deeper Roots coffee as well as snacks and pastries from local purveyors including Savor Catering, Shadeau Breads, Grateful

But they’re one of the only coffee shops in the country to offer complex and creamy kegged iced lattes in the warmer months — espresso and milk rested and chilled in a refrigerated keg overnight. 2717 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, m5espresso.com.

Newberry Brothers Coffee

Originally a coffee shop and bistro, Newberry Brothers Coffee is now primarily a speakeasy nestled in the Mansion Hill neighborhood of Newport. But on “Third Sundays,” Newberry’s opens from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to serve its famous handmade pastries, like ham and cheese and goetta and cheddar croissants, cinnamon rolls, scones and more — all baked fresh Sunday morning

Road, Oakley, 513-321-8733, redtreegallery.net.

Roebling Point Books & Coffee

Local independent bookstore with interior coffee shop. 306 Greenup St., Covington, Ky., 859-815-7204, facebook.com/ roeblingpointbooksandcoffee.

Rohs Street Café

This not-for-profit coffeehouse close to the University of Cincinnati fully embraces ethical sourcing by offering only fair-trade coffees and teas. Choose from a selection of locally roasted coffees to sip with a fresh pastry. 245 W. McMillan St., Clifton, rohsstreetcafe.com.

Sidewinder Coffee & Tea

The café offers locally roasted fairtrade and organic coffees, espresso drinks, spirits, blended and loose-leaf teas. Tasty sweet and savory treats abound, including vegan coffee cake and muffins. 4181 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-542-8321, sidewindercoffee.com.

Sitwell’s

P H OTO : B R I T TA N Y T H O R N TO N

Maybe you enjoy the smell of coffee, but would rather have a beer or mixed drink in your hand. This Clifton coffee shop offers a fi ne line of artisan coffee, local and imported beer, a full bar with signature cocktails and even fancy milkshakes. Food choices include salads, breakfast, sandwiches and options for vegetarians and kids. 324 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, 513-281-7487, facebook. com/sitwells.coffeehouse.

Smooth Nitro Coffee

L AN D LOCKE D SOCIAL H O U S E

fee gets you access to Kitty Brew’s cat lounge, a nearly 1,900-square-foot space featuring cat furniture, a sitting area for humans and a dozen cats ready to find their forever homes. The café side is sealed off from the lounge by a windowed wall, per health code requirements. Once a customer’s beverage has been prepared in the café, however, they are welcome to venture into the lounge to consume it in the company of Kitty Brew’s furry residents. $10.68 cat lounge reservation. 6011 Tylersville Road, Mason, 513-818-CATS, kittybrew.com.

Kitty’s Coffee

Hot or iced coffee, tea and sandwiches. 120 E. Fourth St., Suite 5, Downtown, 513-721-2233.

Landlocked Social House

There’s a chronological distinction between coffee and beer in that one beverage is typically intended

Grahams and more. 701 Greenup St., Covington, Ky., 859-431-4655, leftbankcoffeehouse.com.

Lookout Joe

Small but mighty, Lookout Joe in the heart of downtown can roast with the best of them. Serves fair-trade beans from around the world as well as a great selection of pastries, bagels and smoothies. Also in Mount Lookout, hence the name. Multiple locations including 3181 Linwood Ave., Mount Lookout, 513-871-8626; 15 W. Seventh St., Downtown, 513-241-0281, lookoutjoe.com.

M5 Espresso

Hyde Park’s third-wave coffee shop M5 Espresso eschews local roasters for specially sourced beans from Seattle, Brooklyn, South Carolina and even Berlin, Germany. The menu is simple: batch brew, manual brew, Aeropress and lattes, plus a variety of Spirit Teas. A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

and available while supplies last. Complement your carbs with a house-roasted coffee. 530 Washington Ave., Newport, Ky., 859-261-9463, newberrybroscoffee.com.

Point Perk

A coffeehouse that trains and employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities from The Point. Serves craft coffee drinks and the delicious local Lil’s Bagels. 43 W. Pike St., Covington, Ky., 859-292-7375, facebook.com/pointperkcoffee.

Reality Tuesday Café

Longstanding Northern Kentucky coffeehouse and bakery. 1518 Dixie Highway, Park Hills, Ky., 859-261-4939, facebook.com/realitytuesdaycafe.

Redtree Art Gallery and Coffee Shop

Fair-trade and organic coffee within a gallery setting. 3210 Madison 56

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More reminiscent of a craft brewery than a coffee shop, Smooth Nitro Coffee revolutionizes the café experience with cold brew coffee on tap. What sets Smooth apart is the expansive selection of cold-brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas, kegged and poured from a tap. Smooth has 12 taps that serve a variety of cold brew flavors featuring wholesome ingredients such as almond or coconut milk, hazelnuts, real dark chocolate and raw honey. 525 Vine St., Downtown, 513-400-3532, facebook. com/smoothcincy.

Trailhead Coffee

Newport, Ky.’s Reser Bicycle doesn’t just sell bikes — they also sell really good coffee at their coffee outpost Trailhead. The best part of the shop? Their baristas are knowledgeable and not intimidating like those at some craft coffee joints. They serve Wood Burl coffee, Sixteen Bricks bagels and bread and more inside and via the cool open-window coffee bar. 648 Monmouth St., Newport, Ky., 859-739-3112, facebook.com/ trailheadcoffee.

Urbana Café

Urbana Café’s storefront in Pendleton offers about 20 items on the coffee menu, including more experimental options like the caffé frizzante — espresso is poured into a highball glass and then topped with

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Favorite Farmers Markets

Find local produce, baked goods and crafty products among other farm-friendly goodies. Blue Ash Farmers Market

3:30-7 p.m. Wednesdays, May-October. Summit Park, 4335 Glendale-Milford Road, Blue Ash, blueash.com.

College Hill Farm Market

3-6:30 p.m. Thursdays, May-October. 5742 Hamilton Ave., College Hill, collegehillfarmmarket.org.

Covington Farmers Market

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, May-October. Third and Court streets, Covington, Ky., facebook.com/covingtonfarmersmarket.

Findlay Market Farmers Market

8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays, year-round. 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, findlaymarket.org.

Hyde Park Farmers Market

9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sundays, May-October. Hyde Park Square, hydeparkfarmersmarket.com.

Lettuce Eat Well Farmers Market

3:30-6:30 p.m. Fridays, year-round. 4040 Harirson Ave., Cheviot, lewfm.org.

Madeira Farmers Market

Ice Cream & Candy Made the Sincere Way

3:30-7 p.m. Thursdays, May-September. Corner of Dawson Road and Miami Avenue, Madeira. 3:30-6 p.m. Thursdays, November-April. 8000 Miami Ave., Madeira, madeirafarmersmarket.com.

Milford Farmers Market

2-5 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturdays, June-October. 1025 Lila Ave., Milford, milfordfarmersmarket.com.

Visit one of the last authentic ice cream parlors left in the US

Northside Farmers Market

aglamesis.com

4-7 p.m. Wednesdays, May-October. Hoffner Park, 4101 Hamilton Ave., Northside. 4-7 p.m. Wednesdays, October-May. North Church, 4222 Hamilton Ave., Northside, northsidefm.org.

3046 Madison Rd â&#x20AC;˘ 9899 Montgomery Rd

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San Pellegrino carbonated mineral water. In-house baked goods range from Italian donuts to European shortbreads to a toast bar. 1206 Broadway St., Pendleton, 513-8133133, urbana-cafe.com.

in its Styrofoam container, enjoy the lighthearted banter between Fred, Gari and the slew of regulars. 629 Vine St., Downtown, 513-784-9000, facebook.com/fredgaris.

Velocity Bike & Bean

An organically inspired lunch stop that does locally sourced deli and ready-made meals. 10764 Montgomery Road, Montgomery, facebook. com/fondorganiclunchanddeli.

Full-service bike shop that serves coffee from locals Carabello Coffee. 7560 Burlington Pike, Florence, Ky., 859-371-8356, velocitybb.com.

D E L I S /S A N D W I C H E S / T A KEA WAY Alléz Bakery

This bakery has a small but mighty team, preparing and baking heaps of sourdough, ciabatta and rye on a three-deck Polin oven — an Italian import that dominates the front of house. The menu features lunch sandwiches — chicken salad with tarragon, marinated beet and prosciutto with rapini pesto— served with a seltzer and a bag of chips. 1208 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-381-6700, allezbakery.com.

Avril-Bleh & Sons

A historic Cincinnati butcher and meat market with attached deli and takeout established in 1894. During the summer months, they bring a grill onto the street for fresh-grilled sausage lunches. 33 E. Court St., Downtown, 513-241-2433, avrilblehmeats.com.

Bottle & Basket

Bottle & Basket offers an abundance of locally grown whole foods and gourmet take-home salads and sandwiches. Picnic-perfect with Southern inspiration. Now under the umbrella of the locally expanding Wellmann’s Brands. 1400 Republic St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-381-6325, wellmannsbrands.com.

Dutch’s Larder

Dutch’s established itself as a wine and bottling shop and open-air pony keg in 1947 and expanded into a deli/grocery. Pair one of 200 different available wines or craft ontap beers with farmstead cheeses, natural meats or snacks like truffl e popcorn. They embrace both oldworld techniques and the new wave of domestic artisans. Thursday is Burger Night, with a special onenight-only gourmet topped burger available from 6 p.m. until they sell out. 3378 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, 513871-1446, dutchscincinnati.com.

Fred & Gari’s

For more than 25 years, Fred & Gari’s has been a bustling favorite of the downtown lunch crowd, with its ’80s-throwback neon sign, house-roasted meats and homemade dessert. The deli also specializes in a damn-good $8 soup-and-sandwich combo. The meats are smoked in-house, and their egg salad is a nostalgic throwback, full of mayonnaise-y goodness and topped with lettuce, tomato and onion. While you wait for your sandwich to arrive

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Frenchie Fresh

Frenchie Fresh is a fast-casual French-American sandwich/street food shop located in a strip mall. The menu is pleasingly arranged by categories: Soups, Salads, Mac & Chez, Create Your Own Masterpiece (burgers), Sandwiches, Chef’s Choice, Sides, Kids’ Meals and Desserts. The Sloppy Jean, described on the menu as “like mom made but ‘French,’“ is served with a side of Frenchie Slaw. The banh mi is the “veggie version of Vietnamese sandwich,” with crispy tofu, pickled veggies and sprouts and a plain Mac & Chez. Even the “plain” version of Frenchie’s Mac & Chez is not plain — it comes with penne pasta, leek, celery, mushroom and a creamy béchamel sauce. 3831 Edwards Road, Norwood, 513-3663960, frenchiefresh.com.

Fresh Table at Findlay Market

Meredith Trombly, Louis Snowden and their staff do all the hard parts — finding the best locally sourced ingredients and cooking 40-50 delicious and beautifully presented dishes every day. Baby-back ribs and grilled wild-caught salmon highlight the main courses at this constantly evolving eatery. Try the eggless egg salad. 1801 Race St., Findlay Market, Over-the-Rhine, 513-381-3774, freshtable.biz.

Gilpin’s Steamed Grub

You want a steamed sandwich? How about the Christopher Walkin, with shredded chicken, basil pesto, mushrooms, green pepper and mozzarella or a pizza sandwich with pepperoni, marinara and provolone. Drunk? If it’s 2 a.m. TuesdaySaturday, try the Razzle Dazzle with turkey, pepperoni, bacon, provolone, lettuce, honey-mustard ranch and nacho cheese Doritos on top. 37 E. Seventh St., Downtown, 513-421-4223, eatgilpins.com.

Gramma Debbie’s Kitchen

Old-fashioned comfort food, cooked and ready for you to take home. 1801 Race St., Findlay Market, Over-theRhine, 513-421-4726, facebook.com/ grammadebbiesatfindlaymarket.

Grand Central Deli

Grand Central is not a straight-up Jewish deli — it spins New York deli cuisine and injects it with a bygone-era theme and atypical deli items. They offer more than a dozen sandwiches, most of which are made with Boar’s Head meats. The Remus is named after Cincinnati bootlegger George Remus and comes with Genoa salami, prosciutto, mortadella, A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

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capicola, provolone and roasted red peppers on ciabatta bread. The Cat’s Meow is one their vegan sandwiches: faux cream cheese, figs and toasted almonds on open-faced ciabatta. The rest of the expansive menu features appetizers, sides, cocktails and a grab-and-go counter. 6085 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge, 513-531-3354, gcdeli.com.

The Gruff

The Gruff is a gourmet market/deli, a bar and a pizzeria/restaurant all working in tandem. The restaurant does brick-oven pizzas, salads and hot and cold sandwiches, with Graeter’s ice cream and Covington’s Piebird pies and milkshakes for dessert. The pickle fries appetizer is crunchy with housemade dipping sauce, and the set of nine deviled eggs is truly enough to satisfy any paprika-sprinkled craving. You can even order food and beer through the drive-thru. 129 E. Second St., Covington, Ky., 859-581-0040, atthegruff.com.

DI NE RS/CHIL I PA R L O R S

Award winner, Camp Washington Chili opened its doors in 1940, and current owner Johnny Johnson has been working at the parlor since 1951. Open 24/6 — they’re closed on Sundays. 3005 Colerain Ave., Camp Washington, 513-541-0061, campwashingtonchili.com.

Anchor Grill

Covington Chili

The recently renovated Covington Chili parlor is a smoke-free gasp of fresh air is Northern Kentucky. The restaurant’s new owners updated the space with a non-smoking mandate and authentic Greek cuisine, while still keeping the dive-bar atmosphere that those who grew up slurping down its spaghetti know and love. Bonus: Covington Chili

Blue Ash Chili

This family-owned chili parlor, established in 1969, not only offers traditional Cincinnati-style chili with coneys and 3-, 4- and 5-ways, but also a menu loaded with sandwiches, burgers, salads and sides. Featured

bacon, sausage, gravy and cheese. The Echo now offers seasonal features and has a liquor license. And, as always, it serves up homemade pie. 3510 Edwards Road, Hyde Park, 513321-2816, echo-hydepark.com.

Hathaway’s

The old-fashioned flavors of the soda fountain are found at Hathaway’s, including the best darn chocolate shake in town. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped through a time portal to the 1950s (the diner opened in 1956). Get a plate lunch or a burger, but if you’re there for breakfast (and when isn’t it time for breakfast food?) don’t miss the French toast and goetta. Hathaway’s does them both exactly right. 441 Vine St., Carew Tower,

Izzy’s

A Cincinnati tradition, Izzy’s serves a Reuben we can all be proud of. Sandwiches such as the Reuben-ator and the Izzy’s Mex showcase their delicious corned beef. Multiple locations including 800 Elm St., Downtown, 513-721-4241; 610 Main St., Downtown, 513-241-6246, izzys.com.

Revolution Rotisserie

P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

Revolution specializes in hormonefree, preservative-free roasted Amish chicken on a number of pita sandwiches named after revolutionaries — Gandhi, Mandela, Joan of Arc, etc. — as well as in chickencentric house specialties, indulgent appetizers, fresh salads and traditional sides made with a twist. There is also a full drink menu with draft and bottled beer, wine and house punch. 1106 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-381-0009, revolutionrotisserie.com.

B L U E J AY R E S TAU R A N T

Tom+Chee

A gourmet grilled cheese and tomato soup shop with a famous grilledcheese donut. Featured on Shark Tank. Multiple locations including 125 E. Court St., Downtown, 513-721-2433; Newport on the Levee, Newport, Ky., 859-291-2433, tomandchee.com.

Total Juice Plus

Total Juice Plus has been serving natural fruit smoothies, wraps and fresh-squeezed juices to the weekday downtown population for more than two decades. They use all-natural flash-frozen fruit, extol the benefits of fresh juice and make excellent wraps with a Mediterranean lean. 631 Vine St., Downtown, 513-784-1666, totaljuicecincy.com.

The ’Wich on Sycamore

Quality made-to-order sandwiches with roasted meats. 425 Sycamore St., Downtown, 513-421-9424, wichonsycamore.com.

also offers free food delivery to nearby Braxton Brewing Company and Hotel Covington. 707 Madison Ave., Covington, Ky., 859-261-6066, historiccovingtonchili.com.

on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. 9565 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, 513-984-6107, blueashchili.com.

Blue Jay Restaurant

Since its opening in 1967, the Blue Jay Restaurant has, for the most part, remained the same, boasting a nostalgic image and homestyle eats. As with any good local diner, there’s Cincinnati-style chili in bowls, on coneys and 3-ways, plus classics like all-day breakfast, double decker sandwichess and homemade pie. 4154 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-5410847, searchable on Facebook.

Camp Washington Chili

A great place for breakfast, lunch or dinner, Camp Washington Chili features greasy-spoon breakfast offerings, double-decker sandwiches, Cincinnati-style chili, coneys and even a few salads. A James Beard

Dixie Chili

Founded in 1929 by “Papa Nick,” Dixie Chili has classic, secret-ingredient Cincinnati-style chili with cheese and onions on spaghetti. Multiple locations including 733 Monmouth St., Newport, Ky., 859-291-5337; 2421 Madison Ave., Covington, Ky., 859431-7444, dixiechili.com.

The Echo

Opened as a sandwich shop in 1945 by Louise Schwartz, customer favorites include the Echo Grill (baked ham, Swiss cheese, lettuce and tomato served with tartar sauce), an open-faced turkey sandwich and the “hangover helper” Hot Mess, with layers of home fries, scrambled eggs,

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Downtown, 513-621-1332, facebook. com/hathawaysdiner.

J&J Restaurant

This old-school diner serves huge double-decker sandwiches, good chili, cheese coneys and all-day breakfast at a great price. Tucked into a strip mall, this is a no-frills neighborhood staple with lots of regulars and quick service. 6159 Glenway Ave., Westwood, 513-661-2260.

Pepper Pod

Open 24 hours a day so you can get your fried-pickle fix whenever the craving hits — and once you have the Pepper Pod’s fried pickles, the hankering will hit you often. The meatloaf goes very quickly in the evening, so get there early. Greasy spoon dining at its best, the Pepper Pod is a Newport legend. 703 Monmouth St., Newport, Ky., 859-431-7455.

Pleasant Ridge Chili

A local multi-generational chili joint that recently celebrated 50 years. Offers chili to go and late-night eats (until 4:30 a.m.), like french fries topped with everything from chili to cheese to gravy. 6032 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge, 513-531-2365, pleasantridgechili.com.

Price Hill Chili

Generations of West Side patrons have grown up on this iconic, familyowned restaurant’s diverse, fairly priced menu. Having expanded several times over the years, there are now multiple dining areas and a full-service attached cocktail lounge called Golden Fleece. What sets them apart from other chili joints

The owner has even been known to make a special banana and peanut butter Elvis cake. 635 Madison Ave., Covington, Ky., 859-261-7800, facebook.com/rimasdiner.

Skyline Chili

A locally based chain of chili parlors founded by Greek immigrants in Cincinnati in 1949. Their Cincinnatistyle chili is poured over spaghetti or hot dogs along with chili burritos, fries and baked potatoes. Their vegetarian version is almost as tasty with black beans and rice. Multiple locations including 643 Vine St., Downtown, 513-241-2020; 290 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, 513-221-2142; 617 W. Third St., Covington, Ky., 859-2618474, skylinechili.com.

Tucker’s

Truly an Over-the-Rhine institution (same family since 1946!) and an “everyman” restaurant. Solid, Midwestern staples for hungry, working people. Features a full breakfast menu complete with a variety of omelets, pancakes and egg dishes. Try the Big Tucker, a double-decker burger with cheese and special sauce. Other standbys include biscuits and gravy and the fried cod sandwich. 1637 Vine St., Over-theRhine, 513-954-8920, facebook.com/ tuckersrestaurantotr.

A F RICA N

in Washington., D.C. — which is saying a lot. 5070 Crookshank Road, Westwood, 513-429-4890, habesharestaurantandcafe.com.

Teranga

An African/American fusion restaurant with a diverse and affordable menu. Find $5 meals, like the Senegalese Senburger, or full diners like grilled tilapia and Jamaican-inspired oxtail with rice and peas. It’s a great place to try West African dishes such as Mechoui Gigot (stuffed lamb leg with onion sauce). Sides range from couscous and French fries to fufu and attiéké. 8438 Vine St., Hartwell, 513-821-1300, terangacinci.com.

Elephant Walk Injera & Curry House

ASIA N 3501 Seoul

There’s a popular greeting in Korea, “Bap Meogeosseoyo,” that translates to, “Have you eaten rice (bap) today?” As with all Korean restaurants, rice and noodles figure largely on 3501 Seoul’s menu, like in the Bibimbap, literally mixed rice and a signature Korean dish. The fresh Bibimbap is a mixture of raw salmon, red snapper, tuna, flying fish roe, octopus and maguro-tataki (minced tuna pounded with the blunt edge of a knife). While 3501 Seoul is a Korean bistro, not a barbecue with tabletop grills, the kitchen does offer several grilled choices. 3501 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, 513-873-9181, 3501seoul.com.

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China Gourmet

China Gourmet has been serving fine Chinese cuisine since 1977. The menu at China Gourmet is divided into classics, what’s new and traditional favorites, with highlights including wok-seared sea scallops, moo shu pork and Yang Chow-style fried rice. 3340 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, 513-8716612, thechinagourmet.com.

Cilantro

is their liquor license and full menu, which features an excellent Greek salad (with secret-recipe dressing), specialty sandwiches, steaks, all-day breakfast and amazing homemade macaroni and cheese on Fridays (available after 4 p.m.). 4920 Glenway Ave., Price Hill, 513-471-9507, pricehillchili.com.

Rima D’s

There are old-school diners that try too hard to resurrect the past, and then there are diners that authentically live in the past to the point where you feel like everything is trapped in amber, including yourself. Covington, Ky.’s Rima’s Diner follows the latter logic — in a great way. Elvis paraphernalia has exploded inside the restaurant, from knickknacks of Fat Elvis to ephemera of handsome younger Elvis to his vinyl record sleeves hanging on walls.

Sugar n’ Spice

Huge, fl uff y omelets and “wispy-thin” pancakes have made Sugar n’ Spice a bona fi de breakfast institution for 75 years. One of the city’s most popular places for people of all ages and socio-economic groups to dine and socialize, new owner Steve Frankel has made updates to the menu, digging some old favorites from the basement archives and improving ingredients, moving from canned veggies to fresh. Frankel is also the guy behind the genius marketing plan of giving patrons little rubber ducks from Ace Toys on Reading — and passing out fried macaroni and cheese bites during long waits. It’s a charming quirk that keeps people coming back. 4381 Reading Road, Avondale, 513-242-3521, sugar-nspice-restaurant.com. A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

One genius way to set yourself apart in Cincinnati’s sea of Indian restaurants is by also serving Ethiopian food. Elephant Walk Injera & Curry House boasts a large, double-sided menu — Northern Indian on one side, traditional Ethiopian on the other. But what’s really awesome is the 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. daily lunch buffet. It has both Ethiopian and Indian dishes, so you can sample all you can eat of both country’s cuisines and carbo load on both naan and injera. 170 W. McMillan St., Clifton Heights, 513-526-1555, elephantwalkcincy.com.

Habesha

A great hidden-gem restaurant offering authentic Ethiopian dishes and an Ethiopian-style coffee ceremony. While it looks like kind of a hole-inthe-wall from the outside, the cuisine is on par with Ethiopian eateries 62

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“Eat well. Eat fresh. Eat often.” These three sentences serve both as a tagline and as a personal philosophy for local restaurateur Darren Phan, owner of Cilantro Vietnamese Bistro, Clifton’s brothy, herby, vermicellifilled landmark. A collection of family recipes and flavors brought over from the motherland serve as the heart from which joy and laughter still pump. Mama Phan’s secretrecipe sweet and spicy chicken Sate soup can’t be found anywhere else. 235 W. McMillan St., Clifton Heights, 513-281-1732, eatatcilantro.com.

Cloud 9 Sushi

An unpretentious sushi joint serving half-price sushi all day, every day, with a selection of more than 50 different rolls. Open until 4 a.m. on the weekends. 1018 Delta Ave., Mount Lookout, 513-533-9218, cloudninesushi.com.

Fortune Noodle House

You know your noodles are made with love when a restaurant dedicates an entire employee just to their production, but here’s the thing: Everything else at Fortune

is delicious, too. Inspired by classic Chinese noodle houses, owners Steven Sun and his wife Rachel serve a La Mian-style of handmade noodles, a practice that dates back to the 1500s. The noodles are hand-pulled and stretched out into strands, then paired with everything from vegetables to squid and shredded pork to tripe. 349 Calhoun St., Clifton Heights, 513-281-1800, fortunenoodles.com.

Fusian

Fusian’s fast-casual approach, in which you choose your own custom sushi roll, prompted many to coin the restaurant the “Chipotle of sushi.” They offer a diverse selection of non-traditional sushi proteins, including steak, chicken and roasted tofu, but the classic tuna and salmon rolls remain among the most popular. Multiple locations including 600 Vine St., Downtown, 513-421-7646; 3780 Paxton Ave., Hyde Park, 513-321-2111, fusian.com.

Green Papaya

If you’re a Thai food fan, this mainstay — locally owned by Bangkok-born husband and wife Sak Kertpet and Sunee Panichluechachai — focuses on unique sushi rolls, curries and noodle dishes. Sak, a former chef, and Sunee, a sushi chef, bring their expertise to dishes like Massaman curry, Pad Woonsen noodles and a TaTa roll, lightly fried shrimp, smoked salmon, cream cheese and avocado. 2942 Wasson Road, Hyde Park, 513-731-0107; 4002 Plainville Road, Mariemont, 513-561-7282, greenpapayacincinnati.com.

House of Sun

A great find for Saturday and Sunday mornings, you’ll love the traditional Chinese Dim Sum, with long, sweet fried bread sticks, small sausagefilled steamed dumplings, a scallion pancake with egg and the most delicious sesame Shao Bing with beef — all bargain-priced. The rest of the menu is divided between Americanized and traditional Chinese, with cold jellyfish, sliced hot maw with dried lily and fresh tomato with egg. 11959 Lebanon Road, Sharonville, 513769-0888, houseofsuncincy.com.

Ichiban

Sushi, sashimi and Robotayaki grill (traditional Japanese charcoal grill) offerings abound in the cozy Ichiban dining room. Tapas-style small plates, dishes to tempt carnivores and a dizzying variety of noodle dishes round out the menu. Belly up to the sushi bar or bring a group and dive into the half-price sushi menu while enjoying a warm sake or Asian-inspired cocktail. 1020 Delta Ave., Mount Lookout, 513-321-8686, ichibancinci.com.

Izen’s Drunken Bento

Nestled in the student area of Clifton Heights, Izen’s casual décor (there’s a wall of exposed textured 2-by-4 beams you can graffiti) complements its selection of fresh sushi, $6 ramen and more than a dozen Korean entrées at less than $15, including

Dolsot Bibimbap for $11 — a big hot bowl of rice, carrots, soybean sprouts, shiitake mushroom, zucchini, spinach and protein. 212 W. McMillan St., Clifton Heights, 513-381-5905, searchable on Facebook.

Maki Express Ramen House

Formerly known as Maki Express, this itty, bitty izakaya (sans booze) has been a mainstay in Clifton Heights for more than a decade. And after a recent modern makeover, the eatery has reopened with a new name — Maki Express Ramen House — a new look and a new menu. Brightly colored Pop art murals with swirling geishas, tigers and dragons cover the walls, and the left side of the dining room has been converted into traditional seating. Where the old menu offered a range of sushi and noodle dishes, the new, streamlined edition features traditional ramen with pork belly, spinach, bamboo, sweet corn and a soft-boiled egg in tonkotsu, miso or shoyu broth (the friendly young chef will also make vegetarian ramen upon request). 209 W. McMillan St., Clifton Heights, 513-721-6999.

Kaze

The old Cincinnati Color building on Vine Street is such a landmark that it would have been dreadful had it been torn down. Thankfully, Japanese gastropub Kaze saved it. With a distinct bar and dining room, favorites are the pork belly buns, pork belly ramen and the vegetarian Kato roll with chimichurri sauce. The huge patio and attached bar do one of the city’s best daily happy hours, with $5 specialty cocktails, discounted sushi rolls and half-price wine bottles on Sunday. 1400 Vine St., Over-theRhine, 513-898-7991, kazeotr.com.

KungFood Chu’s AmerAsia

Oriental Wok

Quaint and comfortable with a huge beer list, AmerAsia offers all the usual Chinese dishes and chef specialties, but the food is anything but the usual. Chef Chu makes it all from scratch. His motto: “Do not take short cuts and do everything with passion and love.” Enjoy it all while taking in the eclectic décor of Kung Fu movie posters and paper lanterns. Favorite dishes include the inferno-hot Dragon Breath wontons and General Chu’s orange and sesame street chicken. 521 Madison Ave., Covington, Ky., 859-261-6121, facebook.com/kungfoodchu.

Transcending the typical Chinese American menu since 1977, Oriental Wok and the Wong family offer upscale, innovative, fresh and delicious chef-prepared cuisine that’s never boring — from five-spice tofu over stir-fried spinach to sea bass with black bean and garlic sauce or a steak with peppercorn sauce. Serves excellent beer and wine selections, and their annual Chinese New Year party is a blast. 317 Buttermilk Pike, Fort Mitchell, Ky., 859-331-3000; 2444 Madison Road, Hyde Park, 513871-6888, orientalwok.com.

Lemon Grass Thai Cuisine

Located in the heart of Findlay Market, Pho Lang Thang offers dishes like hot pho soup, spring rolls and the ever-popular banh mi sandwiches, which come sprinkled with assorted pickled vegetables and your choice of meat or tofu. They also serve Vietnamese coffee sweetened with condensed milk and brewed right on the table into your glass. Now open for dinner. 114 W. Elder St., Findlay Market, Over-the-Rhine, 513376-9177, pholangthang.com.

Pho Lang Thang

Fresh and authentic casual Thai, Lemon Grass is a favorite hidden gem spot. Reasonably priced farmfresh spring rolls to signature pad Thai. 2666 Madison Road, Hyde Park, 513-321-2882, lemongrasscincy.com.

Le’s Pho and Sandwiches

The menu is simple yet extensive, offering both traditional Vietnamese dishes as well as those that cater to less adventurous palates. The banh mi, a traditional Vietnamese sandwich, comes complete with your choice of chicken, beef, pork, teriyaki or Dac Biet (a hearty combination of pork and pâté), topped with pickled carrot, onion, cilantro, jalapeño and just the right amount of mayonnaise. But the dish you will most often find in front of Le’s customers is the pho, with a heaping serving of Vietnamese broth, rice noodles, meat, vegetables and herbs. 3 E. Court St., Downtown, 513-721-9700, searchable on Facebook.

Lulu’s Rice & Noodles

It’s not a Chinese restaurant — it’s a noodle shop that serves up inexpensive steaming bowls of various Asian rice and noodle dishes garnished with vegetables and seafood or meat. Their soups are great, too. Try the spicy and intense Tom Yum soup with shrimp. The restaurant can prepare any dish to suit your spice-loving needs. 135 W. Kemper Road, Springdale, 513-671-4949.

Quan Hapa

“Hapa” is the word for a mixed-race Asian or Pacific Islander — the perfect nomenclature considering the street food-focused menu is an iteration of the best dishes and spirits from the Philippines, Vietnam, Japan and China. Their menu is delineated into sections of small plates, okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes), noodles, ramen and bowls. Dishes are very shareable, especially the DIY salad rolls and Hapa Wings. 1331 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-421-7826, quanhapa.com.

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Riverside Korean Restaurant

For authentic Korean dishes, Riverside Korean Restaurant is an excellent choice. They offer traditional rice-based, steaming hot Dolsot Bibimbap with mixed vegetables, a sunny-side up egg and your choice of beef, chicken or tofu. All entrées are served with a delightful selection of traditional 63

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side dishes called Ban Chan. Floor tables available. 512 Madison Ave., Covington, Ky., 859-291-1484, riversidekoreanrestaurant.com.

Shanghai Mama’s

Shanghai Mama’s menu gives you the option of mixing and matching proteins with starches. The noodles are homemade, thick and rustic and very delicious. And Mama’s is very vegetarian-friendly. There are several seitan dishes, including veggie cashew chicken and the Happy Buddha. Open late on weekends to accommodate the after-bar crowd. 216 E. Sixth St., Downtown, 513-2417777, shanghaimamas.com.

Singha

In addition to being the name of the most widely known Thai beer, Singha translates as “guardian lion,” a national symbol common throughout Southeast Asia and China. What sets Singha apart from other local Thai restaurants is a section of Thai noodle soups, sushi rolls made with black rice — instead of sticky white rice — and several dishes in a menu section called Singha’s Special Roll. The Black Pearl roll has a highly unorthodox ingredient: mozzarella cheese. It sounds weird but totally works. 2912 Wasson Road, Hyde Park, 513-351-0123, singhathaiandsushi.com.

Song Long

We’re lucky to have Song Long’s authentic Vietnamese food in town. Family-run, Song Long is often busy enough to have a line out the door on weekday nights. Try the Bahn Xeo crepe stuffed with bean sprouts and shrimp, or the Goi Cuon with its clear, cool rice paper and blend of fresh cilantro sprigs and vermicelli doused with peanut sauce. Not fancy, just fantastic. Also offers a selection of Chinese specialties. 1737 Section Road, Roselawn, 513-351-7631, songlong.net.

Stone Bowl

Stone Bowl’s somewhat slapdash appearance belies its tasty food. The mostly Korean menu — sometimes there’s sushi — offers up delicious pancakes, noodles and rice dishes; it’s the perfect family-friendly fare if you can keep small fingers off of the piping-hot stone bowls. Conveniently located adjacent to the giant MadTree 2.0 taproom. 3355 Madison Road, Oakley, 513-533-9600, stonebowloakley.com.

Sukhothai Thai Cuisine

Features exotic dishes like mango prawns stir-fried in a tamarind sauce or tamarind crispy duck. There are also familiar options like stir-fry and noodle dishes like pad Thai with your choice of meat and house fried rice. All of the dishes can be made vegetarian-friendly with vegetables or tofu. 8102 Market Place Lane, Montgomery, 513-794-0057, sukhothaicincy.com.

Teak Thai

With three floors of dining, a full bar and a large outdoor patio area, Teak

At Martino’s, Go BIG or Go Home!

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C I T Y B E AT. C O M

Thai Express

A favorite stop for inexpensive, good Thai food and friendly service. The tiny, no-frills kitchen puts out some very tasty Thai food. Everything is cooked in one of the two giant iron woks, and nothing on the menu is outside a nearby University of Cincinnati student’s budget. Most dishes come with your choice of tofu, chicken, pork or shrimp. Alltime favorites are pad Thai, the red curry with chicken, spring rolls and the beef salad. 213 W. McMillan St., Clifton, 513-651-9000, facebook.com/ thaiexpresscincinnati.

or go all the way Jamaican with escovitch snapper (a sort of island ceviche), an oxtail dinner or curried goat with a side of plantains. 2826 Vine St., Corryville, 513-498-0680, islandfrydays.com.

CAJ UN/CREOL E Allyn’s Café

The sheer number of menu items you’ll find at Allyn’s will surprise you. There are Tex-Mex treats like enchiladas and chimichangas; Cajun specialties like fried gator, jambalaya, plenty of blackened proteins — featuring “the finest seasoning this side of New Orleans” — and red beans and rice; and standard pub grub like hot wings, fries and sandwiches.

special. 6302 Licking Pike, Cold Spring, Ky., 859-781-2200, searchable on Facebook.

Mardi Gras on Madison

Latoya Foster and her husband Randy, originally from Algiers Point, La., were among the first pioneers to establish a foothold in the Cincinnati food-truck movement with their popular New Orleans to Go eatery. Now they’ve parlayed their mobile success into Mardis Gras on Madison, a café featuring classic Cajun and Creole dishes. Foster invents the menu each morning, serving up items like catfish tacos, black beans and rice, fried okra and shrimp po’ boys from opening until they’re gone. 1524 Madison Road, East Walnut

Erie Ave., Hyde Park, 513-533-4253; 601 Main St., Covington, Ky., 859-5814253; 275 E. Sharon Road, Glendale, 513-771-4253, candbpublichouse.com.

Molly Malone’s

Celebrating a decade in business, Northern Kentucky’s own Irish Pub has a great mix of Irish and American fare for lunch, brunch and supper and serves pizza and appetizers until the wee hours. With 28 draft beers, trivia, karaoke and live music seven nights a week, Molly’s will fi ll your dance card. 112 E. Fourth St., Covington, Ky., 859-491-6659, covington.mollymalonesirishpub. com; 6111 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge, 513-407-9383, pridge. mollymalonesirishpub.com.

FRENCH CRUST CAFÉ P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

Thai has the room to accommodate throngs of Thai and sushi lovers. It also has the food to keep them coming back for more. Thai curries, soups, stir-fries, sushi and sashimi all vie for space alongside noodle dishes and house specialties like Seafood Choochee (fresh squid, crab stick, scallops and black tiger shrimp in red curry) and crispy duck. 1051 Saint Gregory St., Mount Adams, 513-6659800, teakthaicuisine.com.

Thai Namtip

Located in a strip mall, Thai Namtip has a rather unassuming location, but diners who know good Thai food make regular pilgrimages to this spot. Their specialty is the Orange Chicken, with breaded chicken breast drenched in a tangy orange sauce with vegetables and cashews. 5461 N. Bend Road, Monfort Heights, 513-481-3360, thainamtip.com.

Wild Ginger

Many Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese dishes complement the creative sushi menu. A recent expansion added a Hibachi grill to the mix. Try the Hee Ma Roll, with shrimp tempura, asparagus and avocado, topped with yellowfi n tuna and sprinkled with crabmeat and tempura fl akes. 3655 Edwards Road, Hyde Park, 513-533-9500, wildgingercincy.com.

CA RIBBEA N Caribe Carryout

A Caribbean carryout that offers up real-deal spicy empanadas with nine handmade fillings ranging from vegetarian to seafood. The stews are bursting with flavor — the coconutcurry chicken stew is as sweet as Caribe owner Basil Balian himself, who bases his recipes off those he learned from his former Puerto Rican wife. If you’re indecisive, go with the super combo: two flavors of stew and two empanadas for less than $10. 2605 Vine St., Corryville, 513-221-1786, caribeonvine.com.

Island Frydays

Island Frydays is the definitive restaurant to break out of culinary monotony, featuring authentic Caribbean cuisine made by former University of Cincinnati football captain and Jamaican native Leo Morgan. You really owe it to yourself to stop by and taste its curry and jerk dishes

Their booze list has several of NOLA’s Abita brews, a Hurricaine and a French Quarter martini. 3538 Columbia Parkway, Columbia Tusculum, 513-871-5779, allynscafe.com.

Dee Felice Café

If you’re looking for more of an experience than just dinner, swing into Dee Felice Café. Along with spicy New Orleans-style dishes, you’ll enjoy great live Jazz performed on a raised stage behind the bar. The star dish here is the crawfish étouffée, a generous pile of crawfish tails with vegetables and spicy sauce over rice. 529 Main St., Covington, Ky., 859-2612365, deefelicecafe.com.

Knotty Pine on the Bayou

Louisiana cooking featuring alligator, lobster bisque, oysters, fried catfish and frog legs with a mess of sides. Be sure to ask about the nightly A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

Hills, 513-873-9041, facebook.com/ mardigrasmad.

Swampwater Grill

Southerners will feel right at home. An ample lineup of classic Louisiana favorites like jambalaya, gumbo, po’ boys and red beans and rice are paired with a selection of slowsmoked ribs, barbecue chicken and pulled pork. 3742 Kellogg Ave., East End, 513-834-7067, swampwatergrill.com.

B R IT I S H/ C E LT I C Cock & Bull Public House

Cock & Bull serves award-winning fish and chips and better-than-average pub grub, including excellent crab cakes and gourmet burgers. The atmosphere is convivial, and the beer selection is fantastic — 60 beers on tap. Multiple locations including 2645 65

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Nicholson’s

For some gastropub food with Scottish influence and a cocktail or two, Nicholson’s is a hot spot to hit. They’re known for their fish and chips, but their menu also offers duck-fat fries, a Scotch egg and shepherd’s pie. If you’re not hungry, check out one of their 90 single-malt scotches, craft cocktails or draft beer. 625 Walnut St., Downtown, 513-564-9111, nicholsonspub.com.

F R E N C H/ B E L G I A N French Crust Café

French Crust Café and Bistro is as jaunty and friendly as its owner, chef Jean-Robert de Cavel. Patrons sit at booths, tables or a 20-seat bar and soak up the bonhomie of a lively ambiance. The food matches the surroundings and delivers note-perfect

versions of dishes you’d expect for breakfast, brunch or lunch — a variety of quiches, sandwiches on croissant or baguette, omelets and, of course, a croque monsieur. At dinner, more bistro classics tempt diners, from appetizers of snails and beef tartare to mains ranging from duck leg confit to steak frites. Findlay Market, 1801 Elm St., Over-theRhine, 513-455-3720, facebook.com/ frenchcrustcafe.

Le Bar a Boeuf

Jean-Robert de Cavel’s Le Bar a Boeuf (French slang for ‘beef bar’) is set in The Edgecliff high-rise residences in East Walnut Hills, boasting stunning views over Eden Park and the Ohio River. The city’s most

available only at the bar. 713 Vine St., Downtown, 513-621-4777, jeanroberttable.com.

Taste of Belgium

Hot, fresh Belgian waffles are made from a thick dough and coarse Belgian beet sugar, which caramelizes on the cast iron press. Find the heavenly breakfast food topped with strawberries and cream or ricotta, or as the bread in a McWaffle sandwich (egg, gruyère and maple syrup). The crepe station prepares sweet and savory crepes, like the Nati Crepe with goetta, made fresh to order. At dinner, the sophistication goes up a notch with mussels, steak frites and Belgian specialties. Exclusive selection of Belgian beers. Multiple

roasted root vegetables and spaetzle (tiny German pasta) that’s as light as a baby’s kiss. Bauer also offers “tete du cochon,” which is best for three or more diners and must be ordered in advance. Half of a piggy’s head is cooked sous vide and crisped before serving, and honestly not as gruesome as it sounds. 435 Elm St., Downtown, 513-621-8555, bauercincinnati.com.

Hofbräuhaus

The first authentic German Hofbräuhaus in America, modeled after the legendary Munich location. Traditionally decorated rooms, beer brewed on-site (in line with the German Purity Law “Reinheitsgebot,” using only hops, malt and water), a

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kaffee haus environment. The new, expanded location also serves dinner, with mains ranging from Nudeln Mit Gemüse (baked rigatoni in béchamel sauce) and Jägerschnitzel to a New York strip. Or just enjoy a German brew in the new biergarten. 736 Washington Ave., Newport, Ky., 859291-2233, katharinascafe.com.

Mecklenburg Gardens

For a taste of Zinzinnati’s German heritage, Mecklenburg Gardens showcases some of the best German cuisine the city has to offer. Their specialty is wienerschnitzel, a tender, pan-fried veal cutlet topped with lemon; it’s served with mashed potatoes and cabbage. They have about a dozen beers on tap, most of which are German, along with some local microbrews. Nationally ranked as one of the best biergartens in the country, and one of the oldest restaurants in Cincinnati (open since 1865). 302 E. University Ave., Corryville, 513221-5353, mecklenburgs.com.

Wunderbar!

Wunderbar! is one of those restaurants that’s considered a “hidden gem.” The authentic Germaninspired menu features housemade wursts with locally sourced meats, like the restaurant’s super popular currywurst — a peculiar invention of post-World War II Germany. It’s a spiced sausage served with a ketchup-Worcestershire-curry sauce. The rotating sausage menu is written on a blackboard behind the bar, but a must-try is the Riesen Brezel, a gigantic, plate-sized pretzel that easily complements any of the bar’s more than 35 beers. 1132 Lee St., Covington, Ky., 859-815-8027, facebook. com/wunderbar.covington.3.

INDIA N Adeep India

beloved restaurateur opened the bar to specialize in ground meat served with potatoes and veggies, with a selection of sauces, cheese and garnishes to dress. The bison topped with goat cheese and ‘forestiere’ mushroom-based sauce is perfect in every way. 2200 Victory Parkway, East Walnut Hills. 513-751-2333, barboeuf.com.

Jean-Robert’s Table

The casual, upscale menu of FrenchAmerican cuisine includes foie gras, duck breast and the French Chateau Burger with blue cheese, caramelized onions, tomato and bacon on a fl uff y brioche bun. A Duo of Snail & Frog Leg appetizer is also available, served with a brie and garlic tart. For lunch, the best-bang-for-yourbuck, four-course $15 French Lunch Tray (with a soup, salad, savory and sweet) changes every week and is

locations including 16 West Freedom Way, The Banks, 513-396-5800; 1133 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-3965800; 2845 Vine St., Corryville, 513-396-5800; 3825 Edward Road, Rookwood, Norwood, 513-396-5800, authenticwaffle.com.

GERMA N Bauer European Farm Kitchen

Bauer European Farm Kitchen is a truly unique exploration of German cuisine with French accents — a farmto-table, Alsatian-influenced eatery that no one has done here before. The sausage, charcuterie, steaks and chops are all dry-aged in house. The seasonal sausage is served in a castiron pot with German potato salad, toasted pretzel buns, housemade sauerkraut and fresh mustard, and the sauerbraten short ribs — braised for 48 hours — are served with A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

huge biergarten and German dishes make this a fun dining option. Servers bring you your schnitzel and wurst in traditional German garb and there’s live music almost every night. 200 E. Third St., Newport, Ky., 859491-7200, hofbrauhausnewport.com.

Iron Skillet

Did you even know that there are 10 kinds of schnitzel? The Iron Skillet celebrates traditional Eastern European cuisine with a schnitzel for every day of the week — and then some. 1020 Ohio Pike, Withamsville, 513-561-6776, laszlosironskillet.com.

Katharina’s Café-Konditorei

Katharina’s is a family-run operation, with much of the staff hailing from Mainz, a small town in Germany. The traditional German menu is bilingual and offers breakfast and lunch — meat, breads, cheeses and, of course, cake — in an authentic 66

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Adeep India’s simple, cheaper take on takeout is welcome in the Clifton brotherhood of Indian restaurants. Head to the counter to order and then wait for your giant Styrofoam container of Saag to come out. You can either eat in at one of their fast-food-style tables or take your Goliath order home and make a few meals out of it. 211 W. McMillan St., Clifton Heights, 513-421-6453, deepindiacincinnati.com.

Akash India

Authentic Northern Indian cuisine with an awesome lunch buffet and Indian beer. 24 E. Sixth St., Downtown, 513-723-1300, akashindia.net.

Ambar India

Perhaps the classiest of the Indian restaurants along Ludlow Avenue in Clifton, Ambar touts a neat and simple dining room with white tablecloths and consistently good service. 350 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, 513-2817000, ambarindia.com.

Amma’s Kitchen

Amma’s serves only vegan and vegetarian Indian food, but you won’t

East Coast Flavor, MidwEst Hospitality

28 W. Court Street | Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 246-0184 Lunch/Happy Hour/Dinner M-Sat

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Yes, it is as good as it looks. www.KAZEOTR.com

(513) 898-7991

1400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

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miss the meat when the flavors are this complex. In fact, the lunch buffet is completely vegan on Wednesdays. Homemade breads include the puff y pillows of cooked dough called Batura. They also carry Indo-Chinese dishes. 7633 Reading Road, Roselawn, 513-821-2021, ammaskitchen.com.

cheap beer and a few plates of Tikka Masala, Saag Paneer and Fish Pakoras before catching an indie flick at the Esquire (or going home to put on sweatpants). 354 Ludlow Ave., Clifton 513-961-3600, grillofi ndiacincinnati.com.

Baba India

Like many restaurant ventures of late, Indi-Go follows the same fast-casual, assembly-line approach as Chipotle. Options range from basmati rice bowls and naan wraps to pizzas and salads, which can be dressed with protein, a signature sauce, veggies and chutney to control the spice level. 3392 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, 513954-5850, indi-gogrill.com.

Baba is known for its gentle blending of herbs and spices, featuring authentic cuisine from Northern India. Try the savory tandoori oven dishes, exotic curries, excellent naan and various mango juice beverages. 3120 Madison Road, Oakley, 513-3211600, babarestaurant.com.

Bombay Brazier

Chef Rip brings style and class to a cuisine popularized by buffets, Americanized dishes and rushed, overcrowded dining rooms. What’s their philosophy? Northern Indian recipes done the only way they know: authentically. 7791 Cooper Road, #5, Montgomery, 513-794-0000, bombaybraziercincy.com.

Bridges

Bridges is the first full Nepalese restaurant in the area. On a menu behind the counter, diners will find options to build their own bowls or combos, with additional soups, sides and samosas — all for under $15. Diners can choose from meat options like grilled Chicken Tikka Masala or Haku Chuala (smoked chicken) or vegan dishes including cauliflower and potatoes or aloo wala. 4165 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-374-9354, facebook.com/ashchipalu.

Brij Mohan Indian Sweets & Restaurant

Brij Mohan features authentic Northern Indian cuisine specializing in desserts and street-food-style dishes. Try the Malai Kofta, a creamy onion and tomato sauce with mixed vegetable balls, or homemade cheese dishes like spicy Chili Paneer or Saag Paneer with spinach. All dishes are vegetarian and made from scratch, including their pastries. 11259 Reading Road, Sharonville, 513-769-4549, brijmohancincinnati.com.

Dusmesh

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Sun-Thurs 11am - 9pm Fri-Sat 11am - 11pm

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Sitting at the bottom of Ludlow Avenue right across from Cincinnati State, Dusmesh is a foodie favorite, offering Northern Indian food made fresh with organic produce. Vegans can substitute coconut milk in any of their dishes. If you want to sample a little bit of everything, check out the lunch buffet. BYOB with no cork fee. 944 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, 513-2218900, dusmesh.com.

Grill of India

While it might be the only Indian dinner buffet in town, Grill of India’s evening buffet stands in a class of its own. Grill of India offers not one but two buffet tables and an advertised 36 items, with more than 12 different clearly marked entrées catering to vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. For about $15, stop by and grab a 68

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Indi-Go

Krishna

With only a few seats in house and every dish served in a Styrofoam container, it’s no wonder why the emphasis is on the food. Krishna offers budget-friendly Indian fare without compromising the quality. Go in for the Lamb Biryani or the Saag Paneer, and add some vegetable samosas to your order. Their food is friendly whether you’re a carnivore or herbivore. 313 Calhoun St., Clifton Heights, 513-961-2878.

New Krishna

Specializes in a wide variety of North Indian foods. Includes a lunch and dinner buffet. 11974 Lebanon Road, #100, Sharonville, 513-769-6266, newkrishnarestaurant.com.

Shaan Indian Cuisine

Located in Hyde Park, Shaan Indian Cuisine provides Northern Indian specializing in Saag dishes, like the Chicken Saag and the Saag Paneer. The Chane Ki Chat is a blend of fruit and vegetables mixed with chickpeas served cold as an appetizer that you don’t normally see, but don’t miss the spicy Lamb Vindaloo or the ginger lamb. 3880 Paxton Ave., Hyde Park, 513-533-3100, shaanindian.net.

Swad

The former owners of Dusmesh opened this spot that’s friendly to all: gluten-free eaters, vegans, bringyour-own-beer types and those who just love excellent garlic naan. 1810 W. Galbraith Road, North College Hill, 513-522-5900, swadtasty.com.

IT A L I A N /P IZ Z A Adriatico’s

Adriatico’s has a huge draft beer selection and 64-ounce growlers to go, plus spicy, garlicky sauce, oversized pepperonis and the super-thick crust that their pizzas are known for. Good luck finding calzones like theirs, too. It’s “madness” every Monday and Tuesday with specials that the college kids can’t turn down. The Bearcat pizza will feed your entire party. 113 W. McMillan St., Clifton Heights, 513-2814344, adriaticosuc.com.

A Tavola

Armed with a pizza oven from Naples, Italy, A Tavola strikes a resounding chord of authenticity while

Z I P D I P / P H OTO : J E S S E F OX

R E S TAU R A N T • B A R • PAT I O

We Scream for Creamy Whips A quick translation for any non-Cincinnatian wondering, “What the heck is creamy whip?”: While creamy whip is basically soft-serve ice cream, the phrase is also the name for where the aforementioned dessert is served. Real creamy whip must come from a creamy whip, which generally looks like a shack with a walk-up window and line of little leaguers waiting to order. Here are some longstanding favorites, all open seasonally (generally April through early October). Most are cash only. The Cone

Instantly recognizable because of its large swirled ice cream cone-shaped exterior, The Cone’s flavors and ingredients are all natural (soy free, gluten free and egg free), the majority of which are made in-house daily with fresh fruit and real chocolate. Even their famous bright-orange sherbet-vanilla twist cone is made from real oranges. 6855 Tylersville Road, West Chester, thecone.com.

Dairy Corner

Established in 1955, Dairy Corner is one of the area’s oldest creamy whips. The family-owned and -operated establishment offers freshly made frozen dairy delights for the whole family, including their special Doggie Sundaes for four-legged family members. 3501 Church St., Newtown, searchable on Facebook.

Putz’s Creamy Whip

Back in 1938, the Putz family opened an ice cream shop in a pair of trolley cars (now relocated into a single-story building) and has remained a beloved Cincinnati tradition ever since. Along with standard creamy whip fare, they also serve soft serve with Krunch Coat — the ephemeral topping that blends sprinkles, nuts, little bits of cereal and magic. 2673 Putz Place, Westwood, putzscreamywhip.com.

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Norwood Delite Creamy Whip

If you grew up going to Kings Island as a kid, you probably partook in your fair share of blueberry soft serve at the Huckleberry Dairy in what used to be Hanna-Barbera Land. To relive the nostalgia — and if you can’t swing the $50 admission to get today’s version of a blueberry cone — Norwood Delite has you covered. This creamy whip staple offers the famed blueberry soft serve and also has everything from popsicles and sundaes to pickles and more. 4490 Forest Ave., Norwood, 513-841-1114.

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Zip Dip

A West Side family tradition since 1950, Zip Dip can be spotted instantly with its original old school neon sign: a lightning bolt striking an ice cream cone, which is perched atop the roof. Be sure to check out one of the shop’s specialties, like a Face Cone (with candy eyes and ears), extra thick malts or a classic Zip Dip Bar. 4050 Drew Ave., Bridgetown, zip-dip.com.

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redefining the perfect pie. Their playful selection of signature pizzas — such as the Fig + Prosciutto, Sweet Pea + Bacon or Sausage + Sage — are a blend of the familiar coupled with the exotic. Whet your appetite with their stuffed dates, filled with house sausage, wrapped in smoky bacon and topped with tomato sauce, or share a plate of Tagliatelle al Ragu. 1220 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513246-0192; 7022 Miami Ave., Madeira, 513-272-0192, atavolapizza.com.

Betta’s Italian Oven

Plenty o’ choices here to give any local Italian chain a serious run for its money. Familiar favorites include antipasto, soups, salads and Italian and NYC-style sandwiches, but pizza

recipes handed down from their Nonna. Mamma helps out in the dining room, serving her homemade cookies and other Italian treats to guests; plus cousin Ralph drops off his Dolce Vita Gelato. 2513 Ritchie Ave., Crescent Springs, Ky., 859-2793847, buonavitapizzeria.com.

Dewey’s Pizza

A hip neighborhood pizza chain with craft beers, seasonal salads, specialty toppings and a window where kids (and adults) can watch the pizzas being hand-tossed. Multiple locations including 3014 Madison Road, Oakley, 513-731-7755; 7767 Kenwood Road, Kenwood, 513-791-1616; Newport on the Levee, Newport, Ky., 859-431-9700, deweyspizza.com.

In addition to a selection of redand white-sauced pizzas, the menu lists six pasta plates and fi ve meat- and fi sh-based entrées. 3514 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, 513-818-8720, fornoosteriabar.com.

Goodfellas Pizzeria

The place to be when you stumble out of the bar at 2 a.m. (or for lunch), Goodfellas makes their dough fresh every morning and their sauce inhouse. They also offer subs, calzones and a multitude of delectable dipping sauces. A bourbon bar is upstairs. 1211 Main St., Over-theRhine, 513-381-3625; 603 Main St., Covington, Ky., 859-916-5209, goodfellaspizzeria.com.

Mac’s Pizza Pub

It’s kind of a collegiate Chuck E. Cheese. There are games, live music, sports and food — good food with vegan options. They make their own dough and pizza sauce in-house, hand-shred the cheese and use fresh and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Mac’s pizza has won numerous awards, and the rest of its menu — which consists of plenty of pub grub — ain’t too shabby, either. 205 W. McMillan St., Clifton Heights, 513-241-6227; 6309 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, 513-271-6227; 2920 W. US-22, Maineville, 513-677-6227; 604 Main St., Covington, Ky., 859-431-6227, macspizzapub.com.

Mellow Mushroom

Choices are endless at this groovy pizza joint. Choose from an extensive list of specialty pizzas including the Holy Shiitake Pie or opt to craft your own creation. Multiple locations including 9238 Floer Drive, West Chester, 513-860-0888; 1014 Town Drive, Wilder, Ky., 859-441-6600, mellowmushroom.com.

Newport Pizza Company

P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

The pizzas are excellent, of course, and the vegetarian options are much better than average since Newport Pizza roasts most of their veggies themselves. Best thing on the menu, though, is the Antipasti Basket with salami, pepperoni, capicola ham, asiago and fresh mozzarella, manzanella olives, banana peppers, Roma tomato, fresh basil and a big fat head of roasted garlic. 601 Monmouth St., Newport, Ky., 859-261-4900, newportpizzacompany.com.

Pompilios

This restaurant, where the toothpick scene in Rain Man was filmed, has been offering classic family Italian since 1933. Can’t go wrong with any pasta dish. Play a game of bocce ball on the back court or grab a beer-and-burger special in the attached Colonel Pomp’s Tavern. 600 Washington Ave., Newport, Ky., 859-581-3065, pompilios.com.

SOT TO

is the real word. The wood-fired oven produces tasty, thin-crust pies like the Quattro Stagioni with kalamata olives, prosciutto, tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, and breadsticks including the spicy pepperoni sticks. There are plenty of regulars filling the tables every night — always a sign of a consistently good meal. 3764 Montgomery Road, Norwood, 513-631-6836, bettasitalianoven.com.

Buona Vita Pizzeria

Lots of Italian restaurants claim to cook “ just like Grandma made it,” but few actually use authentic recipes passed down from the motherland. At Buona Vita Pizzeria, the Frommeyers use their family name (Buonavita, “the good life”) and family recipes. Truly a family aff air, Joseph Frommeyer runs the front of the house while his brother/ chef Matthew runs the kitchen using

LaRosa’s

Fireside Pizza

Since opening a brick-and-mortar version of their popular wood-fi red pizza cart last year, Fireside Pizza has been able to attract a crowd. With the family-friendly vibe, old school Ms. Pac-Man game and the fact that it’s located inside an actual historic fi rehouse, Fireside’s appeal transcends its nicely singed wood-fi red pizzas. 773 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills, 513-751-3473, fi residepizzawalnuthills.com.

Forno Osteria + Bar

One of the city’s First Families of Food — the Pietosos of Nicola’s and Via Vite — have brought upscalecasual Italian cooking to the East Side with Forno, serving what they describe as “Italian comfort food.” The restaurant is one large dining room with an open kitchen showcasing the brick ovens and a large bar. A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

A chain of local pizzerias that’s been dishing up pies for 60 years, as well as pasta, salads, sandwiches and more. The sauce and crust are both a tiny bit sweet. Multiple locations including 2684 Madison Road, Hyde Park; 7691 Montgomery Road, Kenwood; 2411 Boudinot Ave., Western Hills, 513-347-1111, larosas.com.

LPH Pizza Co.

LPH Pizza Co. is no-frills. The dough, dressings and sauces are made inhouse, and beyond pizza, the menu offers pasta, subs, calzones, salads, wings and homemade desserts. There are specialties like the Cheeseburger and Lots O’Meat. The Cincinnati chili pizza is a different animal entirely: a dough base, chili meat, onions and that gorgeous yellow 3-way cheese. 712 State Ave., Lower Price Hill, 531817-4989, lphpizzaco.com. 70

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Ramundo’s Pizzeria

Try the pizza challenge — two people, 10 minutes, one 26-inch pizza. Winners get their photo on the wall. 3166 Linwood Ave., Mount Lookout, 513321-0978, ramundospizzeria.com.

Red Rose

Avocados are usually associated with Mexican food, but if you crave the green stuff on unconventional dishes, Red Rose Pizza offers it in the form of a fresh guacamole appetizer, avocado cheese loaf, the Goats & Guacamole salad and May’s Funky Chicken grinder. Add avocado to any grinder for an extra couple bucks. 5915 Hamilton Ave., College Hill, 513620-7673, redrosecollegehill.com.

Scotti’s

Family-owned for more than a century, Scotti’s must be doing something right. Their large menu features just about every pasta imaginable

and nearly 20 different varieties of veal dishes. Finish off your meal with a bottle of wine and you’ll be full for days. Multi-colored tiles plaster the walls, and candles drip layer upon layer of wax on Chianti bottles at every table, providing a little light to the otherwise dimly lit dining room. Scotti’s is named after early 20thcentury opera star Antonio Scotti, so the sounds pumping through the speakers isn’t Muzak or clichéd Sinatra tunes, it’s Rossini and Puccini and Pavaratti — just another aspect that sets this landmark apart from the pack. 919 Vine St., Downtown, 513721-9484, scottiscincinnati.com.

Sotto

Located under Boca restaurant, the Tuscan-inspired Sotto offers a more approachable atmosphere and price point than its upstairs neighbor. With multiple dining rooms, the kitchen is open to view, including the custommade wood-fire grill in front and a fresh-pasta room in the back hallway. Menu items include handmade pasta, house-cured salami and big-ticket items like Bistecca Fiorentina, a grilled creekstone porterhouse steak with daily sides. Sotto sources their bread from Blue Oven and also grows their own herbs and vegetables. Now serving lunch during the week. 118 E. Sixth St., Downtown, 513-977-6886, sottocincinnati.com.

Strong’s Brick Oven Pizzeria

The eatery’s signature Pizza Alla Vodka is a must-order every time you go. The dough is thin with beautiful, crisp air pockets that bulge out of the golden, charred and chewy crust. The toppings are tossed deliberately but asymmetrically, rustic in every sense. This goldmine of flavors combines creamy sauce with mushrooms, spinach and the salty-sweet prosciutto di Parma. There is no such thing as leftovers with this pizza. 336 Monmouth St., Newport, Ky., 859-2916836, strongsbrickovenpizza.com.

Taglio

In Italian, “pizza al taglio” means “pizza by the slice” and this restaurant focuses on large slices of gas-fired New York-style pizza (hand-tossed, thin crust, real cheese). The concept is simple: walk up to the counter, order a slice or a whole pizza, grab a six-pack or a bottle (or two) of wine from their booze wall, go home and stuff your face. They make all of their meats in-house and import the ricotta and mozzarella from Italy. They also deliver (food and alcohol!). 3531 Columbia Parkway, Columbia Tusculum, 513-321-0454, eattaglio.com.

Trotta’s

A beverage drive-thru with aboveaverage pizza, including the Lotta Trotta big-ass pie, available in a variety of interesting topping combinations: the Salami Roll-Up (salami, cream cheese, cheddar cheese and provolone), Chili Pizza (chili and cheddar cheese) and Hot Wing (hot wing sauce, bits of blue cheese, chicken and provolone). 3501

Werk Road, Westwood, 513-451-5555, trottaspizza.net.

Via Vite

Via Vite showcases chef Cristian Pietoso’s casual take on Northern Italian cuisine. Crispy, stone-fired pizzas and hearty pastas hearken to the motherland, while entrées like 12-hour braised lamb shank with white polenta and rosemary lead the diner on a classic Italian journey. Classic Italian cocktails like a Negroni and Aperol Spritz are a clever accompaniment to a collection of Italian (and California) wines. 520 Vine St., Fountain Square, Downtown, 513-721-8483, facebook.com/viavite.

M E D IT E R R A N E A N Aladdin’s Eatery

Healthy Lebanese-American eats from a friendly franchise. 3664 Edwards Road, Hyde Park, 513-871-8333; 9344 Union Centre Blvd., West Chester, 513-874-1302, aladdinseatery.com.

Abigail Street

The Mediterranean-inspired menu of small plates revels in Italian, Spanish, Turkish and Greek influences, with unique twists only chef Daniel Wright could pull off — chorizostuffed dates, grilled octopus, Batata and more. Wines are available on tap, by the bottle or the glass. 1214 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-421-4040, abigailstreet.com.

Ali Baba

Ali Baba Mediterranean Grill is a tiny hole in the wall serving up gargantuan falafel and gyro platters that won’t break the bank. Stock your plate with a variety of fresh toppings doled out by a friendly server, then sit down to watch Persian singer Mansour and others belt out hits in music videos hearkening back to MTV’s glory days. 4793 Red Bank Road, Madisonville, 513-271-0706.

Andy’s Mediterranean Grille

Expect maximum Mediterranean flavor at Andy’s, from the signature Shish Tawook, a marinated chicken kabob, to authentic stuffed grape leaves and many varieties of baklava and Turkish coffee. Belly dancers perform every Friday and Saturday night, with hookahs available to rent. 906 Nassau St., Walnut Hills, 513-281-9791, andyskabob.com.

House of Grill

Covington’s House of Grill is the Cincinnati (and Dayton) area’s only bona fide Persian restaurant. Their tea, which is served in a glass teacup, is complimentary with an entrée, and it’s made with strong black tea and cardamom pods and comes with sugar cubes. And refills are free. While you’re there sipping your tea, stay for a kebab, falafel sandwich, saffron ice cream, Kashk-o-Bademjaan eggplant dip, happy hour-priced local draft beers and monthly belly dancing performances. 14 E. Fifth St., Covington, Ky., 859-206-6324, kentuckyhouseofgrill.com. A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

Kinneret Café

This veg-friendly, Kosher spot combines cultures and dishes from around the Mediterranean, specializing in Israeli food. Everything is made inhouse and the only meat on the menu is fish. 8316 Plainfield Road, Deer Park, 513-791-1777, kinneretcafe.com.

Marrakech Moroccan Café & Grill

The chefs, who hail from Marrakech, serve up Mediterranean staples, plus a variety of Tajines, flavorful stews slow-cooked in a conical earthenware pot, and Bastilla, a sweet-and-savory chicken pie layered with scrambled eggs, shredded chicken, caramelized onions, ground almonds, confectioner’s sugar and cinnamon. Don’t miss out on the Moroccan mint tea. 341 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, 513-442-2233, facebook.com/cliftonmoroccancafe.

Mirage Mediterranean

Owned by two Armenian-American brothers, Mirage features authentic family recipes that have been passed from generation to generation. Most dishes hail from around the Black Sea, including kebabs, Russian borscht, Khinkali dumplings and Mikado cake. 11381 Montgomery Road, Montgomery, 513-469-0089, miragecincinnati.com.

Phoenician Taverna

A hidden gem in a Mason stripmall, Phoenician Taverna specializes in Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine, all made in-house — from the pita bread to the sausage stuffed in natural casings. For entrées, find Shawarma, Mouzat (braised lamb shank in tomato sauce), Mashawi and Ouzi (braised meat over rice). Plenty of hot and cold vegetarian mezza abound. 7944 Mason Montgomery Road, Mason, 513-770-0027, phoeniciantaverna.com.

Sebastian’s

Serving as a West Side staple for almost 40 years, Sebastian’s familyowned restaurant is a Greek treasure. With mouth-watering baklava, flaky spanakopita and the hands-down best gyro in town, it’s no wonder why customers keep coming back for more. 5209 Glenway Ave., West Price Hill, 513-471-2100, sebastiansgyros.com.

Sultan’s

Authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Owner and executive chef Mustafa Koylu prepares a wide selection of excellent kebabs, and the menu also reflects Ottoman specialties and traditional appetizers (grape leaves, hummus, Cacik), along with plenty of vegetarian entrées. 7305 Tyler’s Corner Drive, West Chester, 513-8471535, sultanscincinnati.com.

M E X I C A N /T E X- M E X / L AT I N A M E R I C A N The Arepa Place Latin Grill

Owner and chef Isis Arrieta-Dennis and her husband make everything from scratch using an arepa recipe passed down from Isis’ mother, who owns her own restaurant in Colombia. The grill has a handful of different 71

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arepas, stuffed with cheese, beans and plantains, and then your choice of beef, chicken or both, sourced from Findlay’s Mackie Quality Meats. The grill is currently open at Findlay Market during the weekend and makes frequent appearances at local farmers markets. 1801 Race St., Findlay Market, Over-the-Rhine, arepaplace.com.

B&A Street Kitchen

B&A Street Kitchen’s menu consists of Mexican-influenced urban comfort food, everything from tacos and hot dogs on bolillo buns to 16 craft sodas on draft . From 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. daily, B&A operates as a counterorder daytime diner, and after-hours Thursday through Sunday it opens its walk-up window until 8 p.m. so passersby can order a more limited menu of their Southwestern fare. The best part about B&A is their focus on vegan and vegetarian items. 1500 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-3456670, bastreetkitchen.com.

Bakersfield

Part bar, part taco joint, all classy. Bakersfield specializes in gourmet tacos (pollo rojo, pastor, huitlacoche, etc.), quality tequilas and whiskeys and hand-crafted margaritas made the old-fashioned way, not from a pre-made mix. 1213 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-579-0446, bakersfieldtacos.com.

Calle Cantina

Calle means “street” and cantina means “bar,” and that’s exactly what you’re getting: a no-frills watering hole/street-food restaurant that feels like a worldly destination you’d come across on your travels. They have a sparse menu: fresh veggie, chicken or carnitas tacos; tostados; loaded nachos; and chips and salsa or guac. On a given day, Calle offers about three kinds of seasonal margs, along with red or white housemade sangria. 950 Pavilion St., Mount Adams, 513-996-3100, callemtadams.com.

Cancun

This Mexican restaurant attached to Western Bowl bowling alley is an area favorite. Multiple locations including 6385 Glenway Ave., Western Hills, 513-574-1639, cancunmexicanrestaurantes.com.

Casa Figueroa

Well before you sip or bite anything, you’ll be wowed by the artwork and décor — from displays of Mexican folk art to wall-sized murals. So far, the menu skews mostly Mexican (heavy on really good tacos), with eventual plans to move toward a more panLatin cuisine. The chips are warm, full of corn flavor and not at all greasy; the guacamole has a chunky consistency and few if any ingredients other than avocado. The best tacos are Baja fish, smoked duck confit and chicken and chorizo. 6112 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge, 513-631-3333, casafig.com.

Ché

Located just a hair off the beaten path in Over-the-Rhine, the South

Celebrating 20 years of bringing Scotland to Cincy

Photos: Twinspire Photography

Downtownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest gastropub, loft-style event venue, and world-class bourbon bar...all under one roof.

American Ché is snugly nestled on Walnut Street. The menu spans from Soup de Locro (traditional Argentine stew with steak, squash, corn and sausage) to Choripan (flame-grilled sausage) and melted Provoleta provolone cheese dip to a slew of empanadas: jamon y queso, shrimp scampi, short rib, de carne, mushroom artichoke and more. 1342 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-3458838, checincinnati.com.

The Comet

A neighborhood bar with tons of bottled beer options and a limited Mexican-inspired menu available from 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Choose chicken, beef or jerked tofu for your burrito or have the same in a quesadilla, nachos or tacos. 4579 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-541-8900, cometbar.com.

2437 Gilbert Ave., Walnut Hills, 513954-8541, gomezsalsa.com.

Habañero

Cincinnati’s original foil-wrapped Latin fare. Habañero opened in 1999, before most of us had even heard of that national burrito chain. Known for their more creative burrito options like the Calypso Chicken (with adoboglazed chicken breast and pineapple salsa) and Venus de Veggie, along with various quesadillas and signature salsas. 358 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, 513961-6800, habanerolatin.com.

La Mexicana

Home of some of the city’s best tacos: tacos al pastor with delicious marinated pork shoulder, barba-

specialties include Memelitas (openfaced topped tortillas), corn husk tamales and corn empanadas with queso Oaxaca. It’s a refreshing and authentic culinary surprise, considering the restaurant’s location in a Madisonville strip mall. The Mazunte Mercado in the restaurant’s commissary (6216 Madison Road) serves meat by the pound, homemade salsa, dried goods and fresh produce. 5207 Madison Road, Madisonville, 513-7850000, mazuntetacos.com.

Mita’s

Chef Jose Salazar is a continent away from his mamita and the handcranked mill she still uses to grind corn for arepas and empanadas, but his restaurant, Mita’s, is a tribute to

hake on crisp, Baja-style tacos and fried avocado tacos are stuffed with chipotle bean puree, pickled cabbage and red onion and maple. The braised chicken enchiladas zing with citrus-marinated bird, sweet corn, Chihuahua cheese and diablo salsa. Churros, classic fried dough with cinnamon and sugar, are a sweet way to wrap it up. Great location next to the Aronoff Center downtown, and the patio is a big attraction when nice weather beckons. 600 Walnut St., Downtown. 513-721-6232, eatdrinknada.com.

Rio Grande

Serves up good strip-mall Mexican, with the giant portions and plentiful margaritas you’d expect. 34 Caroth-

El Camino

This Puerto Rican and Cuban streetfood-inspired eatery serves up easy Latin American dishes. El Camino’s Tostones, which are deep-fried plantains, come with a side of garlic ketchup. They’re crisp, crunchy and, miraculously, not at all greasy. The Cubano sandwich is delicious, standard and comforting. Their huge empanadas have rotating fillings. And the flan is silky, with smoky caramel. 1004 Delta Ave., Mount Lookout, 513-376-8328, facebook. com/elcaminocincy.

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El Rancho Grande

One of the largest local Mexican chains. Multiple locations including 6475 E. Galbraith Road, Kenwood, 513-813-3079, elranchogrande.info.

Frida 602

The restaurant, named after the legendary painter Frida Kahlo, has Kahlo’s portrait and famous unibrow emblazoned all over the place. The cocktail list is divided into margaritas and house cocktails made with either tequila or mezcal, and they offer both alcohols in a flight, served in copitas (small clay cups). The menu is categorized into antojitos of chips and salsas, salads, nachos and several kinds of tacos. The vegetarian chickpea and Brussels sprout tacos are the best. Also a must: the queso dip. 602 Main St., Covington, Ky., 859815-8736, facebook.com/frida602.

Gomez Salsa

Gomez’s walk-up taco window in OTR has it all: mahi-mahi tacos with slaw and Baja sauce, chips with pineapple salsa, taco salad bowls and owner Andrew Gomez’s greatest invention, the Turtle Shell. Take a tortilla, stuff it with rice, beans, sour cream, lettuce, salsa, meat, veggies and cheese, layer in a tostado for crunch, put some cheese on the top and then brown it. It’s a fat little crunchy burrito envelope, a walking taco. And the Turtle tastes even better if you stumble over after imbibing at the adjacent HalfCut, a craft beer café of sorts. Now open for lunch and brunch, with a second cantina location in Walnut Hills. 107 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-381-1596;

coa, carne asada, lengua (tongue) and sesos (brains; they wash down perfectly with a cerveza). For vegetarians, wide-ranging fillings include seasoned pumpkin flower, corn truffle, hongos, beans and queso fresco. This inexpensive and authentic menu has been known to incite cravings after as little as one visit. 642 Monmouth St., Newport, Ky., 859-261-6112.

Lalo

Lalo refers to itself as “Chino Latino” cuisine because Asia has a lot of Spanish and Latin influence. The menu is divided into tacos, burritos, tortas, rice bowls, specialty plates, soups and salads, with dishes like ceviche, a black bean quesadilla with kale and bibimbap. 709 Main St., Downtown, 513-381-4848, lalocincinnati.com.

Mazunte

Taco fillings range from shredded pork to crispy braised chicken, and A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

her spirit and to Spanish and Latin American food. Some of the more intriguing dishes at Mita’s use familiar ingredients in new ways. The fresh emerald-green sauce for the shortrib empanadas is unexpectedly minty, and the beef is tucked into cornmeal crusts so light and crisp that it lifts the dish to the sublime. 501 Race St., Downtown, 513-421-6482, mitas.co.

Montoya’s

Friendly service and fresh, affordable food have kept Montoya’s a neighborhood staple for more than 20 years. Patrons rave about their authentic Mexican dishes like chilaquiles, their signature spicy Pirata Plate and anything with mole. Great margaritas are the cherry on top. 2507 Chelsea Drive, Fort Mitchell, Ky., 859-341-0707.

Nada

Modern Mexican. Outstanding guacamole tops beer-batter-fried 73

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ers Road, Newport, Ky., 859-292-8750, eatriogrande.com.

Taqueria Mercado

Fajitas come with your choice of grilled steak, chicken or shrimp. Go in Sunday morning for a not-so-typical American brunch; get their spicy chilaquiles with chorizo and pair it with their Michelada — it’s like a bloody mary, but with your choice of light or dark beer mixed with tomato juice, lime juice and hot sauce. 100 E. Eighth St., Downtown, 513-381-0678; 6507 Dixie Highway, Fairfield, 513942-4943, taqueriamercado.com.

Taqueria Yolandita

Taqueria Yolandita is a tiny taco trailer. The menu is brief, but you’ve still got a tough choice — you’ll want to try everything. Overstuffed tacos, priced at three for $6; burritos, quesadillas and tortas, all $7 each. An order of three is a sit-down, eat-with-a-fork

feast, heaped high with braised meat, fresh avocado, chopped onions and cilantro, quartered lemons — not limes — and slices of crisp radish. 2336 Quebec Road, Price Hill, 513-551-0828.

S O UT H A M E R I C A N Alfio’s Buon Cibo

Italian for “good food,” the restaurant aims to wed Italian and Argentinian cuisine. The menu is dotted with Italian (ravioli, risotto) and Argentinian (empanadas, grilled lamb with chimichurri) dishes, but steers more toward the former. And, as both countries are located on coasts, there’s always fresh seafood. 2724 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, 513-321-0555, alfios-cincy.com.

The Celestial Steakhouse

Whet your appetite on escargot with roasted garlic tarragon cream, lemon, emerald ice plant and phyllo dough or bacon wrapped dates with roasted Marcona almonds, apples and bourbon gastrique. Whether you choose braised beef short ribs or brown butter poached sea bass, the entree selection will not leave you disappointed. Desserts include a classic crème brulee and chocolatecrusted cheesecake. 1071 Celestial St., Mount Adams, 513-241-4455, thecelestial.com.

Meritage

Meritage offers upscale classic American cuisine, ranging from pan-seared scallops with lemon butter to New

a breathtaking feast for the eyes — a perfect backdrop for weekly seasonal menus of refined elegance made with local ingredients, including some from the hotel’s rooftop beehive and herb garden. The AAA five-diamond menu features creative, fresh cuisine paired with an award-winning wine list and delicious desserts. 35 W. Fifth St., Hilton Netherland Plaza Hotel, Downtown, 513-421-9100, orchidsatpalmcourt.com.

Gourmand — features a sophisticated seasonal selection blending French soul with contemporary flair (and optional wine pairings). Don’t forget: There’s an à la carte bar menu if you’re not up for the prix fixe dining room extravagance. 301 E. Fourth St., Downtown, 513-760-5525, lcincinnati.com.

The Palace Restaurant

Alabama Fish Bar

Seasonal menus of fine, upscale fare at a four-diamond restaurant — including a menu just for vegetarians and vegans. 601 Vine St., The Cincinnatian Hotel, Downtown, 513381-3000, palacecincinnati.com.

ST EA KHO USES/ SEAFOOD Get in line at the Alabama Fish Bar and you’ll be rewarded with some of the best fried fish in the city: a choice of whiting, perch or cod served atop a pile of fries resting on a bed of white bread. A side of sautéed peppers, onions and hot sauce make it a spicy, lip-smacking experience. 1601 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-2412255, alabamafi shbar.com.

The Anchor-OTR

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Located in a historic building at the corner of Washington Park, Anchor OTR offers impressive-quality seafood. The raw bar selections are tempting, and they also offer interesting starters: crawfish beignets, octopus and deviled eggs with smoked salmon. Beachside classics like hush puppies and lobster rolls will transport you to the coast. The salads change seasonally and the Longshoreman’s Bloody Mary gets a lot of local attention — a bloody mary with vodka, housemade pickles and your choice of shrimp, oyster or lobster claw. 1401 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-421-8111, theanchor-otr.com.

Court Street Lobster Bar

Boi Na Braza

Brazilian Steakhouse with a lot of fancy meat on sticks delivered tableside by gauchos, plus a salad bar. 441 Vine St., Downtown, 513-421-7111, boinabraza.com.

FINE DINING Boca

A trip to chef David Falk’s Italian/ French gemstone is an experience to be savored as much as the food itself. Take your time, invest a few hours and allow him and his attentive, knowledgeable staff to unfold an epic tale of two or three courses, plus dessert. The Pommes Soufflees “1942” — puff y french fries — are a call back to the restaurant’s former iteration as the Maisonette, and most entrées are available in full or tasting portions. 114 E. Sixth St., Downtown, 513-542-2022, bocacincinnati.com.

York strip topped with demi-glaze. Reserve a table for Seafood Night, and you’ll get a three-course meal with an optional three-course wine pairing. Meritage boasts an extensive wine cellar and signature cocktails. 40 Village Square, Glendale, 513-376-8134, meritagecincy.com.

Nicola’s Restaurant

A celeb-spotting treasure, Nicola’s renown is undeniable. One of Cincinnati’s top, Zagat-rated restaurants, its housemade pastas and secondi piatti are among some of the thoughtfully conceived dishes transporting patrons to the heart of Italy. Indulge in wine-paired tasting menus, or cap off your meal with a dessert. 1420 Sycamore St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-721-6200, nicolasotr.com.

Orchids at Palm Court

Nestled inside Carew Tower’s historic Art Deco Hilton hotel, Orchids hosts A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

Primavista

With a breathtaking city view, Primavista wins frequent reader’s choice and magazine awards such as “most romantic,” “best date spot” and “best dining with a view.” They offer fine Italian dishes from all regions, specializing in veal and fish, with sauces made in-house. The gnocchi sautéed in sage butter with pancetta melts in your mouth, and the bread pudding is excellent. Includes special menus for vegans, vegetarians and those with a gluten intolerance. 810 Matson Place, Price Hill, 513-251-6467, pvista.com.

Restaurant L

Restaurant L has its own upper-crust vibe. L is more intimate than Orchids, more contemporary than Jeff Ruby’s and, whenever you can swing it, a unique way to spend a pampered evening. The $89-per-person threecourse dinner menu — or $125 Menu 74

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At Court Street Lobster Bar, there is nary a bright-red shell in sight. Instead, there are several ways to enjoy tender, buttery lobster meat — in a creamy bisque or as an ingredient in poutine; as part of the decadent lobster mac and cheese; or in one of two styles of lobster rolls. The Maine roll is a chilled lobster salad with lemon mayonnaise while the Connecticut roll has warm lobster meat drizzled with hot butter. 28 W. Court St., Downtown, 513-246-0184, courtstreetlobsterbar.com.

Eddie Merlot’s

An upscale chain of prime-aged steak and seafood. House recommendations include a romaine Waldorf salad with maple apple-cider vinaigrette, sesame calamari, chateaubriand for two and a bone-in filet. 10808 Montgomery Road, Montgomery, 513489-1212, eddiemerlots.com.

Eighth & English

This seafood-centric, Italian-flavored eatery — which goes by the nickname 8 & E — is a godsend for those looking for innovative, thoughtfully crafted fare somewhere in the city outside of Over-the-Rhine, downtown or parts of Covington. The menu looks Italian, with sections such as Primi (first course, usually pasta) and Contorni (vegetables and sides). But if you read ingredients and style of prep, clearly there’s a range of influences,

Open 8am - 8pm Daily

Open 11am - 7pm Daily

FULL LINE URBAN GROCERY STORE

1818 Race Street

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513.834.6044

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emcotr.com

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Accessible on The Cincinnati Bell Connector stop #12 & Pleasant Street's Red Bike Station and easy parking at Findlay Market’s parking lots.

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accepting new patients

such as Middle Eastern (little lamb sandwiches with tzatziki and harissa) and solidly American (dry-aged NY strip with herbs, garlic oil and charred cipollini). As suggested by the seathemed art on the walls, there are a lot of seafood offerings in just about every menu category, and yet plenty for landlubbers, too. 2038 Madison Road, O’Bryonville, 513-386-7383, 8thandenglish.com.

designated cat FriendlY practice QualitY, aFFordaBle pet care Just around the corner

Embers

1 0 2 F a i rFi e l d av e . Be lle vu e , K Y 8 59 - 9 1 2 -7 0 6 0

Great Place to Take Family and Friends for Great Homemade Italian Food 8,” 10” 12” 14” 16” 18” 20” 24’ and Yes the 28” Thin Crust Pizza’s, 12 Varieties of Sandwiches, Fresh Salads and Soups,Vegetarian Options and Full Bar

www.facebook.com/RedRosePizzeria Twitter @redrosepizza

redrosecollegehill.com

THANK YOU CINCINNATI FOR VOTING US 1ST IN BAKERY (CENTRAL)!

There is a seemingly endless variety of Thai/sushi/Asian restaurants in our city. How about a steakhouse/ sushi joint? That’s what you’ll find in Embers. Steaks are aged 28 days and are served with housemade compound butter or a variety of “extras” like truffle sauce or caramelized onions. Try the pickled veggie sushi or crunchy eel sushi to start, and then dig into some Vietnamese-style baby-back ribs. 8170 Montgomery Road, Kenwood, 513-984-8090, embersrestaurant.com.

Jag’s Steak and Seafood

This upscale steakhouse and piano bar does everything from innovative meals to craft cocktails and extensive wine choices to live music. For dinner, opt for sushi or the raw bar to start, followed by a West Chester Chop salad (with bacon, egg, cheddar, tomato, cucumber and onion) or signature entrées, like the black truffle filet, chateaubriand for two or vegetarian portobellos with goat cheese and tomato. 5980 West Chester Road, West Chester, 513-860-5353, jags.com.

Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse

Modeled after a 1940s New York Art Deco steakhouse. If you love steak you have about a zero-percent chance of being let down with one of Ruby’s — they dry-age their own. There are several non-steak options on the menu, including good seafood dishes, but the cow is king (queen?) at Ruby’s. 700 Walnut St., Downtown, 513-784-1200, jeffruby.com.

Lisse Steakhuis

A Dutch-inspired steakhuis. Start with smoked whitefish pate or bitterballen, a mixture of ground meat, rolled in panko breadcrumbs and then deep fried. For dinner, move to the coast with Faroe Island salmon, or the farm, with a Dutch filet — a barrel-cut filet grilled à la plancha, seasoned with salt and pepper and served over hutspot cake. 530 Main St., Covington, Ky., 859-360-7008, lisse.restaurant.

Maury’s Tiny Cove

NORTH COLLEGE HILL BAKERY 1807 WEST GALBRAITH ROAD

513-521-6760

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Maury’s has been packed full of flavor and West Side tradition since 1949. The dimly lit 1940s supper-club vibe will have you feeling like a regular on your first visit. The extensive menu consists of all the classic steakhouse options: tender, juicy steaks, seafood and chicken cooked just right, plus pasta, Atomic Age sides (shredded lettuce salads; a complimentary ramekin of pickles on every table) and a perfect martini. Ask for the Carol booth — the restaurant appears in 76

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the locally filmed, Oscar-nominated movie starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara — or take a photo with the Maury’s sign, featuring a kitschy cartoon steer holding a cocktail. 3908 Harrison Ave., Cheviot, 513-662-2683, maurys-steakhouse.com.

Pelican’s Reef

For 20 years, the laid-back island oasis Pelican’s Reef has been serving up super-fresh seafood in Anderson. While much of the expansive menu features breaded and fried items with plenty of tartar sauce — choices like fried oyster po’boys or broiled grouper stuffed with crab meat, wild rice and cornbread stuffing — none of the restaurant’s diehard fans are complaining. 7261 Beechmont Ave., Anderson, 513-232-2526, thepelicansreef.com.

The Precinct

You can always rely on a Jeff Ruby restaurant for a big, rare steak and platters of seafood. The Precinct, housed in a historical Romanesquestyle former police precinct, was the first in a long line of Ruby steakhouses. You can’t go wrong with a sirloin or porterhouse, named after current and past Cincinnati baseball greats. But there are other options, like blackened diver scallops or something from the tableside service menu like seafood fettuccine alfredo for two. 311 Delta Ave., Columbia Tusculum, 513-321-5454, jeffruby.com.

Tony’s of Cincinnati

A luxury steakhouse operated by Tony Ricci, former GM of Jeff Ruby’s The Precinct, serving USDA prime meats with all the toppings you could want — Oscar, au poivre, sauce béarnaise. Also features a raw bar, indulgent pastas, non-steak entrées and classic steakhouse sides. 12110 Montgomery Road, Montgomery, 513677-1993, tonysofcincinnati.com.

Washington Platform

Established in 1875 (and reestablished in 1986), the saloon is home to an annual oyster festival, lobstapalooza and crab carnival. 1000 Elm St., Downtown, 513-421-0110, washingtonplatform.com.

V E G E T A R I A N / V E GA N The Elusive Cow

The owner of The Elusive Cow, Jim Fisher, wanted to create a space where eaters of every kind can sit down and enjoy something off the menu. Focused on sustainable and organic farms, the food supports the omnivore in us all, including dishes with bison, tofu, fish and, of course, hamburgers. 519 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue, Ky., 859-291-0269, theelusivecow.com.

Green Dog Café

Sustainable, organic and stylish. Many selections are Mexican- or Mediterranean-inspired, others are unique vegetarian or vegetariancapable wraps, bowls and sandwiches. The poultry is locally pastured,

the fish is organic and sustainably sourced, the pork is antibiotic free and the restaurant itself focuses on environmentally friendly processes and products. They also serve Jeni’s Splendid ice cream. 3543 Columbia Parkway, Columbia Tusculum, 513-3218777, greendogcafe.net.

staff is sensitive to just about every allergy imaginable. Their weekly juicing programs offer three, four and five-day juicing regimens in the $27 to $54 price range. 2727 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, 513-321-0680, theweeklyjuicery.com.

Happy Chicks Bakery

It’s a walk-up window serving a single recipe: a bowl of brown rice, beans, black olives, cheese, avocado slices and lemon-garlic Tali Sauce. The secret to the bowl’s popularity rests with the Tali Sauce. A Google search finds blogger and YouTube video attempts to recreate it. Ask for a little extra spoonful when you order. 364 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, 513-751-2695, thewholebowl.com/cincinnati.

The Northside café and bakery offers cakes, cookies, cupcakes, pies and more, all with fresh, seasonal flavors, and light lunch options, including sandwiches, salads and soups that are all freshly prepared from nonprocessed foods and are free from preservatives and animal products. 4035 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513386-7990, happychicksbakery.com.

The Whole Bowl

Loving Hut

The mission behind Loving Hut is to offer affordable, healthy, vegan cuisine. The restaurant’s environment was created using many found, reclaimed and reused materials. For disposable goods like containers, cups and utensils, they choose biodegradable and/or recyclable products. Tons of paninis, wraps, sandwiches and burgers to choose from. 6227 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge, 513-731-2233, lovinghut.us.

Melt Eclectic Café

Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diners aren’t an afterthought at Melt. But no worries — the carnivorous can feast, too. A plethora of sandwiches, wraps, soups and salads tempt every palate. Sandwiches include items like the veggie cheesesteak made with seitan and The Rachel, a smoked turkey sandwich with red cabbage, apple sauerkraut and Swiss cheese. 4100 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-818-8951, wellmannsbrands.com/melt-cincy.

Off The Vine Juice Bar

We’re not talking smoothies — we’re talking nutrient-dense, cold-pressed juice funneled into a pint-sized glass container. Juice heads can stop by and purchase an 8-ounce juice or 16-ounce juice in a reusable glass bottle that can be returned and recycled. Customers also will be able to purchase a set of juices and homemade nut milks for a one, three or five-day juice cleanse. 1218 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-305-6020; 580 Walnut - Skywalk, Downtown, 513305-6020, otvcincinnati.com.

Rooted Juicery + Kitchen

From coolers housing a rainbow display of juices to vegan meal bowls to a mini bakery, Rooted is out to prove that plant-based eating offers a vast variety of flavors and quality options. The Mexican grain bowl (quinoa, black beans, guacamole, walnut crumble, cashew cheese) is a favorite in the bowl category. Everything is as locally sourced as possible. 3010 Madison Road, Oakley, 513-351-2900; 6844 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, 513271-0432, rootedjuicery.com.

The Weekly Juicery

The juicery boasts an almost entirely gluten-free and vegan menu, and the

D E S S E RT S Abby Girl Sweets

eONvESer r e neAv NY HORM ICS OR ANTIBIOT 1% p o t e h t t s ju

A from-scratch cupcakery with two locations and special, seasonal flavors. 4773 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash, 513-335-0898; 41 W. Fifth St., Downtown, abbygirlsweets.com.

Aglamesis Brothers

A classic 1900s ice cream parlor at its best, wooing foodie visitors from all around the country with its unblemished reputation for quality. The Raspberry Hot Fudge and the Banana Classique shakes are chart-toppers. 3046 Madison Road, Oakley, 513-531-5196; 9899 Montgomery Road, Montgomery, 513-791-7082, aglamesis.com.

Bluebird Bakery

Twin Peaks’ Agent Dale Cooper was onto something with his interest in pairing a cup of coffee with a slice of pie. And at Bluebird Bakery in historic Glendale’s quaint village square, their from-scratch seasonal pies, made with farm-fresh eggs, sweet butter and real garden-fresh fruit, are as authentic as it gets. 29 Village Square, Glendale, 513-7725633, bluebirdbakery.com.

The BonBonerie

Have your cake and eat it too as the BonBonerie crew shows off their savory skills. Scones, tea and quiche adorn the café menu, but the real treat is for those with a sweet tooth. The bakery menu features tortes, cakes, pastries and old-fashioned cookies to please everyone. 2030 Madison Road, O’Bryonville, 513-3213399, bonbonerie.com.

Brown Bear Bakery

161 E Freedom Way # 180 Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 832-2817

Cincinnati pastry artist Blair Fornshell uses all-natural ingredients to create so-beautiful-you-almost-feelbad-about-eating-them desserts, such as vanilla bean scones, oat flour salty chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon brown sugar hand pies, summer tarts and beareos. At her brick and mortar in OTR, off-white tile covers the backsplash, the counter features luminous aqua-green tile reminiscent of Rookwood Pottery (handmade by Fornshell and local ceramic artist Christie Goodfellow) and wooden A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

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countertop by local design and furniture company Brush Factory line the room. The whole space is the perfect blend of old and new and has a very Lower Manhattan vibe. 116 E. 13th St., Over-the-Rhine, brownbearbakes.com.

Buona Terra

European-style street food and gelato. Savory crepes — with fillings like pesto, turkey, fontina and spinach — are made with buckwheat-based batter and sweet crepes — with fillings like lemon curd, Nutella, pastry cream and brown sugar — are made with something similar to pancake batter. They also serve colorful French macarons. 1028 Delta Ave., Mount Lookout, 513-3869356, buonaterragelato.com.

element that freezes the ingredients it comes into contact with, including alcohol. They serve alcoholic flavors like honey bourbon, margarita and whiskey sour, but there are plenty of non-alcoholic options, too. 1408 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-381-BUZZ, buzzedbullcreamery.com.

Dojo Gelato

Authentic Italian-style gelato. Dojo Gelato loves to create unexpected flavor profiles — rose petal, olive oil, bellini, honey lavender, Vietnamese coffee, etc. And they use fresh, seasonal ingredients in their creations. creations Dojo’s Northside shop serves more than just scoops. The shop always has 10 flavors of gelato on offer, but with bonus milkshakes, a sundae

flavors — like brown butter caramel, honey lavender, toasted coconut, espresso nut brittle and lemon meringue pie — are also free from artificial ingredients. That means they’re healthy, right? 633 Vine St., Downtown, 513-977-0300, hellohoneyicecream.com.

Holtman’s Donuts

In September 2013, the Lovelandbased Holtman’s Donuts finally opened an OTR location, complete with a window you can peer through and watch them make donuts, like the sensational maple bacon. Homer Simpson would be so proud... and hungry. West Chester location coming soon. 1332 Vine St., Over-theRhine, 513-381-0903; 1399 State Route

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North College Hill Bakery

A neighborhood favorite open for more than 80 years. Start with a selection of daily fresh donuts or a double butter yeast coffee cake, then move onto the tea cookies and sesame knot dinner rolls. 1807 W. Galbraith Road, North College Hill, 513-521-6760, northcollegehillbakery.com.

OCD Cakes

Baking in college helped James Avant IV manage his symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Inspired by the cupcake Cinderella story in the comedy 2 Broke Girls, Avant took his helpful hobby and turned it into a successful business. OCD Cakes is a bakery with a mental health-awareness mission, based out of Findlay Kitchen, with cake flavors ranging from classic yellow and red velvet to matcha and orange cream. Findlay Kitchen, 1719 Elm St., Overthe-Rhine, 513-375-1838, ocdcak.es.

OTR Candy Bar

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The shop feels a bit like the candy store from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Factory, chock full of sticky sweets, and an entire table devoted to out-ofthe-box candies. Then there’s an actual bar upon which a sharply dressed candy barista will make you a float using the vintage soda of your choice, dressed with a piece of old-fashioned stick candy. 1735 Elm St., Over-theRhine, 513-381-2765, otrcandybar.com.

Schneider’s Sweet Shop

An old-time candy and ice cream corner store serving the area since 1939. Specializes in opera cream candy. 420 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue, Ky., 859431-3545, schneiderscandies.com.

Servatii Pastry Shop & Deli

Fourth-generation family bakery, started by great-grandfather George in Muenster, Germany. Known for their pastries, desserts and especially for their soft pretzels, which you can get in sizes ranging from six ounces to three pounds. Multiple locations including 511 Walnut St., Fountain Square, Downtown, 513-4212253, servatii.com.

Busken Bakery

Busken Bakery opened in 1928 and quickly became a Cincinnati staple with bakery counters in grocery stores, 24-hour drive-in bakeries and delicious donuts, bread and apple pies. Their award-winning baked goods can be found in Remke Markets, Kroger, UDF and eight bakeries around the city. Hyde Park location open 24/7. Multiple locations including 2675 Madison Road, Hyde Park, 513-871-2114, busken.com.

Buzzed Bull Creamery

Wouldn’t it be nice if Cincinnati acquired the world’s first alcoholic liquid nitrogen creamery, complete with made-to-order 5 percent alcohol-by-volume frozen desserts? We did! The chemistry behind Buzzed Bull’s frozen desserts seems like magic. Liquid nitrogen is an odorless, colorless, safe-to-eat

bar and a funky soft-serve menu along with killer draft rootbeer on tap. 137 W. Elder St., Findlay Market, Over-the-Rhine; 1735 Blue Rock St., Northside, (seasonal), 513-328-9000, dojogelato.com.

Graeter’s Ice Cream

Since its founding in 1870, Graeter’s French Pot Ice Cream, handmade chocolate confections and fresh-baked goods have become traditions in the Queen City. Today, the Graeter family still faithfully uses century-old recipes and methods of production. Multiple locations including 511 Walnut St., Fountain Square, Downtown, 513-3814191, graeters.com.

Hello Honey

Everything is homemade and handcrafted from scratch at this hiddengem ice cream parlor downtown. Rotating creative and decadent A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

28, Loveland, 513-575-1077; 214 W. Main St., Williamsburg, 513-724-3865, holtmansdonutshop.com.

Macaron Bar

In the past, the closest thing Cincinnati had to Paris was the Eiffel Tower replica at Kings Island. Now we have Macaron Bar, the only local bakery and coffee shop specializing in the brightly colored French pastry, which offers traditional and seasonal macarons, with flavors like salted caramel, Earl Grey tea and pistachio. Multiple locations including 1206 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-8138180, macaron-bar.com.

Maverick Chocolate

A bean-to-bar chocolatier in Findlay Market, made with ethically sourced cocoa beans. 129 W. Elder St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-381-0561, maverickchocolate.com. 78

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streetpops

Grown-up ice pops made from unique combinations of fresh ingredients and unexpected flavors, like peach tea, Thai basil lime, Vietnamese coffee, lemon lavender and more. 1812 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, (opening 2017), 513-446-7505; 4720 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-446-7505; 3096 Madison Road, Oakley, 513-446-7505, streetpops.com.

Sweet Petit Desserts

Taren Kinebrew specializes in tiny treats at her aptly named shop, Sweet Petit Desserts — macarons, chocolate-covered strawberries, petit fours, even layered cake push-pops. And while the third-generation baker and her team whip up sweets for the shop and special events, they can also teach you how to do it. 1426 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-443-5094, sweetpetitdesserts.com.

Frances Goodman (South African) Medusa, 2013-2014. Acrylic nails, foam, metal.

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NIGHTLIFE

By 1860, Ohio was the third-largest brewer in the nation. Twelve years later, breweries in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky numbered 38. And by 1890, the Queen City was the third-largest beer producer per capita in the U.S. While Prohibition may have all but decimated our sudsy crown, today local breweries are launching with a vengeance, from mini neighborhood microbrewers to ever-expanding urban drinking destinations. If you like beer, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in the right place.

NIGHTLIFE

P R E V I O U S PAG E , C LO C K W I S E F R O M TO P L E F T: TA F T ’ S A L E H O U S E / F I F T Y W E S T B R E W I N G C O M PA N Y / B R A X T O N B R E W I N G C O . / U R B A N A R T I FAC T / C H R I S T I A N M O E R L E I N / M A DT R E E / R H I N EG E I ST / LI STE R MAN N B R EWI N G CO. P H OTO S : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

Indicates winners from CityBeat’s 2017 Best of Cincinnati® issue.

A R C A D E / GA M E BA R S 16-Bit Bar + Arcade

Guzzle ’80s-themed drinks with names like the Molly Ringwald or Kevin Bacon while playing more than 50 different classic arcade games and pinball. If you drink, you play for free. It might not be the ’80s or the ’90s anymore, but 16-Bit makes those decades feel new again. 1331 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-381-1616, 16-bitbar.com/cincy.

Arcade Legacy: Bar Edition

Retro arcade games plus alcohol and hot dogs (even vegetarian ones). Monday Night Fights are for serious players, and there’s a high-score board for some local fame. Some arcade bars are for drinking and gaming; Arcade Legacy is for gaming and drinking. 3929 Spring Grove Ave., Northside, 513-429-3180, arcadelegacyohio.com/bar-edition.

Queen City Exchange

An interactive bar where the pricing of drinks is dictated based on consumer demand — like a bar meets the stock exchange. 32 W. Court St., Downtown, 513-954-0395, queencityexchange.com.

The Rook OTR

People can play Twister, Cards Against Humanity, The Game of Nasty Things…, The Resistance: Avalon and Pictionary, all the while snacking on sliders and drinking board-game-themed cocktails, local beers on draft or wine. 1115 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-954-8191, therookotr.com.

B E A C H BA R S Cabana on the River

A seasonal tropical watering hole with a famous Long Island iced tea (with sour pink lemonade) and plenty of seafood. 7445 Forbes Road, Sayler Park, 513-941-7442, cabanaontheriver.com.

Drew’s on the River

A well-kept West Side secret, Drew’s features an oversized, partially shaded

patio and Tiki bar right on the river. 4333 River Road, Columbia Tusculum, 513-451-1157, drewsontheriver.com.

Ludlow Bromley Yacht Club

With a giant shark figurine impaled on the sign, this bar, grill and marina has a definite sense of laid-back island humor — and cheap drinks. 860 Elm St., Ludlow, Ky., 859-291-8132, ludlowbromleyyachtclub.com.

Pirate’s Cove Tropical Bar & Grill

Located in the Four Seasons Marina, this bar and grill offers seafood, island entertainment and tropical drink specials, rain or shine. 4609 Kellogg Ave., California, 513-871-1820, piratescovecincy.com.

Riverside Marina Bar & Grill

A floating bar and grill with a full bar, food and live music on the weekends. Enjoy sunshine, a river view and a daiquiri on their tropical patio. 145 Mary Ingles Highway, Dayton, Ky., 859-442-8111, riversidemarinaky.com.

The Sandbar

It’s a day at the beach, with seven volleyball courts and a view of the river. Tap into your inner river lover with the Ohio River Mudslide: bourbon, Bailey’s and half and half on the rocks. Four Seasons Marina, 4609 Kellogg Ave., California, 513-533-3810, thesandbarcincinnati.com.

B O U R B O N BA R S Igby’s

Multi-leveled with a large atrium, crackling fireplace and two outdoor patios, their craft cocktail menu was developed by mixologist Brian Van Flandern, with a huge scotch and whiskey selection that includes their own private-label bottles of Four Roses bourbon. 122 E. Sixth St., Downtown, 513-246-4396, igbysbar.com.

The Littlefield

A neighborhood bar and bistro specializing in bourbon and regional craft beer. Clever cocktails mix sweet and savory flavors, like in the Mad Anthony, with Buffalo Trace bourbon, basil simple syrup, balsamic A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

vinaigrette and housemade ginger beer. The kitchen puts out excellent seasonal plates and heavenly desserts. Added bonus? Local and outsider art is on display everywhere, even in the bathroom. 3934 Spring Grove Ave., Northside, 513-386-7570, littlefieldns.com.

Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar

Houses a mind-boggling bourbon selection, served in snifters by a welleducated, passionate staff. For those less interested in straight booze, enjoy select pre-Prohibition cocktails or bourbon barrel-aged beers. 629 Main St., Covington, Ky., 859-581-1777, wellmannsbrands.com/okbb.

Prohibition Bourbon Bar at Newberry Bros.

A collection of more than 1,000 bottles and counting of bourbon and rye whisky, including Scotch, Irish, Tennessee and Japanese brands, along with more than 50 wines by the glass and more than 50 craft beers. Named one of the best bourbon bars in America by The Bourbon Review. 530 Washington Ave., Newport, Ky., 859-261-9463, newberrybroscoffee.com.

Wiseguy Lounge

A speakeasy above Goodfellas Pizzeria with bourbon, craft cocktails and 16 beers on draft . Offers a bourbon connoisseurs club for serious imbibers. 603 Main St., Covington, Ky., 859-916-5209; 1211 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-3813625, goodfellaspizzeria.com

BRE WERIES Bad Tom Smith Brewing

Craft brewers with a focus on quality, taste and originality. The renovated taproom features a new bar and barstools, a big TV and the same old record player for spinning vinyl. #badassinaglass. 4720 Eastern Ave., East End, 513-871-4677, badtomsmithbrewing.com.

Braxton Brewing Co.

The “taproom of the future,” Braxton’s comfy garage-inspired brewery and 82

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taproom was the first in the nation with gigabit internet. A space for innovation, there are also tech charging stations, projectors and white-board walls to accommodate the local creative and startup community. The taproom opens at 8 a.m. Tuesday through Friday as a public workspace, serving local Carabello coffee and Nitro cold brew. 27 W. Seventh St., Covington, Ky., 859-261-5600, braxtonbrewing.com.

Braxton Labs

Braxton Labs — inside the Party Source — features 40 taps dedicated to the brewery’s most innovative offerings, as well as brews from across the U.S. and around the world. It’s a destination for curious craft beer drinkers and offers something for everyone, including an outdoor beer garden with giant Connect Four. 95 Riviera Drive, Bellevue, Ky., 859-291-0036, braxtonbrewing.com.

Brink Brewing Company

“Good beer is about the people, the stories and the experience,” according to Brink’s co-founders John and Sarah McGarry. That is something the McGarrys learned from family — specifically their Uncle Jack. It was his fridge, chock full of artisan beers, and his neighborly values that led Brink to open its doors in College Hill in February 2017. The taproom’s communal table sits 20 and a brick wall stands covered in framed photos of the customers and community. 5905 Hamilton Ave., College Hill, 513882-3334, brinkbrewing.com.

Cellar Dweller

Craft beers produced in a vineyard. The tasting room is open daily, offering pints of pale ales, stouts and wheats, as well as pizza and cheese plates. 2276 E. U.S. 22 and OH-3, Morrow, 513-899-2485, valleyvineyards.com.

Christian Moerlein Malt House Taproom

Enjoy a rich piece of Cincinnati’s brewing heritage at the Christian Moerlein craft brewery, taproom and

tour center. Take a free tour of the production brewery and go inside the historic underground malt house from before Prohibition. Offers trivia, fowling and the Wienerwurst Mike Frankfurtary, serving up sausages, Bavarian pretzels and stuffed sandwiches. 1621 Moore St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-827-6025, christianmoerlein.com.

Darkness Brewing

Longtime friends Eric Bosler and Ron Sanders were homebrewing for years before opening their own taproom in Bellevue. It started with experimenting in their own kitchens, enjoying their strange brews and sharing them with friends. And it was poking and prodding from those friends that led to Darkness Brewing. The microbrewery focuses on the dark and unusual — stouts, porters and browns with ingredients like coco nibs, lactose, coffee and roasted peppers. 224 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue, Ky., 859-815-8375, facebook. com/darknessbrewing.

different kind of enlightenment: one in the world of craft beer. To the brewery’s founders, the fi g leaf is a symbol of learning and improvement. The 20-barrel brewhouse boasts a large taproom and patio — a comfortable place to experience enlightenment for yourself. 3387 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, Middletown, 513-832-1422, figleafbrewing.com.

The Growler House

Focusing on growlers but also offering tastings, the Growler House is one of the new guard bringing East Walnut Hills back to life. With 30 taps of fresh beer, it’s not exactly a brewery, but it’s pretty darn close. 1526 Madison Road, East Walnut Hills, 513-580-8277, thegrowlerhouse.com.

taproom and beer garden. Unwind and enjoy the splendors of MadTree 2.0. 3301 Madison Road, Oakley, 513836-8733, madtreebrewing.com.

March First Brewing

Named for the first day our home was recognized as a state, March First Brewing is an ode to Ohio. It crafted its inaugural batch on March 1, 2017 and now produces “Ohio’s most drinkable craft beer.” With a taproom that opens directly to the brewery, guests get a front-row seat to the brewery’s daily operations. Brewers are always ready to interact and answer questions. Though March First thrives on classic brews, like the popular craft lager or Denali IPA, it still finds room for experimentation

Carmel, 513-240-BREW, mtcarmelbrewingcompany.com.

Municipal Brew Works

You’ll enter Municipal Brew Works through the garage door of a municipal building in Hamilton. Bring your friends, your dog or your whole family; this brewery has a place for everyone. It also has a brew for everyone. Play some cornhole or hang on the patio with your favorite food trucks. Pair your brew with eats from trucks like Caravasos Mexican Fusion, Packhouse and NonStop Flavor. 20 High St., Hamilton, 513-6422424, municipalbrewworks.com.

Narrow Path Brewing

Located in downtown Loveland, Narrow Path is beer garden meets bike

Dogberry Brewing

P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

An ever-expanding nanobrewery helmed by two former scientists and passionate homebrewers. The new taproom and brewhouse serves up craft beer and plays host to local food trucks, complete with picnic tables, couches and skee-ball. Staple beers include On the Aisle Kolsch, a classic German blonde twisted with modern hops, and Maiden Flight RyePA, a spicy modern rye ale. 9964 Crescent Park Drive, West Chester, 513-847-8208, dogberrybrewing.com.

Fibonacci Brewing

A nanobrewery with a focus on science, math and nature and brewing non-traditional and hybrid beer styles. Their Foundational Series is offered year-round with numerous additional seasonal and rotating brews, available to sample in the taproom or in growlers to go. Fibonacci also makes wine, with varieties on tap and in bottles. 1445 Compton Road, Mount Healthy, 513-832-1422, fibbrew.com.

MARCH FIRST BREWING

Fift y West Brewing Company

Located in a historic home, this craft brewery and taproom doubles as a restaurant with a focus on beer pairings to match dishes like pork chops, blackened mahi mahi and a wide array of meaty and veg-friendly sandwiches. Find their signature orange VW bus, Penny, parked out front. Across the street, the expanded Fift y West Pro Works is home to additional fermenters to produce thousands more barrels of Fift y West beer each year, and an event space that can be rented out for larger parties. Pro Works also includes sand volleyball courts and canoe and kayak rentals. 7668 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, 513-8348789, fiftywestbrew.com.

Figleaf Brewing Co.

Thousands of years ago, the Buddha achieved Nirvana under the Bodhi Tree, a large and sacred fi g. But FigLeaf Brewing Co. seeks a

Listermann Brewing Company

Handcrafted ales, a growler station and contagious enthusiasm for home brewing characterize this owner-operated brewing company. Also offers frequent brewing classes, home-brewing supplies and winemaking ingredients and equipment. The new in-house Renegade Grille makes awesome wings. 1621 Dana Ave., Norwood/Evanston, 513-731-1130, listermannbrewing.com.

MadTree Brewing Company

Ohio’s first craft beer in a can, MadTree is run by good friends with a passion for creative brews; they’re always experimenting with new recipes. Stop by the taproom for a fresh pint or a wood-fired pizza from the in-house Catch-a-Fire Café. MadTree recently moved into a multi-million dollar expansion for more space, a production brewery, A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

in its taps. The Dry Limed Cider offers something different. 7885 E. Kemper Road, Blue Ash, 513-718-9173, marchfirstbrewing.com.

Mash Cult

Jon Wells and Tony Harrell are the brewmasters behind experimental nanobrewery Mash Cult. The duo brews small-batch weird beers like Ramathorn, a smoked maple syrup coffee stout; an unfiltered and raw mango gose; and a Mic Drop double IPA. Located inside Party Town. 6823 Burlington Pike, Florence, Ky., 859371-4466, mashcult.com.

Mt. Carmel Brewing Company

Founders Mike and Kathleen Dewey started brewing out of the 1920s farmhouse storm cellar in 2005. The oldest craft microbrewery in the area, they now produce 900 gallons of exceptional craft beer a year. 4362 Mount Carmel-Tobasco Road, Mount 83

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trail. Bike or skate down the Loveland Bike Trail to have a seat at picnic tables in the yard. It’s a location that fosters a sense of community. The brewery also takes pride in supporting nonprofits — it wants to make the world a better place, and a portion of sales are shared with local and global charities to accomplish that goal. 106 Karl Brown Way, Loveland, 513-2915503, narrowpathbrewing.com.

Nine Giant Brewing

A brewery and snackery in the heart of Pleasant Ridge, Nine Giant is the stuff of legends. Its story begins with a giant named Nine. Though many don’t know, these mythical creatures once called Cincinnati home, guzzling the great brews of the city’s past. The giant found a place among the shimmering taps and glistening blue walls of what would become his namesake. There are no flagship

beers at Nine Giant — its 10 taps are subject to endless experimentation. You’ll find that general styles remain, but each batch offers an opportunity to swap out flavors and ingredients. 6095 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge, 513-366-4550, ninegiant.com.

Old Firehouse

A microbrewery inside a former firehouse focusing on handcrafted, session-driven beers. The dogfriendly taproom and brewery is filled with firefighting memorabilia — owner Adam Cowan is a former fi refi ghter — and serves cleverly named brews, like Code 3 copper ale and Flash Point IPA. 237 W. Main St., Wililamsburg, 513-536-9071, oldfi rehousebrewery.com.

offers 30 taps at the bar, 24 taps on the patio, guest brews, cocktails, wine and Barrel House BBQ, beer-infused slow-smoked hickory barbecue, plus tours and free all-dayplay on vintage arcade consoles. 607 Shepherd Drive, Lockland, 513-8279280; 6550 Hamilton Lebanon Road, Monroe, 516-360-7839, rivertownbrewery.com.

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery

A restaurant and brew pub that brews its own beer in the heart of downtown, right on Fountain Square. More than 10 home-brewed styles and a lengthy menu. 10 Fountain Square, Downtown, 513-621-1588, rockbottom.com.

charm (like the bell tower) and serves a menu focused on tri-tip beef, complemented by creative brews. 1429 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, 513334-1393, taftsalehouse.com.

Tap & Screw

Tap & Screw, the West Side’s first microbrewery, moved to a new taproom and production facility in Madisonville and is working on opening another location in Oakley. 4721 Red Bank Road, Madisonville, 513-451-1763, tapandscrew.com.

Triple Digit Brewing Company

Housed inside Listermann Brewing Company, their Chickow! hazelnut double brown ale and its variants have a dedicated cult following. 1621

3044 Harrison Ave., Westwood, 513661-BEER, westsidebrewing.com.

Woodburn Brewery

The brewery and taproom were created by an L.A. Transplant and lifelong Cincinnatian, combining — as the website says — “West Side hustle and West Coast swagger.” Their innovative beer menu features core brews, like the earthy Cedar IPA; limited releases, like the Chocolate Mint Imperial Stout (tastes like a Girl Scout cookie!); seasonals; and a very cool Home Brewer series, where they let accomplished home brewers tap their brews at the bar. 2800 Woodburn Ave., East Walnut Hills, 513-601-8783, woodburnbrewery.com.

Wooden Cask Brewing Co.

Wooden Cask Brewing is located in the heart of Newport’s historic neighborhood. Formerly the Flamingo and Jockey Club, the building’s history is being relived through its transformation into a brewery and taproom: The bar is hand crafted from the building’s own reclaimed wood. Wooden Cask’s menu includes 10 craft beers always on tap, along with featured small-batch brews and a guest cider. 629 York St., Newport, 859-261-2172, woodencask.com.

P H OTO : B R I T TA N Y T H O R N TO N

WOO D B U R N B R EWE RY

C O L L E G E BA R S Brass Tap

It’s not necessarily a college bar, but it’s a bar near the University of Cincinnati. The “upscale beer emporium” offers more than 80 craft beers on tap, live music, trivia on Tuesday, karaoke and plenty of TVs. They also have wine and food, like a pretzel pizza. 251 Calhoun St., Clifton Heights, 513-242-2337, brasstapbeerbar.com.

Clifton Heights Tavern

A college-adjacent down-to-earth sports bar with local brews, bar games and TVs. 239 W. McMillan St., Clifton Heights, 513-221-1911, facebook. com/cliftonheightstavern.

Dana Gardens

Rhinegeist

A large brewery and event space in historic Over-the-Rhine (housed in an old Moerlein bottling plant) producing hoppy and sessionable ales. The seasonal deck is an excellent addition to the city’s rooftop bar scene. Climb on up for views of the historic Jackson Brewery building, downtown, Mount Adams and the Elm Street streetcar line. 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-381-1367, rhinegeist.com.

Rivertown Brewery and Barrel House

Part brewery, part lab experiment. Rivertown produces high-quality beers with a focus on spontaneous fermentation, wild yeast and funky flavors. The Lockland taproom features super-rare beers on draft , as well as vintage arcade games and food. The Monroe Barrel House

Streetside Brewery

Built between the historic East End and Columbia Tusculum, it brings community and craft beer together. The Hickey family, Streetside founders and Columbia Tusculum residents, are proud to be rooted in Cincinnati’s oldest neighborhood. The brewery produces IPAs, wheats, lagers, stouts and specialty beers of its own, while the taproom offers guest taps to support other local brewers. The menu reflects the community with “beer that’s as diverse, and original, as the community they serve.” 4003 Eastern Ave., Columbia Tusculum, 513-6155877, streetsidebrewery.com.

Taft’s Ale House

Located inside a former church, the building is an ode to Cincinnatian and former president William Howard Taft . The multi-floor brewpub maintains some of the sanctuary’s A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

Dana Ave., Norwood/Evanston, 513731-1130, tripledigitbrewing.com.

Urban Artifact

A brewery, taproom and music venue located in a historic church. Beers are crafted with locally caught wild yeast and bacteria, resulting in sour, tart brews, like their flagship Harrow Gose. If sour isn’t your thing, add some sweet flavored-syrups from the bar or try local Skinny Piggy green tea kombucha on tap. 1660 Blue Rock St., Northside, 513-620-4729, artifactbeer.com.

West Side Brewing

Overseen by four passionate homebrewers, the taproom offers 20 West Side beer taps, including West Side’s amber ale, common ale, pale ale and more, plus a handful of other local brews, cider, wine and soda. The bar also offers a ton of TVs and games like cornhole, darts and ping pong. 84

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Since 1938, Dana’s has been the home of all things Xavier; it’s like walking into a sports-centric XU grad’s basement. Watch the Muskie basketball team hoop it up and enjoy pub fare with students and fans alike. Loosely Irish-themed. 1832 Dana Ave., Evanston, 513-631-2337, danagardens.com.

The Dime

Located on historic Short Vine (right by head shop The Cupboard and music venue Bogart’s), this cozy location feels like a house party. It’s a local leg of The Dime Los Angeles. It features 16 beers on tap, easy-drinking cocktails and a daily happy hour. 2611 Vine St., Corryville, 513-721-0083, thedimecincy.com.

Dive Bar

Self-described as “not your average dive bar,” this establishment offers 70 different beers and 80 different liquors — about one semester’s worth. It also has free Wi-Fi, games and TVs for watching sports. 2608 Vine St.,

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Boswell’s

Corryville, 513-221-0931, facebook. com/divebarcincinnati.

Fries Café

A laid-back dive-bar legend near the University of Cincinnati. Appeals to everyone from UC students taking a break from exams to Cliftonites and downtown professionals. The first floor features a draft bar with a focus on craft beer and a popular old-fashioned shuffleboard table. The lower level features two billiards tables and the top floor has more darts and billiards with access to the seasonal patio and deck. 3247 Jefferson Ave., Clifton, 513-620-7659, friescafeclifton.com.

Ladder 19

A bar and gastropub located in the historic Corryville firehouse. Offers 15 beers and Fireball Whiskey on tap, plus cocktails like the 64 oz. The Hydrant moonshine punch, and S.J. Parker, with citrus vodka, lemonade and tea. Includes easy bar eats (and a bottomless mimosa and bloody mary brunch on weekends), a darts room, pool table and patio. 2701 Vine St., Corryville, 513-221-2300, ladder19.com.

1686 Blue Rock St. • Cincinnati (513) 681-8100• boswellalley.com

The Mad Frog

Live music almost every night ranging from Gothic/Industrial to Cincy EDM Showcases. Tons of dancing and drinking and fog machines. 1 E. McMillan St., Corryville, 513-784-9119, themadfrog.net.

Murphy’s Pub

Established in 1969, this dive bar offers everyday deals on pitchers, bar games and team sports, frequent free pizza, soup and hot dogs. Murphy’s represents its Irish roots on Saint Patrick’s Day. 2329 W. Clifton Ave., Clifton Heights, 513-721-6148, murphys-pub.com.

The St. Clair

A nightclub/bar in the University of Cincinnati area from 4EG, the people behind popular bars such as the Mount Adams Pavilion, Igby’s, The Lackman and more. Offers weekly drink specials and signature shots like the Bearcat Bomb. 245 Calhoun St., Clifton Heights, 513-281-5397, thestclair.com.

Uncle Woody’s Pub

A college student’s rec room dream — long wooden bar, sports on TV and an outdoor patio are tough to turn down during the walk home from class. Try their famous Cajun burger. 339 Calhoun St., Clifton Heights, 513-751-2518.

C E LT I C / I R I S H BA R S Cock & Bull Public House

Try a local beer flight (there are more than 50 brews on tap) to spice up a menu dotted with authentic English pub staples like fi sh and chips. Hosts frequent daily specials including Pint Night on Thursdays. With a different craft ale featured every week, they pour the pint, you keep the glass. 601 Main St., Covington, Ky., 859-581-4253; 275 E. Sharon A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

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Road, Glendale, 513-771-4253; 2645 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, 513-533-4253; 2801 Vine St., Corryville, 513-2814253, candbpublichouse.com.

Crowley’s

Cincinnati’s oldest Irish pub. Smithwick’s, Guinness and Killian’s on draft in an unpretentious atmosphere. 958 Pavilion St., Mount Adams, 513-721-7709.

The Crow’s Nest

One of Cincinnati’s oldest Irish pubs. Established in 1895 by Irish immigrants, this cozy neighborhood dive bar features live music — lots of Bluegrass and Americana — cheap drinks, a famous fish sandwich and a patio out back for cornhole and casual conversation. 4544 W. Eighth St., Covedale, 513-921-2980, cincycrowsnest.com.

Hap’s Irish Pub

Hap’s considers itself the most authentic Irish pub outside of the Emerald Isle; it’s been pouring a perfect pint of Guinness for more than three decades. 3510 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, 513-871-6477, searchable on Facebook.

Maloney’s Pub West

A West Side classic that specializes in brews and burgers. 408 Greenwell Ave., Delhi, 513-922-3156, searchable on Facebook.

Molly Malone’s Irish Pub & Restaurant

Like a good Irish pub, this place can get rowdy; and like a good community gathering space, it hosts trivia nights, live Irish music and karaoke. For all you soccer fans — futball, if you’re a traditionalist — enjoy the best Guinness in town while you watch live English Premier League games. 112 E. Fourth St., Covington, Ky., 859-491-6659, covington. mollymalonesirishpub.com; 6111 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge, 513-407-9383, pridge.mollymalonesirishpub.com.

Nicholson’s

Nicholson’s offers one of the best Scotch selections in the city (view their extensive single-malt Scotch and whiskey menus online), plus pub food — shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, fish and chips — and servers in kilts. 625 Walnut St., Downtown, 513564-9111, nicholsonspub.com.

O’Bryon’s Bar & Grill

Neighborhood bar and grill with two floors and an outdoor patio. Enjoy peanuts — in the shell — while watching one of 14 TVs and explore the regularly rotating draft beer selection. Famous for their Shark Tank novelty cocktail: vodka, sprite, sour mix and a rubber shark filled with grenadine you pour in yourself; you get to take the shark home. 1998 Madison Road, O’Bryonville, 513-3215525, obryonsirishpub.com.

O’Malley’s in the Alley

Cincinnati’s second-oldest bar, this Irish pub calls itself “Downtown

N O R T H S I D E YAC H T C L U B / P H OTO : C AT I E V I OX

UNLEASH YOUR INNER CHILD...

Trivia Time!

If you’re tired of watching Netflix with your cat, hop off the couch and head to a weekly trivia night for drinking and thinking.

WITH ADULT BEVERAGES.

Northside Yacht Club Trivia Tuesdays

Helmed by local Justin Schafer, the Approximate Knowledge Institute of Cincinnati is one of the only independent pub-trivia creators in the city. Each week, Schafer writes wholly original, non-corporate trivia games — with a “name that tune” halftime — for multiple area bars, including the Northside Yacht Club. First, second and third places win prizes. 7-10 p.m. Tuesdays. Free. Northside Yacht Club, 4227 Spring Grove Ave., Northside, northsideyachtclub.com.

Gorilla Cinema Presents Trivia Tuesday!

Is your mind full of useless pop culture facts about music, movies, sports, celebs and random ’90s TV shows? On Tuesdays, Overlook Lodge hosts two rounds of loosely themed questions: The first round starts at 7 p.m., followed by a lightning round and a second set of questions at 8 p.m. Winners of each segment receive prizes. 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays. Free. Overlook Lodge, 6083 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge, thatshiningbar.com.

Molly Malone’s Pub Quiz Wednesdays

Notorious for their incredibly difficult questions, Molly Malone’s seven-round trivia nights have puzzled and perplexed bargoers for nearly a decade. From high culture to pop culture, common to obscure, any topic could crop up — especially because no two quizzes are alike. The first place team wins a $50 gift card and bragging rights, second place takes home a $25 gift card, and $2 beer specials help ease the pain of idiocy. 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Free. 112 E. Fourth St., Covington, Ky., covington.mollymalonesirishpub.com.

Mt. Carmel’s “Wings”day Wednesdays

Renegade Street Eats serves up wings, burgers and hot dogs from 6-9 p.m. every week at Mt. Carmel’s trivia night, where first-throughthird-place trivia masters can win Mt. Carmel gift cards and other prizes. Plus, there’s beer. It’s a win, win. 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Free. Mt. Carmel, 4362 Mt. Carmel-Tobasco Road, Mount Carmel, mtcarmelbrewingcompany.com.

Trivia with a Twist at Listermann Brewing Company

Hosted by vetted and highly entertaining quizmasters, this live general-knowledge trivia features three rounds of challenging questions followed by a bonus visual and music finale. Prizes go to first-, secondand third-place round winners and overall winners. The twist? Each month the company decides a theme — everything from Disney and Harry Potter to The Office and Game of Thrones. Players are encouraged to come in costume and questions revolve around said topics. 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays. Free. Listermann Brewing Company, 1621 Dana Ave., Norwood/Evanston, 513-731-1130, listermannbrewing.com.

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Over-the-Rhine + 16-BitBar.com

C I T Y B E AT. C O M

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C I T Y B E AT. C O M

Cincinnati’s Traditional Irish Hole in the Wall.” It offers a full menu, happy hour and a great stop before Reds, Cyclones or Bengals games. 25 W. Ogden Place, Downtown, 513-381-3114, facebook.com/omalleysinthealley1.

The Public House

Bartenders are certified “perfect pint pourers” from the Guinness brewery in Dublin. 3807 North Bend Road, Cheviot, 513-481-6300, thepublichousecheviot.com.

R.P. McMurphy’s Pub

All-seasons patio with a fire pit, televisions galore and Irish bar-food staples. Live music on the weekends. Mug Club every Wednesday: Buy a $5 mug, get it refilled with $3 premium beer and only $2 for domestics. 2910 Wasson Road, Hyde Park, 513531-3300, rpmcmurphyspub.com.

H OT S P OT S There’s local beer and local music at this OTR joint, famous for its rowdy karaoke night. 1150 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-509-2574, drinkotr.com.

giant private patio, featuring string lights, colorful vertical planters and Acapulco lounge chairs. It even has its own outdoor bar, perfect for not moving too far when you want a refi ll of $4 house sake. 1400 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-898-7991, kazeotr.com.

Hi-Mark

The Lackman

The Drinkery

Named for Ohio River flooding, the Hi-Mark — from the groups that brought you cult favorites Eli’s BBQ and Pho Lang Thang — is a laid-back neighborhood hang with a rotating tap list of local, regional and “essential” (read: Budweiser, Guinness, etc.) beers, and interesting hi-balls, like the Horse’s Neck, made with bourbon, bitters and ginger ale. 3229

Located in a turn-of-the-century building built by brewer Herman Lackman, it serves 14 beers on tap and more than 30 bottles and cans (microbrews, imports and domestics) in a cozy environment. Try the barrelaged Negroni, with Plymouth gin, Carpano Antica and Campari. 1237 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-381-0741, lackmanbar.com.

slew of comfy button-tufted orange leather bowling-alley-ish chairs. They have everything from $3 Bud to local beers on draft and a fine cocktail list. 15 W. 14th St., Over-the-Rhine, 513371-5722, lowsparkbar.com.

Mecca OTR

This hip hideaway in OTR just got an outdoor overhaul. With a courtyard main entrance tucked away down 15th Street (the streetside façade is actually a vintage Americana shop accessible from inside the bar), this destination feels very “in the know.” But the big-ass gravel patio, hanging plants, colorful street-art murals, panoply of rainbow lighting and plethora of communal seating makes this a welcoming hangout for those

DIST IL L ERIES New Riff Distilling

A craft distillery adjacent to The Party Source and the northernmost end of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour. Distills Kentucky wild gin, rye and bourbon (which is currently still aging). Free tours take visitors behind the scenes to see production from grain to barrel, and end in a tasting. 24 Distillery Way, Bellevue, Ky., 859-261RIFF, newriffdistilling.com.

Northside Distilling Company

P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

This award-winning local distiller started several years ago in a nearly 100-year-old abandoned horse barn in Northside. Now, Northside Distilling Company’s bar on Race Street pays homage to its roots. Reclaimed barn wood decorates the walls of the space, giving it a rustic vibe. Take a seat in the cozy bar and enjoy a selection of cocktails crafted in-house from their spirits: Northside Shine, corn whiskey, bourbon and award-winning vodka. 922 Race St., Dowtown, northsidedistilling.com.

LO N G FE LLOW

Second Sight Spirits

An artisan distillery that produces innovative premium unbarreled white rum, spiced rum, bourbon-barreled rum and Villa Hillbillies Moonshine. The tasting room offers samples and tours under the watchful eye of Second Sight’s steam-punk-esque copper still that looks like it came straight from the mind of Jules Verne. 301 B. Elm St., Ludlow, Ky., 702-5106075, secondsightspirits.com.

Woodstone Creek

A true artisan winery and boutique distillery, Woodstone Creek produces 100-200 cases of wine, mead and distilled spirits yearly. The offerings include dry to sweet wine from Ohio grape varietals, a wide range of mead, five-grain bourbon, single malt whisky (peated and unpeated), rum, gin, bierschnaaps, vodka and more. Sample anything and everything they have available during Saturday tastings. 4712 Vine St., Saint Bernard, 513-569-0300, woodstonecreek.com.

Riverside Drive, East End, 513-4927119, thehimark.com.

Japp’s Since 1879

Craft cocktails inspired by classic recipes from the 1700s to 1950s. Drinks are made with fresh ingredients — homemade syrups, real fruit, liquor from craft distillers — in a historic environment. Named one of Esquire’s 18 best bars in America; the mag recommends “A Cool Jules, a gin-and-port stunner. (Unless it’s Tiki night).” 1136 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-381-1524, wellmannsbrands.com/japps1879.

Kaze OTR

OTR’s izakaya, this Japanese gastropub is notorious for its excellent outdoor space and one of the best happy hours in the city. Starting at 4 p.m., grab $5 specialty cocktails and discounted sushi rolls, among other options, and enjoy them on the

Longfellow

The OTR version of a dive bar, the menu showcases the life of the owner, Mike Stankovich. Stankovich has a Southern and Italian background — he grew up eating cornbread and rolling out homemade ravioli. Combine that with his experience traveling through Europe and Japan and his stint in New York bartending, and you have Longfellow’s menu. The cool cocktails include selections like the Spruce Goose, with barrel-aged gin, honey, lime, bitters and tonic. A fun pay it forward menu allows you to buy drinks for friends, strangers and crushes. 1233 Clay St, Over-the-Rhine, 513-549-0744, longfellowbar.com.

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Low Spark

4EG’s Low Spark offers a chill atmosphere at its square-shaped, theater-in-the-round bar, featuring an aquarium in the center and a 89

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interested in no-frills drinking, L.A. vibes, vinyl tunes and corndogs. 1429 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine, facebook. com/meccaotr.

Myrtle’s Punch House

Non-beer drinkers, rejoice! Myrtle’s focuses on handcrafted punch sold by the bowl, glass or state-of-the-art draft system. The punch features fresh juice, syrup and in-house infusions. Shareable plates include vegan, vegetarian and carnivorous options. 2733 Woodburn Ave., East Walnut Hills, 513-834-8589, wellmannsbrands. com/myrtles.

Nation Kitchen + Bar

The name is a nod to Carrie Nation, the Temperance warrior who destroyed many a saloon window with a hatchet. She was so overwhelmed by the sheer number of Cincinnati bars in the early 1900s, she turned around and left ,

destroying not a one. Nation pays tribute to the city’s rich social and alcoholic heritage with a burger menu, bottomless brunch and signature cocktails. 1200 Broadway St., Pendleton, 513-381-3794, nationkitchenandbar.com.

The Overlook Lodge

This The Shining-themed bar features rustic cocktails like the Mr. Torrance and The Writer’s Block that can help guarantee some much-needed play after a hard day’s work. Combine the cozy atmosphere and weekend Bluegrass performances and you’ve got a recipe for a terrifyingly addicting watering hole. 6083 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge, 513-351-0035, thatshiningbar.com.

serves 14 rotating taps of local, regional and national beer, canned and bottled brews, wine, a small cocktail program and boozy slushies. Garage doors create indoor/outdoor space, weather permitting, and there’s an on-site food truck with burgers, shakes and chili fries. 222 W. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-3810918, qcrbar.com.

Sundry and Vice

Apothecary-themed with an extensive and inventive cocktail menu. The drinks — meticulously crafted by be-aproned bartenders — take a little longer to make than usual, but that’s only because they’re so good. 18 W. 13th St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-721-VICE, sundryandvice.com.

Tarantino-themed bar; you need to go to Video Archive and figure it out yourself. The drinks have names like Mr. Pink, the Texas to Tokyo and Five Dollar Shake. 965 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills, 513-559-9500, facebook. com/videoarchivecincinnati.

E NT E RT A I N M E NT D E S T I N AT I O N S Axis Alley

Boutique bowling with lane-side food and beverage service. 1 Levee Way, Newport on the Levee, Newport, Ky., 859-652-7250, axisalleylevee.com.

Bobby Mackey’s Music World

A classic Honky Tonk with Country music, cowboys and a mechanical

T O P O F T H E PA R K

comedians. 8410 Market Place Lane, Montgomery, 513-984-8848, gobananascomedy.com.

Howl at the Moon/Splitsville Luxury Lanes

In 1990, Howl at the Moon’s dueling piano show was an entertainment staple at Covington Landing. Howl is back and bigger than ever. Their 16,000-square-foot venue features live music, food, drinks and an attached boutique bowling alley. 145 Second St. East, Downtown, 513-4212695, thebanks.howlsplitsville.com.

Madison Bowl

Voted the best bowling alley in the city by CityBeat readers. This historic alley is open until 1 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 24 hours Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The in-house Madison Diner is a quaint Atomic Era throwback. 4671 Madison Road, Madisonville, 513-271-2700, facebook.com/madisonbowl.

Stone Lanes

P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

A classic family-owned bowling alley near Xavier University. Open until 11 p.m. or later Monday through Saturday. Join the Can Club and get a Stone Lanes growler can for $6, which you can refill with Miller Lite at the alley for $2.95 anytime. There’s a social media campaign inviting patrons to post photos of themselves with their cans on vacation and in exotic destinations. 3746 Montgomery Road, Norwood, 513-396-7003, stonelanes.com.

Topgolf

Hit a microchipped golf ball into colorful targets to score points. This chain of driving ranges brings golf out of the country club and into the public as a space to practice your swing, grab a bite to eat or even watch the sun go down over West Chester on a rooftop patio. 9568 Waterfront Drive, West Chester, 513342-6249, topgolf.com.

Western Bowl Strike & Spare

Pearl’s

Located in a historic building in the heart of Columbia Tusculum (Cincinnati’s oldest neighborhood), Pearl’s offers a rooftop bar and large outdoor patio for the warmer months and serves classic cocktails, draft beer and small bites. 3520 Eastern Ave., Columbia Tusculum, 513-832-0485, pearls-cincy.com.

Treehouse Patio Bar

Live entertainment, local brews, and custom-made wooden swings can be found at this patio bar. 1133 Sycamore St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-828-9943, facebook.com/ treehousepatio.

Queen City Radio

The historic Queen City Radio building has been turned into a well-manicured full-service bar and outdoor beer garden. The bar

The Vestry at The Transept

The Transept was built in 1867 and was once the home of St. John Unitarian Church, the first German-American congregation in Cincinnati. Today, it’s a multi-room event center for weddings, meetings and nonprofit banquets. The in-house bar, called Vestry, manages to feel intimate inside the capacious setting. The bar offers 11 beers on tap, mostly local and regional, wine and five signature cocktails. 1205 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-381-1058, thetransept.com.

The Video Archive

Named in honor of the video rental store where director Quentin Tarantino once worked, The Video Archive is a video store that doubles as a speakeasy, like a Blockbuster with a back-alley bar. We won’t tell you which videotape opens the secret door into the A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

bull. If you’re a thrill-seeker looking for a little scare, the place is haunted. 44 Licking Pike, Wilder, Ky., 859-4315588, bobbymackey.com.

Boogie Nights

Break loose before or after hitting the slots. Jam with the best DJs in the area and shake what your mama gave ya. Hollywood Casino, 777 Hollywood Blvd., Lawrenceburg, Ind., 888-274-6797, hollywoodindiana.com, boogienightsusa.com/indiana.

Funny Bone

Features national headlining comedians as well as up-and-comers. 7518 Bales St., Liberty Township, 513-7795233, liberty.funnybone.com.

Go Bananas Comedy Club

One of Cincinnati’s premier comedy clubs. See the up-and-comers on Wednesday Pro-Am Nights or come and see your favorite touring 90

C I T Y B E AT. C O M

A family fun center with 68 lanes of bowling, a state of the art scoring system and glow bowling on Friday nights. 6383 Glenway Ave., Western Hills, 513-574-2222, westernbowl. strikeandspare.com.

G E R M A N B I E R GA RT E N S Hofbräuhaus

Beers brewed on-site in the Munich tradition (under the license and supervision of Staatliches Hofbräuhaus in München), with a keg tapping of seasonal brews the final Wednesday of each month. Buy a liter of beer and keep the stein for $10. 200 E. Third St., Newport, Ky., 859-491-7200, hofbrauhausnewport.com.

Kreimer’s Bier Haus

Located in the backyard of Kreimer’s Bier Haus, this Bavarian biergarten on the Great Miami River has three decks, fire pits and a ton of Black Forest-inspired wood features, from picnic seating to a whimsical cuckooclock-looking German grill house,

which serves snacks like sauerkraut balls, pretzel bread, bier cheese and plenty of meaty metts. 6052 State Route 128, Cleves, 513-353-2168, bierhauswest.net.

Mecklenburg Gardens

Oktoberfest all year long. Wash down your triple-goettawurst and spaetzle with a 1-liter glass boot of doppelbock or hefeweizen in the grape vine-laden outdoor biergarten. Wednesday night, the garden offers quarter flip specials: The bartender flips a coin and you call heads or tails while it’s in the air. If you guess right, you pay 25 cents for a half-liter beer. 302 E. University Ave., Corryville, 513-221-5353, mecklenburgs.com.

Wunderbar!

Rhineland ambiance with wooden picnic tables and German signage. Food options include giant pretzels, sauerkraut, sausage and doner kabobs, one of Germany’s favorite street-food dishes. Beer choices abound with German staples such as Franziskaner and Warsteiner. 1132 Lee St., Covington, Ky., 859-815-8027, wunderbarcovington.com.

Wurst Bar in the Square

A gastropub with German leanings specializing in Cincinnati favorites: homemade sausage and beer. The Wurst Mule comes with your choice of vodka, gin or bourbon with ginger beer and fresh mint served in an ice-cold copper mug. 3204 Linwood Ave., Mount Lookout, 513-321-0615, wurstbarinthesquare.com.

H OT E L BA R S

The Cricket Lounge at The Cincinnatian Hotel

A city-centered lounge with plenty of ambiance for mixing business and pleasure. A live Jazz trio plays Friday and Saturday. Happy hour daily. 601 Vine St., Downtown, 513-381-3000, cincinnatianhotel.com.

Metropole/Cocktail Terrace

Housed in the 21c Museum Hotel, the Metropole is a restaurant and lounge with craft beers on tap, clever cocktails and a smart selection of old- and new-world wines. Or take a secret elevator up 11 floors to the roof for the hotel’s cocktail terrace, open during warm weather. The glass-surrounded rooftop has its own cocktail menu and tableside service. 609 Walnut St., Downtown, 513-578-6600, metropoleonwalnut. com, 21ccocktailterrace.com.

The Phelps/Top of the Park

Both located in the Residence Inn Marriott. The Phelps is a hidden oasis in the city — a tapas bar featuring small bites, wine and hand-crafted cocktails. On the roof, the Top of the Park features unparalleled views of Lytle Park, downtown Cincinnati, the Ohio River and Mount Adams. Open to the public select evenings. 506 E. Fourth St., Downtown, 513-651-1234, topoftheparkcincinnati.com.

The Symphony Hotel

A quiet spot for a cocktail or glass of wine inside a historic bed and breakfast near Music Hall, Memorial Hall and Washington Park. Live Jazz on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. 210 W. 14th St., Over-the-Rhine, 513721-3353, symphonyhotel.com.

The Bar at Palm Court

A lobby-level bar with French Art Deco décor in the historic Hilton Netherland Plaza — like stepping into an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. Happy hour features half-price appetizers from Orchids at Palm Court’s AAA fi ve diamond awardwinning menu. Blending culinary innovation and classic mixology, simple syrup and bitters are frozen inside the Old Fashioned’s ice cubes and blended with chef’s choice bourbon; the fl avor changes as the ice melts. Live Jazz on Fridays. 35 W. Fift h St., Downtown, 513-421-9100, orchidsatpalmcourt.com.

Coppins at Hotel Covington

Located in the center of Hotel Covington’s dining atrium, with floorto-ceiling windows and al fresco courtyard, Coppins restaurant offers a seasonal menu of comfortable Kentucky cuisine plus local beer, wine, cider and craft cocktails. The Run for the Roses features Four Roses bourbon, lemon demerara, crème de flora and birch bitters, while the simpler Bluegrass Tonic features Watershed gin or vodka with tailormade Covington tonic. 638 Madison Ave., Covington, Ky., 866-501-1700, hotelcovington.com.

L G BT Q BA R S Below Zero Lounge

OTR’s hip nightclub has one of the area’s largest vodka collections — more than 100 varieties (some dispensed at 6 degrees Fahrenheit) — with Martini Madness on Wednesdays. Karaoke on Thursdays lets you be the star. The Cabaret club upstairs features fantastic drag shows on Saturdays. 1120 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-421-9376, belowzerolounge.com, cabaretcincinnati.com.

Crazy Fox Saloon

Drink specials, smoke-free interior, pinball, darts, trivia, pool, TVs, off -street parking and an assortment of absinthe. Dog-friendly. 901 Washington Ave., Newport, Ky., 859-261-2143.

The Dock Complex

Three bars, one covered smoking patio, one patio lounge with a volleyball court, a fully equipped dance floor with four platforms, pool table, touch-screen games, DJs, foam parties and drag shows. 603 W. Pete Rose Way, Downtown, 513-241-5623.

Main Event

A dive bar with Thursday night drag shows. 835 Main St., Downtown, A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

513-421-1294, facebook.com/ maineventcincinnati.

Rosie’s Tavern

A mixed crowd of beer drinkers and regulars at this gay-friendly bar. Pool, shuffleboard, pitcher specials, live music and more. 643 Bakewell St., Covington, Ky., 859-291-9707, rosiestavernnky.com.

Tillie’s Lounge

Named after a famous circus elephant who paraded the streets of Northside in John Robinson’s Circus in the early 20th century, Tillie’s is a plush champagne bar with lounge décor. Throwback Thursdays feature specially priced Prohibition-era cocktails; Anything Goes on Fridays features a mashup of showtunes and music videos; and Karaoke Saturdays are hosted by Will Corson. 4042 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513541-1414, tillieslounge.com.

L I V E M U S I C BA R S The Blind Lemon

Mount Adams’ favorite backyard bar since 1963. Walk down a set of stairs to find a secret, little hideaway. Inside, the cozy walls are lined with eclectic paraphernalia. Outside, the relaxed patio is incredibly popular in the warmer months. Live music almost every night. 936 Hatch St., Mount Adams, 513-241-3885, theblindlemon.com.

Bogart’s

Corryville/Live Nation’s premier live music venue featuring local, national and international acts, plus six bars. 2621 Vine St., Corryville, 513-872-8801, bogarts.com.

The Comet

Eclectic neighborhood bar and big-ass burrito joint with more than 150 beers, homemade ginger ale, live music, art exhibits and one of the best jukeboxes in town. The Comet Bluegrass All-Stars play every Sunday. Kitchen menu served until 1 a.m. daily. 4579 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-541-8900, cometbar.com.

Dee Felice Café

Jazz, Swing and the food of the French Quarter. A credit to the notion that Cincinnati is as far as one can be North while still being South. 529 Main St., Covington, Ky., 859-2612365, deefelicecafe.com.

The Greenwich

Walnut Hills’ answer to Greenwich Village. Features a combination of Jazz, Spoken Word and Hip Hop. 2442 Gilbert Ave., Walnut Hills, 513221-1151, the-greenwich.com.

The Incline Lounge at the Celestial

With a view that overlooks the Ohio River and the Cincinnati skyline, the Celestial’s bar and lounge is the perfect place to watch the sun go down and the lights of the city come up. The live music is frequently Jazz. 1071 Celestial St., Mount Adams, 513241-4455, thecelestial.com. 91

C I T Y B E AT. C O M

Live! at the Ludlow Garage

In its 100-year history, the Ludlow Garage has been everything from an auto repair shop and parking garage to a shopping mall and pizzeria, but it’s most well known for its legacy as a music venue from 1969 to 1971. New owners have revamped the venue and reclaimed its music history; it’s once again a concert hall welcoming national touring acts for intimate concerts. It also features an upstairs restaurant and cocktail lounge. 342 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, 513-221-4111, liveattheludlowgarage.com.

Mansion Hill Tavern

Come for the excellent Blues and troll dolls, stay for the casual bar fare, extensive beer selection and live music. 502 Washington Ave., Newport, Ky., 859-581-0100, mansionhilltavern.tripod.com.

MOTR Pub

Hosts some of the best live shows in the city, highlighting local and touring Indie, Rock and Folk acts — all without a cover. Also boasts a nice bar menu, patio, spoken-word nights and sketch comedy. 1345 Main St., Over-theRhine, 513-381-MOTR, motrpub.com.

Northside Tavern

A laid-back neighborhood drinking destination, with a front bar, back bar and huge patio. Free live music almost every night of the week, including live band karaoke. Not uncommon for happy hour here to last far into the night. 4163 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-542-3603, northsidetav.com/cincy.

Northside Yacht Club

A loosely nautically themed Rock club from two local music veterans. The mixology is masterful, made with fresh juice, fruit and herbal garnish. Tropical-themed drinks are served in Tiki glasses and the bar-food menu features satisfying items like housesmoked wings, duck fat poutine and vegan lentil chili fries. 4231 Spring Grove Ave., Northside, 513-541-0528, northsideyachtclub.com.

The Southgate House Revival

New location for an old favorite. Live music from a variety of genres several nights a week. 111 E. Sixth St., Newport, Ky., 859-431-2201, southgatehouse.com.

Stanley’s Pub

A favorite spot for live, eclectic tunes along the river. Local and out-oftown bands with cheap drinks make Stanley’s an area favorite. A big place for Jamgrass. 323 Stanley Ave., Columbia Tusculum, 513-871-6249, facebook.com/stanleys.pub.

The Tin Roof

A live music joint chain from Nashville. 160 E. Freedom Way, Downtown, 513-381-2176, tinroofcincinnati.com.

The Venue

Live music with ballroom and swing dancing. 9980 Kings Automall Drive, Mason, 513-239-5009, thevenuecincinnati.com.

M E C C A O T R / P H OTO : B R I T TA N Y T H O R N TO N

Great Oaks is 30 career majors for high school students

Outdoor Drinking Destinations

Do you like drinking outside? Sure. We all do. It’s a chance to get some fresh air, vitamin D and take selfies with colorful cocktails.

Professional and career training for adults

21c Cocktail Terrace

One of the chicest spots to imbibe outdoors, the seasonal rooftop cocktail terrace at 21c is located down an alley next to the hotel and up a secret service elevator. Lounge seating and bar-top tables nestled on the narrow glass-enclosed patio offer some of the best views of downtown. 609 Walnut St., Downtown, 21ccocktailterrace.com.

Cabana on the River

Brings the beach to the West Side. Sign up for volleyball leagues and bask in the glow of neon palm trees while taking in relaxing Ohio River views. Get more relaxed with a Lava Flow: piña colada blended with rum, poured over strawberry purée and served frozen. 7445 Forbes Road, Sayler Park, cabanaontheriver.com.

Short-term personal enrichment classes

The Littlefield

This classy little space in Northside has a focus on bourbon plus artisan bites and brunch. Try a signature Blue Goose old fashioned, made with Bulleit and in-house cherry bitters. 3934 Spring Grove Ave., Northside, littlefieldns.com.

MadTree 2.0

MadTree’s million-dollar makeover did not disappoint. The hugely expanded operation on Madison Road is bigger on all fronts, including its 10,000-square-foot beer garden. With 32 MadTree-exclusive taps, ambient lighting and an industrial brick façade left over from the building’s factory days, there’s more than enough space to accommodate all the beer-drinking, cornhole-playing, dog-loving humans. 3301 Madison Road, Oakley, madtreebrewing.com.

Mecca OTR

Four campuses

With a courtyard main entrance tucked away down 15th Street, this destination feels very “in the know.” But the big-ass gravel patio, hanging plants, colorful street-art murals, panoply of rainbow lighting and tons of communal seating make this a welcoming hangout for those interested in no-frills drinking, L.A. vibes, vinyl tunes and corndogs. 1429 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine, facebook.com/meccaotr.

Queen City Radio

This auto shop turned bar and beer garden has a plethora of outdoor seating on its urban patio — perfect for downing one or two Hawaiian Haze slushies. Stay long enough and sate your hunger with on-site food truck Queen City Whip’s chili cheese fries. 222 W. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine, qcrbar.com.

Rhinegeist

The crown jewel on top of the 25,000-square-foot historic brewery, Rhinegeist’s wood-lined rooftop deck is an always-packed party palace that’s a Cincinnati must-do. Sidle up to the draft bar for a pint of Truth or Bubbles rosé cider; they even have cocktails on tap. 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, rhinegeist.com.

greatoaks.com A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

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Woodward Theater

The owners of popular Over-theRhine music club MOTR Pub took over the 100-year-old building across the street from the club and turned it into the beautiful new Woodward Theater. Hosts local and national touring acts. 1404 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-345-7986, woodwardtheater.com.

NEIGHBORHOOD BA R S & P U B S Animations Lounge

A pool bar with drink specials. 3059 Madison Road, Oakley, 513-871-7606, facebook.com/animations.oakley.

Arlin’s

The Gaslight District’s neighborhood pub for the thinking man or woman. Have a beer on the back patio or enjoy live music and bar food. 307 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, 513-751-6566.

Arnold’s Bar & Grill

A friendly, diverse and historic gin joint, Arnold’s is the city’s oldest bar — since the 1830s. Arnold’s draws folks for its food, live music (lots of Americana and Bluegrass), local brews and casual atmosphere. Named as one of the best bars in America by Esquire magazine. Friendly service, cheap drinks, awesome courtyard (used to be a stable and carriage house) and a bathtub that was once reputedly used for making bathtub gin. 210 E. Eighth St., Downtown, 513-421-6234, arnoldsbarandgrill.com.

Arthur’s Cafe

Arthur’s, located in both Hyde Park and Anderson, is a favorite neighborhood tavern. If you’re looking for more than just a beer and the average pub fare, this is the right place. Let burger madness ensue — $8.99 for any burger with your choice of toppings on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. The tap features only local beers. 3516 Edwards Road, Hyde Park, 513-871-5543; 8221 Beechmont Ave., Anderson, 513-388-0152, arthurscincinnati.com.

Back Porch Saloon

Open since 1972, this casual spot serves up lunch and dinner with a focus on fun; their motto is, “It’s more fun to eat in a saloon than drink in a restaurant.” Find burgers, ribs, tons of TVs, cornhole, a Tiki bar and seasonal sand volleyball leagues. 9626 Princeton-Glendale Road, West Chester, 513-874-2432, back-porchsaloon.net.

Bart’s On York

A stone’s throw and a world away from Newport on the Levee. With the motto, “Where everyone knows your name and thinks you’re an asshole,” it’s a great neighborhood bar with a casual, friendly atmosphere. Huge outdoor patio and great drink specials. 323 York St., Newport, Ky., 859-491-2337, bartsonyork.com.

Brew House

A Walnut Hills institution since 1978 with funky décor, friendly people, good burgers and cheap drinks. 1047 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills, 513-961-9058, brewhouse.com.

Chameleon

A neighborhood nightclub with themed nights, an event space, a large venue hall for live music, drink specials and more. Now offers an inhouse pizza parlor. 4114 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-541-2073, chameleonnorthside.com.

Chapter Mount Adams

Chapter features live music, outdoor seating and a menu that includes brunch. 940 Pavilion St., Mount Adams, 513-381-1905, mtadamschapter.com.

City View Tavern

A fine neighborhood bar offering panoramic vistas of our fair metropolis, along with burgers, soups, sandwiches and a spicy bloody mary. 403 Oregon St., Mount Adams, 513-241-VIEW.

Dean’s Hops & Vines

Sports bars and “Lite” beer populate the West Side, but Dean’s Hops & Vines serves craft beer, great bourbons, wines and small bites in the heart of Cheviot. 3722 Harrison Ave., Cheviot, 513-515-3215, facebook. com/deanshv.

Braxton Brewing Company was born out of a garage on Braxton Drive in Union, Kentucky. It’s there where a

Dutch’s

A former pony keg turned artisan bottle shop and larder. They have the largest selection of refrigerated beer in the region, more than 200 wines for carryout or to enjoy at the bar, freshly butchered meats and farmstead cheeses, with a backyard patio, bocce court and relaxed atmosphere. 3378 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, 513-8711446, dutchscincinnati.com.

passion was born, sparked and ignited. The creativity and craft of brewing became a entrepreneurial obsession and now we thrive to create the ultimate

Edge Inn Tavern

experience by celebrating the life, family

If you’re a dive bar fan and looking to ditch the chains around the Rookwood area, this is your place. Super-cheap drinks. 3935 Edwards Road, Norwood, 513-841-9030.

and communities that build our history. Dreams are born and fermented at

The Establishment

Known colloquially as “The E” for its unassuming local flavor. 2900 Wasson Road, Hyde Park, 513-631-9000, theeoakley.com.

Braxton Brewing Company.

Gypsy’s

With a welcoming, dog-friendly atmosphere, Gypsy’s is perhaps most well known for their fully stocked bar and large craft beer selection on draft or in bottles and cans — you can find a drink special for under $4 any day of the week (including $2 Jameson and $3 drafts). Watch your favorite game on one of several TVs or enjoy their back patio equipped with fire pits and giant Jenga. 641 Main St., Covington, Ky., 859-261-0272, facebook.com/pub641.

WWW.BRAXTONBREWING.COM @BRAXTONBREWCO BRAXTON BREWING COMPANY

Born in a garage. Brewed at 27 W. 7th St., Covington, KY 41011

Habits Café

There’s nothing quite like a big plate of Habits’ “potato rags” (hash browns on steroids) to complement a craft A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

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beer or three. Home to weekly open mic nights, live music, almost 90 bottled beers and possibly a ghost. 3036 Madison Road, Oakley, 513-6318367, habitscafe.com.

HalfCut

While not exactly a bar, you can fi ll a growler with local beers and hardto-fi nd craft s in this OTR store or at the walk-up window to go. Or even enjoy your beer inside, sitting at one of HalfCut’s tables. 1126 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-381-1952, halfcut.com.

Higher Gravity

A bar and bottle shop with more than 400-plus rotating beer selections, 100 wines and a cool garage

craft beers with a focus on local craft breweries (featuring meet-thebrewer evenings) and a panoramic view of the Ohio River and downtown. 2601 W. Eighth St., Price Hill, 513-251-3000, inclinepublichouse.com.

Knotty Pine

A West Side Rock club and Tiki bar. There’s live music on weekends, karaoke on Tuesdays and leagues for sand volleyball in the summer and pool and darts the rest of the year. 6947 Cheviot Road, Cheviot, 513-741-3900, knottypinerocks.com.

Madonna’s Bar and Grill

Cozy dive bar with a pool table and jukebox, friendly bartenders

Milton’s Prospect Hill Tavern

Prospect Hill’s neighborhood joint is chatty, diverse and full of character. A great place to have beer, relax and chat it up with the regulars. 301 Milton St., Liberty Hill, 513-784-9938, facebook.com/ miltonstheprospecthilltavern.

Mount Adams Bar & Grill

Once a speakeasy, today it is one of the city’s most picturesque taverns with lots of wood grain, class and photos of famous patrons. 938 Hatch St., Mount Adams, 513-621-3666, mtadamsbarandgrill.com.

Oakley Pub & Grill

Trivia Night Tuesdays are wildly popular, and regulars swear by

Main St., Covington, Ky., 859-261-1199, mainstrasse.org.

Village Tavern

A historic neighborhood watering hole in the heart of Montgomery. There is something to do at VT every night: trivia, karaoke, live bands and various DJs. 9390 Montgomery Road, Montgomery, 513-793-7882, thevillage-tavern.com.

Yesterday’s Old Time Saloon

A no-frills dive bar with free popcorn. 930 Hatch St., Mount Adams, 513-421-9998, facebook.com/ yesterdayssaloon.

Zip’s Café

Since 1926, Zip’s has served up some of Cincinnati’s best hamburgers, including the Girth Burger — a Zip burger with a split grilled mettwurst on top. The bar is housed in an old Prohibition-era “Code Room.” 1036 Delta Ave., Mount Lookout, 513-8719876, zipscafe.com.

N I G HT C L U B S /L O U N G E S Bromwell’s HÄRTH Lounge

P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

Opened in 1819, Bromwell’s is the oldest business in Cincinnati. The next-door Bromwell’s-helmed bar is a lovely and comfortable piano bar, open to the public Wednesday through Saturday (available other days for private rentals). Joining Washington Platform on the downtown live Jazz scene, Bromwell’s Härth Lounge has a classy and romantic but laid-back and welcoming atmosphere and a rotation of local Jazz piano greats. 125 W. Fourth St., Downtown, 513-621-3473, bromwellsharthlounge.com.

Energy Nightclub

Laser lights, DJs and a dress code. 700 W. Pete Rose Way, Downtown, 513-721-2582, energycincy.com.

Ivy Lounge

TH E G LO B E

door that turns the bar indoor-outdoor. Has free internet and is both kid and pet friendly. 4106 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-813-3523, highergravitycraft haus.com.

The Globe

Northern Kentucky’s “strip club” scene’s loss was the area’s classy cocktail lounge scene’s gain with the opening of Covington’s The Globe. The former Club Venus sign is still outside, but little else remains from the structure’s days as a non-nude strip joint. The slick modern bar serves high-end cocktails inspired by Prohibition-era classics, as well as regional craft beers and spirits. 12 E 5th St., Covington, Ky., 859-261-1267 theglobecov.com.

Incline Public House

Sitting high atop the now-defunct Price Hill incline, the Incline Public House offers brick-oven dishes,

and a great BLT. 11 E. Seventh St., Downtown, 513-621-8838, madonnabarandgrill.com.

MainStrasse Village Pub

The microbrew mecca of MainStrasse Village — 200 different, constantly changing bottled brews. No beers on draft , but there’s happy hour all day Sunday. 619 Main St., Covington, Ky., 859-431-5552, mainstrassevillagepub.com.

Marty’s Hops & Vines

A bottle shop and bar in a restored 1920s building in College Hill. Marty’s Hops & Vines offers fi ne wine, craft beer and small plates and pizza, along with a rotating weekly event schedule featuring deals, tastings and live music. 6110 Hamilton Ave., College Hill, 513-681-4222, martys-hopsandvines.com. A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

the fi sh tacos (only $7.95 Fridays). Food specials nightly. 3924 Isabella Ave., Oakley, 513-531-2500, oakleypubandgrill.com.

The Oak Tavern

Catch your sports obsessions at this beloved local drinkery on multiple TVs. Live bands, patio and food. 3089 Madison Road, Oakley, 513-321-6258, oaktavernoakley.com.

Silverton Café

Massive double deckers, an enthusiastic sports scene, spirits and fun. Either catch a live band or show everyone your own skills on the karaoke machine. 7201 Montgomery Road, Silverton, 513-791-2922, silvertoncafe.com.

The Strasse Haus

Serving up bar food and German fare with an outdoor patio and live music for more than 20 years. 630 94

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European-style nightclub and lounge featuring craft cocktails and champagne Fridays. 645 Walnut St., Downtown, 513-421-3800, ivycincinnati.com.

Jekyll

Recently rebranded from “Mynt,” this nightclub features food, drinks and dancing (and a dress-code). Industry nights Saturday and Sunday. Ticketed DJ events. 28 E. Fifth St., Downtown, 513-621-6968, jekyllcincy.com.

Millions Café

Mount Lookout’s sister bar to Mount Lookout Tavern. Live music and frequent parties plus sports on TV and food deals daily. 3210 Linwood Ave., Mount Lookout, 513-815-4500, millions-cafe.com.

Monks Cove

An island-themed oasis offering Jell-O shots from a giant, plastic syringe. During college and NFL football, find beer bucket specials. 1104 St. Gregory St., Mount Adams, monkscove.com.

G O M E Z S A L S A / P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

Go Bananas has been bringing in the best stand-up comedians for OVER 20 YEARS!

Late Night Eats

Restaurants, chili parlors and walk-up windows at which to seek sustenance after a night of drinking. Anchor Grill

Taking its blazing neon “We May Doze, But Never Close” sign to heart, the Anchor Grill stays open 24/7, offering round-the-clock breakfast fare along with lunch and dinner comfort-food classics (liver and onions; a goetta, lettuce and tomato double decker; Campbell’s tomato soup) served by sassy-yet-personable waitresses. Like stepping back in time, this no-frills greasy spoon features wood paneling, Formica counter tops and a vintage miniature band box — one of only a handful left in the country — whose animatronic members move in sync with jukebox selections. Open 24/7 (except Christmas Day). 438 W. Pike St., Covington, Ky., 859-431-9498.

VOTED CINCINNATI’S BEST COMEDY CLUB! WWW.GOBANANASCOMEDY.COM

Gomez Salsa

Winner of CityBeat’s Best of Cincinnati late-night eatery. Gomez Salsa serves fresh, hand-chopped salsas along with tacos and bowls stuffed with everything from carnitas and mahi-mahi to tofu and a super genius invention called the Turtle Shell — a fat little crunchy burrito envelope — via a walk-up taco window. Gomez shares the space with HalfCut, a craft beer café with a beer window open until 2:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays during spring/summer. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday; 11 a.m.-midnight Thursday; 11 a.m.-2:30 a.m. Friday-Saturday. 107 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine, gomezsalsa.com.

Goodfellas Pizza

This ever-expanding New York-style pizza franchise has two local shops — one in MainStrasse and one in OTR. Both are open late and both boast upstairs craft bourbon bars. But if you aren’t there for the alcohol, you’re likely there for the pizza. The hand-tossed slices are huge — like fold-in-half-to-eat huge — made with fresh dough topped with everything from ciliegine mozzarella and meatballs to roasted red peppers. Hungry patrons can grab a slice or two to go from the readymade options, or order their own 12-, 16- or 22-inch pie. We highly recommend adding an extra large breadstick — it’s the size of your arm and topped with garlic butter, parmesan and oregano. 11 a.m.-midnight Sunday-Wednesday; 11 a.m.-2:30 a.m. Thursday-Saturday. 603 Main St., Covington, Ky.; 1211 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, goodfellaspizzeria.com.

Shanghai Mama’s

Late-night noodle destination Shanghai Mama’s specializes in urban Asian eats, everything from big-ass noodle soup bowls and fried rice to vegetarian orange faux ribs and Mama’s take on kitschy Chinese classics. Select noodle styles are made in-house (Shanghai, rice ho fun, etc.) and the décor leans 1920s eclectic opium den meets classic Chinese restaurant. 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. MondayThursday; 11 a.m.-3 a.m. Friday; 4 p.m.-3 a.m. Saturday. 216 E. Sixth St., Downtown, shanghaimamas.com.

We bring bourbon country to you

Skyline Chili (Clifton)

With its charming vintage marquee sign, the Clifton location of the locally based Skyline Chili franchise is undeniably one of the greatest in the area. Get a 3-way (spaghetti topped with Cincinnatistyle chili and a pile of shredded cheddar) or coney (hot dog + steamed bun + chili + cheese + mustard + onions) and unlimited oyster cracker refills at lightning-fast speed and listen to drunk college kids relive their evening’s escapades. 10 a.m.-3 a.m. MondayThursday; 10 a.m.-4 a.m. Friday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-midnight Sunday. 290 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, skylinechili.com.

A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

OPEN EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR!

CONNECT WITH US LIQUOR CITY UNCORKED 501 Crescent Ave | Covington, KY 41011 | (859) 655-2280 95

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- 16 State-of-the-Art Lanes - Full Bar & Menu - Customizable A/V Systems - Private Party Spaces - Team Building Programs - Professional Event Planners

Newport on the Levee • 1 Levee Way • NEWPORT, KY

axisalleylevee.com • 859.652.7250

FIFTY WEST

Plan a party with us! Fifty West Brewing Company has a variety of party packages to accommodate all of your private event needs. We have the perfect space for small get-togethers and large corporate outings as well as catering options and an extensive beer selection. For more information, email us! James Gilligan James@fiftywestbrew.com A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

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Mount Adams Pavilion

A multi-level nightclub and lounge with four patio decks, city views and VIP table service. DJs and live music every night. 949 Pavilion St., Mount Adams, 513-744-9200, mountadamspavilion.com.

Mount Lookout Tavern

A nightlife staple and sports bar. Goes by MLTs. Food menu features tacos, apps, wings, wraps and burgers. 3209 Linwood Ave., Mount Lookout, 513-871-9633, mtlookouttavern.com.

The Righteous Room

A bar and lounge that caters to the YP crowd as well as arts patrons (it’s directly across from the Aronoff ) and after-dinner drinkers. 641 Walnut St., Downtown, 513-381-4408, therighteousroom.com.

Flipdaddy’s Burgers & Beers

An old-school burger joint meets up with a modern sports bar, and Flipdaddy’s is born. Hear some live music, watch the game or just enjoy some delicious burgers and beer. Multiple locations including 12071 Mason Montgomery Road, Symmes Township, 513-677-BEER; 7453 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, 513-272BEER, flipdaddys.com.

Game Time Sports Bar & Grill

Offers sand volleyball leagues, 20 premium craft beers, 20 gourmet burgers, steel-tip darts, cornhole, pool, shuffleboard and more in multiple locations. 3613 Harrison Ave., Cheviot, 513-661-9464; 136 E. Third St., Newport, Ky., 859-261-1450, gametime2012.com.

fl atbreads, wings and burgers. 433 Johnson St., Covington, Ky., 859-261-4662, houseoforangesportsbarandgrill.com.

Jefferson Social

Craft beers, a ton of tequila and nachos done up with any variety of meat. Wings go from spicy to dry-rubbed and there are plenty of tacos on the menu. Find weekly trivia, a large patio and draft deals. 101 E. Freedom Way, The Banks, Downtown, 513-381-2623, jeffersonsocial.com.

Knockback Nat’s

Part neighborhood hangout, part sports bar, part destination for hungry individuals looking for deli-

MVP Sports Bar & Grill

Full menu, live music, free Wi-Fi, DirecTV with NFL Sunday Ticket. 6923 Plainfield Road, Silverton, 513-794-1400, mymvpsportsbarandgrille.com.

Pachinko Bar

Drink specials, ladies night, giant margaritas, beer buckets and Bengals Mania. Also has a pool table and outdoor patio. 424 W. Sixth St., Covington, Ky., 859-431-6400, facebook. com/pachinko.bar.9.

The Pirate’s Den Bar and Grill Sports bar, nightclub, pub and eatery with live music and a VIP room. 3670 Werk Road, Suite 6,

Scene Ultra Lounge

An ultra sleek lounge with a long bar and plenty of space to see and be seen. 637 Walnut St., Downtown, 513381-4327, scenecinci.com.

S P O RT S BA R S Beer Sellar

P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

The Beer Sellar barge offers 63 taps and live music with a scenic view of downtown — literally on the Ohio River. And you can’t beat the $5 round-trip water taxi for all home Bengals and Reds games. 301 Riverboat Row, Newport, Ky., 859-431-6969, facebook.com/ thebeersellar.

The Blind Pig

Located between the heart of downtown and The Banks, with a huge patio featuring a view of the riverfront, stadiums and National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. The tap features 20 everchanging brews, a simple food menu and eight big-screen TVs. 24 W. Third St., Downtown, 513-381-3114, blindpigcincy.com.

S E C O N D P L AC E

Brothers

Drink specials daily with nice, fried bar bites, like Gator Balls — chicken breast wedges wrapped in bacon, stuffed with cheese and peppers and served with ranch. Tons of TVs playing sports and UFC to watch while imbibing pitchers of Long Islands in five different flavors: red, blue, orange, green and purple. 1 Levee Way, Newport, Ky., 859-291-2767, brothersbar.com/newport-ky.

Crossroads Sports Bar & Grill

Fift y-cent wings on Tuesday and a ton of TVs for watching sports. 5790 Cheviot Road, White Oak, 513-245-9999.

Dickmann’s Sports Pub & Grub

“Great grub, cold beer and a place to cheer.” A sports bar on steroids. Not only are the sports on TV, Dickmann’s also has volleyball and trivia. 479 Orphanage Road, Fort Wright, Ky., 859-331-8076, dickmannscafe.com.

Holy Grail Tavern & Grille

Within 100 yards of Great American Ball Park you can chug a beer and get to the game almost as fast as “Neon” Deion could steal second, third and home. Features 31 TVs so you won’t miss a dunk, goal, run or touchdown. The Delhi option offers similar atmosphere on the West Side. 161 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown, 513-621-2222; 1278 Ebenezer Road, Delhi, 513-941-5555, holygrailcincy.com.

House of Orange Sports Bar & Grill

A family-friendly sports bar and pub devoted to the Cincinnati Dutch Lions, a local amateur soccer club. The club’s logo and shield are proudly displayed on the building exterior, while inside almost 50 TVs offer all the sports you can handle. Pub grub includes a handful of Dutch-inspired appetizers, A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

cious smoked wings (featured on the Travel Channel), Knockback Nat’s has a little something for everyone. And there are always sports on TV. 10 W. Seventh St., Downtown, 513-621-1000, searchable on Facebook.

Lachey’s

From famous local brothers Nick and Drew Lachey, Lachey’s features myriad TVs, a sports ticker wrapped around the elongated bar, large windows, framed Reds photos on the walls and a Pedal Wagon bay. The space screams sports bar, albeit a more refi ned one: It has wine and cocktails on draft . 56 E. 12th St., Downtown, 513-275-0740, lacheys.com.

Martino’s on Vine

An Italian-American restaurant on Short Vine that doubles as a Steelers bar. 2618 Vine St., Corryville, 513-2218487, martinosonvine.com. 97

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Bridgetown, 513-347-3900, piratesdencincy.com.

Rhinehaus

Houses more than 12 TVs, 16 occasionally rotating taps and channels/ packages like NFL Sunday Ticket and FOX Soccer Channel. Shots are named after rhinos, like the Fresh Rhino, with cucumber vodka, watermelon schnapps and Sprite. 119 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-381-2277, rhinehausbar.com.

Second Place

Catch the game and enjoy a selection of booze on tap, bottled, canned and a few (kind of) fancy cocktails. This bar boasts a pool table, courtyard, board games darts, a carry-in menu from The Littlefi eld and early morning soccer. What else? Free popcorn. 3936 Spring Grove Ave., Northside, 513-417-8468, secondplacebar.com.

The Stretch

Just a stone’s throw away from Great American Ball Park and Paul Brown Stadium, this 3,000-squarefoot bar features a cozy patio and chill interior. Catch up on the game and sip from one of their 12 beers on draft , eight cocktails or four wines on tap. Every seventh inning stretch when the Reds are at home, enjoy $1 shots and $1 Bud Light for seven minutes. 191 East Freedom Way, Downtown, 513-229-9065, thestretchcincy.com.

Tavern on the Hill

Sports bar and tavern with late-night food. Carries the NFL, MLB and NCAA March Madness TV packages. Late night pizza by the slice is

identify which is which. See if you’re correct on a provided card. 1215 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-429-5745, 1215vine.com.

Craft s & Vines

A great wine and beer store. The shop has more than a dozen different beers and wines on draft , and all of the beer is from Kentucky and Cincinnati. It also features Mash Cult beers, making it one of the only places in the area to pour their draft s, plus beers from Paducah’s Dry Ground, Louisville’s Apocalypse Brew Works and Lexington’s Ethereal Brewing. 642 Main St., Covington, Ky., 859-360-0476, facebook. com/craft sandVines.

20 rotating craft beers on tap and 15 wines available by the glass — including half-pours — along with 60 bottles of wine and 40 more craft beers in its retail selection. 1427 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-429-2461, searchable on Facebook.

Listing Loon

A craft beer and wine shop in Northside that offers a casual drinking environment as well as great carry-out options. 4124 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-542-LOON, listingloon.com.

Ludlow Wines

Since 1963, this has been a familyowned and -operated wine and craft beer merchant in Clifton’s Gaslight District. Tastings Friday and Saturday

than a neighborhood hang when upward of 100 people started stopping in for Friday-night wine tastings. So, expanding with demand, owner Zach Eidson revamped the basement and turned it into The Cellar bar. The subterranean bar features a full drink list, with wine and beer on tap, and upscale snacks. 4011 Allston St., Oakley, 513-531-1400, oakleywines.com.

Revel Urban Winery

Boutique winery and event space specializing in promoting local, regional and family-owned wineries. Revel makes it own small-batch house wine, 44 barrels at a time, and serves it in juice glasses. Also carries cool and fun wine cocktails, like a fizzy mojito made with prosecco and a Manhattan featuring malbec and brandy. 111 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-579-9463, revelotr.com.

Seven Wells Vineyard & Winery

Five-acre vineyard with more than 3,000 vines, a winery and tasting room. Part of the Back Woods Wine Trail. 1223 Siry Road, California, Ky., 859-816-0003, sevenwellswinery.com.

P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

R EVE L U R BAN WI N E RY

The Skeleton Root

A working winery and event space in OTR that pays homage to Cincinnati’s wine history by producing heritage and French and European style wines, crushed and aged on site. Wines are produced in-house with minimal intervention, showcasing the terroir of the fruit in bottles of red, white and even rosé wine. The tasting room, with its beautiful illustration of grape harvesters on a Cincinnati hillside, is a perfect backdrop for happy hour and rotating live music, food and yoga events. 38 W. McMicken Ave., Over-the-Rhine, 513253-6727, skeletonroot.com.

Stonebrook Winery

Small family winery featuring a farmhouse tasting room. Part of the Back Roads Wine Trail. 6570 Vineyard Lane, Camp Springs, Ky., 859-635-0111, stonebrookwinery.com.

Unwind Wine Bar & Light Fare

served after 10 p.m. 1111 St. Gregory St., Mount Adams, 513-421-3309, mtadamstavernonthehill.com.

Tina’s

A third-generation family-owned and -operated bar in the heart of downtown. Just one block north of Paul Brown Stadium, it’s also basically a Bengals bar. Stop in before games or watch them on one of their 13 TVs. 350 W. Fourth St., Downtown, 513-621-3567, tinasbar.com.

W I N E BA R S / W I N E R I E S 1215 Wine Bar & Coffee Lab

This OTR spot is an eclectic coffee shop by day and wine bar by night. Try the wine flights, which double as both alcohol and a game. Three different wines are served in numbered glasses; use the tasting notes from the menu and blindly

Elk Creek Vineyards

The largest winery in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Award-winning wines are produced and bottled on-site, where there is a deli, art gallery, cooking classes and nearby Elk Creek shooting range. 150 Highway 330, Owenton, Ky., 502-484-0005, elkcreekvineyards.com.

Henke Winery

Wine and dine the old fashioned way, with both food and grapes processed in-house. This familyowned and -operated urban winery was considered one of the 10 best in the country by Food Republic. 3077 Harrison Ave., Westwood, 513-6629463, henkewine.com.

Liberty’s Bar & Bottle

Though it is much more wine bar than neighborhood corner store, Liberty’s offers the best of both worlds with A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

nights. 343 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, 513751-3727, ludlowwines.com.

Market Wines

A wine and beer shop at Findlay Market that offers six taps of craft beer, wine by the glass after 4 p.m. on weekdays (and after noon on Friday and weekends) and popular weekend wine tastings. Findlay Market, 128 W. Elder St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-7449888, market-wines.com.

Meier’s Wine Cellars

Ohio’s oldest and largest winery producing wine and juices from Native American grape varieties. 6955 Plainfield Road, Silverton, 513-8912900, meierswinecellars.com.

Oakley Wines

Oakley Wines started as a boutique bottle shop just off the main drag in Oakley. And then it became more 98

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California-style wine bar in the heart of Hyde Park. 3435 Michigan Ave., Hyde Park, 513-321-9463, unwindhydepark.com.

Valley Vineyards

Award-winning, estate-grown table and dessert wines since 1970. Also home to Cellar Dweller brewery. 2276 E. U.S. 22, Morrow, 513-899-2485, valleyvineyards.com.

Verona Vineyards

A storefront tasting room for Verona Vineyards wines in historic Rabbit Hash. 10021 Lower River Road, Rabbit Hash, Ky., 859-322-0487, veronavineyards.com.

Vinoklet Winery

Thirty acres of picturesque rolling hills and ponds in the only working winery with a vineyard in Hamilton County. Also home of Vinoklet Restaurant. 11069 Colerain Ave., Bevis, 513-385-9309, vinokletwines.com.

TIONAL GEO GR

R AT

TOP FIVE UNDERGROUND TOURS I

GET TICKETS & TOUR TIMES AT

www.AmericanLegacyTours.com

•

Discover Cincinnati’s hidden history with a stroll through Over-the-Rhine. Descend below the city streets to a hidden crypt where some of Cincinnati’s first residents were buried. Explore newly discovered tunnels vital to Cincinnati’s brewery heritage. Finally, end the tour with a visit to a local bottling plant and tap room. Find tour times and tickets at AmericanLegacyTours.com.

TA E U NITED S

AT TRACTIONS

It is said that Cincinnati is built on seven hills, like Rome — the city is actually named for Roman agrarian and military general Cincinnatus — but the reality is we have plenty more hills, heights and neighborhood names that begin with “Mount” than that. The alternating peaks and valleys of the city create excellent views from a variety of vantage points. There are about 50 classified scenic overlooks throughout the Tristate and many other secret spots from which to see the lights of the city and the winding Ohio River.

AT TRACTIONS

P R E V I O U S PAG E , C LO C K W I S E F R O M TO P L E F T: M O U N T E C H O PA R K / M O U N T A DA M S / O L D E N V I E W PA R K / C OV I N G T O N F L O O D WA L L / FA I R V I E W PA R K / B OA L S T R E E T / D E VO U PA R K P H OTO S : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

Indicates winners from CityBeat’s 2017 Best of Cincinnati® issue.

A M U S E M E NT PA R K S Ark Encounter

A 500-foot-long replica of the biblical Noah’s massive wooden boat built far, far away from any significant body of water. Helmed by Answers in Genesis, the same people who run the Creation Museum, it’s as much a theme park as it is an attempt by Evangelicals to prove that one man really could build a giant boat and fill it with every type of animal out there. Bonus: There’s also a zipline, buffet dining and the Ararat Ridge Zoo, with camels and kangaroos. Open daily. Admission fee. 1 Ark Encounter Drive, Williamstown, Ky., 855-2843275, arkencounter.com.

The Beach Waterpark

Thirty-five acres of real sand, real waves and real cocktails. A tropical getaway with a chill lazy river, cabana rentals, wild waterslides — like the five-story free-fall The Cliff — and sand volleyball. Transforms from sand to snow during the winter as Beach Mountain snow-tubing park. Open May-September; NovemberMarch. Admission/parking fees. 2590 Waterpark Drive, Mason, 513-327-7238, thebeachwaterpark.com; 513-3984356, thebeachmountain.com.

Coney Island

In operation since the 1880s, this historic amusement park is home to classic rides — bumper cars, a Ferris wheel, a wooden roller coaster and grand carousel — an old-fashioned arcade, live shows, family-friendly fests and Sunlite Pool. Take a canoe or paddle boat out on Lake Como or dance under the starts at Moonlite Garden. The dazzling Christmas Nights of Lights drive-through display takes over during the holiday season. Open May-Jan. 1. Admission/parking fees. 6201 Kellogg Ave., California, 513-232-8230, coneyislandpark.com.

Kings Island

The largest amusement park and waterpark in the Midwest. There are thrill rides — like the new Mystic Timbers with 16 airtime moments and a mystery shed ending; the Invertigo

face-to-face inverted coaster; and the Beast, the world’s longest wooden roller coaster — family rides (like a one-third scale replica of the Eiffel Tower), daily live shows, Soak City Waterpark, the world’s largest animatronic dinosaur park and lots of traditional carnival games. The popular WinterFest returns with holiday displays and ice skating in November 2017. Open April-December. Admission/parking fees. 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason, 513-754-5700, visitkingsisland.com.

Stricker’s Grove

A family-owned and -operated private amusement park. Features nostalgic rides, mini golf, an arcade and a pair of hand-built wooden roller coasters — The Tornado and The Teddy Bear — both constructed by late owner Ralph Stricker, the only person in the United States to ever build his own coaster. The park is open only a handful of days per year, including Fourth of July and Labor Day. Open to the public four times a year; available for private rental. Admission/parking fees. 11490 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton, 513738-3366, strickersgrove.com.

C A S I N O S / GA M I N G Arcade Legacy

A classic arcade with 7,600 square feet of arcade games and pinball cabinets and a console area with stations to play everything from NES and PS4 to Atari. Open Tuesday-Sunday. Admission fee. Cincinnati Mall, 662 Cincinnati Mills Drive, Forest Park, 513-874-8766, arcadelegacyohio.com.

Belterra Casino Resort

This eastern Indiana casino and resort offers a spa, golf course and live entertainment in addition to slot machines, table games and daily poker tournaments. Open 24/7. Free admission. 777 Belterra Drive, Florence, Ind., 812-427-7777, belterracasino.com.

Belterra Park Gaming

Originally opened in 1925, the racetrack features live thoroughbred A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

racing (April-October) plus simulcasting, 24/7 gaming, live entertainment and multiple dining options. Check website for live racing schedule; simulcasting year-round. Free admission. 6301 Kellogg Road, California, 513-232-8000, belterrapark.com.

Cincinnati Escape Room

Once you arrive, you’ll receive a mission to be a completed in a themed, locked room, including 221B Baker Street and Prison Break. Solve puzzles and hidden clues to escape. Open Wednesday-Sunday. Admission fee. 2300 Montana Ave., Suite 420, Westwood, 513-432-4263, cincinnatiescaperoom.com.

Escape the Room Challenge

One room. One hour. Get locked in a room with family and friends and solve clues to escape. Themes include gypsy curses and mob escapes. Open daily. Admission fee. 7391 Squire Court, West Chester, 513-759-7666, escapetheroomchallenge.com.

Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg

This casino and hotel gambling complex includes Boogie Nights dance club, live music acts and a large poker room in addition to many slot machines and table games. Open 24/7. Free admission. 777 Hollywood Blvd., Lawrenceburg, Ind., 888-2746797, hollywoodindiana.com.

Houdini’s Room Escape

Use teamwork, observation skills and the power of deduction to solve clues to escape a locked room. For 2-16 players. Open Thursday-Sunday; extended hours during summer. Admission fee. 9309 Montgomery Road, Montgomery, 513-549-5419, houdinisroomescape.com.

JACK Cincinnati Casino

A casino located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati that features high-stakes poker, more than 2,000 slot machines, live entertainment and a classic casino buffet. Open 24/7. Free admission. 1000 Broadway St., Pendleton, 513-252-0777, jackentertainment.com/cincinnati. 102

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Miami Valley Gaming

More than 1,700 gaming machines, live horse-and-harness racing, simulcasting, live entertainment and multiple buffets and restaurants. Open 24/7. Free admission. 6000 State Route 63, Lebanon, 513-9347070, miamivalleygaming.com.

Play Library

Straight out of the Tom Hanks movie Big, the all-ages lending and activity space is designed for kids — and adults. Founder Julia Fischer, a former toy designer, stocks thousands of toys and games for anyone to borrow or play on site, and hosts 21-and-over game nights and family fun times that encourage everyone to make-believe and make new friends. YAY!! Open WednesdaySunday. Membership/borrow fees. 1517 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-4077045, playlibrary.org.

Rising Star Casino and Resort

A casino with concerts, a golf course, hotel and several restaurants. Open 24/7. Free admission. 777 Rising Star Drive, Rising Sun, Ind., 812-438-1234, risingstarcasino.com.

Scene 75

A 90,000-square-foot indoor entertainment center with an arcade, bowling alley, laser tag, black-light mini golf, go-karts, food, drink and other interactive attractions. Open Wednesday-Sunday. Free to play. 876 State Route 28, Milford, 513-9654050, scene75.com.

Turfway Park

One of the busiest horse tracks in the country, Turfway Park is home to a prestigious prep race for the Kentucky Derby. Check website for live racing schedule; simulcasting year-round. Free admission. 7500 Turfway Road, Florence, Ky., 859-3710200, turfway.com.

H I S T O R I C S IT E S Betts House Research Center

Built in 1804, it’s the oldest brick house in Ohio. Offers programs and exhibits about historic preservation,

Carew Tower and Observation Deck

Completed in 1930, Carew Tower is one of the world’s finest examples of French Art Deco architecture and includes Rookwood Pottery floral tiles, an Art Deco shopping center and the Hilton Netherland Plaza Cincinnati hotel (complete with a Great Gatsby-esque hotel bar and five-diamond restaurant). One of downtown’s tallest skyscrapers, the viewing area and observation deck on top of the building features a wonderful panoramic view of downtown, the Ohio River and Northern Kentucky. Open daily. Admission fee for observation deck. 441 Vine St., Downtown, 513-579-9735.

ceiling for free. Open daily. Free to wander. 49 E. Fourth St., Downtown.

East Row Historic District

Walk the district to view bungalows from the 1930s and 1940s, Colonial Revival-style houses from the 1910s and Queen Anne and Princess Anne styles. Open daily. Free to wander. Linden, Maple, Monroe, Oak and Overton streets, Newport, Ky., eastrow.org.

Findlay Market

At more than 150 years old, Findlay Market is Ohio’s oldest continually operated public market. Go for the farmers market, butcher shops, flower stalls, OTR Biergarten and eclectic eats. Open Tuesday-

Harriet Beecher Stowe House

The Cincinnati home of the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin and the center of Abolitionist debate leading up to the Civil War. The house offers tours, cultural programming and select exhibits. Open Friday-Sunday March-November. Admission fee. 2950 Gilbert Ave., Walnut Hills, 513751-0651, stowehousecincy.org.

Heritage Village Museum

A “living history” village that offers an interactive glimpse into what life was like in 19th-century Ohio. Period-authentic costumed guides lead tours through historic buildings and grounds. Also hosts Civil War reenactor weekends, vintage baseball tournaments and special

of Ulysses S. Grant. Walk the row for stunning city views, interesting bronze sculptures of historical figures (like a sketching John James Audubon), as well as examples of Bungalow/Craftsman architecture, Second Empire architecture and Italianate architecture. Many homes have connections to the Underground Railroad. Open daily. Free to wander. 322 E. Third St., Covington, Ky., covingtonky.gov, hlrca.com.

MainStrasse Village

This designated historic district surrounds Covington’s old German area with a collection of shops, restaurants, parks and Victorian and Classic Italianate homes of the midto late-1800s. It’s also home to the

C A R E W T O W E R A N D O B S E R VAT I O N D E C K P H OTO : J E S S E F OX

architecture and regular walking tours of the Betts Longworth Historic District — 10 blocks of the historic West End that contain Federal, Italianate and Queen Anne architecture. Open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Admission fee. 416 Clark St., West End, 513-651-0734, thebettshouse.org.

Cincinnati City Hall

Designed by Samuel Hannaford and completed in 1893, the Romanesque building with massive stonework and rounded arches boasts a nine-story clock tower, stained glass windows that depict Cincinnati’s early history and ceiling frescos. Open daily; call to schedule a tour. Free admission. 801 Plum St., Downtown, 513-5916000, cincinnati-oh.gov.

Clinton County History Center

Home of the 19th-century Creeping Baby automaton/mechanical clockwork doll who became an internet sensation when she visited the DASA Museum in Dortmund, Germany. Also houses a history and genealogy research library and Rombach Place Museum in an 1835 Greek Revival mansion. Open select days MarchDecember. Admission fee. 149 E. Locust St., Wilmington, 937-382-4684, clintoncountyhistory.org.

Columbia Tusculum Historic District

Cincinnati’s oldest riverside neighborhood boasts some of the city’s oldest homes and a collection of pastel “painted lady” Victorians, along with Gothic Revival, Queen Anne, Folk Victorian and Stick style homes. Most houses in the historic district area were built between the mid-1800s to early 1900s. Open daily. Free to wander. Tusculum Avenue, Columbia Tusculum, columbiatusculum.org.

Dayton Street Historic District

Historic Cincinnati “Millionaires’ Row,” with elegant architecture seen in narrow Italianate mansions. Open daily. Free to wander. Dayton Street, West End, daytonstreethistoric.org.

Dixie Terminal

Breathtaking French Art Deco. Once home to a streetcar terminal, the 1920s building now houses offices, but you can still view the exterior Rookwood Pottery entry arch and ornate

Sunday. Free admission. 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-665-4839, findlaymarket.org.

Fort Ancient

A 100-acre park of Native American earthworks and remains of village sites built by ancient Hopewell Indians and other tribes since the ice age. The circular earthwork mounds were used as sundials. Open Tuesday-Sunday April-November; Saturdays and Sundays December-March. Admission fee. 6123 State Route 350, Oregonia, 513-932-4421, fortancient.org.

German Heritage Museum

Located at refurbished West Fork Park, this reassembled 1800s German-style log home aims to be the focal point of German culture in Cincinnati. Open Sundays MayOctober. Free admission. 4764 West Fork Road, Monfort Heights, 513-5985732, gacl.org/museum. A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

exhibits. Open Wednesday-Sunday May-September; Wednesday-Friday October-April. Admission/parking fees. Sharon Woods Park, 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville, 513-563-9484, heritagevillagecincinnati.org.

Holy Cross-Immaculata Parish

This Roman Catholic church sits high atop Mount Adams. Known for the annual Good Friday pilgrimage, when the faithful climb 85 steps to the church while praying the rosary. Built in 1859, the building is made of limestone and offers one of the best views of the Ohio Riverfront. Masses held daily. Free admission. 30 Guido St., Mount Adams, 513-721-6544, 2011. hciparish.org.

Licking Riverside Historic District

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Carroll Chimes clock tower, a glockenspiel with animatronic characters that play out the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. Open daily. Free to wander. 406 W. Sixth St., Covington, Ky., 859-491-0458, mainstrasse.org.

Memorial Hall

Built by famed architects Samuel Hannaford & Sons, Memorial Hall is considered one of the area’s finest Beaux Arts buildings. The exterior includes a symmetrical façade, stairs, Corinthian columns and statues of historical pioneers, soldiers and sailors as well as the Roman god Mars. In 1978, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but it wasn’t often used because it lacked air conditioning and had minimal amenities (especially bathrooms). After an $11 million renovation, it’s a full-fledged player along the Elm Street arts corridor. Open during

events and by appointment. Ticketing fees. 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-977-8838, memorialhallotr.com.

Mercantile Library

A Harry Potter hideaway. This historic members-only library (more than 175 years old) houses a grand collection of books, artworks and the sketchbooks of Cincinnati artist Elizabeth Nourse. The library also presents discussions, national author lectures, workshops, forums and musical events. Open Monday-Saturday. Membership fee. 414 Walnut St., 11th Floor, Downtown, 513-621-0717, mercantilelibrary.com.

Miller House Museum

Built in 1922, this Sears Roebuck kit house operated by the Madeira

for a fee. Open during events and by appointment. Ticketing fees. 1241 Elm St., Downtown, 513-621-2787, cincinnatiarts.org, spmhcincinnati.org.

Old St. Mary Church

A Roman Catholic church opened in 1841 by German immigrants. The Greek Revival-style building was designed by Franz Ignatz Erd and is the second-oldest German-Catholic parish in Cincinnati. Masses held daily and in Latin, German and English every Sunday. Free admission. 123 E. 13th St., Over-the-Rhine, 513721-2988, oldstmarys.org.

Promont House Museum

Ohio Gov. John M. Pattison lived in this stately Victorian mansion from 1879-1906. The house is now

Rabbit Hash General Store, open since 1831 and regarded as one of the best-preserved country stores in Kentucky was destroyed by a fire, but the town rallied to reopen it. Rabbit Hash is unincorporated, so it is without fixed boundaries, but the hamlet is considered to have a population of about 40. Visit weekends for beer and music. Open daily. Free to wander. 10021 Lower River Road, Rabbit Hash, Ky., rabbithash.com.

Ohio Historic Markers

Find a listing of all the city’s informational historic markers at remarkableohio.org.

Serpent Mound

The largest surviving example of a prehistoric effigy mound in the world,

where guides lead you on a walk to visit the graves and ornate mausoleums of the likes of Christian Moerlein, John Kauffman of the Kauffman Brewing Company and more. Frequent other themed tours available. Open daily. Free admission. 4521 Spring Grove Ave., Spring Grove Village, 513681-7526, springgrove.org.

St. Peter in Chains Cathedral

A Greek revival Roman Catholic church, formally dedicated in 1845. Stone angels, created by Odoardo Fantacchiotti, which once flanked the main altar, were the first European sculptures to come to the city and can now be viewed in the Cincinnati Art Museum. Masses daily. Admission fee for concerts. 325 W. Eighth St., Downtown, 513-421-5354, stpeterinchainscathedral.org.

St. Mary’s Cathedral of the Basilica

Modeled after Notre Dame in Paris, the Gothic architecture features 26 Italian-carved gargoyle water spouts, flying buttresses, vaulted arches, columns and one of the world’s largest church stained-glass windows. Masses daily; open hours Monday-Saturday. Free admission. 1101 Madison Ave., Covington, Ky., 859-431-2060, covcathedral.com.

Ulysses S. Grant’s Homestead

P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

The boyhood home of Grant is a National Historic Landmark. On display are Grant’s binoculars from the Civil War, the family cradle, a nearby schoolhouse and an animatron of the former president at 15 years old. Open Wednesday-Sunday. Admission fee. 219 E. Grant Ave., Georgetown, 877-372-8177, usgrantboyhoodhome.org.

White Water Shaker Village

R AB B IT HAS H G EN ER AL STO R E

Historical Society presents an accurate slice of life as it was from the 1920s-1950s. Open the first Saturday and third Sunday of the month April-December. Free admission. 7226 Miami Ave., Madeira, 513-561-9069, madeirahs.org.

Music Hall

Completed in 1878, the freshly renovated Venetian Gothic Music Hall houses a concert theater — Springer Auditorium — which serves as home for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Cincinnati Opera and the May Festival Chorus, among other local performing arts organizations. The National Historic Landmark is built over a pauper’s cemetery and is rumored to be one of the most haunted buildings in America. The Society for the Preservation of Music Hall hosts “Beyond the Bricks” walking tours Thursdays and Saturdays

operated by the Greater Milford Area Historical Society. Offers special exhibits. Open Sundays March-December. Admission fee. 906 Main St., Milford, 513-248-0324, milfordhistory.net.

The Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County, Main Library

Built in 1955, the main library building was designed by noted Cincinnati architect Woodie Garber and is widely recognized for its contemporary design and use of open space. This library attracts more than 1 million users annually. Open daily. Free admission. 800 Vine St., Downtown, 513-369-6900 to schedule a tour, cincinnatilibrary.org.

Rabbit Hash, Kentucky

A historic rivertown in Kentucky that boasts a series of dog mayors. The A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

dating between 1,000 and 2,000 years old. Stretching more than 1,000 feet, the ancient earthwork depicts an immense serpent, the purpose of which remains a mystery. Burial ground? Ceremonial site? Aliens? Park open daily. Parking fee. 3850 State Route 73, Peebles, 800752-2757, arcofappalachia.org/visit/ serpent-mound.

Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum

One of the largest cemeteries in the U.S. — 773 sprawling acres — featuring a bird sanctuary and park. This National Historic Landmark is the final resting place of many famous (and not-so-famous) Cincinnatians, from Salmon P. Chase and Skip Prosser to William Procter and James Gamble. But for local ale fanatics, it’s worth making a pilgrimage to the cemetery just for one of their Beer Baron tours, 104

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One of 24 communal Shaker villages founded between 1787 and 1824. More than 20 original Shaker buildings remain on site including a broom shop, meeting house and dwelling. Open during open houses, workshops and scheduled tours. Admission fee. Miami Whitewater Forest, 11813 Oxford Road, Harrison, whitewatervillage.org.

William Howard Taft National Historic Site

Come see the boyhood home of the nation’s 27th president and 10th chief justice. Features a kind of weird animatronic version of Taft’s son, Charles Phelps Taft II, and house tours. Open daily. Free admission. 2038 Auburn Ave., Mount Auburn, 513-684-3262, nps.gov/wiho.

M USE UMS American Sign Museum

Take a walk down Memory Lane and experience the only public sign museum in America. Take a guided tour of more than 200 signs, beginning with the fancy gold-leaf signs of the 1900s through the plastic era of the funky 1950s and 1960s. Open Wednesday-Sunday. Admission

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YELLOW SPRINGS

EVERYONE’S FAVORITE PLACE!

fee. 1330 Monmouth Ave., Camp Washington, 513-541-6366, americansignmuseum.org.

Behringer-Crawford Museum of Natural History

October 14th • 9a-5p Over 200 vendors selling handcrafted arts, crafts & food . Music & Beer Fest 12-7p

October 21st-22nd • 10a-5p Visit the studios of 23 local artists while exploring our vibrant village and colorful countryside.

Set in Devou Park, the museum is the legacy of William Behringer, who collected artifacts from all over the world. You can find 450 million years of Northern Kentucky history in one spot. Open Tuesday-Sunday. Admission fee. 1600 Montague Road, Devou Park, Covington, Ky., 859-4914003, bcmuseum.org.

Cincinnati Art Museum

Encyclopedic permanent displays include collections of art, sculpture and artifacts from various periods and cultures from the past 6,000 years, including Contemporary and Folk art. Traveling and changing exhibitions are popular attractions and often require a separate entrance fee. The Rosenthal Education Center offers hands-on activities for children to discover art. Open TuesdaySunday. Free admission. 953 Eden Park Drive, Eden Park, Mount Adams, 513-721-2787, cincinnatiartmuseum.org.

Christian theme park that takes a romp all over science and evolution to explore “answers in Genesis.” There’s also a planetarium, botanical garden, zip line and a petting zoo (with camel rides). Open daily. Admission fee. 2800 Bullittsburg Church Road, Petersburg, Ky., 800-721-2298, creationmuseum.org.

Greater Cincinnati Police Museum

Cincinnati Fire Museum

Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal

Subjects covered include the cultural heritage of the Jewish people, artifacts and modern objects relating to contemporary Jewish holidays and celebrations. There is also the occasional visiting display. Open Sunday-Friday. Admission fee. 8401 Montgomery Road, Kenwood, 513487-3055, holocaustandhumanity.org.

Union Terminal is Cincinnati’s grand Art Deco home to multiple museums. A former train terminal, the space is an architectural wonder. Houses the Museum of Natural History & Science, which features a recreated limestone cave; the Duke Energy Children’s Museum, consistently ranked in the top 10 children’s museums in the U.S.; the Cincinnati History Museum, which allows you go to back in time and climb aboard historical replicas of steamboats, buses and more; the Cincinnati History Library, with its impressive regional history collection; the Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX Theater, which features a five-story domed screen; the Arts Consortium of Cincinnati; and the Cincinnati Railroad Club. Open daily. Admission fee; free to view rotunda. 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate, 513-287-7000, cincymuseum.org.

Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum

Spanning more than 130 years of history, the Reds Hall of Fame features 10 galleries including “The Front Office,” “Hall of Records,” “Play Ball!” and more. Open Saturday, Sunday and game days April-October. Admission fee. 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, The Banks, Downtown, 513-765-7923, cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/cin/hof. A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

Creation Museum

Take a step back in time to explore the lives of men and women who served. Features artifacts and ephemera from Greater Cincinnati-area police forces, including photos of those killed in the line of duty since the 1880s, historic uniforms and badges, weapons, vehicles and the city’s first police dog, Handsome, a 19th-century mutt who went on daily patrols. Open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Donations requested. 308 Reading Road, Pendleton, 513-300-3664, police-museum.org.

The museum preserves and exhibits Greater Cincinnati’s fi refi ghting artifacts from the last 200 years. A permanent installation honors Paula Duncan-Anderson, one of the city’s fi rst female African-American fi refi ghters. Open Tuesday-Saturday. Admission fee. 315 W. Court St., Downtown, 513-621-5553, cincyfi remuseum.com.

937.767.2686

Contemporary Arts Center

The city’s major downtown art facility, designed by architect Zaha Hadid, features changing displays and exhibitions, a children’s UnMuseum and special events. Also home to an avantgarde performance calendar, eclectic gift shop, bookstore and hip café and bar. Closed Tuesdays. Free admission. 44 E. Sixth St., Downtown, 513-3458400, contemporaryartscenter.org.

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Holocaust & Humanity Center

Lloyd Library & Museum

Once home to a popular 19th-century pharmacy run by the local Lloyd brothers, the library still features their rare collection of books on pharmacy, botany, pharmacognosy, alternative medicine and horticulture. Features rotating art and science exhibits, as well as permanent displays of vintage pharmaceutical instruments and other mildly morbid-looking historical medical equipment. Open Monday-Friday. Free admission. 917 Plum St., Downtown, 513-721-3707, lloydlibrary.org.

Lucky Cat Museum

Boasts a one-of-a-kind collection of Japanese maneki neko “lucky cat” figures. See almost 1,000 of these waving felines, varying in design from antique porcelain to slot machines and pop-culture-themed cats. Open Tuesday-Saturday and during Essex Studios’ ArtWalks. Free admission. 2511 Essex Place, Walnut Hills, 513-6333923, facebook.com/luckycatmuseum.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

This monument to freedom explores courage, cooperation and perseverance through films and artifacts from

N E W P O R T AQ U A R I U M / P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

Family-Friendly Fun

Children’s activities are, well, generally aimed at children, but that doesn’t mean some kid-friendly attractions can’t be enjoyable for parents, too. BB Riverboats Kids’ Cruises

Parents can enjoy the charm and ease of a riverboat-era cruise along the Ohio while kids get entertained in a confined space. BB Riverboats hosts a variety of themed kids’ cruises, like the Pirates of the Ohio Cruise, a Super Hero Cruise, a Princess Cruise and Ice Cream Social Sundays (with a cash bar). Various dates and times. Admission fee. 101 Riverboat Row, Newport, Ky., bbriverboats.com.

Contemporary Arts Center UnMuseum

Housed on the sixth floor of the CAC, the UnMuseum is an innovative and interactive art space designed to entertain and educate. Kids can get hands-on with installations featuring moveable vinyl figures and magnets; daydream on pillows underneath a brightly colored geodesic dome; or head inside the Rockin’ Trailer, an egg-shaped vehicle that moves like a rocking chair. Closed Tuesdays. Free admission. 44 E. Sixth St., Downtown, contemporaryartscenter.org.

EnterTRAINment Junction

This West Chester warehouse is home to the world’s largest indoor train display, with two miles of track that travels through three time periods of American history: 1860s-1900s, the 1950s and today. There’s also an interactive railroad museum and Imagination Junction, where kids can climb, slide and crawl through all sorts of play displays. Open daily. Admission fee. 7379 Squire Court, West Chester, entertrainmentjunction.com.

Fire Museum of Greater Cincinnati

Cincinnati is the home of the first paid, professional fire department (since 1853). The Fire Museum features firefighting artifacts, a hands-on fire prevention exhibit, Cincinnati-centric firefighting history and more in a 1900s firehouse. Open Tuesday-Saturday. Admission fee. 315 W. Court St., Downtown, cincyfiremuseum.com.

Newport Aquarium

The aquarium’s recently installed Stingray Hideaway offers the opportunity to touch three different stingray species and climb through a 30-foot underwater tunnel. Pop your head into a special viewing tube to get eye-to-eye with the rays. They’re weird looking. Open daily. Admission fee. Newport on the Levee, Newport, Ky., newportaquarium.com.

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park

This outdoor museum features modern sculpture naturally incorporated into the rolling, green landscape. Kids can get up close and touch more than 60 pieces of giant art (but no climbing; good luck with that), and have fun riding around in a rented “Art Cart”— aka a golf cart. Open daily. Admission fee. 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton, pyramidhill.org.

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the Underground Railroad to contemporary times. A 19th-century slave pen has been rebuilt as a walk-through experiential exhibit. Traveling exhibits celebrate strength and diversity. Open Tuesday-Sunday. Admission fee. 50 E. Freedom Way, Downtown, 513333-7500, freedomcenter.org.

The National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting

Cincinnati is home to the earliest and strongest AM radio station (700 WLW) and this museum is dedicated to the preservation and display of historical artifacts of radio and wireless communication. Open the third Saturday of the month and by appointment. Admission fee. 8070 Tylersville Road, West Chester, 513777-0027, voamuseum.org.

Taft Museum of Art

This historic house museum, one of the finest examples of Federal architecture in the Palladian style in the country, was once home to Anna Sinton Taft and Charles Phelps Taft (half-brother of President William Howard Taft). The villa, bequeathed to the people of Cincinnati in 1927 — along with a collection of more than 690 works of art ranging from European and American masters to decorative arts and Chinese porcelain — includes a large garden, tearoom and historical displays related to the permanent collection in addition to changing and traveling exhibitions. Open Wednesday-Sunday. Admission fee. 316 Pike St., Downtown, 513-241-0343, taftmuseum.org.

Vent Haven Museum

The world’s only museum dedicated to the art of ventriloquism. It houses more than 700 figures, photographs and playbills. Collector and founder William Shakespeare Burger also left a massive library devoted exclusively to “vent” volumes. Open May-September and by appointment. Admission fee. 33 W. Maple Ave., Fort Mitchell, Ky., 859-341-0461, venthaven.org.

PA R K S & R E C R E AT I O N Big Bone Lick State Park

Five-hundred-twelve acres of Kentucky parkland named after the Pleisotocene megafauna fossils found there, including mammoths, sloths and bison. The park is nicknamed the “birthplace of American paleontology” and is an official Lewis and Clark Heritage Trail Site. Along with giant fossils, American art and trails, the park has a small herd of bison. Open daily. Free admission. 3380 Beaver Road, Union, Ky., 859-384-3522, parks.ky.gov/parks/ historicsites/big-bone-lick.

Caesar Creek State Park

An outdoor recreation and nature preserve with boating, camping, hiking, etc.. Open daily. Free admission. 8570 E. State Route 73, Waynesville, 513897-3055, caesarcreekstatepark.com.

Carriage House Farm

A working farm nestled in the Miami River valley. The farm, which dates

back to the Revolutionary War, offers produce from their organic garden, honey from local bees and is also home to a local vinegar producer. Hosts chef-led farm dinners using seasonal ingredients, enjoyed on the open-air terrace. Open by appointment or event. Events may include admission fees. 10252 Miamiview Road, North Bend, 513-967-1106, carriagehousefarmllc.com.

Cincinnati Nature Center

This privately run park offers 1,020 acres of trails, plus wildlife and nature classes, bird watching and more. Open daily. Admission fee. 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, 513-831-1711, cincynature.org.

Cincinnati Parks

Cincinnati Parks includes more than 5,000 acres and 100 scenic parks around the city (almost 10 percent of the city’s total land area). Open daily. Free admission. 513-352-4080, cincinnatiparks.com.

Cincinnati Recreation Commission

Provides recreational, cultural, leisure and educational activities to Cincinnatians of all ages and abilities. Includes pools, tennis courts, workout facilities, public golf courses and on and on. CRC centers located throughout the city. Admission fees may apply. 513-352-4000, cincinnatioh.gov/recreation.

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

The second-oldest zoo in the United States, it’s also one of the nation’s best, with more than 500 species represented, many endangered. Be sure to check out Fiona the baby hippo, the interactive giraffe area and the reptile house, the oldest zoo building in the country. Open daily. Admission/ parking fees. 3400 Vine St., Avondale, 513-281-4700, cincinnatizoo.org.

Devou Park

Boasts fantastic scenic views of downtown Cincinnati and features a golf course, the Behringer-Crawford Museum and a nature trail. Open daily. Free admission. 1201 Park Drive, Covington, Ky., 859-292-2151, covingtonky.gov.

Eden Park

Home to the Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and Krohn Conservatory, this park boasts tree groves, walking paths, Mirror Lake, several sculptures, a playground and fantastic views of the river and Kentucky. The Spring House Gazebo is rumored to be the haunting place of the ghost of Imogene Remus, wife of bootlegger George Remus, whom he shot and killed nearby. Open daily. Free admission. 950 Eden Park Drive, East Walnut Hills/Mount Adams, 513-3524080, cincinnatiparks.com.

Fift y West Canoe & Kayak

Fift y West Brewing Company has expanded their offerings. The Fift y West Canoe & Kayak rental offers A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

canoes, kayaks and tubes for a floating trip down the Little Miami River. Open weather permitting. Admission fee. 7639 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, 513-479-0337, fiftywestcanoe.com.

Fleischmann Gardens

A four-acre park that was once the site of Charles Fleischmann’s (of Fleischmann Yeast Company) estate, which today is home to the state’s largest ginkgo tree and an evergreen maze. Open daily. Free admission. 524 Forest Ave., Avondale, 513-3524080, cincinnatiparks.com.

Fountain Square

This square at the center of downtown is a gathering place for friends and family. Enjoy coffee or lunch from one of the neighboring restaurants on the outdoor plaza or attend one of the scheduled events ranging from concerts to dancing to open-air movie nights — or just enjoy the Genius of Water fountain. Open daily. Free admission. Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown, myfountainsquare.com.

The Golf Center at Kings Island

Jack Nicklaus designed this classic 18-hole Grizzly course in 1972. Open March-December Admission fee. March-December. 6042 Fairway Drive, Mason, 513-3987700, thegolfcenter.com.

Grailville

A spiritual retreat and education center, Grailville offers opportunities to connect with other seekers, work on an organic garden, meditate and explore connections between people, the divine and the planet. It also has a meditation labyrinth. Open daily and for special events. Free admission. 932 O’Bannonville Road, Loveland, 513-683-2340, grailville.org.

Great Parks of Hamilton County

Offers a vibrant array of green spaces all over the city, including 21 parks spanning more than 16,000 acres. Boating, cycling, hiking, horseback riding lessons and much more. Winton Woods, Sharon Woods and Miami Whitewater all have lakes to which you can bring your own small watercraft or rent one for the day. Open daily. Vehicle fee. 513-521-7275, greatparks.org.

Green Acres Canoe & Kayak Rental

Rent canoes, kayaks, tubes and rafts to take on a meandering journey along the Whitewater River. Also offers guided trips. Open daily seasonally. Admission fee. 10465 Suspension Bridge Road, Harrison, 513-353-4770, greenacrescanoe.com.

Gorman Heritage Farm

Gorman Heritage Farm is a 122-acre working and educational farm located minutes from downtown. Explore gardens and meet farm animals or hike wooded trails and challenge yourself to climb Calf Builder Hill for a great view of the Mill Creek Valley. Open MondaySaturday. Admission fee. 10052 Reading Road, Evendale, 513-5636663, gormanfarm.org. 108

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Hocking Hills

This favorite nearby destination (outside of Columbus) is perfect for unwinding and getting back to nature. Area parks feature caves, hollows and waterfalls. Open daily. Camping and rental fees may apply. Hocking Hills State Park, 19852 State Route 664, Logan, Ohio, hockinghills.com.

Krohn Conservatory

This giant greenhouse features deserts, tropics, a butterfly garden, orchids and an interior waterfall, which guests can walk behind. Seasonally themed exhibitions feature unique plants, and the ever-popular annual butterfly show showcases butterflies from various parts of the world. Open Tuesday-Sunday. Admission fee. 1501 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams, 513-421-4086, cincinnatiparks. com/krohn-conservatory.

Loveland Castle

Step into one local man’s obsession and lifetime construction project, a hand-built Medieval castle based on European counterparts and built from stones from the Little Miami River. Open daily April-September; weekends October-March. Admission fee. 12025 Shore Drive, Loveland, 513683-4686, lovelandcastle.com.

The Miami Trail/Loveland Bike Trail

Also known as the Loveland Trail, it’s a 70-mile segment of the Little Miami Scenic State Park. The Loveland segment is closed to motorized traffic and is composed of flat, paved-over train tracks. Open daily. Free admission. lovelandbiketrail.com.

Morgan’s Canoe Livery

Canoe, raft and kayak rentals for the Little Miami River and Whitewater River, plus riverside camping. Open weekends. Rental fee. 5701 State Route 350, Oregonia, 513-932-7658, morganscanoe.com.

Mount Airy Forest

Almost 1,500 acres of woods, trails and greenspace. Includes hiking and bridle trails (for horsies), a dog park, an arboretum, camp sites, lodges and disc golf. Home to the magical Everybody’s Treehouse, Ohio’s only wheelchair-accessible arboreal abode. Open daily. Free admission. 5083 Colerain Ave., Mount Airy, 513357-2604, cincinnatiparks.com.

Newport Aquarium

See and touch a variety of aquatic life at this massive, walk-through aquarium, which boasts the world’s first Shark Bridge. View exhibits featuring penguins, jellyfish, the world’s largest collection of shark rays and more. Open daily. Admission fee. 1 Levee Way, Newport on the Levee, Newport, Ky., 859-261-7444, newportaquarium.com.

Ohio-to-Erie Trail

A statewide corridor of biking trails and on-road routes that connects the Ohio River to Lake Erie. The trail follows the Little Miami Scenic Trail from Newtown to Xenia and then along a

historic rail corridor. Open daily. Free admission. ohiotoerietrail.org.

Perfect North Slopes

Twenty-three ski and snowboard trails, two terrain parks and 23 snow tubing lanes. Offers rental shop and lessons. Open December-March. Admission/rental fee. 19074 Perfect Place Lane, Lawrenceburg, Ind., 812537-3754, perfectnorth.com.

Purple People Bridge

Walk across the bridge from Cincinnati to Northern Kentucky (or vice versa) for a unique view of the river or attend one of the many events held on the bridge. Open daily. Free admission. Bridge entrances on Pete Rose Way in Cincinnati near the entrance to Sawyer Point and on Third Street in Newport, Ky., purplepeoplebridge.com.

Free admission; fee to ride carousel. 100 W. Mehring Way, Downtown, 513-352-6180, cincinnatiparks.com/ smale-riverfront-park.

Wake Nation Cincinnati

Cable wake boarding involves a cable system that drags riders around a lake. Wake Nation is one of only eight places in the entire country where you can do it. Open May-October. Admission fee. 201 Joe Nuxhall Way, Fairfield, 513-887-9253, wakenationcincinnati.com.

Washington Park

Washington Park is a central civic space in the heart of Cincinnati, right across the street from Music Hall. A fenced dog park, playground, fountain, concessions with local craft

fee. 10245 Winton Road, Greenhills, 513-521-7275, greatparks.org.

Wolf Creek Habitat & Rescue

The Wolf Creek Habitat & Rescue can fulfill your desires of hanging out up close and personal with wolves. The sanctuary, which is only open on weekends, allows visitors to roam and pet all the wolves they want for a suggested donation. Open weekends. Admission fee. 14099 Wolf Creek Road, Brookville, Ind., 513-312-9143, wolfcreekhabitat.org.

Ziegler Park

This freshly renovated 4.5-acre urban greenspace features everything from an amazing seasonal community pool

Drake Planetarium

Located inside Norwood Senior High, this planetarium conducts educational programs as well as astronomical glimpses and laser light shows. Almost daily public showings. Admission fee. 2020 Sherman Ave., Norwood, 513-3965578, drakeplanetarium.org.

Haile Digital Planetarium

Tucked away on the fourth floor of Northern Kentucky University’s Science Center, the planetarium isn’t only available to students — they work with the surrounding community to schedule visits and are open to the public several times a month. Open for scheduled shows. Free admission. 409 Natural Science Center, Highland Heights, Ky.,

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum

Peruse almost 60 pieces of monumental sculpture on 265 acres of rolling hills in one of the few outdoor sculpture museums in the United States. Open daily. Admission fee. 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton, 513-868-1234, pyramidhill.org.

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A R M L E D E R M E M O R I A L S P R AYG R O U N D AT S AW Y E R P O I N T

Red River Gorge

A popular scenic and natural refuge outside of Cincinnati that capitalizes on the canyon system along the Red River in East Central Kentucky. The national geological area in Daniel Boone National Forest features natural stone arches, unique rock formations, sandstone cliffs and the namesake river. Open daily. Camping and rental fees may apply. East Central Kentucky, redrivergorge.com.

Sawyer Point

A mile-long linear park right on the riverfront. Offers a performance pavilion, concessions, an outdoor skating rink, tennis courts, volleyball courts, playgrounds, water features (including the Armleder Memorial Sprayground) and more. See the river from a variety of heights and viewpoints and climb the curving Serpentine Wall. Open daily. Free admission. 705 E. Pete Rose Way, Downtown, 513-357-2604, cincinnatiparks.com.

Sharon Woods

Hamilton County’s oldest park, Sharon Woods features multi-purpose trails for exercising and hiking and a popular boathouse, where you can rent row, pedal or pontoon boats to cruise around the 35-acre Sharon Lake. Open daily. Parking fee. 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville, 513-5217275, greatparks.org.

Smale Riverfront Park

Nestled between Great American Ball Park and Paul Brown Stadium in the center of The Banks by the Roebling Suspension Bridge, the park features fountains, walkways, a bike center, gardens, an event lawn and stage, a meditative labyrinth, the Black Brigade Monument and a glass-encased carousel with Cincinnati-themed critters. Open daily.

beer, the American Classical Music Walk of Fame, a civic lawn and big deck with a full bar are just part of its charm. The 3,000-square-foot deck features comfortable and colorful Adirondack chairs and other lounge seating, plus a full bar: beer, wine, liquor and local drafts, including MadTree, Moerlein, Taft’s Ale House and Rhinegeist. It’s an excellent addition to OTR’s “backyard,” and a great space to grab a beer on weekends when the weather is warm. Open daily. Free admission. 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, washingtonpark.org.

Winton Woods

The park features a boat-able harbor, 18-hole disc golf, 2.6 miles of paved trails, basketball courts, an equestrian trail and riding center and Parky’s Farm, an educational space that features goats, gardens, bees and a barnyard. Open daily. Parking A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

(with a diving board, zero-depth entry and splashy climbing wall) to an entirely ADA-accessible playground, game grove (with bocce ball!) and six brand-new basketball hoops. Open daily. Free admission; pool requires admission fee. 1322 Sycamore St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-621-4400, zieglerpark.org.

O B S E R V AT O R I E S / PLA NETA RIUMS Cincinnati Observatory

Founded in 1842, the Cincinnati Observatory houses the oldest fully operational telescope in the nation. Hosts public viewings, special date-night events and more. Open to explore Monday-Friday; programming most Thursdays-Saturdays. Suggested donation. 3489 Observatory Place, Mount Lookout, 513-321-5186, cincinnatiobservatory.org. 109

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859-572-5600, artscience.nku.edu/ departments/pget/planetarium.html.

Wolff Planetarium

The oldest planetarium west of the Allegheny Mountains. Twenty adults can sit and gaze at the constellations while an experienced naturalist leads you on a journey through the stars. Open daily. Admission fee; reser vations required. Trailside Nature Center, 3400 Brookline Ave., Burnet Woods, Clifton, 513-751-3679, cincinnatiparks.com.

PROF ESSIO NA L S P O RT S Cincinnati Bengals

Who dey! Cincinnati’s NFL team. Season runs August-December. Admission fee. Paul Brown Stadium, Second and Elm streets, Downtown, 513-621-3550, bengals.com.

R E D B I K E / P H OTO : J E S S E F OX

How to Rent a Red Bike

It’s as easy as riding a bike. Literally. Red Bike is Greater Cincinnati’s über-popular bike-sharing program. Borrow a bike (with an attached wire basket) from one of 57 rental stations in downtown/ Over-the-Rhine, Clifton or Northern Kentucky and get from point A to point B — even across the river — without the hassle of traffic and in less time than it takes to walk. Step 1: Find a Red Bike station.

They’re strategically placed throughout the city to help you get from uptown to downtown and across the Ohio River into NKY. The stations are solar-powered, so err on the side of caution and don’t pick a bike in the shade. You can find the nearest corral by using Red Bike’s user-friendly app, BCycle. Riders must be 18 years or older.

Step 2: Inspect the bike.

Check the firmness of your tires and make sure the chain isn’t rusty. If it’s good to go, rent your three-speed bike at the station’s kiosk. The bike dock will beep once the bike has been unlocked (continuously for 30 seconds or until the bike has been removed), and again when it’s been returned. Red Bike kiosks only take credit cards; it’s $8 for a 24-hour pass or $80 for an annual pass. You can sign up for membership at cincyredbike.org.

Step 3: Looking for a helmet?

Red Bike doesn’t provide them and Cincinnati doesn’t legally require you to wear a helmet while biking. You probably didn’t pack one, but we will still suggest you ride cautiously and/or wear a helmet so you don’t break your brain and whatnot.

Step 4: Don’t ride on the sidewalk.

It’s illegal (unless you’re 15 or younger, in which case you shouldn’t be on a Red Bike to begin with). Use the city’s numerous bike lanes instead. Other safe-riding tips from Red Bike include: ride with traffic, yield to pedestrians, obey traffic signs , use hand signals to let drivers know which direction you’re turning and walk bikes on sidewalks.

Step 5: See you in 60.

Old Green Eyes Music

Red Bike requires you to deposit the bicycle at the nearest station 60 minutes after renting. You can retrieve another bike from the dock after you put back your first one and keep going. Unless you’re Lance Armstrong, the system is meant for shorter commutes — it’s more convenient this way, and you won’t need half as much dope, either.

Step 6: Tracking.

Track the calories you’ve burned and distance traveled online or through the program’s app. Just keep in mind it takes about half an hour of moderate biking (10 mph) to burn off a Starbucks white chocolate mocha.

S i n at r a S o u n d C i nC i n n at i S t y l e

Step 7: Don’t steal your bike.

Weddings, Parties, Holiday Music

If your bike isn’t returned after 72 hours, it’s considered stolen and the rider will be charged $1,200. You can buy, like, 10 bikes for that much.

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Cincinnati Cyclones

The minor league hockey team returns to action with cool theme nights and regular deals on food and (adult) beverages. Season runs October-March. Admission fee. U.S. Bank Arena, 100 Broadway St., Downtown, 513-421-4111, cycloneshockey.com.

C O L L E G E S P O RT S Mount St. Joseph University

One of the best Division III football programs in the country. Mount St. Joseph University, Delhi, 513-244-4927, msj.edu/athletics.

Northern Kentucky University

Cincinnati Reds

The Norse compete in Division I athletics, having recently moved into the Horizon League. BB&T Arena, Northern Kentucky University, Louie B. Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, Ky., 859-442-2652, nkunorse.com.

Dayton Dragons

The Saints compete in Division III and the school’s football team regularly competes for the Presidents’ Athletic Conference championship. Thomas More College, Bank of Kentucky Field, Crestview Hills, Ky., 859-3415800, tmcsaints.com.

Catch the up-and-coming Redlegs led by veteran superstar Joey Votto. Season runs April-October. Admission fee. Great American Ball Park, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown, 513-765-7000, reds.mlb.com. Just a quick trip up I-75 takes you to Fift h Third Field, home of the Reds’ Class A minor league baseball team, the Dayton Dragons. Season runs April-September. Admission fee. Fift h Third Field, 220 N. Patterson Blvd., Dayton, 937-228-2287, daytondragons.com.

FC Cincinnati

Local orange-and-blue Europeanstyle professional soccer team competing in the United Soccer League. It’s the city’s hottest sports ticket. Season runs April-October. Admission fee. Nippert Stadium, University of Cincinnati campus, Clifton Heights, fccincinnati.com.

Kentucky Speedway

This 100,000-plus capacity speedway hosts big time races, including those in the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series. Admission fee. 1 Kentucky Speedway Blvd, Sparta, Ky., 859-578-2300, kentuckyspeedway.com.

S E M I- P R O/A M AT E U R S P O RT S Cincinnati Dockers

Australian-rules football with roots in early forms of rugby and Gaelic football. Season runs April-October. Admission fee. Point Pleasant Park, Resor Road at Windemere Lane, Fairfield, cincinnatidockers.com.

Cincinnati Rollergirls

This flat track roller derby squad does its thing locally at Schmidt Memorial Fieldhouse and at tracks throughout North America. Season runs spring and fall. Admission fee. Schmidt Memorial Fieldhouse, Xavier University, 3900 Winding Way, Evanston, 513-818-3372, cincinnatirollergirls.com.

Cincinnati Wolfhounds

High-quality rugby. Seasons in spring and fall. Free admission. Brimelow Fields, 6441 Stockton Road, Fairfield, wolfhoundsrfc.com.

Florence Freedom

Minor league baseball in the independent Frontier League. Season runs May-September. Admission fee. University of Cincinnati Health Stadium, 7950 Freedom Way, Florence, Ky., 859-594-4487, florencefreedom.com.

Thomas More College

University of Cincinnati

The Bearcats football and basketball teams are on the rise. UC’s athletic complex is a great place to catch other sports as well. University of Cincinnati, Clifton Heights, 513-556CATS, gobearcats.com.

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Xavier University

The Musketeers are enjoying life in the new Big East Conference. Cintas Center, Xavier University, Evanston, 513-745-3900, goxavier.com.

Located near Downtown and OTR at: 1508 Providence St., Cincinnati, Ohio 45214 513-432-0668 | www.queencitymoto.com

T OURS American Legacy Tours

“Historically entertaining.” Guided tours through the history of the Queen City. Tours include the Newport Gangster Tour, which explores historic brothels, speakeasies and casinos; Queen City Underground, which explores the city’s brewing history and underground tunnels; 1919 Baseball; Newport Is Haunted; and Queen City Is Haunted. Tour times vary; group tours available. Admission fee. Tours begin at various venues, 859951-8560, americanlegacytours.com.

ANDERSONTOWNSHIP Gre at s c h ool s • Gre at parks • Gre at p l ac e to l i v e

ArtWorks Mural Tours

Each summer, ArtWorks, a local arts nonprofit, connects professional artists with apprentice students to create public murals. Found throughout the city, they range from small and quirky to entire walls. Guided walking tours of downtown and Over-the-Rhine murals available. Admission fee. artworkscincinnati.org.

YOu’ll lOvE lIvINg HERE!

BB Riverboats

Historic riverboat cruises along the Ohio River. Pick from themed dinner cruises, sightseeing cruises, holiday cruises or charter your own private ship. Daily. Admission fee. 101 Riverboat Row, Newport, Ky., 800261-8586, bbriverboats.com.

Brewing Heritage Trail Tours

Run by a nonprofit aimed at preserving the history of Over-the-Rhine and Cincinnati’s brewing legacy, the Brewing Heritage Trail tour offers guests a look inside the city’s A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

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breweries, cellars and lagering tunnels. Topics include the Gilded Brew tour, the Industrious Revival tour and Brothels, Bootleggers & Booze. Tours April-October. Admission fee. Tours leave from the OTR Biergarten, Findlay Market, 1801 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-604-9812, brewingheritagetrail.org.

See historic German neighborhoods, iconic buildings and landmarks, and learn about local businesses built by German immigrants. Led by GermanAmerican historian Dr. Don Heinrich Tolzmann. Tours available Saturdays and Sundays by appointment. Admission fee. Call 513-256-0384 for reservations.

Cincy Brew Bus

Craft Connection Brewery Tours

Don’t drink and drive. Cincy Brew Bus takes patrons to a variety of different local breweries on themed five-hour tours. Also offers a Wine Wagon tour of local wineries and Bourbon, Brews and a Winery too!, which takes you to Braxton Brewing Company, StoneBrook winery and New Riff distillery. Tuesday-Sunday.

Visit three to four breweries in three to four hours. Transportation, tastings and tours are all included. Try several samples at each brewery, learn about their beer and brewing process and then hop back on the bus to do it again. The bus includes water, snacks, souvenir cups and

Flavors of the Queen City

A delicious walking tour of downtown restaurants. Enjoy bite-sized portions of establishment favorites, as well as history lessons for each. Fridays and Saturdays. Admission fee. Tour leaves from Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown, 513-703-0880, flavorsofthequeencity.com.

The Garage OTR

Offers three distinct Segway tour routes in the immediate Cincinnati area. All three routes include 15-20 minutes of training and a 90-minute guided ride. Also offers custom tours and electric bike rentals. Tours daily. Admission fee. 1150 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-225-1583, thegarageotr.com

the Redlegs Rally for a pub crawl before Reds’ home games or create your own tour. Now allows alcohol on board for light drinking while pedaling. Admission fee. 1114 Bunker Alley, Over-the-Rhine, 513-201-7655, pedalwagon.com.

Queen City History Tours

Tour includes stories of Over-theRhine’s immigrant origins, ethnic conflicts, industrial triumphs and notorious alcohol history. Also see historic architecture and travel into subterranean malt oven cellars two stories below Washington Platform. Every Thursday May-October. Admission fee. 1000 Elm St., Downtown, queencityhistory.com.

Riverside Food Tours

Traverse historic neighborhoods in Northern Kentucky and downtown Cincinnati/Over-the-Rhine (on the streetcar!) to share stories, sites and bites from down-home and ethnic establishments. The walking tours include generous tastings and drinks from fi ve unique locally owned restaurants. Tours occur Tuesdays and Thursday-Sunday. Admission fee. Each tours leaves from a different location, riversidefoodtours.com.

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CR AF T CO N N EC TI O N B R EWE RY TO U R S

Stratus Helicopter Tours

Scenic aerial tours of Greater Cincinnati, taking off and landing right on the banks of the Ohio River. Tours by appointment. Admission fee. 513-533HELI, stratushelicopters.com.

T RAINS Cincinnati Dinner Train

Enjoy dinner on two restored 1950s vintage dining cars and a drink or two in the Queen City Tavern car as you travel along the scenic railways of Cincinnati to downtown, the riverfront and back to the suburbs. Runs Saturdays. Admission fee. Departs from 2172 Seymour Ave., Norwood, 513-791-7245, cincinnatirailway.com/ dinnertrain.

EnterTRAINment Junction

Admission fee. 513-258-7909, cincybrewbus.com.

Cincinnati Food Tours

Hosts walkable culinary tours of Over-the-Rhine and Findlay Market. Taste the World at Findlay Market makes stops at five specialty merchants for tastings and includes hidden gems and optional wine or beer tastings. The three-hour OTR tour includes tastings at four local establishments. Private tours also available. Findlay Market tours on Wednesdays and Saturdays; OTR tour times vary. Admission fee. Leaves from Findlay Market Information Desk, 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-602-5602, cincinnatifoodtours.com.

Cincinnati German Heritage Tours

Learn about Cincinnati’s 19thcentury German immigrant boom.

a cooler to store any growlers you grab to go. Tours run almost daily. Admission fee. Leaves from Nation Kitchen & Bar, 1200 Broadway St., Pendleton, 513-498-8326, craftconnectiontours.com.

Cycling Backroads Tour

Promotes cycling in the area. Take guided tours of Spring Grove Cemetery or Over-the-Rhine. Tours last about two hours. Admission fee. Reservations required. 513-279-2452, cyclingbackroads.com/backroads/ cbtours.html.

Downtown Self-Guided Walking Tours

Downtown Cincinnati offers a choice of pre-planned Queen City Walking tours. Also includes itinerary suggestions for all ages and interests. Free. Download a brochure and map at downtowncincinnati.com. A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

Go Vibrant Walking Tours

Go Vibrant tours lead walkers on one- to three-mile walking tours throughout Cincinnati neighborhoods, including Avondale, Covington, East Walnut Hills, Northside and more. Free. govibrant.org.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

The area’s only train-themed family entertainment center, including the world’s largest indoor interactive train display. Open daily. Admission fee. 7379 Squire Court, West Chester, 513-898-8000, entertrainmentjunction.com.

Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad

A variety of carriage providers offer rides through downtown Cincinnati, Covington and Newport. Rides available most Friday and Saturday nights. Admission fee. Most carriages depart from Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown, downtowncincinnati.com.

Offers an hour-long train ride through the beautiful rolling countryside of Southwest Ohio. Open select dates. Admission fee. 127 S. Mechanic St., Lebanon, 513-9338022, lebanonrr.com.

Pedal Wagon

Visit Cincinnati’s four-acre outdoor museum filled with locomotives, passenger cars, freight cars and railroad memorabilia. Open Saturdays. Admission fee. 323 W. Southern Ave., Covington, Ky., cincirailmuseum.org.

Inspired by the pedal wagons in Belgium and Germany, this is a 15-person, pedal-powered rolling party. Take a Tavern Cruise for a twohour ride that stops at three bars, 112

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Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati

FINDLAY MARKE T Gramma Debbie’s Kitchen Comfort Food, Cooked Just For You GRILL / OVEN favorites

Visit Churchill’s Fine Teas & Learn About Traditional, Contemporary & Wellness Teas From Around The World Voted “Best Tea Selection in Cincinnati” Featuring 265 Varieties of Tea and Custom Blends

chef owned & operated Meredith Trombly & Louis Snowden

• Asiago Chicken Burgers • Mediterranean Lamb Burgers • Jerk Marinated Chicken Breasts

SALADS / SIDES:

• Red Skin Potato Salad • Spicy Mac and Cheese

QUICK LUNCH

✔ Full Menu ✔ Curb Service ✔ Catering Available ✔ Delivery Available ✔ Gift Cards

• Curry Chicken Salad • Tuna or Ham Salad • Chicken Chili

VEGAN OPTIONS

• Vegan Burgers - Cuban, Spicy, or Mediterranean • Spicy Lentil Salad • Vegan Goetta

PLUS… PARTY TRAYS / CATERING

Find us inside

✔ Reusable Bags Visit Findlay Market or Shop Online 122 West Elder Street • 513-421-1455 www.churchillsteas.com

Findlay Market House

513-421-4726 www.ﬁndlaymarket.org

Tuesday - Friday 9 am - 6 pm Saturday 8 am - 6 pm Sunday 10 am - 4 pm 1801 Race Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 513.381.FRSH (3774) FreshTable.biz chef@freshtable.biz Find Us On... Located at Historic Findlay Market Mon 4-7:30 | Tues 10-7:30 Wed-Fri 9-7:30 | Sat 8-6 | Sun 10-6 (513) 744-9888

Cincinnati’s Chocolate Factory

We hand craft our chocolate in small batches using ethically sourced cocoa beans at Findlay Market. Stop by today or shop online!

600

129 W Elder St. Cincinnati, OH 513-381-0561 MaverickChocolate.com

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SHOPPING If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking to send a love note, a congratulatory card or some sympathetic tidings, skip the mall (or the drugstore) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; there are tons of local designers, cardmakers and independent shops who have just the right kind of stationery for when you need to say something special.

P R E V I O U S PAG E , C LO C K W I S E F R O M TO P L E F T: H A N D Z Y; H E L LO H A N DZ Y. COM / LU CCA L AS E R WO R KS H O P; LU C C AW O R K S H O P. C O M /J O E WA L S H D E S I G N ; H A N DZ Y, H E L LO H A N DZ Y. C O M / A P L OV E S D E S I G N ; M I C A 1 2 / V, SHOPMICA .COM / PINWH EEL PRINT S H O P ; H A N DZ Y, H E L LO H A N DZ Y. C O M / STEAM WHISTLE LETTERPRESS; MICA 1 2 / V, S H O P M I C A . C O M / PA P E R W I T H A PA S T; M I C A 1 2 / V, S H O P M I C A . C O M / H A N D Z Y; T H E R H I N E D , T H E - R H I N E D . M Y S H O P I F Y. C O M

SHOPPING

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Indicates winners from CityBeat’s 2017 Best of Cincinnati® issue.

A NT I Q U E S / F L E A MA RKET S Art on Vine

An art show and market where more than 60 local fine artists and makers come together to sell handmade goods. Monthly at various locations including Rhinegeist, 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine; Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown; and Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Overthe-Rhine, artonvinecincy.com.

Burlington Antique Show

For more than 35 years, Burlington has been the Midwest’s premier antiques and vintage-only show with more than 200 dealers. Find everything from art and furniture to metal letters, knickknacks, farmhouse primitive and more. Third Sundays April-October. Boone County Fairgrounds, 5819 Idlewild Road, Burlington, Ky., 513-922-6847, burlingtonantiqueshow.com.

The City Flea

Cincinnati’s curated urban flea market with vendors from Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and more. Find vintage clothes and decor, upcycled goods, handmade arts and crafts, artisanal foods, pet supplies and more. Monthly April-December. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, thecityflea.com.

Craft y Supermarket

Juried indie craft show with annual spring and holiday markets featuring crafters from across the region and the U.S. Shows in spring and during the holidays. Various locations, craftysupermarket.com.

English Traditions

Fine European antiques, Europeanmade replica antique home furniture and accessories. Additional location in Naples, Fla. 2041 Madison Road, O’Bryonville, 513-321-4730, englishtraditions.com.

Flamingo Haven Antique Mall

An urban antique mall with more than 15,000 square feet. 4530 W. Mitchell Ave., Spring Grove Village, 513-5411812, flamingohavenantiquemall.com.

Florence Antique Mall

50,000-square-foot showroom with 300 showcases featuring antiques, collectibles and furniture. 8145 Mall Road, Florence, Ky., 859-371-0600, florenceantiquemall.com.

Grand Antique Mall

Peruse 27,000-square-feet of antiques. 9701 Reading Road, Reading, 513-554-1919, grandantiquemall.com.

Hanover House

English and American antique furniture, home accessories, ceramics and fi ne art. 2701 Observatory Ave., Hyde Park, 513-321-2671, hanoverhouseltd.com.

Leftcoast Modern

Retailer of all things modern from the 1950s through the 1970s. 2809 Woodburn Ave., East Walnut Hills, 513-288-2364, facebook.com/ leftcoastmoderncincinnati.

Oakley Fancy Flea Market

A monthly neighborhood marketplace that brings together specialty food and beverage vendors, independent businesses, artists and farmers. Warm-weather markets are held in Oakley Square and winter markets take place at various locations and include brunch cocktails. Monthly May-September. Oakley Square, Oakley; MadTree 2.0, 3301 Madison Road, Oakley, theoffmarket.org.

Ohio Valley Antique Mall

Cincinnati’s largest multi-dealer antique mall. Even if you’re not a diehard antiquer or collector, there are a lot of things here great for decorating your home, room, store or work cubicle — sports memorabilia, bottles, rare toys, license plates, coins and vintage postcards. 7285 Dixie Highway, Fairfield, 513-874-7855, ohiovalleyantiques.com.

Richwood Flea Market

Family-friendly flea market. 10915 Dixie Highway, Walton, Ky., 859-3715800, richwoodfleamarket.com.

Riverside Centre Antique Mall

More than 100 vendors selling everything from vintage and collectible A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

furniture, clothing, estate jewelry, Rookwood pottery and primitives to books, photos, novelty items and more. 3742 Kellogg Ave., East End, 513321-1430, riversidecentreantiques.com.

That Shop in Milford

Wide variety of antiques and collectibles along with one-of-a-kind finds. 217 Main St., Milford, 513-831-0065, thatshopinmilford.com.

Traders World

“Ohio’s largest family shopping mall.” Indoor/outdoor flea market with giant animal statues and neon palm trees. Saturdays and Sundays. 601 Union Road, Monroe, 513-424-5708, tradersworldmarket.com.

Treasure Aisles Flea Market

A pirate-themed bargain hunter’s paradise. 320 N. Garver Road, Monroe, 513-539-4497, treasure-aisles.com.

Tri-State Antique Market

The largest regularly scheduled gathering of antiques and vintage-goods dealers in Indiana. All merchandise is required to be at least 30 years old and out of production. First Sundays May-October. Lawrenceburg Indiana Fairgrounds, U.S. 50 at Argosy Casino Parkway, Lawrenceburg, Ind., 513-738-7256, queencityshows.com.

Wooden Nickel Antiques

Buys and sells vintage items. Specializes in architectural wares. 1410 Central Parkway, Over-the-Rhine, 513241-2985, woodennickelantiques.net.

A RT S / C R A F T S / H O B B I E S Absolutely Needlepoint

Needlepoint and sewing arts supply store that offers classes. 7117 Miami Ave., Madeira, 513-561-7999, absolutelyneedlepointcincy.com.

A World of Beads

A make-your-own jewelry store featuring beads, bead-making products and classes. 2725 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, 513-871-5600, aworldofbeads.com.

The Bead Shop

Almost two decades old, the Bead Shop sells beads and related items. 116

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Also offers classes. 7754 Camargo Road, Madeira, 513-271-5222.

Boardwalk Hobby Shop

Model kit and hobby shop, featuring a wide variety of board and card games. 1032 Delta Ave., Mount Lookout, 513-871-2110.

Brazee Street Studios

Solar-powered green building that houses more than 25 artist studios; a school of glass; a retail store for tools, supplies, glass products and gifts; and a gallery featuring regional and national artwork. 4426 Brazee St., Oakley, 513-321-0206, brazeestreetstudios.com.

The Candle Lab

A Columbus-based shop specializing in soy candle and custom fragrances. Pour your own customscented candles, or customize home fragrance products. 1325 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 614-915-0777, thecandlelab.com.

Cappel’s

With a little bit of everything, Cappel’s is known as a costume destination but also offers party decorations, floral supplies and event ephemera. Multiple locations including 920 Elm St., Downtown, 513621-0952, cappelsinc.com.

Core Clay

A shared studio with more than 40 artisans that also sells clay supplies, including their own line of in-house glazes and special tools. Also offers classes from child and beginner to advanced. 2533 Gilbert Ave., Walnut Hills, 513-961-2728, coreclay.com.

Dodd Camera

Cameras, lenses, flashes and accessories, plus printing services, rentals, repairs, classes and more. 6475 E. Galbraith Road, Kenwood, 513-7913333, doddcamera.com.

Fabulous Frames & Art

Custom framer with a wide selection of art, specializing in nature-based Midcentury Modern prints from Cincinnatian Charley Harper. Multiple locations including 17 W.

Fourth St., Downtown, 513-579-9998, fabframes.com.

Fiberlicious

Artsy and eclectic yarn boutique. Also offers knitting lessons. 8157 Camargo Road, Madeira, 513-271-3191, fiberlicious.com.

frameshop

Helmed by a rag-tag collection of good-looking dudes and craftsmen, frameshop specializes in modern framing applications for unique artwork and prints to display your favorite pieces to their best effects. 1317 Main St., Over-theRhine; 2707 Observatory Ave., Hyde Park, frameshopusa.com.

Hank, A Yarn Boutique

supply stores. 230 W. McMillan St., Clifton Heights, 513-861-0667; 701 Main St., Downtown, 513-621-0726; 8118 Montgomery Road, Kenwood, 513-793-5300, plazaart.com.

Pull Club Girl-Powered Printmaking

Printmaking and design studio that transfers hand-drawn images and designs — including whimsical rabbits, crisp yellow peaches and cute (but tomato-devouring) hornworms — to paper prints and items like T-shirts, pillows, fabrics and bags. pullclubstudio.com.

Queen City Clay

Offers pottery classes, demonstrations and goods for sale to nurture

St., Pendleton Art Center, Pendleton, 859-380-2833, sttheresatextile.com.

Urban Eden

Fine art and contemporary crafts including jewelry, handbags, accessories, garden art, soaps and more by local and regional artists. 1313 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-260-8434, irisbookcafe.com/urban-eden.

BOOKS/COM ICS Arcadian Comics & Games

The latest graphic novels, comic books and games, including options for young readers and Magic: The Gathering events. 627 Monmouth St., Newport, Ky., 859-291-5071, arcadiancomics.com.

Large selection of yarn (from cotton to cashmere), patterns for knitting, crafts and classes. 2651 Observatory Ave., Hyde Park, 513-386-9869, shop. hankyarn.com.

independent downtown bookstore with a coffee shop. 505 Vine St., Downtown, 513-258-2038, facebook. com/booksellersonfountainsquare.

The Bookshelf

A small, neighborhood bookstore with an edited selection of books and individual service. 7754 Camargo Road, Madeira, 513-271-9140, cincybookshelf.com.

The Book Rack

The largest chain of independently owned used bookstores offering a free-spirited experience for those who love to read. Multiple locations including 8315 Beechmont Ave., Beechmont, 513-474-1337; 5081 Glencrossing Way, Western Hills, 513-451-8544, thebookrack.com.

Hoop & Needle

Offers a modern line of cross-stitching patterns, kits and completed pieces. Although designs featuring four-letter words are the store’s best sellers, you’ll also find an array of pop culture references like “treat yo self” and “riding dirty.” Also holds classes for crafters of all skill levels. 4019 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 330-7156064, thehoopandneedle.com.

Indigenous

P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

Handcrafted gallery with contemporary American fine crafts. 1609 Madison Road, East Walnut Hills, 513321-3750, indigenouscraft .com.

Indigo Hippo

Indigo Hippo’s stock is entirely donation-based, coming largely from area artists, students and makers. Inside, you’ll find everything from charcoal, paints and brushes to buttons, yarn and natural materials like feathers and stone, and prices are always set as low as possible. 1301 Main St., Downtown, 513-918-4917, indigohippo.org.

HOOP & NEEDLE

Knit On!

Knitting classes, supplies, yarn and accessories from around the world. 735 Monmouth St., Newport, Ky., 859291-5648, knit-on.com.

Mad Potter

Paint-your-own pottery studio. 7754 Camargo Road, Madeira, 513-5611888, madpottercincinnati.com.

the human impulse to create. 3130 Wasson Road, Hyde Park, 513-8712529, queencityclay.com.

The Rookwood Pottery Co.

Manitou Candle Co.

World-renowned art-tile and pottery company known for impeccable design and craftsmanship. Showroom 1920 Race St., Downtown, 513-3812510; retail location at 1209 Jackson St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-579-1209, rookwood.com.

Pit Row Hobby Shop

The area’s premier stop for ethically sourced fi bers from fi ne fabrics to yarn. With an emphasis on eclectic, exotic and globally sourced textiles. 6106 Hamilton Ave., North College Hill, 513-541-3700, silkroadcincinnati.com.

Hand-poured, small-batch candles made from 100-percent, American soy wax. Pour and scent your own in one of the frequently held candlemaking workshops. 4015 Eastern Ave., East End, 513-429-5254, manitoucandleco.com. R/C cars, boats and planes, models, rockets and more. 7796 Montgomery Road, Kenwood, 513-891-7487, pitrowrc.com.

Plaza Artist Materials

A smaller national chain of art

Silk Road Textiles

St. Theresa Textile Trove

Eclectic sewing notions, fabric and quilting supplies. 1310 Pendleton A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore

Between cellphones, computers and tablets, getting your kids to reach for a book is getting harder and harder. But Blue Manatee Bookstore changes up that equation, fostering a cozy and colorful space that promotes creativity and offers an expansive selection of titles alongside a friendly and knowledgeable staff. 3094 Madison Road, Oakley, 513-731-2665, bluemanateebooks.com.

Blue Marble Books

An independent bookstore offering toddler through teen books, games and activities. 1356 S. Fort Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas, Ky., 859-781-0602, bluemarblebooks.com.

The Booksellers on Fountain Square

A locally owned and operated 117

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Comic Book World

Comic book and gaming store. 7130 Turfway Road, Florence, Ky., 859-3719562, comicbookworld.com.

Duttenhofer’s Books

Tons of quality used and old books specializing in antiquarian, art and architecture, decorative binding, ephemera, leather binding and literary classics. 214 W. McMillan St., Clifton Heights, 513-381-1340, duttenhofers.com.

Cincinnati Public Library Friends’ Shop

Housed in the public library’s main branch, the shop has treasures for readers, writers and gift-givers including gently used books, greeting cards and literary-themed items. The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, 800 Vine St., Downtown, 513369-6900, friends.cincinnatilibrary.org.

Half Price Books

Independent bookstore chain buying and selling books, magazines, DVDs, CDs and more. Multiple locations including 8118 Montgomery Road, Kenwood, 513-891-7170, hpb.com.

Iris BookCafé

Coffee shop and bookstore with large selection of vintage books on topics like art, architecture, literature and film. Also has children’s books in many languages and the largest collection of Polish books in Cincinnati. 1331 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-381-2665, irisbookcafe.com.

Joseph-Beth Booksellers

Independent chain of bookstores offering a large selection of books for

Roebling Bridge. Owner Richard Hunt hand-picks titles ranging from best-sellers to pieces by local authors. Dog-friendly. 306 Greenup St., Covington, Ky., 859-815-7204, facebook.com/ roeblingpointbooksandcoffee.

Rockin’ Rooster Comics & Games

Comics, games, trade paperbacks, graphic novels, T-shirts, statues and action figures. 5000 Glenway Ave., Western Hills, 513-661-7625, rockinroostercomics.com.

Up, Up and Away! Comics

Wide selection of graphic novels, more than 57,000 back-issue comics on display and hundreds of new

Carrie Karibo Bridal Boutique

Fun, stylish and unique wedding dresses in an intimate, boutique atmosphere. 334 W. Benson St., Reading, 513-821-9666, carriekaribobridal.com.

Donna Salyers’ Fabulous-Bridal

Four floors of the runway’s latest bridal fashions in a historic building. 601 Madison Ave., Covington, Ky., 859-291-9222, fabulousbridal.com.

European Bridal

European-style wedding gowns from an extremely knowledgeable staff. 307 W. Benson St., Reading, 513-8216505, europeanbridal.com.

Lace Bridal Couture

Chic boutique for any budget. Prices range from $1,000-$10,000. 100 W.

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O H I O B O O K S TO R E

more. 301 W. Benson St., Reading, 513761-7750, wendysbridalcincinnati.com.

C H I L D R E N ’S A P PA R E L /T OY S Castle House

Providing upscale designer clothing and shoes for boys, girls and infants for more than 55 years. 3435 Edwards Road, Hyde Park, 513-8712458, castlehouse.com.

Coolest Toys on Earth

Superior and extraordinary toys from around the world. 314 Main St., Milford, 513-831-8697; 6840 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, coolesttoysonearth.com.

King Arthur’s Court Toys

A purveyor of beloved classic toys for more than 25 years. Rediscover old favorites like LEGO, Playmobil, Calico Critters and Breyer horses and ride back home on a purple micro scooter for a little additional online shopping; shipping on orders over $99 are always free. 3040 Madison Road, Oakley, 513-531-4600, kingarthurstoys.com.

Little Lords and Ladies Boutique

Children’s boutique with clothing, toys and accessories for girls and boys. 7816 Cooper Road, Montgomery, 513-891-1569.

Mary Helen Clothing

Unique and handmade girls’ clothes. Also offers sewing classes, camps and parties. 1981 Madison Road, O’Bryonville, 513-802-5020, maryhelenstudio.com.

Spotted Goose

all ages, author signings, gifts and a bistro. 2692 Madison Road, Norwood, 513-396-8960; 2785 Dixie Highway, Crestview Hills, Ky., 859-912-7860, josephbeth.com.

Ohio Book Store

In operation since 1940, the store offers fi ve fl oors of books and magazines, as well as book repair and binding. 726 Main St., Downtown, 513-621-5142, ohiobookstore.net.

Queen City Comic & Card Co.

Provides a large and diverse selection of comic books, trading cards, movie posters and toys. 6101 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge, 513-351-5674; 6600 Dixie Highway, Fairfield, 513860-5805, queencitycomics.com.

Roebling Point Books & Coffee

A small, independent bookstore and coffee shop at the foot of the

Helps your kids unleash their inner Rock stars by mixing and matching whimsically printed onesies with hipster hoodies and quirky graphic T-shirts. Complement outfits with items like snuggly beanies, floofy tutus, colorful moccasins or a pair of cat-eye sunglasses and snap a picture for Instagram (#youvebeenspotted). 3048 Madison Road, Oakley, 513-351-9600, thespottedgoose.com. items every week. 4016 Harrison Ave., Bridgetown, 513-661-6300; 5885 Pfeiffer Road, Blue Ash, 513-936-6300, upupandawaycomics.com.

B R I DA L B O UT I Q U E S Amanda’s Hyde Park Bridal

Specialty bridal boutique offering exclusive and couture designers and one-on-one services. 3319 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, 513-321-1800, hydeparkbridal.com.

Belle Bridal Boutique

Plus-size bridal couture. 320 W. Benson Ave., Reading, 513-429-3779, thebellebridalboutique.com.

Bridal & Formal

Carries the largest selection of wedding dresses in the area. 300 W. Benson St., Reading, 513-821-6622, bridalandformalinc.com. A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

Benson St., Reading, 513-821-6000, lacebridalcouture.com.

LUXEredux Bridal

A high-end consignment boutique that offers gently used designer wedding gowns without the big price tags. Designers like Vera Wang, Pronovias, Badgley Mischka and more are all represented and affordable — tons of options under $1000. 203 W. Benson St., Reading, 513-550-3531, luxereduxbridal.com.

Splendid Bridal

Locally owned family business offering a large selection of gowns, bridesmaid and mother-of-the-bride dresses, plus accessories from local designers. 6 W. Benson St., Reading, 513-761-4696, splendidbridal.com.

Wendy’s Bridal Cincinnati

A large selection of bridal designers including Allure, Venus Bridal and 118

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Stoney’s Village Toy Shoppe

All things fairy princess and magical with wings, gift s and more. 323 W. Sixth St., Covington, Ky., 859-6559571, stoneystoys.com.

ECO A ND GREEN Greener Stock

Sells green building materials and architectural components for homes and businesses. 3747 Eastern Ave., Columbia Tusculum, 513-321-0567, greenerstock.com.

Hemptations

Quality hemp and eco-friendly goods. Celebrating two decades in business. 2034 Madison Road, O’Bryonville, 513-871-4367; 11353 Lebanon Road, Sharonville, 513-5244367; 2824 Jefferson Ave., Corryville, 513-569-0420; 4179 Hamilton Ave., Northside, hemptations.com.

Greater Cincinnati's Pawnbroker Longer Loan Lengths! Lower Fees! Jewelry-Guitars-Tools-Watches-TVs & More!

2026 Delaware Ave • Norwood, OH 45212 staff@tedspawn.com • 513-631-2112 www.tedspawn.net license #PB100101.000

HANDMADE FOR 111 YEARS

HERITAGE

NOW FOUND IN THE TRI-STATE • 15 MINUTES FROM OTR Red Wing Shoe Store: 8071 Connector Dr. Florence, KY 41042-1466 • (859) 283-2909

A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

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Thank you Cincinnati for voting us

BEST NEW STORE

& BEST HOME ACCESSORIES STORE

elmandiron.com

13 2 6 V I N E S T | C I N C I N N AT I , O H 4 5 2 0 2

EYEWEAR Buten Eyewear

Fabulous Fabric • Beautiful Yarn Hand Crafted Gifts • Classes Global & Ethically Traded 6106 Hamilton Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45224 513 541 3700 • silkroadcincy@gmail.com

silkroadcincinnati.com Mention this ad wHen You sHop to reCeive 10% savinGs on one item! Lowest priced item, excludes original art

Unique and designer eyewear. 21 E. Fifth St., Downtown, 513-721-1848, buteneyewear.com.

Eye 1 Unique Eyewear

High-end and unique eyewear, featuring brands like Balenciaga, Tom Ford, Oliver Peoples and more. 2648 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, 513-3212244, eye-1.com.

Eye Tech Optical

Full-service eye lab and cheap frames. 40 E. Seventh St., Downtown, 513-421-2911.

Frameri

Local startup that sells Italian-made interchangeable frames and lenses, allowing the wearer to purchase just one pair of lenses that they can seamlessly transition between different frames. 1419 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 844-372-6374, frameri.com.

Holte Eyewear

513-671-7433 • 32 W. CRESCENTVILLE, CINCINNATI, OH 45246 • LOCALSKATEPARK.COM 513-671-7433 • 32 W. CRESCENTVILLE, CINCINNATI, OH 45246 • LOCALSKATEPARK.COM 513-671-7433 W. CRESCENTVILLE, FRIDAY CINCINNATI, OHSATURDAY* 45246 • LOCALSKATEPARK.COM $5 ADMISSION• 32 MON-THURS SUNDAY 513-671-7433 W.1PM-9PM CRESCENTVILLE, CINCINNATI, OHSATURDAY* 45246 • LOCALSKATEPARK.COM $5ALL ADMISSION FRIDAY SUNDAY 11AM-9PM 9AM-11PM 9AM-9PM TIMES • 32 MON-THURS 1PM-9PM 11AM-9PM 9AM-11PM 9AM-9PM TIMES $5ALL ADMISSION MON-THURS FRIDAY SATURDAY* *9AM-11AM for 12 & SUNDAY younger only $5ALL ADMISSION MON-THURS FRIDAY SATURDAY* SUNDAY 1PM-9PM 11AM-9PM 9AM-11PM TIMES *9AM-11AM for 12 &9AM-9PM younger only 1PM-9PM 11AM-9PM 9AM-11PM 9AM-9PM ALL TIMES *9AM-11AM for 12 & younger only *9AM-11AM for 12 & younger only

Designer and boutique frames in a full-service eyewear shop: contact lenses, glasses, exams, sunglasses and more. 8211 Cornell Road, Suite 510, Montgomery, 513-489-4000, holteeyewear.com.

Thoma & Sutton Eye Care

Cincinnati optometrists, luxury eyeglasses/sunglasses, contacts and more since 1949. Multiple locations including 2045 Anderson Ferry Road, Western Hills, 513-996-6896, thomasutton.com.

York Vision

SHOP LOCAL

Motto is “The art of being unique.” Offers stylish eyewear. 7599 Kenwood Road, Kenwood, 513-891-2020, yorkvisionkenwood.com.

Wing Eyecare

Third-generation Cincinnati optometrist and eyewear provider. Multiple locations including 1351 E. Kemper Road, Glendale, 513-771-9800, wingeyecare.com.

G I F T S A N D N O V E LT I E S Busy Bee Boutique

DOWNTOWN

CINCINNATI eat | shop | stay | play Share the best of everything the city has to offer with the Downtown Cincinnati Gift Card, accepted at more than 200 dining, shopping, and entertainment destinations!

Order today at DowntownCincinnati.com, shop at Findlay Market, or call (513) 421-4440.

A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

Unique gift s for infants, kids, teens and adults. 110 S. Second St., Unit G, Loveland, 513-677-2879, busybeeboutique.biz.

Camargo Trading Company

Stylish destination for high-end home accessories and more. 7744 Laurel Ave., Madeira, 513-561-0842, camargotrading.com.

The Chocolate Bee

The collective home of Chocolats Latour and Bee Haven. Chocolats Latour concocts fair-trade, gourmet chocolates made with local ingredients, while Bee Haven is a honey-lovers’ dream, offering products like beeswax lanterns, candles and lip balms made with the help of the owners’ own beehives. 4037 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-9540997, chocolatebeecincy.com. 122

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Coda Co.

Hip and craft y shop that features maker-made products from upcycled materials, like wall hangings, coffeebag pillows and bourbon barrel pub tables. 400 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue, Ky., 859-488-7798, shopcodaco.com.

Cozy Cottage

Local handmade gifts and crafts. 307 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue, Ky., 859-5814972, barbscozycottage.com.

Deerhaus Décor

Provides a brick-and-mortar location for local craftsmen and artisans to display their work, which ranges from soaps and ceramics to jewelry and woodwork. There are also unique maker-made items from across the United States — laser-cut suede jewelry from Oregon, handmade wood rolling pins from Vermont and apothecary items from Northern Ohio. 135 W. Elder St., Over-the-Rhine, 513808-0442, deerhausdecor.com.

Eden Floral Boutique

Step inside to purchase a curated line of houseplants, succulents, containers and grab-and-go bouquets or just peruse the fresh flower bar for inspiration. 1129 Walnut St., Downtown, 513-281-3336, edenfloralboutique.com.

Fern

Offers minimal, modern and nature-inspired items. Located in a in a converted gas station, find a carefully edited selection of unique hand-thrown pottery, art, weavings and more, along with a curated assortment of beautiful, thriving plants. Recurring classes cover artful pursuits ranging from floral arranging to calligraphy and watercolors. 6040 Hamilton Ave., North College Hill, 513-910-7299, fern-shop.com.

The Fig Leaf

Quality handcrafted jewelry, accessories and gifts. 3438 Edwards Road, Hyde Park, 513-321-2970.

Game Day Feels

Their best-selling rawhide genderinclusive wrist wraps are handmade from genuine tanned baseball glove lace leather and secured with a buckle. Shoppers can customize their bracelets with engraved coordinates of their favorite baseball stadium, a special saying or someone’s name, icons like baseball hats and home plate or a selection of provided inspirational quotes. 529 Main St., Loveland, 513-6091170, gamedayfeels.com.

Gia and the Blooms

Contemporary and clean seasonal floral arrangements at an affordable price point. Offers a curated selection of items like greeting cards, candles and locally made ceramics. Burlapwrapped bouquets begin at $35, and delivery is free within the Cincinnati metro area. 114 E. 13th St., Over-theRhine, 513-487-0915, giablooms.com.

GOODS on Main

A shop with rotating themes featuring items handpicked by staffers. 1300

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Tohi

Cincinnati’s Only Hemp Spa, Tea House, and Boutique • Massage • Facials • Waxing • Detox Sauna • Mani/Pedi • Tea House • Smoothie Bar • Hemp Boutique

942 HATCH ST. • MT ADAMS 513-421-8644 • TOHISPA.COM

Permanent Ink

Five favorite local tattoo shops. Beelistic

The heart of this operation is world-famous tattoo artist Bee, who, along with years of talent, brings with him the largest selection of tattoo flash in Cincinnati. Choose a rad, ready-made design or work with an artist for a custom piece. Either way, walk-ins are welcome. 2510 W. Clifton Ave., Clifton Heights; 2703 Vine St., Corryville; 2115 Beechmont Ave., Anderson Township, beelistic.com.

Crying Heart

The ultimate cool-kid atmosphere accompanies a quality tattoo experience. Between the edgy knick-knacks adorning the walls (think flash designs and animal heads) and a curated music playlist, this is one of Cincy’s hippest tattoo shops. Three artists and their adorable pup, Hank, create an intimate environment for the perfect ink. 1425 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, instagram.com/crying_heart_tattoo.

Designs by Dana Tattoo

Since 1977, tattoos have been the family trade for the Brunson clan, even though they’ve expanded to include other talented artists — handpicked, of course, by tattoo pioneer Dana, his wife Dot and son Jason. Need inspiration for your tattoo or want to make your appointment an experience? The Northside location has a museum with memorabilia from 1905 to the 1960s illustrating the evolution of tattoo subculture: design sheets, traveling tattoo cases, sideshow banners and more. Stop here for American traditional pieces in bright colors, vintage pin-ups, painterly portraits and Japanese styles. 4167 Hamilton Ave., Northside; 631 Main St., Covington, Ky., danatattoo.com.

Hybrid Image

Whether it’s tattoos or piercings, Hybrid Image specializes in quality needlework to turn bodies into works of art. This is the place for highly pigmented, realistic tattoos and portraits, or creative coverups. 2721 Vine St., Corryville, hybridimagetattoo.com.

White Whale Tattoo

This is the perfect shop for lovers of clean, masterful linework . Co-owner Jeremiah Griswold specializes in delicate, single-needle tattoos, but everyone on staff excels at realism, pointillism, fine-line, nature-inspired and geometric work. In short, it’s where coveted Instagram tattoos come to life. For those looking for a cover-up, few do it better than the crew at White Whale Tattoo — the team has volunteered in Central America to create cover-up tattoos for former gang members who were leaving the gang lifestyle. Their commitment to social justice inspires them to donate 10 percent of their proceeds to local organizations that fight poverty. 650 E. McMillan St, Walnut Hills, whitewhaletattoo.com.

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s ’ d l r TheWo

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4 locations:

O’BRYONVILLE 2034 Madison Rd. 513-871-HEMP

o i t c e l Se ! p m e of H

Start at Hemptations.com SHARONVILLE

NORTHSIDE

11353 Lebanon Rd. 513-524-HEMP

DAYTON

4179 Hamilton Ave. 513-569-0420

548 Wilmington Ave. 937-991-1015

THANK YOU

CINCINNATI FOR VOTING US BEST NAIL SALON OF 2017 WE SPECIALIZE IN:

All Types of Nail Enhancements Manicure/Pedicure • Shellac Gel Polish

WE ALSO OFFER: Facials • Waxing

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6 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS/OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK AMBIANCE I: HYDE PARK CENTER 2709 Madison Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45209 513-924-9900

AMBIANCE II: HARPER’S POINT 11322 Montgomery Rd Cincinnati, Ohio 45249 513-489-9500

AMBIANCE III:

ROOKWOOD EXCHANGE 3831 Edwards Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45209 513-924-9090

A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

AMBIANCE IV: OAKLEY STATION 3120 Vandercar Way Cincinnati, Ohio 45209 513-871-1234

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AMBIANCE V: 32 EAST 720 Eastgate South Dr, Ste 300 Cincinnati, Ohio 45245 513-947-8888

AMBIANCE VI: HARPER’S STATION 11309 Montgomery Rd Cincinnati, Ohio 45249 513-469-0944

Main St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-788-3616, facebook.com/goodsonmain.

Grainwell

Owned and operated by three sisters. A wood and design shop offering unique handmade pieces. 316 W. Pike St., Covington, Ky., 859415-4955, grainwell.com.

Hail Dark Aesthetics

With a home base in East Nashville, the second location of oddities and record shop Hail is in MainStrasse, where the storefront is stuffed with taxidermy from local artists Meddling with Nature, tarot cards, religious ephemera, Black Metalstyle jewelry, branded Ouija boards and a bunch of dead snakes. For good or bad, there aren’t too many other stores where you can buy a pig fetus and the Twin Peaks soundtrack on vinyl in the same transaction. 720 Main St., Covington, Ky., 859-261-0107, facebook.com/hailcincinnati.

Metallic Giraffe Specialty Boutique

Showcases the work of artisans, local vendors and specialty retail lines. 2034 Anderson Ferry Road, Delhi, 513-922-7467, metallicgiraffe.com.

M. Hopple & Co.

Creative paper goods and stationery plus design services. 7920 Hosbrook Road, Kenwood, 513-791-6426; 511 Walnut St., Downtown, 513-381-4972, mhopple.com.

MiCA 12/v

Local and independently made craft s and homegoods. 1201 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-533-1974, shopmica.com.

Splendid Things

Unusual shop with gifts for you and your home. 312 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue, Ky., 859-261-8777, splendidthingsky.com.

Ten Thousand Villages

Fair-trade jewelry, gifts and more from across the globe. 2011 Madison Road, O’Bryonville, 513-871-5840; 11316 Montgomery Road, Montgomery, 513802-5721, tenthousandvillages.com.

The Most Beautiful Thing in the World Is

Helmed by a world-traveling art specialist, the clothing, home products and accessories are fully eclectic. Features items like hand-loomed textiles, baskets from Africa, handmade ceram-

unique pieces not available anywhere else, you’ll find the tools you need to throw down in the kitchen like you’re an Iron Chef. And if you’re looking to enhance your skills, take a class in Artichoke’s demonstration kitchen — just make sure you don’t step on lazy shop greyhound Gus. 1824 Elm St., Over-theRhine, 513-263-1002, artichokeotr.com.

BOVA Furniture

Contemporary furniture shop open for three decades. Locations in other cities, including Washington D.C. and Dallas. 12130 Royal Point Drive, Mason, 513-247-9100, bovafurniture.com.

Bromwell’s

Luxury fi replace design and accessories since 1819. 117 W.

Hanamiya Japanese Gift Shop

A shop specializing in Japanese porcelain, accessories and traditional craft s: textiles, dishes, books, fashion and more. 7795 Cooper Road, Montgomery, 513-891-8738, hanamiyashop.com.

Handzy Shop + Studio

P H OTO : B R I T TA N Y T H O R N TO N

A bright yellow door with a highfive handprint marks the opening to Handzy Shop + Studio, a purveyor of cheerful cards, art prints and calendars in Covington. The colorful shop offers a wide assortment of watercolor invites and cards for weddings, holidays, announcements and beyond, complete with modern, eye-catching lettering and plenty of watercolor cacti. You can also peruse a very fun collection of pins, patches and local giftables. 15 W. Pike St., Covington, Ky., 859-261-0493, hellohandzy.com.

I Love Cincinnati Shop

Reds, Bengals and local college goods galore, plus collectibles, shirts, hats, glassware and photos. 441 Vine St., Downtown, 513-381-4401, ilovecincinnatishop.com.

Keep Your Shirt on Covington

The brainchild of local duo Kysoc — a Covington, Ky.-based comedy writer and artist — Keep Your Shirt on Covington celebrates the quirky side of the Tristate. From “Straight Outta Covington” mugs to “I Wish I Knew How to Quit You” Bengals tees, there’s no shortage of ways to express your local pride (or, in some cases, shame). keepyourshirtoncovington.com.

The Little Mahatma

Exotic jewelry, folk art and artifacts from the world’s traditional cultures. 1205 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513723-1287, searchable on Facebook.

Lucca Laser Workshop

Specializes in laser-cut wood, natural gifts, supplies and décor. 1342 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-214-0255, luccaworkshop.com.

HAN DZ Y S HOP + STU DIO

Nest Gift s

Full spectrum of gifts from baby to home décor, including monograms. 3439 Michigan Ave., Hyde Park, 513-871-8852, facebook.com/ nestgiftscincinnati.

Poeme

Personal stationery, unique gifts, custom invitation design services, clever sundries and more. 3446 Michigan Ave., Hyde Park, 513-3214999, poeme-online.com.

Pomegranate & Lime

Creative gifts for every age, every occasion and every taste. Specializes in gift wrapping. 6804 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, 513-271-1012, facebook. com/pomegranateandlime.

Purple Monkey

Toys, greeting cards and gifts. 334 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue, Ky., 859-261-0245. A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

ics and a highly curated collection of modern and breezy women’s wear. 6 W. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine, 859-307-3577, facebook.com/TMBTITWI.

Toko Baru

Original jewelry, home décor, trinkets and more. 325 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, 513-751-3338, searchable on Facebook.

HO USE WA RES /DECO R Algin Retro Furniture

Family-owned store selling Midcentury Modern reproductions. 800 Main St., Over the-Rhine, 513621-1617, alginretro.com.

Artichoke Curated Cookware Collection

Brad and Karen Hughes opened their Artichoke storefront down the street from Findlay Market in order to offer marketgoers a convenient destination for cookware. From basics to 125

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Fourth St., Downtown, 513-6210620, bromwells.com.

Brush Factory

Contemporary furniture designed with a focus on beauty and simplicity and inspired by fashion, art and the natural world. The 2,300-square-foot store features Brush Factory’s bff line of solid-wood residential furniture and other local, national and international brands of artisanal home goods. 1417 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-278-7435, brushmanufactory.com.

Building Value

Remodelers donate used or leftover building materials to the nonprofit, which resells these materials to the public at a deeply discounted rate; prices are often a third the cost of new. The constantly changing merchandise selection includes antique doors and windows, funky Atomic Age-colored sinks and toilets, vintage

ranges and even authentic clawfoot tubs. 4040 Spring Grove Ave., Northside, 513-475-6783, buildingvalue.org.

Elm & Iron

An eclectic collection of new and vintage industrial home décor and accessories. 1326 Vine St., Over-theRhine, 513-954-4217, elmandiron.com.

Elm & Iron Loft

Newly opened Elm & Iron location with an expanded furniture selection. 1411 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-4294472, elmandiron.com.

HighStreet

London-inspired urban lifestyle store. 1401 Reading Road, Downtown, 513723-1901, highstreetcincinnati.com.

Quince & Quinn

An ever-changing array of curated home and garden goods — uncommon upholstery, lighting, tabletop items, gifts and one-of-a-kind finds. 3066 Madison Road, Oakley, 513-3213343, qandqhome.com.

Rooster

A curated shop featuring furniture, home décor and various unearthed arcana from the wilds of the Midwest. 923 Vine St., Downtown, 513-238-2587, facebook.com/923rooster.

Switch Lighting & Design

Contemporary lighting from Scandinavia, Europe and Asia. 312 W. Fourth St., Downtown, 513-421-1901, switchcollection.com.

Article

Over-the-Rhine’s flagship menswear store professes quality over quantity. The shop is highly curated and designed solely with guys in mind, providing access to brands that combine style with durability — no more clothes that fall apart after a couple of washes. Featured brands include Mollusk, Tanner Goods, Deus Ex Machina, Bill Reid, 3sixteen and local Noble Denim, to name just a few. 1150 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-721-1150, articlemenswear.com.

Batsakes

Old-school hat shop with frequent celebrity clientele. 1 W. Sixth St., Downtown, 513-721-9345.

Durham Dept.

The in-house shop of creative studio Durham & Co., which crafts work for consumer brands, start-ups, artists and companies. Sells T-shirts, hats, prints and more for both men and women. 2 W. Pike St., Covington, Ky., 859-905-0460, durhambrandco.com.

HOMAGE

Sporty vintage-inspired team T-shirts, sweatshirts and other athletic apparel. 1232 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-8347205, homage.com.

Hunt Club Clothiers

Men’s suits and tailoring since 1974. 441 Vine St., Carew Tower, Downtown, 513-721-2004, huntclubclothiers.com.

Mike & Carol Trotta

Tailor offering bespoke men’s suits and made-to-measure clothing. 406 Walnut St., Downtown, 513-621-2930, mikeandcaroltrotta.com.

Peppe Ramundo

Established in 1967 by tailor Peppe Ramundo, this West Side store is one of the best spots in town to shop for fine menswear and tuxedo rentals. 5229 Glenway Ave., Western Hills, 513-921-2400, pepperamundo.com.

Righno: A Men’s Shop

Contemporary lifestyle fashions inspired by European, Australian and Southern California streetwear styles. 1417 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-744-9666, righno.com.

Romualdo

P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

Ready-to-wear, formalwear, tailoring and suiting. 7121 Miami Ave., Madeira, 513-561-9010, romualdo.com.

Unheard Of

A street pusher of rare goods. T-shirts, hats, Nikes and more. 15 W. Fourth St., Downtown, 513-744-9444, unheardofbrand.com.

Victor Athletics B L AC K O W N E D

Jack Wood Gallery

High-quality vintage posters and period graphics from the late-19th to mid-20th centuries. 1413 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-321-7077, jackwoodgallery.com.

Legacies Consignment

Vintage and second-hand furniture, homegoods and jewelry. Proceeds benefit Cancer Support Community. 3854 Paxton Ave., Hyde Park, 513-8718899, shoplegacies.com.

Lentz & Company

Vintage home goods, furniture, local art and handmade gifts. 339 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, 513-739-0193, lentzandcompany.com.

Mainly Art

Twentieth-century collectibles. 3711 Madison Road, Norwood, 513-3788261, mainlyart.com.

Black Owned

Voltage

Modern high-design furniture, lighting and accessories from Europe. 3209 Madison Road, Oakley, 513-8715483, voltagefurniture.com.

Your Friends & Neighbors

Owner and designer Maya Drozdz lovingly selects a collection of homegoods created by her talented friends from the design world and local makers. 2808 and 2809 Woodburn Ave., East Walnut Hills, facebook. com/weareyourfriendsandneighbors.

M E N ’S A P PA R E L / A CCESSORIES 45/46 Fine Men’s Apparel

A ready-to-wear mens store with custom shirts and suits. 2719 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, 513-257-0259, 4546finemens.com. A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

A handmade outerwear and fashion line that represents every person of every culture, every generation and every style. Lines for men, women and children. 822 Elm St., Downtown, 513-407-3496, blackowned19xx.com.

Cincy Shirts

A “vintage” T-shirt brand helmed by local stand-up comic Josh Sneed that mines both the past and present to create apparel showcasing Cincinnati’s unique institutions and idiosyncratic culture. 1435 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-510-5774; 2709 Observatory Ave., Hyde Park, 513832-2125, cincyshirts.com.

Corporate

Men’s clothing store and sneaker shop. 2643 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, 513-771-0432; 1323 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-421-0444, corporategotem.com. 126

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Vintage-inspired athletic wear featuring 100 percent organic cotton. Made in the USA. Sibling brand to Noble Denim, locally based, American-made and responsibly produced men’s jeans, knits, accessories and more. 1405 Republic St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-8189158, victorathletics.com.

PETS Argos

Stocks a wide variety of food for dogs and cats — dry, wet, treats and beyond — as well as health products like probiotics, calming chews and senior formulas. 7713 Camargo Ave., Madeira, 513-561-7966; 2801 Woodburn Ave., East Walnut Hills, 513-221-4451, argospet.com.

The Bird Shoppe

Parrot supplies, services like grooming and boarding, a nursery and adoptable birds. 6160 Dixie Highway, Fairfield, 513-874-4405, thebirdshoppe.com.

Brewhaus Dog Bones

Each dog bone purchase at Brewhaus Dog Bones goes to benefit

the parent not-for-profit Brewhaus Bakery Company, which provides vocational training for young adults with disabilities, dubbed the Brew Crew. The organization produces handcrafted small-batch dog treats using spent whole grains from local breweries. Each Brewhaus Dog Bone bag includes the name of the brewery from which the grains were sourced to make the treats, as well as the name of the Brew Crew member who packaged them. brewhausdogbones.com.

Confetti Cats

A shop for unique gifts for humans and the cats who own them. 6923 Main St., Newtown, 513-533-9996, confetticats.com.

Growing Trade Pet & Plant

Services and products for the urban homesteader. 4116 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-541-1321, growingtradestore.com.

Petey’s Pet Stop

Pet food and treats, DIY bath stations, toys and boarding. 311 Howell Ave., Clifton, 513-221-7387, peteyspetstop.com.

Pet Wants

Locavore pet food and supply store for urban pet owners. 1813 Pleasant St., Findlay Market, Over-the-Rhine, 513-721-8696; 1409 Vine St., Over-theRhine, 513-621-3647, petwants.com.

Strasse Dog

Pet grooming, clothing and supplies. 605 Main St., Covington, Ky., 859-431-7387.

RECORD ST ORES Another Part of the Forest

Unique used vinyl, comics, pulp fiction and DVD rentals. 1333 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, cincyvinyl.com.

Black Plastic Records

An independent record store with bins and bins of unique vinyl plus Cincinnati- and Ohio-centric clothing items. Kind of like stumbling into the best basement ever. 4027 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-2580535; 1411 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-259-2386, facebook.com/ blackplasticrecords.

Everybody’s Records

Full-service record store specializing in a wide variety of new and used records, CDs and cassettes. 6106 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge, 513-531-4500, everybodysrecords.com.

Jet Age Records

A new and used record shop with bonus listening stations and craft coffee. 817 Monmouth St., Newport, Ky., 859-916-5466, facebook.com/ jetagerecords.

Herzog Music

A new music collective and emporium designed to bring together the region’s music community and welcome visiting musicians to participate in the city’s rich and

diverse music scene. Located in the historic Herzog building, where Hank Williams Sr. cut classics like “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” Sells vinyl, guitars and other instruments and hosts lessons via the Queen City Music Academy. 811 Race St., Downtown, herzogmusic.com.

MetaModern Music

More than 10,000 new and used vinyl and culture items. 2942 Markbreit Ave., Oakley, 513-888-1051, metamodernmusic.com.

Mole’s Record Exchange

Open since 1974, Mole’s is a record exchange store by the University of Cincinnati. 111 Calhoun St., Clifton Heights, 513-861-6291, searchable on Facebook.

Phil’s Records

A no-frills musical paradise selling records, CDs (someone please remind us what those are again), artwork and more. In the heyday of the ’90s before streaming. 3914 Winston Ave., Latonia, Ky., 859-441-2514, philsrecords.com.

Plaid Room Records

New and used LPs plus vinyl accessories. It’s also home to the Colemine Records label, an analog studio and live music venue. 120 Karl Brown Way, Loveland, 513-583-1843, plaidroomrecords.com.

Shake It Records

Named one of the 30 best record stores in America by Rolling Stone, Shake It has two floors of CDs and vinyl. They also have a great selection of used CDs and LPs, books, fanzines and Japanese-style trinkets. 4156 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513591-0123, shakeitrecords.com.

S P O RT S /O UT D O O R S Bob Roncker’s Running Spot

Local specialty running store; named one of the best in the nation. Multiple locations including 1993 Madison Road, O’Bryonville, 513-321-3006, jackrabbit.com.

Benchmark Outfitters

Founded in 1974, friendly Benchmark Outfitters stocks everything you need to tackle the wilderness, from footwear, clothing and hiking gear to tools, luggage and electronics. 9525 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, 513-7919453, benchmarkoutfitter.com.

BioWheels

Full service bike shop. 6810 Miami Ave., Madeira, 513-861-2453, biowheels.com.

Bishop’s Bicycles

Located next to the Little Miami Bicycle Trail. 313 Main St., Milford, 513-831-2521, bishopsbicycles.net.

Campus Cyclery

One of the oldest full-service bike shops in the city, which sells and repairs bikes. 241 W. McMillan St., Clifton Heights, 513-721-6628, campuscyclery.com. A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

Cincinnati Bicycle Company

Offers student discounts. 2817 Woodburn Ave., Walnut Hills, 513-841-2453, cincinnatibicycle.com.

Fift y West Canoe & Kayak

and classes. 118 Main St., Milford, 513248-7787, roadsriversandtrails.com.

Smitty’s Cyclery

Barnett Bicycle Institute certified in advanced bicycle mechanics and United Bicycle Institute certified in frames. 6000 Wooster Pike, Fairfax, 513-271-3180, smittyscyclery.com.

Local brewery Fift y West has expanded their beer empire to include the great outdoors. Across the street from the taproom, fi nd a canoe and kayak rental for trips down the Little Miami River. Formerly known as the Mariemont Livery. 7605 Wooster Pike, Mariemont/ Columbia Township, 513-479-0337, fift ywestcanoe.com.

New bikes, parts, accessories and a full repair shop plus some awesome, occasional used bikes. 4122 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-5417786, spunbicycles.com.

Fift y West Cycling Company

TEAM Cycling & Fitness

More brewery sports. Located just off the Little Miami Scenic trail, Fift y West Cycling Company is a fullservice bicycle shop that also offers fittings, rides, rentals and bikes for the whole family. 7669 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, 513-731-9111, fiftywestcycling.com.

Galaxie Skateshop

Local skateboard shop with two locations. 4040 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-542-3400; 625 Monmouth St., Newport, Ky., 859-261-7292, galaxieskateshop.com.

Jim’s Bicycle Shop

Dedicated to Cincinnati and cycling since 1976. 8015 Plainfield Road, Kenwood, 513-793-1163, jimsbicycleshop.com.

Koch Sporting Goods

Cincinnati’s oldest and largest sporting goods store offering an array of men’s and women’s licensed sports apparel and accessories. 131 W. Fourth St., Downtown, 513-621-2352, kochsports.com.

MoBo Bicycle Coop

A bicycle cooperative (the only one in the city) dedicated to making Cincinnati a cycling hub. 1415 Knowlton St., Northside, mobobicyclecoop.org.

Montgomery Cyclery

Provides people of all ages, skill levels and experience with quality bicycles and fitness equipment, as well as related accessories and service. Multiple locations including 9449 Montgomery Road, Montgomery, 513793-3855, montgomerycyclery.com.

Northside Surplus

Military and tactical clothing, base layers, outerwear, bags, packs, knives, tools and camping and outdoor gear. 4019 Spring Grove Ave., Northside, 513-541-1405, northsidesurplus.com.

Piston Society

Motorcyle and urban scooter rentals. 1428 Race St., Downtown, 513-2770300, pistonsociety.com.

Reser Bicycle Outfitters

Sales and repairs on bikes for beginners and pros. 648 Monmouth St., Newport, Ky., 859-261-6187, reserbicycle.com.

Roads, Rivers and Trails

Independently owned adventure outfitter offering seminars, presentations 127

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Spun Bicycles

Bicycle shop offering bicycle fit, demo and repair services. 7765 Colerain Ave., White Oak, 513-522-1551, teamcyclingandfitness.com.

Trek Bicycle Store of Cincinnati

Offers a wide range of Trek bikes. 7576 Voice of America Drive, West Chester, 513-755-3773; 9695 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, 513-745-0369; 1999 Dixie Highway, Ft. Wright, Ky., 859331-2482, trekstorecincinnati.com.

Velocity Bike & Bean

Bike and coffee shop. 7560 Burlington Pike, Florence, Ky., 859-371-8356, velocitybb.com.

V I NT A G E / C O N S I G N M E NT Casablanca Vintage

Classic apparel and accessories from the 1920s-1980s. Also offers theater costuming, shoe repair and leather repair. 3944 Spring Grove Ave., Northside, 513-541-6999, casablancavintage.com.

Chicken Lays an Egg

Chicken Lays an Egg is what it looks like in John Waters’ brain. Vintage clothing, accessories and housewares. 4178 Hamilton Ave., Northside, facebook.com/chickenlaysanegg.

Gayle’s Vintage Clothing

Packed-to-the-brim vintage clothing, hats, accessories and costume jewelry. 106 Main St., Milford, 513-831-5404, gaylevintageclothing.etsy.com.

Hi-Bred

A curated boutique with vintage clothing, jewelry, vinyl, housewares and curiosities. 2807 Woodburn Ave., East Walnut Hills, 513-240-4664, facebook.com/hibredlife.

Julie’s Inspiration Consignment Shoppe

Gifts, jewelry, art, collectibles, furniture and clothing, from vintage to designer. 608 Main St., Covington, Ky., 859-291-8200, juliesinspiration.com.

Matt Joy

OTR bar Mecca is home to the only storefront location for DJ and collector Matt Joy’s highly prized vintage finds. Joy’s shop features an emphasis on Americana, including Pendleton blankets, denim vests, buffalo check jackets, leather boots

and interesting estate sale artwork. Mecca OTR, 1429 Walnut St., Downtown, facebook.com/meccaotr.

Mannequin Boutique

Women’s used-vintage and upscaleconsignment boutique where proceeds go directly to seven local service agencies, including the FreeStore FoodBank, Tender Mercies and Lighthouse Youth Services. 1311 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-8133982, mannequinboutique.org.

NVISION

Fun, affordable vintage clothing, rotating art shows and home furnishings alongside handcrafted, redesigned or repurposed items by local artists and designers. 4577 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-5424577, nvisionshop.com.

Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries

Clifton Location

2721 Vine St 45219 513-221-8288 Mon - Sat 12pm - 9pm @hybridimagetatoo

Hyde Park Location

1989 Madison Rd 45208 513-221-8288 Mon - Sat 11am - 8pm @hybridimagepiercing

Waxing Cincinnati 2525 years Waxing Cincinnati forfor Over Years

Heavenly Bodies Wax Spa

Cincinnati’s 5 Star Waxing Spa. Home of the 15 minute Brazilian Bikini Wax

A nonprofit that provides job training, employment, placement services and other community-based programs for those with disabilities via consignment shops and donations. Multiple locations including 3080 Markbreit Ave., Oakley, 513-631-6348, cincinnatigoodwill.org.

Pixel 19

Vintage clothing and accessories handpicked from a Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Film Association-registered set designer and costumer. 211 Klotter Ave., Clifton; warehouse at 2100 W. Eighth St., Price Hill, 513-476-2333, pixel19vintage.com.

Portaluca

Formerly 4th Street Boutique. A high-end thrift store that financially supports Dress for Success Cincinnati. 5383 Hamilton Ave., College Hill, 513-542-5800; 209 W. Fourth St., Downtown, 513-322-1782, portaluca.org.

Reunion Clothiers

The merchandise spans the 1930s to the 1980s, with a large focus on workwear and World War II items, made to be indestructible. Find Levi’s and Lee jeans that are all USA made, camo jackets, utility shirts, saddlebags, coveralls and plenty of leather. 1212 Main St., Over-theRhine, 513-7825, facebook.com/ reunionclothiers.

St. Vincent de Paul

Caring for those in need in Cincinnati and Hamilton County via thrift stores that provide furniture, clothing, household items and more. Multiple locations including 3015 Glenway Ave., Western Hills, 513-3470342, svdpcincinnati.org.

The Snooty Fox

A local chain of upscale furniture and clothing consignment shops. Multiple locations including 3854 Paxton Ave., Hyde Park, 513-5334700, shopsnooty.com.

Talk of the Town

3608 Marburg Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208 (513) 321-8252 | www.cincyspa.com A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

Vintage clothing and costumes for men and women. 9111 Reading Road, Reading, 513-563-8844, talkofthetowncincy.com. 128

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W O M E N ’S A P PA R E L / A CCESSORIES Alligator Purse

Sophisticated and edgy contemporary women’s clothing, including designers Diane von Furstenberg, Helmut Lang, Vince and more. 2701 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, 513-871-6171, shopalligatorpurse.com.

Continuum

An eclectic women’s clothing store and bazaar that features a curated selection of items from independent artists, designers and makers. 1407 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-429-5035, facebook.com/continuumbazaar.

Designer Items and More

New with tags, gently used or vintage designer clothing and accessories from the top couture houses around the world including Charlotte Olympia, Gucci, Versace, Moschino and more. 8919 Brookside Ave., Suite 101, West Chester, 513-349-2080, designeritemsandmore.com.

Donna Salyers’ Fabulous Furs

What began with a passion for animals and cruelty-free fashion has expanded into an online empire of beautiful faux fur products for women, men, kids and home. Sold in stores like Neiman Marcus, Saks and more. Showroom, 20 W. 11th St., Covington, Ky., 800-8484650, fabulousfurs.com.

Downtown Girl

Women’s apparel, handbags, jewelry and more. 7791 Cooper Road, Montgomery, 513-984-8837, searchable on Facebook.

Idlewild Woman

Clothing and lifestyle destination that embraces the beauty and creativity of the modern woman. 1230 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-3814059, idlewildwoman.com.

Hansa Guild

Moccasins, sheepskin shoes, clogs, hats, rugs and all sorts of other interesting global clothing and accessory imports. 369 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, 513-221-4002, hansaguild.us.

Khakis

Carries brands for men and women like Vineyard Vines, Lilly Pulitzer, Jack Rogers, Southern Tide and many others. 3445 Edwards Road, Hyde Park, 513-871-1212, khakiscincinnati.com.

Kilimanjaro African Heritage

African heritage and import store. Clothing, accessories, art. 310 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, 513-221-0700, africanforus.com.

Kismet

The best of Tulle, Free People, Billabong, Groggy, Dansko and other eclectic purveyors of women’s fashion and accessories. 2037 Madison Road, O’Bryonville, 513-871-7879; 1321 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-429-4073, facebook.com/kismetovertherhine.

Knickers of Hyde Park

Lingerie experts; also sells sleepwear, swimwear, accessories and gifts. 2726

T H E C I T Y F L E A / P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

Stop in today

Pop-Up Shopping Markets Cincinnati is brimming with local independent talent, from artists and chefs to small business owners. To accommodate, the Queen City also boasts a plethora of pop-up markets throughout the year so shoppers can meet, greet and support makers, making it easy to show some city pride while buying local. Art on Vine

Art on Vine started with just eight artists in a parking lot and now hosts more than 60 makers every month. Shoppers can fi nd a one-on-one monthly buying experience at Rhinegeist in fall and winter and Fountain Square in spring and summer. Various dates. artonvinecincy.com.

The City Flea

beehavenhoney.com

Cincinnati’s urban fl ea market showcases local artists, craft speople and homegrown businesses. Find fi ne art, vintage clothing and fabulous food all in one place. Vendors have been sprawling throughout Washington Park since the Flea’s inception in 2011, with a special bonus Kids Markets (offering children ages 4-14 the opportunity to showcase and sell their creative wares) and December holiday market. Third Saturday of the month AprilOctober. thecityflea.com.

Craft y Supermarket

An independent, juried craft show in the heart of the Queen City, Craft y Supermarket features vendors from across North America — like Etsy come to life. Founded in 2009, this event takes place two times a year: once in spring and once in winter. Various times and locations. craft ysupermarket.com.

Tasting Room & Wine Boutique

MainStrasse Village Bazaar

A quaint summer antique and art bazaar in the storybook-style MainStrasse German village. The focus here is on handmade, vintage and repurposed items, including furniture, homegoods, jewelry, clothing and crafts, all set up in vendor booths along the charming tree-lined Sixth Street Promenade. Fourth Sunday on the month April-October. facebook.com/mainstrassebazaar.

O.F.F. Market

Oakley’s neighborhood marketplace — aka the Oakley Fancy Flea — is home to food and beverage vendors, independent small businesses, artists and farmers from the region. Shop small and grab some grub. Markets are open air on the town square (or at MadTree brewery) in summer and markets take place inside, with bonus boozy brunch drinks, in winter. Last Saturday of the month May-December. theoffmarket.org.

6955 Plainfield Road Silverton, Ohio 45236

513.794.4388 /MeiersWine beehavenhoney.com

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We are urban beekeepers providing local honey, beeswax candles and gifts from the hive. Visit us weekends at beehavenhoney.com Findlay Market and our shop the Chocolate Bee. beehavenhoney.com 4037 Hamilton Ave. Northside, Cincinnati, Ohio 45223

Erie Ave., Hyde Park, 513-533-9592, knickersofhydepark.com.

Lane & Kate

High-quality, independently made accessories and gifts, including jewelry and watches. Also an outpost for floral shop Two Little Buds. 1405 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-381-0650, laneandkate.com.

LIBBY

A clothing store and jewelry studio. 1307 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-409-4256.

Leeli + Lou

Chic and affordable boutique for the trendy college girl. 2732 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, 513-873-2892, leeliandlou.com.

paolo a modern jeweler

A modern jeweler featuring everything from bridal to ready-to-wear and custom designs. 278 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, 513-751-2171, paoloamodernjeweler.com.

Pangaea Trading Co.

Eclectic women’s jewelry, apparel, shoes and more. 326 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, 513-751-3330, searchable on Facebook.

The Pink Box

Women’s clothing, jewelry, accessories and unique in-house, monogrammed items. 6929 Miami Ave., Madeira, 513-271-7900, facebook.com/thepinkbox.

Pink Tulip Club

Apparel and accessories for women

Sloane Boutique

Mix of American and European clothing and accessories catering to the edgy, urban woman. Also home to sloanebaby, a one-stop shop for fashionable mamas and their chic mini-mes, including onesies, T-shirts, moccasins and teethers. 1216 Vine St., Over-theRhine, 513-579-8111, sloaneboutique.com.

Soho Boutique

Well-edited selection of high-end dresses, separates and shoes. 2757 Observatory Ave., Hyde Park, 513-321-6930.

Swoon OTR

Inside the womb-like interior of lingerie store Swoon OTR, shoppers will find a selection of ethical intimates in

P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

ROS E & R EM I N GTO N

Newport, Ky., 859-916-8563, urbanchickboutique.net.

The Wardrobe

Chic, casual and sophisticated women’s clothing. 6816 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, 513-271-4800, thewardrobecincinnati.com.

Wiesnkoenig USA

A licensed supplier of original lederhosen and dirndls from Munich’s Oktoberfest. Items for men and women and accessories. Located inside the Christian Moerlein Malt House Taproom. 1621 Moore St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-304-4495, wiesnkoenig-usa.com.

Working Girls Co.

A locally based purveyor of feminist and satirical fashion and accessories. Find the line stocked in stores across the globe: hip spots in Los Angeles and New York, boutiques in Japan, Australia and the U.K. and the local Continuum. workinggirlsco.com.

M A L L S /O UT L E T S Cincinnati Premium Outlets

Banana Republic Factory Store, Calvin Klein, Coach, Levi’s Outlet Store, Michael Kors, Reebok, True Religion and more. 400 Premium Outlets Drive, Monroe, 513-539-0710, premiumoutlets.com.

Deerfield Towne Center

Francesca’s, Lane Bryant, LOFT, Ulta Beauty, White House/Black Market, Whole Foods and more. 5503 Deerfield Blvd., Mason, 513-770-0273, deerfieldtownecenter.com.

Florence Mall

Abercrombie & Fitch, Bath & Body Works, Buckle, H&M, Hot Topic, JCPenney, Macy’s, Payless, Sears, Tala’s Treasures, Victoria’s Secret and more. 2028 Florence Mall, Florence, Ky., 859-371-1231, florencemall.com.

Kenwood Towne Centre

LouLou’s

Women’s clothing, accessories, jewelry and bags focusing on simple styles. 6145 Bridgetown Road, West Side, 513-574-0839, shoploulous.com.

Monkee’s of Madeira

Trendy women’s shoes, clothing and accessories. 6928 Miami Ave., Madeira, 513-271-0038, monkeesofmadeira.com.

Morrison & Me

The only haute couture shoe store in Cincinnati offering shoes, bags and accessories. 2643 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, 513-232-7463, morrisonandme.com.

Ottoman Imports

A global bazaar of fashion and overseas imports. 523 Main St., Covington, Ky., 859-291-9555, searchable on Facebook.

and girls. 9395 Montgomery Road, Montgomery, 513-878-5552; 2651 Observatory Ave., Hyde Park, 513609-9393, pinktulipclub.com.

Pretty Pony Boutique

Fairly priced women’s clothing boutique featuring a selection of hand-picked apparel, shoes, gifts and accessories. 2220 Grandview Drive, Fort Mitchell, Ky., 859-341-7669, prettyponyboutique.com.

Rose & Remington

An eclectic boutique with affordable chic and contemporary clothing and jewelry. 9261 Governors Way, Loveland, 513-583-0088; 15 E. Main St., Downtown, 513-228-0799, roseandremington.com.

Sara Benjamin’s

Fashion-forward, fresh clothing and accessories. 6810 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, 513-272-2280, sarabenjamins.com. A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

earthy nudes and pale pastels, plus pasties, phallic geode chakra rubs, personal grooming products and musky-scented South American Palo Santo wood. 1421 Vine St., Over-theRhine, 513-404-8541, facebook.com/ swoon.otr.

Three French Hens

Eclectic trend-based clothing, accessories, home decor and gifts. 3444 Michigan Ave., Hyde Park, 513-321-1161.

Trend Boutique

Unique fashion at a moderate price. 2946 Markbreit Ave., Oakley, 513-3515574, trendcincinnati.com.

Truckshop

Cincinnati’s curated fashion boutique on wheels. truckshop.myshopify.com.

Urban Chick Boutique

Large selection of women’s dress and casual attire. 634 Monmouth St., 130

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Apple store, Anthropologie, Forever21, H&M, J.Crew, lululemon, Madewell, Michael Kors, Nordstrom, Sephora and more. 7875 Montgomery Road, Kenwood, 513-745-9100, kenwoodtownecentre.com.

Liberty Center

A mixed-use center that blends shopping with recreation, socialization and residential living. Also home to local comedy club Funny Bone. 7100 Foundry Row, Liberty Township, 513644-0900, liberty-center.com.

Rookwood Commons & Pavilion

DSW, HomeGoods, J.Crew Factory, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Nordstrom Rack, T.J. Maxx, Pier 1, REI, Sur La Table, Whole Foods and more. Corner of Edmonson, Edwards and Madison roads, Norwood, 513-2415800, shoprookwood.com.

Tri-County Mall

Charlotte Russe, Ethan Allen, Hollister, Hot Topic, Journeys, Justice, Sears and more. 11700 Princeton Pike, Glendale, 513-671-0120, tricountymall.com.

The

Cupboard A Glass Gallery

(513) 281 - 8110 2613 VINE STREET, CINCINNATI, OH 45219 @CUPBOARDTHE

the art of being unique

Mon-Fri 10-6, Sat 10-4 and Sun 12-3 w w w.y o r k v i s i o n i n t e r n a t i o n a l.c o m A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

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SECOND CENTURY PHOTOGRAPHY, FEMINISM, POLITICS A SYMPOSIUM PRESENTED BY FOTOFOCUS MEMORIAL HALL ON OCTOBER 7, 2017

Anne Collier, Woman with a Camera (35 mm, diptych), 2009. Inkjet print, 20⅜ × 24 inches. Courtesy of the artist; Anton Kern Gallery, New York; Galerie Neu, Berlin; The Modern Institute/Toby Webster Ltd., Glasgow; and Marc Foxx Gallery, Los Angeles. © Anne Collier

FotoFocus Presents FotoFocus announces Second Century: Photography, Feminism, Politics, a one-day symposium to be held at Memorial Hall, Cincinnati, on October 7, 2017. The symposium brings together a rich diversity of speakers to address a broad range of topics revolving around feminist approaches to photography and the political underpinnings of contemporary art practice. FotoFocusSymposium.org | FotoFocusCincinnati.org

#FotoFocus #FFsymposium #LensFeminism

ARTS

ArtWorks has been producing public art along the streets and on the sides of Greater Cincinnati buildings for more than a decade. Each summer, the arts nonprofit paints more than a dozen murals as part of its Summer Apprentice Program (geared toward youth), honoring the legacy of local creative individuals and the impact others had on Cincinnati culture â&#x20AC;&#x201D; from James Brown to illustrator Edie Harper and Pop artist Tom Wesselmann. The brightly rendered tributes complement other commissioned street art to beautifyâ&#x20AC;Ś and provide great photo ops.

P R E V I O U S PAG E , C LO C K W I S E F R O M TO P L E F T: N E W L I N E S S E R I E S ; E N O N A L L E Y, OT R / C I N C I N N AT I T OY H E R I TAG E ; 2 3 W. C O U R T S T. , D O W N TO W N / L O N D O N P O L I C E ; F O U R T H A N D S C OT T S T R E E T S , C OV I N G TO N / P E N D L E T O N M A P P E D ; 1 3 2 1 P E N D L E TO N S T. , P E N D L E TO N / E Z Z A R D C H A R L E S : T H E C I N C I N N AT I C O B R A ; 1 5 3 7 R E P U B L I C S T. , OT R / LITTLE NEMO IN SLUMBERLAND; 917 M A I N S T. , D O W N TO W N / C R A Z Y C AT, C R A Z Y Q U I LT; 1 1 07 WA L N U T S T. , OT R

ARTS

P H OTO S : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

Indicates winners from CityBeat’s 2017 Best of Cincinnati® issue.

A RT M U S E U M S Cincinnati Art Museum

Located in scenic Eden Park, the museum’s collection spans 6,000 years and includes galleries devoted to photography, folk art, antiquities, European painting and more, including works by Andy Warhol, Marc Chagall, Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin. The Rosenthal Education Center is a hands-on art experience for kids. 2017-18 exhibits include Anila Quayyum Agha: All the Flowers Are for Me (through Oct. 15, 2017), Ana England: Kinship (Sept. 8, 2017-March 4, 2018), Iris van Herpen: Transforming Fashion (Oct. 13, 2017-Jan. 7, 2018), Albrecht Durer: The Age of Reformation and Renaissance (Nov. 17, 2017-Feb. 11, 2018) and Terracotta Army: Legacy of the First Emperor of China (April 20-Aug. 12, 2018). Open Tuesday-Sunday. Free admission. 953 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams, 513721-ARTS, cincinnatiartmuseum.org.

Contemporary Arts Center

The city’s major downtown art facility, designed by late architect Zaha Hadid, features changing displays and exhibitions as well as special events, a hip café, a gift shop and the avant-garde Black Box Performance Series. 2017-18 exhibits include Swoon (Sept. 22, 2017-Feb. 25, 2018), Glenn Kaino (Nov. 17, 2017-April 22, 2018), Mark deJong (April 20-May 20, 2018), Chris Larson (April 20-May 20, 2018), Alison Crocetta: A Circus of One (May 18-Aug. 26, 2018), Firelei Báez (May 18-Aug. 26, 2018) and Kader Attia (June 8-Sept. 9, 2018). Closed Tuesdays. Free admission. 44 E. Sixth St., Downtown, 513-345-8400, contemporaryartscenter.org.

Taft Museum of Art

This fine art museum, the former historic home of relatives of President William Howard Taft, features a large garden, tearoom and historical displays related to the permanent collection in addition to changing and traveling exhibitions. 2017-18 exhibits include Elegant Geometry: British and American Mosaic Patchwork Quilts (Oct. 21, 2017–Jan. 21, 2018) and Louis

Comfort Tiffany: Treasures from the Driehaus Collection (Feb. 17–May 27, 2018). Open Wednesday-Sunday. Admission fee. 316 Pike St., Downtown, 513-241-0343, taftmuseum.org.

A RT GA L L E R I E S & S PA C E S 21c Museum Hotel

Cincinnati’s only museum hotel. Features rotating exhibits of Contemporary art and a permanent collection that includes site-specific commissioned works. 609 Walnut St., Downtown, 513-578-6600, 21cmuseumhotels.com/cincinnati.

1305 Gallery

Features works by local and upand-coming artists. Open for Final Fridays and select days during the week. 1305 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, facebook.com/1305gallery.

5th Street Gallery

Changing exhibitions by local artists. Inside Macy’s on Fountain Square, 505 Vine St., Downtown, 513-579-9333, 5thstreetgallery.com.

Anytime Dept.

An artist-run curatorial and event programming collaborative. The Hoffner Lodge, 4120 Hamilton Ave., Northside, anytimedept.com.

Art Academy of Cincinnati

The Art Academy offers several spaces for viewing works by students, faculty and others, with openings and events coinciding with Final Friday Gallery Walks. Chidlaw and Pearlman galleries, plus a Convergys space in the lobby. 1212 Jackson St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-562-6262, artacademy.edu.

ART Beyond Boundaries

This space, sponsored by The Center for Independent Living Options, features work by local artists with disabilities. 1410 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-421-8726, artbeyondboundaries.com.

ArtWorks

ArtWorks, a local arts nonprofit, connects professional artists A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

with apprentice students to create public murals and other works. Guided walking tours of downtown and Over-the-Rhine murals available. Admission fee. artworkscincinnati.org.

Basketweave Gallery

An alternative-art practice gallery that weaves together community and craft . 3105 Harrison Ave., Westwood, 469-774-5656, facebook.com/eli. walker.director.

BLDG

A creative refuge, design studio, community-mural painter and gallery for innovative and avant-garde contemporary art — frequently street art. 30 W. Pike St., Covington, Ky., 859-491-4228, bldgrefuge.com.

Bromwell’s Gallery

Cincinnati’s oldest business (founded in 1819) provides a forum to display art by and for the local community. 117 W. Fourth St., Second Floor, Downtown, 513-621-0620, bromwellsgallery.com.

C-Link Gallery

Inside Brazee Street Studios. Exhibits solo, group and collaborative works of Cincinnati artists, craftsmen and designers to encourage the purchase of locally produced goods. Hosts monthly shows in conjunction with Brazee open studios on second Fridays. 4426 Brazee St., Oakley, 513321-0206, c-linklocal.com.

Carl Solway Gallery

The only member of the Art Dealers Association of America in the Tristate, it features nationally known modern and contemporary artists in a variety of media. 424 Findlay St., West End, 513-621-0069, solwaygallery.com.

The Carnegie

A key spot in Covington’s visual and performing arts community. Hosts the yearly Art of Food event and culinary art exhibit, along with regional surveys and exhibits in painting, sculpture, video and more. 1028 Scott Blvd., Covington, Ky., 859-491-2030, thecarnegie.com. 134

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Cincinnati Art Club

Established in 1890. Offers peer review for area artists as well as educational opportunities and an outreach program. 1021 Parkside Place, Mount Adams, 513-241-4591, cincinnatiartclub.com.

Chase Public

Collaborative art space hosting weekly (if not bi-weekly) public events, encouraging discourse, collaborative art making, radical workshops and poetry readings. 1569 Chase Ave., No. 4, Northside, chasepublic.org.

Cincinnati Art Galleries

Offers pricing, exhibition and sale of American and European paintings. 225 E. Sixth St., Second Floor, Downtown, 513-381-2128, cincyart.com.

Clay Street Press, Inc.

A fine art press that specializes in small-edition hand-pulled prints in lithography, etching, woodcut and silkscreen. 1312 Clay St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-241-3232, patsfallgraphics.com.

College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning Galleries, University of Cincinnati Student work from one of the nation’s best-regarded art programs. Also hosts work from faculty. Dorothy W. and C. Lawson Reed, Jr. Gallery, DAAP Complex, Fifth Floor; Philip M. Meyers, Jr. Memorial Gallery, Steger Student Life Center, University of Cincinnati, 2600 Clifton Ave., Clifton Heights, 513-556-2839, daap. uc.edu/galleries.

Enjoy the Arts

A membership to Enjoy the Arts exposes students and professionals 35 and younger to local art. Provides tickets to a wide variety of visualand performing-arts education. 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate, 513-4557140, enjoythearts.org.

Essex Studios

Features more than 100 local artists’ studios, showcased at quarterly art walks. 2511 Essex Place, Walnut Hills, 513-476-2170, essexstudios.com.

Fitton Center for Creative Arts

Renowned arts center for the Hamilton area that hosts changing exhibitions and offers many education programs. 101 S. Monument Ave., Hamilton, 513-863-8873, fittoncenter.org.

Globe Gallery

An 800-foot storefront space in Findlay Market on the ground floor of People’s Liberty’s headquarters. The philanthropic lab gives grants to three individuals a year to transform the space into a provocative installation that engages the surrounding neighborhood. 1805 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-492-2659, peoplesliberty.org.

The Hive

the popular annual Magnitude SEVEN small works exhibition. Also offers internships, study opportunities and a drawing center. 2727 Woodburn Ave., East Walnut Hills, 513-861-3638, manifestgallery.org.

Marta Hewett Gallery

Offers exhibitions of rarely seen works in contemporary studio glass. The Annex at Pendleton Art Center, 1310 Pendleton St., Pendleton, 513281-2780, martahewett.com.

Mary Ran Gallery

A fine-art gallery dedicated to local and global 19th- and 20th-century American and European art. 3668 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, 513-871-5604, maryrangallery.com.

Northern Kentucky University Fine Arts Center

Showcases work by NKU students and faculty. Northern Kentucky University, 312 Nunn Drive, Third Floor, Highland Heights, Ky., 859-572-5421, nku.edu.

PAR-Projects

A gallery and workshop space housed in an old lumber-drying facility and shipping container. Along with rotating exhibits, the owners have touted a vision of an outdoor movie theater and arts education center. 1662 Hoffner St., Northside, 513-394-6564, facebook. com/parprojects.

Powerhouse Factories

Rock-poster shop and design studio. 33 E. Ninth St., Newport, Ky., 859-4910444, powerhousefactories.com.

Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County

Permanent and temporary art, book and historical exhibits are on view at the Main Library. 800 Vine St., Downtown, 513-369-6900, cincinnatilibrary.org.

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum

An outdoor sculpture museum focusing on monumental pieces. Also features an Ancient Sculpture Museum displaying historic

Cultivates mindfulness, creativity and intentional social engagement through retreats, events, classes and one-on-one direction. 1662 Blue Rock St., Suite 1A, Northside, 513-813-8769, cincyhive.org.

HudsonJones

A contemporary art gallery with high ceilings and a roll-up garage door helmed by Angela Jones. 1110 Alfred St., Camp Washington, hudsonjonesgallery.com.

Iris BookCafé

P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

A cozy OTR café boasting a locavore menu. Carries a wide collection of vintage books on everything from architecture and art to poetry and cooking. The walls are used to display rotating exhibits of fine photography several times a year. 1331 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, 513381-2665, irisbookcafe.com.

Kennedy Heights Arts Center

Hosts a variety of exhibitions and offers art classes. Recent expansion into a new annex allows for additional programming and classes, performing arts, concerts and special exhibitions. 6546 Montgomery Road, Kennedy Heights, 513-631-4278, kennedyarts.org.

C I N C I N N AT I A R T M U S E U M

Ledge Gallery

The gallery occupies a windowsill at Your Friends & Neighbors, an artsy shop inside Left Coast Modern furniture store in East Walnut Hills. The art elevates the everyday — household items, overlooked buildings, worn-out shoes and friendship. 2803 Woodburn Ave., East Walnut Hills, ledgegallery.com.

Lloyd Library and Museum

McMicken FreeSpace

An activist hub, infoshop and solidarity center that hosts educational events, film nights, art events and poetry readings. 527 W. McMicken Ave., Brighton, facebook.com/ mcmickenfreespace.

Miller Gallery

The library archive features books, holdings and ephemera centered around medical botany, pharmacy, eclectic medicine and horticulture. Also includes changing art exhibits. 917 Plum St., Downtown, 513-721-3707, lloydlibrary.org.

Exhibits national and international artists in all media in genres ranging from Contemporary Realism to Abstract to Traditional. 2715 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, 513-871-4420, millergallery.com.

Malton Art Gallery

An industrial multi-use venue in a historic brewery space with a DIY ethos. Hosts changing exhibits, live music, workshops, dance parties, open mics and more. 2260 Central Parkway, Brighton, facebook.com/ themockbee.

Changing exhibitions and collectibles. 3804 Edwards Road, Hyde Park, 513-321-8614, maltonartgallery.com.

Manifest

Features changing and frequently juried group exhibitions, including

The Mockbee

A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

Pendleton Art Center

Boasts eight floors of artists’ studios, which are open to the public each month via the Final Friday Gallery Walks, Second Look Saturdays and holiday open houses. 1310 Pendleton St., Pendleton, 513-421-4339, pendletonartcenter.com.

Pique

An open-ended art experiment where guests can view and even temporarily lodge with artwork, operated out of a two-unit storefront space. 210 W. Pike St., Covington, Ky., 859-322-9553, piquewebsite.com.

Popp=d ART

A mobile pop-up gallery housed in a converted 1963 Rainbow Caravan camper with the goal of increasing community interaction using the power of art. Find upcoming exhibits and locations at poppedart.gallery. 135

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Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Etruscan works. 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton, Ohio, 513868-1234, pyramidhill.org.

Red Tree Gallery

Coffee shop and art gallery featuring many group shows. 3210 Madison Road, Oakley, 513-321-8733, redtreegallery.net.

Studio San Giuseppe

Displays the works of regional professionals as well as Mount Saint Joseph students and faculty. Dorothy Meyer Ziv Art Building, Mount Saint Joseph University, 5701 Delhi Road, Delhi, 513-244-4314, msj.edu.

Thunder-Sky, Inc.

Founded in order to preserve the legacy of outsider artist Raymond Thunder-Sky and to provide an exhibition space for other unconventional artists in the area. 4573 Hamilton

Ave., Northside, 513-426-0477, raymondthundersky.org.

University of Cincinnati Park National Bank Art Gallery

Features student works from UC Clermont College. Snyder Building, University of Cincinnati Clermont College, 4200 Clermont College Drive, Batavia, 513-558-ARTS, ucclermont.edu.

Upstairs at The Greenwich

Changing exhibitions in a local nightclub/Jazz club. 2442 Gilbert Ave., Walnut Hills, 513-221-1151, the-greenwich.com.

Visionaries + Voices

Started with the vision of creating a space for artists with disabilities,

Weston Art Gallery

Changing exhibitions of local and regional artists. Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Downtown, 513-977-4165, cincinnatiarts.org/ weston-art-gallery.

Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center

Fondly known as “The Barn,” the center hosts children’s art classes, social events, lectures, art exhibits and more. 6980 Cambridge Ave., Mariemont, 513-272-3700, artatthebarn.org.

Xavier University Art Galleries

Features works by XU students and faculty. A.B. Cohen Center, First Floor, Xavier University, 11658 Herald Ave., Evanston, 513-745-1919, xavier.edu.

in the neighborhood. 2700-2800 Woodburn Ave., East Walnut Hills, facebook.com/walkonwoodburn.

ONSTAGE Aronoff Center for the Arts

The Cincinnati Arts Association presents a mix of entertainment and performances, including celebrity appearances, eclectic dance, live music, theater and the Cincinnati Ballet. Full calendar available online. 650 Walnut St., Downtown, 513-621-ARTS, cincinnatiarts.org.

Broadway in Cincinnati

Broadway Across America brings touring shows — mostly musicals — to Cincinnati. The 2017-18 season

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(Oct. 14-Nov. 11, 2017), Frank Ferrante in An Evening with Groucho (Nov. 4-Dec. 17, 2017), A Christmas Carol (Nov. 22-Dec. 30, 2017), Million Dollar Quartet (Jan. 20-Feb. 18, 2018), Be Here Now (Feb. 9-March 11, 2018), Marie and Rosetta (March 3-31, 2018), Sooner/Later (March 24-April 22, 2018), Ken Ludwig’s Treasure Island (April 21-May 19, 2018) and Murder for Two (May 5-June 10, 2018). 962 Mount Adams Circle, Mount Adams, 513-4213888, cincyplay.com.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

Resident company of experienced professional actors that present works by Shakespeare, as well as other classics, and one of the only company’s to perform all 38 plays in the canon. The company has moved to a new home in Over-the-Rhine. Its upcoming season includes A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Sept. 8-30, 2017), Dracula (Oct. 13-Nov. 4, 2017), The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Nov. 17-Dec. 9, 2017), Every Christmas Story Ever Told (Dec. 21-31, 2017), Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (Jan. 26-Feb. 17, 2018), Othello (March 2-24, 2018), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (April 6-28, 2018) and Noises Off (May 18-June 9, 2018). The Otto M. Budig Theater, 1195 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-381-2273, cincyshakes.com.

Cincinnati Young People’s Theatre

High school talent in an annual summer production. Covedale Center for the Performing Arts, 4990 Glenway Ave., Covedale, 513-241-6550, cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com/cypt.

Clifton Performance Theatre

Contemporary works featuring professional actors. The Liberty, 3938 Spring Grove Ave., Northside, 513-813-SHOW, cliftonperformancetheatre.com.

College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati

Visionaries + Voices now helps hundreds of artists fi nd their voices within Cincinnati. 3841 Spring Grove Ave., Northside, 513-861-4333; 225 Northland Blvd., Tri-County, 513-771-2999, visionariesandvoices.com.

Wash Park Art

A creative art gallery located across from Washington Park in the heart of Over-the-Rhine. 1215 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-2913626, washparkart.com.

Wave Pool Gallery

Art gallery, studio and residency program for emerging and established artists. Contributes to the local community through experimental art, interpretation and interactive programming. 2940 Colerain Ave., Camp Washington, wavepoolgallery.org.

GA L L E R Y W A L K S Essex Studios Art Walk

Recurring art walks inside a collective gallery with works from resident artists. Held first Fridays and Saturdays. 2511 Essex Place, Walnut Hills, essexstudios.com.

Final Friday Gallery Walk

A monthly gallery hop in historic Pendleton and on north Main Street. Meet artists, view and purchase artwork and eat snacks. 5 p.m.-midnight final Fridays. Main Street, Overthe-Rhine, finalfridayotr.com; The Pendleton Art Center, 1310 Pendleton St., Pendleton, 513-421-4339, pendletonartcenter.com.

Walk on Woodburn (WoW)

East Walnut Hills’ version of a gallery walk occurring on irregular Fridays corresponding with gallery openings A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

offers Wicked (Sept. 13-Oct. 15, 2017), Finding Neverland (Nov. 7-19, 2017), A Christmas Story (Dec. 5-10, 2017), Waitress (Jan. 9-21, 2018), School of Rock: The Musical (Feb. 21-March 4, 2018), Chicago (March 20-25, 2018), The King and I (April 10-22, 2018), Disney’s Aladdin (May 29-June 10, 2018) and The Book of Mormon (July 31-Aug. 5, 2018). Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Downtown, 513-621ARTS, cincinnati.broadway.com.

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

One of America’s best regional theaters and winner of two Tony Awards. With two stages, the Playhouse produces comedies, dramas, musicals, classics and new works. The 2017-18 season includes Shakespeare in Love (Sept. 2-Sept. 30, 2017), Mr. Joy (Sept. 23-Oct. 22, 2017), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time 136

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Professional-grade musical theater and drama productions. Corbett Auditorium, Patricia Corbett Theater or Cohen Family Studio Theater, University of Cincinnati, 2600 Clifton Ave., Clifton Heights, 513-556-4183, ccm.uc.edu.

Covedale Center for the Performing Arts

Renovated movie theater presenting semi-professional works, including musical theater. The 2017-18 season includes The Miracle Worker (Sept. 7-Oct. 1, 2017), Young Frankenstein (Oct. 19-Nov. 12, 2017), Annie (Nov. 30-Dec. 23, 2017), Guys and Dolls (Feb. 15-March 11, 2018) and Oklahoma! (April 5-29, 2018). 4990 Glenway Ave., Covedale, 513-241-6550, cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com/ccpa.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati

Excellent productions of local, regional and world premieres. The 2017-18 season includes This Random World (Oct. 10-Nov. 4, 2017), The

2017-2018 SEASON Welcome to our 2017-2018 Season! The intoxicating mix of passion, athleticism, elegant refinement, and classic modernity you love on the stageÂ now has an exciting new brand "look and feel" to match. We are delighted to share exhilarating collaborations, world premieres, and thrillingÂ performances with you many times in the months ahead. Join us!

Annie Fitzpatrick & Becca Howell in Bloomsday. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

FOR TICKETS OR TO SUBSCRIBE:

513.421.3555 OR www.ensemblecincinnati.org

17 18 SEASON

THIS RANDOM WORLD

by Steven Dietz

OCT 10 – NOV 4 THE DANCING PRINCESSES

book by Joseph McDonough music & lyrics by David Kisor

NOV 29 – DEC 30 THE HUMANS

by Stephen Karam

JAN 23 – FEB 17 RED VELVET

by Lolita Chakrabarti

MARCH 6 – 31 HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW

by Larry Parr

APRIL 24 – MAY 19 HEDWIG & THE ANGRY INCH

book by John Cameron Mitchell music & lyrics by Stephen Trask

JUNE 5 – JULY 1

SEASON PRESENTING SPONSOR

SEASON FUNDER

OPERATING SUPPORT

513.421.3555 ENSEMBLECINCINNATI.ORG

Dancing Princesses (Nov. 29-Dec. 30, 2017), The Humans (Jan. 23-Feb. 17, 2018), Red Velvet (March 6-31, 2018), His Eye is on the Sparrow (April 24-May 19, 2018) and Hedwig and the Angry Inch (June 5-30, 2018). 1127 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-421-3555, ensemblecincinnati.org.

Falcon Theatre

Semi-professional theater. Monmouth Theatre, 636 Monmouth St., Newport, Ky., 513-479-6783, falcontheater.net.

Footlighters, Inc.

The venue is nestled inside a historic church, with actors as passionate as if they were on Broadway. Stained Glass Theater, 802 York St., Newport, Ky., 859-291-7464, footlighters.org.

Know Theatre of Cincinnati

Adventurous company that presents plays with an emphasis on contemporary issues. Also manages the annual Cincinnati Fringe Festival at venues throughout Over-the-Rhine in early June. Season 20 features The Arsonists (Sept. 22-Oct. 14, 2017), Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere (Nov. 25-Dec. 17, 2017), SuperTrue (Jan. 19-Feb. 10, 2018), Kill Move Paradise (March 2-24, 2018) and Ada & the Engine (April 13-May 12, 2018). 1120 Jackson St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-300-5669, knowtheatre.com.

New Edgecliff Theatre

20thcenturycincinnati.com 513.738.7256

24th annual

70 Dealers

Founded in 1998, New Edgecliff Theatre’s mission has always been to create a powerful artistic experience utilizing local professionals. Presents contemporary dramas, comedies and musicals. Hoffner Lodge, 4120 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-428-7311, newedgecliff.com.

Northern Kentucky University

Musical theater and drama productions. Fine Arts Center, Northern Kentucky University, 1 Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, Ky., 859-572-5464, artscience.nku.edu/departments/ theatre.html.

School for Creative & Performing Arts

High school talent and productions/ concerts in drama, dance, vocal arts and music. The Erich Kunzel Center for Arts and Education, 108 W. Central Parkway, Over-the-Rhine, 513-363-8000, spca.cps-k12.org.

february 24-25, 2018 sharonville convention center exit #15 off I-75 show hours: sat & sun 11-5 $8 admission good both days

java preview sat. 9 am - 11 am $25 advance, $30 at the door media partners:

Taft Theatre

Little-seen recent works in an intimate space. Clifton Performance Theatre, 404 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, 513861-SHOW, untetheredtheater.com.

Warsaw Federal Incline Theater

A performing-arts venue in East Price Hill’s Incline District staging modern musicals and dramas. The 2017-18 season includes Cabaret (Sept. 28-Oct. 15, 2017), Five Women Wearing the Same Dress (Jan. 25-Feb. 11, 2018) and Monty Python’s Spamalot (March 22-April 8, 2018). 801 Matson Place, East Price Hill, 513-241-6550, cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com/incline.

Xavier University Players

Classics, musicals and new theater. This year’s season includes Cannibal Galaxy: A Love Story (Sept. 7-9, 2017), Legally Blonde the Musical (Oct. 19-21, 2017), The Laramie Project (Nov. 30-Dec. 3, 2017), The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later (Dec. 1-3, 2017), Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (Feb 2-4, 2018), Buried Child (Feb. 15-17, 2018) and Cabaret (April 12-14, 2018). Gallagher Student Center Theatre, Xavier University, 3800 Victory Parkway, Evanston, 513-745-3939, xavier.edu.

C H I L D R E N ’S T H E AT E R Calico Children’s Theatre

Children’s community theater. Krueger Auditorium, University of Cincinnati Clermont College, 4200 Clermont College Drive, Batavia, 513-558-ARTS, ucclermont.edu.

Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

One of America’s oldest professional theater companies for young audiences. Current season includes Peter Pan JR (Oct. 21-30, 2017), Cinderella (Dec. 9-18, 2017), Madagascar: A Musical Adventure (Feb. 10-18, 2018) and Mary Poppins (April 7-15, 2018). Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown, 513-569-8080, thechildrenstheatre.com.

Frisch Marionette Company

Traveling marionette and puppet theater focused on young audiences. Various venues, 513-451-8875, frischmarionettes.com.

Madcap Puppets

Features giant puppets and normal-sized actors. Various venues, 513-921-5965, madcappuppets.com.

Hosts frequent national and international musicians, along with comedians, theatrical productions and evenings with celebrities. Full calendar available online. 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown, 513-232-6220, tafttheatre.org.

A traveling local puppet theater. Various venues, 513-370-9803, wumpmucketpuppets.com.

Thomas More College Villa Players

ComedySportz Cincinnati

A liberal arts theater program. Thomas More College, 333 Thomas More Parkway, Crestview Hills, Ky., 859-341-5800, thomasmore. edu/theatre. A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

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Wump Mucket Puppets

C O M E DY ComedySportz — a type of friendly scrimmage for improvised comedy — began in Milwaukee in 1984 and boasts such alumni as Saturday Night Live’s Jason Sudeikis and The Daily Show’s Jessica Williams. Cincinnati

Unconventional Classical Concerts Local adventurous Classical music groups wield innovation and push the envelope, unexpectedly merging symphonic training with a modern mindset.

The Ariel Quartet

The Ariel Quartet is the quartet-in-residence at the University of Cincinnati’s multidisciplinary and internationally renowned CollegeConservatory of Music, which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. The ever-contemporary collection of visiting scholars are basically Classical rockstars — they sold out Carnegie Hall, mentored under Itzhak Perlman and have been rabidly praised by The New York Times — and you can see them at CCM for less than half their average ticket price. With four concerts per year, the 2017-18 season will explore the works of Beethoven, Schumann, Mozart, Shostakovich, Bartók, Brahms and more, ccm.uc.edu.

5,000 Years of Civilization Reborn

Catacoustic Consort

The world-class Catacoustic Consort breathes life into the rare and vanishing sounds of Early Music, authentically recreating everything from Renaissance chamber music to Baroque opera. Musicians exclusively use period instruments — like the theorbo, Baroque guitar and harpsichord — and historic technique to perform works in the way the original composer intended. catacoustic.com.

Classical Revolution Cincinnati

Classical Revolution Cincinnati is part of a larger, global movement that brings Classical music to accessible venues, like bars and cafés. Professional, student and accomplished amateurs perform second Sundays at Northside Tavern for free concerts. classicalrevolutioncincinnati.com.

Constella Festival

The kaleidoscopic Constella Festival was founded by renowned violinist Tatiana Berman and aims to cover the full spectrum of the arts every spring. Artists’ performances are meant to be “as unpredictable as they are unforgettable.” Last year’s programming included From Russia with Love, a hybrid film/concert that explored RussianAmerican relations, and Piano 2.0: Melding of Man and Machine, in which Dan Tepfer combined his talents in piano, physics and computer programming. facebook.com/constellafestival.

Public Sale on September 22

concert:nova

Founded in 2007 by clarinetist Ixi Chen, the adventurous concert:nova chamber music lab produces interactive and multidisciplinary “musical experiences.” With a fluid roster of musicians — including many from the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra — the group brings a classically trained soundtrack to modern events by blending Bach’s “Coffee Cantata” with craft coffee tastings, or performing French comedy Mozartly Yours in Rock venue the Woodward Theater. concertnova.com.

MYCincinnati Youth Orchestra

As part of this free urban youth orchestra program centered in Price Hill, kids ages 7-13 perform concerts across the region and collaborate with local arts groups and award-winning artists. Directed by violinist, composer and teacher Eddy Kwon, the in-house Ambassador Ensemble septet combines storytelling, avant chamber music and social criticism. mycincinnatiorchestra.org.

“This is the highest and the best of what humans can produce.”

Summermusik

—Olevia Brown-Klahn, singer and musician

If you think Chamber Music is a snooze fest, that’s because you haven’t attended the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra’s varied annual August concert series. There are traditional Saturday evening orchestral concerts, plus two series for more casual audiences: (A Little) Afternoon Musik, intimate Sunday programs where audiences can sit close to the performers, and Chamber Crawls in bars and restaurants around town, which present offerings like a beer tasting with a brass quintet or the music of Brian Wilson, David Bowie and Smokey Robinson with Classical tunes. ccocincinnati.org.

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February 16-17, 2018

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ShenYun.com/Cincinnati CincinnatiArts.org

Recent Flicks Filmed in Cincinnati

Movie-centric nonprofit Film Cincinnati is celebrating its 30th anniversary of cultivating film, television and commercial production in Cincinnati. That means on any given day it would not be unusual to see Bruce Willis walking down the street — or for some of the prestige titles filmed here to land a couple of Academy Award nods. Rain Man (1988) — OK, so this one isn’t exactly recent, but no list about locally filmed movies would be complete without Rain Man. The iconic film starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise features several Cincinnati landmarks, including the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge and the Dixie Terminal building. Pompilios (600 Washington Ave., Newport, Ky., pompilios.com), where the famous toothpick scene was filmed, has a dedicated Rain Man room. Ides of March (2011) — Featuring a host of big names like George Clooney, Ryan Gosling, Evan Rachel Wood and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, this political drama peels back the layers of dirty politics. Carol (2015) — Cincinnati gets a makeover as 1950s Manhattan for this film about a forbidden love affair between unhappily married Carol (Cate Blanchett) and young department store employee Therese (Rooney Mara). Recreate their secret date at Maury’s Tiny Cove (3908 Harrison Ave., Cheviot, maurys-steakhouse.com) — the scene was filmed at the West Side steakhouse, specifically at Table 11. Miles Ahead (2015) — This Don Cheadle-directed music film examines the life and compositions of famed Jazz musician Miles Davis. Keep a lookout for Music Hall (1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cincinnatiarts.org), which appears in a flashback scene Davis has about his wife Frances Taylor — eagle-eyed fans might recognize her dancing partner as 98 Degrees’ Drew Lachey. Marauders (2016) — After four armed robbers converge on a bank, their motives raise suspicion that the bank’s owner (Bruce Willis) and his high-powered clients may be behind the heist. Channel the action at Arnold’s Bar & Grill (210 E. Eighth St., Downtown, arnoldsbarandgrill.com), where the movie reaches its climactic ending. Goat (2016) — 19-year-old Brad (Ben Schnetzer) is determined to get his life back to normal after a terrifying assault over the summer. He enrolls in the same college as his brother (Nick Jonas) and pledges the same fraternity, but brutal and humiliating hazing rituals begin to tear them apart. The James Franco-produced movie was filmed in the city of Hamilton and is based off of Brad Land’s 2004 memoir. The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) — Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos’ controversial Killing of a Sacred Deer revolves around a charismatic surgeon (Colin Farrell) forced to make an “unthinkable” sacrifi ce when a teenaged boy he takes under his wing turns sinister. The fi lm, which also stars Nicole Kidman, is due for release Nov. 3, 2017. My Days of Mercy (TBD) — Lucy (Ellen Page), the daughter of a man on death row, falls in love with Mercy (Kate Mara), a woman on the opposite side of Lucy’s family’s political cause. Check out Page’s Instagram for behind-the-scenes pics of familiar locales like Clifton and Loveland Castle (12025 Shore Road, Loveland, lovelandcastle.com). The Public (TBD) — This Emilio Estevez-directed film puts the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County (800 Vine St., Downtown, cincinnatilibrary.org) — and the Queen City as itself — front and center. Centering on a standoff between police and library officials after the building becomes an impromptu shelter during extreme cold weather, the upcoming drama features Westworld actor Jeffrey Wright and The Wire star Michael Kenneth Williams. Reprisal (TBD) — This movie about an assistant bank manager (Bruce Willis) struggling to overcome PTSD after being violently robbed began filming at Yeatman’s Cove ( 705 E. Pete Rose Way, Downtown, cincinnatiparks.com) on Aug. 7, 2017, with additional filming expected to take place in Over-the-Rhine and at Cincinnati State University.

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Features national headlining comedians as well as up-and-comers. 7518 Bales St., Liberty Township, 513-7795233, liberty.funnybone.com.

8-11, 2018), Director’s Cut: Musical Masters (March 15-18, 2018), Bold Moves (April 26-29, 2018) and Family Series: Beauty and the Beast (April 6-8, 2018). Cincinnati Ballet Center & Mickey Jarson Kaplan Performance Studio, 1555 Central Parkway, Downtown; Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Downtown; Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-theRhine, 513-621-5219, cballet.org.

Future Science

Contemporary Dance Theater

is the 23rd city to be awarded a ComedySportz license. Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-878-6286, otrimprov.com/ comedysportz.

Funny Bone

A live multi-media sketch comedy show the last Sunday of the month, MOTR Pub, 1345 Main St., Over-theRhine, 513-293-0260, facebook.com/ futurescienceshow.

Go Bananas Comedy Club

Established comedy club featuring national and local acts. 8410 Market Place Lane, Montgomery, 513-9849288, gobananascomedy.com.

Nationally known acts perform a variety of dance styles from ballet to Jazz to Modern. Guest Artist Series performed at Jarson-Kaplan Theater at Aronoff Center for the Arts. 1805 Larch Ave., College Hill, 513-591-1222, cdt-dance.org.

venues, 513-505-6340, exhaledancetribe.com.

MamLuft&Co. Dance

This modern dance company performs original works. The Liberty, 3938 Spring Grove Ave., Northside, 513-494-6526, mamluftcodance.org.

Pones, Inc.

A dance collective that uses “pedestrian-inspired” movement to spark collaboration, connection and community. Various venues, 513-3197764, ponesinc.com.

CL ASSICA L M USIC Catacoustic Consort

Vocal and instrumental works from

Highly Improvable

Porter, Audra McDonald, Cirque de la Symphonie and Grace Potter. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-theRhine (and in summer at Riverbend Music Center), 513-381-3300, cincinnatisymphony.org/pops.

Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

Maestro Louis Langrée directs the fifth-oldest symphony orchestra in the United States. The symphony performs around 125 concerts a year, from enduring works by beloved composers to innovative and well-loved programs. The packed 2017-2018 season includes a performance for Music Hall’s Grand Opening Weekend (Oct. 6-7, 2017), Debussy’s Pelléas and Mélisande

PONES, INC. P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

A home-grown improv comedy troupe. Various venues, facebook. com/highlyimprovable.

Improv Cincinnati

Offers free intro to improv classes, as well as more complex fundamentals courses, plus weekly shows. The Liberty, 3938 Spring Grove Ave., Northside, 513-900-1110, improvcincinnati.com.

OTRimprov

Improvisational group inside Know Theatre offering performances and open-mic jams. Presents the annual IF Cincy Improv Festival. 1120 Jackson St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-878-6286, otrimprov.com.

Truth Serum Comedy Game Show

Comics either tell an outrageous true story that happened to them or make one up. From there, the audience decides what’s true and what’s not. Once the audience makes its decision, the host and comics reveal the answer. The person who guesses the most correctly wins a prize. Held on the first Monday of the month. MOTR Pub, 1345 Main St., Over-theRhine, motrpub.com.

DA N C E Bi-Okoto Drum and Dance Theatre

This African cultural ensemble performs throughout the year at various venues, with classes and weekly drum circles. 5601 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge, 513-221-6112, bi-okoto.com.

Cincinnati Ballet

One of the top ballet companies in the country. Also performs smaller works at its rehearsal studio and offers classes through the Otto M. Budig Academy. The 2017-18 season includes The Kaplan New Works Series (Sept. 14-24, 2017), Romeo and Juliet (Oct. 26-29, 2017), Frisch’s Big Boy Presents The Nutcracker (Dec. 14-24, 2017), Carmina Burana + Serenade (Feb.

DANCEFIX

An adult dance workout class produced by professional dancer and choreographer Heather Britt. Along with classes, DANCEFIX students also participate in local flash mobs and other dance events. Cincinnati Ballet, 1555 Central Parkway, Downtown; 9514 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, dancefi xcincinnati.com.

de la Dance Company

High-quality professional dance performances ranging from contemporary to full-length classical works. 5141 Kennedy Ave., Oakley; Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Downtown, 513-871-0914, deladancecompany.org.

Exhale Dance Tribe

A contemporary dance troupe made up of Cincinnati-based performing artists and dance educators. Various A N N UA L M A N UA L 2 01 7-1 8

Renaissance chamber music to Baroque opera that’s performed on antique instruments. Various venues, 513-772-3242, catacoustic.com.

Chamber Music Cincinnati

Presents well-known Chamber ensembles as well as newbies in concerts throughout the year. Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut Street, Downtown, 513-342-6870, cincychamber.org.

Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra

Small orchestra that performs a Classical repertoire. Various venues, 513-723-1182, ccocincinnati.org.

Cincinnati Pops Orchestra

Celebrities galore regularly pop into town to perform everything from Broadway showtunes to modern earworms. 2017-18 season includes special appearances by Gregory 141

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(Oct. 21-22, 2017), James Conlon conducts Mahler 1 (Jan. 12-13, 2018), Ravel’s La Valse (Feb. 16-17, 2018), Baroque Masterworks (May 5-6, 2018) and more. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-381-3300, cincinnatisymphony.org.

concert:nova

Exploratory chamber ensemble comprised of Cincinnati Symphony and Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra musicians that performs traditional and contemporary Classical music. Various venues, concertnova.com.

College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati

Presents hundreds of concerts, performances, recitals, master classes and more — often daily, often free. CCM Village, University of Cincinnati, 2600 Clifton Ave., Clifton Heights, 513-556-4183, ccm.uc.edu.

CSO Chamber Players

This small group of Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra members performs four Fridays each season. Various venues, 513-381-3300, cincinnatisymphony.org.

Kentucky Symphony Orchestra

Orchestra that caters to the common man with concerts built around approachable themes. Various venues, 859-431-6216, kyso.org.

Linton Chamber Music Series

The fi nest chamber music series in the Tristate, featuring worldclass soloists. Also presents Peanut Butter & Jam sessions for kids. Various venues, 513-381-6868, lintonmusic.org.

including guitar and piano series with artists from around the world. Gallagher Student Center Theatre, 3800 Victory Parkway, Evanston, 513-745-3939, xavier.edu/music.

VOCA L GRO UPS Athenaeum Chorale

Mount Saint Mary’s seminary choir specializes in religious Classical music. 6616 Beechmont Ave., Mount Washington, 513-233-6138, athenaeum. edu/discover/chorale.aspx.

Cincinnati Boychoir

Comprised of young men from more than 75 schools around the Tristate. Various venues, 513-396-7664, cincinnatiboychoir.org.

Cincinnati Men’s Chorus

Various music styles are featured and performed by GBTQ men and allies. Various venues, 513-542-2626, cincinnatimenschorus.org.

Cincinnati Opera

The nation’s second-oldest opera company stages productions every summer with national and international opera stars. Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Downtown, 513-241-2742, cincinnatiopera.org.

Cincinnati Song Initiative

Devoted to performance of the “art song.” An art song is poetry set to music by a composer. The performance consists of a vocalist and

Vocal Arts Ensemble

This professional choir performs a variety of historic and religious Western music. Various venues, 513-381-3300, vaecinci.org.

Young Professionals Choral Collective

Creates connections through choral music via more than 850 volunteer singers. Various venues, ypccsing.org.

F ILM Cincinnati World Cinema

Their mission is to provide the community with outstanding motion pictures that explore the human condition and celebrate cultural diversity. Various venues, 859-957FILM, cincyworldcinema.org.

Eastgate Brew & View

A restaurant and cinema that serves a full menu and craft drinks at your seat while you watch indie and mainstream flicks. 4450 Eastgate Square Drive, Eastgate, 513-947-2739, egbrewview.com.

Esquire Theatre

Offers movies from mainstream to foreign, including special themed events and midnight screenings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show with a live cast from the Denton Affair. 320 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, 513-2818750, esquiretheatre.com.

Film Cincinnati

P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

With the advent of Ohio tax incentives, the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Film Commission has done its best to bring Hollywood to the Queen City. Major movies are filmed here annually, like the forthcoming The Killing of a Sacred Deer Deer. 602 Main St., Suite 712, Downtown, filmcincinnati.com.

Holiday Auto Theatre

A drive-in open for more than 60 years. 1816 Old Oxford Road, Hamilton, 513-929-2999, holidayautotheatre.com.

THE MINI MICROCINEMA

Kenwood Theatre

MYCincinnati Youth Orchestra

Music for Youth Cincinnati is a free youth orchestra program with frequent performances. Inspired by El Sistema, a revolutionary youth orchestra from Venezuela, and founded on the idea that personal transformation can be achieved by striving toward musical excellence. MYCincinnati offers children in Price Hill the opportunity to learn violin, viola, cello or bass and play in an orchestra. 3120 Warsaw Ave., East Price Hill, 513-251-3800, mycincinnatiorchestra.org.

Northern Kentucky University

Various college performing arts. Greaves Concert Hall, 1 Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, Ky., 859-572-6399, nku.edu.

Xavier University

Various college performing arts,

Cincinnati Camerata

The area’s cutting-edge chorus performs a broad spectrum of works “from the Renaissance to the avant-garde.” Various venues, cincinnaticamerata.com.

Cincinnati Chamber Opera

Professional operatic productions in intimate, chamber settings and featuring young, emerging artists. Various venues, 513-580-4440, cincinnatichamberopera.org.

Cincinnati Children’s Choir

An educationally based choral ensemble program where participants learn vocal technique, sight reading, music history and music theory. An ensemble-in-residence at CCM. CCM Village, University of Cincinnati, 2600 Clifton Ave., Clifton Heights, 513-556-0338, cincinnatichoir.org.

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one musical collaborator, usually a pianist, in recital. Various venues, cincinnatisonginitiative.org.

Diverse City Youth Chorus

Performing arts organization for LGBTQ and straight youth ages 13-22, supported by MUSE. Various venues, 513-965-1568, diversecityyc.com.

MUSE: Cincinnati’s Women’s Choir

A feminist-centered, social justiceoriented chorus of women of diverse backgrounds, celebrating queer and straight identities. Various venues, 513-221-1118, musechoir.org.

Queen City Chamber Opera

A professional opera company that presents emerging artists in fully staged productions of repertory composers. Various venues, 513-5038323, queencityopera.org. 142

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Locally owned state-of-the-art theater screening everything from commercial to indie to foreign films. 7815 Kenwood Road, Kenwood, 513984-4488, kenwoodtheatre.com.

Mariemont Theatre

Indie theater in a neighborhood with eclectic restaurants and shops nearby. 6906 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, 513-272-2002, mariemonttheatre.com.

The Mini Microcinema

A nonprofit art-house theater that screens experimental film, video and media to highlight the work of artists and filmmakers outside of the mainstream. 1329 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, mini-cinema.org.

Starlite Drive-In

Celebrating more than 65 years of flicks, food and fun. 2255 State Route 125, Amelia, 513-734-4001, starlitedriveinohio.com.

N O R T H S I D E F O U R T H O F J U LY PA R A D E / P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

Fest Life

A guide to Cincinnati’s annual festivals and parties Appalachian Festival — 49th-annual. May 11-13, 2018. appalachianfestival.org. Bockfest — Celebrates OTR, Cincinnati’s brewing heritage and spring. March 2-4, 2018. bockfest.com. Bunbury Music Festival — Big-name Indie Rock, EDM and Hip Hop. June 1-3, 2018. bunbury festival.com. Cincinnati Food + Wine Classic — A weekend-long culinary fest. Sept. 22-23, 2017. cincinnatifoodandwineclassic.com. Cincinnati Fringe Festival — 15th-annual; two weeks of experimental theater. May 29-June 10, 2018. cincyfringe.com. Cincinnati International Wine Festival — Raises funds for local charities. March 7-10, 2018. winefestival.com. Cincinnati May Festival — A two-week choral festival around since the 1870s. May 2018. mayfestival.com. Cincinnati Music Festival — Big-name Blues, Jazz and R&B. July 26-28, 2018. cincymusicfestival.com. Cincinnati Pride — 45th-annual celebration of Cincinnati’s LGBTQ+ community. June 23, 2018. cincinnatipride.org.

Cincy Beerfest — Offers both summer and winter sessions with hundreds of craft beers to sample. September 8-9, 2017; Feb. 2018 dates TBD. cincybeerfest.com. Cincy Brew Ha-Ha — A riverfront beer and comedy festival. Aug. 2018. cincybrewhaha.com. Cincy Blues Fest — One of the longest-running Blues fests in the country. Aug. 2018. cincybluesfest.org. Flying Pig Marathon — Almost two decades old; a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. May 6, 2018. flyingpigmarathon.com. FotoFocus Biennial — A monthlong celebration of photography and lens-based art. Oct. 1-31, 2018. fotofocuscincinnati.org. Glier’s GoettaFest — Rooted both in German ancestry and Queen City history, this meat is made with pinhead oats, pork and beef scraps. Aug. 2018. goettafest.com. Hamilton County Fair — More than 160 years old. Aug. 2018. hamiltoncountyfair.com. Harvest Home Fair — A West Side street festival dating back to the 1860s. Sept. 7-10, 2017. harvesthomefair.com. Maifest — German celebration of spring. May 2018. mainstrasse.org.

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MidPoint Music Festival — Two days of live music in an urban setting. Sept. 23-24, 2017. mpmf.com. Midwest Regional Black Family Reunion — Celebrates the values of the black family. Aug. 2018. myblackfamilyreunion.org. Northside Rock N’ Roll Carnival — Beer, music, carnival sideshows and the best Fourth of July parade. July 2018. northsiderocks.com. Oktoberfest Zinzinnati — North America’s largest Oktoberfest. Sept. 15-17, 2017. oktoberfestzinzinnati.com. Panegyri — Greek festival! Food! Wine! Dancing! June 2018. panegyri.com. Reds Opening Day Parade — April 2018. findlaymarketparade.com. Riverfest — One of the largest Labor Day fireworks displays in the Midwest. Sept. 2, 2018. Searchable on Facebook. St. Patrick’s Day Parade — Held rain or shine (or sleet or snow or hangover). March 17, 2018. cincystpatsparade.com. Summerfair — Cincinnati’s premier fine arts and crafts festival. June 1-3, 2018. summerfair.org. Taste of Cincinnati — The nation’s longest-running culinary arts festival; 40th-annual. May 26-28, 2018. tasteofcincinnati.com.

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C IT Y B E AT E V E NT S Best of Cincinnati® — A party to fête the annual Best of Cincinnati® issue. March 2018. Bourbon and Bacon — And beer. Dec. 6, 2017. Brunched — A boozy breakfast club. June 2018. Cincinnati Burger Week — $5 burgers from participating restaurants. July 2018. Cincinnati Entertainment Awards — Honors the city’s best bands. Nov. 19, 2017. Cincinnati Pizza Week — $8 pizzas at the city’s favorite pizzerias. Nov. 6-12, 2017. Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week — Three-course prix-fixe menus from area restaurants. Sept. 25-Oct. 1, 2017; April 2018 . Hop Scotch — An Irish whiskey, Scotch and craft beer tasting event. Oct. 5, 2018. Margarita Madness — Vendors compete to make the best margarita; you win. May 2018. Porkopolis Pig & Whiskey Festival — Two days of barbecue, whiskey sampling and outdoor entertainment. July 2018. Sugar Rush — A smorgasbord of sweets. Aug. 2018.

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