24 minute read
EATS
FOOD & DRINK FOOD & DRINK
Frédéric Maniet opened Luca Bistro in October.
PHOTO: ASHLEY MOOR Frédéric Maniet opened Luca Bistro in October.
PHOTO: ASHLEY MOOR
Newly Opened Luca Bistro Showcases French Cuisine in a New Light Newly Opened Luca Bistro Showcases French Cuisine in a New Light Frédéric Maniet is committed to dishing up French Frédéric Maniet is committed to dishing up French food for everyone in Mt. Adams. food for everyone in Mt. Adams. BY KELSEY GRAHAM
BY KELSEY GRAHAM
Simple and French cuisine make up the unlikely duo at the newly opened Luca Bistro in Mt. Adams. Many times in the United States, French cuisine is considered a fancy option, but chef Frédéric Maniet is on a mission to change that in Cincinnati.
Maniet grew up in the south of France and always wanted to become a chef. “ at’s what I did my whole life,” he tells CityBeat. “It’s a passion of mine.”
At 16 years old, he started tagging along and helping his brother on weekends at his restaurant job, Maniet says. Years later, he graduated from culinary school in Avignon, France.
Maniet says he came to Cincinnati more than 20 years ago on what started out as an extended, adventurous trip to America.
“I traveled with my backpack and just wanted to visit America,” Maniet says, adding that during this trip, he met his wife, and they eventually married and had children. “One thing led to another, and I stayed in America.” e family moved back to France in 2007, eventually returning to Cincinnati three years later.
“I love America; it’s one of the greatest moves I’ve ever done,” Maniet says. roughout his time in Cincinnati, Maniet worked as a chef for private clubs, including the Queen City Club and the University Club of Cincinnati, often making what he describes as “fancy” French food. But this wasn’t his end goal.
“It always was a dream of mine to open a restaurant,” Maniet says.
Around 2021, things in Maniet’s world started shifting, allowing him to switch gears in his professional life. His children were becoming more independent, with one starting college and the other a year away from graduating high school, and his wife was recently promoted at work. With all of this, he knew it was the right time to start the next phase of his life: opening his own restaurant. anks to a friend of a friend, Maniet found Luca’s home in the former Daveed’s restaurant space in the hills of Mt. Adams.
With over 30 years in the restaurant industry as a chef and 15 of those being an executive chef, Maniet was ready to become a restaurant owner. After nding the right spot for Luca, he spent the next 11 months managing the renovations and decorating of the space with help from family and friends. “I wanted to make sure the space represents what I was looking for; that’s why I did everything — construction and decoration,” says Maniet. After almost a year of renovating, painting and decorating the space, Maniet o cially opened Luca Bistro on Oct. 14.
“My motto is French food for everybody,” Maniet says.
Luca Bistro is a casual space where patrons are meant to come often instead of annually, Maniet says.
“I want to see you come three times a week here rather than once a year on your anniversary,” he says.
Maniet says he always knew he wanted to show the simplicity of French food and let the avors speak for themselves. “When I did the country clubs, I was doing the fancy French foods and all those little things,” he says. “In today’s society, you can go to a food truck and, for $5, get one of the best tacos you’ve ever had. It’s a simple French bistro like we have back home in France.”
Luca Bistro o ers a set menu for diners for brunch, lunch and dinner at a price that is more modest than what often is expected at French restaurants. e menu is lled with cozy, avorful and laid-back dishes that Maniet says
Simple and French cuisine make up the unlikely duo at the newly opened Luca Bistro in Mt. Adams. Many times in the United States, French cuisine is considered a fancy option, but chef Frédéric Maniet is on a mission to change that in Cincinnati.
Maniet grew up in the south of France and always wanted to become a chef. “ at’s what I did my whole life,” he tells CityBeat. “It’s a passion of mine.”
At 16 years old, he started tagging along and helping his brother on weekends at his restaurant job, Maniet says. Years later, he graduated from culinary school in Avignon, France.
Maniet says he came to Cincinnati more than 20 years ago on what started out as an extended, adventurous trip to America.
“I traveled with my backpack and just wanted to visit America,” Maniet says, adding that during this trip, he met his wife, and they eventually married and had children. “One thing led to another, and I stayed in America.” e family moved back to France in 2007, eventually returning to Cincinnati three years later. “I love America; it’s one of the are common in French foods. “If you go to France, it’s not fancy,” Maniet says. “It’s chicken and fries, you know. It’s always very simple, and that’s exactly what this is here.” Maniet says he has been in the United States long enough to know he can’t always make food precisely as they do in France, since American palettes are di erent. He bases all of
greatest moves I’ve ever done,” Maniet says. roughout his time in Cincinnati, Maniet worked as a chef for private clubs, including the Queen City Club and the University Club of Cincinnati, often making what he describes as “fancy” French food. But this wasn’t his end goal.
“It always was a dream of mine to open a restaurant,” Maniet says.
Around 2021, things in Maniet’s world started shifting, allowing him to switch gears in his professional life. His children were becoming more independent, with one starting college and the other a year away from graduating high school, and his wife was recently promoted at work. With all of this, he knew it was the right time to start the next phase of his life: opening his own restaurant. anks to a friend of a friend, Maniet found Luca’s home in the former Daveed’s restaurant space in the hills of Mt. Adams.
With over 30 years in the restaurant industry as a chef and 15 of those being an executive chef, Maniet was ready to become a restaurant owner. After nding the right spot for Luca, he spent the next 11 months managing the renovations and decorating of the space with help from family and friends. “I wanted to make sure the space represents what I was looking for; that’s why I did everything — construction and decoration,” says Maniet. After almost a year of renovating, painting and decorating the space, Maniet o cially opened Luca Bistro on Oct. 14.
“My motto is French food for everybody,” Maniet says.
Luca Bistro is a casual space where patrons are meant to come often instead of annually, Maniet says.
“I want to see you come three times a week here rather than once a year on your anniversary,” he says.
Maniet says he always knew he wanted to show the simplicity of French food and let the avors speak for themselves. “When I did the country clubs, I was doing the fancy French foods and all those little things,” he says. “In today’s society, you can go to a food truck and, for $5, get one of the best tacos you’ve ever had. It’s a simple French bistro like we have back home in France.”
Luca Bistro o ers a set menu for diners for brunch, lunch and dinner at a price that is more modest than what often is expected at French restaurants. e menu is lled with cozy, avorful and laid-back dishes that Maniet says are common in French foods.
“If you go to France, it’s not fancy,” Maniet says. “It’s chicken and fries, you know. It’s always very simple, and that’s exactly what this is here.”
Maniet says he has been in the United States long enough to know he can’t always make food precisely as they do in France, since American palettes are di erent. He bases all of
Maniet did most of the renovating and decorating of the space himself.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF LUCA BISTRO Maniet did most of the renovating and decorating of the space himself.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF LUCA BISTRO
Luca Bistro serves up an assortment of French table wines. Luca Bistro serves up an assortment of PHOTO:COURTESY OF LUCA BISTRO French table wines.
PHOTO:COURTESY OF LUCA BISTRO
Luca Bistro’s menu features French recipes with an American twist.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF LUCA BISTRO Luca Bistro’s menu features French recipes with an American twist.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF LUCA BISTRO
his dishes on French recipes with slight alterations when needed.
“I’ve been here for so long, so I kinda know the taste and tweak a little bit,” he says. “Everything is French I put on [the menu].” e breakfast menu o ers familiar favorites like cheese, meat and vegetable omelets along with eggs benedict and pain au chocolat. Diners also can enjoy sipping on café drinks, including a regular café or café au lait, or even an Americano or orange juice.
For lunch, the menu changes to include salads and sandwiches, like a classic Niçoise salad topped with tuna steak and Dijon dressing and a mouthwatering croque monsieur layered with delicious gruyère and béchamel cheeses. e lunch menu also features a pan-seared salmon with an herb cream sauce. For those who are fans of mussels, there are the moules-frites that combine savory steamed mussels, white wine and frites for a robust dish. e dinner menu is similar to the lunch o erings with a few more options, including starters like a charcuterie board lled with French cheeses and tasty meats and basil Boursin crostinis piled high with irresistible Boursin cheese spread. And then there are the sides, with frites, ratatouille and cauli ower gratin waiting to complement the main dish, plus decadent dessert options such as chocolate mousse and orange crème brûlée that can be enjoyed during lunch or dinner.
Diners also can order an assortment of French table wines, including various reds, whites and rose choices, along with beers and cocktails.
Maniet says that so far, he has been overwhelmed by the warm welcoming and excitement Luca Bistro has
experienced from Mt. Adams. “ e support of the Mt. Adams community is unbelievable,” Maniet says. “What Mt Adams went through the past two to ve years was really hard on them. A lot of the restaurants closed, and college kids went to Over-theRhine… Most of the locals say, ‘ ank you so much for opening a restaurant here.’” As Luca Bistro grows its sta , Maniet hopes to keep expanding the menu and adding fresh, daily specials. For now, his dishes on French recipes with slight alterations when needed. “I’ve been here for so long, so I kinda know the taste and tweak a little bit,” he says. “Everything is French I put on [the menu].” e breakfast menu o ers familiar favorites like cheese, meat and vegetable omelets along with eggs benedict he’s excited to be part of Mt. Adams, introducing the Cincinnati area to a new way to dine French. “ e best advice, I always said: keep it simple,” Maniet says. “If you keep it simple, it’s going to be good, and that’s what this is. I keep it simple and straightforward, and the response has been extremely overwhelming.” and pain au chocolat. Diners also can enjoy sipping on café drinks, including a regular café or café au lait, or even an Americano or orange juice. For lunch, the menu changes to include salads and sandwiches, like a classic Niçoise salad topped with tuna steak and Dijon dressing and a mouthwatering croque monsieur layered with delicious gruyère and béchamel cheeses. e lunch menu also features a pan-seared salmon with an herb cream sauce. For those who are fans of mussels, there are the moules-frites that combine savory steamed mussels, white wine and frites for a robust dish. e dinner menu is similar to the lunch o erings with a few more options, including starters like a charcuterie board lled with French cheeses and tasty meats and basil Boursin crostinis piled high with irresistible Boursin cheese spread. And then there are the sides, with frites, ratatouille and cauli ower gratin waiting to complement the main dish, plus decadent dessert options such as chocolate mousse and orange crème brûlée that can be enjoyed during lunch or dinner. Diners also can order an assortment of French table wines, including various reds, whites and rose choices, along with beers and cocktails. Maniet says that so far, he has been overwhelmed by the warm welcoming and excitement Luca Bistro has experienced from Mt. Adams. “ e support of the Mt. Adams community is unbelievable,” Maniet says. “What Mt Adams went through the past two to ve years was really hard on them. A lot of the restaurants closed, and college kids went to Over-theRhine… Most of the locals say, ‘ ank you so much for opening a restaurant here.’” As Luca Bistro grows its sta , Maniet hopes to keep expanding the menu and adding fresh, daily specials. For now, he’s excited to be part of Mt. Adams, introducing the Cincinnati area to a new way to dine French. “ e best advice, I always said: keep it simple,” Maniet says. “If you keep it simple, it’s going to be good, and that’s what this is. I keep it simple and straightforward, and the response has been extremely overwhelming.”
Maniet hopes to give Cincinnatians a new way to enjoy French food.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF LUCA BISTRO Maniet hopes to give Cincinnatians a new way to enjoy French food.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF LUCA BISTRO
Luca Bistro, 934 Hatch St., Mt. Adams. Luca Bistro, 934 Hatch St., Mt. Adams. Info: lucabistro.com. Info: lucabistro.com.
EATS EATS 25 Greater Cincinnati Bars and Breweries With Immaculate 25 Greater Cincinnati Bars and Breweries With Immaculate Holiday Vibes
Holiday Vibes BY CITYBEAT STAFF BY CITYBEAT STAFF
Bars and breweries across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky are breaking out the tinsel and holly for some festive fun. For those in the mood to have a drink or two underneath a mistletoe, try a Yuletide-themed cocktail or check out some holiday events and activities — or for those just trying to get away from the family for some peace — these 25 Tri-State drinking establishments have the vibes to put B ars and breweries across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky are breaking out the tinsel and holly for some festive fun. For those in the mood to have a drink or two underneath a mistletoe, try a Yuletide-themed cocktail or check out some holiday events and activities — or for those just trying to get away from the family for some peace — these 25 Tri-State drinking establishments have the vibes to put anyone into the holiday spirit. anyone into the holiday spirit. Covington Yard Covington Yard 401 Greenup St., Covington Covington’s only food container park and entertainment venue got a winter wonderland makeover: Along with new winter cocktails, it also now has heated spaces where patrons can stay warm while sampling beers and cocktails and o erings from Mr. Bulgogi, Angry Omar’s Slider Shack, Nacho Average Taco Cart and Talons Cincy Fried. Patrons can also watch Christmas mov401 Greenup St., Covington Covington’s only food container park and entertainment venue got a winter wonderland makeover: Along with new winter cocktails, it also now has heated spaces where patrons can stay warm while sampling beers and cocktails and o erings from Mr. Bulgogi, Angry Omar’s Slider Shack, Nacho Average Taco Cart and Talons Cincy Fried. Patrons can also watch Christmas movies on an outdoor screen. ies on an outdoor screen. Arnold’s Bar & Grill Arnold’s Bar & Grill 210 E. Eighth St., Downtown e cozy Christmas and winter decorations at Cincinnati’s oldest, continuously operating bar will make customers feel merry and bright while catching up with friends and family this holiday season. Bar-goers can also catch e Naughty List, Cincinnati’s longest-running improv comedy show, 210 E. Eighth St., Downtown e cozy Christmas and winter decorations at Cincinnati’s oldest, continuously operating bar will make customers feel merry and bright while catching up with friends and family this holiday season. Bar-goers can also catch e Naughty List, Cincinnati’s longest-running improv comedy show, here Dec. 13-15 and Dec. 20-22. here Dec. 13-15 and Dec. 20-22. Bridgeview Box Park Bridgeview Box Park 1 Levee Way, Newport Head to Bridgeview Box Park to admire Newport on the Levee’s Christmas tree and other festive trimmings from the cozy comfort of a heated igloo. Each igloo is decked in holiday decor, with food and drinks available from Rotolo. It’s the perfect place to stop and warm up after a walk across the Purple People Bridge, which is also lit up for 1 Levee Way, Newport Head to Bridgeview Box Park to admire Newport on the Levee’s Christmas tree and other festive trimmings from the cozy comfort of a heated igloo. Each igloo is decked in holiday decor, with food and drinks available from Rotolo. It’s the perfect place to stop and warm up after a walk across the Purple People Bridge, which is also lit up for the holidays. the holidays. Vista at Lytle Park Vista at Lytle Park 311 Pike St., Downtown e rooftop at Vista at Lytle Park will be decked out with heated “snow globes” aka igloos, full of themed winter decor, r trees, ornaments and woodsy ephemera like cute critters and pinecones. Get hot chocolate, food and 311 Pike St., Downtown e rooftop at Vista at Lytle Park will be decked out with heated “snow globes” aka igloos, full of themed winter decor, r trees, ornaments and woodsy ephemera like cute critters and pinecones. Get hot chocolate, food and cocktails delivered. cocktails delivered. e Bar at Palm Court e Bar at Palm Court 35 W. Fifth St. #2801, Downtown 35 W. Fifth St. #2801, Downtown is beautiful art deco lounge inside is beautiful art deco lounge inside
Dining igloos have come to Bridgeview Box Park.
PHOTO:FACEBOOK.COM/NEWPORTONTHELEVEE Dining igloos have come to Bridgeview Box Park.
PHOTO:FACEBOOK.COM/NEWPORTONTHELEVEE the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza Hotel in Downtown is decorated in reds and greens for the holiday season. It’s also bringing back the Dickens Brunch on Sundays in December, which features a seafood bar, carvery and a chocolate fountain, along with Hotel in Downtown is decorated in reds and greens for the holiday season. It’s also bringing back the Dickens Brunch on Sundays in December, which features a seafood bar, carvery and a chocolate fountain, along with live music and carolers. live music and carolers. MadTree Brewing MadTree Brewing 3301 Madison Road, Oakley In addition to the taproom being dressed up for the holidays, MadTree has a heated winter tent up for the season. e taproom also is hosting a variety of holiday-themed activities, including the winter market, where patrons can shop for gifts from local vendors, and holiday craft nights. Bring a dog to Santa Paws to get Fido’s photo with Santa and shop local pet businesses on Dec. 10. And on Dec. 17, MadTree will throw an ugly sweater party with live music and a Grinch3301 Madison Road, Oakley In addition to the taproom being dressed up for the holidays, MadTree has a heated winter tent up for the season. e taproom also is hosting a variety of holiday-themed activities, including the winter market, where patrons can shop for gifts from local vendors, and holiday craft nights. Bring a dog to Santa Paws to get Fido’s photo with Santa and shop local pet businesses on Dec. 10. And on Dec. 17, MadTree will throw an ugly sweater party with live music and a Grinchthemed cocktail. themed cocktail. 13 Below Brewery 13 Below Brewery 7391 Forbes Road, Sayler Park 13 Below Brewery is hosting several holiday-themed activities throughout the month, including the Frisch Marionettes Christmas Show on Dec. 10, a cookie decorating night on Dec. 14 and 7391 Forbes Road, Sayler Park 13 Below Brewery is hosting several holiday-themed activities throughout the month, including the Frisch Marionettes Christmas Show on Dec. 10, a cookie decorating night on Dec. 14 and holiday movie trivia night on Dec. 15. holiday movie trivia night on Dec. 15. HomeMakers Bar HomeMakers Bar 39 E. 13th St., Over-the-Rhine 39 E. 13th St., Over-the-Rhine
Arnold’s Bar and Grill has a “Naughty List” for the holidays.
PHOTO:FACEBOOK.COM/ARNOLDSBAR Arnold’s Bar and Grill has a “Naughty List” for the holidays.
PHOTO:FACEBOOK.COM/ARNOLDSBAR
HomeMakers Bar has decked the HomeMakers Bar has decked the halls patrons into the holiday spirit. On ursdays, it brings out smoked cocktails, and theTiki Tuesday menu has halls patrons into the holiday spirit. On ursdays, it brings out smoked cocktails, and theTiki Tuesday menu has holiday twists on classic tiki drinks. holiday twists on classic tiki drinks. Pennifold’s Pub Pennifold’s Pub 1834 Race St., Over-the-Rhine O ering a little bit of Hogwarts 1834 Race St., Over-the-Rhine O ering a little bit of Hogwarts in Over-the-Rhine, Pennifold’s Pub in Over-the-Rhine, Pennifold’s Pub turned the bar in the back of the turned the bar in the back of the Cosmic Gorilla comic book shop into a haven for Harry Potter fans this summer; now it’s gotten a Christmas makeover. e bar has been decorated in striped scarves for every house, with owls and fantastic beasts mixed in with garlands, ornaments and oating candles. Cocktails (and mocktails) Cosmic Gorilla comic book shop into a haven for Harry Potter fans this summer; now it’s gotten a Christmas makeover. e bar has been decorated in striped scarves for every house, with owls and fantastic beasts mixed in with garlands, ornaments and oating candles. Cocktails (and mocktails) include a warm butterscotch ale, like include a warm butterscotch ale, like
Igloos and holiday decor abound at The View at Shires’ Garden.
PHOTO: FACEBOOK.COM/SHIRESGARDEN
Harry Potter’s favorite Butterbeer, and a Pumpkin Delight with Irish whiskey.
AC Upper Deck
135 Joe Nuxhall Way, e Banks
Get a birds-eye view of e Banks from the igloos at the AC Upper Deck. e igloos’ colorful lights will make Deck-goers feel like they’re inside a Christmas tree bulb. Stop by on Dec. 10 for Cincinnati SantaCon or on Dec. 17 for the Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl.
Miracle at the Overlook Lodge
6083 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge is immersive Christmas bar is back for another year. Buy a ticket to experience Miracle at the Overlook Lodge and get an hour and 15 minutes in the bar. e experience includes a welcome shot and two festive-themed cocktails, a holiday clip show and “over-the-top decor,” according to the bar.
e View at Shires’ Garden
309 Vine St., 10th Floor, Downtown e rooftop deck at Shires’ Garden has brought back its igloos and special garden greenhouses for the winter in addition to its colorful holiday lights to help patrons live out Hallmark movie fantasies. e menu also has some cozy cocktails and hot drinks to keep booze appreciators warm throughout the season.
Tiki Tiki Bang Bang
965 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills
Gorilla Cinema is hosting Sippin’ Santa, a tropical holiday pop-up, at their Walnut Hills bar, Tiki Tiki Bang Bang, until Dec. 31. Enjoy the immersive tropical decor while sipping on an all-new cocktail menu with drinks like the Kris Kringle Colada and Island of Mis t Toys. e bar also will have theme nights, including a Star Wars Christmas PJ party on Dec. 14 and holiday carolers on Dec. 22.
Fifty West Brewing Company
7605 Wooster Pike, Columbia Township
Fifty West has once again transformed into a winter wonderland with an ice skating rink, re pits, large heated tents and hot beverages (boozy and otherwise) to help chase away the winter blues. Santa Claus will be making pre-Christmas pit stops here on Dec. 10 and Dec. 18 for photo ops with the whole family, pups included. Dec. 18 also brings goat yoga, with the goats arriving in their most festive holiday sweaters.
Fishbowl at e Banks
141 E. Freedom Way, e Banks
For a bar that feels like Christmas at the beach, Fishbowl at e Banks is the place to be. With tropical and holiday decor, signature spiked hot chocolate and a Christmas Cookie
AC Upper Deck’s igloos and holiday decor are on display now.
PHOTO: FACEBOOK.COM/ACUPPERDECK
Shot, patrons will feel like partying with Santa into the new year. e bar is also an o cial stop for the Dec. 10 Cincinnati SantaCon.
Frosthaus
115 Park Place, Covington
Frosthaus is getting cozy for the season with outdoor igloos and holiday movie-themed trivia nights throughout December. ose who have wondered what Buddy the Elf’s breakfast of chocolate syrup and spaghetti tastes like can nd out by ordering an Elf Spaghetti Eis, courtesy of Eishaus, from now until Dec. 30.
West Side Brewing
3044 Harrison Ave., Westwood
West Side Brewing has its Christmas decorations up and holiday-themed beers on tap, including the Holiday Ale and their vanilla Baltic porter, Krampus Coal. e bar also will host a holiday market on Saturday, Dec. 10.
Covington Yard shows holiday movies on an outdoor screen during the holiday season.
PHOTO: FACEBOOK.COM/COVINGTONYARD
Moerlein Lager House
115 Joe Nuxhall Way, e Banks
Moerlein Lager House is helping to host the Servatii Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt throughout December, which o ers gifts from local vendors. Afterward, warm up in one the igloos, featuring high-top cocktail tables and electric replaces. Order Moerlein’s reception package, which includes two hot and two cold options from the small bites menu. Santa Claus will also stop by the restaurant for brunch on Dec. 10 and Dec. 17.
Somerset
139 E McMicken Ave., Over-the-Rhine
If you’re tired of “Jingle Bells”-this and “All I Want for Christmas Is You”-that, Somerset’s Lounge Bar with its dark academia vibes and cozy replace is a great place to brood with a delicious cocktail during the holidays. It will host a Winter Solstice party on the darkest evening of the year – Dec. 21.
Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar
629 Main St., Covington
Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar’s bottle shop is stocked up with gifts galore and will help bourbon connaisseurs get into the spirit of the season with its annual holiday party starting at 2 p.m. Dec. 17. e shop will have plenty of holiday drinks and snacks, a Secret Santa pour exchange “(shots for shots, baby)” and a surprise rye barrel release, as well as cozy res inside and out.
Urban Artifact
1660 Blue Rock St., Northside
Urban Artifact is celebrating the season with its holiday-themed brews,
Tiki Tiki Bang Bang’s Kris Kringle Colada
PHOTO: FACEBOOK.COM/TIKITIKIBANGBANG A festive cocktail from Miracle at the Overlook Lodge
PHOTO: FACEBOOK.COM/OVERLOOKLODGE
including the Sugar Plum American fruit tart and the Xmas Pickle gose.
Jerry’s Jug House
414 E. Seventh St., Newport is Newport bar has the “holidaze” decor out and Great Lakes’ Christmas Ale on tap. It also has a special “Jerry’s Jug House” hat for sale during the holiday season.
Queen City Radio
222 W 12th St., Over-the-Rhine
Each year, dogs in their best holiday wear stroll through Over-the-Rhine as part of the OTR Raildog Parade, which kicks o at Queen City Radio on Dec. 17 at 3 p.m. Queen City Radio says there will be plenty of treats, hot cocoa and cider to go around. e bar also will host an ornament-making session on Dec. 9, and afterward, patrons can enjoy a drink around one of the outdoor re pits.
Hofbräuhaus
200 ird St., Newport is German bier hall is decked out in its holiday nery and now has its Christmas Lager on tap. Santa also will make a stop here for Family Night on Dec. 13 from 6-9 p.m.
Northside Yacht Club
4231 Spring Grove Ave., Northside is rock-and-roll bar and gastropub gets a bit of a naughty holiday makeover as the mermaid mascot dons a pair of sparkling red pasties and a Santa-beard merkin. Keep an eye out for colored lights, a giant mounted sh in St. Nick cosplay and Santa beards on almost every item in the establishment.