CityBeat | Best Of Cincinnati 2022 by Chava Communications

Best CincinNati of

2022

THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

® 1

THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

BEST OF CINCINNATI

CityBeat has been in the business of curating the Best Of Cincinnati® for more than 25 years, highlighting the city’s most outstanding selections in Arts & Culture, Eats, Shops & Services, Music & Nightlife, City Life and Sports & Recreation. And the responsibility of selecting these exceptional entities is divided between our readers and staff. This year, readers logged onto the ballot site to vote for their favorites in broad categories like Best New Restaurant, Best Free Attraction and Best Boutique, with more niche topics including Best Hot Dog, Best Place to Play Pool and Best Haunted House. You might not need to know who makes the Best Wedding Cakes right now, or who the Best Lawyer is, but when you do, we’ve got you covered. For the Staff Picks — selected by a slightly smaller number of humans — we curated an assemblage of and wrote about our favorite Cincinnati people, places and things (and city steps to walk and comic book shops with cocktails and cat cafes) — all stuff we like, appreciate and want other people to know about. Picks for both the Reader and Staff sections span the time period between March 2021 and March 2022. Of course, not everything we want to highlight about the city could fit into this issue, but we tried to cram as much in here as we could. So if your favorite brewery or Bengals player or chili parlor isn’t featured, there’s always next year.

ARTS & CULTURE 07 READER PICKS 13 STAFF PICKS

MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE 101 READER PICKS 111 STAFF PICKS

PUBLISHER TONY FRANK

EDITORIAL INTERNS MICHAEL ASHER

EDITOR IN CHIEF MAIJA ZUMMO

PHOTOGRAPHY INTERNS CASEY ROBERTS,STEPHANIE SCARBROUGH

MANAGING EDITOR ALLISON BABKA

MARKETING AND EVENTS DIRECTOR JESSICA TOMAIN

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SENIOR DIGITAL MARKETING CONSULTANT MARK COLEMAN

CALENDAR EDITOR, WRITER SEAN M. PETERS

SENIOR MULTIMEDIA ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE DAN RADANK

ART DIRECTOR TALON HAMPTON

CITY LIFE 33 READER PICKS 39 STAFF PICKS

SHOPS & SERVICES 123 READER PICKS 143 STAFF PICKS

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EATS 53 READER PICKS 79 STAFF PICKS

SPORTS & RECREATION 157 READER PICKS 161 STAFF PICKS

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Arts & Culture READER PICKS ART GALLERY

CHARITY FESTIVAL/EVENT

GALLERY EXHIBIT

FOUNTAIN SQUARE EVENT

1. Cincinnati Art Museum 2. 21c Museum Hotel 3. Taft Museum of Art

1. Gee Horton: Coming of Age Chapter I – In Search of Self… Identity (Weston Art Gallery) 2. Panorama of Cincinnati Art (Cincinnati Art Galleries) 3. SPACE: A Solo Show by Tenzing (DSGN CLLCTV)

ART MUSEUM

1. Cincinnati Art Museum 2. Contemporary Arts Center 3. Taft Museum of Art

ARTWORKS MURAL

1. “Fiona and Bibi at the Cincinnati Zoo” 2. “Cincinnati Toy Heritage” 3. “Charley Harper’s Beguiled by the Wild” 4. “Ezzard Charles: The Cincinnati Cobra” 5. “Martha, the Last Passenger Pigeon” 6. “Democracy!” 7. “Dream Big and Fly High” 8. “Homecoming (Blue Birds)” 9. “Swing Around Rosie” 10. “Mr. Dynamite”

CHURCH FESTIVAL

1. Panegyri Greek Festival 2. St. Cecilia Festival 3. Immaculate Heart of Mary Festival

1. Cincinnati Pride 2. Flying Pig Marathon 3. Cincy Beerfest

1. Reds Opening Day Rally on the Square 2. Ice Rink on Fountain Square 3. Salsa on the Square

FREE ATTRACTION

1. Findlay Market 2. Smale Riverfront Park 3. Jungle Jim's International Market 4. Cincinnati Art Museum 5. Washington Park 6. Cincinnati Public Library 7. Newport on the Levee 8. Contemporary Arts Center 9. Fountain Square 10. 21c Museum Hotel

HAUNTED HOUSE

1. The Dent Schoolhouse 2. Kings Island’s Halloween Haunt 3. The USS Nightmare

HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAY

1. Festival of Lights (Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden) 2. Christmas Nights of Lights (Coney Island) 3. Light in the Forest (Cincinnati Nature Center)

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INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT

LOCAL COMEDIAN

KID-FRIENDLY ATTRACTION

LOCAL DANCE GROUP

1. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (@cincinnatizoo) 2. Cincinnati Refined (@cincyrefined) 3. Megan Mitchell (@megan.mitchellll)

1. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden 2. The Children's Museum at the Cincinnati Museum Center 3. Kings Island 4. Newport Aquarium 5. Cincinnati Parks 6. Smale Riverfront Park 7. Great Parks of Hamilton County 8. Washington Park 9. Cincinnati Art Museum 10. Cincinnati Nature Center

LOCAL ACTOR/ACTRESS 1. Bob Herzog 2. Annie Fitzpatrick 3. Mark Borison 4. Kali Marsh 5. Andrew Maloney 6. Maggie Lou Rader 7. Rachel Perin 8. Jeremy Dubin 9. Erin Ward 10. Terrance Huff

LOCAL ARTIST

1. Pam Kravetz 2. Kevin Necessary 3. Anthony “Tank” Mansfield

LOCAL AUTHOR 1. Phil Nuxhall 2. Curtis Sittenfeld 3. J.M. Clark

LOCAL CLASSICAL MUSIC GROUP 1. Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra 2. Cincinnati Pops Orchestra 3. MUSE, Cincinnati’s Women’s Choir

THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

1. Gary Owen 2. Josh Sneed 3. Kelly Collette

1. Cincinnati Ballet 2. Cin City Burlesque 3. McGing Irish Dancers

LOCAL FILMMAKER 1. Cincy Stories 2. Evan Holt 3. Biz Graves Young

LOCAL IMPROV/SKETCH COMEDY GROUP 1. Improv Cincinnati 2. OTRimprov 3. Not My Boyfriend

LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER 1. Catie Viox 2. Samuel Greenhill 3. Lauren Burt

LOCAL THEATER COMPANY 1. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park 2. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company 3. Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

LOCAL TOUR

1. Spring Grove tours 2. Pedal Wagon 3. ArtWorks mural tours

LOCAL VOCAL ARTS GROUP 1. MUSE, Cincinnati’s Women’s Choir 2. May Festival Chorus 3. Cincinnati Youth Choir

Arts & Culture MOVIE THEATER

OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL ARTISTS

MUSEUM EXHIBIT

PLAY (PROFESSIONAL)

1. Esquire Theatre 2. AMC Newport on the Levee 20 3. Mariemont Theatre

1. The Science Behind Pixar (Cincinnati Museum Center) 2. Frank Duveneck: American Master (Cincinnati Art Museum) 3. Dimensions in Testimony (Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center)

MUSEUM

1. Cincinnati Museum Center 2. Cincinnati Art Museum 3. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center 4. American Sign Museum 5. Contemporary Arts Center 6. Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum 7. Taft Museum of Art 8. Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center 9. Cincinnati Fire Museum 10. Heritage Village Museum

NEW THING

1. Joe Burrow/Winning Bengals season 2. Vaccinations 3. Mayor Aftab Pureval 4. TQL Stadium 5. Somerset 6. Ghost Baby 7. Art Climb at the Cincinnati Art Museum 8. “Feed Me” mural in Covington 9. Wasson Way 10. The Jungle Jim's Podcast

OLD THING

1. Findlay Market 2. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden 3. Union Terminal 4. Roebling Suspension Bridge 5. Krohn Conservatory 6. Spring Grove 7. Over-the-Rhine 8. Music Hall 9. Eden Park 10. Cincinnati Art Museum

1. The City Flea 2. ArtWorks 3. Summerfair

1. Wicked (Aronoff Center for the Arts) 2. A Christmas Carol (Playhouse in the Park) TIE 2. The Lion King (Aronoff Center for the Arts) TIE 3. Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (Cincinnati Shakespeare Company)

PUMPKIN PATCH/FARM

1. Blooms & Berries Farm Market and Garden Center 2. Shaw Farms 3. Burger Farm & Garden Center

PUBLIC ARTWORK

1. ArtWorks murals 2. Fiona the hippo ballerina mural downtown 3. “Northside - Keep it Beautiful” mural

WASHINGTON PARK EVENT 1. The City Flea 2. Summer Cinema 3. Bandstand Bluegrass

REGIONAL ARTS THEATER

1. Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (Dayton, Ohio) 2. Human Race Theatre Company (Dayton, Ohio) 3. Actors Theatre of Louisville (Louisville, Kentucky)

REGIONAL MUSEUM

1. COSI (Columbus, Ohio) 2. Children’s Museum of Indianapolis (Indianapolis, Indiana) 3. National Museum of the United States Air Force (Dayton, Ohio)

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Roo Valley at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden | Photo by Hailey Bollinger 12

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Arts & Culture

StAFf PICKS BEST DRESSED EXHIBIT AT A CINCINNATI MUSEUM

As part of the Cincinnati Art Museum’s Simply Brilliant: Artist-Jewelers of the 1960s and 1970s exhibit — which derived from a private collection — the institution added some splendiferous clothing from its own holdings, perhaps to offer ideas as to what one could wear with all the gold and silver on display. Or, maybe, for a change of pace. One showstopper was the positively hypnotizing Poster Dress by the late Harry Gordon that depicts a large eye in black and white on its front. It’s a product of the rebellious ’60s, when ideas about everything, including fashion, were radically changing the culture. Made from screen-printed tissue, wood pulp and rayon mesh, the eye was part of a 1968 series of ﬁve shift dresses (the museum also has a cat, a rocket and a hand held in a Buddhist peace gesture and overprinted with the Allen Ginsberg poem “Uptown”). The museum is still seeking the rose-depicting dress to have a complete set. Gordon started his Poster Dresses in 1967 with one depicting Bob Dylan. cincinnatiartmuseum.org.

BEST BIZARRELY MIND-BENDING CINCINNATI STREAMING EXPERIENCE

As part of its CSO Proof new music initiative, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra cocommissioned an avant-garde and superhip video production called The Meta Simulacrum Vol. 1, a look at the dangers and disorientations awaiting us in the future. The creation of composer/producer William Brittelle, ﬁlmmaker Isaac Gale and editor/ computer coder Patrick Marschke and based on the environmental writing of William deBuys, it streamed for a short period last spring on the CSO website (and then moved on to the Walker Arts Center in Minneapolis).

If you were lucky enough to see it, it may still be messing with your head. With a musical score flitting between experimentalism and easy-listening New Age plus images that sometimes had the psychedelic deadpan of the Teletubbies and sometimes the look of a schlocky 1970s cop show, it was hypnotically disorienting. An unseen narrator revealed a secret history of our times that connected German composer Karlheinz Stockhausen, Russian filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky, cyberpunk sci-fi writer William Gibson and, repeatedly, television producer Steven Bochco. At the conclusion, singer Holland Andrews had a short song, performed as an ensemble played while wearing scary metal-like masks. It was breathtakingly beautiful. You can still find Meta Simulacrum on YouTube. cincinnatisymphony.org.

BEST AWARD TO A LOCAL MUSEUM

If you tell someone that the Taft Museum of Art won the 2021 American Alliance of Museums’ Excellence in Exhibition Label Writing Competition, you might get a laugh back. Outside the world of museum exhibition label writing, it wouldn’t seem to be of interest. Well, you should care a lot and be very proud of the commitment to inclusion shown by the Taft that resulted in the award. Spurred by Museum President/ CEO Deborah Emont Scott’s urging to have the museum address the inequities of American history, part of a national effort that became urgent following the 2020 murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, curator Tamera Lenz Muente added “More to the Story” text to 16 labels for artwork in the Taft’s 2020-2021exhibit A Splendid Century: Cincinnati Art 1820-1920. The Taft said of the exhibit that “no century is ‘splendid’ for all people.” In particular, to accompany an 1840 self-portrait by18-year-old artist Lilly Martin Spencer, Muente explained how just 10% of

women at the time were able to work outside the home, and then mostly in such jobs as teacher, nurse or domestic servant. Spencer, indeed, was a lucky exception to American norms for women. Of the 11 award winners from over 100 submissions, the Taft was the only art museum to be honored. That is a big deal. Watch for further “More to the Story” labels in future shows. taftmuseum.org.

BEST EXPANDED SERVICES

The Cincinnati Public Library doesn’t stop expanding its services. Last year, the library’s 41 branches — including the fabulous new Deer Park branch in the Dillonvale shopping center — ramped up their menus as the community struggled with lockdowns, illness and isolation. In addition to outsize numbers for annual in-person visits (2.4 million) and digital downloads (4.6 million), select branches distributed over 530,000 snacks and meals throughout the county. Librarians visited with 54,160 students and community members, and roughly 3,000 digital programs attracted 91,347 participants. Information on voter registration, tax assistance and passport applications is always available. Queer Gabby — an interactive feature on the website, where youth and teens can submit comments and questions anonymously and library staff can respond to them publicly, much like a “Dear Abby”-style advice column — offers access to resources for the LGBTQIA+ community. Want to check out a telescope? Need a 3-D printer or laser cutter? Look no further than the public library. And up until a few months ago (they ran through their entire allocation), free at-home COVID-19 tests were available at drive-thru locations. cincinnatilibrary.org.

BEST PLACE TO BE ONE WITH THE KANGAROOS

Walk among kangaroos as they lounge, graze THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

FOTOFOCUS BIENNIAL: World Record OCTOBER 2022 PROGRAM WEEK: SEPTEMBER 29–OCTOBER 8, 2022 Now in its sixth iteration, the 2022 FotoFocus Biennial encompasses more than 100 projects at Participating Venues across Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, Dayton, and Columbus, and features more than 400 artists, curators, and participants—the largest of its kind in America. An ambitious collaboration between FotoFocus and the region’s museums, galleries, universities, and non-traditional spaces, the FotoFocus Biennial is a month-long celebration of photography and lens-based art that unites artists, curators, and educators from around the world.

FOTOFOCUS.ORG

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FotoFocus.org

Top to Bottom: Dara Friedman, Government Cut Freestyle, 1998. 16 mm silent film loop, transferred to DVD, 9 min 20 sec. Courtesy of the artist. Diana Solís, Self Portrait on Greenview Street, Lakeview neighborhood, Chicago, IL, 1982. Archival piezography print, 30 x 40 inches. Courtesy of the artist. Baseera Khan, By Faith (Front Door), 2020. Polyester matte backdrop, grommets, wood, foam, muslin, microphone stand, and selfie light, 78 x 72 x 15 inches. Photo by Dario Lasagni. Courtesy of the artist and Simone Subal Gallery. Ian Strange, Twenty-Five, 2017. Selected photographic work from TARGET. Documentation of site-specific intervention. Courtesy of the artist. Nancy Ford Cones, Portrait of an Unknown Sitter with Butterfly, ca. 1920. Positive digital image taken from a glass negative, 8 x 5 inches. Private collection, digitized by Christopher Hoeting

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#1 Place for a Kid’s Birthday #1 Museum Exhibit The Science of Pixar at the Cincinnati Museum Center #1 Building – Union Terminal #3 Old Thing – Union Terminal #2 Kid Friendly Attraction - Duke Energy Children's Museum Top Ten Summer Camp Top Ten Place to take a visitor Top Ten Gift Shop

Your next great discovery is waiting. cincymuseum.org

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and hop at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s Australian-themed Roo Valley. Surrounded by lush foliage and trees, the 15,000-square-foot walkabout features a path upon which guests can stroll as the animals roam. The path leads to another species native to Down Under — little blue penguins (the zoo is home to North America’s largest colony). These petite creatures only weigh about 2.6 pounds, making them the smallest of all penguin species. Watch them dive and scurry in their rocky habitat, which was designed to optimize swimming time and, in turn, aid their foot health. You can also kick back with a beer and watch the kangaroos from above at Hops, a beer garden stocked with local brews from Fifty West, High Grain, MadTree and Braxton. cincinnatizoo.org.

BEST THEATER AL FRESCO

During the pandemic, most local theaters had to get creative for production locales. Perhaps the most striking was The Carnegie, stepping away from its historic library venue on Scott Street in Covington to the new Covington Plaza outdoor amphitheater. In August they produced Little Shop of Horrors, the fun and frothy horror-flick-inspired musical. The tale of a bloodthirsty exotic plant was imaginatively staged, and theater-hungry crowds flocked to the tiered seating to watch a spirited cast with fine voices perform the tuneful score with the backdrop of Cincinnati’s downtown skyline across the Ohio River. The Carnegie’s entertaining shows are now back in the theater, but let’s hope they find more reasons to venture out in the summer. thecarnegie.com.

BEST LOCAL TRIP TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD

The Cincinnati Art Museum has had an Ancient Middle East Gallery for a long time. But in December, after an extensive renovation, it became a 2,800-square-foot showcase of works from across the Middle East, including the United States’ most 16

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signiﬁcant collection of art by the Nabateans, people who carved the sandstone city of Petra in Jordan around 300 B.C. Rather than chronologically or geographically, these artifacts have been organized thematically. The reinstallation includes contemporary reﬂections on ancient pasts and new works that might make you rethink how a 21st-century museum can interpret Middle Eastern art. And there’s more to come, as the CAM will soon open renovated galleries of South Asian art and the art of the Islamic world. Want to visit a historic foreign land? Just head to Mount Adams. cincinnatiartmuseum.org

BEST LAST HURRAH ONSTAGE

In December, the Playhouse in the Park presented the ﬁnal performances of its beloved, spellbinding production of A Christmas Carol. Between 1991 and 2021, it had more than 1,115 performances attended by 659,000 people. Actor Bruce Cromer played the miserly skinﬂint Scrooge for 17 years after spending eight seasons before that as Bob Cratchit. With its new mainstage Rouse Theatre under construction, the Playhouse plans to assemble a new production for the December holidays in 2023. No word on whether Cromer will return, but for generations of Cincinnatians, him hoisting Tiny Tim on his shoulder for one more round of “God bless us, everyone” has been a fond holiday memory. cincyplay.com.

BEST CONQUEROR IN BUTLER COUNTY

Late last summer, the great Genghis Khan of the Mongol Empire extended his reach to the land just north of Cincinnati. The charismatic 12th- and 13th-century leader was known to crush all resistance in his path as he added conquered peoples to his empire. There was no actual threat to residents of Butler County, of course, but theater fans had the opportunity to see an outdoor production of Mongrel, a one-man show written and performed by actor Adam Tran and presented by Know Theatre of

Cincinnati at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum. Around a campﬁre in the sculpture park, Khan’s most trusted lieutenant offered some advice to those in attendance. The show has subsequently been offered as video-ondemand. knowtheatre.com.

BEST PLACE TO DANCE IN WALNUT HILLS

Just downhill from the building where Baldwin pianos were once manufactured, on deserted land that was just a driveway to a parking garage, Cincinnati Ballet in August opened its new facility, the Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance at 1801 Gilbert Ave. For nearly $31 million, the company now has its own ofﬁces, classrooms, a costume shop and nine airy studios on three ﬂoors featuring views of wooded hillsides and the Cincinnati skyline. Immense windows make dance activity visible from I-71. It is 57,000 square feet of inspiration for the company’s 26 professional dancers and its pre-professional second company. The ballet’s Otto M. Budig Academy has ample space to train hundreds of kids who aspire to become dancers. There’s also an outdoor plaza with lighting for performances. Word has it that the center is fast becoming the envy of the ballet world. cballet. org.

BEST ARTISTIC DIRECTOR HANGING UP HER TOE SHOES

Victoria Morgan has led the Cincinnati Ballet for a quarter century, one of just three women to direct a big-budget American ballet company. She has been a dynamic leader, championing classical and contemporary works and choreographing some of the company’s most beloved productions, including King Arthur’s Camelot, The Nutcracker, Cinderella and Snow White. Before arriving in Cincinnati in 1996, Morgan was resident choreographer for the San Francisco Opera and a principal dancer for San Francisco Ballet and Ballet West in Salt Lake City. Her tenure locally has inspired

Arts & Culture phenomenal growth both artistically and organizationally; she spearheaded fundraising for the company’s new Walnut Hills dance center. Her accomplished successor, Jodie Gates, who arrives in August, will surely build on Morgan’s remarkable foundation. cballet.org.

BEST TRIPS DOWN CINCINNATI’S MEMORY LANE

Our city loves its history, and author Jeff Suess is serving it up in many different ways. He’s the Cincinnati Enquirer’s historian and archivist, which gives him access to photos and stories from days gone by that show up regularly in the newspaper’s Sunday edition. Suess has also produced a handful of books that revel in our city’s past. Lost Cincinnati collects stories of buildings that no longer exist, while Hidden History of Cincinnati is full of colorful stories that might otherwise be lost to time. In Cincinnati Then and Now he puts historic photos side by side with current images of the same sites. Cincinnati: An Illustrated Timeline, Suess’ beautifully color-illustrated coffee-table volume, presents pivotal moments in the Queen City’s history. If you’re a fan of our city, some of these books should be on one of your bookshelves. jeffsuess.com.

BEST SURPRISE BY A HOMETOWN BOY-BAND MEMBER

Cincinnati native, 98 Degrees member and former Kings Island performer Nick Lachey caused a stir when he joined season ﬁve of The Masked Singer in 2021. On Fox’s hit reality show, celebrities perform while concealed within elaborate costumes — something Lachey excelled at. His costume? “Piglet,” which naturally made Greater Cincinnati grunt with early speculation due to Porkopolis’ proclivity for pigs and Lachey’s company Flying Pig Productions. Throughout the season, Lachey made a believer out of millions of viewers, singing Foo Fighters, Phil Collins and even opera before winning the whole damn thing with his rendition of Journey’s power

ballad “Faithfully.” Even more exciting than his appearance is the fact that Lachey won the entire season.

BEST ARCHITECTURAL INSTAGRAM

Cincinnatian Jerald Cooper is a self-deﬁned creative director who is best known for running the popular Instagram account Hood Century (@HoodMidCenturyModern). Hood Century is dedicated to revealing the architectural history and importance behind otherwise unassuming locations — libraries, dry cleaners, apartment complexes, abandoned buildings and more — in Cincinnati, Los Angeles, Mexico, Paris and beyond. Billed as the “streets’ preservation society” in its bio (and with the tagline “Yes!! There is mid-century modern design in the hood!”), Cooper launched the Instagram account in late 2019. What started with him wanting to show his friends the architecture of his hometown became a community of more than 50,000 followers, garnering national recognition in outlets such as Vogue, Dwell and Architectural Digest. Today, Hood Century functions as more than just a slideshow — it’s an art gallery, blog, educational tool and cultural archive all rolled into a single vertical scroll. Other local architectural Instagrams that deserve honorable mention are Cincinnati Revealed (@cincinnati_revealed), which features images and stories of historic buildings to promote preservation; Covington Uncovered (@ covington_uncovered), which shares images and tales of historic Northern Kentucky spaces; and Hamilton Architecture (@hamiltonarchitecture), which functions as a love letter to Hamilton and the unique buildings that populate it. instagram.com/hoodmidcenturymodern.

BEST CINEMATIC ACCOLADE

Cincinnati continues to up its reputation as a moviemaking city, and those strides haven’t gone unnoticed. The Queen City has once again snagged itself a top spot on MovieMaker magazine’s list of the “Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker.” The magazine

ranks us at No. 11, moving up two spots from last year’s showing. The magazine highlights Cincinnati’s downtown skyline and low cost of living — along with Ohio’s 30% motion-picture tax credit — as chief among the reasons for the city’s emergence as a stalwart that has lured films such as 2015’s Carol, starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara; 2017’s Killing of a Sacred Deer, starring Nicole Kidman and Colin Farrell; and 2019’s Dark Waters, starring Mark Ruffalo and Anne Hathaway. And we saw plenty of celebrity action in 2021, including Academy Award-nominated dream team Luca Guadagnino and Timothée Chalamet (Call Me by Your Name) filming Bones & All and Oscar winner Regina King filming Shirley, the story of America’s first Black congresswoman.

BEST OUTDOOR OPERA

The Cincinnati Opera’s entire summer season was held outdoors in 2021 for the ﬁrst time since 1971, when the company decamped from the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden to Music Hall. The decision to move performances to Blue Ash’s Summit Park came in the wake of COVID-19 spikes at the end of 2020, said opera Artistic Director Evans Mirageas. In fact, the company had to cancel its entire 2020 centennial season and instead marked its 100th anniversary in 2021, a year late. The opera performed three classics on the Summit stage in July: Carmen, Tosca and The Barber of Seville. The company announced it will return to Music Hall (and SCPA) for 2022, with more fan favorites — Aida, La Bohème and The Pirates of Penzance — and two world premieres, Fierce and Castor & Patience. cincinnatiopera.org.

BEST KICKSTART TO THE ARTS

After almost two years of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, local arts, cultural and educational organizations are cautiously hoping they can ﬁnally emerge from nightmare times with new ideas. A number are at least considering — and, in some cases, already THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

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Hard Rock Casino| Photo by Hailey Bollinger constructing — new buildings or redesigning existing ones. That list includes the Cincinnati Art Museum, which has launched a $65 million fundraising campaign to create a sweeping “New View” of the institution’s main entrance, as well as the main branch of the Cincinnati Public Library, the Playhouse in the Park, the Taft Museum of Art, the Vent Haven Museum, the Clifton Cultural Arts Center, Lloyd Library & Museum, Cincinnati Type & Print Museum and others.

PLACE TO FIND THE REAL TRUTH, MAN

You don’t need to fear being ousted as a weir20

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do anymore if you think you have seen a UFO (or, as the government now refers to them, Unidentified Aerial Phenomena, or UAPs). Unexplained things going on in the sky are more and more common these days and better verified or dismissed with the advances in video technology. That’s why it’s so cool that MUFON, the Mutual UFO Network, has set up shop in Cincinnati once again. The 52-yearold organization boasts the largest civilian database of UFO sightings and deploys certified researchers to investigate new occurrences across more than 40 countries and all 50 states. And, luckily for us, the organization recently relocated from Irvine, California, to Cincinnati — permanently. Register for MUFON’s

free email newsletter to get the organization’s biggest headlines, or join as an investigator to helm the cutting edge of UFO sightings. mufon.com.

BEST EDIBLE ADDITION TO THE DICTIONARY

As one of the largest dictionaries in the world, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary periodically adds words to its considerable archives, updating as deﬁnitions change or something becomes part of the zeitgeist. In its October updates, Merriam-Webster added a term that Cincinnati is all too familiar with: “Goetta.” The German dish appears on menus all

Arts & Culture around Greater Cincinnati, is a fixture during Oktoberfest events and even has its own festival, so locals can rejoice that the keeper of American-English language finally has deemed Goetta — with a capital G — to be archive-worthy. Here’s how Merriam-Webster defines it: “meat (such as pork) mixed with oats, onions, and spices and fried in the form of a patty.”

BEST BOOK BANK

There’s a new bank in Cincinnati but it doesn’t deal in dollars, instead it deals in books. Located in a 20,000-square-foot headquarters in Queensgate, Queen City Book Bank aims to provide 10 books per year to underserved children in the Greater Cincinnati area, for a total of 350,000 books donated annually, as well as provide supportive literacy programming to Greater Cincinnati K-6 students. QCBB members — educators, advocates and other partners — can go online to see what books are in stock and select them based on “proﬁciency, theme, languages, backgrounds and interests.” The organization takes monetary donations to purchase books, as well as physical book donations at the Queensgate building. It also provides tutoring and plans to host author and reading events and even credit-based book fairs. queencitybookbank.org.

BEST NEW DRIVE-THRU LIGHT DISPLAY

While most Cincinnati drive-thru (and walkthru) winter light displays lean heavily on Christmas imagery, Rockwern Academy Jewish day school in Kenwood set up the city’s ﬁrst Hanukkah-centric illuminated event in November. Dedicated to the festival of lights, “Let It Glow” featured inﬂatable Hanukkah decor, including a giant menorah and dreidel, as well as blue-and-whitecolored lights and student artwork projected onto outdoor screens. The free event also included a soundtrack of songs sung by Rockwern students, plus hot cocoa and donuts. “While Hanukkah is a relatively

minor holiday in the Jewish calendar, it is an opportunity to celebrate light in a dark season and to celebrate the resilience of the Jewish community. In American culture, our children are surrounded by public displays of Christmas, and we wanted a meaningful way to publicly share the joy of Hanukkah as well,” says Rabbi Laura Baum, Rockwern Academy’s head of school. “We ﬁnd creative ways to celebrate Jewish holidays throughout the year, and this felt like a fun new way to celebrate Hanukkah.” rockwernacademy.org.

BEST BET

Cincinnati’s freshly rebranded Hard Rock Casino (formerly JACK Casino) opened in July 2021. And, yes, that means you can get your ofﬁcial Hard Rock Cafe Cincinnati shirt from the in-house eatery. Bonus: Hard Rock in fact “rocks” with plenty of live concerts. As with other locations of the chain, the Cincinnati casino is full of celebrity memorabilia. Inside you’ll see iconic keepsakes worn or owned by a wide variety of artists, including outﬁts from Stevie Nicks, KISS and Lady Gaga, plus you can get a look at Eddie Van Halen’s 1996 933 Porsche. Local artist Jenny Ustick also created a vibrant mural for the space, representing famous Ohio musicians. hardrockcasinocincinnati.com.

BEST SCAVENGER HUNT THAT NEVER GETS OLD

Stroll through Glendale and you might notice the town’s rambunctious mascot — the black squirrel — scurrying up trees or across lawns. According to legend, businessman Thomas Carruthers III brought back two black squirrels from Harbor Springs, Michigan, in the 1940s, and those squirrels had a bit of a baby boom. Since then, Glendale has paid tribute to the critters with 5-foot-tall ﬁberglass squirrel statues throughout its streets and yards. During the village’s 2005 sesquicentennial celebration, 25 squirrel statues were revealed; today, 13 can still be viewed on public property. Head to Glendale’s old town square to

spot an easy handful and get a map and more history from the Glendale Heritage Preservation Museum. glendaleheritage.org.

BEST OPPORTUNITY TO SEE A STARRY NIGHT

This past year, immersive Vincent van Gogh exhibits from multiple international presenters have been traveling to cities across the U.S. The exhibitions create all-encompassing, multi-sensory indoor environments by pairing the latest in digital technology with images recreated from van Gogh’s paintings. Newﬁelds, the Indianapolis Museum of Art, converted its entire fourth ﬂoor into The Lume for its van Gogh show, on view through May 2022. And now, Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience (from a separate producer than the Lume show) is coming to Cincinnati. This digital “light and sound spectacular” will encompass 20,000 square feet, display van Gogh’s most popular masterpieces and include a virtual-reality experience. As of press time, the location for the show — which opens in June 2022 — is still secret. vangoghexpo.com/ cincinnati.

BEST RETURN OF THE SHILLITO’S ELVES

This past holiday season, Findlay Market brought back a beloved and classic Cincinnati Christmas tradition: the Shillito’s Elves. These mechanical elf dolls have been around the Queen City for years and were on display this winter at the old Leader Furniture Store. From the mid-1950s to the mid-1980s, the Shillito’s department store served as a home for two different generations of holiday elves. The collection of elves on display this past year at Findlay were provided by artist Mark Trierweiler. According to Findlay Market, Trierweiler “worked with Downtown Cincinnati Inc. (DCI) in the mid-90s, where he famously installed Santa’s Toy Factory on Fountain Square, and he made many of the large ﬂoats for the Downtown Holiday Parade, including the Giant Toy Robot, loved by so many kids.” THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

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Cincinnati Ballet’s Nutcracker | Photo by Peter Mueller Photography Trierweiler got his hands on some of the elf displays when they went into retirement, and was able to show them at the Westin Hotel in the early 2000s and then later at Carew Tower. These Shillito’s Elves have been “hibernating” since, but six magical vignettes were set up at the market: the Mail Sorter, Little Woodshop, Pete the Painter, Lazzie Bear and Gift Wrap, Elves at Home and Bedtime Elves. Fans could press their faces to the glass to see the whimsical display, just like in days gone by, and the market activated the elves’ animatronics on weekends. ﬁndlaymarket.org.

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BEST REASON TO DRIVE TO THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE WITH THE FAMILY

Take the drive to Timbuktu, or DeMossville, Kentucky, to go blueberry picking at Bright Star Acres, because it’s totally worth it. Bright Star’s berry patches are so clean, and they are covered with netting to keep the bugs away. They don’t use any pesticides or chemicals on their berry bushes, so they are delicious to eat right off the bush. In addition to the blueberry patch, the farm has a blackberry patch full of big, beautiful berries. And the only thing

sweeter than the berries is the owners, who don’t even get upset if your toddlers eat more fruit than they placed in the bucket to pay for. brightstaracres.com.

BEST TRIP TO THE LAND OF SWEETS After canceling in-person performances in 2020 due to COVID-19, Clara, her prince and all of the characters from the Land of Sweets returned to Music Hall in 2021 for the Cincinnati Ballet’s annual rendition of The Nutcracker. And, with appropriate fanfare, it was a return to “full pre-pandemic splendor,” with Tchaikovsky’s score performed live by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Full of

Arts & Culture elaborate sets, costumes, lighting and choreography, it was a version of the production that debuted in 2011, marking the ﬁnal staging of the classic for Artistic Director Victoria Morgan, who retires at the end of the 2021-2022 season. cballet.org.

BEST SURPRISE ZOO BABY

A sad situation turned into a bit of tiny, unexpected joy at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden over the summer. Red panda Lin gave birth to a surprise new cub after miscarrying in May. Zoo scientists say it was the ﬁrst documented case of a red panda miscarrying and having a cub in the same year. The new baby girl arrived in July 2021 and was named Shenmi — “Mimi” for short. This is not just a great surprise for zoo visitors who get to see an adorable red panda but is also amazing for the currently endangered species. cincinnatizoo.org.

BEST TRIP BACK TO THE EXCESS OF THE EARLY 2000S

Cincinnatians who remember Club Clau, an early-2000s nightlife hot spot that brought celebrities and socialites to Over-the-Rhine, were able to revisit that excitement through the FotoFocus exhibition Return to the Velvet Ropes at The Annex Gallery in Pendleton. The show featured 60 black-and-white photographs (along with some color photography) snapped by Clau’s art director Andrew VanSickle, who took more than 1,800 photos during the club’s 18-month run. The images, captured with a Kodak disposable camera, take inspiration from Pop Art master Andy Warhol’s iconic Studio 54 photography. In one photo, a disheveled Edward Furlong flips off the camera, the bottom of his wide-legged jeans soaked. Several photos feature shots of packed dance floors, bottles and glasses raised in the air. A 20-something, flannel-wearing Justin Timberlake dances through the club in another image. While the club only existed for a short time, it made a big impact; Condé Nast Traveler named Club Clau among the top 30 new bar

scenes around the world in 2004. And considering Y2K’s recent resurgence in fashion and pop culture, the exhibition was extremely timely. fotofocus.org.

BEST IMPORTANT EXHIBIT ADDITION

Cincinnati’s Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center honored International Holocaust Remembrance Day in January 2022 by unveiling a new story as part of its Dimensions in Testimony exhibit. Eva Schloss, a Holocaust survivor and the posthumous stepsister of Anne Frank, shared her experience with the museum and recorded it for the exhibit. Dimensions in Testimony invites attendees to have virtual “conversations” with Holocaust survivors via artiﬁcial intelligence. Schloss was born Eva Geiringer in Vienna in 1929. In 1938, she and her family ﬂed Austria after Germany annexed the country. They sought refuge in the Netherlands and were former neighbors of Anne Frank and her family in Amsterdam. According to the Holocaust & Humanity Center, Schloss and her family went into hiding during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, like the Franks, and were “later betrayed and sent to Westerbork Concentration Camp and then to Auschwitz II-Birkenau.” Schloss’ father and brother died in the camp and Schloss’ mother, Elfriede Geiringer, later married Otto Frank. Thanks to technology, now Schloss’ important story is recorded and preserved, in her own words, for the next generation. holocaustandhumanity.org.

BEST IRREVERENT STREET ART

Mononymous and anonymous Cincinnati street artist Technique2012 specializes in blending humor, pop culture and social commentary in their singular creations. Pasted throughout the city, spotting one of Technique2012’s pieces offers a moment of irreverent joy, as the best street art does — an unexpected, welcome and often thoughtprovoking interruption in the day-to-day. For example, there’s “Remote Worker,” an

artistic rendering of Milton from Ofﬁce Space wheatpasted to the side of Staples downtown. Or Jim Carrey from The Mask enjoying a ﬂaming-hot bag of Grippo’s barbecue chips in “Smokin’!” in Hyde Park. Or the now-buffedover image of Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker on an episode of Dancing with the Stars walking up the stairs next to the Mockbee in the Brighton. instagram.com/technique2012.

BEST ART ACADEMY EXPANSION

In August, the Art Academy of Cincinnati expanded into a neighboring space to expand the school’s mission. SITE 1212 is the AAC’s “new center for community impact.” Located at 1212 Jackson St. in the former BarrelHouse — a popular music venue and one of the city’s ﬁrst wave of modern microbreweries — the spot remained vacant from the brewpub’s closure in 2010 until AAC began renovations to expand their campus in 2019. Alongside Elevar Design Group, AAC transformed the space into a community gathering place for artistic work and urban problem-solving. Gathering Cincinnati creatives is just the start. To sum up the mission at its most basic, AAC President and CEO Joe Girandola says that SITE 1212 is about making a difference in the region. He sees artists as uniquely positioned to use their talents to collaborate with organizations and imagine solutions beyond the studio to make a social impact. “Artists not only have a vision aesthetically but could collaborate with community partners — like the Homeless Coalition of Cincinnati, Freestore Foodbank, many different programs in the city that are trying to make a difference,” he says. “Why not enable artists to be at the table when problems are being discussed?” artacademy.edu.

BEST SUMMER BLOW-OUT

After canceling 2020’s large public event due to COVID-19 (they still shot off ﬁreworks from a secret location), the 45th annual Riverfest took place over Labor Day weekend in 2021. Launched more than four decades ago to celebrate the 10th anniversary of radio station THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

June 11–September 4, 2022

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Presented by Exhibits Development Group, USA, in cooperation with Cosprop Ltd., London, England. Image: Wedding Dress, Sense and Sensibility, 1995, Ang Lee, director. Worn by Kate Winslet as Marianne Dashwood. Jenny Beavan and John Bright, costume designers

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Upcoming Exhibition

Refuge September 2022

LET’S SPEND SOME TIME TOGETHER Catch up with family and friends by viewing contemporary art, treating everyone to a spa day, or simply having an amazing dinner together at Metropole, led by Executive Chef Vanessa Miller. Make it a staycation in the heart of downtown Cincinnati.

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Museum open 7 days a week Mohau Modisakeng, Passage 4, 2017. Inkjet print.

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WEBN (102.7 FM), this bash officially signals the end of summer with a series of colorful explosions in the sky. In addition to food, music and one of the largest firework displays in the Midwest — thanks to Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks — set to music from host WEBN (you are 100% guaranteed to hear “Smoke on the Water”), festgoers can expect to see half a million other humans, and some major traffic jams. This September’s event was almost a “return to normal” and fireworks fans showed up in droves, some of them claiming their spots along the riverfront more than 24 hours in advance.

BEST PROST WITH THE MOST

Another favorite festival that returned after a COVID hiatus was Oktoberfest Zinzinnati. Because the giant public party was canceled in 2020, organizers made up for it by adding an extra day in 2021. The festival — which celebrates Cincinnati’s German heritage with beer, bratwurst, racing wiener dogs and the world’s largest chicken dance — spanned four full days. oktoberfestzinzinnati.com.

BEST GLOW UP

ArtsWave conﬁrmed in February that the wildly popular BLINK art and light festival is returning to Cincinnati this October. While there are scant details yet — ArtsWave says to follow @blinkcincinnati on Instagram — former Mayor John Cranley announced in 2021 that the city had earmarked $1 million of its American Rescue Plan funds for the festival. So while we wait to ﬁgure out what all of that will bring, we can ride the BLINKthemed streetcar, which became a permanent addition to the cityscape in February, as well. blinkcincinnati.com.

BEST LITERARY SCAVENGER HUNT

Cincinnatian Samantha Evans created Under Cover Book Club — a project in which she hides copies of books in public places each month for people to ﬁnd — in 2018 “to help people continue to read, to continue to learn,” 28

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BLINK | Photo by Hailey Bollinger she tells CityBeat. You could call it guerilla literacy. Evans calls it “gloriﬁed littering.” However you classify it, the core purpose of this project is to promote literacy and connect readers in Cincinnati to one another. She moved her idea to Instagram (@undercover513), launched a website and created a space where readers and writers can collectively geek out about literature. Ever since, she’s been ﬁnding new ways to connect her followers with the authors whose books she spotlights each month. All this leads up to the scavenger hunts in different neighborhoods, where Evans inconspicuously leaves books on windowsills and leans them up against brick walls, then drops coordinates to their locations on social media. undercover513.com.

BEST PRICE HILL PERFORMING ARTS VENUE

The former Price Hill Masonic Lodge that sat vacant on Price Avenue for 30 years gained a new identity and purpose in July. Local neighborhood development nonproﬁt Price Hill Will acquired the building in 2014 and by 2019 secured $10 million to renovate the structure. The redone space is now called

ARCO. ARCO — a portmanteau of “arts” and “community” — acts as a social enterprise, offering the community a place to convene, share art and ideas, and also put those ideas to work. The building also now houses PHW’s ofﬁces and operations. There are two large ballrooms — the Shawnee Theater and Myaamia Hall — which get their names from indigenous tribes. PHW partnered with the Greater Cincinnati Native American Coalition to name the spaces and draft a statement recognizing that the land originally belonged to indigenous peoples. ARCO also is home to MYCincinnati orchestra, which provides children free access to music education. Past events held at ARCO have included free Shakespeare performances, pop-up movie nights, community conversations, blood drives and more. arcocincinnati.org.

BEST ADULTS-ONLY SKATE NIGHT

Ever since a handful of videos went viral on social media, roller skating seems to be everywhere. But long before the social media algorithm started highlighting skate videos, Cincinnati has been home to thousands of passionate skaters who have been keeping the community of eight wheels alive. For

Arts & Culture the grown-up crowd, The Place Cincy in Colerain Township offers two different nights: one for those 21 and up and one for those 30 and older. The Place is owned by Brian Liette, who had been hosting regular adult nights for the 21-and-up crowd, but when the pandemic forced capacity restrictions on indoor events, he saw the need for a second adult skate night. Now, dozens of skaters come each week to lace up their boots for a night on the ﬂoor, while DJs spin old-school R&B. theplacecincy.com.

BEST BOON FOR BOOKWORMS

For any bookworm out there who loses their sense of time when wrapped up in a good novel, the Campbell County Public Library says not to worry. The library system decided to go permanently fine free in August after adopting that model in March 2020 because of COVID-19. CCPL said they saw an overwhelmingly positive response to the move and “the return of many items once considered lost.” The library said that ditching fines helped increase circulation and the amount of people using services, while also allowing students and vulnerable families to use the library without the worry of being monetarily penalized. “We want everyone to feel welcome at the library,” Library Director JC Morgan said. “Going fine free helps us reach that goal by removing unnecessary financial barriers. All of our patrons should have equal access to the library’s resources and services.” Over the river, the Cincinnati Public Library also went fine free starting in September. The library had been fine free during the pandemic and through July 2021, and then ditched fines for reasons similar to Campbell County’s. ccpl.org; cincinnatilibrary.org.

BEST CINCINNATI ART ICON WE SAID GOODBYE TO IN 2021

Cincinnati lost an icon in July. Beloved and before-her-time fashion illustrator Anne Wainscott died at the age of 104. Her life was full of color, adventure and creativity. Wain-

scott was born to immigrant parents and raised largely in Cincinnati, where she remained throughout her life and work. Her love of fashion merged with illustration, and, for most of her career, she made fashion illustrations for Cincinnati’s first department store, Shillito’s. During her career she also created war posters and pamphlets for the Black troops in World War II, illustrated ads for Chanel suits and Christian Dior dresses, and drew fashion supplement covers for the Cincinnati Enquirer in the 1950s and ’60s. Her home became a salon where creatives gathered. And despite losing it and many of her possessions to a fire when she was 101, she spent the final years of her life surrounded by devoted friends, pets and caregivers.

BEST DINNER AND A MOVIE

If you’re looking for a spot to grab dinner and a movie, City Base Cinemas offers both in the same space. The theater, which opened in July at The Kenwood Collection (that building where Whole Foods and Crate & Barrel are), has all the bells and whistles audiences have come to expect from modern movie-going. The 11 public auditoriums have heated seats that recline, as well as swivel tables. Guests can order food and drinks from a special service button on the side of their chairs; waiters come take your order and deliver your desired items directly to your seat. Concessions feature more than 40 different draft beers — including local brews — plus wine and cocktails. And the food menu features pizza, salads, wraps, fried ﬁnger foods, popcorn and even milkshakes. With one other location in San Antonio, Texas, it’s a real boutique cinema experience. The only thing you have to get used to is eating a salad in the dark. kenwood.citybasecinemas.com.

BEST REASON TO VISIT CLERMONT COUNTY

Greater Cincinnati has no shortage of holiday light displays; Kings Island, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and Fountain

Square all come alive with magic starting in November. But if you want to see something homegrown that will ﬁll you with a real sense of wonder, you need to go to Jason Dunham’s house on Aulen Road in Stonelick Township. Every year, he brings out hundreds of vintage blow molds and hand-crafted decorations and arranges them into mini scenes before adding countless strings of lights to become the “Crazy Light Guy.” Here, gingerbread men dance around a cookie house, and the Disney gang plays near an igloo. It’s like Christmas threw up in the most delightful way possible. Dunham is used to random people slowing their roll and even parking to bask in the magic that happens in his yard, saying that the world needs a little joy like this. Santa surely approves.

BEST WAY TO EXPLORE THE PARANORMAL

Are noises in your 100-year-old attic keeping you awake? Are you convinced that somebody is watching you from your fog-filled cornfield? A professional ghost hunt from PINK may help suss out any supernatural activity. PINK (Paranormal Investigators of Northern Kentucky) investigators and husband-and-wife duo John and Lisa Trump frequently are called upon to ask spirits about what they’re looking for and help them move on — meaning those from beyond the grave may finally leave you alone. In darker cases, the Trumps even may work with the clergy to exorcise malevolent souls. PINK brings a bevy of detection and communication gear with them, from heat-sensing cameras to frequency scanners, and their monitors often show what appear to be otherworldly inhabitants moving about. Even if you’re not fully convinced that you have ghostly visitors, an expedition with PINK is never boring. Casper may enjoy the outreach, too, deciding to be a good housemate instead of a devilish one. facebook.com/ pinkparanormal.

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MEMI CONCERT CALENDAR April

The Andrew J Brady Music Center The Ballroom at Taft Theatre The Andrew J Brady Music Center The Ballroom at Taft Theatre The Andrew J Brady Music Center The Andrew J Brady Music Center The Andrew J Brady Music Center Taft Theatre The Ballroom at Taft Theatre Taft Theatre The Andrew J Brady Music Center Taft Theatre Taft Theatre The Andrew J Brady Music Center The Andrew J Brady Music Center Memorial Hall Taft Theatre The Andrew J Brady Music Center Taft Theatre The Andrew J Brady Music Center

APR 5 APR 7 APR 8 APR 9 APR 9 APR 10 APR 13 APR 13 APR 17 APR 21 APR 22 APR 23 APR 25 APR 26 APR 27 APR 27 APR 28 APR 29 APR 29 APR 30

THE FLAMING LIPS with Heartless Bastards TOMMY CASTRO & THE PAINKILLERS with Soulful Femme JON B, LYFE JENNINGS, and MICHEL'LE with Bashiri Asad SUZANNE SANTO with The Sea The Sea MICKEY DOLENZ Celebrates The Monkees RISE AGAINST with Pennywise and Rotting Out JACK WHITE with Geese BABY SHARK LIVE THE MAIN SQUEEZE with Huckleberry Funk LEWIS BLACK OLIVIA RODRIGO with Gracie Abrams- SOLD OUT TIM DILLON LETTERKENNY LIVE! H.E.R. with Marzz LIL DURK ORQUESTA AKOKÁN An Evening with STEVE HACKETT KHRUANGBIN with Toro Y Moi BRIT FLOYD - The World's Greatest Pink Floyd Show BRIAN REGAN

MAY 6 MAY 6 MAY 8 MAY 10 MAY 11 MAY 13 MAY 13 MAY 14 MAY 14 MAY 19 MAY 20 MAY 20 MAY 21 MAY 22 MAY 24 MAY 28 MAY 31

ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK LEON BRIDGES with Chiiild DEFTONES with Gojira and Vowws AJR with Gayle BREAKING BENJAMIN with Seether, Starset and Lacey Sturm SUM 41 & SIMPLE PLAN with Set It Off THE GHOST OF PAUL REVERE with Early James OLIVER WOOD of The Wood Brothers with Ric Robertson DANZIG with Cradle Of Filth, Crobot, and Necrofier HAIM with Faye Webster TEARS FOR FEARS with Garbage DR. JORDAN PETERSON DAVID SPADE MIRANDA LAMBERT & LITTLE BIG TOWN with The Cadillac Three TORI AMOS RAY LAMONTAGNE with Sierra Ferrell ASKING ALEXANDRIA & NOTHING MORE with Atreyu and Eva Under Fire

JUNE 1 JUNE 3 JUNE 4

BRIGHT EYES with Alex G Celebrating BILLY JOEL HOME FREE

May

June

Taft Theatre The Andrew J Brady Music Center The Andrew J Brady Music Center Riverbend Music Center The ICON Festival Stage at Smale Park The Andrew J Brady Music Center The Ballroom at Taft Theatre The Ballroom at Taft Theatre The Andrew J Brady Music Center The Andrew J Brady Music Center Riverbend Music Center Taft Theatre Taft Theatre Riverbend Music Center Taft Theatre The Andrew J Brady Music Center The Andrew J Brady Music Center

The Andrew J Brady Music Center Taft Theatre Taft Theatre

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city Life READER PICKS APARTMENT COMMUNITY

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY

BUILDER

CONSERVATIVE

BUILDING

DEVELOPER

CINCINNATI NEIGHBORHOOD

DO GOODER

1. The Lofts at Shillito Place 2. Aqua on the Levee 3. American Can Lofts

1. Drees Homes 2. Urban Sites 3. Fischer Homes

1. Union Terminal 2. Music Hall 3. Carew Tower

1. Northside 2. Over-the-Rhine 3. Hyde Park

CINCINNATIAN 1. Fiona the hippo 2. Joe Burrow 3. Megan Mitchell 4. Rose Lavelle 5. Molly Wellmann 6. Brian Garry 7. Anthony Muñoz 8. Pete Rose 9. Bob Herzog 10. Nick Lachey

1. University of Cincinnati 2. Xavier University 3. Northern Kentucky University

1. Mike DeWine 2. John Cranley 3. Joe Deters

1. 3CDC 2. Over-the-Rhine Community Housing 3. Model Group

1. Matthew 25: Ministries 2. Ohio Innocence Project 3. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden 4. The Friends of the Public Library 5. ArtWorks 6. Andy & JJ Dalton Foundation 7. ArtsWave 8. La Soupe 9. Cincinnati Nature Center 10. Freestore Foodbank

FRIEND TO THE ENVIRONMENT 1. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden 2. Great Parks of Hamilton County 3. Cincinnati Parks

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JOURNALIST

LOCAL PODCAST

LOCAL ACTIVIST

MBA PROGRAM

1. Megan Mitchell (WLWT) 2. Bob Herzog (WKRC) 3. Tana Weingartner (WVXU) 4. Jessica Schmidt (WXIX) 5. Paul Daugherty (Cincinnati Enquirer) 6. John Matarese (WCPO) 7. Kathrine Nero (Cincinnati Enquirer) 8. Nick Swartsell (WVXU) 9. Tricia Macke (WXIX) 10. Keith Pandolfi (Cincinnati Enquirer)

1. Jim Tarbell 2. Brian Garry 3. Mass Action for Black Liberation 4. Triiibe 5. Mike Moroski 6. Cam Hardy 7. Michelle Dillingham 8. Al Gerhardstein 9. Billie Mays 10. Josh Spring

LOCAL CAUSE

1. Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region 2. Freestore Foodbank 3. Matthew 25: Ministries 4. SPCA Cincinnati 5. The Friends of the Public Library 6. Cincinnati Public Radio 7. ArtWorks 8. Maslow’s Army 9. ArtsWave 10. Save the Animals Foundation

LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIAL 1. Aftab Pureval 2. Kari Bloom 3. Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney

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1. Cincinnati Zoo Tales 2. That’s So Cincinnati 3. Accused 4. Autism Stories 5. True Crime Historian 6. Art Palace 7. Cincinnati Soccer Talk 8. Cincy Brewcast 9. The Jungle Jim’s Podcast 10. Takes All Over the Place

1. University of Cincinnati 2. Xavier University 3. Northern Kentucky University

NORTHERN KENTUCKIAN 1. George Clooney 2. Kathrine Nero 3. Cris Collinsworth 4. Nick Clooney 5. Michael Monks 6. Otto M. Budig Jr. 7. Jean-Robert de Cavel 8. Amy McGrath 9. Maryanne Zeleznik 10. Tom Browning

NORTHERN KENTUCKY NEIGHBORHOOD 1. Covington 2. Newport 3. Bellevue

PARK (CITY)

1. Smale Riverfront Park 2. Eden Park 3. Washington Park

City Life PARK (COUNTY)

PUBLIC SCHOOL

PHILANTHROPIST

RADIO SHOW

1. Cincinnati Nature Center 2. Sharon Woods 3. Miami Whitewater Forest

1. Bootsy Collins 2. Anthony Muñoz 3. Jeff Ruby

PLACE TO TAKE A VISITOR 1. Findlay Market 2. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden 3. Jungle Jim’s International Market 4. Over-the-Rhine 5. Smale Riverfront Park 6. Cincinnati Reds game 7. The Banks 8. Cincinnati Museum Center 9. Carew Tower Observation Deck 10. Cincinnati Art Museum

1. Walnut Hills High School 2. School for Creative and Performing Arts 3. Oak Hills High School

1. “Jeff & Jenn” (Q102) 2. “All Things Considered” (WVXU) 3. “Cincinnati Edition” (WVXU) 4. Bill Cunningham (WLW) 5. “JonJon and Friends” (KISS 107.1) 6. “Married with Microphones” (WGRR) 7. “Eddie & Rocky” (WLW) 8. “Around Cincinnati” (WVXU) 9. “First Thing in the Morning with Bridget & Nick” (96ROCK) 10. “The Big Dave Show” (B-105)

RADIO STATION 1. 91.7 FM (WVXU) 2. 101.9 FM (Q102) 3. 700 AM (WLW)

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1. Smale Riverfront Park 2. Washington Park 3. Summit Park

1. Saint Xavier High School 2. Elder High School 3. Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy

1. Jeff Thomas and Jenn Jordan (Q102) 2. Maryanne Zeleznik (WVXU) 3. Bill Cunningham (WLW)

1. Chuck Mingo (Crossroads Church) 2. Fr. Michael Graham (Xavier University) 3. Rev. Damon Lynch Jr. (New Jerusalem Baptist Church)

PROGRESSIVE 1. Aftab Pureval 2. Brian Garry 3. Kari Bloom

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Devou Park overlook | Photo by Hailey Bollinger

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1. Eden Park 2. Devou Park 3. Ault Park 4. Mount Echo Park 5. Smale Riverfront Park 6. Bellevue Hill Park 7. Alms Park 8. Shawnee Lookout 9. Mount Storm Park 10. Fairview Park

SUBURBAN NEIGHBORHOOD 1. Mariemont 2. Loveland 3. Blue Ash

TROUBLEMAKER 1. Bill Cunningham 2. The Hub OTR 3. Cincinnati City Council

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1. Megan Mitchell (WLWT) 2. Sheree Paolello (WLWT) 3. Bob Herzog (WKRC)

1. WLWT (Channel 5) 2. WXIX (Channel 19) 3. WCPO (Channel 9)

TV SPORTSCASTER

1. Dan Hoard (Bengals, Bearcats) 2. George Vogel (WLWT) 3. Joe Danneman (WXIX)

TV WEATHERCASTER 1. Steve Horstmeyer (WXIX) 2. Randi Rico (WLWT) 3. Kevin Robinson (WLWT)

WEEKEND GETAWAY (WITHIN 150 MILES) 1. Hocking Hills, Ohio 2. Red River Gorge, Kentucky 3. Yellow Springs, Ohio

City Life

StAFf PICKS BEST WAY TO SHAKE UP CINCINNATI

A changing of the guard has arrived. By defeating opponent and longtime politician David Mann in November’s election, the 39-year-old Aftab Pureval cemented two important firsts: the first new mayor since former mayor John Cranley took office two terms ago, and Cincinnati’s first Asian American mayor. City Council member and Cincinnati Herald publisher JanMichele Lemon Kearney joined Pureval’s administration as vice mayor, and both have promised — and shown — an understanding of Cincinnati’s inequities as well as a commitment to alleviating them. Likewise, six of Cincinnati’s nine City Council seats were taken by newcomers, introducing fresh perspectives for tackling Cincinnati’s issues.

BEST ONGOING BRIDGE DRAMA

We all know the Brent Spence Bridge, which carries the freight equivalent of 3% of the nation’s gross domestic product according to the National Association of Manufacturers, is in dire need of improvements and repair after seven decades in existence. Opened in 1963, the bridge moves traffic north and south on I-71 and I-75 across the Ohio River. For decades, it has been a source of daily traffic jams, extended safety and maintenance projects, and efficiency failures. In February, the American Transportation Research Institute named the I-71 and I-75 confluence at the Brent Spence Bridge the second-worst truck bottleneck in the entire country — the same ranking as in 2021 and three spots higher than in 2020. For about eight months beginning last March, the Brent Spence Bridge closed half its lanes for maintenance, and finally reopened to regular traffic on Nov. 8. And last April, CNN even explored the history of politicians failing for decades to address the Brent Spence

Bridge’s long-standing issues. But the trouble spot may finally get its glow-up, thanks to heavy alignment from Ohio and Kentucky leaders. In February, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed a memorandum of understanding outlining plans to jointly apply for and use federal dollars to revamp Greater Cincinnati’s longtime traffic nuisance. Plans from the Ohio and Kentucky transportation teams call for the Brent Spence Bridge to be repaired while a toll-free companion bridge is erected nearby to help alleviate traffic. Beshear said that he and DeWine would jointly request a total of about $2 billion for the project. “There is no bridge in this country that is as necessary and needing of a change,” DeWine said. Yeah, you’re telling us. brentspencebridgeinfo.org.

BEST YEARLY TRADITION

Oh, Ohio, we sure do love your nerve. Every year, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles releases its list of vanity-plate applications that it rejects for being too suggestive, hostile, racist or violent. The 827 application dismissals in 2021 were as laugh-inducing as ever, with many focused on bodily parts and functions. Last year, the BMV did not permit references to butts (IATEASS, AXEHOLE), breasts (TITSOUT, B00B33S), penises (NCE COK, SMOLL PP) or sexytime (MLF LVR, BND OVR). Our personal favorite? PORK N IT, which is gently crude enough to ﬁt in at a high school locker room while also giving a nice nod to Cincinnati’s obsession with pigs.

BEST CITY STEPS FOR WALKING

Where would we be during this pandemic without the many hillside steps that let us get some fresh air and exercise without having to be in extended proximity to big crowds? Cincinnati Art Museum’s nicely landscaped Art Climb, which debuted in 2020, got most of the attention, but it’s hard to beat the Main

Street Steps, all 354 of them, for best overall stair-stepping experience. Connecting Mulberry Street in Over-the-Rhine with Jackson Hill Park in Mount Auburn, it’s quite a scenic trip up, cutting through thickets of green foliage and across narrow, hillside-clinging residential streets where homes have backyards full of all sorts of funky, colorful adornments. You’re not isolated either — people use the stairway for exercise and pedestrian commuting. But they keep moving. springinoursteps.com.

BEST REASON FOR FINIAL LOVERS TO REJOICE

Look up the next time you walk by Music Hall to see 10 sandstone finials newly restored by the Friends of Music Hall. Built in 1878, the decorative ornamentations were damaged or went missing from their perch on the roof. Also restored was a sandstone lyre, an ancient symbol of music, fittingly placed in the center of the façade. Music Hall soars over the row houses in Over-the-Rhine and now its distinctive silhouette, restored to its original design, makes this National Historic Landmark once again an exceptional example of High Victorian Gothic architecture. Architect Samuel Hannaford would be pleased to know we still admire and respect his architectural masterpiece. The project was spearheaded by Thea Tjepkema, a historic preservationist and board member of the Friends of Music Hall, a nonprofit with a mission to promote and preserve Music Hall. friendsofmusichall.org.

BEST REASON TO BELIEVE IN CINCINNATI’S FUTURE AS A FARMING COMMUNITY

One of the last working farms in Cincinnati city limits — maybe the last — was facing extinction when its owners and operators since 1972, Dale and Carol Bahr, retired in 2021. Their 32-acre Bahr Farm, along West North THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

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Bend Road across from Greenﬁeld Drive in College Hill and between super-busy Winton Road and Hamilton Avenue, has been in the family for over a century. During that time, its surroundings have turned decidedly urban with subdivisions, carry-outs and even the gigantic Star Tower for television and radio transmission. So the future of Bahr Farm as a pastoral setting for milking cows, cutting hay and growing gooseberries seemed bleak. But the Bahr family donated it to Cardinal Land Conservancy, which quickly raised money to drain and repair the half-acre pond, install new fencing and create a parking lot. Its hopes for the future include ﬁxing up the site’s historic 1830 barn, providing new irrigation water for tenants, and opening the farm up for visits and agricultural education programs. cardinallandconservancy.org.

BEST SAVE OF A HISTORIC BLACK SCHOOL

After a developer proposed demolishing a portion of Glendale’s historic Eckstein School in order to adapt what remained into senior housing, Cincinnati Preservation Association stepped in to save the whole structure by committing to purchase the building. The school educated the village’s Black children during the segregation years of 1915-1958 and also served as an activity center for all of the village’s Black residents. There have long been efforts to convert the Eckstein to a cultural arts center that would tell the history of Glendale’s Black residents, and the preservation association’s action now gives those seeking that time to ﬁnalize their plans. The save merited national attention when Brent Leggs, executive director of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Culture Heritage Action Fund, labeled Eckstein School a “cultural asset important in Black American history.” cincinnatipreservation.org.

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The DORA at The Banks | Photo by Game Day PR

BEST PLACE FOR A CHERRY BLOSSOM PICNIC

There’s no better way to say goodbye to winter than by welcoming spring under Ault Park’s cherry blossom trees. According to Cincinnati Parks’ website, 1,000 Japanese cherry blossom trees were gifted to the city in the 1930s; and in 2008, 121 Somei Yoshino trees were planted by the Japan America Society. Come March and April, park-goers are now greeted by the beautiful weeping, pale pink wonders in multiple of the park’s groves. If you pack a picnic, be prepared to stake out a spot, as Ault Park’s blooms attract crowds of onlookers, painters and photographers. cincinnati-oh.gov/ cincyparks.

BEST INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND

Anyone else feel like playgrounds are terrifying? The parking lot. The strangers. The strange way playground equipment just ends in midair, with drop-offs above your head, as if most 5-year-olds can totally handle a ﬁre pole. Enter Makino Park. Not only is it entirely fenced in and surrounded by soft rubber, but much of the equipment is totally accessible. That means your child who uses a wheelchair can roll onto a cool glider. It also means a babysitting grandma can maneuver her electric scooter onto the jungle gym when chasing a deﬁant 3-year-old. Makino Park

is fun and colorful, with multiple play areas geared toward various ages and abilities. It’s practically in Never Never Land, all the way up in Mason, but absolutely worth the drive. imaginemason.org.

BEST REVAMPED NEWPORT HANGOUT

After two years of renovation plans and reconstruction, Newport on the Levee hosted a grand reopening Memorial Day weekend. New businesses were added to the main gallery building, which itself got a makeover with the addition of new windows and a gray-and-white modern paint job. Green space was added, with plenty of seating. New bars and restaurants moved in, and the Levee even added its own outdoor food park called Bridgeview Box Park. A cluster of food, drink and shopping vendors are now located in repurposed shipping containers where Mitchell’s Fish Market used to be. The breezy space overlooks the Ohio River and city and features turf lounge areas, string lights and outdoor games like corn hole and giant Jenga. Instead of just being a stop on your way to see a movie at the AMC Theater, now the Levee has set itself up to be somewhere to hang out for singles looking to mingle, friends grabbing cocktails and families looking for a fun day out. newportonthelevee.com.

City Life BEST SIGN THE APOCALYPSE IS NIGH

According to a report from NPR, scientists say white-tailed deer are increasingly carrying SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The deer are picking up the virus and carrying it with them across the country, spreading it to other deer possibly “indeﬁnitely,” they say. But that’s not all — scientists also speculate that the deer could pass the virus back to humans and create newer, more resistant strains. That’s bad news for Ohio, where white-tailed deer are plentiful and serve as the state mammal.

BEST BOXING STATUE

This fall saw the groundbreaking for a statue of Cincinnati hero and world heavyweight boxing champion Ezzard Charles. The 13-foot-tall statue will honor Charles’ legacy and should be fully in place at its home Laurel Park in the West End in 2022. John Hebenstreit, who also designed the Black Brigade monument in Smale Riverfront Park, began sculpting the statue in 2017, the Cincinnati Parks Foundation says. The plaza surrounding it will be designed by CHAATRIK Architecture & Urban Design.

BEST BEER AT THE BANKS

Any beer is really the best beer at The Banks after the development of the area’s DORA district. The 85-acre “Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area” ofﬁcially opened last March and allows those of legal drinking age to wander around a speciﬁc space with an open container. The Banks’ DORA spans from Paul Brown Stadium to Heritage Bank Center and to the south sidewalk of Second Street and north sidewalk of Mehring Way. It is open from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily, meaning you can grab a beer, wine or cocktail from participating businesses in a branded DORA cup and have a picnic or take a walk while you imbibe. The new boozy rules came in especially handy during this year’s Bengals pep rallies. The

Banks isn’t the only DORA in town, either. Neighborhoods like Cheviot, Milford, Bellevue and more also have areas where you can grab an alcoholic beverage to sip while you stroll. thebankscincy.com.

BEST CURE FOR THE NEED FOR SPEED

Street safety has been a growing concern in Cincinnati neighborhoods in recent years, with the number of automobile-pedestrian crashes, injuries and deaths rising. Speeding vehicles typically are the culprits, and local leaders are enacting measures to try to curb the practice. A speed-reduction pilot program in Winton Hills has proven effective, with average vehicle speeds dropping from 37 mph to 20 mph on Winneste Avenue thanks to a trial run of temporary speed cushions. Cincinnati’s Department of Transportation and Engineering will make the program permanent in Winton Hills and then expand the practice to other neighborhoods.

BEST BUSINESS DEAL THAT DIDN’T HAPPEN

cure. Unfortunately, Dr. Jon Klein — the vice dean for research at University of Louisville Medical School and an expert in kidneys — had to spell this out in what became a viral tweet in January, as anti-vaxxers vehemently claimed that drinking pee was “the antidote to COVID.” We could picture Klein rolling his eyes as he watched the “urine therapy” movement build before ﬁnally sighing and tweeting, “I’m a kidney doctor. I’ve studied how the kidneys make urine for 39 years. Do not, I repeat do not, drink urine to treat COVID. That is all.” That’s the Lord’s work.

BEST COLORFUL MAZE FOR KIDS

There aren’t enough fully fenced playgrounds in the world. But, in Hamilton County, we’re lucky to have a few. West Fork Park Playground is one option. With swings and zipline-like features, plus tunnels and slides built into hills, the park offers up a full afternoon of fun. The best part? The colorful “glass” maze with rainbow panels low enough for parents to see and steer their kiddos without taking away the mystery and fun for littles. greentwp.org.

Can you imagine Shamu the killer whale owning the Beast? It could have happened, had Cedar Fair — the company that owns Kings Island and other amusement parks — accepted SeaWorld’s offer to buy its whole portfolio. But in February, Cedar Fair turned down the reported $3.4 billion cash offer to be acquired, keeping Kings Island’s ownership right here in Ohio (Cedar Fair is based in Sandusky). That’s a win for Cincinnati, because who knows what SeaWorld might have done to our beloved park in Mason. Besides, SeaWorld already had its chance in the Buckeye State when the Florida-based company ran — and later closed — a mind-boggling location in Cleveland decades ago.

BEST USE OF VACANT LAND TURNED URBAN FARM

BEST DOCTOR’S WARNING

BEST GOVERNING BODY

It’s kind of nuts that it needs to be said, but here we go: Urine isn’t a magical COVID-19

Domonique Peebles founded Brick Gardens in 2016 on a simple premise: He wanted to convert vacant building lots into outdoor urban farms and indoor hydroponic/aquaponic grow spaces with the end goal of providing accessible fresh produce in food desserts. The nonproﬁt now operates four different plots that help feed residents in Madisonville, Bond Hill, Evanston, Avondale, Norwood and Roselawn. With a focus on neighborhood involvement, Brick Gardens also works to educate residents on how to grow their own food, nutrition and more. brickgardens.com.

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Washington Park splash pad | Photo by Hailey Bollinger 46

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City Life you blame us? He’s one of the few state leaders in the country under age 50, his decisions are based on actual data and science, and he’s cute as hell. Our love for the Commonwealth’s hottest man only grew when Cincy Shirts debuted its latest creation last year: a photoshopped, shirtless pic of a ripped Beshear with the words “Kentucky’s Governing Body” plastered onto the bottom. Yes, we know the local company took liberties with Beshear’s image, but we’d be lying if it didn’t make us want to admit the governor into our own statehood.

BEST CHASE SCENE

It was a ready-made joke just begging for a punchline. In November, two officers from the Cincinnati Police Department responded to a call to help capture a skittish runaway pig in Bond Hill. A Facebook video shows the officers following the piggy around some apartment buildings on Yarmouth Avenue, chuckling as they tried to complete their latest assignment; the only thing missing was “Yakety Sax” as the soundtrack. CPD eventually captured the pig with a leash and wrestled him into their cruiser. And why was a pig wandering in an urban neighborhood in the first place? We’re still not sure, but folks at the Cincinnati Animal CARE Humane Society, where CPD brought the little guy, said that “Oinker” was a frequent visitor.

BEST NEW COVID-19 TOOL

The year 2020 was a dark one, as the onset of the coronavirus pandemic claimed hundreds of thousands of lives with few remedies in sight. But 2021 brought hope with the release of three FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines in the United States. Later, there was even more good news as booster shots became available. Scientiﬁc trials and data models showed that these boosters could be administered about six months after the initial vaccination, and they provided even more protection against severe illness, hospitalization and even death from COVID. And even though vaccinated people still may get COVID, their cases are

much more manageable, health experts say. Data shows that the majority of COVID-19 hospitalizations deaths since the vaccines and boosters became available have been in people who have not been vaccinated.

BEST ANIMAL RESCUE

After Gertie the dog went missing in her Northside neighborhood in July, her guardian’s neighbor heard a whimpering sound coming from behind the wall of a garage. Apparently Gertie had somehow become trapped between the cinder-block wall and the original wall of the garage — an area so tight that the dog could not move laterally. The Cincinnati Fire Department was called, but they initially were unable to lift the 35-pound white terrier mix due to the size of the space. The squad then beat the cinder-block wall with a sledgehammer until they broke all the way through. Jenn Adkins, a Cincinnati firefighter, was finally able to get through to Gertie, reaching in and pulling her to safety.

BEST MOVEMENT FOR YOUR BOWELS

Everybody pees. Everybody poops. Why, then, aren’t there enough public restrooms in which to take care of business? PHLUSH — or Public Hygiene Lets Us Stay Human — is looking to change that. The organization, helmed regionally by Jason Haap and Justin Jeffre, advocates for equitable public toilet availability in an effort to change the way Cincinnati looks at one of our most basic needs. From unhoused community members to pregnant people to folks with health issues, many Cincinnati residents and visitors need quick access to facilities without being forced to buy items in a shop or deal with limited hours. Pointing to the success of the free Portland Loo public toilet in Smale Riverfront Park, Haap and Jeffre have been getting endorsements from government leaders and civic organizations to improve restroom accessibility. We’re looking forward to the day when everyone in Cincinnati can ﬁnd sweet relief. phlush.org.

BEST WAY TO FEEL LIKE A KID AGAIN

Recapture the carefree spontaneity of childhood by running through the splash pad at Washington Park on literally any summer’s day. Something about the anticipation of being blasted with that unexpected spurt of cold water sparks enough joy to convince you that you might actually be 6 years old, running through the sprinkler. The 7,000-square-foot water park has 130 water jets, all of which turn on at random and have their own light feature. washingtonpark.org.

BEST PEDESTRIAN-FRIENDLY DEVELOPMENT

3CDC unveiled its $5.5 million Court Street Plaza revitalization project in 2021. The plaza — located on Court Street between Vine and Walnut streets — is a pedestrian-friendly urban promenade with enough space to accommodate outdoor dining, events and popups. With wide sidewalks and a “festival-style street,” the area can easily be closed to cars and vehicle trafﬁc as needed. Court Street Plaza also features public art, like a mural by local artist Gee Horton, two illuminated geometric sculptures by artists Yelena Filipchuk and Serge Beaulieu, and an old cast-iron ﬂower cart that originally stood on Fountain Square in the 1800s. The redevelopment has also welcomed a slew of bars and restaurants, including the tropical Pilar, cozy Mid-City and a revamped storefront for the historic AvrilBleh Meat Market. courtstreetcincy.com.

BEST COMMON-SENSE DECISION

Controversial — some might say ill-conceived — legislation in Mason was aborted in December. After months of attempting to become a “sanctuary city for the unborn,” Mason ﬁnally gave up its mission to ban abortions when the city council voted 6-1 to repeal an anti-abortion ordinance that was supposed to have taken effect in November. Had the abortion ban stood, it would have THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

City Life outlawed abortion at all gestational stages within Mason’s city limits and punished those who “aid and abet” abortions through funding, transportation and more. Violators also could have been ﬁned $2,500 and spent a year in prison. Mason’s attempts happened just a few months after nearby Lebanon unanimously passed a similar anti-abortion ordinance; the ACLU of Ohio said Lebanon’s legislation was “blatantly unconstitutional” and ripe for legal challenge. These acts lined up with recent Supreme Court decisions regarding controversial abortion bans in Texas and Mississippi that pose a threat to other precedent-setting abortion cases.

BEST REASON TO RESEARCH YOUR DOCTOR – AND YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS – VERY CAREFULLY

Last summer, Republican State Rep. Jennifer Gross of West Chester helped launch the claims of Dr. Sherri Tenpenny — a state-licensed doctor of osteopathic medicine — onto the late-night-comedy TV circuit when she invited the doctor to testify before the Ohio House Health Committee in support of the “Vaccine Choice and Anti-Discrimination Act.” Tenpenny spouted her claims that COVID-19 vaccines turn people magnetic and “interface” with 5G cell towers. This prompted a slew of videos across social media of vaccinated — and clearly not magnetized — humans trying to get spoons to stick to their noses. The Center for Countering Digital Hate said Tenpenny was one of the top 12 most proliﬁc disseminators of COVID misinformation on social media.

BEST CICADA INVASION

They’re coming! At least, that’s what entomologists predicted. Following a 17-year residency underground, billions of cicadas were set to emerge throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky last summer. And while the insects did arrive and cause a buzz in certain places, Brood X, as 48

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this generation of insects was called, didn’t quite blanket the region in ways our horrorﬂick brains might have imagined. But that didn’t dampen Cincinnati’s enthusiasm for the little buggers — and there still were a lot of them. After all, we have Gene Kritsky, the dean of behavioral and natural sciences at Mount St. Joseph University, whose Cicada Safari app let users search, photograph, record and map cicadas in their area so scientists could study the data. And if you wanted to totally avoid the swarm instead of photographing it? Local company Under the Weather had you covered, literally, with their wearable mesh pod. The screened-in box came with shoulder straps to slip over your body and keep the bugs off of you.

BEST MURDER BIRDS

Northsiders are obsessed with the neighborhood’s black vultures. The omnipresent birds can be seen by the dozens circling taller buildings or perched atop St. Boniface Catholic Church, like stone gargoyles, before swooping down to devour some unfortunate rodent. Like the turkey vulture, black vultures are carrioneaters, but they also aren’t afraid to kill. Northside residents have Facebook groups and discussion threads dedicated to them, and a neighborhood coffee trailer, Dangerbird Espresso, uses the black vulture as its mascot.

BEST COVID-19 SILVER LINING

Getting people in Ohio — or anywhere — to procure their COVID-19 vaccines proved to be difficult once the initial excitement wore off about a month after their full availability last March. So Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine had a plan: launch a Vax-a-Million promotion with the Ohio Lottery to incentivize wider vaccine adoption in Ohio. All Ohioans who had received at least one vaccination dose were eligible for Vax-a-Million, which rewarded five adult winners with $1 million each. In addition, five vaccinated Ohio residents ages 12-17 each would win a full-ride, four-year

scholarship to any public college or university within the state. Greater Cincinnati residents found the promotion worthwhile, with two locals winning $1 million each and a youth nabbing a scholarship package. Ohio was the ﬁrst state in the nation to implement such an activity; other states, including Kentucky, soon created their own vaccination incentives.

BEST QUEEN CITY CROWN

It was a good year for biking in Cincinnati in 2021. Afar magazine named the Little Miami Scenic Trail one of the ﬁve best urban trails in America, and the bike trail was also a factor in Forbes naming Cincinnati as a top 2021 destination for travelers. The Cincinnati Riding or Walking Network (CROWN) also surpassed a major milestone in June when it secured $6 million of an $8 million goal to complete segments of a 34mile mixed-use walking/biking path. It went above and beyond its goal in January 2022, when the project hit the $10 million mark due to additional donations from P&G, Kroger Health, UDF and the Marge and Charles J. Schott Foundation. Led by Tri-State Trails, Wasson Way, Ohio River Way and a publicprivate partnership, CROWN aims to connect pre-existing and to-be-constructed trail systems — and 54 Cincinnati neighborhoods — while boosting economic development, improving transportation options, stimulating businesses and promoting healthy activities. CROWN will serve as a “hub” to access the aforementioned Little Miami Scenic Trail, Wasson Way and more. crowncincinnati.org.

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Eats READER PICKS NEW RESTAURANT

1. Decibel Korean Fried Chicken 2. PearlStar 3. Saint Francis Apizza 4. Pig Candy BBQ 5. Rosie’s Cocktails & Pies 6. Bee’s Barbecue 7. Proud Hound Coffee 8. Cork N Crust 9. Cafe Mochiko 10. OLLA Taqueria Gutierrez

OVERALL RESTAURANT 1. Sotto 2. Jeff Ruby’s The Precinct 3. Pepp & Dolores 4. Ivory House 5. Boca 6. Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse 7. The Eagle 8. Incline Public House 9. Taste of Belgium 10. Agave & Rye

OVERALL RESTAURANT (NORTHERN KENTUCKY) 1. Pompilios 2. KungFood Chu’s AmerAsia 3. Bouquet Restaurant 4. Agave & Rye 5. Walt’s Hitching Post 6. Otto’s 7. The Baker’s Table 8. Greyhound Tavern 9. Libby’s Southern Comfort 10. Coppin’s Restaurant & Bar

NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT (‘BURBS) 1. Silver Spring House 2. Blue Ash Chili 3. Mellow Mushroom

NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT (CENTRAL) 1. Adriatico’s 2. Quatman Cafe 3. Ruth’s Parkside Cafe

NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT (DOWNTOWN/OTR) 1. Sotto 2. The Eagle 3. Pepp & Dolores

NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT (EAST SIDE) 1. Jeff Ruby’s The Precinct 2. Mazunte 3. BrewRiver Creole Kitchen

NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT (NORTHERN KENTUCKY) 1. Pompilios 2. KungFood Chu’s AmerAsia 3. Otto’s

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NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT (WEST SIDE) 1. Incline Public House 2. Ivory House 3. Primavista

APPETIZERS 1. Sotto 2. Mita’s 3. The Eagle

1. Sleepy Bee Cafe 2. First Watch 3. Sugar n’ Spice 4. HangOverEasy 5. Taste of Belgium 6. Maplewood Kitchen and Bar 7. The Echo 8. The Original Pancake House 9. Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey 10. Half Day Cafe

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BARBECUE

BURRITOS

1. Marx Hot Bagels 2. Lil’s Bagels 3. Bruegger’s Bagels 4. OTR Bagel Bar 5. The Bagelry 6. Big Apple Bagels 7. Servatii Pastry Shop & Deli 8. Everything Bagels 9. Skip’s BagelDeli 10. Bagel Brothers

1. Eli’s BBQ 2. Lucius Q 3. Montgomery Inn 4. City Barbeque 5. Sweets & Meats BBQ 6. Pig Candy BBQ 7. Pickles & Bones Barbecue 8. Just Q’in 9. Bee’s Barbecue 10. Harmon’s BBQ

BEER SELECTION (RESTAURANT) 1. Yard House 2. Northside Yacht Club 3. KungFood Chu’s AmerAsia

BOURBON SELECTION (RESTAURANT) 1. Goodfellas Pizzeria (Wiseguy Lounge) 2. The Littlefield 3. Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse

BREAKFAST

THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

1. Sleepy Bee Cafe 2. Taste of Belgium 3. First Watch 4. Maplewood Kitchen and Bar 5. HangOverEasy 6. Ivory House 7. National Exemplar 8. Cedar 9. Nation Kitchen & Bar 10. Greyhound Tavern

1. Gomez Salsa 2. Mazunte 3. The Comet

BUSINESS LUNCH 1. Montgomery Inn 2. Skyline Chili 3. Nada

BUTCHER SHOP

1. Avril-Bleh Meat Market 2. Eckerlin Meats 3. Jungle Jim’s International Market 4. Wyoming Meat Market 5. Lehr’s Prime Market 6. Humbert’s Meats 7. Ebert’s Meats 8. Bridgetown Finer Meats 9. Hyde Park Fine Meats and Catering 10. LK at Findlay Market

Eats CAJUN/CREOLE

1. Swampwater Grill 2. Knotty Pine on the Bayou 3. Allyn’s Cafe 4. Dee Felice Cafe 5. BrewRiver Creole Kitchen 6. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen 7. J. Gumbo’s 8. Rich’s Proper Food & Drink 9. Bishop’s Quarter 10. Mr. Crab House

CAKE SHOP

1. The BonBonerie 2. Nothing Bundt Cakes 3. Servatii Pastry Shop & Deli 4. Brown Bear Bakery 5. 3 Sweet Girls Cakery 6. North College Hill Bakery 7. Happy Chicks Bakery 8. Fat Ben’s Bakery 9. Busken Bakery 10. Tres Belle Cakes

CHEAP EATS

1. Skyline Chili 2. Zip’s Cafe 3. Goodfellas Pizzeria

CHEESE SHOP

1. Jungle Jim’s International Market 2. The Rhined 3. Share Cheesebar

CHEESESTEAK

1. Penn Station 2. 13th Street Alley 3. Cincy Steak & Lemonade

CHEF (W/RESTAURANT AFFILIATION)

1. Jose Salazar (Salazar, Goose & Elder, Mita’s) 2. Jean-Robert de Cavel (French Crust Cafe & Bistro, Le Bar a Boeuf ) 3. Christian Gill (Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey) 4. Danny Combs (Sotto) 5. Paul Barraco (The Governor, 20 Brix) 6. Daniel Wright (Senate, Abigail Street, Pontiac, Forty Thieves) 7. Kayla Robison (Arnold’s Bar and Grill) 8. Rob Scannell (Ivory House) 9. Stephen Williams (Bouquet Restaurant, Spoon: Kitchen & Market, Alcove) 10. Cristian Pietoso (Via Vite, Forno Osteria + Bar, Nicola’s)

CHICKEN

1. The Eagle 2. Galactic Fried Chicken 3. Silver Spring House 4. Ron’s Roost Restaurant & Bar 5. Revolution Rotisserie 6. Greyhound Tavern 7. CityBird 8. Libby’s Southern Comfort 9. Roney’s 10. Joella’s Hot Chicken

CHICKEN SANDWICH 1. The Eagle 2. Galactic Fried Chicken 3. Revolution Rotisserie

CHILI (CHAIN) 1. Skyline Chili 2. Gold Star 3. Dixie Chili

CHILI (NON-CHAIN) 1. Camp Washington Chili 2. Pleasant Ridge Chili 3. Price Hill Chili 4. Zip’s Cafe 5. OTR Chili 6. Empress Chili 7. Pig Candy BBQ 8. Bard’s Burgers & Chili 9. Melt Revival 10. The Chili Hut

THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

PEARLSTAR OYS T E R CA M P + BA R

Thank you Cincy for all the love and support you have shown to PearlStar in our first year. And thank you for voting us your Best Oyster Bar and one of your Best New Restaurants. We look forward to many more years as your #1 destination for fresh oysters and good times!

#1 - Best Oysters #1 - Best Raw Bar #2 - Best New Restaurant

1220 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 | (513) 381-0427 56

THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

2022 EVENTS

APRIL 18-24 WWW.GCRWEEK.COM

JULY 11-17

WWW.CINCINNATIBURGERWEEK.COM

AUGUST 22-28 WWW.CINCYWINGWEEK.COM

Fresh New Look (Coming July 2022), Same #1 Bagels. Thanks for voting us #1 Again! 9701 KENWOOD ROAD, BLUE ASH | 513-891-5542 | 6AM - 5:30PM DAILY

Cincinnati Rookwood Commons

SEPTEMBER 19-25 WWW.GCRWEEK.COM

OCTOBER 17-23

WWW.CINCYTACOWEEK.COM

HAPPY HOUR M-F | 3-6PM

NOVEMBER 7-13 WWW.CINCINNATIPIZZAWEEK.COM

BRUNCH SAT & SUN

Northern Kentucky Crestview Hills

PROUDLY SERVING Take a trip across the pond... no passport required.

THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

CHINESE

1. Oriental Wok 2. KungFood Chu’s AmerAsia 3. Shanghai on Elm 4. First Wok 5. Fortune Noodle House 6. Uncle Yip’s 7. Blue Gibbon Chinese Restaurant 8. China Gourmet 9. Pacific Kitchen 10. Chung Ching Restaurant

CHOCOLATES

1. Aglamesis Bro’s 2. Maverick Chocolate Co. 3. Esther Price

COFFEEHOUSE (LOCAL)

1. Coffee Emporium 2. Deeper Roots Coffee 3. Mom ‘n ‘em Coffee & Wine 4. Unataza Coffee 5. BlaCk Coffee Lounge 6. The Coffee Exchange of Pleasant Ridge 7. Kitty Brew Cafe 8. Urbana Cafe TIE 8. Proud Hound Coffee TIE 9. Carabello Coffee 10. Luckman Coffee

COFFEEHOUSE (NATIONAL) 1. Starbucks 2. Dunkin’ 3. Biggby Coffee

NEIGHBORHOOD COFFEE SHOP (BURBS) 1. Wyoming Community Coffee TIE 1. Kitty Brew Cafe TIE 2. Luckman Coffee 3. Kidd Coffee & Wine Bar

NEIGHBORHOOD COFFEE SHOP (CENTRAL) 1. Mom ‘n ‘em Coffee & Wine 2. College Hill Coffee Co. 3. Sidewinder Coffee

NEIGHBORHOOD COFFEE SHOP (DOWNTOWN/OTR) 1. Coffee Emporium 2. Deeper Roots Coffee 3. BlaCk Coffee Lounge

NEIGHBORHOOD COFFEE SHOP (EAST SIDE) 1. Coffee Emporium (Hyde Park) 2. Deeper Roots Coffee 3. Awakenings Coffee and Wine

NEIGHBORHOOD COFFEE SHOP (NORTHERN KENTUCKY) 1. Carabello Coffee 2. Unataza Coffee 3. Roebling Point Books & Coffee

NEIGHBORHOOD COFFEE SHOP (WEST SIDE) 1. BLOC Coffee Company 2. Muse Cafe 3. Biggby Coffee

COOKING CLASSES

1. Jungle Jim’s International Market 2. Findlay Kitchen 3. Tablespoon Cooking Company

CREAMY WHIP/SOFT SERVE 1. Putz’s Creamy Whip 2. Silver Grove Dari Bar 3. The Cone

THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

Eats CUPCAKES

1. The BonBonerie 2. Abby Girl Sweets Cupcakery 3. Gigi’s Cupcakes 4. 3 Sweet Girls Cakery 5. North College Hill Bakery 6. SugarSnap! Truck 7. Happy Chicks Bakery 8. Cakes & Pastries by George 9. Tres Belle Cakes 10. Wyoming Pastry Shop

DELICATESSEN

1. Izzy’s 2. Avril-Bleh Meat Market 3. Carl’s Deli

DESSERTS (RESTAURANT) 1. O Pie O 2. Sotto 3. Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse

DESSERTS (RETAIL) 1. The BonBonerie 2. Graeter’s Ice Cream 3. Brown Bear Bakery

DONUTS

1. Holtman’s Donuts 2. Moonrise Doughnuts 3. Marcella’s Doughnuts & Bakery 4. Busken Bakery 5. Starlight Doughnut Lab 6. Bonomini Bakery 7. Peace Love & Little Donuts 8. Graeter’s Ice Cream 9. North College Hill Bakery 10. Emerson’s Bakery

FARMERS MARKET

1. Findlay Market 2. Hyde Park Farmers’ Market 3. Northside Farmers Market

FARMERS MARKET FOOD STALL 1. Blue Oven Bakery 2. Colonel De Gourmet Herbs & Spices 3. WoodBottom Quail Farms

FISH & CHIPS

1. Alabama Fish Bar 2. The Pub 3. Cock & Bull Public House

FOOD DELIVERY SERVICE 1. DoorDash 2. Green Bean Delivery 3. Domo

FOOD FESTIVAL OR EVENT 1. Taste of Cincinnati 2. Oktoberfest 3. Glier’s Goettafest

FOOD TRUCK

1. Red Sesame Korean BBQ 2. Tacos Locos 3. Sweets & Meats BBQ 4. Empanadas Aqui 5. Rock N Rolls 6. Marty’s Waffles 7. Stellar Street Eats 8. Pata Roja Taqueria 9. Cackleberry 10. The Poutine Machine

FRENCH FRIES 1. Taste of Belgium 2. Zip’s Cafe 3. Senate

GELATO/SORBETTO/FROZEN ICE 1. Graeter’s Ice Cream 2. Aglamesis Bro’s 3. Dojo Gelato

THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

20 BEST BUTCHER SHOP

G O E T TA

3 3 E A S T C O U R T S T R E E T, C I N C I N N AT I , O H 4 5 2 0 2 • 5 1 3 . 2 4 1 . 2 4 3 3 • AV R I L - B L E H M E AT S . C O M

THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

VOTED BEST OVERALL BURGER Proudly Serving Cincinnati for 95 Years!

THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

GERMAN

1. Hofbräuhaus 2. Mecklenburg Gardens 3. Wunderbar Covington

GLUTEN-FREE SELECTIONS 1. Sleepy Bee Cafe 2. Pho Lang Thang 3. Galactic Fried Chicken

GOETTA

1. Glier’s Goetta 2. Eckerlin Meats 3. Avril-Bleh Meat Market

GUACAMOLE 1. Mazunte 2. Bakersfield 3. Nada

HIDDEN GEM

1. Mazunte 2. Incline Public House 3. The Blind Lemon 4. The Governor 5. Ivory House 6. Galactic Fried Chicken 7. Joe’s Pizza Napoli 8. Kiki College Hill 9. Nine Giant Brewing 10. Good Plates Eatery

HOT DOG/SAUSAGE 1. Senate 2. The Root Beer Stand 3. Eli’s BBQ

ICE CREAM

1. Graeter’s Ice Cream 2. Aglamesis Bro’s 3. United Dairy Farmers

THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

INDIAN

1. Ambar India Restaurant 2. Baba India Restaurant 3. Dusmesh Indian Restaurant 4. Shaan Indian Cuisine 5. Amol India 6. Adeep India Restaurant 7. Delhi Palace Indian Cuisine 8. Jot India 9. Guru India Restaurant TIE 9. Maya Indian Restaurant TIE 10. Krishna Indian Restaurant & Carryout

ITALIAN

1. Sotto 2. Pompilios 3. Pepp & Dolores 4. Nicola’s 5. Primavista 6. Giovanni’s Family Italian Restaurant 7. Scotti’s Italian Restaurant 8. Via Vite 9. Ferrari’s Little Italy & Bakery 10. Forno Osteria + Bar

JAPANESE

1. Ichiban Japanese Restaurant 2. Kiki College Hill 3. Quan Hapa 4. Miyako Sushi & Steakhouse 5. Cafe Mochiko 6. Kyoto Japanese Cuisine 7. Soho Japanese Bistro 8. Matsuya Japanese Restaurant 9. Ando Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar 10. Mei Japanese Restaurant

Eats KOREAN

1. Riverside Korean Restaurant 2. BIBIBOP Asian Grill 3. Red Sesame BBQ 4. Stone Bowl 5. Drunken Bento 6. Korea House 7. Kanji OTR 8. Decibel Korean Fried Chicken 9. Kim’s Korean Restaurant 10. Dolsot Bistro

LATE-NIGHT EATERY 1. Skyline Chili 2. Goodfellas Pizzeria 3. Gomez Salsa 4. Anchor Grill 5. Camp Washington Chili 6. Shanghai on Elm 7. Mikey’s Late Night Slice 8. Dixie Chili 9. Pleasant Ridge Chili 10. Bub’s Pizza Bar

LIVE MUSIC WHILE YOU EAT 1. Arnold’s Bar and Grill 2. The Monkey Bar & Grille 3. The Comet

LOCAL CHAIN

1. Skyline Chili 2. Dewey’s Pizza 3. LaRosa’s Family Pizzeria 4. Thunderdome Restaurant Group 5. Taste of Belgium 6. Mazunte 7. Gold Star 8. Holtman’s Donuts 9. Servatii Pastry Shop & Deli 10. Agave & Rye

LOCAL FARM

1. Blooms & Berries Farm Market 2. Gorman Heritage Farm 3. 80 Acres Farms

LOCAL SNACK

1. Grippo’s 2. Hen of the Woods 3. Stellar Street Eats pimento cheese

MACARON

1. Macaron Bar 2. The BonBonerie 3. Jungle Jim’s International Market

MACARONI & CHEESE 1. Keystone Bar & Grill 2. The Eagle 3. Eli’s BBQ 4. Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse 5. Sweets & Meats BBQ 6. Lucius Q 7. Mama Bear’s Mac 8. The Mac Shack 9. Pig Candy BBQ 10. Ivory House

MEDITERRANEAN/GREEK 1. Aladdin’s Eatery 2. Sebastian’s Gyros 3. Andy’s Mediterranean Grille 4. LEYLA Mediterranean 5. Greek to Me 6. Phoenician Taverna 7. Forty Thieves 8. Chicago Gyros & Dogs 9. Abigail Street 10. Fillo Greek Bake Shop

MENU (MOST INNOVATIVE) 1. Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey 2. The Governor 3. Sotto

THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

AWARD WINNING BURGERS, OUR PEOPLE ARE THE SECRET INGREDIENT Our staff and leadership team worked incredibly hard this year to deliver great burgers and great experiences. They are deserving of these awards and the reason behind them. Next time you stop in, be sure to thank them.

#1 BEST BURGER SPOT (DOWNTOWN) #2 BEST OVERALL BURGER (NON-CHAIN) #2 BEST BURGER SPOT (WEST SIDE) #4 BEST VEGGIE BURGER OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Stop in, or find us on your favorite delivery app!

THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

THANK YOU FOR VOTING ICHIBAN JAPANESE CUISINE BEST OF CINCINNATI!

#1 Japanese #2 Sushi Stop by either of our two locations, where our sushi is always half price. 1020 Delta Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45208 6176 Tylersville Rd., Mason, OH 45040 513-321-8686 513-466-8020 www.IchibanCinci.com

THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

MEXICAN

1. Mazunte 2. La Mexicana 3. Tortilleria Garcia 4. El Rancho Grande 5. Taqueria Mercado 6. Cancun Mexican Restaurant 7. Agave & Rye 8. Rio Grande 9. Frida’s 10. El Jinete

NOODLES

1. Pho Lang Thang 2. KungFood Chu’s AmerAsia 3. Kiki College Hill

OUTDOOR/PATIO DINING 1. Incline Public House 2. Cabana on the River 3. Fifty West Burger Bar 4. Little Miami Brewing Co. 5. Dead Low Brewing 6. Arnold’s Bar and Grill 7. Northside Yacht Club 8. The Monkey Bar & Grille 9. Barleycorn’s 10. The View at Shires’ Garden

OVERALL BAKERY (BREADS) 1. Sixteen Bricks 2. Blue Oven Bakery 3. Servatii Pastry Shop & Deli

OVERALL BAKERY (SWEETS) 1. The BonBonerie 2. Brown Bear Bakery 3. Servatii Pastry Shop & Deli 4. North College Hill Bakery 5. North South Baking Co. 6. Wyoming Pastry Shop 7. Happy Chicks Bakery 8. Cafe Mochiko 9. Oliver’s Desserts 10. Makers Bakers Co.

THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

NEIGHBORHOOD BAKERY (BURBS) 1. Servatii Pastry Shop & Deli 2. Holtman’s Donuts (Loveland) 3. Wyoming Pastry Shop

NEIGHBORHOOD BAKERY (CENTRAL) 1. The BonBonerie 2. Servatii Pastry Shop & Deli 3. North College Hill Bakery

NEIGHBORHOOD BAKERY (DOWNTOWN/OTR) 1. Holtman’s Donuts 2. Brown Bear Bakery 3. Blue Oven Bakery (Findlay Market)

NEIGHBORHOOD BAKERY (EAST SIDE) 1. Servatii Pastry Shop & Deli 2. Busken Bakery 3. The Cheesecakery

NEIGHBORHOOD BAKERY (NORTHERN KENTUCKY) 1. Moonrise Doughnuts 2. Emerson’s Bakery TIE 2. North South Baking Co. TIE 3. The Baker’s Table Bakery

NEIGHBORHOOD BAKERY (WEST SIDE) 1. Servatii Pastry Shop & Deli 2. Busken Bakery 3. Regina Bakery

OVERALL BURGERS (CHAIN) 1. Five Guys 2. Red Robin 3. Bru Burger Bar

Eats OVERALL BURGERS (NON-CHAIN) 1. Zip’s Cafe 2. Nation Kitchen & Bar 3. Tickle Pickle 4. Quatman Cafe 5. Roney’s 6. The Turf Club 7. Arthur’s 8. Stellar Street Eats 9. Bard’s Burgers & Chili 10. Sammy’s Craft Burgers & Beer

NEIGHBORHOOD BURGER SPOT (BURBS) 1. Arthur’s 2. Fifty West Burger Bar 3. Quatman Cafe (Mason)

NEIGHBORHOOD BURGER SPOT (CENTRAL) 1. Quatman Cafe 2. Tickle Pickle 3. Nine Giant Brewing

NEIGHBORHOOD BURGER SPOT (DOWNTOWN/OTR) 1. Nation Kitchen & Bar 2. Arnold’s Bar and Grill 3. Krueger’s Tavern

NEIGHBORHOOD BURGER SPOT (EAST SIDE) 1. Zip’s Cafe 2. Arthur’s 3. The Turf Club

NEIGHBORHOOD BURGER SPOT (NORTHERN KENTUCKY) 1. Bard’s Burgers & Chili 2. Barleycorn’s 3. Herb & Thelma’s Tavern

NEIGHBORHOOD BURGER SPOT (WEST SIDE) 1. Incline Public House 2. Nation Kitchen & Bar (Westwood) 3. Maury’s Tiny Cove

OVERALL PIZZA (CHAIN) 1. Dewey’s Pizza 2. LaRosa’s Family Pizzeria 3. Goodfellas Pizzeria

OVERALL PIZZA (NON-CHAIN) 1. Taglio 2. Adriatico’s 3. Two Cities Pizza Co. 4. Strong’s Brick Oven Pizzeria 5. Krimmer’s Italianette Pizzeria 6. Fireside Pizza 7. Trotta’s Pizza & Drive-Thru 8. Saint Francis Apizza 9. Catch-a-Fire Pizza 10. Joe’s Pizza Napoli

NEIGHBORHOOD PIZZA JOINT (‘BURBS) 1. Dewey’s Pizza 2. A Tavola 3. LaRosa’s Family Pizzeria

NEIGHBORHOOD PIZZA JOINT (CENTRAL) 1. Dewey’s Pizza 2. Adriatico’s 3. Fireside Pizza

NEIGHBORHOOD PIZZA JOINT (DOWNTOWN/OTR) 1. Goodfellas Pizzeria 2. Taglio 3. Mikey’s Late Night Slice

THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

Home of Bee Haven & Chocolats Latour

We offer products from the hive & hand crafted chocolates. 4037 Hamilton Ave. Cincinnati, Ohio 45223

#1 - Best Soul Food #2 - Best Barbecue Top Ten - Mac & Cheese, Ribs, Takeout, Wings

THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

THANK YOU

FOR VOTING US TOP TEN OVERALL PIZZA Congrats to barback Anthony Augustyniak, bartenders Jason Morgan and Casey Murphy, chefs Alyssa Moore, Brandon Pennington, James Adams, Jans Tuada, Jon Robinson, Lily Coughlin, and Will Kamholtz, bar manager Andrew Gleason, kitchen manager Sydney Vannater, head chef Nick Linthicum, and general manager Trevor Pascoe. Best crew ever! 513-751-3473 773 EAST MCMILLANCINCINNATI, OHIO WWW.FIRESIDEPIZZAWALNUTHILLS.COM

See what's cooking @eatsugarnspice

4381 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45229 1203 Sycamore Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 242-3521 (513) 762-0390 eatsugarnspice.com THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

NEIGHBORHOOD PIZZA JOINT (EAST SIDE) 1. Dewey’s Pizza 2. Taglio 3. Ramundo’s Pizzeria

NEIGHBORHOOD PIZZA JOINT (NORTHERN KENTUCKY) 1. Goodfellas Pizzeria 2. Dewey’s Pizza 3. Strong’s Brick Oven Pizzeria

NEIGHBORHOOD PIZZA JOINT (WEST SIDE) 1. Trotta’s Pizza & Drive Thru 2. Dewey’s Pizza 3. LaRosa’s Family Pizzeria

OYSTERS

1. PearlStar 2. Swampwater Grill 3. Pelican’s Reef 4. Knotty Pine on the Bayou 5. Rich’s Proper Food & Drink 6. Somm Wine Bar 7. Red Feather Kitchen 8. Dear Restaurant & Butchery 9. Losanti 10. BrewRiver Creole Kitchen

PUB FOOD

1. Incline Public House 2. Arnold’s Bar and Grill 3. Dead Low Brewing

RAW BAR

1. PearlStar 2. Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse 3. Jeff Ruby’s Carlo & Johnny

RESTAURANT DESIGN 1. Sotto 2. Orchids at Palm Court 3. Dead Low Brewing

THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

RESTAURANT FOR A FIRST DATE 1. Sotto 2. Incline Public House 3. Nada 4. Abigail Street 5. Taft’s Ale House 6. Primavista 7. Ivory House 8. York Street Cafe 9. Libby’s Southern Comfort 10. Good Plates Eatery

RESTAURANT FOR FINE DINING 1. Sotto 2. Jeff Ruby’s The Precinct 3. Boca 4. Orchids at Palm Court 5. Ivory House 6. Jeff Ruby’s Carlo & Johnny 7. Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse 8. Nicola’s 9. Pepp & Delores 10. Primavista

RESTAURANT FOR LARGE PARTIES 1. Montgomery Inn 2. Moerlein Lager House 3. Dead Low Brewing

RESTAURANT TO TAKE A FOODIE 1. Sotto 2. Salazar 3. The Eagle 4. Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey 5. Bouquet Restaurant 6. Ivory House 7. Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse 8. Pleasantry 9. The Baker’s Table 10. Good Plates Eatery

RESTAURANT TO TAKE THE KIDS 1. Skyline Chili 2. Chick-fil-A 3. Dewey’s Pizza

Eats RESTAURANT TO TAKE VISITORS 1. Montgomery Inn Boathouse 2. Incline Public House 3. Skyline Chili 4. Sotto 5. Taste of Belgium 6. Ivory House 7. Primavista 8. Dead Low Brewing 9. Salazar 10. Pepp & Dolores

RIBS

1. Montgomery Inn 2. Eli’s BBQ 3. Walt’s Hitching Post 4. Lucius Q 5. Pig Candy BBQ 7. Pickles & Bones Barbecue 8. Just Q’in 9. City Barbeque 10. Dead Low Brewing

ROMANTIC RESTAURANT 1. Sotto 2. Orchids at Palm Court 3. Primavista 4. Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse 5. Pepp & Dolores 6. Ivory House 7. Via Vite 8. Alfio’s Buon Cibo 9. Salazar 10. Somm Wine Bar

SALADS

1. Dewey’s Pizza 2. Maplewood Kitchen and Bar 3. Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse

SEAFOOD

1. Pelican’s Reef 2. Ivory House 3. Oakley Fish House

SMALL PLATES 1. Nada 2. Mita’s 3. Abigail Street

SMOOTHIE/JUICE BAR 1. Rooted Juicery + Kitchen 2. Smoothie King 3. Tropical Smoothie

SOUL FOOD

1. Lucius Q 2. Alabama Fish Bar 3. Sweets & Meats BBQ

SOUP

1. Pho Lang Thang 2. La Soupe 3. Zoup!

SPECIALTY FOOD MARKET 1. Jungle Jim’s International Market 2. Findlay Market 3. Pipkin’s Market

STEAKHOUSE

1. Jeff Ruby’s The Precinct 2. Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse 3. Walt’s Hitching Post 4. Jeff Ruby’s Carlo & Johnny 5. Losanti 6. Ivory House 7. Maury’s Tiny Cove 8. Tony’s 9. Jag’s Steak & Seafood 10. Eddie Merlot’s

SUBS/SANDWICHES 1. Melt Revival 2. Carl’s Deli 3. Silverglades

THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

Eat It, Love It, Be Happy.

THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

MANY THANKS TO CINCINNATI’S BEST CUSTOMERS! It’s always humbling to be recognized for doing what we love to do. That is serving you!

THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

SUSHI

1. Cloud 9 Sushi 2. Ichiban Japanese Restaurant 3. Wabi Sabi 4. Teak OTR TIE 4. Wild Ginger TIE 5. Drunken Bento 6. Green Papaya 7. E+O Kitchen 8. Kyoto TIE 8. Kanji TIE 9. Fusian 10. Dancing Roll

TACOS

1. Mazunte 2. Agave & Rye 3. Condado Tacos 4. Bakersfield 5. La Mexicana 6. Tortilleria Garcia 7. OLLA Taqueria Gutierrez 8. Gomez Salsa 9. Taco Casa 10. Pata Roja Taqueria

TAKEOUT

1. Dewey’s Pizza 2. Eli’s BBQ 3. Gomez Salsa 4. City Barbeque 5. Mazunte 6. Lucius Q 7. Currito 8. Good Plates Eatery 9. Revolution Rotisserie 10. Pig Candy BBQ

TEA SELECTION

1. Churchill’s Fine Teas 2. Jungle Jim’s International Market 3. Coffee Emporium

THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

THAI

1. Thai Express 2. Green Papaya 3. Teak OTR 4. Bangkok Bistro 5. Wild Ginger 6. Lemon Grass 7. Ruthai’s Thai Kitchen 8. Thai Taste 9. Mai Thai 10. Basil Thai

VEGETARIAN

1. Melt Revival 2. Aladdin’s Eatery 3. The Governor 4. Harmony Plant Fare 5. Rooted Juicery + Kitchen 6. Loving Hut 7. Good Plates Eatery 8. Dead Low Brewing 9. Happy Chicks Bakery 10. Condado Tacos TIE 10. Essen Kitchen TIE

VEGGIE BURGER

1. Tickle Pickle 2. Krueger’s Tavern 3. Arthur’s 4. Nation Kitchen & Bar 5. Maplewood Kitchen and Bar 6. Taste of Belgium 7. Nine Giant Brewing 8. Essen Kitchen 9. BrewRiver at Sonder Brewing 10. Dead Low Brewing

VIETNAMESE 1. Pho Lang Thang 2. Wild Ginger 3. Song Long

Eats VIEW FROM YOUR TABLE 1. Incline Public House 2. Primavista 3. Montgomery Inn Boathouse 4. Moerlein Lager House 5. City View Tavern 6. The View at Shires’ Garden 7. The Chart House 8. Eighteen at the Radisson 9. Le Bar a Boeuf 10. Fausto

WAITSTAFF/SERVICE 1. Jeff Ruby’s The Precinct 2. Sotto 3. Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse 4. Pepp & Delores 5. Ivory House 6. Dewey’s Pizza 7. Dead Low Brewing 8. Aladdin’s Eatery 9. Abigail Street 10. Alfio’s Buon Cibo

WINE SELECTION (RESTAURANT) 1. Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant 2. Ivory House 3. Sotto

WINGS

1. Knockback Nat’s 2. Wild Mike’s 3. Buffalo Wings & Rings 4. Dead Low Brewing 5. Oak Tavern 6. Northside Yacht Club 7. Barleycorn’s 8. Knuk-N-Futz 9. Lucius Q 10. Good Plates Eatery

WATERFRONT DINING

1. Montgomery Inn Boathouse 2. Moerlein Lager House 3. Cabana on the River 4. Buckhead Mountain Grill 5. Chart House 6. Pirate’s Cove Tropical Bar & Grill 7. Sinners & Saints Tavern 8. Skipper’s River Cafe and Steamboat Marina 9. Eighteen at the Radisson 10. The Monkey Bar & Grille

THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

As a thank you for voting us “Best Ice Cream” get FREE DELIVERY on any $15 order on the Graeter’s App during April. Just use the following code at checkout: CBTHANKS22

Try Our New flavor Midnight Snack!

EXPIRES 4/30/2022. Requires a Sweet Rewards Account. One redemption per account.

www.churchillsteas.com Findlay; MarKet

We like to think of BrewRiver Creole Kitchen as an EXPERIENCE. The moment you walk through the door, you will feel transported to The Big Easy. From the warm, sophisticated New Orleans decor, to the craft cocktails such as Sazeracs and Hurricanes, to the live jazz, blues and boogie woogie, and of course the Chef driven, fully scratch, New Orleans Creole menu, each detail will transport you to NOLA! Join us for dinner or weekend lunch or brunch.

BrewRiver Creole Kitchen~ Taste Like New Orleans; Craft Like Cincy!

4632 Eastern Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45226

(513) 861-2484

brewrivercreolekitchen.com 76

THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

THANK YOU CINCINNATI

3313 RIVERSIDE DR.

#1 #2 #3

OPEN M -S U 11A .M.- 8P.M.

FINDL AY MARKET 133 W ELDER ST. Carry Out Only

BBQ, Findlay Market Vendor, Catering (Restaurant) Takeout, Ribs Hot Dog/Sausage, Macaroni & Cheese THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

Eats

StAFf PICKS BEST ONE-STOP CANNOLI SHOP

BEST SEASONAL HYBRID PASTRY

BEST PATRIOTIC BURRITO

BEST GARLIC NAAN ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RIVER

You may have heard the buzz about its Who Dey cannoli, stuffed with Oreo cream and drizzled with orange chocolate, but there’s much more to Del Gardo’s than Super Bowl-commemorating desserts. Opened in 2018, the Covington cafe serves up a rotating menu of more than 100 different cannoli varieties, espresso drinks and a unique invention owner Steve Del Gardo has dubbed the “cannoli cake.” While the original chocolate chip cannoli is a sure bet for a late-night snack, ﬂavors like Biscoff cookie butter, black raspberry chip and wasabi are among some of the shop’s more intriguing offerings. delgardos.com.

Sometimes, a regular burrito just isn’t excessive enough. If you’re feeling extra — like, really extra — La Mexicana’s ﬂag burrito just might be the thing to satiate your appetite. Prepared with your choice of meat or vegetables, the massive entree unfurls across a plate like a banner, with green and red sauces divided by a line of sour cream to mimic the colors of Mexico’s ﬂag. Make sure to start with the chips and salsa, which are easily worth the price of admission alone, and pair your meal with a bottle of Jarritos. Searchable on Facebook.

BEST MATCHA-FLAVORED TREATS

While not the flashiest item on the menu at MainStrasse’s Chako Bakery Cafe, the matcha roll cake is an understated work of art — perfectly formed, pillow-soft and filled with a sweet bean center. Chef Hisako Okawa (aka “Chako”) set up shop in Covington after studying at Le Cordon Bleu and Il Pleut Sur La Seine, crafting lunches and desserts that are almost too picturesque to eat. Besides the roll cake, matcha lovers can also indulge in cookies, muffins or even a whole cake if you call ahead. chakobakerycafe.com.

In fall of 2021, North South Baking Co. opened a brick-and-mortar space in partnership with Ludlow, Kentucky-based Bircus Brewing Co. The latter takes the reins at night while Kate Nycz’s North South slings baked goods by day. Customers can treat themselves to fresh-baked bread, pastries, pies and more. But cruffins — a croissant-muffin hybrid, as the portmanteau suggests — are a fan favorite. Nycz uses locally sourced ingredients to make creative and fun seasonal flavors throughout the year. From hibiscus key lime to pumpkin pie to Boston cream, they’re a crispy yet fluffy wonder. northsouthbaking.com.

Family-owned restaurant Jot India opened its doors in Newport in early 2021. Its stripmall location may be unassuming, but its food is anything but. Sopping up the vegetarian, chicken, lamb and seafood specialties with a side of fresh garlic naan is a must. Warm and topped with fresh herbs, it’s the perfect sidekick to any of the restaurant’s offerings, which will keep you returning for dine-in or takeout again and again. jotindia.com.

BEST ‘BAD’ VEGGIE SANDWICH

Finding a not-basic vegetarian sandwich is a feat. Luckily, Lil’s Bagels delivers. House-pickled radishes, housemade sauerkraut and spicy greens are sandwiched between a spicy beet-turmeric bagel and slathered with garden and chutney schmears. The Bad Judy is a collision of ﬂavors that will leave even the most carnivorous satisﬁed. Make it vegan by swapping the schmear for veggie hummus and baba ghanoush. Grab it via the walk-up “windough” or recently-opened-for-takeout interior. lilsbagels.com.

BEST HAVEN FOR CATS AND COFFEE

Get your caffeine and cuteness ﬁx at the Purrfect Day Cafe in Covington. At any given time, there are roughly 20 adoptable cats and kittens ready to cuddle and play. Purrfect Day works with three Tri-State-spanning animal rescues — Kenton County Animal Services in Northern Kentucky, Cincinnati Animal CARE Humane Society in Northside and P.A.W.S. of Dearborn County Humane Center in Lawrenceburg, Indiana — to get their adoptable animals. And all have been spayed or neutered, are dewormed, are up-to-date on their shots and are FeLV and FIV negative. You can reserve a 50-minute session in the kitty lounge for $15 per person or simply stop in for cat-themed coffee, tea or cocktails (their menu includes “purrbons” and “meowmosas”) to watch the friendly felines through the cafe window. If you fall in love with a cat, adoption coordinators are on-site. Visitors can also treat themselves to snacks like “paw-pcorn,” cookies and scones. purrfectdaycafecovington.com.

BEST DONUTS AFTER DARK

Satisfy your late-night donut craving at Latonia, Kentucky’s Moonrise Doughnuts. Made fresh nightly and open in the evenings, Moonrise is proof that donuts aren’t strictly for breakfast. Treat yourself to fried goodness no matter the hour. Made in the tradition of the now-shuttered Latonia Bakery — which also sold donuts after dark — Moonrise offers the nostalgia of the 1960s and ’70s. Flavors include options like the Homer (a yeast donut with strawberry icing and colored sprinkles), bananas and cream, and chocolate cheesecake. moonrisedoughnuts.com.

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BEST CHEAP AF TACO TUESDAY

How does your family follow “Meatless Monday?” If it’s not with Taco Tuesday, you’re missing out. For a medium-size Midwestern city, Cincinnati offers up a shit-ton of delicious taco options. On Tuesdays, though, we get our tacos from Tortilleria Garcia. For cheaper-than-Taco-Bell prices, you can load up on good AF, authentic tacos with a few different delicious protein options. And, yes, of course they have a meatless option. Who’s up for $1 tacos, y’all? tortilleriagarcia.us.

BEST KIDS’ MENU IN A MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Mi Cozumel in Springfield Township has already made a name for itself. Their giant, flaming fajitas come in a variety of flavors, and their margarita towers are so popular we’ve spotted a local police officer offering crowd control on more than one occasion. But, don’t get it too twisted: Mi Cozumel is still a family restaurant, as evidenced by their insane and all-encompassing kids’ menu. Got a picky kid? The options are nearly limitless. Sure, a quesadilla (with waffle fries) is a safe option, but they also offer such random yumminess as a Nutella-and-strawberry sandwich. Is 37 too old to order from the kids’ menu? Asking for a friend. The restaurant has two additional locations: one in Oakley and one in Finneytown. micozumel.com.

Tortilleria Garcia | Photo by Paige Deglow

BEST TASTE OF PUERTO RICO IN COLLEGE HILL

Wanna try a new dish? Or maybe hear some authentic Puerto Rican music? Is it time to learn a new dance? On any regular day, Mashroots in College Hill may look like your typical fast-casual lunch spot. The twist is, of course, that you won’t ﬁnd soup and sandwiches here. Instead, you can dig into mofongo, a traditional Puerto Rican dish of fried and mashed plantains, topped with veggies, protein and sauce. It gets better. About once a month, Mashroots puts on a night full of unique culBEST PATIO WITH A SIDE OF tural fun — from Spanish language night to CHICKEN TENDERS paella night to Brazilian music night — to help Wanna get wings and bask in that humid Cincy us all expand our worldview along with our summer air? Look no further than Roosters — tummies. mashroots.com. speciﬁcally the new(ish) West Side Roosters location. Everything on the Roosters menu is BEST THING TO HAPPEN TO delicious, so you’ll catch a great meal even in the winter. But throwing down some chicken CINCINNATI DINING AS tendies while sitting on their large, sunny patio A RESULT OF COVID-19 on a summer day is literally the best thing Everybody has suffered as a result of ever. roosterswings.com. COVID-19, some exponentially more than others. In terms of the hospitality indus80

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try, we saw a lot of beloved bars, shops and restaurants close their doors as a direct result of the pandemic, so it’s nice when there’s a tiny silver lining to this predominantly bleak period in history: 3CDC, in cooperation with the City of Cincinnati, unveiled a collection of streateries downtown and in Over-the-Rhine. The $2.2 million project introduced permanent wooden and concrete patios alongside the sidewalks to serve as additional outdoor seating for the city’s bars and restaurants. While this reduced the number of parking spots along some of Cincinnati’s busiest streets, it also gave local businesses a chance to increase proﬁts without needing to overcrowd indoor dining and drinking spaces. As a result of streateries, Cincinnati seems a bit more metropolitan these days — European even — and business owners seem grateful for the free-tothem extra seating.

Eats BEST NOVEL WAY TO ENJOY CINCINNATI CHILI

How many coneys and 3-Ways can one person eat before they need a change of Cincinnatichili pace? Luckily, Cafe Mochiko offers those familiar flavors in a new way. It’s owned and operated by chefs Erik Bentz and Elaine Townsend, who have made an exceptionally good name for themselves in the culinary world, being highly revered by foodies across the nation (Townsend was featured in a 2021 issue of Bon Appétit and was also named a semifinalist for Outstanding Baker in the 2022 James Beard Awards). Bentz pays homage to the Queen City’s chili fixation with Cincinnatistyle ramen — a Cincy-chili-flavored broth filled with minced and spiced meat, housemade noodles, diced raw white onion, tamago (marinated egg) and thinly shredded cheddar. The presentation is quite similar to a 3-Way, but the ramen broth and noodles take the concept to a whole new culinary level. cafemochiko.com.

BEST FROZEN DUMPLINGS

There are so many dumpling options in the city, but how many of them are good enough to change the way you think about what a dumpling can accomplish? At Bridges Nepali Cuisine, the humble momo does just that. The Chipalu family, which owns and operates Bridges, brought their recipes from the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. The balance of smoky ﬂavor and juicy ﬁlling in their savory bitesized dumplings is divine when paired with a side of achar, a spicy Nepali tomato salsa. The preparation method for the dumplings is an exciting way to mix it up at the table: The Chipalus like to steam their momos themselves, but pan-seared is another popular way for those who like things to be a bit crisp. Momos can also be served atop a creamy Nepali-style tomato soup, transforming a simple snack into a meal to remember. Momos are available at both the Northside and downtown Bridges

locations, but also can be found in the freezer section at Jungle Jim’s International Market. bridgesnepalicuisine.com.

BEST CRAFT SOY SAUCE PRODUCER

Ohio grows more soybeans than any other crop. In fact, according to the United States Department of Agriculture’s 2020 Annual Bulletin, 4.87 million acres of soy was harvested in the state. That’s enough for buyers from China, Japan and Korea to line up for their exportable shares every harvest. Cincinnatians Sam Pellerito and Kendall Holmes took notice of the remarkably abundant domestic resource and its notable lack of local culinary utilization, particularly on the condiments shelf. Local soy sauce was a relatively unheard-of commodity before they started CinSoy in Over-the-Rhine. Now you can ﬁnd bottles of their locally brewed soy sauce all over the city, along with koji mustard, chili oil and more. CinSoy’s local soy sauce tastes miles above anything you’ll ﬁnd in a single-serve plastic packet. cinsoyfoods.com.

BEST VEGAN PIE FROM A PIZZA CHAIN

The meat-free fast-food game has exploded in recent years, and LaRosa’s Family Pizzeria came through hot and heavy in 2021 with their new plant-based pepperoni, Italian sausage crumbles, diced chicken and vegan cheese offerings. If you’ve transitioned to an animal-free diet, this is incredibly good news when looking for an easy go-to takeout or delivery option. The dough and sauce recipes were already animal-free, so this means vegans can pile on the toppings if they’re in the mood for something other than mushrooms and peppers on a slice — and this makes LaRosa’s one of the city’s most equal-opportunity pizza chains in terms of menu items. Try serving a vegan pie to a drunk meat-eater next game day and they probably won’t even notice. larosas.com.

BEST BREAKFAST TRAILER

Squeezed into a bite-sized vintage trailer, husband-and-wife duo Nate and China Kautz serve eggy breakfast sandwiches as Cincinnati-based pop-up Cackleberry (a term for a hen’s egg). The petite menu blends Queen City staples with Filipino-fusion ingredients to offer options like the Lolo, with longanisa sausage and atchara pickled slaw, and a goetta sandwich called the Porter with muenster cheese and mustard aioli. The seasonal food truck parks in various locations on weekends and operates until all sandwiches are sold out. eatcackleberry.com.

BEST GAS STATION CREAMY WHIP

Creamy whip season is a big deal here in Cincinnati, where citizens wait all winter for their favorite walk-up window to open for the spring and summer. But what if you crave soft serve during the winter? No matter the month, the AmeriStop gas station in Bellevue is sure to be slinging some creative creamy whip flavor combinations. Owner Meghal Patel is the brains behind the store’s dessert offerings, which draw patrons from across the Tri-State. He has two machines and rotates flavors each week. Some recent favorites? Orange and cotton-candy blue for the Bengals vs. Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl run; butterscotch and vanilla; and the fan-favorite peanut butter and chocolate. Patel and his team also handpick a superb selection of craft beer — in cans and bottles and on draft — available for sale. The shop recently launched its own line of “Bellevue AmeriStop” branded growlers and howlers. We’re not saying you should combine both offerings into a beer-and-creamy-whip float, but we’re also not not saying that. facebook.com/ameribellevue.

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CINCINNATI’S Best Donuts 2022

Thank you! Donut know what we would do without you!

Loveland

Oakley

Over the Rhine

West Chester

Williamsburg

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holtmansdonutshop.com

FOR AGAIN VOTING US

#4 LOCAL CHAIN #1 CHICKEN #1 CHICKEN SANDWICH #2 MACARONI AND CHEESE #2 NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT (DOWNTOWN/OTR)

#3 APPETIZERS #7 OVERALL RESTAURANT

#1 MARGARITA #2 GUACAMOLE #4 TACOS #2 SALADS #4 BRUNCH #5 VEGGIE BURGER #6 BREAKFAST #3 OVERALL RESTAURANT #3 ITALIAN #3 NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT (DOWNTOWN/OTR)

#4 WAITSTAFF/SERVICE #5 ROMANTIC RESTAURANT #9 RESTAURANT FOR FINE DINING #10 RESTAURANT TO TAKE VISITORS

#7 TOP TEN TAKEOUT

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Mighty Good: Meat n’ Three | Photo by Catie Viox

BEST FISHY FACELIFT

After closing in October of 2021 for renovations, Alabama Fish Bar reopened at the start of 2022 to once again serve the self-proclaimed “best fried ﬁsh in Cincinnati.” 3CDC acquired and revamped the threedecade-old eatery as part of its $50 million Willkommen project, which includes building or rehabbing several buildings across Overthe-Rhine to create residential and commercial units. Out of the deal, Alabama Fish Bar got an updated storefront, new ﬂooring and paint 84

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and some new kitchen equipment. Another update? They now take credit cards. facebook.com/alabamaﬁshbar.

BEST BLUE MATCHA

Since 2019, Proud Hound Coffee has been helping Cincinnatians get their caffeine ﬁx via pop-ups with its coffee truck and cart, wholesale operations, events and collaborations. And in June, the roaster opened a cafe in its 4,000-square-foot warehouse in Silverton. The kitchen specializes in Southern-centric break-

fast and brunch with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and seasonal dishes. And customers are able to snag all the usual espresso-based beverages — cortados, cappuccinos, americanos, lattes and mochas — alongside cold brews, pour-overs and drip coffees. Not into coffee? The cafe also offers tea, hot chocolate and a picturesque blue matcha. That vividly colored drink is made of ground Earl Gray tea, infused with blue-hue-inducing butterﬂy pea ﬂowers. The Proud Hound team also adds in vanilla to create a craveable, almost “cereal milk” taste. proudhoundcoffee.com.

Eats BEST BAGEL DONUT

Norwood got a little sweeter this year with the addition of over-the-top donut maker Starlight Doughnut Lab. In operation since the start of 2019, owner/baker Ben Greiwe has been crafting small-batch baked goods with a unique ingredient. Starlight donuts use mashed potatoes in the dough, which “boosts moisture, sweetness, flavor, and adds a crispy outside layer thanks to the potato’s natural sugars caramelizing in the fryer,” Greiwe explains. He says the flavor combos and that texture set Starlight apart from other local donut purveyors. The Norwood storefront offers both cake donuts and 48-hour brioche donuts with six always-on-the-menu flavors including churro, vanilla-glazed with sprinkles, and a raspberry lemonade. But our favorite is the everything-bagel donut with garlic-herb goat cheese. Greiwe tells CityBeat that this savory 48-hour brioche donut is his favorite flavor he’s ever made. facebook.com/ starlightdoughnutlab.

BEST PLACE TO GET A MEAT AND THREE SIDES

Some seriously Southern food has been served up near Findlay Market since Mighty Good: Meat n’ Three on Elm Street opened its doors in October. The restaurant focuses on “simple, delicious, fresh, Southern food at an approachable price.” And as the “Meat n’ Three” name implies, customers can select one meat and three sides (family-style and vegetarian options are also available) for their meal. There are daily specials and, of course, sweet tea — including one infused with bourbon. Customers can also pick from a series of rotating seasonal cocktails. But Mighty Good is more than a restaurant; it’s also a social enterprise. Students from the Findlay Culinary Training Program work in the kitchen as part of a partnership with the nonproﬁt CityLink Center, which uses a team-centered and holistic approach to help individuals break free from poverty. mightygoodotr.com.

BEST REASON TO BITE INTO A STICK OF BUTTER

As Surrealist René Magritte would say: This is not a pipe. And the assorted grocery and home-good items posted to the Instagram account of Cincinnati’s Fat Ben’s Bakery aren’t what they look like either. Instead, they are hyperreal cake creations made by pastry chef Ben Arington, the “Ben” of Fat Ben’s. Arington, known for his over-the-top, imaginative baked goods, has been in the pastry and food ﬁeld for more than 15 years. He creates aesthetically pleasing treats, all while keeping it “weird” and pushing the boundaries of what conventional baked goods should look like. Recently, he’s been delving into the world of hyperreal cakes and posting the results to social media. He adds very satisfying videos of him cutting into the baked goods, which look exactly like a stick of butter, a bowl of chicken noodle soup, a ripe tomato and even a COVID-19 at-home test kit. These amazing cakes are edible, and Arington says he uses everything from scissors and cake molds to even (clean) loofah sponges to get the textures he wants, with an artist’s eye for food coloring to apply the most realistic light, shadow and ﬁnishes. instagram.com/fatbensbakery.

BEST TACO-AND-BURGER BANG FOR YOUR BUCK

Mount Adams recently welcomed a new dining establishment to its quaint hilltop neighborhood. El Barril Mexican Sports Bar & Grill opened last fall and takes over the space formerly occupied by Next Chapter. As its name suggests, the eatery is part restaurant — boasting both Mexican street food and bar bites — and part sports bar. The menu ranges from street tacos, piled-high nachos and meatstuffed burritos to more traditional bar food like loaded burgers, mozzarella sticks and wings. Across the board, prices are reasonable, especially when it comes to the amount of food you get. But if you’re looking for a real bang for your buck, opt for the $12.99 Burger

and Taco Combo. The meal comes with your choice of burger (options include over-thetop creations like the Breakfast Burger with goetta, bacon, cheese, fried egg and spicy Sriracha mayo, or the El Barril Burger with guacamole, sauteed mushrooms, onions and American cheese), two tacos (favorites are the carnitas and the Bang Bang Shrimp) and a side of fries. Enjoy your feast in one of three indoor dining areas, or on the ﬁrst- or secondﬂoor patios. The eatery plans to open a second location in New Richmond this summer. elbarrilmexicansportsbarandgrill.com.

BEST HOMEMADE VEGAN GOETTA

Milford’s The Governor diner feels like a bit of Over-the-Rhine out in the suburbs. With subway tile, industrial decor and a walkup window — where you can grab a boozy slushie to go to enjoy in the DORA district — the menu offers modern fare for brunch, lunch and dinner. There are salads, soups, a fun invention called the fromelette (basically a giant frittata) and sandwiches like an Asianinspired fried chicken sandwich and a burger on a donut bun. While the meats are exciting — braised short rib, smoked salmon salad, housemade pastrami — vegetarians aren’t an afterthought here, especially when it comes to the Cincinnati classic, goetta. The restaurant makes its own vegetarian (and meat) goetta in house. The resulting crispy, rectangular patty can be enjoyed on an egg sandwich, as a side or in a philly on a Sixteen Bricks bun. While it looks like goetta on the outside, the inside boasts a mix of oats, carrots, mushrooms and a hint of other veggies. The ﬂavor packs a savory, salty punch with a perfect amount of crunch. governordiner.com.

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Okto | Photo by Hailey Bollinger

BEST USE OF AVOCADO IN A MEXICAN RESTAURANT

You might think this designation would be reserved for guacamole. It’s not. Crown Restaurant Group (Crown Republic Gastropub, Losanti, Rosie’s Cocktails & Pies) opened its newest restaurant, La Cantina, in the former Cheapside Cafe location downtown in February. Offering a self-described mix of “contemporary, authentic Mexican cuisine and cocktails,” the kitchen is helmed by chef Johnny Curiel, recently the executive chef at Nada. With a modern-meets-Mexican vibe, the restaurant menu currently lists dishes like smoked prime brisket or lamb barbacoa tacos, mesquite cold-smoked tuna crudo, queso fundido and chicken mole. The cocktail menu plays off that concept by focusing on mezcal and tequila. One beautiful and creative drink is the avocado and jalapeño margarita. A base of tequila blanco is infused with orange liqueur, cilantro, jalapeño, lime, agave and, yes, avocado. The result is a creamy, beautifully char86

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treuse drink with some sweet and some heat. crowncantina.com.

BEST MEAT-FREE ITALIAN SUB

Findlay Market’s Harmony Plant Fare is a New York-style deli that caters to vegetarians and vegans. They make their own seitan and meltable vegan cheese, along with a slew of dips, salads (no-tuna tuna, etc.) and heat-andeat items. And, like any good deli, they also put together delicious sandwiches. The Italian sub features seitan ham and pepperoni, vegan provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, banana peppers and Italian dressing on a Sixteen Bricks roll. It’s a hearty, tangy, hefty dish that encapsulates the experience of eating a full-on Italian sub — all without animal by-products. There’s a wonderful bite to Harmony’s housemade meats that almost approximates the irresistible snap of a good, fatty pepperoni. Give this sandwich to a drunk (or sober) carnivore, and they won’t even know the difference. harmonyplantfare.com.

BEST WAGYU BEEF HOOKUP

Where’s the beef? If you’re looking for the grade-A, top-of-the-line hookup for wagyu beef in the area, then the Wyoming Meat Market is your No. 1 destination. What makes wagyu beef so dreamy? Wagyu is a breed of cattle prized for its meat’s exceptional tenderness and distribution of fat. Meat connoisseurs consider wagyu to be the champagne of beef, which is appropriate given the animal’s tightly regulated guidelines on breeding and diet. Wyoming Meat Market sources its wagyu from Sakura Wagyu Farms in Westerville, Ohio, so it’s always fresh and local. Show up hungry: Shelbi Nation, the new owner, will make one of the best sandwiches you’ve ever had. wyomingmeatmarket.org.

Eats BEST LOCALLY PRODUCED ROOT BEER

There’s a void in the soul that can only be ﬁlled by really good root beer. Sharonville’s The Root Beer Stand serves up the soda equivalent of premium craft beer at its quaint, retro eatery. It’s so good because they use their own well water, which has a balance of inherent minerality. You can squeeze into a seat at the counter to eat a foot-long chili dog alongside your fellow humans, or instead walk up to the order window and have a nice meal outside — there’s plenty of shaded seating if you want to escape the summer sun. Bring the kids to enjoy the playground behind the restaurant, or wait around for a little while to wave at the train conductor as he passes by on the nearby railroad tracks. Nothing quite beats a root-beer ﬂoat and a hot dog when you want to feel truly American. therootbeerstand.com.

BEST FRESH TORTILLAS

The quality of Tortilleria Garcia’s fresh, housemade tortillas is so superior that it’s just not fair to other taco joints. Woe betide any fool that orders a ﬂour tortilla at this spot. Well, that’s harsh, but the majority of the menu is best served with those golden maize disks, so simple in their ingredients and effectively delicious you might even dare call them perfect. Owner Omar Garcia brings joy through his food in a way that transcends simple service: He’s sharing his homeland and heritage. Garcia comes from a family that’s operated tortillerias for generations, and Cincinnati is very lucky he decided to call it his new home — our collective standard for the noble tortilla has greatly increased as a result of his handiwork. Visit any of the three locations in the area to grab a bite (bonus points if you eat at all three in one day), or buy the tortillas in bulk to make your own chips or tostadas. tortilleriagarcia.us.

BEST OPA! AND OCTOPUS

While Cincinnati is home to dozens of highend eateries, downtown’s Okto holds its ground as being one of the only upscale Greek restaurants in the area. The menu includes traditional Mediterranean dishes, like savory tiropita and spanakopita pastries, kebabs, ﬂaming saganaki (a pan-fried Greek cheese) and baklava, as well as branzino (deboned at the table), lobster pasta and chef Wissam Baki’s signature octopus carpaccio. The dish features thin slices of marinated octopus served with radish, pea tendrils, onion, caper and lemon. To wash it down, Okto’s bar is stocked with a selection of wine and liquors imported from Greece and cocktails created to pair nicely with the restaurant’s Mediterranean ﬂavors. oktocincinnati.com.

BEST WORST LONG GOODBYE

Many local restaurants have shuttered their doors after dealing with fallout from the pandemic for the past two years. And some have just closed anyway, as businesses sometimes do. Two longtime Cincinnati favorites called it quits this year. Landmark downtown restaurant Washington Platform closed at the end of 2021, with owner and chef Jon Diebold announcing in a Facebook post a desire to end on a positive note, stressing that the closure had nothing to do with “the pandemic, the labor shortage, or any global shipping crisis.” He wrote, “We have weathered all those events, just as we have weathered other downturns in our three decades of business.” Established in 1875 (and reestablished in 1986), the bar and restaurant served up New Orleans-style grub and drink to the Queen City for decades and was well known for its oyster and lobster events. Diebold said the decision was wellthought-out and, while loyal customers will be missed, “it is time for a new chapter.” Glendale’s Grand Finale also announced on Facebook in early 2022 that it would be permanently closing after 46 years. The restaurant is

known for its delicious desserts, among other fare. Owner Virginia Chambers didn’t provide a reason for the closure in her post, but, she wrote, “Through our generational friendship, you are family and we will miss you!”

BEST WORST LUNCHTIME GOODBYE

Lunch just won’t be the same in the Central Business District after two decades-old staples closed their doors. Both Total Juice Plus and Fred & Gari’s received an ultimatum from their landlord telling them they had to be out of their longstanding, neighboring storefronts on Vine Street by the end of January this year. The restaurants, which had both been in month-to-month leases, weren’t super pleased about the news — and neither were patrons — with Total Juice Plus’ co-owner Emil Mallat telling CityBeat, “Twenty-four years serving Cincinnati, only to be shrugged off as if we were college tenants in an apartment.” Gari Jager, owner of Fred & Gari’s, said, “I knew that it was going to happen sooner or later, but I didn’t know when.” Total Juice Plus had offered healthy menu items like wraps, freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices, and all-natural nonfat smoothies since 1998. Fred & Gari’s had served food since 1987, ﬁrst as a ZZ’s Pizza Company franchise, then independently starting in 1994 — with a rotating assortment of soups, pizza and classic deli sandwiches. Both establishments were frequent staff and reader Best Of Cincinnati winners. Jager says there may be some hope for Fred & Gari’s, telling CityBeat he’s going to start looking for a spot to reopen after taking a much-deserved vacation.

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BEST GROCERY STORE NEWS

Hold onto your gourmet takeaway containers: There’s some thrilling news afoot. You will no longer have to drive to Dayton to visit Dorothy Lane Market — the cult-favorite regional grocer has announced plans to open its ﬁrst Greater Cincinnati store in Mason (so, yes, you still have to drive to Mason ...). The new store will be located in an 80,000-square-foot mixed-use development on 70 acres at the corner of Mason-Montgomery and Western Row roads. Dorothy Lane Market has three other stores in Oakwood, Washington Township and Springboro, all in the Dayton area. A family business in operation since 1948, the gourmet grocer is like Whole Foods-meets-Jungle-Jim’s-meets-Trader Joe’s (for those who haven’t been). It offers a vast selection of fresh fruits and veggies; excellent cheese; gourmet packaged items; a to-die-for bakery; a deli counter with meats, cheese and a variety of housemade salads; prepared foods; wine; beer; ﬂowers; health items; the list goes on. There’s also a line of Killer Brownies, made by the family that owns the operation. And while fans await new development information about the local market, Dayton’s Warped Wing Brewing (which opened a taproom in Mason in February) recently released a special collaboration with Dorothy Lane called Killer Brownie brown ale. The brew features “aromas of deep, rich chocolate upfront” along with “sips of chocolate, caramel, vanilla and molasses,” mimicking the Killer Brownie’s blend of chocolate, caramel and pecans. dorothylane.com.

midcitycinti) to learn about specials. But one of the kitchen’s best inventions is the housemade pickle butter — a creamy, tangy mix of dairy and two kinds of chopped pickles. When applied to the warm slices of griddled bread, the butter melts and leaves behind little ﬂavor bombs. It’s a great accessory to any of their fried veggie dishes or meaty skewers. The dessert menu, similar to the retro-ﬂavored cocktail list, features a baked Alaska, or ice cream cake covered in decorative and torched meringue. A larger dining room is coming soon, and Mid-City also includes a nice side patio. midcitycinti.com.

BEST PICKLE BUTTER

BEST FAST-FOOD EXPANSION

The team behind Longfellow in Over-theRhine opened a new bar and restaurant called Mid-City on the recently revamped and pedestrian-friendly Court Street Plaza. It’s an unassuming but geographically accurate name for one of downtown’s best new spots to grab a classic cocktail (the list includes a Gibson, Manhattan and Tom Collins) and small plates. The food menu adapts to the seasons, and you can follow along on social media (@ 90

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The Baker’s Table Bakery | Photo provided by The Baker’s Table Bakery

One of Ohio’s most beloved hamburger joints ﬁnally is fully operational in Cincinnati. Akron-based Swensons Drive-In opened its ﬁrst Queen City location in Union Township in January. Established in 1934, the fast-food chain largely operates on an old-timey drive-in model, in which patrons park near the restaurant and a server takes orders at their car window. The restaurant grills all food upon order, and the server then delivers it back to the car

— a concept that worked very well during the pandemic. Swensons is known for its Galley Boy cheeseburger, but also serves up excellent milkshakes, malts, potato puffs and chili. swensonsdriveins.com.

BEST SURPRISE NIGHTTIME PIZZA PARLOR

Favorite Newport dining destination The Baker’s Table opened a new bakery across the street from the restaurant in October 2021, aptly named The Baker’s Table Bakery. By day, the destination specializes in bread and pastries — biscuits, buns, scones and shortbread — made with regionally sourced Janie’s Mill ﬂour. But by night, The Baker’s Table transforms into a farm-to-table pizzeria, serving superb pies and sustainable Italian wines. The pizza is made with a sourdough starter and baked to achieve a special chewy crunch and char. The menu isn’t expansive, but it currently has two meat and two veggie options. You can’t go wrong with the cheese pizza, featuring a decadent blend of mozzarella, gouda and grana. bakerstablebakery.com.

Eats BEST BISCUIT BOUNCE BACK

At the start of 2022, Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey owner and chef Christian Gill announced he was going to have to close his ﬂagship Pendleton location (there’s a second Boomtown in Union, Kentucky) toward the end of January. Citing “all of the surrounding circumstances that have plagued the industry over the last two years,” he said it was “untenable for us to continue in this environment.” Well, biscuit fans were having none of that, and Gill reversed course shortly thereafter, saying Boomtown Pendleton was staying open. A Facebook post on the Boomtown page soon read, “The outpouring of love and support from the community has been overwhelming and we are taking another shot to save the biscuits.” Now, the eatery says it is looking to implement a crowdfunding formula to support Boomtown and to let the public own shares. boomtownbiscuitsandwhiskey.com.

BEST DINNER DATE SPOT FOR PICKY COUPLES

Does any conversation lead to more Friday night fights between couples than “What do you want to eat for dinner?” If you want to avoid the culinary fallout, plan a trip to the Oakley Kitchen Food Hall. A former antique mall has been transformed into a business incubator for local food entrepreneurs. There are eight different kitchens on the first floor, with current cuisine options ranging from Hawaiian and Creole to Middle Eastern. Place your order at a stall and take your meal to one of the seating areas spread throughout (there are even outdoor picnic tables). The in-house Cutaway bar — helmed by the team behind Over-theRhine’s Longfellow — features beer, wine, cider, sake and fun cocktails. It’s a casual spot with plenty of dining options to accommodate any appetite. It’s also very family friendly if Friday night date night also involves the kids. oakley-kitchen.com.

BEST TACO FOR STONED PEOPLE

Bandito Food Park calls itself a “one-of-akind restaurant and event venue featuring an atmosphere that expresses an outer parklike celebration complete with fun food and beverages offered to match.” So how does that manifest for the Columbia Tusculum eatery? The restaurant brought outdoor vibes in by adding a vintage trailer and shipping-container-esque counter to order from, incorporating fake turf, setting up picnic tables and string lights, and decking the space out in murals by artist Kim Goins. The menu itself offers a variety of eats — like one would ﬁnd at a food park or food hall — and runs the gamut from tacos, burgers and chicken to hot dogs, salads and bowls. If you wind up at Bandito with the munchies, they have some very 4/20-friendly snacking, from barbacoa-topped mac and cheese and stacked nachos to the Dude Seriously taco. This Dude Seriously features seasoned chuck, shredded cheese, ranch dressing, crushed Mexican Takis chips and housemade sauce. banditocinci.com.

BEST CINCINNATI-SPAWNED NATIONAL DAY

Celebrated the Friday after Lent begins, National Tartar Sauce Day is a uniquely Cincinnati holiday — and not just because the city is full of Catholics. Apparently local restaurant chain Frisch’s Big Boy is the one that started National Tartar Sauce Day to honor the tangy condiment. The restaurant says it launched the initiative five years ago to celebrate Frisch’s “famous fish sandwich made with two sustainably sourced Alaskan cod filets and the famous Frisch’s Original Tartar Sauce.” Sounds relatively self-promotional, which it is, but in 2022 National Tartar Sauce Day also marked the start of the celebrations for Frisch’s 75th anniversary. Mayor Aftab Pureval declared March 4, 2022, “Frisch’s Big Boy Day” in the Queen City, praising the chain’s history, appeal and ability to “bring back memories from throughout the years, while making fond

memories today,” along with its famous tartar sauce. frischs.com.

BEST APIZZA CARRY-OUT

In true hidden-gem fashion, Saint Francis Apizza’s brick-and-mortar location in East Hyde Park doesn’t look like anything special. It’s a clean, well-lit little kitchen and counter designed only for customers to pick up their order — no dine-in at present. Once that pizza box is open, though, things start to get great. “Apizza” distinguishes itself from a pizza with its thin-yet-airy crisp and slightly charred crust, achieved by a coal-ﬁred oven. Review the menu and you’ll ﬁnd a point of origin for nearly all the ingredients on your pie, with a special emphasis on local, ethically grown produce and meats that are sourced only a short drive from the pizzeria — like mushrooms from Rich Life Farm and Ezzo pepperoni from Columbus, Ohio. If you don’t eat the crust, you don’t deserve this apizza. saintfrancisapizza.com.

BEST CARB CROWN

Cincinnati’s food scene is historically well known for a couple of unique contributions to the world — chili and goetta — but Food & Wine magazine recently gave props to the city for something other than meat: bread. In its January list of the “Best Bread in Every State,” three bakeries took home top honors for Ohio, and two of them are located in Cincinnati. Sixteen Bricks, based out of Norwood, and Allez Bakery in Over-the-Rhine made the cut in a time when the magazine says “American bread-baking is the best it’s ever been.” And this isn’t the ﬁrst time either of those bakeries have gotten national attention. Sixteen Bricks’ owner and baker Ryan Morgan was called “one of America’s best bread wizards” by Esquire magazine, and Allez previously landed on Food & Wine’s best bakeries in America list. sixteenbricks.com; allezbakery.com.

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Morsel & Nosh | Photo by Catie Viox

BEST CHICKEN AND WAFFLES

Brought to Cincinnati by the crew behind Dope!, Decibel Korean Fried Chicken is the city’s first purveyor of the favorite Asian street food. For the uninitiated, Korean fried chicken is an airier, crispier iteration of Southern-style fried chicken. Gone are the browned crunchy bits that stud American fried chicken; instead, Korean-style chicken is sheathed in an airy golden-brown crust and twice fried. The eatery has two locations — one in the Kroger On the Rhine food hall and one adjacent to Esoteric Brewing in Walnut Hills. The Walnut Hills and Kroger spot both serve Korean fried wings, tenders and drumsticks, along with fried cauliflower, assorted sides (waffle fries, cured cucumbers) and even a Korean fried corndog. But the Walnut Hills spot also serves brunch, with a menu featuring kimchi fried rice (with Spam), Korean street toast stuffed with an omelet, and an ube waffle. Ube, or purple yam, is a hip ingredient at the moment and can be found on restaurant menus, especially in baked goods. At Decibel, ube is mixed into the waffle batter to create a crispy, golden exterior with a pillowy, chewy, violet interior. The waffle comes dusted with powdered sugar and is served with two Korean fried chicken tenders. The crunch of the tenders next to the soft ube goodness is just *insert chef’s kiss*. decibelchicken.com. 92

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BEST BARBECUE IN A FORMER JAIL

Local couple Paul Montgomery and Christina Goehrig opened Pig Candy BBQ in California, Ohio, in spring of 2021, right near Dead Low Brewing and the Lunken Airport bike path. The building in which their eatery sits was built in 1913 and served as the local jail for many decades. Far from being creepy, the 9-foot ceilings in the basement, where the police horses were kept, provided enough space for a commercial kitchen. The couple helped restore the structure by uncovering the ﬂoors, exposing the original brick and putting the metal black-framed windows back in. One could say their craft barbecue is so good it’s criminal. pigcandybbq.com.

BEST SWEET TRIBUTE

Cincinnati City Council unanimously voted in August to give Allston Street in Oakley the honorary secondary moniker of James T. Aglamesis Way, so named for the longtime purveyor of Cincinnati’s famous Aglamesis Bro’s Ice Cream and Candy. Also known as “Jim” or “Mr. A.,” Aglamesis passed away Jan. 23, 2021, at age 93. “Dad’s passing was naturally hard on our family — we miss him terribly. But his passing was made a little less painful through the outpouring of wonderful sentiments expressed by the city community of Cincinnati,” Randy Young, the current

president of Aglamesis Bro’s and Aglamesis’ stepson, told the council. “It touched the family in so many ways, but especially in the fact that we were witness to the magnitude of his lasting impact on our community and all the memories of him that were shared with us. He was mostly known as ‘Mr. A.’ to the hundreds of employees and countless thousands of customers he met over the eight decades of working in the business.” aglamesis.com.

BEST BAKED OYSTERS

Located in the former A Tavola storefront on Vine Street, PearlStar is the brainchild of Nashville restaurateur Terry Raley, serving up both East and West Coast oysters (the menu lists the provenance of the recent catch) and other raw delicacies like crudo, ceviche and tartare. But if you like your seafood graced with a touch of heat, PearlStar also offers cooked items, including coal-ﬁred steak and a burger. The “baked oyster” snack features three bivalves topped with tonnato butter, chile, herbs and breadcrumbs, which are then baked in a wood-ﬁred oven. It’s a take on classic oysters Rockefeller — and perfect for people who don’t do seafood on ice. But if you do feel like slurping down some oysters on a summer’s day, the 2,000-square-foot interior of PearlStar is complemented by a 2,000-square-foot outdoor patio, complete with bocce ball. pearl-star.com.

Eats BEST GOETTA-INFUSED POUTINE

Could there be a better combination than the marriage of the Canadian classic, poutine and the Cincinnati staple, goetta? The Breakfast Poutine from Northside Yacht Club is the deliciously decadent offspring of the two, featuring fresh-cut fries, homemade goetta gravy, Wisconsin cheese curds, scallions and a fried egg. It’s only available on Sundays, for the NSYC’s self-described “boozy breakfast.” Kick the meal up a notch by adding one of their famous bloody marys, insanely garnished with celery, a smoked Boston butt pulled-pork slider, hickory bacon and a smoked chicken wing. northsideyachtclub.com.

BEST DOUBLE DUTCH

Longtime pony keg and artisan food market Dutch’s Larder closed at the beginning of 2020 after a falling out between previous owners. That’s when Cincinnati restaurateur Brad Bernstein, well known for his upscale eatery Red Feather Kitchen in Oakley, stepped in. This past summer, Bernstein reopened Dutch’s after giving the interior a facelift and adding new seating to the expanded outdoor patio. Visitors to the longtime establishment can anticipate a similar business model under the direction of Bernstein, who told CityBeat that the space “will always be Dutch’s.” The spot still hosts its infamous burger nights, carries food from local purveyors in the market, and slings beer, wine and cocktails. It also recently became a permanent distribution spot for local pop-up Sebastian Bakehouse. Helmed by Laura Kate Adelman and Randy Sebastian — pastry chefs who have experience baking at such notable eateries as Mr. Holmes Bakehouse and Nobu Las Vegas — Sebastian Bakehouse excels in viennoiseries. Fans would frequently stand in line around the block during their pop-up events at Dutch’s, which they are continuing. But now the bakery also drops off goods twice a week, including items like orange cardamom morning buns, a reuben croissant and pain suisse brioché feuilleté. dutchscincy.com; sebastianbakehouse.com.

BEST JELLO MOLD DESSERTS

Consider, if you will, the gelatin mold. Sixty years ago you’d be hard-pressed to find a household that didn’t have one nestled in a cupboard with the bundt pans and pie plates. Jelly desserts and gelatin-encased foods were expected at dinner parties, but these days, your best shot at finding a gelatin mold is next to the tarnished kitchenware at your local antique store. At least that’s where Amanda Bowman finds hers. Through her home-based baking business, Calliope Sweets, she’s putting jelly desserts (as well as cakes, cookies, pies — you name it) back on the table after decades of dormancy. Bowman founded her bakery in January of 2021 and named it after the giant steam-whistle organ popularly played at circuses. She isn’t timid about using psychedelic color palettes and concocting unexpected flavor combos in her work, and she has the longtime culinary expertise to whip up just about anything requested of her. Bowman’s pastries run the gamut from sculpture-esque cakes to classic 1960s-era pastries to gelatin molds of all shapes, sizes, colors and flavors. But the latter has been her calling card. instagram.com/enjoycalliope.

BEST BIG BATAVIA FOOD PARK

Food parks seem to be the next big trend in dining, with spots like Bridgeview Box Park and Covington Yard opening in Greater Cincinnati in the past year or so. Now, Cincinnati’s deep East Side is home to its own. Located at the corner of Old State Route 32 and HalfAcre Road in Batavia (on a former Gold Star lot), Clear Mountain Food Park features a rotating variety of food trucks (for lunch and dinner), live music, outdoor games and “indoor/outdoor beverage stations.” The seasonally open spot is also going to start hosting farmers and ﬂea markets. Check the schedule online to see what trucks will be there and what bands are playing. clearmountainfoodpark.com.

BEST ALTERNATIVE TO NACHOS

Covington’s OLLA Taqueria Gutierrez serves up Mexican-style street food with some extravagant twists. The eatery is owned by Sergio Gutierrez — whose father owns Gutierrez Deli just down the street— and the menu is stacked with your typical street dishes like tacos, burritos and quesadillas. Customers can choose from nine different meat/seafood/veggie options (including birria) when ordering their meals, as well as their choice of a couple entrees, sides and drinks, both alcoholic and non. Pick your protein to top OLLA’s “Guti fries,” which are similar to nachos but made with, well, french fries. They come topped with guacamole, mozzarella, cotija, cilantro, onion, sour cream and salsa. facebook.com/ ollacov.

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD GRAB-AND-GO

Northsiders had been pushing for a community grocery store for a while, but plans for the Apple Street Market never came through. And while the neighborhood does have a bustling farmers market, there hasn’t been anywhere to go to grab fridge basics and pantry staples. Not anymore. Morsel & Nosh is a specialty delicatessen with more than 50 kinds of ﬁne cheeses, a variety of cured meats, as well as deli options like soups, sandwiches and salads. There are plenty of delicious vegetarian and vegan options and tons of products sourced from right here in Cincinnati, including CinSoy tofu, Glier’s goetta, Proud Hound coffee and Maverick chocolate. They also offer a selection of milk, bread, eggs, fresh veggies, tomato sauce, spices and other basics to avoid a full trip to the grocery store. morselandnosh.com.

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Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint | Photo by Catie Viox

BEST LATE-NIGHT BURGER SPOT

also includes a deep-fried Oreo. And the whole Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint started as shebang is available late into the night. The a dream shared between two longtime friends, kitchen serves the full menu until close, which is 2 a.m. on weekends. jackbrownsjoint.com. Aaron Ludwig and Mike Sabin. The duo now has more than a dozen Jack Brown locations in the U.S., including one right here on Main BEST RACLETTE NIGHT Street in Over-the-Rhine. The eatery’s burgers Want to hear a joke about raclette night at are 100% Wagyu beef, sourced from a famiOakley Wines? Nevermind, it’s too cheesy. ly-owned and -operated farm in Boise, Idaho. But the food menu and wine selection at The menu boasts creative takes on the burger Oakley Wines is no laughing matter, especially with options like the Elvis (topped with peanut during the winter. During the colder months, butter, bacon, mayo and American cheese) or the bar offers up a weekly raclette night. If the Greg Brady (featuring housemade macaro- you’ve never had raclette, it’s an event that ni and cheese and barbecue chips). If neither dominates the room: a large hunk of cheese of those are extra enough for you, the menu 96

THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

is heated on one side and all that gooey loveliness is scraped onto whatever you want to smother — cornichon, potato, meat. The taste is as profound as the cheesy fragrance, which is quite strong, but worth the lingering smell you’ll waft all night. If you prefer a more-subtle dish, deﬁnitely get something from the kitchen to enjoy in the cozy dining area. Their sophisticated menu recommends plenty of wine to wash down your raclette (or anything, really), as if you needed an excuse. Raclette nights used to happen at sister shop The Rhined in Findlay Market, but Oakley Wines is a bit more spacious for a popular pop-up. oakleywines.com.

Eats BEST LOCAL PRODUCE HOOKUP

Remember, good ingredients make better dishes. There’s nothing better than fresh, ethically grown and locally harvested fruits and vegetables if you want to eat well. The way ETC Produce & Provisions excels in this endeavor is that they’ve combined produce, meat, dairy and eggs, breads and other prepared food from local sellers and made it all super easy to buy via online ordering. Order Monday through Thursday and you can have whatever you want from their online shop delivered straight to your door the next day (just be sure to have a cooler on your doorstep if you can’t bring it in right away). The neighborhoods they’ll deliver to are listed on ETC’s website, so check to make sure you’re within the radius. This supports local agriculture, which makes quality food more readily available in the region, so it really is the best way to shop. etcproduce.com.

BEST DIVISIVE SEASONAL DELICACY

Nobody likes you? Everybody hates you? Guess you should go eat ... cicadas. While fried worms are equally appalling to those who wouldn’t touch a bug, cicadas are on the menu for plenty of folks when the loud little buddies pop up every now and then. While a simple dry fry with salt and pepper is a classic way to cook up fresh cicadas, don’t shy away from cumin, oregano, dried chili and granulated garlic for cicada tacos. Snappy Tomato Pizza has a cute little jingle about their seasonal “Snappy Cicada Pizza,” but the company doesn’t actually serve that topping. Plenty of local bakeries also featured the bugs on their menus — some in purely decorative form (as in cicadas made of icing on cookies at The BonBonerie or cicada-shaped cakes at Busken Bakery) and some as actual bugdriven protein, like in Fawn Candy Co.’s roasted-cicada-topped chocolates.

BEST KITCHEN SURPRISE

Sometimes surprises are great. Other times… it’s debatable. Some Skyline fans were in the latter camp this winter when they opened their grocery-store cans of chili and found... yellow stuff. Wait, what? Hundreds of Skyline connoisseurs took to social media to post photos of their discoveries, declaring that the substance decidedly was not the ingredient they needed to make chili dip for their Super Bowl party guests. Skyline soon solved the mystery for everyone: it was just cream of chicken soup. The Cincinnati-style chili stalwart said Morgan Foods had mislabeled more than 3,000 of its cans, and U.S. Department of Agriculture ultimately issued a recall. Sure, cream of chicken soup wasn’t what people wanted for dinner, but it made for a legendary tale. skylinechili.com.

BEST FRIED FETA

Serving up an assortment of flaky, buttery pastries and a robust menu of Mediterranean offerings, Fillo Greek Bake Shop brings a slice of Greece to Over-the-Rhine. The café is named after phyllo, the thin pastry dough included in so many of the eatery’s menu items. The restaurant is a full-fledged family affair — husband-and-wife duo Evan and Evi Papanikolaou operate Fillo with their daughters. Customers can expect delicious standards like baklava, but Fillo also serves lunch items, including lamb and beef kebab in a pita and Greek salata. On the small plates menu, find fried feta. It isn’t just a chunk of hot, delicious Greek cheese; the feta comes wrapped in phyllo dough with hot honey and toasted sesame seeds. To keep it authentic, an ice cold Mythos beer pairs well with any lunch entrée. fillogreekbakeshop.com.

BEST BAKED GOODS BOOST

Hello Honey has been serving up small-batch ice cream in the heart of downtown since 2012. Now, it has expanded into East Walnut Hills (and is moving the downtown destination to a new storefront coming soon). The East Walnut Hills Hello Honey offers indoor seating and, obviously, their same delicious ice cream. The cult-favorite dessert is crafted with fresh ingredients and options change based on the seasons, with flavors including banana honeycomb, Thai iced tea and brown butter caramel. It’s a necessity to top your scoop with one of the shop’s homemade, toasted marshmallows. And while ice cream is great and all, this shop also offers a larger selection of Hello Honey baked goods. That includes a rotating selection of roll cakes, cheesecakes, brownies and cookies with fun flavor profiles. Think chocolate peanut butter and jelly roll cake or ube (sweet purple yam) cheesecake. Those same creative flavor combos are what sets Hello Honey’s ice cream apart from the rest of the pack. hellohoneyicecream.com.

BEST ‘SEINFELD’ SALAD

Want to order yourself a version of Elaine’s “big salad” from Seinfeld? Well, Goose & Elder’s Big Salad is modeled off of the sitcom offering. While it doesn’t have tomatoes the size of volleyballs, it does have seasonal veggies, hard-boiled egg, green olives, cherry tomatoes and the option to add avocado, grilled chicken, tofu or falafel patties, all on a bed of greens with a tangy house vinaigrette. It’s the perfect option for when you’re looking for a really good, very large salad. And it’s great for dining in or carry-out. gooseandelder.com.

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Thank You! We are grateful for our amazing fans across Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky who lined up the honors! Thanks to our great Crew for making it all happen! So proud!

#1 Bar/Club (Burbs)-Tie #2 Trivia Night #2 Happy Hour (Food) #2 Happy Hour (Drinks) #2 Place to Drink While You Wait for a Table #3 Hard Seltzer #3 Restaurant Design #3 Restaurant for Large Parties #3 Beer Selection (Draft) #3 Pub Food

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www.deadlow.com | 5959 Kellogg Ave 45230

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Thank you Cincinnati for voting us the Best Bar in Northern Kentucky! Open Mic Show & Tell with Adam Flaig every Wednesday at 8pm 111 E 6th St Newport, KY 41071 (859) 431-2201 SouthgateHouse.com

THANK YOU CINCINNATI FOR VOTING US

BEST COMEDY CLUB.

Thank you Cincinnati for voting us Best Comedy Club.

Go Bananas Comedy Club 8410 Market Pl. Ln. Montgomery, OH 45242 (513) 984-9288

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Music & Nightlife READER PICKS NEW BAR

1. Good Judy’s 2. Somerset 3. Hard Rock Cafe 4. Anjou 5. Copper & Flame 6. Bar Saeso 7. Cosmic Gorilla 8. Revival Vintage Spirits & Bottle Shop 9. OTR StillHouse 10. The Pitch

OVERALL BAR/CLUB (NOT BREWERY/TAPROOM) 1. Good Judy’s 2. Northside Yacht Club 3. The Belle and the Bear 4. Arnold’s Bar and Grill 5. Queen City Radio 6. Longfellow 7. Hoppin’ Vines 8. MOTR Pub 9. Below Zero Lounge 10. Sundry and Vice

BAR/CLUB (NORTHERN KENTUCKY) 1. Southgate House Revival 2. Crazy Fox Saloon 3. Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar 4. Jerry’s Jug House 5. Gypsy’s 6. Wiseguy Lounge 7. Bobby Mackey’s 8. JerZees Pub & Grub 9. The Hannaford 10. The B-List

BAR/CLUB (‘BURBS)

1. Fretboard Brewing Company TIE 1. Dead Low Brewing TIE 2. The Belle and the Bear 3. The Monkey Bar & Grille

BAR/CLUB (CENTRAL) 1. Northside Yacht Club 2. Good Judy’s 3. Northside Tavern

BAR/CLUB (DOWNTOWN/OTR) 1. Ghost Baby 2. Arnold’s Bar and Grill 3. MOTR Pub

BAR/CLUB (EAST SIDE) 1. Mt. Lookout Tavern 2. Streetside Brewery 3. Pearl’s

BAR/CLUB (WEST SIDE) 1. West Side Brewing 2. Knotty Pine Rock Club & Tiki Bar 3. Maury’s Tiny Cove

BAR/CLUB FOR LIVE MUSIC (LOCAL BANDS) 1. MOTR Pub 2. Southgate House Revival 3. The Belle and the Bear

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BAR/CLUB FOR LIVE MUSIC (NATIONAL ACTS) 1. Bogart’s 2. Ludlow Garage 3. Southgate House Revival

BAR/CLUB STAFF 1. The Belle and the Bear 2. Northside Yacht Club 3. Below Zero Lounge

BARTENDER (W/BAR AFFILIATION) 1. Molly Wellmann (Japp’s) 2. Ceris Christopher (The Belle and the Bear) 3. Valerie Diehl (Lost & Found)

BEER SELECTION (BOTTLES & CANS) 1. Higher Gravity 2. The Comet 3. Northside Yacht Club

BEER SELECTION (DRAFT) 1. Yard House 2. Higher Gravity 3. Dead Low Brewing

BLOODY MARY

1. Northside Yacht Club 2. Crazy Fox Saloon 3. The Belle and the Bear

BOURBON COCKTAIL 1. Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar 2, Japp’s 3. The Littlefield

BOURBON SELECTION (BAR) 1. Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar 2. Wiseguy Lounge 3. The Belle and the Bear

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BOURBON SELECTION (RETAIL) 1. The Party Source 2. Jungle Jim’s International Market 3. DEP’s Fine Wine & Spirits

BOWLING ALLEY

1. Western Bowl 2. Madison Bowl 3. Pins Mechanical Company

CASINO

1. Hard Rock Casino 2. Belterra Park 3. Hollywood Casino

CELTIC/BRITISH PUB 1. Molly Malone’s 2. O’Malley’s in the Alley 3. The Pub (Rookwood Commons)

CLUB/PARTY DJ 1. DJ Bobby G 2. DJ Airborne 3. DJ BOYWIFE

COCKTAIL BAR/LOUNGE 1. The Blind Lemon 2. Japp’s 3. Ghost Baby

COLLEGE-CROWD BAR 1. Murphy’s Pub 2. Fries Cafe 3. Mr. Pitifuls

COMEDY CLUB

1. Go Bananas Comedy Club 2. Liberty Funny Bone 3. Chameleon

Music & Nightlife CONCERT VENUE

1. Riverbend Music Center 2. Bogart’s 3. Southgate House Revival

DANCE CLUB

1. MixWells 2. Tokyo Kitty 3. Below Zero Lounge

DRAG QUEEN

1. Stixen Stones 2. Sarah Jessica Darker 3. Molly Mormen

ESCAPE ROOM 1. Breakout Games 2. The Escape Game 3. OTR Escape

HAPPY HOUR (DRINKS)

1. Northside Yacht Club 2. Dead Low Brewing 3. Hoppin’ Vines 4. Queen City Exchange 5. Righteous Room 6. Igby’s 7. Higher Gravity 8. R.P. McMurphy’s 9. Streetside Brewery 10. S.W. Clyborne Co. Provision & Spirits

HAPPY HOUR (FOOD) 1. Knockback Nat’s 2. Dead Low Brewing 3. Second Place

HARD CIDER

1. Cidergeist (Rhinegeist) 2. MadTree Brewing 3. March First Brewing and Distilling

HARD SELTZER

1. VIVE Hard Seltzer (Braxton Brewing Company) TIE 1. Astra Hard Seltzer (March First Brewing and Distilling) TIE 2. Sequel Hard Seltzer (Sonder Brewing) 3. Dead Low Brewing

HOTEL BAR

1. Coppin’s Restaurant & Bar 2. The Bar at Palm Court 3. Metropole

JUKEBOX

1. The Comet 2. Anchor Grill 3. Madonna’s Bar & Grill

KARAOKE

1. Tokyo Kitty 2. Northside Yacht Club 3. Tostado’s Grill

LGBTQ BAR

1. Good Judy’s 2. Below Zero Lounge 3. e19 4. The Birdcage 5. Crazy Fox Saloon 6. Tillie’s Lounge 7. Chameleon 8. Old Street Saloon 9. Bar 901 10. Main Event

LOCAL BAND (COVERS) 1. The Naked Karate Girls 2. DV8 3. The Rusty Griswolds

LOCAL BAND (ORIGINALS) 1. Foxy Shazam 2. Leggy 3. Over the Rhine

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THANK YOU, CINCINNATI AREA MUSIC FANS! Your support of live music means so much, to so many!

VOTED CITYBEAT MAGAZINE’S

Best Local Music Promoter, 2020, 2021, 2022!

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR CLIENTS!

Thanks for placing your confidence in us, it’s our distinct honor to bring your vision for entertainment to life!

MORE GREAT MUSIC COMING SOON TO:

Belterra Park, Belterra Casino Resort, Fretboard Brewing, Miami Valley Gaming, Miami Township, Newport Racing & Gaming, Oak Grove Racing & Gaming, Smoke Justis, The City of Mason, Ohio, Third Place, Brookville IN., Union Township, Clermont County and more!

AND A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE LEP TEAM:

Melita Ellington, Chuck & Sue Brisbin, Gina Hughes, Cat Campbell, Tom Sherrard, Anthony Wurster, Tom Theim, Rick Baker, Joe “Sketti” Schultz

FOR HELP COORDINATING TALENT OR LOGISTICS FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT:

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WWW.LEROYELLINGTONPRODUCTIONS.COM

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BOURBON SELECTION

IN-STORE • CURBSIDE • DELIVERY THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

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LOCAL BREWERY

LOCAL WINERY

LOCAL DISTILLERY

MARGARITA

1. Rhinegeist 2. Urban Artifact 3. MadTree Brewing 4. Dead Low Brewing 5. Braxton Brewing Company 6. Streetside Brewery 7. March First Brewing and Distilling 8. Darkness Brewing 9. Fifty West Brewing Company 10. Fretboard Brewing Company

1. New Riff Distilling 2. Northside Distilling Co. 3. Second Sight Spirits

LOCAL MUSIC PROMOTER 1. Leroy Ellington Productions 2. Dan McCabe 3. Far-i-Rome Creative

LOCAL MUSICIAN 1. Jamie Combs 2. Jess Lamb 3. Noah Smith

LOCAL TAPROOM

1. MadTree Brewing 2. Rhinegeist 3. Urban Artifact 4. Dead Low Brewing 5. Braxton Brewing Company (Covington) 6. Fretboard Brewing Company 7. Esoteric Brewing Company 8. Sons of Toil Brewing 9. March First Brewing and Distilling 10. Nine Giant

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1. Revel OTR Urban Winery 2. Vinoklet Winery 3. Valley Vineyards 4. The Skeleton Root 5. Elk Creek Winery 6. Henke Winery 7. StoneBrook Winery 8. Indian Spring Winery 9. Burnet Ridge 10. Harmony Hill Vineyards

1. Bakersfield 2. Condado Tacos 3. Cactus Pear TIE 3. Taqueria Mercado TIE 4. El Coyote 5. El Rancho Grande 6. Mi Cozumel 7. Nada 8. Frida 9. e19 10. TAHONA Kitchen + Bar

MARTINI 1. Japp’s 2. Longfellow 3. e19

MUSIC FESTIVAL/EVENT 1. Cincinnati Pride 2. Cincy Blues Fest 3. Whispering Beard Folk Festival

NO-FRILLS WATERING HOLE 1. Northside Tavern 2. The Belle and the Bear 3. Knockback Nat’s

Music & Nightlife OPEN MIC NIGHT 1. The Belle and the Bear 2. MOTR Pub 3. Urban Artifact

PLACE TO DRINK WHILE YOU WAIT FOR A TABLE 1. Taft’s Ale House 2. Dead Low Brewing 3. The Lackman

SPORTS BAR

1. The Holy Grail Tavern and Grille 2. Knockback Nat’s 3. Second Place 4. Hoppin’ Vines 5. Rhinehaus 6. Queen City Exchange 7. Higher Gravity 8. Cobblestone OTR 9. The 859 Taproom and Grill 10. The Pitch

PLACE TO PLAY GAMES

TRIVIA NIGHT

PLACE TO SHOOT POOL

WINE BAR

1. Arcade Legacy: Bar Edition 2. Pins Mechanical Company 3. Scene75

1. Northside Tavern 2. The Belle and the Bear 3. The Comet

1. Northside Yacht Club 2. Dead Low Brewing 3. March First Brewing and Distilling

1. Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant 2. The Listing Loon 3. Revel OTR Urban Winery

PLACE TO THROW DARTS 1. Murphy’s Pub 2. Crazy Fox Saloon 3. The Belle and the Bear

ROOFTOP BAR

1. Rhinegeist 2. Braxton Brewing Company 3. 21c Cocktail Terrace 4. Top of the Park 5. City View Tavern 6. The View at Shires’ Garden 7. AC Upper Deck 8. Pins Mechanical Company 9. Bishop’s Quarter 10. The Blind Pig

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Somerset | Photo by Hailey Bollinger 110

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Music & Nightlife

StAFf PICKS BEST OTHERWORLDLY ESCAPE IN OTR

Something extraordinary has taken root in Over-the-Rhine, but if you’re not looking for it, you just might miss it. Tucked away on McMicken Avenue, Somerset is a sprawling hangout destination. An immersive escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, guests enter the courtyard through utterly massive and ornate over-170-year-old gates imported from India. Somerset features two bar spaces — one in a glass-roofed conservatory and another in a cozy lounge space. The grounds are also home to the pièce de résistance, a large and awe-inspiring patio, loaded with tropical plants, unique seating nooks and imported pieces from co-founder and creative lead James Fisher’s collection, as well as the collections of his friends and family. Fisher, the visionary behind Somerset, was inspired by a destination — also called Somerset — his family would visit on childhood vacations while living in England. “It’s a weird place with druids, huge solstice celebrations, Glastonbury Festival (our Burning Man) and all kinds of general monkey business. We usually went on long trips to Africa or the Middle East, but when we had less time and needed to get away somewhere a little closer to home, it was always Somerset,” Fisher tells CityBeat. “We want our Somerset to be that for our guests; a place that’s just on your doorstep, where you can go to recharge and feel like you are somewhere far away, even if just for a little while.” somersetotr.com.

BEST PLACE FOR COMIC BOOK NERDS TO GET DRUNK

Cosmic Gorilla, a comic book and board game shop near Findlay Market, not only offers the latest issues of your favorite superhero’s adventures, but also a full bar with signature cocktails — both fortiﬁed and non-alco-

holic. There’s the Dark Knight with cold brew, espresso vodka, almond milk, Cocoa Puffs and peanut butter ﬂuff, or the Scarlet Witch, with lime, agave and shimmering cranberry-grape juice. The shop aims for a boutique experience with a regularly rotating inventory. The overall aesthetic is clean and well organized, a guaranteed delight for fans of Marvel, DC, indie publishers and tabletop gaming. The back bar is called Capes + Cloaks. Check the calendar for themed nights, like the recent Star Wars-style Sober Cantina with no-proof and low-proof drinks, and Super Mario Party, with gaming, cosplay and shots. gorillaverse.com.

the Wars of the Roses — an uprising against Henry’s reign in the 15th century. Anjou’s decor subtly plays off a ﬂoral motif, as does the cocktail menu. The She-Wolf is a delightful concoction, featuring Old Tom Gin and pear, ginger and elderﬂower liqueurs. It is a vivid purple color and comes served in a tumbler with a rose-shaped ice cube. Named after a term for Margaret used in Shakespeare’s Henry VI, “the drink features ingredients from England and France, the color is purple, to signify royalty, and it has the rose in there to signify the Wars of the Roses,” says Anjou co-owner Chris Wolfe. anjoucinci.com.

BEST CARROT COCKTAIL

BEST HOMETOWN RETURN TO THE STAGE

OK, so Gulow Street in Northside no longer has the Carrot Mule — a classic ginger-vodka cocktail with bonus carrot juice — on its menu, but this is a formal plea to bring it back. The cozy bar and kitchen at the corner of Hoffner and Gulow streets is a sophisticated take on the neighborhood dive, complete with sage-green beadboard, vintage-style wallpaper, tawny leather barstools and a garage-turned-patio (for people and pets). The food menu offers a greatest-hits list with a burger, pasta, a breakfast sandwich (almost a replica of what members of the Gulow Street team served at the now-defunct Cheapside Cafe downtown) and a handful of other dishes. The cocktail menu doesn’t disappoint, either. While we miss our veggie vodka, the Spaghett is equally as intriguing with Aperol, lemon juice and Miller High Life. Happy hour runs weekdays with a special burger-and-beer deal on Thursdays. gulowstreet.com.

Cincinnati legends Foxy Shazam went on hiatus in 2014, switched up band members and reunited in 2019 with new music. The band planned to tour then, but alas, COVID-19 had other ideas. But after nearly two years of foiled plans, Foxy Shazam ﬁnally roared back with double-barrelled fury in February with a show at the Andrew J Brady Music Center. With new album The Heart Behead You in their pocket and renewed vigor in their veins, the Queen City’s darlings exhibited all the hallmarks of a semi-retired champion ready to take on all challengers. foxyshazam.com.

BEST BOTANICAL ICE CUBE

Anjou cocktail bar in East Walnut Hills takes its name from Margaret of Anjou, wife of King Henry VI. The bar is located in The Henry building and plays on the duo’s central role in THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

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Foxy Shazam | Photo provided by ELEVATE Entertainment Event Support Services

BEST CINCINNATI BAND IN A JAMES GUNN PRODUCTION

Foxy Shazam’s “Welcome to the Church of Rock and Roll” sounds like an acid-fueled James Bond theme made by The Stooges and Robert Plant. It caught lots of attention when the song was used in James Gunn’s Peacemaker series on HBO, and Gunn even tweeted a shout-out to Foxy Shazam in response to fans asking who performed their new favorite song. Foxy Shazam is a Cincinnati band that’s gone on to international acclaim and, outside of Skyline Chili, is one of the city’s most cherished recent exports. Peacemaker is a super112

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hero show whose titular protagonist, portrayed by John Cena, blurs the line between hero and villain. And Foxy’s tunes ﬁt perfectly in with the show’s Hair-Metal-meets-Glam-Rock soundtrack.

BEST SHOUT-OUT TO CINCINNATI FROM A VISITING ROCK GOD

In November, the 80-year-old Bob Dylan and his band played the Aronoff Center’s packed Procter & Gamble Hall to show off that he’s been weathering the pandemic by preparing some brilliant new music, intriguingly reworked versions of old classics, and a rein-

vigorated, strong and expressive voice. It put everyone in a good mood, including the spry Dylan himself. Although known for his sparse, spare and downright rare comments from the stage (besides introducing his band), this time he was in a jubilant mood near the end when he stepped forward to thank his audience and pay respects to their hometown. He said something pretty close to, “Thank you, Cincinnati. So great to be in the home of King Records, a great label! And also home to Doris Day. And Roy Rogers. And Charlie Manson — maybe they knew each other.”

Music & Nightlife BEST GUEST APPEARANCES AT A (LIVE) CINCINNATI SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONCERT

In retrospect, September may have been a little early for Bryce Dessner’s MusicNOW Festival to return to Cincinnati for the ﬁrst time since 2018. The pandemic was still with us. That could have been the reason for the small crowds, but great music has a way of rising above adversity. As part of the two-day event, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra under Louis Langrée accompanied the brilliant Sō Percussion group during an at-times wildly propulsive composition that, at one point, had the hip rhythmists clanging on garbage cans while the orchestra responded with fervor (The piece also had Sō Percussion making music with twigs and wine bottles). The piece was 2013’s “man made” by the esteemed David Lang, and it is increasingly popular with orchestras. Here’s hoping that Sō Percussion returns to bang on our cans every year. Separately, the trio Bonny Light Horseman — featuring Anaïs Mitchell, Josh Kaufman and Eric D. Johnson — played hauntingly ruminative songs drawn from traditional folk balladry while accompanied by the CSO’s playing of lovely arrangements written by Dessner. Long applause and standing ovations followed both sets. cincinnatisymphony.org.

BEST STANDING OVATION

The rousing production of Mozart’s sublime comedy The Marriage of Figaro by the opera department of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music earned an equally rousing, well-deserved standing ovation, one of the loudest we’ve heard in a long time. A breathtaking romp of brilliant singing and staging featured a nimble cast all performing in masks. You’d never know it: Every word projected into the hall was crisply articulated and beautifully sung. Director Robin Guarino’s skillful direction brought out the opera’s exploration of sexual abuse, class and privilege, and the sly humor underlying every-

thing and everyone. It was ﬂeet, fast and funny, deftly accompanied by the always superb CCM Philharmonia led by student conductor Brian McCann. The highlight was Cherubino’s escape in Act II. This excessively hormonal character usually jumps out a window upstage, but Guarino had him leap into the orchestra pit. Gasps were followed by delighted cheers. ccm.uc.edu.

BEST AMATEUR BURLESQUE GROUP Smoke & Queers has entertained and empowered Cincinnatians since its inception in 2019. Unabashedly weird and ﬁery, the queer-led, coed burlesque, drag and performance-art troupe hosts shows at bars, restaurants and events throughout Greater Cincinnati. Come for the fun, accepting atmosphere and stay for the experimental expressions of self, gender, identity and sexuality. smokeandqueersburlesque.com.

BEST BIGGER-ON-THE-INSIDE BAR

The OTR StillHouse is a distillery, winery and brewery in one. Located in a former 1890s ice manufacturing warehouse, it’s also home to an entertainment venue with indoor and outdoor space. But you wouldn’t necessarily know that from the outside, which looks a bit more like a shipping container than the entryway to a “half-acre of relaxation within OTR.” From entrepreneur Michele Hobbs (who launched Pet Wants) and partners including Master Distiller Chris Mitchell, a founder and former head brewer of Woodburn Brewing, and Dr. Tom Asquith, who worked as a whiskey scientist for Brown Forman, the in-house Knox Joseph Distillery produces award-winning gin, bourbon and blended whiskey. In addition to cocktails, beer and housemade root beer and cream soda, the kitchen serves a small menu of smoked and grilled food — all of which can be enjoyed in luxuriously appointed inside digs, or outside under string lights. Picnic tables line the artiﬁcial lawn, which is eco-friendly and installed by the same company who installed and maintains

the pitch at TQL Stadium. The bar even has its own parking. otrstillhouse.com.

BEST NOSTALGIC BLUE BREW

Mason’s Sonder Brewing teamed up with Kings Island in the summer of 2021 for a boozy collab featuring one of Cincy’s most nostalgic sweet treats. Blue Ice Cream Ale, inspired by the amusement park’s signature blueberry- and vanilla-flavored “blue ice cream,” offers a grown-up version of a childhood classic. Sonder says it was very important to them to capture that essence — and with natural flavors. “We did a lot of research and testing to find a natural product to get the color. Both balancing the ice cream flavor without being overly sweet and achieving the fun blue color were definitely the main challenges,” says Chase Legler, Sonder Brewing’s chief operations officer. The brew team ended up using honey malt to add that punch without making it too cloying. The beer was available at Kings Island, the taproom and distributors around town. sonderbrewing.com.

BEST SOURCE OF HARMONY IN AN ERA THAT NEEDS IT

Making it as an a cappella group during the pandemic has been no small feat, but the eight hardy men who constitute the No Promises Vocal Band have found ways to share their vocal talents as a tight-harmony ensemble since 2015, especially with regular holiday performances. During the 2020 pandemic year, they raised nearly $7,000 to cover production expenses and rented a recording venue (Memorial Hall, managed by the band’s leader and arranger, Joshua Steele) to make an on-demand video that delivered their smooth vocalizing to area fans. During the summer of 2021, they joined the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra for “The Boy Band Diaries,” featuring numbers by the likes of the Beach Boys and *NSYNC, on outdoor stages in Covington, Fort Thomas and Middletown. For the 2021 holidays they offered wellTHE BEST OF CINCINNATI

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received seasonal songfests in Montgomery, Covington, Loveland and East Price Hill. nopromisesvocalband.com.

BEST DROPPING OF LETTERS

Quite a few Cincinnati venues are a mouthful to say, and honestly, nobody needs that when you’re trying to breathlessly gush about your favorite band you’ll soon be seeing there. But at least one now has two fewer syllables. In December, the Andrew J Brady ICON Music Center, received a new name — er, at least a slightly shorter one. The indoor/outdoor space at The Banks now is known as the Andrew J Brady Music Center, dropping the “ICON.” According to Music & Event Management Inc. — the music promotion arm of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra that oversees the venue — the change was to further honor the venue’s namesake, who was a 1938 University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music graduate and went on to become the music director at Western Hills High School. He was also a Jazz musician who worked with various youth programs over the years. Now if we can only get PromoWest Pavilion at OVATION to get onboard… bradymusiccenter.com.

BEST ASTROTURF CEILING

Soccer-themed sports bar The Pitch, located directly across from TQL Stadium, opened before the first home match of FC Cincinnati’s 2021 Major League Soccer season. Housed in the former two-story Metropolitan Baptist Church space, the bar boasts plenty of nods to its sporty namesake (the term for the field upon which soccer is played). There’s a second-floor scarf wall, a 9-foot-tall wall of 4K TVs (there are another 50 TVs spread throughout the bar) and even artificial turf on the ceiling. And while being inside is a transportive experience for FC Cincinnati fans, patrons can almost see into TQL Stadium from the bar’s coveted rooftop patio outdoors. thepitchcincy.com.

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Jeremy Pinnell (center) | Photo by Jeremy Kramer

BEST NEW ALL-AGES BAR AND ARCADE

Owned and operated by Leslie and Bill Rich, Wondercade opened its doors in Westwood in 2021 to the delight of gamers across the region. Wondercade aims to be a fun, safe place for all ages to enjoy throughout the day. Many arcades now cater speciﬁcally to the drinking-age crowd, widely overlooking those youngsters that arcade games were originally marketed to in their glory days. But at Wondercade, it’s all-ages until 9 p.m., and then it turns 18 and up. You can get beer and more while you play; their game selection is incredibly solid and includes all of the essential cabinets needed for a modern-retro arcade. Book a party, or stop by — no quarters needed. All games are covered by the cost of admission, including pinball machines and the super popular Killer Queen. Party down with old friends like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and more. Earn that high score or just enjoy the vibe. wondercadecincy.com.

BEST PLACE TO GET DRUNK LIKE HEMINGWAY

Ernest Hemingway wrote some incredibly important books in his time and his inﬂuence still resonates today. Plenty of folks go through their Hemingway phase: hang out in coffee shops, drink wine with lunch, pout over their worst exes and stare off into blankness any time “The War” comes up. Later in his life, Hemingway’s love for the Florida Keys and the tropics dominated his attention, and Pilar, a new bar on Court Street, transports its visitors to Hemingway’s Havana-bound sailboat — with plenty of daiquiris to pass the time (they make seven different versions of the classic cocktail). His books’ protagonists were always macho yet sensitive, worldly but straightforward; the same could be said about Pilar’s drink menu, like the Moveable Feast, with gin, lemon juice, housemade grenadine and something bubbly. There’s a hedonistic novelist in all of us; let Pilar unlock your own. pilarcincinnati.com.

Music & Nightlife BEST STEELERS BAR

Since Joe Burrow managed to bring the Bengals to the Super Bowl for the ﬁrst time in more than three decades, he can be forgiven for his controversial statement about Cincinnati’s drab nightlife during a press conference: “Fortunately, there’s not a ton to do in Cincinnati. Nobody is going out to clubs and bars and getting COVID every weekend. But we’ve been healthy.” While a lot of Bengals fans felt a little irked by the jab at their city’s lack of highfalutin attractions, there’s one place that any Bengal would receive a warm welcome: Cincinnati’s premier Steelers bar, Martino’s on Vine. This Italian restaurant and sports bar is a Short Vine ﬁxture that caters to Corryville and Clifton residents, along with swarms of University of Cincinnati students who recently turned 21. Burrow could enjoy an eggplant parmesan with a nice chianti while ravenous Steelers fans — likely enjoying any one of the bar’s four different Philly cheesesteak options — decide how to react. martinosonvine.com.

BEST DRIVE-INS TO RECAPTURE SIMPLER TIMES

What percentage of the population do you think was conceived in a drive-in? While these days it’s more about Netflix and chilling, the drive-in is now a great spot to have an innocent and platonic night out. When you want to achieve a truly perfect summer evening, there’s nothing better than a double feature of Friday the 13th flicks at the drivein while you chow down on popcorn and soda. Starlite Drive-In, Hollywood DriveIn Theatre and Holiday Auto Theatre are the closest drives from the city, and they all offer a good rotation of classic films and new releases. They became especially popular during the pandemic — for the outdoorseating aspect — and are experiencing a renaissance among moviegoers. These are seasonal businesses, with frequently rotating movies, so check to see when they open and

what they’re playing next. starlitedriveinohio. com; hollywooddriveintheater.com; holidayautotheatre.com.

BEST USE OF AN UNDERGROUND TUNNEL

Ghost Baby is a subterranean nightclub/music venue that operates beneath the streets of Over-the-Rhine. The bar is located ﬁve stories below Vine Street in a 170-year-old lagering tunnel formerly used by Champion Brewing (beer was aged and cooled in lagering tunnels before the advent of refrigeration). The historic space, which had been vacant since the 1850s, offers an immersive experience full of art, design, cocktails and music. The front bar caters to walk-ins, but the “Den” is a lamplit speakeasy with a domed ceiling and velvet-curtain-lined stage. Reservations are free and it is recommended that you get one to snag a booth or bistro table to enjoy the bar’s live music. ghost-baby.com.

BEST PLACE TO SING YOUR HEART OUT

Some days we just need to get drunk and sing some karaoke — and the best place we’ve found in the city to do that is at the immersive Japanese-inspired bar Tokyo Kitty. If you’re feeling bold, belt it out at the main bar or reserve a private room where you can order specialty cocktails that drop down from the ceiling via a cocktail-carrying robot. thattokyobar.com.

BEST PLAYFUL PINNELL

Like many young Country converts, Jeremy Pinnell found commonality between his Punk roots and the early ﬂag wavers of down-home music (“Honesty, truth, integrity and outlaws. Good Hardcore and Punk to good Country — they all have those qualities,” Pinnell told CityBeat in 2012, the year he and his band debuted). After two straight Country gems, Pinnell’s 2021 album, Goodbye L.A., ﬁnds the former Light Wires guitarist pursuing a more

aggressive Americana direction to great effect. “Big Ol’ Good” could earn Pinnell a slot on Dierks Bentley’s tour, “Night Time Eagle” swings and jumps with Dwight Yoakam’s Bakersﬁeld inﬂuence, and the title track tips a cowboy hat to Jerry Jeff Walker and Butch Hancock. “I just wanted to make a record that made people happy,” Pinnell says of Goodbye L.A.’s more upbeat nature. “Everybody’s been so miserable for so long. I just wanted people to be OK with themselves, have a good time, enjoy each other’s company, enjoy being with another human being. I really just wanted to make that record where people could just enjoy life.” Pinnell had found acceptance outside of Cincinnati from the start, but Goodbye L.A. could punch his ticket to an even crazier ride. jeremypinnell.com.

BEST BAR CHANDELIER

MadTree Brewing opened a new multi-level bar, restaurant and event space in Over-theRhine in early March 2022. Called Alcove, the heavily windowed space features areas to lounge, drink and dine, including inside a greenhouse or on a large outdoor patio. The food is focused on farm-to-table dishes created by chef Stephen Williams of Bouquet Restaurant and Spoon: Kitchen & Market. And the drink menu features housemade cocktails — utilizing herbs grown in that aforementioned greenhouse — and MadTree’s own brews. From a design standpoint, Alcove is stuffed with live greenery from Urban Blooms in every corner, creating a secret-garden-like feeling with living feature walls. In the event “Loft” on the third ﬂoor, there’s even a massive and whimsical chandelier made of ferns and macrame. It’s truly a statement piece. Designers also focused on integrating the rich history of the building into its design. Old photos and news clippings sit framed along the walls, telling a story of a building that has seen many lives since its construction in s, a popular Over-the-Rhine biergarten, this historic building was home to many happenings of 19th-century Cincinnati life. For example, THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

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members of the original Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra played as the house band before the symphony’s ofﬁcial formation. The front dining area was even home to a favorite booth of politician George “Boss” Cox. And the third-ﬂoor event space was once known as the Yokum Athletic Club, where it is thought Ezzard Charles trained. madtreebrewing.com/ alcove.

BEST COMFORT STATION CALL-OUT

Each year, Esquire magazine compiles a list of the best bars in America. And after the hell of 2020, the 2021 list was special — almost, but not quite, a “return to normal.” In 2021, Esquire editors gave 27 drinking destinations across the country the coveted title of “best bar,” and only one was in Cincinnati. The jewel in the Queen City’s crown? Walnut Hills’ Comfort Station. Writer Sarah Rense outlined the reason she picked this bar as her favorite, saying, “Even if you happen to be up in Cincinnati’s Walnut Hills neighborhood, the likelihood of you taking a chance on a women’s restroom door on the front of what used to be a public bathhouse is slim. But should you tentatively push through, you’ll ﬁnd what feels like the city’s spiritual center. Inside, the bartenders whip out gems like Heaven, My Reward — a frothy sour with adobo chile that, yeah, is heaven — and Hot Damn, Son!, which any sucker for manhattans and oatmeal cookies will buckle for.” comfortstationcincinnati.com.

BEST SOLO BUFFALO KILLER

For nearly 20 years, Andrew Gabbard has been guitarist of record for Thee Shams, Buffalo Killers and the Gabbard Brothers, but he’s always written and tinkered on his own time. A 12-hour marathon recording session resulted in his ﬁrst solo album, 2015’s Fluff, and the similarly constructed Plenum Castle in 2017. His 2021 album, Homemade, was billed as his “debut” solo album, but it’s just his debut for local Colemine Records imprint Karma Chief. Gabbard cites the Beatles, the Beach Boys and 116

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Foo Fighters at the Andrew J Brady Music Center | Photo by Brittany Thornton

obscure but influential singer/songwriter Emitt Rhodes as influences, and those touchstones loom large — especially Brian Wilson, given Gabbard’s do-it-all-yourself home-studio approach (save for pedal steel provided by Buffalo Killers utility stringsman Sven Kahns) — but there are flecks of James Gang/Joe Walsh on Homemade as well. The laconic “Wake Up, Brother” sounds like Walsh fronting the Fabs on Abbey Road, while Gabbard channels vintage Pet Sounds on “Brand New Cut.” As usual, it’s not who influences Gabbard, it’s what he does with it, and what he does is spectacular. andrewgabbard.bandcamp.com.

pale ale in its taproom at the start of 2022. The beer’s name is a play on MadTree’s commitment to sustainability and “leaving no trace behind” when campers leave a campground or park, while connecting it to the idea of having “no trace” of alcohol in the beer. Braxton also joined in with an NA version of its popular Garage Beer in 2022. Braxton says Garage Beer NA is “brewed with a crisp, light (and) refreshing taste to keep the engine turning and the innovation burning.” They say it has zero alcohol. Both are perfect if you’re looking for the taste of craft beer without the hangover. madtreebrewing.com; braxtonbrewing.com.

BEST BOOZE-FREE BEER

BEST BAR THAT FEELS LIKE A BASEMENT

Non-alcoholic drinks and booze alternatives are gaining traction in the American market. According to market research ﬁrm IRI, U.S. sales of non-alcoholic beer were up 38% in 2020 to roughly $188 million in total sales, even as regular beer sales have declined in the past four years. Local breweries are starting to jump on the bandwagon, with MadTree releasing Leave No Trace non-alcoholic (NA)

Northside’s The Lounge at Liberty Exhibition Hall is a very low-key hang, open to everyone. Specializing in live music — with a focus on Jazz nights — the bar offers cocktails, wine, beer and non-alcoholic tea concoctions in an environment that feels very much like a 1970s swingers basement. The dim, red-hued lighting is accessorized by hook-rug-

Music & Nightlife type wall hangings, textural couches and tulip tables. It’s a funky and retro speakeasy with perfect seating options to accommodate deep conversation. instagram.com/thelounge.ns.

BEST NEW SPOT FOR A BOILERMAKER

From the team behind Queen City Radio comes Bar Bar OTR, a hip dive purposely located in a part of the neighborhood between Findlay Market and the drinking and dining destinations closer to Washington Park. Slightly off the beaten path, the bar specializes in a variety of boilermakers — or a beer and a shot, either mixed together or taken separately. Of their ﬁve menu options, we like the Wild Delight, with Wild Turkey 101 and Hudy Delight, or the Verde Vida, with Del Maguey Vida mezcal, Green Chartreuse and Tecate. barbarotr.com.

also serves the Fuck Putin: Sobieski vodka with coffee liqueur and Irish cream. It’s a fuck you to the Russian dictator and his unprovoked invasion and devastation of Ukraine. Wodka Bar also has an Eastern European food menu, with caviar, pickled vegetables, smoked meats, pierogies, stroganoff and more. In March of 2022, Dworak joined with the global series of fundraising events called “Cook for Ukraine” to direct aid to those most severely affected by the war. She produced a limited number of meal kits containing Ukrainian favorites, including pierogies, borscht, stuffed cabbage rolls and walnut kolachi (sweet pastries). All proceeds minus the cost of ingredients went to UNICEF Ukraine and Nova Ukraine, a nonproﬁt organization that raises cash for emergency aid. wodkabarotr.com.

BEST BOOK UNCOVERING NOW-CLOSED MUSIC VENUES

Cincinnati may not be as associated with The owners of HomeMakers Bar in Over-the- live music as Nashville or New Orleans, Rhine have created a space inspired by a retro but reading Steven Rosen’s Lost Cincinnati Concert Venues of the ’50s and ’60s will vibe and the domestic cocktails of the 1950s through the 1970s. It’s a cozy, colorful spot for make you wonder what could have been. Narrowing his focus on two decades that saw a drink featuring lesser-known liqueurs. They have plenty of theme days, like a gin and tonic Jazz undergo an experimental renaissance while Rock & Roll rose to cultural dominance, bar on Sundays, but we like Spritzer Hour — Rosen shows how a handful of now-defunct a sort of happy hour focused on lower-ABV venues and local grassroots movements helped spritzer cocktails. It happens multiple times some of the weirdest, most exciting moments a week, and the lower alcohol content in the in mid-century pop culture swing through the spritzers means you can try more of them. Queen City. Stories recount visits by Miles homemakersbar.com. Davis, Sam Cooke and the Isley Brothers to Newport’s Copa Club; Lenny Bruce’s standBEST FUCK YOU TO PUTIN up set at the Surf Club on the West Side; the Sarah Dworak is the granddaughter of Grateful Dead’s two-day stop at the Hyde Ukrainian immigrants and the mastermind Park-Mount Lookout Teen Center; and more. behind both Babushka Pierogies and Over-the- stevenrosen.net. Rhine’s Wodka Bar. As the name would suggest, Wodka Bar carries an ambitious selection BEST FARM-FRESH BLOODY of vodkas, stocking upward of 60 types, as well as several dozen house-infused vodkas MARY MIX with ﬂavors like smoked Earl Grey, beet and Want to make a bar-style bloody mary at home horseradish, cherry jalapeño and more. Many but don’t want to make your own mix? Farm of them ﬁnd their way into specialty cocktails, to Hangover is the next best thing to doing like a cosmo with lemon-infused vodka. She the work yourself. Susan Beresford is the

BEST SPRITZER HOUR

mastermind behind the local bloody mary mix. Growing produce on a plot of land in Dayton, Kentucky, she blends her own tomatoes, peppers and other secret ingredients into a bloody mary base that she jars and sells. You can ﬁnd Farm to Hangover at various farmers markets and pop-up events, or you can place an order via message on Facebook. She has plans to launch a website this summer. facebook.com/ farmtohangover.

BEST ‘NORMAL’ CONCERT MOMENT IN THE COVID ERA

Trying to see a concert during the pandemic has been … weird. Are you comfortable with the capacity limits? Do you have to wear a mask? Are vaccinations required? Has the show been canceled or postponed? There’s been a lot to consider, especially during 2021’s different virus surges. But for a glorious moment in July, things didn’t suck. That’s because the legendary Foo Fighters performed the inaugural concert at the Andrew J Brady Music Center’s outdoor stage. With Dave Grohl wailing, a gentle breeze blowing and 8,000 fans singing together, the show was a beacon for what we had been missing. “There goes my hero,” indeed. bradymusiccenter.com.

BEST ICON-LEVEL CONCERT ANNOUNCEMENT

Find your squeeze box and hop onto the magic bus, because The Who is ﬁnally returning to Cincinnati on May 15 — the band’s ﬁrst local performance since Dec. 3, 1979, when tragedy struck at Riverfront Coliseum. On that day, 11 people were trampled to death when an impatient crowd pushed its way through the doors at the Coliseum before the band’s performance. The group says it plans to donate to the P.E.M. Memorial, named after Finneytown High School students Stephan Preston, Jackie Eckerle and Karen Morrison, who died during the 1979 incident. The memorial’s committee annually raises scholarship funds for graduating Finneytown seniors who plan to study music or the arts in college. THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

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L to R: Alicia Reece, Bootsy Collins and Patti Collins at the Black Music Walk of Fame display at CVG | Photo by Katie Griffith 118

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Music & Nightlife BEST PLAN TO CELEBRATE LOCAL MUSIC

Cincinnati has a storied history of amazing musicians, but the city’s accomplished, vital Black artists don’t always get their due. That’s about to change when the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame is installed in 2022, thanks largely to efforts from Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece. Proliﬁc performers — initially those from Hamilton County, but later from across the region — will have their stories told through interactive outdoor installations near the Andrew J Brady Music Center, with plenty of room to grow. The inaugural inductees for the Black Music Walk of Fame are legends Bootsy Collins, the Isley Brothers, Otis Williams and the late Dr. Charles Fold, and their stories can be found at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport until the Walk of Fame debuts this summer.

BEST SWIFTIE

“Look What You Made Me Do.” Cincinnatibred Aaron Dessner of The National may have uttered those words when he came to collaborator Taylor Swift’s defense in January after Blur and Gorillaz singer Damon Albarn suggested during an interview that Swift doesn’t write her own songs. Musicians who had collaborated with Swift chimed in with their experiences, including Dessner, who had worked with Swift to produce her folklore and evermore albums as well as her re-recorded versions of songs “Fearless” and “Red.” “You’re obviously completely clueless as to her actual writing and work process,” Dessner tweeted, melting hearts throughout Taylor Nation and within the Queen City.

BEST RESOURCE FOR LOCAL MUSICIANS

Performing isn’t the only important aspect about the music industry. The Cincinnati Music Accelerator is making sure local

artists learn how to strengthen their careers through classes in ﬁnance, monetization, music licensing, entertainment law, marketing and branding, and other skills through its new Music Business Academy. That’s good news for aspiring musicians in the Queen City (and for their supportive family, friends and fans). CMA was founded in 2017 by Kick Lee, a producer intent on helping independent musicians jumpstart and sustain creative careers through both hands-on education and booking opportunities. Thanks to the program, local artists like Deuces have gone on to book long-term gigs, create different types of revenue streams and develop new works and events. cincinnatimusicaccelerator.org.

BEST BEDROOM POP

Counting SOPHIE, Kanye West and Kate Bush among her inﬂuences, rapper/producer Chloe Hotline makes brooding Bedroom Pop that’s unconcerned with genre. Behind the boards, she crafts reverb-drenched soundscapes from retro synths and sloweddown samples, blending contemporary R&B with club-centric percussion that recalls Chicago House or New Orleans Bounce. 2021, which saw the release of her album +NSTYNCT, was perhaps her busiest year to date. In addition to the full-length record, she released a ﬂurry of singles, a Cicada-themed summer mixtape as well as collaborations with rising underground artists Girls Rituals and Ethel Cain. chloehotline.bandcamp.com.

BEST DADAIST LIVE SET

at MOTR Pub featured a performer dressed as a cat, who threw yarn at the audience while climbing a cardboard cutout of a tree. fruitlooops.bandcamp.com.

BEST STREAMING ALTERNATIVE RADIO STATION

At a low point in the Cincinnati music scene just a few years ago, there was no radio arena that showcased independent music artists and local performers. Beloved Independent Rock station WOXY-FM had finally shuttered and WNKU-FM had been sold. But then streaming platform Inhailer Radio came along to fill the void, offering its tagline “breath of fresh airwaves,” and underground Alternative Rock had a permanent place in Cincinnati once again. In June, Inhailer Radio celebrated its fourth anniversary. Since 2017, Inhailer has streamed music on both its iPhone and Android apps, as well as on its website. The station takes inspiration from the late WNKU by playing music that you wouldn’t find on mainstream radio and consistently highlighting local Indie artists. Inhailer began with just two DJs and has since grown to streaming 24/7 with close to 20 voluntary DJs for approximately 50,000 monthly listeners. At the end of 2019, Inhailer signed a partnership with Cincinnati Public Radio so listeners can tune to the station on WGUC’s 90.9 HD3. But they aren’t stopping with radio. Inhailer now works with local venues to host “Inhailer Presents” concerts, featuring acts played on the station. inhailer.com.

If their laissez-faire approach to capitalization didn’t clue you in, then pressing play on their latest album, Last Chance at the Pharmacy, will: Fruit LoOops are a band that relishes in bending the rules. Pushing the anarchic spirit of late-’70s Punk acts like The Raincoats or Swell Maps to abstract extremes, the band thrashes, skronks and squeals with reckless abandon, making dissonant music that values energy over melody. The band’s Dadaist live sets are not to be missed — a recent show THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

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Shops & Services READER PICKS NEW STORE

ARTS & CRAFTS CLASSES

OVERALL BOUTIQUE (LOCAL)

ARTS & CRAFTS SUPPLIES

1. Fern (Walnut Hills) 2. Creative House of Art & Design 3. The Daily Vintage

1. Cincy Shirts 2. BlaCk OWned Outerwear 3. The Native Brand 4. Kentucky Botanical Co. 5. Kismet 6. Rose & Remington 7. Homage 8. MiCA 12/v 9. Queen City Alchemy 10. Fleurish Home

ACUPUNCTURE PRACTICE 1. Cincinnati Acupuncture 2. Alliance Integrative Medicine 3. Acupuncture Wellness Center of Mason

ADULT TOY STORE 1. Hustler Hollywood 2. Dusty Flynt Sexy Gifts 3. High on the Hill

ANTIQUE STORE

1. Ohio Valley Antique Mall 2. Wooden Nickel Antiques 3. Flamingo Haven Antique Mall

1. Cincinnati Art Museum 2. Queen City Clay 3. Silk Road Textiles

1. Michaels 2. Indigo Hippo 3. Hobby Lobby

AUTO DEALER (NEW VEHICLES) 1. Marshall Ford 2. Jeff Wyler Automotive Family 3. Jake Sweeney Automotive

AUTO DEALER (USED VEHICLES) 1. Marshall Ford 2. Jake Sweeney Automotive 3. Joseph Toyota of Cincinnati

AUTO DETAILER

1. Mr. Bubbles Detailing 2. carZmedics 3. Sharonville Car Wash & Detail Center

AUTO REPAIR SERVICE 1. Tire Discounters 2. Donovan’s Auto & Tire Center 3. AAA | Bob Sumerel Tire & Service

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CAR WASH

CAMERA STORE

BANK

CANDY STORE

BARBERSHOP

CARPET CLEANING

BED AND BREAKFAST

CARPET STORE

BICYCLE STORE

CATERER

BIRTHING/MATERNITY CENTER

CATERING (RESTAURANT)

BOOKSTORE

CBD RETAILER

1. Mike’s Carwash 2. Johnny’s Car Wash 3. Sharonville Car Wash & Detail Center

1. Fifth Third Bank 2. Huntington 3. PNC

1. Bellevue Barbershop 2. Clifton Barbers 3. Bishops

1. Gaslight Bed & Breakfast 2. The Inn of Hyde Park 3. Weller Haus Bed, Breakfast & Event Center

1. Montgomery Cyclery 2. Spun 3. Reser Bicycle Outfitters

1. Good Samaritan Hospital 2. The Christ Hospital 3. Bethesda North Hospital

1. Joseph-Beth Booksellers 2. Half Price Books 3. Blue Manatee Literacy Project (now closed) 4. The Friends of the Public Library Warehouse 5. Roebling Point Books & Coffee 6. Downbound Books 7. Ohio Book Store 8. Shake It Records 9. Cincy Book Bus 10. Blue Marble Books

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1. Dodd Camera 2. Western Hills Photo & Hobby 3. PROCAM

1. Aglamesis Bro’s 2. Schneider’s Sweet Shop 3. Jungle Jim’s International Market

1. Widmer’s 2. Stanley Steemer 3. Teasdale Fenton Cleaning & Property Restoration

1. McSwain Carpet & Floors 2. Big Bob’s Flooring Outlet 3. JP Flooring Design Center

1. Vonderhaar’s Catering 2. Funky’s Catering Events 3. Jeff Thomas Catering

1. Eli’s BBQ 2. City Barbeque 3. Mazunte

1. Kentucky Botanical Co. 2. Ohio CBD Guy 3. Hemptations

CD/RECORD STORE 1. Everybody’s Records 2. Shake It Records 3. Torn Light Records

Shops & Services CELLPHONE SERVICE PROVIDER

DANCE CLASSES

CHILDREN’S CLOTHING STORE

DAY SPA

CHIROPRACTIC PRACTICE/CLINIC

DENTAL PRACTICE/CLINIC

CLOTHING CONSIGNMENT

DRIVE-THRU MARKET

COMIC BOOK STORE

DRY CLEANER

COSTUME SHOP

ELECTRONICS REPAIR

CRAFT BEER STORE

EYEWEAR STORE

CREDIT UNION

FINANCIAL PLANNING SERVICE

1. Verizon 2. AT&T 3. T-Mobile

1. Once Upon a Child 2. The Spotted Goose 3. Castle House

1. Oak Hills Back & Neck Care Center 2. Mt. Lookout Chiropractic & Sports Injury Center 3. Norwood Chiropractic & Sports

1. Snooty Fox 2. Once Upon A Child 3. Clothes Mentor

1. Queen City Comic and Card Company 2. Up Up & Away! 3. Shake It Records

1. Cappel’s 2. Talk of the Town 3. Theatre House

1. Jungle Jim’s International Market 2. The Party Source 3. Marty’s Hops and Vines

1. General Electric Credit Union 2. Kemba Credit Union 3. Cinfed Credit Union

1. Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy 2. Movement Emporium 3. DANCEFIX

1. Woodhouse Day Spa 2. Mitchell’s Salon & Day Spa 3. 501 Salon & Spa

1. Vita Dental 2. Andrew J. Marck 3. Beckett Dental Care

1. Trotta’s Pizza & Drive Thru 2. Miami Market 3. Big Daddy’s Liquor Store

1. Tide Cleaners 2. Widmer’s 3. Kroner Dry Cleaners

1. Micro Center 2. uBreakiFix 3. iPhone Dude, LLC

1. LensCrafters 2. Warby Parker 3. Wing Eyecare

1. Fidelity Investments 2. The Rosselot Financial Group 3. Fifth Third Bank

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Nestled back in the quaint neighborhood of Bellevue, Kentucky at 400 Taylor Ave. We pride ourselves on tapered classic haircuts and taking care of people. With a resurgence of barbering we focus on bringing the community aspect back; while staying true to our roots. We truly think that a service can change someone’s demeanor and turn around someone’s day or even week. Tough times don’t last Good haircuts do.

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To avoid disappointment you can secure an appointment via our website at www.Bellevue-Barbershop.com We look forward to seeing y’all soon

Look and feel your best! Spa

Salon

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513.793.0900 • MITCHELLSSALON.COM KENWOOD • HYDE PARK • TRI COUNTY • WEST CHESTER

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FINDLAY MARKET VENDOR 1. Eli’s BBQ 2. Blue Oven Bakery 3. Pet Wants

FLORIST

1. Adrian Durban Florist 2. Daisy Jane’s Flower Truck 3. Gia & the Blooms

FRAME SHOP

1. Michaels 2. Hobby Lobby 3. Fabulous Frames & Art

FRESH SEAFOOD STORE 1. Jungle Jim’s International Market 2. Luken’s Poultry, Fish & Seafood 3. Lobsta Bakes of Maine

FUNERAL HOME

1. T.P. White & Sons 2. Neidhard-Young Funeral Home & Cremation Service 3. Swindler & Currin Funeral Homes

FURNITURE STORE

1. IKEA 2. Furniture Fair 3. Nadeau - Furniture With a Soul 4. Arhaus 5. Bargains and Buyouts 6. High St. 7. Crate & Barrel 8. Open Box Outlet 9. Algin 10. Home Emporium

GENERAL CONTRACTOR 1. Build It Brothers 2. Hyde Park Painting & Carpentry 3. Cincy Craftsmen

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GIFT SHOP

1. Cincinnati Art Museum 2. I Love Cincinnati Shop 3. Ten Thousand Villages 4. MiCA 12/v 5. indigenous craft gallery 6. Cincinnati Museum Center 7. Metallic Giraffe 8. The Village Junction 9. The Library Friends’ Shop 10. Puzzle Pieces - A Sensory Sensation

GREEN/SUSTAINABLE GOODS STORE 1. Kentucky Botanical Co. 2. Hemptations 3. Fill More Waste Less

GROCERY STORE

1. Kroger 2. Jungle Jim’s International Market 3. Trader Joe’s

HAIR-REMOVAL SERVICE 1. WAX Cincinnati 2. Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center 3. Woodhouse Day Spa

HAIR SALON 1. High Five Salon 2. 501 Salon & Spa 3. Parlour

HANDYMAN

1. Hyde Park Painting & Carpentry 2. Mr. Handyman 3. Crist Construction LLC

HARDWARE STORE 1. Ace Hardware 2. Lowe’s 3. Home Depot

Shops & Services HEALTH FOOD STORE

JEWELER

HOME ACCESSORIES STORE

LANDSCAPING

HOSPITAL

LASIK SURGERY CENTER

HOTEL

LAW FIRM

HOUSE PAINTER

LAWN SERVICE

HVAC COMPANY

LAWYER (INDIVIDUAL)

INSURANCE AGENCY

LIGHTING STORE

INTERIOR DESIGNER

LINGERIE STORE

1. Whole Foods Market 2. Jungle Jim’s International Market 3. Trader Joe’s

1. Habitat for Humanity ReStore 2. Artichoke 3. indigenous craft gallery

1. The Christ Hospital 2. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital 3. Bethesda North Hospital

1. 21c Museum Hotel 2. Hotel Covington 3. The Lytle Park Hotel

1. Smith & Metz Painting 2. Hyde Park Painting & Carpentry 3. Steady Hand Painting

1. Schneller & Knochelmann 2. Apollo Home 3. Zimmer Heating & Cooling

1. State Farm 2. Cincinnati Insurance Companies 3. Geico

1. David A. Millett 2. High St. 3. Honor & Grace

1. Richter & Phillips 2. Schwartz Jewelers 3. Montgomery Jewelers

1. Natorp’s 2. Native Roots 3. Wimberg Landscaping

1. Cincinnati Eye Institute 2. Midwest Eye Center 3. LasikPlus

1. Treleven & Klingensmith 2. Keating Muething & Klekamp 3. Law Offices of Shannon C. Smith

1. Oasis Turf & Tree 2. LawnScapes 3. Tepe Landscaping

1. John Treleven 2. Nick Klingensmith 3. Larry Hicks

1. Menards 2. IKEA 3. Lighting EFX

1. Knickers of Hyde Park 2. Victoria’s Secret 3. Hustler Hollywood

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LIQUOR STORE

MEDI SPA

LOCAL INDIE CRAFT MARKET

MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY

LOCAL INDIE CRAFT MARKET VENDOR

MEN’S CLOTHING STORE

LOCKSMITH

MOTORCYCLE/MOTORSPORTS DEALER

MALL/SHOPPING CENTER

MOVING COMPANY

MANICURE/PEDICURE

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT STORE

MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO

NEIGHBORHOOD SHOPPING DISTRICT

MASSAGE THERAPY PRACTICE/CLINIC

NURSERY/GREENHOUSE

1. The Party Source 2. Jungle Jim’s International Market 3. DEP’s Fine Wine & Spirits

1. The City Flea 2. Art on Vine 3. WestSide Market

1. Fern 2. Stitches & Sass 3. City Chick BBQ Sauce

1. Larry’s Lock, Safe & Security 2. Acme Lock 3. Mr. Lock Security

1. Kenwood Towne Centre 2. Rookwood Commons & Pavilion 3. Liberty Center

1. Ambiance Nail Spa 2. Spruce Nail Shop 3. Mitchell’s Salon & Day Spa

1. Club MMA 2. Patten’s Martial Arts 3. Cincinnati Taekwondo Center

1. Woodhouse Day Spa 2. Mystic Magick Massage 3. Massage Envy

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1. Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center 2. Your Wellness Center 3. Godiva Medspa

1. Sunnyside 2. Verilife 3. Have a Heart Cincy

1. BlaCk OWned Outerwear 2. Cincy Shirts 3. Duluth Trading Company

1. CinCity Harley-Davidson 2. Metro Scooter 3. Eastgate Harley-Davidson

1. Two Men and a Truck 2. All My Sons Moving & Storage 3. Leaders Moving

1. Buddy Roger’s Music 2. Willis Music 3. Baroque Violin Shop

1. Rookwood Commons & Pavilion 2. Kenwood 3. Over-the-Rhine

1. A.J. Rahn Greenhouses 2. Natorp’s 3. White Oak Gardens

Shops & Services OB/GYN

1. Axia Women’s Health 2. TriHealth Women’s Services 3. Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region

OUTDOOR/OUTFITTERS SHOP 1. REI 2. Cabela’s 3. Bass Pro Shops

PAINT STORE

1. Sherwin-Williams 2. Ace Hardware Clifton 3. Oakley Paint & Glass

PAPERGOODS STORE 1. Joseph-Beth Booksellers 2. M. Hopple & Co. 3. Paper wings

PAWN SHOP

1. Ted’s Pawn 2. Facet Jewelry, Music and Pawn 3. American Trading Company

PEDIATRICIAN

1. Pediatric Associates of NKY 2. West Side Pediatrics 3. Queen City Physicians

PEST CONTROL

1. Scherzinger Pest Control 2. Sure Thing Pest Control 3. Delhi Pest Control Services

PET ADOPTION/SHELTER

1. SPCA Cincinnati 2. Stray Animal Adoption Program 3. Cincinnati Animal CARE Humane Society 4. Louie’s Legacy 5. Animal Friends Humane Society 6. League for Animal Welfare 7. Joseph’s Legacy 8. 2nd Hand Paws Animal Rescue 9. Save the Animals Foundation 10. All Dogs Come From Heaven

PET BOARDING/DAYCARE 1. PetSuites 2. Red Dog Pet Resort & Spa TIE 2. Animal Care Centers TIE 3. Puppywood Pet Resort

PET GROOMING

1. Wüf Pet Spa 2. Animal Care Centers 3. Puppywood Pet Resort TIE 3. Animal Ark TIE

PET SUPPLY STORE

1. PetSmart 2. Pet Wants (Over-the-Rhine) 3. Pet People

PHARMACY

1. Kroger 2. Yost Pharmacy 3. Schaeper’s Pharmacy

PHYSICIAN/HEALTHCARE PRACTICE 1. TriHealth 2. The Christ Hospital 3. Mercy Health

PIERCING STUDIO

1. Beelistic Tattoo 2. Skincraft Piercing & Tattoo 3. Cincinnati Tattoo & Piercing Co. THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

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TRELEVEN & KLINGENSMITH VOTED BEST LAW FIRM 3 YEARS IN A ROW John Treleven Voted Best Lawyer 2 Years in a Row Treleven & Klingensmith 513-999-LAWS www.tkcincinnati.com

THANK YOU CINCINNATI

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PLACE FOR A KID’S BIRTHDAY 1. Cincinnati Museum Center 2. Parky’s Farm 3. Dave & Buster’s 4. Super Parties 5. Entertrainment Junction 6. Jump & Jack’s 7. Full Throttle Adrenaline Park 8. DEFY 9. Totter’s Otterville 10. Beechmont Rollarena

PLACE FOR AN ADULT’S BIRTHDAY 1. MadTree Brewing 2. Top Golf 3. Tokyo Kitty 4. Pins Mechanical Company 5. Coppin’s Restaurant & Bar at Hotel Covington 6. Urban Axes 7. Crossgate Lanes 8. Streetside Brewery 9. Manitou Candle Co. 10. Chroma Vino Paint Bar + Gift Shop

PLACE TO BUY ART 1. Pendleton Art Center 2. Summerfair 3. Wave Pool

PLACE TO BUY SNEAKERS 1. JackRabbit/Fleet Feet 2. Queen City Running 3. UNheardof

PLACE TO BUY AN ENGAGEMENT RING 1. Richter & Phillips 2. Schwartz Jewelers 3. Genesis Diamonds

PLANT STORE

1. Fern 2. Natorp’s 3. White Oak Gardens

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PLASTIC SURGERY

1. Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center 2. The Plastic Surgery Group 3. Holzapfel + Lied Plastic Surgery

PLUMBING COMPANY 1. Zins Plumbing 2. Jolly Plumbing 3. Holtmeier Plumbing

REAL ESTATE AGENT 1. Nick Foltz 2. Jordan Nicely 3. Pam Socha

REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE 1. Sibcy Cline 2. Comey & Shepherd 3. Keller Williams Realty

SHOE REPAIR

1. Mt. Lookout Shoe Repair 2. Clarence Howell Shoe Repair 3. D&P Shoe Repair

SKIN CARE SERVICE

1. Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center 2. Organic Glow Skincare and Spa 3. Alba Salon & Spa

SMOKE/TOBACCO SHOP 1. Jungle Jim’s International Market 2. High on the Hill 3. Hemptations

SPORTING GOODS 1. Play It Again Sports 2. Koch Sporting Goods 3. Dunham’s Sports

Shops & Services TAILOR/SEAMSTRESS

TREE SERVICE

TANNING SALON

VAPE SHOP

1. Peppe Ramundo 2. Romualdo 3. Janet Morris

1. WAX Cincinnati 2. Palm Beach Tan 3. Organic Glow Skincare and Spa

TATTOO SHOP

1. Designs by Dana 2. White Whale Tattoo 3. Flying Tiger Tattoo

TAX SERVICE

1. H&R Block 2. Financial Clarity Group 3. Barry Blank

TEA SHOP/SELECTION

1. Churchill’s Fine Teas 2. Jungle Jim’s International Market 3. Coffee Emporium

THRIFT SHOP

1. Society of St. Vincent de Paul 2. Valley Thrift Store 3. Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries

TIRE STORE

1. Tire Discounters 2. AAA | Bob Sumerel Tire & Service 3. Donovan’s Auto & Tire

TOY STORE

1. King Arthur’s Court Toys 2. Coolest Toys on Earth 3. The Toy Department

1. Back Tree Service 2. Madison Tree Care and Landscaping 3. Canopy Crew

1. Cincy Vapors 2. Lefty’s Tobacco Plus 3. Cloud 9 Vapor Lounge TIE 3. King Vapors Shop & Lounge TIE

VETERINARY CARE 1. Animal Care Centers 2. Noah’s Ark Animal Clinics 3. Grady Veterinary Hospital

VINTAGE CLOTHING STORE 1. Casablanca 2. RAD OTR 3. Down to Mars

WEDDING CAKES 1. The BonBonerie 2. A Spoon Fulla Sugar 3. 3 Sweet Girls Cakery

WEDDING DRESSES 1. Bridal & Formal 2. David’s Bridal 3. Hyde Park Bridal

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICE 1. Steph Keller Photography 2. Jessica Wiggins Photography 3. Eleven:11 Photography

WEDDING RECEPTION HALL 1. Bell Event Centre 2. The Madison Event Center 3. Drees Pavilion

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Hierophany & Hedge | Photo by Hailey Bollinger

WEDDING VENUE (INDOORS) 1. Cincinnati Art Museum 2. Hotel Covington 3. The Monastery Event Center

WEDDING VENUE (OUTDOORS) 1. WoodBottom Quail Farms 2. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden 3. Cincinnati Nature Center

WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER 1. Pinelight Films 2. Harmon Films 3. Vivid Wedding Videos

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WINE SHOP

1. Jungle Jim’s International Market 2. DEP’s Fine Wine & Spirits 3. Marty’s Hops and Vines 4. Oakley Wines 5. Hyde Park Wine & Spirits 6. The Wine Merchant 7. Water Tower Fine Wines 8. Market Wines 9. Higher Gravity 10. Ludlow Wines

WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE 1. Rose & Remington 2. The Native One 3. Kismet

Shops & Services

StAFf PICKS BEST PLACE TO UNLOCK THE MYSTERIES OF MAGIC

Do you believe in magic? There are so many ways to interpret what is and isn’t magical, so perhaps some thorough studying is needed before you can make that call. Hierophany & Hedge, Covington’s newest magic shop, is the place to learn about the mystical, the ethereal and the conjured. This isn’t the kind of shop where your common birthday-party street magician would buy their gags, but rather an apothecary and library, an entryway to fantastic realms. Whether you want to buy your own custom handmade wand, of which they have many, learn more about tarot cards or just get some incense, there are plenty of reasons to stop in and browse the magical wares. hierophanyandhedge.com.

BEST PLACE TO PICK UP (OR DROP OFF) A FREE MOVIE

Hey, boomer, remember late fees? “Be kind, rewind?” Does any of that ring a bell? Thanks largely to streaming services like Netﬂix, the once-mighty video rental shop went belly up. Now that we’ve had enough time to process and appropriately mourn its loss, we can try to recapture the joy we used to feel when we’d select actual physical media to consume from Blockbuster. This is thanks to Free Blockbuster, a social experiment that provides totally free movies and video games in old newspaper boxes — the same kind from which you likely picked up this issue of CityBeat — repainted to match the iconic blue-and-yellow Blockbuster branding. Our area’s three Free Blockbuster locations are occasionally restocked but rely on the common folk to continually bring the good stuff to share — who doesn’t still have all their old tapes from yesteryear? Instead of donating to thrift shops, why not bring those movies to your local Free Blockbuster? instagram.com/freeblockbustercincinnati.

BEST WAY TO GREET THE DAY

Waking up early on a Monday — or, let’s be real, any day — can be a slog, but a tantalizing scent waiting in the bathroom means we’re less apt to pull the covers back over our head. That’s where &Sundries comes in. The East Walnut Hills shop founded by University of Cincinnati grad John Meyer is full of handmade, chemical-free body washes, lotions and potions that appeal to noses and skin types of every persuasion. Honey apple? Check. Lavender? Check. Cedar pepper? Check. But for our money, the star of the show is the peppermint body lotion, with a freshness that tingles the nose and a very subtle note of neroli oil (bitter orange tree blossom) that brings on a double-take. Apply it in the morning and sport &Sundries’ Turkish cotton robe while enjoying your morning coffee, and Mondays stop looking so bad. andsundries.com.

BEST SPOT FOR COFFEE, KOMBUCHA AND CACTI

If you were to create a shop that is basically catnip to millennials and Gen-Z-ers, it would be Newport’s headquarters for Fleurish Grounds and Flow coffee. Fleurish Grounds started out as a pop-up in co-owner Christine Funke’s garage before it turned into a popular brick-and-mortar storefront in Madisonville. Funke closed that shop last year and moved over to Newport where Fleurish is offering its same patented blend of plants, pots and curated vintage clothing — with a bonus. Shoppers browsing for their next favorite snake plant can now also grab a pour-over or draft kombucha from Flow. Fleurish even has its own specialty blend of coffee from local roasters Urbana Cafe. ﬂeurishgrounds.com; facebook.com/ﬂowfuturecoffee.

BEST PLACE TO SHOP FOR ODD EPHEMERA

Come for the records, stay for everything else. Clifton’s Torn Light Records is a music store ﬁrst and foremost, but its eclectic collection of pulp sci-ﬁ novels, Japanese horror VHS tapes and bootleg Ghanaian movie posters is an invaluable resource for underground heads. That’s not to discount their music taste, though. From Hardcore Punk to Free Jazz to Grindcore, Torn Light’s shelves stock offerings from all extremes of under-the-radar music. You’re sure to leave with an album you never knew you needed — or even existed, for that matter. tornlightrecords.com.

BEST INDIE COMICS SELECTION

Descend to the basement of Northside’s Shake It Records, and you just might stumble upon one of Cincinnati’s coolest assortments of independently published comics. There’s not much in the way of Marvel and DC, but if introspective graphic novels, photocopied zines or X-rated underground comix pique your interest, there’s a treasure trove of pulpy oddities to peruse. If you prefer your books with fewer pictures, Shake It has plenty of novels, too, alongside a massive array of band T-shirts and collectible toys, to boot. shakeitrecords.com.

BEST CANDLE COMBO

District 78 specializes in housemade soy wax candles, scented with a blend of fragrance oils, that are phthalate free, paraben free and 100% vegan. Owner Erikka Gray crafts unique, luxurious scents for shoppers (and also companies in search of some fragrant branding), like Velvet, a smoky blend of vanilla and cedarwood, or The Baldwin, named after poet and writer James Baldwin and featuring notes of leather, saffron and sandalwood. Don’t know which candle to pick? District 78 offers three-candle sets, including a customer-favorite package with THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

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Voted Cincinnati’s Best Jeweler & Best Place to Buy Your Engagement Ring Being voted Cincinnati’s Best Place to Buy Your Engagement Ring is the most meaningful recognition we receive each year. Being your chosen jewelry store means that we become a part of your story - so we want that experience to be remarkable.

2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022

In the Fehr family since the 1930s, the shop is now in the hands of its 4th generation. “Family-owned” to the Fehr family means holding customer service, fair pricing, and quality selection to a higher standard. Family-owned means this is the kind of shop where customers turn into lifelong friends. The kind of place where you can’t help but pop in to say “hi” when you’re walking past. With a team of passionate jewelry and watch specialists that have been with the company for decades, a familiar face is always ready to offer you a warm welcome and make your experience remarkable. To the Richter & Phillips family, jewelry isn’t simply a sale, it’s much, much more meaningful than that.

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Richter & Phillips Jewelers | Downtown, Cincinnati RichterPhillips.com | (513) 241-3510

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Swing House | Photo by Hailey Bollinger 146

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Shops & Services best sellers and a trio curated by Gray herself. To complement your candle, snag a new houseplant. The shop carries different sized pothos, snake plants, cacti, philodendron and more, plus cute gardening-themed T-shirts and bags. bydistrict78.com.

market is open every Saturday, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The location changes depending on the season, so check the website for updates. And, yes, you deﬁnitely should buy yourself a bouquet of freshly cut ﬂowers on your way out. rcov.org/covfarmersmarket.

BEST TIKTOK-FAMOUS TAILOR

BEST PLACE TO SEE ARTISTS AT WORK

Chuck Hellman of Hellman Clothiers in Carew Tower is known for his prowess when it comes to dressing local and national sports stars, including members of the Bengals for their Super Bowl appearance in Los Angeles. But his bigger audience is somewhere else. Currently, Hellman Retail Group’s TikTok, run by social media editor Christian Barker, has more than 4 million followers. At least once a week, the account posts a video of a suit inspired by various themes, and Hellman says he has a large international audience who waits with bated breath to see what he’ll come out with. Almost every video is in response to a comment requesting a specific theme. His audience loves video games and anime — with 24 million views of his Naruto suit and a shocking 38 million of his Rick and Morty design. Hellman says he wants the outfits to evoke what he imagines the characters would wear. For example, his Harry Potter suit is designed with a fitted navy jacket, Gryffindorcolored striped tie, Marauder’s Map pocket square and snitch pin. Other recent posts show a purple Willy Wonka-style suit, with a sparkly golden bow tie and top hat, and a Darth Vader suit complete with helmet, lightsaber pin and Star Wars-inspired tie. “We follow what the audience wants,” Hellman says. hellmanretailgroup.com.

BEST EXCUSE TO BREAK OUT YOUR TOTE BAGS

Grab your favorite tote bag (or two) and head to the Covington Farmers Market to stock up on seasonal produce, baked goods, bread, wine, honey, meats, eggs, jams, pickles and more from local vendors. The year-round

After Susannah Tisue graduated from Walnut Hills High School, she learned about ceramic arts at New York University. For years she and her husband Michael Miritello, a woodworker, had a studio in Brooklyn where she fulﬁlled orders from stores across the country for her beautiful glazed ceramic bowls, plates, pitchers, vases, mugs and more, decorated with delicate wild animal illustrations. But an opportunity for an affordable workplace in Cincinnati brought her back to town. While her now-open space, the 1910 Century Theater building on Gilbert Avenue near Peebles Corner in Walnut Hills, was being developed, she launched a kiosk for SKT Ceramics at Findlay Market in 2017; it continues to be a popular stop. Now her “illustrated pottery” is produced by her creative team in the renovated gallery-studio while Miritello builds furniture and cabinetry upstairs. It’s a boomerang with a happy ending. sktceramics.com.

BEST SPOT TO FIND VINTAGE SPORTSWEAR

Since Rad OTR first opened in November 2017, owners and University of Cincinnati grads Billy Luther and Jake Courtney have curated their collection — made up of 1980s and ’90s vintage clothing and accessories — to reflect the community they’ve built. A feature wall showcases both vintage shoes and recent releases from some of the most desired brands on the market. From Nike sweatshirts and Mickey Mouse tees to Coogi sweaters, Air Jordans and Bart Simpson figurines, the shop oozes nostalgia. facebook.com/radotr.ohio.

BEST AIRBNB AND ART EXHIBIT COMBO

The Swing House is a whole-building art project — a freestanding 1880s three-story brick home in Camp Washington where owner and artist Mark DeJong has removed the interior walls and upper floors and built a swing right in the middle of the opened-up interior. Made from pine he salvaged from third-floor joists, the swing is attached by 30 feet of natural-fiber rope to a metal beam on the ceiling. There are several ways to visit the stunning space: DeJong hosts an open house for guests to experience the Swing House on the second Saturday of every month, and if you’re interested in spending the night at the home, there is a listing available on Airbnb. swing-house.com.

BEST MUSICAL MURAL

“Feed me, Seymour!” Joshua Stout’s colorful Little Shop of Horrors-inspired mural is hard to miss on the side of Covington’s Garden Grove Organics. The spray-painted piece features everyone’s favorite bloodthirsty plantalien, Audrey II, grinning — presumably postsuppertime. Take in the mural, but don’t take it as a sign to adopt any demanding, vampiric plants. Garden Grove Organics is housed in a renovated former Mexican restaurant in Roebling Point and boasts everything you need to grow your plants at home, from lights and reflective film to soil amenders and hydroponic systems. If you aren’t ready to dive that far in, Garden Grove has a selection of what owner Alex Fraser calls “hard-to-find house plants.” The shop also hosts free classes. gardengroveorganics.com.

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THANK YOU CINCINNATI! FOR VOTING US BEST

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13 YEARS IN A ROW! BEST PAWN SHOP!

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BEST TOY STORE FOR LAST-MINUTE GIFTS

Tucked away in Oakley, King Arthur’s Court has been a Cincinnati staple for over 40 years — and for good reason. Walk by and you may see kids pressing their faces to its storefront windows, marveling at giant sculptures, stuffed animals, games and more. The inside feels much the same: a toy store that encourages play and childhood whimsy. From tabletop games to foam swords to dolls and children’s books, there’s something for every age and interest. Kids can also hang out in “The Dungeon,” a play area stocked with foam archery, climbers, a zip line, Hugglepods and more. The store even has a purple, baseball-loving dragon mascot named Artie. kingarthurstoys.com.

BEST GIFTS IN A COFFEE SHOP

We get it. You run on coffee. Same. And College Hill Coffee Co. certainly offers up some delicious coffee (if only they had a drive-thru!). However, the coffee (and scrumptious food) isn’t even the best part of CHCC. The cafe is packed to the brim with local yumminess (Sixteen Bricks bread, for instance) and a giant selection of unique gifts you won’t ﬁnd in many other places. The shop carries all the best Charley Harper merchandise, and has a solid collection of glass sun-catcher orbs that just make everything a little more whimsical. collegehillcoffeeco.com.

BEST ‘FREE SPIRIT’ FLORAL BOUQUETS

Flohemian Floral Design, located in Dayton, Kentucky, is a relatively new florist to the Greater Cincinnati area. The business opened only a couple years ago, and since then has proven to be an obvious choice for those looking for unique and trendy bouquets. Flohemian’s social media is filled with magnificent arrangements that offer a carefree aesthetic — which the shop dubs “free spirit 150

THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

Roebling Point Books & Coffee, high market rates and constant development surrounding the area were no match for the shop’s popularity and beloved neighborhood status. Owner Richard Hunt struck a deal with the landlord, who saw the value in keeping the establishment open, and they came to an agreement on rent. So Hunt’s original search for a new location ended up becoming the search for a secBEST ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE ond location. After options rolled in, he made Need an old door? Or a used washer and dryer? Are you dying for an OG all-metal kitchen a final decision to open the second Roebling Point Books & Coffee in Newport. Much from suite? You’re likely to find this and more at Building Value. With show-stopping salvages the flagship shop was duplicated in Newport, including offering space for community meetlike a wooden bird cage big enough to house ings as well as coffee and Lil’s Bagels. This a toddler and a collection of vintage fireplace mantles, Building Value offers so much to look new shop features a grand fiction section and at. And, for the love of Gaud(iness), go out the rare and antiquated books. Hunt and customers are happy with the expansion. “A city needs a back door to the bathroom fixture graveyard. bookstore like a body needs a soul,” Hunt tells If you buy the periwinkle sink, tub and toilet CityBeat. roeblingpointbooksandcoffee.com. please @ us. buildingvalue.org. floral creations” — for everything from weddings to beautiful vases. Non-event ordering options start at $30 for single-bloom bouquets, with seasonal options between $50 and $75. With advance notice, the florist can also create custom “bloom wraps” with specific colors. flohemianfloral.com.

BEST INDOOR-OUTDOOR HOTEL HOT TUB

Sometimes you need a night away. And sometimes you just don’t feel like making the effort to go “out of town.” Maybe try AC Hotel in Liberty Center? This posh but attainably priced stay sits atop the back end of Liberty’s outdoor shopping mall. The mall’s DORA district offers a wide range of delicious restaurants, one of those fancy-AF theaters with reclining seats and tons of shopping. Most importantly, though, AC has a very nice second-ﬂoor pool and indoor-outdoor hot tub. Ever sat in a steaming hot tub while the snow falls around you? It’s baller, y’all. And you don’t have to drive all the way to the Pigeon Forge to ﬁnd it. marriott.com.

BEST BONUS BOOKSTORE

Several years ago, Covington’s only bookstore and coffee shop almost closed for good. The decade-old store — cherished by locals and visitors alike — was threatened by a signiﬁcant rent increase, constant construction and closure of its main thoroughfare, the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge. Luckily for

BEST BOUTIQUE TO FIND MOSSER GLASS

Mosser Glass is a family-owned glassmaker in Cambridge, Ohio. In operation since 1971 — but with a family glass history that goes back even further — Mosser crafts stunning, vintage-styled cake stands, dinnerware, candy bowls, tumblers, night lights and even decorative animals. Colors range from jadeite and milky “Crown Tuscan” pink to clear cobalt hues. Locally, you can ﬁnd a selection of Mosser glass at Continuum in Over-theRhine. Continuum is known for its range of clothing from independent and aspirational designers, as well as apothecary items and homegoods, and Mosser ﬁts right in. Find beautiful mixing-bowl collections or, our favorite, the brand’s iconic bathing-beauty bowl. The head and legs of a woman emerge from the bowl’s center, like a pin-up in a bath, and the shallow vessel can be used for everything from a soap dish to an ashtray. The Art Deco-esque creation comes in a variety of colors, including coveted jadeite. continuumbazaar.com.

Shops & Services BEST INCLUSIVE CRAFT SHOP

Jennifer Cox, an avid crafter who recently returned to Cincinnati, was looking for a community and space to feel at home as a maker. But when she couldn’t find what she was looking for, she decided to take matters into her own hands. Cox opened Make.Do, a craft store in Pleasant Ridge that offers fabric, yarn and fiber along with DIY digital projects and in-person events. During the pandemic, the community was virtual, but Cox has since reopened her brick-and-mortar. Along with creating a space welcoming to crafters — both beginners and experts — she wanted to make sure it was inclusive and equitable to all. “Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQIA communities, and people on the margins in general are creating amazing art for themselves, often on their own. There are knitters, sewers, designers, and artists that yearn for connection with each other, and that others should know about, but many don’t,” Cox says. “I want Make.Do. to show up as a Black-owned business committed to supporting the voices we don’t often hear and support makers by connecting them to new and different communities so we can all benefit from each other’s creativity.” The goal is to both provide supplies with a focus on BIPOC and LGBTQIA businesses/brands and bring people together. heymakedo.com.

BEST VINTAGE SWEATSHIRT SELECTION

The Daily Vintage near Findlay Market is helmed by a handful of local vintage experts and carries everything from Space Jam-style 1990s fashion to duds from the 1940s and ’50s. A wall in the back room is devoted fully to super-soft sweatshirts and T-shirts. Arranged by color, you could get lost trying to decide whether you want a neon-blue LA Gear crewneck or a sweatshirt with the name of a far-off Hard Rock Cafe. The ﬁts are classic, and the nostalgia is fun. The team also pulls thematic items together, like Ohio State or Bengals gear. instagram.com/thedailyvintagecincy.

BEST VETERINARIAN’S OFFICE

Whiskers and Paws Animal Hospital is the new independent venture from two very well-respected and well-loved veterinarians formerly with the Animal Hospital on Mt. Lookout Square. Located in Kenwood, doctors Kevin Rebrovich and Carrie Ellis have created a vet experience unlike any other. First, there are separate waiting areas for dogs and cats. Second, there’s a mini fridge full of drinks (including sparkling water) and a coffee maker to use while you wait for your appointment. Third, the aesthetic is like Joanna Gaines redid a doctor’s office — beautiful grayish flooring, cozy seating, farmhouse-style wall hangings. We could just keep listing things we love about this place, but we truly love the patientfocused care provided by the entire team. They are deeply compassionate, problem-solving medical professionals and offer everything from your standard preventative, once-ayear check-ups and vaccinations to surgery, ultrasounds, dentistry and even acupuncture. Both Dr. Rebrovich and Dr. Ellis are Fear Free, Cat Friendly and USDA-APHIS certified (for pets who travel internationally), and it shows. They truly treat your pet like family — and they like pet’s owners too. whiskersandpawshospital.com.

BEST RELAXING EYEBROW SERVICE

Eyebrow care and grooming became a big deal during the pandemic, when masking put an extreme emphasis on the top half of your face. That, plus the current bushy-eyebrow beauty trend, had many seeking out salons that could dye, shape and laminate eyebrows (aka basically perm the hair into ﬂuffy goodness). Being dyed, waxed, plucked and chemically beautiﬁed is not always a superpleasant experience — especially the plucking and waxing part — but 501 Salon & Spa in Bellevue makes it as enjoyable as it can be. Services are performed in the upstairs spa, where you also can get a massage, facial and even lash extensions. It’s warm, quiet, calm and smells like Aveda products (501 is an

Aveda salon). The highly trained estheticians will give you the brows of your dreams — especially if you aren’t quite sure what that looks like. They’ll help shape and color them to best ﬁt your face, all while you lay back and relax. 501salon.com.

BEST LOCAL BRAND GOING NATIONAL

When Cincinnatian Sylvia Brownlee was laid off from her corporate job in the cosmetic industry in 2015, she didn’t know what her next move was. As an esthetician and skincare expert with decades of experience, she knew she was passionate about helping clients feel comfortable in their skin, but she wasn’t sure what would come next in her career. Almost immediately, Brownlee founded her Silverton-based company, Skin by Brownlee & Co., a skincare clinic that specializes in the prevention and treatment of acne and hyperpigmentation. Now, seven years later, some of her most popular products are offered through Target via target.com. In January, target.com began stocking four of Brownlee’s products: the Cryotherapy Ball Facial Roller, the Blemish Chaser, the HydraBalance Moisturizer and the Balancing Face Cleanser. She also sells additional products on her website, including serums, scrubs and masks. Brownlee works with a chemist to create each product herself, using natural ingredients that are “good for the skin and body,” she says. skinbybrownleeandco.com.

BEST LADY-LED TATTOO SHOP

Over-the-Rhine’s appointment-only tattoo studio Lonesome Town is helmed by three hyper-talented owners/artists: Jaclin Grace Hastings, Annie Bone and Emily Sites Karns. Book directly with each tattooer for everything from retro-inspired traditional pieces and art nouveau portraits to slightly psychedelic nature scenes. The shop’s vibe is as cool as the owners, and offers a unique and boutique ink experience. instagram.com/ lonesometowntattoo. THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

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The people have spoken and we can’t thank you enough. Thanks for voting Good Samaritan Hospital and TriHealth Physician Partners for "Best of Cincinnati" awards. TriHealth’s Good Samaritan Hospital has been voted “Best Place to Give Birth/Maternity Center” and TriHealth Physician Partners has been named “Best Physician/Health Care Practice” by CityBeat readers. We can’t thank you enough for voting for us. TriHealth is your partner for health care.

To learn more, go to TriHealth.com/CareNow To find a doctor call 513 569 5400

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Sports & Recreation READER PICKS BARRE

HEALTH CLUB/GYM

BENGAL (CURRENT)

HIKING TRAIL

1. Body Alive 2. Pure Barre (Oakley) 3. The Barre Code

1. Joe Burrow 2. Evan McPherson 3. Ja’Marr Chase

BIKING TRAIL

1. Loveland Bike Trail 2. Wasson Way 3. Miami Whitewater Forest

CLIMBING GYM

1. University of Cincinnati Campus Recreation Center 2. RockQuest 3. Climb Time (Oakley)

COACH/MANAGER (PRO/COLLEGE) 1. Luke Fickell (University of Cincinnati Football) 2. Zac Taylor (Cincinnati Bengals) 3. Travis Steele (Xavier University Men’s Basketball)

FC CINCINNATI PLAYER (CURRENT) 1. Nick Hagglund 2. Beckham Sunderland 3. Haris Medunjanin

GOLF COURSE (PUBLIC) 1. Blue Ash Golf Course 2. Devou Park Golf Course 3. Elks Run Golf Club

1. YMCA of Greater Cincinnati 2. Mercy HealthPlex 3. Planet Fitness

1. Cincinnati Nature Center 2. Loveland Bike Trail 3. Ault Park 4. Mount Airy Forest 5. Sharon Woods 6. Miami Whitewater Forest 7. Winton Woods 8. Devou Park Backcountry Trail 9. Bender Mountain Nature Preserve 10. East Fork State Park

JOGGING ROUTE 1. Loveland Bike Trail 2. Smale Riverfront Park 3. Wasson Way

OVERALL LOCAL ATHLETE 1. Joe Burrow 2. Rose Lavelle 3. Jonathan India

PERSONAL TRAINING/CROSSFIT GYM 1. ProForce Sports Performance 2. Queen City CrossFit 3. Iron Sharpens Iron

PICK-UP BASKETBALL COURT 1. Cincinnati Athletic Club 2. Oakley Playground 3. Blue Ash Recreation Center

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PILATES STUDIO 1. Body Alive 2. Shellates Studio 3. Pendleton Pilates

PLACE TO CAMP

1. Red River Gorge 2. Hocking Hills State Park 3. Winton Woods

PUBLIC POOL

1. Sunlite Water Adventure at Coney Island 2. Ziegler Pool 3. Soak City Water Park at Kings Island

RED (CURRENT)

1. Joey Votto 2. Jonathan India 3. Eugenio Suárez (now with Seattle Mariners)

RUNNING/BIKING EVENT 1. Flying Pig Marathon 2. Queen Bee Half Marathon 3. Cyclones Frozen 5K/10K

SOCCER FACILITY

1. Soccer City 2. Town & Country Sports Complex 3. Cincy Sports Nation

SOFTBALL FIELDS

1. River City West 2. Schmidt Boat Ramp and Ballfields 3. Mid-America Ballyard

SPORTS COVERAGE 1. 700WLW 2. Fox Sports Ohio 3. ESPN 1530

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SUMMER CAMP

1. YMCA Camp Ernst 2. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden 3. Cincinnati Nature Center 4. Camp Joy 5. Camp Kern 6. Cincinnati Reds Baseball Camp 7. Clifton Cultural Arts Center 8. Cincinnati Museum Center 9. DAAPcamps 10. Cincinnati Art Museum

TEAM (AMATEUR/SEMI-PRO) 1. Florence Y’alls 2. Cincinnati Rollergirls 3. Black-n-Bluegrass Roller Girls

TEAM (COLLEGE)

1. University of Cincinnati Football 2. Xavier University Men’s Basketball 3. University of Cincinnati Men’s Basketball

TEAM (PROFESSIONAL) 1. Cincinnati Bengals 2. Cincinnati Reds 3. FC Cincinnati

TENNIS COURTS

1. Sawyer Point Tennis Courts 2. The Club at Harper’s Point 3. Queen City Racquet & Fitness Club

VOLLEYBALL COURTS

1. Fifty West Brewing Company 2. Knotty Pine Rock Club & Tiki Bar 3. Cabana on the River

YOGA STUDIO

1. Body Alive 2. Embra Studio (formerly Modo Yoga) 3. College Hill Yoga

Sports & Recreation

StAFf PICKS BEST SPORTS MOMENT IN CINCINNATI IN 33 YEARS

On Feb. 13, the Bengals went to Super Bowl LVI, Cincinnati’s first shot at the Vince Lombardi trophy since 1989. Our beloved team was just two minutes away from the win but ultimately lost 20-23 to the Los Angeles Rams. But despite the last-minute defeat, this Bengals team let Cincinnati fans dare to dream again after years of constant loss. The Bengals delivered a 10-7 regular-season record — something no oddsmaker had predicted — and won the AFC North as well as the AFC Championship, pulling off magical win after magical win in the postseason and demonstrating why it was smart to draft rookie kicker Evan McPherson. Plus, days before walking onto the Super Bowl field, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase was named the 2021 Offensive Rookie of the Year, while quarterback Joe Burrow earned Comeback Player of the Year. The playoffs and Super Bowl run ignited a long-dormant spirit within the city, with fans contributing to the Bengals having the most-watched Super Bowl in the last five years. Leading up to the game, businesses and organizations throughout Greater Cincinnati plastered their buildings with “WHO DEY” signs and created special items to celebrate the playoffs. Hell, even Hu-Dey beer made a limited comeback for the occasion. Governments got in on the act, too, with Cincinnati City Hall flying a Bengals flag, Dayton, Kentucky, renaming itself as “DEYton,” Cheviot changing its street signs to Bengals players’ names, and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine declaring that Super Bowl Sunday would be called Cincinnati Bengals Day. With Bengals head coach Zac Taylor’s contract now extended through 2026, Cincinnati has plenty more to roar about as the 2022-2023 season approaches. bengals.com.

BEST NEW WALKING TRAIL THROUGH A PREVIOUSLY LITTLE-KNOWN PARK SPACE

In 2021, Wasson Way was continued through East Hyde Park and then into a mysterious, “secret” corner of Ault Park that once held the tracks of the Cincinnati Eastern Railway. What had previously been traversed on foot only by those who were hardy and in the know, this new section has since introduced a paved trail through a previously little-used corner of the park, as well as installed a new walking deck and appealing handrails to adapt an old trestle. At the end is a beautifully designed series of gradual switchbacks to take walkers and bikers down the hillside to a section of Old Red Bank Road. There, you can look up high and see another old trestle that once carried trains onward. wassonway.org.

BEST USE FOR SEMI-DESERTED TENNIS COURTS

Pickleball, which has nothing to do with pickles, has been around since 1965, but it became a phenomenon in 2021 spreading as fast as the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Legend goes, the bored family of a Washington State congressman invented the game when they had access to a badminton court but no equipment, so instead they used ping-pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball. Sixty years later the low-impact sport has overtaken tennis courts everywhere, including in Cincinnati. Played as singles or doubles, games are brief, so it’s a perfect ﬁt for socializing, especially as a moderately strenuous workout. Perhaps the busiest location is Sawyer Point’s tennis center on the Ohio River, which will soon offer a dozen permanent pickleball courts thanks to a $500,000 upgrade. But places to play are all over town, so no matter where you live, it’s likely you’ll soon be hearing the rat-a-tat-tat of competition.

BEST WAY TO GET THE MEAT SWEATS AT THE BALLPARK

Ballpark fare can make anyone salivate. Honestly, who doesn’t love a thick frank or a sundae in a plastic baseball cap? But the Montgomery Inn’s Smokehouse Parfait at Great American Ball Park scratches our itch for something a little more interesting and a lot more meaty. Introduced during the Cincinnati Reds’ 2021 season, Montgomery Inn’s creation loads barbecue pulled pork, macaroni and cheese and coleslaw into a squishy bread cone. That’s right: This delicious Frankenstein-esque creation is literally a ﬁst full of meat and drippy toppings that you can nibble from, just like you would some Graeter’s ice cream (or you could use a fork, if you’re a bit more reﬁned). reds.com.

BEST WAY TO CELEBRATE THE CYCLONES’ POST-COVID RETURN

For a long time during the COVID-19 pandemic, Cincinnati had a big, puck-shaped hole. The Cincinnati Cyclones hadn’t played an ofﬁcial, regular-season game since March 11, 2020 — that is, until Oct. 23, 2021, when the Cyclones visited the Indy Fuel. Indy came to Cincy a week later for the home opener for not only the local return of our favorite ice sport, but also the return of our favorite promotion: dollar beer night. In addition to plenty of opportunities to make dollar-beer-can pyramids against the rink plexiglass, this season also gave fans a new head coach in Jason Payne (the only currently active head coach of color in professional hockey) and a 2022 ECHL Hall of Famer in Cyclones president Ray Harris. Drink up and drink often, because hockey is ﬁnally back, baby. cycloneshockey.com.

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Flying Pig Marathon | Photo by Shae Combs/Game Day PR

BEST REASON FOR JONATHAN INDIA TO BUY MORE SHELVING

The Cincinnati Reds’ second baseman Jonathan India secured a cabinet full of trophies recognizing his outstanding 2021 season, and we wouldn’t blame him if he needed to upgrade from Elfa shelving to something a little more sturdy to support all that weight. The Sporting News named India as its National League Rookie of the Year for 2021; he was named the National League’s Outstanding Rookie in the MLB Players Choice Awards; and Baseball America selected India as its Rookie of the Year. But the rookie also snagged the big, big award: India was named the Baseball Writers’ Association of America’s 2021 Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year for Major League Baseball’s National League. 164

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Time for India to get handy and ﬁnd those drywall studs, because we have a feeling he’ll be adding to that collection in 2022. reds.com.

BEST PLAYER TO MAKE US LOVE SOCCER

Oh, Rose Lavelle, look at you now. The Mount Notre Dame High School alumna keeps racking up the kudos and extended her contract with OL Reign in February. The year 2022 is just starting, but 2021 was fire for Lavelle, who continues to prove that Cincinnati breeds winners. In September, Lavelle and the U.S. Women’s National Team demolished Paraguay in the first-ever U.S. Soccer match at TQL Stadium in the West End, with Lavelle scoring in just the fourth minute of the match. Cincinnati’s homegrown midfielder also

helped the USWNT to a bronze medal during the Olympics last summer, scoring the team’s ﬁrst goal of its annihilation of New Zealand. And earlier in 2021, Lavelle was named MVP during the winning match of the SheBelieves Cup. There’s a reason Lavelle’s mural at The Banks remains a must-see for soccer fans.

BEST REGION-WIDE HAUL FROM ONE SOCCER GAME

Cincinnati loves soccer — and so do the thousands of people who come here from elsewhere to see it. The Queen City scored big in November when it hosted the World Cup qualifying match between the U.S. Men’s National Team and Mexico. Not only did the match bring hot stars to town, but it also gave a signiﬁcant boost to Cincinnati’s tourism. The

Sports & Recreation Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau said that the sold-out Nov. 12 game was responsible for the region’s biggest tourism weekend at that point since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020 (the city later raked in even more cash from the Cincinnati Bengals’ wild-card playoff game at Paul Brown Stadium). The local economy received boosts from the match itself as well as from money that ﬂowed into hotels, bars, restaurants and shops all weekend long. The cherry on top? USA won the match in front of TQL Stadium’s full capacity of 26,000 attendees.

BEST WAY TO ENSURE SUPER BOWL POTENTIAL

We don’t live in a comic-book universe, but it sure appeared like the Cincinnati Bengals developed superpowers this season thanks to some new duds. After a months-long tease, the Bengals revealed “New Stripes” uniforms in April 2021 — the team’s first significant change in 17 years. The only thing untouched? The Bengals’ iconic tiger-striped helmet. The uniform change seemed to give the team some spark, as the Bengals upended predictions and crushed opponent after opponent on the way to the team’s first Super Bowl berth since 1989. bengals.com.

BEST SPORTS BANDWAGON

Are snazzy new uniforms the key to sports success? The Cincinnati Bengals changed theirs up for the 2021-2022 NFL season and were rewarded with a Super Bowl berth. Now FC Cincinnati ofﬁcials are hoping the same will happen for their own team. FCC debuted a new secondary kit for the 2022 season, and it’s a stunner. Created as an homage to Cincinnati, the Juncta Juvant kit (a nod to the city’s motto “strength in unity,” translated from Latin) is bright orange with embossed monotone, wavy stripes that recall the Ohio river as well as Cincinnati’s ﬂag. FCC’s colorful secondary kit, already in rotation, could offer a morale boost to both players and fans after going 4-22-8

in 2021. Hey, if it worked for the Bengals, it could work for FCC, right? fccincinnati.com.

BEST ROSE-COLORED GLASSES

Burrow — aka Joe Shiesty, aka Joey B., aka Joe Cool, aka Joe Brrr — has become a local hero of sorts. Since the Bengals drafted him in 2020, Burrow has thrown for more than 8,000 yards, bounced back after a season-ending knee injury in 2020 and had been instrumental to the Bengals reaching the Super Bowl. Cincinnati knew early on that Burrow would be good at football, but now he’s showing prowess in a completely different arena: fashion. The entire population of the Queen City was looking through rose-colored glasses after the Cincinnati Bengals won their first playoff game in 31 years, defeating the Las Vegas Raiders 26-19 at Paul Brown Stadium on Jan. 15. The win was obviously a big deal. But perhaps a bigger deal? Burrow’s postgame-press-conference glasses. The specs, which teammate and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase said were Cartier, elicited comparisons to everyone from Robert Downey Jr. to Lizzie McGuire and Elton John. The colorful frames also made some people extremely horny, especially on Twitter. The social media platform lost its collective mind with tweets coming in declaring everything from “Joe Burrow wearing those y2k glasses is my kink” to “The real star of last night’s Bengal’s win: Joe Burrow’s frames.” When asked if the glasses had any significance, Burrow told reporters: “No significance. I just think they’re pretty cool.”

BEST SPORTS SURPRISE

In 2021, ESPN’s mega-popular pregame show College Gameday visited the Queen City for the ﬁrst time ever for the University of Cincinnati’s homecoming football game. Bearcats fans were ecstatic to have the sports network broadcasting live from on campus in the lead-up to the match against Tulsa at Nippert Stadium. Fans also lined up in the wee hours of the morning to be part of the

Gameday team’s live shots for Good Morning America on ABC. Homecoming already is pretty special, but having the Bearcats’ gamewinning, last-minute ﬁeld goal beamed live to the nation and around the globe? Absolutely priceless. gobearcats.com.

BEST COLLEGE PLAYOFF RUN

While the University of Cincinnati Bearcats football team didn’t come away with a victory, making the College Football Playoff in 2021 was still a historic feat. Ending the season with an undefeated record, this was UC’s ﬁrst trip to the playoffs — and the ﬁrst time a team from a non-Power Five conference had attended. The Bearcats ended the season with star quarterback Desmond Ridder having over 3,000 passing yards and a total of 30 touchdowns. They then took on the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas on New Year’s Eve, which sadly ended in a 27-6 loss. While a win would have been great, in true Cincinnati fashion, we were just happy to be there. gobearcats.com.

BEST WAY TO ADD A LITTLE GAS TO YOUR TANK DURING THE FLYING PIG MARATHON

Pay attention to the droves of Cincinnatians cheering on (mostly) total strangers along the Flying Pig course. Nothing puts a little pep in your step quite like the support of the residents of the Panorama Apartments senior care facility in Covington. Their signs are the best, held with a sweet, smirky smile: “They Actually Got Me Out of Bed For This?” “Hurry Up, We’re Going to be Late for Bingo.” “Run Faster. It’s Almost Time for My Nap.” Special mention also goes to the crowd along the Gilbert Avenue/Eden Park hill, where you can always count on someone with a megaphone telling you to “move that ass.” And we can’t forget the Elvis impersonator, faithfully entertaining runners in front of the Krohn Conservatory. How would we ﬁnish without them? ﬂyingpigmarathon.com. THE BEST OF CINCINNATI

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2022 Hu-Dey brew | Photo provided by Hudepohl Brewing Company

BEST EDIBLE GOOD LUCK CHARM

Oh, Cincinnati, you are full of beautiful weirdos. During the Bengals’ run to the Super Bowl, local fans developed a new way to wish the team luck: chugging a can of Skyline Chili. It began as the Bengals went on a winning tear at the start of the playoffs, with fans posting video after video of themselves popping can lids and shotgunning the messy, cinnamony delicacy as if they were attacking free rounds on their 21st birthday at a dive bar. The stunt became a bona ﬁde social media trend that had even Barstool Sports intrigued. 168

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Alas, the good luck wore off during the ﬁnal minutes of the Big Game, but for Bengals fans, those 1,830 milligrams of sodium in each 15-ounce can of Skyline were worth it. skylinechili.com.

BEST REASON NOT TO DRINK A 30-YEAR-OLD CAN OF HU-DEY BEER

There has always been a symbiotic relationship between Cincinnati’s Hudepohl Brewing Company, founded in 1885, and the Cincinnati Bengals, established in 1967. And, yes, part of that is built on the rumor that the team’s Who Dey slogan is a derivative of fans shouting for

“Hudy” beer at games. The popular origin story even prompted the brewer to can a special commemorative Hu-Dey beer during the Bengals’ runs to the Super Bowl both in 1982 and 1989. And, during the Bengals’ Super Bowl berth this past year, those vintage orange-andblack cans popped up across social media as fans broke out the decades-old brew to unadvisedly drink. But Hudepohl (acquired by Cincinnati Beverage Company in 2020) wanted fans to keep those beers on the shelf and out of their stomachs, so they released a limited-run new commemorative Hu-Dey brew. Decked out in vintage font and the slogan “It.Is.Us.,”

Sports & Recreation the cans contained a special, easy-drinking ale. Cincinnati Beverage Company did a onetime run of Hu-Dey, producing around 3,000 six-packs. The company said “once it’s gone, it’s gone,” and it was gone, fast. Fans lined up for blocks and blocks across Over-the-Rhine to snag the brew. It was sold-out within hours. hudepohlbeer.com.

a bearded Castellanos in his Reds uniform and slapped it onto a shirt for the outﬁelder’s 29th birthday. Fans fell in love with it — and with Liam — and the lad later teamed up with Cincy Shirts and the Major League Baseball Players Association to sell the design and donate proceeds to charity.

BEST WAY TO BINGO BENGO

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia/Ukraine war and Britney Spears’ long-won freedom from her tyrannical conservatorship, it’s safe to say that nobody can predict anything in this damn world. But that seems to be doubly true for the upcoming Major League Baseball season. Team owners forced a lockout in December after the old five-year collective bargaining agreement expired. With no movement of any kind — including facility visits, trades or practices — since then, MLB had canceled the first two series of the 2022 season in early March. This was the first work stoppage since the 1994-1995 players’ strike, which doomed the 1994 World Series, the ninth stoppage ever and just the fifth that had canceled regularseason games. But miraculously, the two sides struck an agreement later and rescheduled the canceled games. Now that teams are allowed to trade again, Cincinnati Reds fans are wondering who’s actually going to be on the field at Great American Ball Park. The front office recently traded All-Star outfielder Jesse Winker, third baseman Eugenio Suárez and pitcher Sonny Gray, and the club is reportedly “not interested” in luring back top outfielder Nick Castellanos, who opted out of his remaining contract in November. As of press time, nervous fans still have no idea what’s to come for 2022, but at least Reds stalwart Joey Votto is calling for quality resources, too. “We haven’t done enough winning,” the lifetime Red recently said in an interview. reds.com.

Back in 2015, Cincinnatian Kyle Gasnik drew a crude but lovable cartoon of the Bengals mascot (well, sort of) and jokingly titled his creation the “Cinati Bengo.” As a lark, Gasnik — then working at a sign shop — made some stickers at his job and distributed them among friends. Someone posted a photo of the Bengo sticker on the back of a friend’s car to the Bengals subreddit and the post gained traction. The internet took it from there, and now Gasnik’s absurdly funny designs are available through his website. He makes shirts, ﬂags, stickers, hats and more all bearing some iteration of the Bengo — a charming creation that looks sort of like an angry orange cat with three fangs — along with the phrase “Cinati Bengos” and his warped version of the Who Dey chant: “Who are they going to Bingo Bengo? Nooooo, Buddy!” The nonsense phrasing and alliteration bring almost as much joy as a Super Bowl win would have. concussionsports.net.

BEST VIRAL MOMENT FOR AN MLB PLAYER’S KID

As of press time, there’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding pro baseball: MLB had canceled — and then un-canceled — the ﬁrst few weeks of the season, and we still don’t know where Reds right-ﬁelder-turned-free-agent Nick Castellanos will end up. But damn if his kid didn’t bring a smile to Cincinnati fans’ faces in 2021. Castellanos’ son Liam Castellanos became internet famous after designing a shirt that featured a drawing of his hard-hitting dad. In July 2021, the adorable 7-year-old drew

BEST LEAP OF FAITH FOR REDS FANS

York Mets announcer Gary Cohen went off on the dish during the broadcast of a Reds vs. Mets game in the summer of 2021, calling Skyline’s 5-Way “disgusting chili gravy.” Showing a video of someone expertly preparing the aforementioned dish, Cohen narrated its construction: “The 5-Way, with the spaghetti and the beans and the cheese — ﬁrst the disgusting chili gravy. After the onions comes the cheese, and that’s what makes it the 5-Way. There’s the cheese. They put like 10 tons of shredded cheese on there. And this is supposed to be food that you actually eat.” Cohen then told co-broadcaster Ron Darling, “Try it once, and then you’ll never eat it again.” The Cincinnati Twitterverse immediately jumped into action defending the local delicacy, including the home team. “Two facts: Jonathan India is good. Skyline Chili is good,” the Reds said. We can’t argue with that logic.

BEST CHILI PROMO

As the “Ofﬁcial Chili of the Cincinnati Bengals,” Gold Star served up a special deal every time the Bengals triumphed in a home or away game this year. The day after the team clinched a win, all Gold Star restaurants celebrated by giving away one free regular or super 3-, 4- and 5-Way with the purchase of another one — aka BOGO 3-Ways. In a typical season, Gold Star might have handed out chili one or two times during the season. But this season, we’re surprised the Bengals didn’t bleed them dry. Should we just make Evan McPherson the patron saint of Cincinnati chili? goldstarchili.com.

BEST FOOD FIGHT

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