I'm going to cinci for a few days with my wife just to get away for a bit. I wanted to see if anyone had some suggestions for places to eat and drink while there. My wife drinks beer, but prefers wine. i'd also like somewhere relaxing to go, so the priority here isn't going to be the best beer list. hopefully we've got some good weather. We're going to stay at the hilton downtown. Can any suggest any good bars that might have outdoor seating or a good view? I'm also looking for a cocktail lounge to hang out at later in the evening. And for dinner are there any good gastropub type places around? I've checked out Nicholsons and Local 127, the menus look good and they seem to have good reviews, can anyone comment on them or have other suggestions? Thanks everyone!
I have heard good things about those but haven't been myself. If I was going to make recommendations for places downtown/Over-the-Rhine area, I would go with these: Moerlein Lager House (Bank's area down town)has excellent views on the river. Arnold's has the most "personality" it is the oldest bar in Cincinnati. They have an outdoor courtyard area. Rhinegeist brewery (OTR) has two excellent "rarities" on tap now, Saber Tooth Tiger and Fiction. The Lackman (OTR) is a small craft beer and Bourbon bar. They have a Founders event going on starting Thursday (https://www.facebook.com/events/157343124469677/?ref=br_tf) Also there are several little restaurants in the OTR area most have good beer and wine selections. I typicaly will put our name in at one then have drinks at the Lackman while we wait. I will give you two pieces of advice: OTR was a really bad neighborhood. It is improving but still can be a bit sketchy after dark. The restaurant area has a safe parking garage and is lit up. However, you can wonder to far and up somewhere you dont want to be. The other is if you are going Labor Day there will be large crowds for the fireworks on the river.
Check out Zula - a cool new restaurant in the OTR neighborhood (heed OTR advice above). Tap list includes two permanent spots for brews from Rhinegeist, and they have wine as well of course. have fun!
