Explore the Queen City
You're in town, so why not see what Cincinnati has to offer? Whether you're here for the weekend or making a full trip out of it, we've rounded up some of our favorite spots to eat, drink, and get outside.
Eat & Drink Your Way Through the Nati
Cincinnati’s love for beer goes all the way back to its 19th-century German roots and today it shows up in everything from historic breweries to standout cocktail bars. Pair that with a food scene full of local classics and hidden gems, and you’ve got a city that truly knows how to eat, drink, and raise a glass.
Café Mochiko ($$) blends Japanese-American comfort food with incredible pastries, like ube croissants and chili ramen. Led by a James Beard–nominated pastry chef, it's one of the most unique spots in Cincinnati.
***Hot tip most of their menu can be done vegetarian or vegan. Our favorite dish is their “mochi mochi panic”. (Located in Walnut Hills)
Mid City Restaurant ($$) in downtown Cincinnati offers a cozy vintage diner vibe with a modern twist. It’s the perfect spot to share great food in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Our favorite bites are the mushrooms in foil, griddled baguette with pickle butter, and the fried sandwich. (Located Downtown, reservation recommended)
Saint Francis Apizza ($) is a hidden gem tucked away in East Hyde Park, serving up incredible New Haven style pies from a cozy takeout spot. It's so good that even Dave Portnoy rated it an 8.1 on the pizza scale!
You can’t go wrong with the classic cheese pizza and they will even make it with extra char if that’s your thing! (Located in Hyde Park, carry-out only)
J’s Fish Tacos and Narrow Path Brewery ($) is a laid-back brewery in Loveland, Ohio known for its creative craft beers and relaxed outdoor vibe, but it’s the taco truck that really steals the show. There’s a permanent food truck that parks outside serving some of the best fish tacos we’ve ever had, which feels a little wild considering we’re in Ohio. Our absolute favorite are the salmon wasabi tacos.
It’s a bit of a drive (about 25–35 minutes from downtown Cincinnati), but trust us, it’s well worth the trip for great beer and unforgettable tacos. You can also take a stroll on the Little Miami River Trail that runs right next to the brewey.
Safi Wine Bar ($$) in downtown Cincinnati offers an intimate, Moroccan-inspired wine bar and restaurant experience with a cozy, candlelit atmosphere and warm, lounge-style vibe. It’s a wonderful spot to share thoughtfully curated wines, creative cocktails, and flavorful small plates in a relaxed yet inviting setting. It’s also right next door to the wedding reception so it would be a great spot for a pre-reception cocktail or glass of wine.
Streetside Brewery is one of our favorite hangout spots in Columbia Tusculum thanks to its laid-back atmosphere, dog-friendly vibes, and rotating taps of creative brews.
There's also an awesome burger food truck parked out front with loaded pimento fries and a fantastic veggie burger! (Located in Columbia Tusculum)
Hart & Cru feels like your favorite little secret in downtown Cincinnati. It's quaint, intimate, and perfect for anyone who loves good wine, great conversation, and a cozy atmosphere.
You can’t go wrong with anything they carry. Be sure to chat with one of their sommeliers and they can point you to something you’ll be sure to love!
Rhinegeist is a massive 25,000 square foot brewery located in Over-the-Rhine with plenty of space to explore inside. The rooftop bar is one of the best in the city, offering great drinks and amazing views of Cincinnati. This is where we will host our event on Thursday but if you can’t make it, we highly recommend you check it out.
MadTree Brewing is a Cincinnati favorite located in Oakley and known for its creative craft beers, great food, and laid-back atmosphere. It has a spacious dog friendly patio, plenty of parking, and a full service kitchen, making it a perfect spot to hang.
If beer isn’t your thing they have some fun cocktails and mocktails!
Leg Day, the Fun Way
From scenic trails to city parks, Cincinnati makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors. Stretch your legs and soak up the views.
Cincinnati Nature Center is a beautiful spot to explore with trails for every pace, including longer hikes and easy wheelchair-accessible paths. Admission is $12, dogs are welcome for a small fee, making it a perfect place to enjoy nature with your whole crew.
Ault Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Cincinnati, known for its sweeping views, elegant pavilion, and peaceful, tree-lined paths. Located in Mt. Lookout, it’s just minutes from downtown, making it super accessible for visitors. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxed stroll or a scenic picnic, especially on a nice day.
East Fork Trail is a favorite hike approximately a 30 minute drive outside of the city. There is no fee and the trails are dog-friendly. This is also a gret place to mountain bike and is a lightly trafficked trail compared to the Nature Center.