FAQ

My mom and I want to have a girls’ day today. What should we do?!

Recommendations are Krohn Conservatory, shop on Vine Street, American Sign Museum (or another museum), get your nails done, go to a coffee shop (love College Hill Coffee Co. and Brink Brewery is closeby, or you could get lunch at Bacall’s). You could pick a neighborhood you like and have lunch, go to a brewery/shop, and check out whatever else they might have there. Some of my favorites are College Hill, Covington, Walnut Hills, downtown/OTR (could do Findlay Market).

What is a reasonably priced restaurant in the OTR area that would be nice to check out?

Recommendations are The Eagle, Krueger’s, Pontiac, Quan Hapa, Senate, and Taft’s Ale House. In OTR you run the risk of big crowds on nights and weekends, though, so keep in mind that most of the lower-cost restaurants in the area do not take reservations. A couple of suggestions:

1) Go a little earlier (before 6pm). I know that’s not ideal, but it’s an option.
2) Go a little later (like, closer to 9). You can always put your name in at a place, and they will text you when your table is ready. That is perfect to go elsewhere while you wait—say Cobblestone, Lackman, Rhinehaus, or Sundry and Vice (bars).

For a unique, low-key experience, order Goodfellas Pizzeria to take upstairs to enjoy with a great bourbon cocktail from Wiseguy Lounge, or grab takeout from either Gomez Salsa or 13th Street Alley’s window to enjoy on the Washington Park Patio.

Best place to get a burger?

It is very hard to narrow it down because there are so many great burgers in this city. If I have to, my top burgers are from Zip’s and BRU Burger Bar. I also love BrewRiver, Gordo’s, Quatman, and The Root Beer Stand. There aren’t many places you can go wrong!

For a comprehensive list of favorite cheeseburgers, click here.

Do you have ideas for different places to eat that are not expensive? A casual place to go on a date without needing reservations?

For excellent quality food with a nice atmosphere, I’d try BrewRiver Creole Kitchen. It’s a bit more pricey than what you’d consider inexpensive (about $30–40 for two), but it has a fantastic beer selection and a pretty extensive menu.

Just moved to the Oakley/Madisonville area and trying to take my family out for lunch. What’s good?

My suggestions are Sleepy Bee Cafe, Mazunte, and Dilly Bistro, Bar, and Bottle Shop. Dilly is in Mariemont Square and I loved eating there when I worked in the area. The beer cheese is awesome and when it’s warmer, patio seating at Dilly is awesome. Mazunte has the best tacos in the city. Depends what you’re in the mood for.d

I’m looking for an activity to do on Sundays and Mondays (when I’m off work) that isn’t expensive where I can take a girl I’m interested in.

A lot of really great places are closed on Sundays and Mondays. For Sunday brunch, I would recommend Taste of Belgium, Holtman’s Donuts, Findlay Market, Maplewood Kitchen, and MOTR. The American Sign Museum is my favorite place in the city and it closes at 4pm on Sundays and is closed on Mondays. Pontiac BBQ, Bakersfield, and The Eagle OTR are good Sunday places to eat, while BrewRiver Creole Kitchen and Incline Public House are also options. The Cincinnati Art Museum is great and offers free admission (parking is a small price).

I would also recommend checking out the Cheap Eats section listed here.

You may want to fact check the hours for each of these places.

I want to buy my sister and her husband an anniversary gift certificate to a great dinner in Cincinnati. Living out of state, I have no idea where to start. Do you have suggestions for good, fancy restaurants?

Off the top of my mind, my first thoughts are Boca, Sotto, Jean-Robert’s Table, Orchid’s at Palm Court, Mita’s Restaurant, or Nicola’s. You can’t go wrong with any Jeff Ruby restaurants (I’d recommend Precinct specifically), but those tend to be more popular and may be someplace they’ve been.

Several of these places accept Downtown Cincinnati gift cards. To purchase one, click here. (For a full list of participants, click here.)