Food & Drink

[PHOTOS] Margarita Madness Brings the Party to the Purple People Bridge

On Friday, June 27, Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky were united by not only bridges, but by their love of margaritas at the…

By CityBeat Staff

CityBeat's 2025 Margarita Madness
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Food & Drink

19 Kid-Friendly Cincinnati Spots Where Parents Can Get a Damn Drink

Let's all raise a glass to parents. It's not an easy job — but someone's gotta do it. And sometimes that job,…

By CityBeat Staff

MadTree Parks & Rec 4321 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash Cincinnati brewery MadTree opened its third concept in Blue Ash’s Summit Park this February. MadTree Parks & Rec is continuing the brewery’s creative and sustainable traditions of taking an old space and repurposing it. In this case, the team converted a 15,000-square-foot airplane hangar into an outdoor recreation destination, tying into the park’s green space and offering things like cornhole, plenty of seating outside and walking trails. The taproom has indoor and outdoor play areas for the kids and cocktails and MadTree's specially crafted beer for the parents.
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Food & Drink

The Best Greater Cincinnati Restaurants for Waterfront Dining, and What to Order There

Every year, CityBeat publishes the Best Of Cincinnati®, wherein readers and staffers alike pick which bars are the booziest, which people are…

By CityBeat Staff

Best Waterfront Dining No. 10: Cancun Mexican Bar and Grill (Riverboat Row) 401 Riverboat Row, Newport Must-try: The Seafood Enchiladas — two enchiladas stuffed with shrimp and crab and topped with cheese sauce — will pair well with your riverfront view. Comes with rice and salad.
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Food & Drink

We're Going to Miss These Greater Cincinnati Restaurants and Bars That Have Closed So Far in 2025

The last few years have undoubtedly been a rough ride for many of Greater Cincinnati's restaurants and bars. Even in 2025, rising…

By Katherine Barrier

Somm Wine Bar East Price Hill wine bar and restaurant Somm closed permanently in March after nearly nine years in business. Somm opened along Price Avenue in May 2016 with an expansive selection of wines and a contemporary upscale, yet approachable menu. The wine bar, owned by Cafeo Hospitality, which owns other Greater Cincinnati restaurants and bars like Jefferson Social, Incline Public House and Press on Monmouth, didn't provide a specific reason for closing, but the closure came off as abrupt to some, as the restaurant shared its new spring menu just days before the announcement.
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Food & Drink

18 Hidden-Gem Restaurants in Northern Kentucky

Cincinnati's food scene gets a lot of love (rightfully so), but Northern Kentucky's own culinary landscape is right there alongside the city…

By CityBeat Staff

Siam Orchid 511 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue This Thai restaurant located in Bellevue is tiny but inviting, with authentic, affordable food that comes in large portions. The salads are fresh are jam-packed with veggies, like the Orchid Salad, which includes shredded cabbage, carrots and ground peanuts tossed in the chef's secret dressing. It also offers classic Thai favorites like Pad Thai, green curry and chicken satay.
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Food & Drink

The Hottest New Greater Cincinnati Restaurants and Bars of 2025

We're only halfway through 2025, but there have already been quite a few new restaurants and bars that have emerged in Greater…

By Katherine Barrier

Marigold 60 W. Fifth St., Downtown The newest concept from Crown Restaurant Group, English-style public house Marigold opened in The Foundry in February. Marigold brings an innovative culinary experience to downtown, offering an elevated, yet approachable atmosphere that blends British elegance with a menu inspired by Indian dishes commonly found in traditional public houses, including curries and charred meat and vegetable-forward plates. The restaurant’s design is modeled after the 19th-century Arts and Crafts movement, with soft, diffused lighting and deep, moody colors like emerald, crimson, amber and muted earth tones layered with rich textures, like pressed marigolds, aged leather, polished wood and silk, to create an elegant and warm, yet bold and rich space.
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Food & Drink

Greater Cincinnati Bakeries With the Best Donuts, According to CityBeat Readers

There may be no other pastry that captures our hearts like the donut, not to mention the variety of flavors they can…

By Katherine Barrier

No. 5 Donuts: Marcella's Doughnuts & Bakery 545 Clough Pike, Mt. Carmel; 29 W. Main St., Amelia; 960 Kennedys Landing, Eastgate Must-Try Donut: The Cinnamon Crumb: A soft yeast doughnut with cinnamon sugar crumble.
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Food & Drink

The Cincinnati Restaurants and Bars With the Best Patios, According to Our Readers

Is there anything better when summer in Cincinnati hits than to spend an evening on a beautiful restaurant and bar patio? During…

By CityBeat Staff

Best Outdoor Dining No. 2: Little Miami Brewing Co. 208 Mill St., Milford Must-try: Try the seasonal Betty Jo Bravo Pizza, featuring an Alfredo sauce base, mozzarella, chicken and artichokes and drizzled with pesto.
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Food & Drink

Check Out New Riff Distilling's New Summer Cocktail Menu

Summer is fast approaching in Greater Cincinnati, and that means long, warm evenings enjoying refreshing beverages on local bar and restaurant patios.…

By Katherine Barrier

Rye on the Run New Riff Bottled-in-Bond Rye, strawberry cardamom syrup, Montenegro and lemon
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Food & Drink

The Best Tacos in Cincinnati, as Chosen by CityBeat Readers

Every year, CityBeat publishes the Best Of Cincinnati®, wherein readers and staffers alike pick which bars are the booziest, which people are…

By Katherine Barrier

Best Tacos No. 10: Pata Roja Taqueria 52 E. Court St., Downtown Must-Try Taco: Get the Al Pastor Taco, featuring marinated pork and pineapple for a well-balanced savory-sweet pairing.
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Food & Drink

25 Greater Cincinnati Restaurants and Bars Where You Can Dine and Drink Outside

The weather is getting warmer and that means more Cincinnati folks are moving outdoors, especially when it comes to enjoying a meal…

By CityBeat Staff

Top of the Park 506 E. Fourth St., Downtown For a stunning, nearly-360-degree view of downtown Cincinnati and its riverfront, plus some amazing craft cocktails, snag the elevator in the lobby of The Phelps hotel and take it to the very top where you’ll find one of the best rooftop bars in the city. Top of the Park is intimate, with plenty of comfy seating, including a glass bar top where you can sit with your drink and enjoy the bird’s-eye view. Grab a Rooftop Lemonade (Ketel One Citroen, muddled strawberries, fresh lemon juice and wild berry simple syrup) and toast to an amazing summer ahead.
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Food & Drink

The Best Bakeries in Greater Cincinnati When You Need a Sweet Treat, According to Our Readers

Every year, CityBeat publishes the Best Of Cincinnati®, wherein readers and staffers alike pick which bars are the booziest, which people are…

By CityBeat Staff

No. 8 Best Bakery for Sweets: Sebastian Bakehouse 10269 Summit Parkway, Blue Ash Must-Try: The Strawberry, Pandan & Coconut Croissant.
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Food & Drink

The Best Restaurants in Northern Kentucky and What to Order There

In the annual Best of Cincinnati® Readers Poll, CityBeat's readers vote on their favorite things about the Queen City, ranging from the…

By CityBeat Staff

Best Northern Kentucky Restaurant No. 7: Coppin’s 638 Madison Ave., Covington Must-try dish: Try the Spring Cappellacci, with asparagus, ricotta, parmesan brodo, crispy pancetta and lemon zest, and pair it with the Willow cocktail, crafted with Tanqueray gin, cucumber, mint, thyme, celery shrub, lime and parsley oil.
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Food & Drink

Our Readers Love These Greater Cincinnati Brunch Spots

Every year, CityBeat publishes Best Of Cincinnati®, where readers help decide their favorite places and things in Greater Cincinnati, from the best…

By CityBeat Staff

Best Brunch Spot No. 3: Maplewood Kitchen and Bar 525 Race St., Downtown Brunch Favorite: Shakshuka: Roasted tomato and red pepper sauce, feta, wilted kale and two cage-free eggs made sunny side up, served on a pita.
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Food & Drink

The Best Greater Cincinnati Restaurants to Get a Margarita, Chosen by Our Readers

Every year, CityBeat publishes the Best Of Cincinnati®, wherein readers and staffers alike pick which bars are the booziest, which people are…

By CityBeat Staff

Best Margaritas No. 2: Mi Cozumel 11340 Princeton Pike, Springdale (opening December 2025); 8565 Winton Road, Finneytown; 3100 Vandercar Way, Oakley; 511 North Broadway St., Lebanon The Margarita: Mi Cozumel calls itself the House of the Margarita Tower, with over 40 flavors of margarita to choose from. You’re going to Mi Cozumel for its over-the-top, celebratory nature, so we recommend choosing something you can’t get anywhere else, like blueberry, green apple or blackberry.
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Food & Drink

These are the Best Mexican Restaurants in Greater Cincinnati, According to CityBeat Readers

Every year, CityBeat publishes the Best Of Cincinnati®, wherein readers and staffers alike pick which bars are the booziest, which people are…

By Katherine Barrier

Best Mexican No. 5: Cancun Mexican Restaurant Multiple locations Must-try: Hot & Spicy Burrito: Flour tortillas filled with chicken, beef, rice and beans and topped with beef tips, red spicy salsa cheese and sour cream. For dessert, get the Xango — creamy cheesecake wrapped in a pastry tortilla, fried and dusted with cinnamon and sugar. Or make it a “Super Xango” with a scoop of ice cream.
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Food & Drink

16 Greater Cincinnati Restaurants Where You Can Get a Meal for $16 or Less

Feelin' hungry for a bite that won't break the bank? We've got you covered. There are plenty of tasty Greater Cincinnati eateries…

By CityBeat Staff

J&W Sandwich Shoppe 2004 Worth Ave., Norwood This classic Norwood deli is the real deal. Come hungry, because J&W Sandwich Shoppe sandwiches are thick with the meats. We’re not sure how they do it, but all menu items come in at $7.50 or less. Popular menu items include the BLT, the New Yorker (pastrami, Swiss and mustard on rye) and the stacked Turkey and BLT double decker.
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Food & Drink

The Best Italian Restaurants in Cincinnati and What to Try There

Every year, CityBeat publishes the Best Of Cincinnati®, wherein readers and staffers alike pick which bars are the booziest, which people are…

By CityBeat Staff

No. 4 Best Italian Restaurant: Mama’s on Main 621 Main St., Covington Must-try: Try the Lobster Ravioli, made with marsala cream sauce, mascarpone, basil, parsley and breadcrumbs.
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Best Of Cincinnati

These Cincinnati Restaurants Have the Most Innovative Menus, According to Readers

Cincinnati-style chili, goetta and Graeter's Ice Cream are staples in Cincinnatians' diet, but that doesn't mean we don't enjoy something different when…

By CityBeat Staff

Best Innovative Menu No. 2: The Governor 231 Main St., Milford Must-Try Innovative Dish: Try the Governor Tso Fried Chicken Sando. It comes with a five-spice-seasoned chicken breast, apricot slaw, lemon mayo and sesame cucumber on a griddled brioche bun.
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Food & Drink

Our Readers Chose Their Top 10 Favorite Hidden Gem Restaurants in Cincinnati

Each year, CityBeat readers vote on their favorite things in Cincinnati in our Best Of Cincinnati® Readers Poll, ranging from the best…

By CityBeat Staff

Best Hidden Gem No. 5: Pig Candy BBQ 5901 Kellogg Ave., California Must-Try: Try the signature Pig Candy Waffle: It’s a gluten-free waffle served with pulled pork, maple-peach glaze and white sauce on the side.
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Food & Drink

18 Over-the-Top Eats from Cincinnati Restaurants Sure to Satisfy Your Munchies

Sometimes a sort of unreasonable hunger strikes, and when that time comes, a regular ol' grilled cheese just won't cut it. Lucky…

By CityBeat Staff

Gomez Salsa 107 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine; 2437 Gilbert Ave., Walnut Hills Gomez’s has it all: fish tacos with Baja sauce, chips with pineapple salsa, taco salad bowls and owner Andrew Gomez’s greatest invention — the Turtle Shell. Take a tortilla, stuff it with rice, beans, sour cream, lettuce, salsa, meat, veggies and cheese, layer in a tostado for crunch, put some cheese on the top and then brown it. It’s a fat little crunchy burrito envelope — a true walking taco.
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Food & Drink

The Best New Bars in Greater Cincinnati, According to CityBeat Readers

Every year, CityBeat publishes the Best Of Cincinnati®, wherein readers and staffers alike pick which bars are the booziest, which people are…

By CityBeat Staff

Best New Bar No. 1: Bay Horse Cafe 625 Main St., Downtown Must-Try: Bay Horse Cafe is the home of the Hudy Schooner, a 25-oz. glass of locally brewed Hudepohl beer.
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Food & Drink

The Readers Have Spoken — These are the Best New Restaurants in Cincinnati

Every year, CityBeat publishes the Best Of Cincinnati®, wherein readers and staffers alike pick which bars are the booziest, which people are…

By CityBeat Staff

Best New Restaurant No. 2: Carmelo’s 434 Madison Ave., Covington Must-Try Dish: Try the Oxtail Ragú. It’s oxtail and osso buco ragú served with macaroni rigati and topped with Pecorino Toscano and fresh chives.
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Food & Drink

These are the Best Bars in Greater Cincinnati, According to Our Readers

Every year, CityBeat publishes the Best Of Cincinnati®, wherein readers and staffers alike pick which bars are the booziest, which people are…

By CityBeat Staff

Best Overall Bar No. 5: Arnold’s Bar and Grill 210 E. Eighth St., Downtown Must-Try: Try bartender Pam Diebold’s signature cocktail, the Diebold Fashioned, made with Old Overholt Rye infused with cherries and briefly barrel-aged, bitters, house-made vanilla bourbon sugar and a large Earl Grey and blood orange-infused ice cube.
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Food & Drink

The Best Restaurants in Greater Cincinnati, According to CityBeat Readers

Every year, CityBeat publishes the Best Of Cincinnati®, wherein readers and staffers alike decide which bars are the booziest, which people are…

By Katherine Barrier

Best Restaurant No. 9: Mita’s 501 Race St., Downtown Must-Try Dish: Get a variety of small plates to share; try the Ceviche Del Dia (raw “catch of the day,” with guanabana leche de tigre, kiwi, red onion, hominy and Thai basil); the Tacos de Barriga de Cerdo (fried pork belly, citrus gastrique, habanero slaw and huitlacoche mayo on house-made corn tortillas); and the Tostones y Guacamole (twice-fried plantains tossed in garlic butter and served with crushed avocado dip).
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Food & Drink

We Can't Wait to Try These Meal Deals During Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week

Support local restaurants and indulge in some delicious specials for Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week this spring. Restaurant Week returns Monday-Sunday, April 7-13…

By CityBeat Staff

Alcove 1410 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine $36 Dinner First Course: Choice of: Stuffed Mushrooms (creamed spinach, parmesan and fresh herb breadcrumb) // or Hummus Plate (fresh-cut vegetables, pita and red pepper relish) Second Course: Choice of: Caesar Salad (romaine, parmesan crumble and house-made Caesar dressing) // or Chopped Wedge (romacrunch, roasted cherry tomatoes, pickled red onions, bacon, bleu cheese, egg and house-made peppercorn ranch dressing) Third Course: Choice of: Seared Salmon (forbidden rice, roasted squash, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and squash coconut curry) // Bourbon Glazed Pork Chop (bone-in, brown butter sweet potatoes, mustard greens and apple chutney) // or Mushroom Bolognese (fresh bucatini, pecorino and fresh basil)
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Food & Drink

31 Greater Cincinnati Coffee Shops You've Got to Try

​​From cappuccinos to Americanos or the simply perfect piping hot cup o' joe, there are plenty of top-notch local options for coffee…

By CityBeat Staff

Avenue Brew 310 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue Located along the river, the coffee shop has freshly brewed coffee, freshly baked goods, a coffee of the month, lattes, smoothies, frappes and an extensive menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
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Food & Drink

10 Things To Do in Cincinnati This Weekend (March 21-23)

Whether you are a Cincy sports fanatic, an art enthusiast or both, the Greater Cincinnati area has an event for you this…

By Jillian Kohls

Pups N Pucks Night at the Cincinnati Cyclones Game When: March 22 at 7:30 p.m. Where: Heritage Bank Center, Downtown What: At halftime during the Cincinnati Cyclones game versus the Kalamazoo Wings, weiner dogs will race on the ice. Hot dogs will be sold for only $2. Who: Cincinnati Cyclones Why: A night of cheap hot dogs, cute puppies and hockey — what more could you ask for?
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Food & Drink

12 Women-Owned Restaurants in Greater Cincinnati

There's nothing a woman can't do, especially when it comes to making her dream a reality. Women throughout Greater Cincinnati are doing…

By CityBeat Staff

Christine’s Casual Dining 3360 Westbourne Drive, Western Hills While Christine’s offers a diverse menu full of American, Mexican and other types of cuisines, its Filipino menu is unique and delicious, featuring tried-and-true recipes passed down in owner Christine McDay’s family from generation to generation. The Filipino combos are the perfect opportunity to try a little taste of a few dishes, including barbecue pork skewers, Filipino soup (beef and veggies) and pancit, a stir-fried noodle dish. The tacos also will never disappoint. For dessert, try the halo-halo, which features shaved ice and condensed milk along with other sweet toppings in layers, or ice cream made with ube, a purple yam that originated in the Philippines.
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Food & Drink

18 Greater Cincinnati Bars and Pubs With St. Patrick's Day Celebrations

St. Patrick’s Day is a big deal in Cincinnati, and we want to make sure you don't run out of places to…

By Jillian Kohls

The Red Leprechaun Irish Pub 20 W. Freedom Way, The Banks Imported directly from Ireland, The Red Leprechaun is the place to be at this St. Patrick’s Day. With the excitement of The Banks right at its doorstep, The Red Leprechaun offers a party inside. A dance floor on one side, a bar serving shepherd-style pie and more than 15 different Irish whiskeys ensures a good time. P.S. Don’t forget to ask about their secret menu.
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Food & Drink

Greater Cincinnati Fish Frys You Need to Try in 2025

It’s almost Lent, which can only mean one thing in Greater Cincinnati: Fry-day Fish Fry Season. So many churches — plus assorted…

By Katherine Barrier

St. Cecilia 3105 Madison Road, Oakley St. Cecilia in Oakley will host its annual fish fry on Friday, March 21 from 5-7:30 p.m.
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Food & Drink

Cincinnati Asian Cuisine Week Specials and Secret Menu Items We Want to Try

A week dedicated to celebrating Greater Cincinnati’s Asian-owned restaurants returns for its sixth year this March. Asian Cuisine Week runs from Monday,…

By Katherine Barrier

Uncle Yip’s 10736 Reading Road, Evendale SPECIAL #1: Tiao Tiao Fish ($17.95) SPECIAL #2: Hunan cured pork with antler mushroom ($28.95) SPECIAL #3: Hand-torn cabbage with pork ($16.95) SPECIAL #4: Spicy sizzling chicken ($15.95) SPECIAL #5: Rock salt calamari (tentacles) ($15.95)
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Review: Harry & Shan Serves Classic Chinese-American Dishes That Keep You Coming Back For More

By Caroline Beckman

The location of Harry & Shan, 627 Main St. downtown, may be familiar to many Cincinnatians as it is the former location of Deme Kitchen, a previous downtown mainstay. Deme Kitchen closed its Main Street doors in September of last year.

Cincinnati Friends Aim to Open One of the Nation’s Few Lesbian Bars

By Caitlin McNally, the Buckeye Flame

According to Claudia Reith, one of Blended Café & Club’s founders, “a lot of queer spaces aren’t necessarily catered towards sapphic specifically, and we’ve gotten messages where people have expressed that they don’t necessarily go out anymore because they don’t feel safe…that’s a big driving factor and a huge concern for us.”

Aglamesis Bro's is Calling All Artists for Its Ice Cream Day Poster Contest

By Katherine Barrier

Aglamesis Bro’s

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