Am considering a couple of days in Cincy next week. I really have the itch to get out of cleveland for a bit but have limited funds and time. I'm pretty sure I can get a free hotel room if I go to Cincy so that's top of my list in terms of drive-able destinations.

 

But what is there for a single lady to do in town that's safe, fun, inexpensive? I've planned several meetings in the city but my general knowledge is pretty poor because when I've evaluated the town it's mostly for purposes of planning big dinners and stuff.

 

I would be staying downtown. Cool shops? Restaurants where a single woman can dine at the bar and chat with people? Maybe some UO peeps who might be interested in getting together?

 

This is all speculation, as spur of the moment trips tend to be. Considering coming in Sunday and leaving Tuesday afternoon.

 

Go!

Senate is their version of Happy Dog, but kind of a high-end feel to it instead of the punk rock/hipster vibe. It's pretty tasty. Get the Poutine.

 

OTR is all the rage now, and that's well deserved. Most of your time should probably be there. But make sure to also go up Mt Adams as it's gorgeous up there. Also the parks and museums next to Mt Adams are very cool. Other possible neighborhoods to check out are the Clifton/UC area, Hyde Park, and Walnut Hills.

 

But I should let the people who actually live there chime in :D

The guy I was dating got assaulted and mugged when he was in OTR shooting a movie last year, I'm a little worried about going there solo.

 

I wonder if Cincy has anything like DCA, the downtown cleveland ambassadors, who will escort you if you are walking around alone?

I may just not do it, I'm just contemplating a wild hair. It all depends on my hotel connection, which I'm working right now.

Only thing to consider is that a lot of places aren't open on Sundays or Mondays so if you want to check something out make sure you know their schedule.

 

You can't really go wrong with anything along Vine Street food wise. There are a lot of options and they're all mostly in a decent price range and all have a bar you can chill at and just enjoy the night.

 

Shopping along Vine Street has come a long way as well. Plenty of little shops to go into and look around in. Same with Main Street. Vine will be more trendy whereas Main will be a little more eclectic/hipster. Both great in their own ways.

 

Go to the riverfront. Coming from Cleveland you can then use it as a firsthand account of how to properly do riverfront public space. I love Cleveland but the complete lack of utilization of their natural assets (though getting better at a great pace) is always frustrating. Smale Riverfront Park is amazing and shows what can be done with literally nothing. A parking lot to world-class park in a few years.

 

Definitely go up to Mt. Adams if not for just the view. The museums are a bonus.

 

Speaking of museums, go to the CAC Downtown and neighboring 21C Museum (which is free). They are both always a good time and have plenty of "wtf is this" art to ponder.

 

If you are beer person go to Rhinegeist and Taft's Ale House for two local breweries that contrast one another nicely in terms of atmosphere.

 

Sundry and Vice is a good place if you want to just sit in a quiet place and have a cocktail.

 

Tour UC's campus. It's compact so it doesn't take long to see most of it but some of the most interesting architecture in the city is on campus. It will be pretty dead because it's the holidays but it's still worth it.

 

Drive around Hyde Park to take a look at some amazing estates.

 

I'll try to think of more and post back here.

 

That sucks about your boyfriend, but there's nothing to worry about. I've lived in OTR for two years and incidents like that are so seldom these days in the southern half of the neighborhood. You won't have anything to worry about.

The guy I was dating got assaulted and mugged when he was in OTR shooting a movie last year, I'm a little worried about going there solo.

 

I wonder if Cincy has anything like DCA, the downtown cleveland ambassadors, who will escort you if you are walking around alone?

 

I'm sure Cincy people can chime in with more informed answers, but OTR has changed a lot, even since last year. That said, the neighborhood can change quickly, but I've never felt unsafe in any part of OTR. I'd say the general advice would be to stay near Vine St. south of Liberty and you'll be fine. It's also an easy walk down Vine to get back downtown.

Lovely list of suggestions, thank you!!

 

I do carry a knife and mace :)

Union Terminal is worth checking out; buy a redbike pass for all day for $8. Art museum in Mount Adams is free. Findlay Market is awesome on the weekends. Good wine tastings at Market Wines.

I've been to Union Terminal, it's gorgeous.

 

Me on a bike is not a thing that happens unless it's the kind you ride in one place to burn calories ;)

 

Wine tastings, yassss

Compared to Cleveland's art museum, you'd probably find Cincinnati's underwhelming. I do agree that a trip up to Mt. Adams could be good for a nice walk, or maybe grab a drink at the Blind Lemon- a wonderful neighborhood bar that almost always has live music. Really intimate interior, and a cool courtyard with a fireplace if it's not raining.

 

I echo basically everything else that was mentioned already.  Sotto is a really good modern Italian restaurant in a cool space on 6th St.  Great food, not too pricey, cool vibe and a good bar area for a single person to sit and talk. It's next to Boca which is also excellent, but expensive.  Washington Park in OTR has a lot of cool events and live music throughout the year, and it's generally just a pretty cool public space to check out, with beautiful views of Music Hall.  I'd recommend taking a walk through OTR and checking out the various shops and restaurants/bars on Vine, Republic, and Race, Washington Park, and Music Hall.  I think you'll generally feel completely safe around there during the day and into the evening, but perhaps you could take an Uber between there and your hotel if you're worried about safety.  The northern part of downtown isn't dangerous, but it's very quiet in parts and can feel a bit creepy by yourself, especially if you don't exactly know where you're going.  Have fun!

I always make a point to grab a drink at the Orchids at Palm Court (in the Hilton next to Carew Tower). Drop dead gorgeous interior - probably my favorite in Ohio.

I always make a point to grab a drink at the Orchids at Palm Court (in the Hilton next to Carew Tower). Drop dead gorgeous interior - probably my favorite in Ohio.

 

More than the Arcade?? Blasphemy! The Hilton does have a beautiful interior though.

 

One other thing I like to do in Cincy is go to the top of the Carew Tower. It's the best observation deck I've ever been to in a city because it's all open air and offers a 360 degree view. I think it's $4 to go up and it's open during normal business hours (maybe later on the weekend?).

I know Orchids well and that will be a stop.

 

I (gasp) don't like museums. I'm also acrophobic so top of any tower is like NFW for me.

 

I think I actually went to Sotto before.

 

I don't Uber as it requires a credit card. Is there a cab company that's generally reputable?

Sounds like walking around OTR is a good idea. I just need to arrange for a ride. I can take a cab from the hotel and hopefully just get the guy's card to call him when I need picked back up.

Regarding OTR, what the others are saying about staying south of Liberty is definitely accurate, but if you stay in the box between 12th, 14th, Elm, and Main, you'll feel very safe.  Most of the revitalization is within those blocks or is barely outside of them.  Also, there are plenty of secure parking garages within that zone if you'd rather drive in and park than take a cab.

 

There have been some great suggestions above and I agree with most of them.  Check out these city guides before you come down, though.  There are more suggestions and a ton of great pictures.  FYI, I've included Covington and Newport because they are about the same distance from downtown as OTR.

 

http://hipgreenscene.com/2015/11/cincinnati/

http://hipgreenscene.com/2015/11/covington/

http://hipgreenscene.com/2015/12/newport/

Thank you!!!! You guys are always so good with the info.

^Make sure you update this thread after you get back!

 

...FYI, I've included Covington and Newport because they are about the same distance from downtown as OTR...

 

 

Both Covington and Newport and worth checking out. I thank ColDayMan[/member] for showing me that Newport is much more than just Newport on the Levee. They have some beautiful architecture and also some great views of downtown Cincinnati. I don't know if you're into church architecture, but the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington is one of the more beautiful Catholic churches I have seen in the United States.

I think I'm not going to be able to get the hotel deal for when I wanted to go, so I'm going to delay the trip until after the new year. Will keep you guys posted.

It looks like my gf and I will take a quickie road trip to Cincy. I'm hereby poaching recommendations. I haven't booked the hotel yet,  but it will be downtown.  I appreciate good beer and am looking forward to Tafts ale house.  I've been to the brewery at the Party Source...8 something?  That was nice. Any neighborhood small breweries or taphouses, preferably in Mt. Adams or OTR? Also,  any recommendations on upscale dining would be appreciated, steakhouses in particular. I'll only be there the 24th and 25th of this month.  I'll check event listings for concerts and comedy clubs.

I never did get to take my spur trip, but recommend the Hilton Netherland Plaza hotel if you can swing it. It's gorgeous and you can take the tour of the hotel, which is really fascinating.

It looks like my gf and I will take a quickie road trip to Cincy. I'm hereby poaching recommendations. I haven't booked the hotel yet,  but it will be downtown.  I appreciate good beer and am looking forward to Tafts ale house.  I've been to the brewery at the Party Source...8 something?  That was nice. Any neighborhood small breweries or taphouses, preferably in Mt. Adams or OTR? Also,  any recommendations on upscale dining would be appreciated, steakhouses in particular. I'll only be there the 24th and 25th of this month.  I'll check event listings for concerts and comedy clubs.

 

Rhinegeist and Moerlein both have taprooms in OTR and they're both really cool hangout spaces. I don't think Mt Adams has any breweries.

 

As for steakhouses, I'd say the general consensus is that Jeff Ruby's Precinct in Columbia-Tusculum is considered the "best" although I haven't been there yet. There is also a Jeff Ruby's downtown as well.

I've heard raves of Jeff Ruby's. The Columbia Tusculum neighborhood looks very nice too.

If you end up going out that way, definitely go check out the Painted Ladies along Tusculum Avenue.

I highly recommend Mt. Adams Bar and Grill for lunch serving.  Very good food.  So Uber up from downtown, or if you want to take quite a long walk, get up to Mt. Adams Bar and Grill for lunch tiime and drinks.  Everything is good there, my favorite is the BLT with Grilled Chicken and their french fries are perfect.

 

Then, walk around Mt. Adams, check out the views from all the different sides, then take a walk through Eden Park up to the ponds and the cool statues and more overlooks.  You really can't go wrong.

 

Then, I would Uber back down to Washington Park for some relaxing park time.  Go hit Japps on Main Street OTR for some great bourboun drinks.  If you don't know exactly what you want, just ask the bartender to mix you and your girlfriend up something special, they always do well.  One of the best bourbon bars in the country. 

 

Check out the Woodward Theatre and see what they got going on during the nights you are in. 

 

That is mostly one full day.  Then if you like the loud music, party aptmostphere, Japps is a good place to return to.  You can also go to Neon's which is more of a chill vibe, without the loud music, but fun lawn games, etc.  You can also hit Goodfellas, which is a cool bar and pizza parlor right on the Main Street Strip.  If you want more of the suit and coat type aptmosphere, check out Igby's or Righteous Room.  If you want more of the sports theme bar, check out The Banks on the riverfront. 

 

I used to love Tap and Go in Mt. Adams, but that shut down awhile back, and so I am not the biggest fan of Mt. Adams anymore.  The Tavern is a good spot for apps and burgers though, but I still recommend Bar and Grill over that.

 

Good luck and have a blast!

I appreciate good beer and am looking forward to Tafts ale house.  I've been to the brewery at the Party Source...8 something?  That was nice. Any neighborhood small breweries or taphouses, preferably in Mt. Adams or OTR?

 

Braxton Brewing in Covington is a neighborhood small brewery just over the river from downtown.  It's also dog friendly if for some reason you're travelling with a dog or visiting someone who has one.  Most of the other breweries that haven't been mentioned already aren't near downtown/OTR.

 

If you like Bourbon, New Riff Distilling in Newport is a fun stop, and is again, just over the river.  They do a free distillery tour with a shot at the end.  It's offered on the hour (I think).  To give you a sense of where it's located, it shares a parking lot with 8 ball brewery and the Party Source.

Also,  any recommendations on upscale dining would be appreciated, steakhouses in particular. I'll only be there the 24th and 25th of this month.  I'll check event listings for concerts and comedy clubs.

 

Totally agree with the previous assessments of Jeff Ruby's.  All of his steakhouses are on par with (some say better than) Ruth's Chris.  We have one of those too, but you'd be crazy to hit a chain steakhouse while on vacation in Cincinnati.  The Precinct is my favorite, but you can't go wrong with any of the other Jeff Ruby locations.  Sotto and Boca downtown are also fantastic restaurants.  They have the same owner (along with Nada next door) and are located in the same building on 6th street downtown.  Sotto is in the cellar and Boca is on the first and second floor.  Sotto is generally harder to get into, so I usually try my luck there first.  If they can't get you in, they can usually work with Boca to get you a seat there.  Mita's near Fountain Square is also amazing, as is its sister-restaraunt in OTR, Salazar.  It's also hard to go wrong just walking around the restored portion of OTR and just grabbing a table at whatever restaurant has an opening: Senate, Taste of Belgium, Bakersfield, Pontiac, The Eagle, Zula, Goodfellas, The Anchor, A Tavola, or the Gomez Taco window (order a turtle, trust me).  Nation in OTR-adjacent Pendleton is a solid, low key burger bar if everything else is packed.  Also, if you're going to Rhinegeist, do yourself a favor and stop by Findlay Market next door.  Not just because it's an amazing old market, but because you can get some legit barbeque at Eli's to go, and carry it into Rhinegeist.

 

If you like coffee, check out Coffee Emporium in OTR or Urbana Cafe in Pendleton (also dog friendly).  The best coffee in town is at Carabello Coffee, but that's over in Newport so it may not be as convenient as the other two.

 

I was going to add links to these establishments, but the post would be way too long, so just Google whatever sounds interesting.  And if you want to leave your car parked for most of the trip, there are bikeshare (Red Bike) stations all throughout downtown, OTR, Covington, and Newport.

I used to love Tap and Go in Mt. Adams, but that shut down awhile back, and so I am not the biggest fan of Mt. Adams anymore.  The Tavern is a good spot for apps and burgers though, but I still recommend Bar and Grill over that.

 

Tap and Go was replaced by Calle Cantina recently.  It's the same owner as Mezunte and the food is similar but more limited.

Japps, huh.  I do love a good bourbon and fernet.  Maybe the Clevelander will have a Toronto while basking in Cincinnati.

If you're into bourbon, there's also the Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar in Covington and The Littlefield up in Northside. OKBB is run by Molly Wellman, who also owns Japps.

Thanks Jimmy james. Findlay mkt is on my list, especially after hearing about Eli's.  Hopefully the weather will be nice enough for biking,  but I'm dreading the hills. 

If you're going to Findlay Market, you should go check out Rhinegeist Brewery, which is only about 2 blocks north. Very cool, wide open space with ping pong tables, cornhole, etc.

 

Also, while not strictly a bourbon bar, Sundry and Vice in OTR is a great spot to get a drink from a really knowledgable bartender. They make all sorts of old timey cocktails, and they're really good about whipping up different things for you based on what you like.

So, bumping this up as a truly spur-of-the-moment trip has cropped up. Me and the cinematographer BF are headed there tomorrow morning EARLY so we can get there in time for a lecture being given at some nearby university by someone in the industry about film and TV shows he's shot. We're staying at the Hilton Netherlands, which I am quite familiar with, and are likely going to just have time for one nice meal tomorrow night. I was thinking Orchids since it's simple and right there and we don't have to walk or get the car out of the hotel, plus I've only eaten there once. But the current menu seems very heavily onion-influenced and my guy really dislikes onions of any kind in anything. Yes, it's early spring, so onions being prevalent make sense.

 

Looking for suggestions as to "pretty nice" places for dinner. Slightly less expensive than Orchids would be great. Bonus if close walking distance to the hotel, though driving is of course an option. and where we don't require a reservation, as we might just decide we're too tired to even go out and just get room service or something last minute, so I don't want to make a reservation. Maybe something like a steakhouse or a great place for fish?

Walk to Sotto or Boca. Both good options, great atmosphere, probably more affordable, and will let you try out something you haven't been to before. Plus they're right in the middle of a lot of excitement so you can go to the CAC (for free), 21C's gallery (for free!) or stop into Igby's or Nada for a drink before/after dinner. And it's only a handful of blocks away from the Netherlands Hilton.

Nada at 6th and Walnut is an amazing a take on Mexican food and is one of my favorite places to eat downtown.

http://eatdrinknada.com/cincinnati/

Also consider Mita's on the corner of 5th and Race.  Really good Latin food and impossible to miss from the entrance to the Hilton.

Sotto looks perfect! I will put Boca up for 2nd choice if Sotto isn't interesting to him but I think that's a winner.

 

mexican is tough to navigate w/him because onions are in everything. He won't eat something if you can see cooked or raw onion in it. Just a food aversion thing. One of his few so I try to be understanding.

Thanks you guys. Always coming through. Wish we had more time to spend, I was trying to swing it so we came in tonight and would have time in the morning to explore, but just couldn't make it happen, and with the big snowstorm coming and night driving and getting old, we're just going to come in tomorrow morning.

You can't go wrong with any of those.  If you are looking for a slightly less expensive steak joint near your hotel, check out Jimmy G's, on Elm Street.  If you want old school Italian with checker table cloths and the whole deal, walk up Vine Street towards OTR and eat at Scotti's.  (It's only open from like 5-10 though.) 

 

(Boca is, in my experience, the best restaurant in town (and one of the top rated in the state) but it's pricier and more of a "special event' type of place.) 

 

If you haven't done it, you should check out the observation deck at Carew Tower while staying at the NP.  Great views and it's like 4 bucks. 

It was a whirlwind trip. With the dumping of snow up north, getting out of the northern half of the state was more than tricky. Five spinouts on 71 south including one tractor-trailer, and at some point around the West Salem exit just north of Ashland, something so bad had happened miles ahead that the highway seemed to be at a complete standstill. We got off at W Salem and took some country roads over to 250 and when that eventually rejoined with 71 we were past it.

 

It was a much prettier day in KY/Cincinnati than greater Cleveland. We were really pressed for time and tired after the long drive but went straight to this talk at NKU after checking into the Hilton Netherlands. It was a great lecture and I'm really glad we went. Weird, tiny little campus with a lot of big cement buildings that made it look like a complex of prison outbuildings or something. I'm not much in the design department but it seemed very industrial. The building where we saw the lecture was called an "Infotainment" center or something and the room was a "digitorium." I felt like I was in a sci-fi film, LOL.

 

There was supposed to be an after-talk with the guest at Bar Louie (groan) but apparently those of us who showed up misunderstood what "unhosted event" meant as nobody came from the college, nor the guest speaker, who we were all hoping to have some Q&A with. By this point it was almost 8 and we were both super beat and didn't want to change for dinner so we just got room service (sorry!) which was just great. Just to relax and watch the sun go down somewhere pretty was worth the trip, plus the lecture. We had to get on the road very early the next day to get back in time for me to pick up my kid from his Dad so we really didn't get to see/do any of Cincy but the hotel, but I was glad to have a couple of places in my back pocket so that we wouldn't have to eat at a chain.

 

Saw a little tiny place called the gambling museum that looked spooky and weird. May check that out on a return trip, and actually go to a restaurant this time. Thanks all, for the suggestions.

NKU was founded in 1968 and didn't really begin in earnest on the current spot until around 1970-72, so all of the architecture is from then onward. 

Interesting, thanks.