Trendy Restaurants & Bars in Cincinnati

"Within the last year, a handful of trendy restaurants & bars have opened up, giving us a variety of options" - Hannah Downs of HWHD.
The city of Cincinnati is continuously growing their food & bar scene. HWHD is on the hunt to find the best spots in our city, featuring tasty food and a unique ambiance. You can find everything from upscale restaurants to local dives, and everything in between. Here's a taste of what's trending in Cincinnati-
Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse- This high-end steakhouse is located downtown Cincinnati, adjacent to Fountain Square. Ruby’s has been a Cincinnati landmark for more than twenty years but just opened their new location in October of 2022. With an interior design aesthetic featuring an updated homage to classic Art Deco opulence, you will feel transported to another place and time without having ever left town.
Frankie's Sips & Savories- "Blending love of family, music, travel, drink & food". The children of a Gold Star Chili founder opened Frankie's the summer of 2022 in downtown Cincinnati. They opened their doors to honor their father (Frank) and his love of travel, food, friends and hosting. The walls of the entryway are decorated with Franks most popular quotes/ sayings. Throughout the restaurant are family photos from Franks travels around the world, each with a story. Everything at Frankie's is made from scratch in-house and sourced as locally as possible.
Element Eatery- Located in trendy Madisonville, Element Eatery opened their doors fall of 2022. Element Eatery is not just a restaurant, it's a food hall offering a variety of different restaurants and dishes. This is THE spot for foodies, family and friends. There's also a 48-tap beer garden and bar. "Everyone can find the perfect drink to complement the unique dining options".
Placebo BarLocated right next to Element Eatery in trendy Madisonville. This aesthetic bar opened their doors late Spring of 2022. If you're looking for the perfect "Instagram-able spot", this is it. As you walk into this cocktail bar, you instantly get a roaring 20's, high-end vibe. "Placebo is a bar entirely devoted to the perfect beverage experience. Our cocktails highlight time-tested techniques with a modern touch". In addition to their fancy drinks, Placebo offers an assortment of gourmet popcorn, made in-house, to satisfy light appetites.
Ford's Garage- Fords Garage is your pit stop for the best burger in town. This unique spot opened their doors at the Rookwood Pavilion in Spring of 2022. The restaurant is a 1920's garage theme, decked out in vintage cars. Model Ts and Model As hang above the bar, the bathroom sinks are made from tires and fuel pump nozzles. The burgers are great and the dining experience is unforgettable.
Alcove- MadTree's Alcove opened its doors spring of 2022, in the historic neighborhood of OTR. This multi-level bar, restaurant and event space is absolutely a vibe! As you can imagine, the OTR building boasts with character, giving a trendy and aesthetic atmosphere. The mix of natural light and gorgeous Urban Blooms greenery give a warm- greenhouse feel. Have a drink, snack or stay for a meal!
Alice- This hipster and trendy bar opened its doors the summer of 2022 in OTR. Alice brings an indoor/outdoor concept as it's located in an old garage-warehouse. This spot surely stands apart with its bright, colorful, industrial vibes and unique murals. On the weekends, enjoy dancing the night away on their dancefloor, while sipping on one of their signature cocktails.
Royce- "A modern French brasserie and bar at fountain square, influenced by traditional European markets, NYC brasseries, and French delicatessens". This chic spot opened late summer of 2022, bringing an upscale ambiance vibe to our city. The lovely music and bold decor make this restaurant a trendy place to relax and grab a bite. The wall-to-wall accordion doors open up to the patio, bringing a private feel, even though you're in the center of the city.
La CantinaLa Cantina started as a pop-up at Crown Republic Gastropub in fall 2021. Its popularity quickly took off and their doors permanently opened early 2022. The restaurant features contemporary, authentic Mexican cuisine and cocktails. There are flavors and dishes from all eight regions of Mexico. Everything is fresh and even gluten free! Their new space features a bright, organic and calming atmosphere, with plants and natural design.
Don’t miss the chance to visit trendy restaurants & bars, with amazing ambiance, tasty food, and top-notch service. Check out https://homewithhannahdowns.com/the-blog for more places to visit & things to do in the city of Cincinnati.
As the city of Cincinnati is continuously growing their food & bar scene, the housing industry is growing too! If you're looking for a new and trendy place to call home, contact your local agent, Hannah Downs. Visit HomewithHannahDowns.com for more information on All Things Cincy. 

Calling all Cincinnati couples... this blog is just for you! My anniversary is just around the corner and one of my favorite things to do is put on a cute outfit and go on a special date. Although, you may be like me and feel like you’ve just about ran out of dinner ideas. I think it’s time we all try something new. Enjoy this list of best date night spots in Cincinnati. Send this to your significant other for a hint... 😉 

  1. Emery - This one of a kind date night spot is located in the heart of Mariemont. Start off your evening ordering the whipped feta, one of Emery’s crowd favorites. Their menu has an entrée for just about everyone, but they are specially known for their seafood. End your evening enjoying Emery’s donut holes, dipped in their house-made chocolate sauce. Bonus- Their menu has a large variety of gluten free options. 
  2. Primavista - Located less than 10 minutes from downtown Cincinnati. Enjoy your 5 star Italian diner with a view like no other. Primavista was named “Best Italian Restaurant” by Cincinnati Magazine. This date night spot has also won “Best Dining with a View,” “Best Date Spot,” “Most Romantic,” and many more by CityBeat and Cin Weekly. I highly recommend you plan out your reservation in advance, as this spot is very popular. Pro tip-when you make your reservation, try asking for a window seat, you won't regret it.  
  3. Pep and Delores- Located in OTR. I know I just recommended an Italian restaurant but hey.. don’t we need MORE options?! I have never tasted pasta like I have at Pep and Delores, you have to try it! If you haven’t been, make a reservation for your next date night and try the marinated cucumbers for an appetizer and the pesto for your entrée. Those are my absolute favorites! I highly recommend ordering more than one plate of food, as the servings aren’t too heavy. I also recommend sitting in the basement for a romantic date night vibe.  
  4. The Mercer- An American inspired bistro, located in the heart of OTR. Looking for downtown vibes with amazing service? Look no further than The Mercer! They are known for having exceptional service and food. Their menu does not disappoint as their meat falls right from the bone. Try one of their uniquely prepared entrées, paired with one of their many delicious side dishes. Make sure you follow along on their Instagram to see when they are serving special dishes! 
  5. The Birch- Eat, drink, private dine and bottle shop... that’s what you’ll get at The Birch, located in Terrace Park. This establishment has some of the best cocktails in town! One of my friends, Adelina, enjoyed her date night at the Birch-she had a relaxing evening on the patio, while snacking on their favorite, a charcuterie board and the signature rose spritz. Not only is the patio super cute, the inside is decorated bright and lovely. She highly recommends! Be sure to check out their retail room on your way out, there is a very nice selection of wine.  
  6. The Symphony Restaurant- This “hidden gem of Cincinnati” is a restored townhome turned into a hotel and Cincinnati restaurant. Treat yourself to a five-course, gourmet dinner in OTR, just across from the Music Hall. The historically furnished restaurant, jazz bar & lounge are perfect for a romantic date night. Their executive Chef, Tonya McGriff, changes the course dinner menu seasonally, so check out the menu on their website prior to going. Jazz music times are in high demand so make sure to have a reservation. You can reserve by calling 513-721-3353 or through Resy. 
  7. Gaslight Bar & Grill- Located in Clifton, this restaurant has some major history! Prior to Gaslight opening up, the building was the Clifton Branch Library. Start your date off with a small plate of fried oysters, or one of the chefs favorites, Elotes. If you guys personally know me, you know I love natural light and huge windows... this place has both! Bright atmosphere by day, warm ambiance by night. End your evening with a cocktail while watching the sunset outside, as Gaslight Bar & Grill has a rooftop terrace. Cheers! 
  8. Butcher and Barrel - A unique authentic Argentine restaurant located downtown Cincinnati. As you know, they eat a lot of meat in Argentina. I like to start off with my favorite, the smoked wings! Make sure you save room for your entrée, there’s plenty to pick from.  Butcher and Barrel offers specials such as entrees for two, half price select bottles of wine on Thursdays and half price pasta night is on Sundays. Want to make the date really spicy? Enjoy salsa dancing, their Thursday night special. Have fun! 
  9. Salazar Restaurant- Lovely interior, amazing food, refreshing drinks and delicious sweets are located in OTR. Start off your date by ordering one of their unique cocktails, the Lily Pad was quite refreshing. Some of my favorite entrées are the Wagyu Sirloin Steak and the Roasted Chicken Breast. I would say all of the food here is fresh and flavorful. End your night with house made ice cream or sorbet. Keep in mind, Salazar’s menus reflect the seasons and are subject to change.
  10. The View at Shires' Garden-Looking for somewhere with a good menu but also a good view AND patio? This date night spot stands high above the city, located on the 10th floor of downtowns City Club Apartments. I absolutely love the interior and vibes of this spot. There is an outdoor section on the rooftop where you can enjoy the city views with a drink, while watching the sunset. The cocktails here don’t only just look good, they taste good too! Check out their seasonal plates on their website, you won't be disappointed.  
  11. Enoteca Emilia-  Enoteca Emilia used to be located in O’Bryonville but closed just about five years ago. This date night spot made it’s comeback, opening back up at its new location in Loveland. Have you ever tried gnocchi? If not, you have to try the gnocchi at Enoteca Emilia. It’s also refreshing to know that every dish is made with fresh and local ingredients. Bon Appétit! 

Whether it’s your anniversary or “just because”, we all deserve a special date night. Make sure you click on each restaurant that's listed, as it’s linked to each website for more details. Please reach out to me and let me know if you try any of these fabulous places with your significant other. I always love hearing your feedback. Enjoy!