INN & OUT: CINCINNATI, OHIO
Every time I visit a city in the mid-west, I’m impressed by its enriched culture, history and unique businesses.
“The Queen City” is no different! In town for a Reds, Bengals or to attend a university function at one of Cincinatti’s big schools? Here are some places we quite enjoyed:
HOTELS:
Lytle Park Hotel: Great Marriott Bonvoy - Autograph Collection hotel with a bit of history dating back to 1909. Situated in Cincinnati’s historic district just off the river, this hotel has a wonderful rooftop bar that overlooks downtown, the river and baseball stadium. It’s really well kept and refurbished making it my favorite hotel thus far in the city.
Hilton Netherland Plaza: Built in 1931, this magnificent building maintains its impressive deco features as they were when Doris Day did her first performance on its premises. Other notable guests were Winston Churchill and Elvis Presley! The location is fantastic nestled in the heart of Cincinnati’s downtown with many great locations and establishments within walking distance.
Kinley Cincinnati Downtown: If old glam isn’t your passion or want to use your Marriott Bonvoy points, this reasonably priced gem is just two blocks from Netherland Plaza. Ironically, this building dates back in even further to 1910, yet… has a modern mid-century feel. Oh, I thought it had one of the most comfortable hotel beds I’ve slept on!
RESTAURANTS:
Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse: This landmark chain can only be found in the mid-west / mid-south, you’ll likely need a reservation! I showed up minutes after opening to sit at the bar and lucked out finding one seat at their new downtown location. However, I understand they have a location called “The Precinct” situated in an old police headquarters, sounds amazing! Since I was alone I got one of the best burgers I’ve ever had in my life (and I’m a tough burger critic) while a live piano player serenaded the room.
Losanti: Steaks, seafood and pasta carefully curated with a fantastic location in OTR. Perfect for a date night or business! We started with fantastic cocktails and the giant meatball… the vodka pasta was also fantastic. Will absolutely return!
Satto: The entrance and restaurant are below ground (just a tip when you get tired of looking) but there is a vibe. I ordered the Cappellacci and you should do exactly the same thing. It’s the most popular item on the menu for a reason and the process of making it is a spectacle w/ windows in the back of the restaurant. Enjoy!
Aglamesis Bro’s: Take a trip back to the early 1900’s at an original ice cream & candy shop in the Oakley Square suburban community (super cute area, btw). When they say family-owned… they mean it! Its now under the 3rd & 4th generation of ownership in the family. This is a great way to take some of Cincinatti’s traditions home with you!
LIBATIONS:
Homemakers Bar: We went to a few bars in the ‘Over the Rhine’ district of downtown, this was the first. We had two signature cocktails and challenged the mixologist on the 2nd round… she knocked it out of the park! The staff was pleasant as were the other patrons. Try their empanadas, they’re unique and a really tasty snack!
Tip: this place has a little gin bar, within the bar. Its open 3 nights a week after 6P.
Ghost Baby: Craft cocktails with live jazz or blues four stories underground in a historic brewing company’s refrigerator…
Enough said, right? This historic refrigeration tunnel is 150 years old.
Tip: Get a reservation or you’ll likely be turned away. Everyone has the same idea.
Cheers, gents!
By, Brian McAleer
CEO & Co-Founder
Gent Life