Plan a night out in historic Over-the-Rhine

Looking for the best neighborhood for an exciting night out in Cincy? Over-the-Rhine is a MUST. Not only is this diverse neighborhood full of gorgeous architecture and history, but it is also packed with delicious restaurants, fun bars and clubs, a beautiful park, an iconic concert hall, a free streetcar and so more.

Where is Over-The-Rhine?

The Over-the-Rhine neighborhood—or “OTR,” as it’s often locally dubbed—is located on the north edge of downtown Cincinnati. German immigrants settled in this neighborhood in the 1830's and, seeing many similarities between the Miami and Erie Canal and the Rhine River, helped name the area what it is known as today. 

The neighborhood, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is easily traversed on foot or, if you’re looking to cover a bit more ground, you can either nab a rental Red Bike, an electric scooter or even hop on the ultra-convenient (and free!) Connector streetcar. 

Washington Park, sprawling directly in front of the iconic Music Hall, is a central hub of activity and urban green space. Catch a free concert during various music series, peruse the City Flea for wares from local makers and artisans, or pop open a craft beer at the unique, full-service Porch Bar. 

Shop Findlay Market

Foodies will want to stop by Findlay Market, a year-round market and hub of all things Cincy Region. Be sure to sample the sweet goods at Maverick Chocolate Company, the city’s first bean-to-bar chocolate makers, and Macaron Bar, the only local bakery dedicated solely to French macarons. Buy unique spice blends (like Cincinnati Chili) by the ounce at Colonel De's, or enjoy a decadent scoop of Dojo Gelato. There are food vendors aplenty, so your lunch options are limitless, and during the summer you can lunch at the on-site beer garden, too. This is the oldest public market in Ohio, so soak in the history of one of the city's most iconic landmarks!

Dinner in Over-the-Rhine

There are endless options for an excellent meal in OTR. 

Looking for some homemade and comforting Italian food? Pepp & Delores is the place. With handmade pasta and creative cocktails, there’s a reason it was the only restaurant to land on Open Table’s most beloved restaurants in America. 

Tuck into a delicious New Orleans-inspired dish at Nolia, with James Beard-nominated Chef Jeff Harris at the helm. 

Bars in OTR

After dinner grab a cold one at one of OTR’s several breweries, many of which were originally founded in the early 19th century and are a huge part of Cincy's beer history. Rhinegeist on Elm Street is the cornerstone of craft beer in OTR, as well as one of the most successful craft breweries in the country. If you’re looking for a great view, head to the rooftop bar - there's nothing more "Cincy" than enjoying the sunset with an ice cold Rhinegeist Truth. 

If beer is not your thing– OTR has a plethora of craft cocktail bars to check out.  

Alcove by MadTree Brewing is a great spot if you love beer and craft cocktails. Plus, the space is gorgeous, featuring a living plant wall and a unique year-round greenhouse. Visit Longfellows for elevated and inspired cocktails - and if you’re still hungry try the Scrap Sandwich or late night pierogies. Check out Pins Mechanical for drinks and old-style video arcade games and foosball, pinball, ping pong, and duckbill bowling. And these are just a few!

Performing arts in Over the Rhine 

After you've wined and dined, take in a performance at the Know Theatre. It hosts everything from musicals to plays to the annual 12-day Cincy Fringe Festival, which brings in more than 130 acts— think push-the-envelope performances encompassing dance, visual art, film, music, and more— from all over the country. Or see the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra or Cincinnati Opera (the second oldest opera company in the U.S.) at Music Hall. 

OTR is truly a can't-miss destination in Cincy with endless more adventures to be had.