Over-the-Rhine

Filled to the brim with shops, restaurants, bars, and events and located just north of downtown Cincinnati, Over-the-Rhine (OTR) is a must-visit neighborhood in Cincinnati. Read on to discover our guide to Cincy’s OTR neighborhood, including things to do, restaurants, shopping, and more.

The History of Over-the-Rhine

Over-the-Rhine’s roots date back to the nineteenth century when German immigrants came to the United States looking for opportunity. Seeing similarities between Cincinnati’s Miami and Erie Canal and crossing the Rhine River to work daily, the residents dubbed their new home Over-the-Rhine. Over-the-Rhine was a little slice of Germany as the residents brought their German food, German beer, traditions, language, style, and more. Today the neighborhood is a thriving cultural hub on the National Register of Historic Places, known for having the largest collection of well-preserved Italianate architecture in the country. 

Eat & drink in Over-The-Rhine

From bakeries to breweries to fine dining to Belgian waffles, OTR is a foodie paradise. Here are just a few local favorite restaurants in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine.

Taste of Belgium: Belgian-inspired recipes with an American twist. 

The Eagle: Beer and food hall specializing in fried chicken and craft beer

Brown Bear Bakery: Artisanal pastries and coffee bar

Rhinegeist: Big indoor brewery and taproom with a rooftop bar serving craft beer, ciders, teas, and more.

Alcove by Madtree Brewing: Greenhouse meets restaurant serving craft beer, craft cocktails, and shareable bites 

Somerset OTR: Trendy craft cocktail bar, featuring infused spirits with a picturesque indoor/outdoor setting decked with curated decor from around the world

Shopping in Over-the-Rhine

OTR is packed with unique boutiques and markets. You can find a variety of small boutiques and shops along Vine Street and Main Street, as well as around Findlay Market. Get ready to shop til you drop with these top picks for the best shopping in Over-the-Rhine!

Findlay Market: Ohio’s oldest operating public market

Hutch Baby: The cutest kids clothing boutique

Little Mahatma: Boho-inspired jewelry, home decor and gifts

Mica 12/v: Local art, handcrafted goods, and gifts 

Sloane: Pick up a few statement pieces at this fashionably curated boutique

Parks, Playgrounds, and Pools in Over-the-Rhine

Washington Park: Beautiful park in front of Music Hall with free events, playground, splash pad, and dog park

Ziegler Pool: Cool off with a splash in Cincy’s affordable and accessible public pool

Performing arts in Over-the-Rhine

• Cincinnati Music Hall: One of Cincy’s most iconic buildings, the Cincinnati Music Hall is also home to the Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Opera, May Festival Chorus, and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. Architecture tours are also available.
• Cincinnati Shakespeare Company: Ensemble theatre company that brings Shakespeare and other classics to the Cincinnati stage.
• Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati: Thought-provoking and exciting contemporary theater with over 200 performances a year.
• Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra: See world-class orchestral music at Cincinnati Music Hall.

Getting Around Over-the-Rhine

On foot: OTR is a very compact and walkable neighborhood. 

By bike: Grab a bike from Red Bike the Cincy Region’s bike share program. Some Red Bikes come equipped with an electric battery, making it easier to traverse Cincinnati’s iconic hills.

The Connector: Take a ride on the free downtown streetcar with 18 stops throughout the downtown core of Cincinnati