36 Hours in Cincinnati: Over-the-Rhine

The historic Over-the-Rhine district in Cincinnati, Ohio has undergone a transformation since 2009.  These investments in the area have brought new things to Cincinnati tourists and locals and explore and find.

Transportation to Over-the-Rhine (OTR)

Over-The-Rhine is located just a short mile from downtown Cincinnati.  It is easily accessible from Cincinnati Streetcar with four stops in OTR:

• 12th and Vine
• Washington Park
• Findlay Market
• Brewery District

If driving, parking is available at Findlay Market, Washington Park, or Mercer Garage.

OTR has become home to Cincinnati’s top restaurants, bars, breweries, shops, theaters, and parks.  With an array of attractions surrounded by beautiful architecture it is easy to find something for everyone in a 36 hour trip.

Restaurants in Over-the-Rhine

There are over 55 restaurants and 20 bars in the OTR area for visitors to enjoy.  And there is literally something for everyone.

Taste of Belgium Bistro

Ask any Over-the-Rhine local where to eat breakfast and they will direct you towards Taste of Belgium.  This French-American full menu restaurant originally began as a cart at Findlay market.  It now boast menus of crepes, house-made pastries, steak, frites, salads, and their infamous waffle and chicken dish.  With both indoor and outdoor seating it gets packed quickly but well worth the wait and comfort.

Holtman’s Donut Shop

This family owned breakfast establishment has boasted to have the best donuts in Cincinnati since 1960.  If you are looking for a donut and a good cup of Joe to get your day started, look no further than Holtman’s Donut Shop!  Enjoy their unique flavored donuts like Lucky Charms, toasted marshmallow, or maple-bacon.

Tucker’s Restaurant

A landmark eatery on Vine Street serves their own takes on comfort food classics at breakfast & lunch.

The Eagle Food & Beer Hall

This relaxed and upbeat restaurant, also on Vine Street, serves the juiciest, Southern-style fried chicken that has an extra kick.  A plentiful selection of craft beer and other southern favorites as well.  Enjoy some blues music along with your chicken at The Eagle Food & Beer Hall.

Pontiac Bourbon & BBQ

Just across the street is Pontiac Bourbon & BBQ.  This rustic bbq joint as a chic vintage vibe serving up eclectic BBQ with classical sides.  Enjoy a pulled pork quesadilla or beef brisket burrito or the more traditional brisket sandwich.

Abigail Street

This award winning Mediterranean Wine Bar and Tapas restaurant is in the heart of Over-the-Rhine.  Offering delicious small plates like fried lentils, Moroccan-spiced tofu, and caramelized Brussel sprouts in a modern decor.

Graeter’s Ice Cream

This famous Cincinnati institution serves a thick, rich ice cream since 1870,  This fourth generation family owned business handcrafts the ice cream in French Pots and you can taste the difference!

Bakersfield OTR

This hip restaurant is the perfect spot for happy hour drinks, tacos, and tequila.  Labeled one of the best Mexican restaurants across America with its authentic Mexican street food and over 100 tequila choices!

Over-the-Rhine Breweries

Cincinnati, nicknamed “Beer Capital of the World” prior to prohibition, is making a comeback!  Their German roots are making a comeback with microbreweries throughout the city and the OTR district has some of the best!

Taft’s Ale House

This classical brew house, named after Cincinati’s own William Howard Taft, serves exceptional brews and delectable bites.  Taft’s Ale House boasts its first priority is their artisanal beer.  Located inside the converted previous St. Paul’s Evangelical church.

Rhinegeist Brewery

Rhinegeist Brewery is a tap room offering house-brewed beers with games to enjoy like ping-pong tables, cornhole, and TVs.  Its name Rhinegeist, meaning the Ghose of the Rhine, refers to its location in the historic Over-the-Rhine Brewery District.  Daily tours of the brewery are available.  This 25,000 square foot facility includes a rooftop serving their in-house brews along with a section of wines and cocktails.

Over-the-Rhine Entertainment

Washington Park

This eight acre park mixes old and new and includes a dog park, water park, playground, and areas that sell cocktails.  There are also scheduled events during on some weekends including kickball or fitness classes, outdoor movies, and live music.

Red Bike

Cincinnati’s newest form of public transformation, Red Bike, is a bike sharing system with 57 stations across greater Cincinnati.  A one-day pass ($8) allows unlimited rides of up to one hour at a time and many love to enjoy the bikes along Washington Park!

Findlay Market

This traditional Cincinnati market serves up everything including fresh produce, meats, seafood, and bakery goods, and specialty shops.  Stroll thru the market and enjoy samples such as gelato with a good street performance.

Music Hall

This 1878 landmark, which is currently under remodeling and scheduled to reopen in October, is home to the Cincinnati Symphony, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Cincinnati Ballet and Cincinnati Opera.  The $143 million renovation will affirm the Music Hall as one of the world’s greatest performance venues, celebrate its remarkable history, and breathe new life into its future according to Otto M. Budig.