Better Know a Cincinnati Neighborhood: Downtown

Overview

Downtown Cincinnati has a lot to offer everyone. Home to Fortune 500 companies, such as Procter & Gamble, General Electric Aviation, Kroger, 5th/3rd Bank, Western & Southern Financial, American Financial Group, AK Steel, and Cintas, as well as professional sports with Cincinnati Reds, Bengals, FC Cincinnati. Areavibes.com gives the amenities an A+ rating in downtown Cincinnati.

Education

Downtown Cincinnati is part of the Cincinnati Public School (CPS) system, which grants access to some of the finest schools throughout the city. Walnut Hills High School is recognized as one of the top schools in the state of Ohio and even ranks nationally. The CPS school system offers a variety of educational models including a virtual school, Montessori, and a German language school. Just north of downtown is the School for Creative and Performing Arts which is also part of CPS. It is an award-winning magnet school that was even featured for a season on MTV’s reality series Taking the Stage. For more on public education in downtown Cincinnati, see Niche’s list.

Recreation

The Banks development on the river offers shopping and dining with a view as well as Smale Riverfront Park. Fountain Square has a variety of outdoor entertainment from live concerts to movie nights and even an ice rink in the winter. A few blocks away is the Aronoff Center for the Arts which is the largest performing arts center in the city which is home to plays, ballet, concerts, stand-up comedy, and musicals. For more music options the historic Taft Theater has a wide variety of shows. Museum-lovers should check out the 21c Museum Hotel, Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Taft Museum of Art, and the Contemporary Arts Center.

Dining

The Butcher and Barrel – An Argentinian and Italian hybrid restaurant that serves steak, pasta, and a variety of food with its own unique spin.

Crown Public GastroPub – Rustic New American fare meets “made from scratch.” It is self-described as an “eclectic culinary experience that guests can’t wait to explore.”

Nada – Tacos and cocktails with upscale food in a chic setting.

Sotto – Inventive rustic Italian cuisine with an intimate setting.

Boca – High-end restaurant with a full bar serving French cuisine.

Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse – The downtown location of a collection of high-end steakhouses throughout Cincinnati.

Orchid’s at Palm Court – Located in the historic Hilton Netherland Plaza, Palm Court serves high-end seasonal food in a beautiful setting.