Cincinnati/Eastern - Route Wiki

The East Side of Cincinnati is a district historically inhabited by white collar workers, whereas the West Side has been home generally to blue collar workers. The East Side is where you'll find important sites that include the city's art museum, amusement park, and Xavier University.

Understand

Some neighborhoods include:

Mt. Adams is a trendy, upscale neighborhood directly northeast of downtown Cincinnati. It is known for its lively night scene, beautiful views of the skyline, and the Holy Cross-Immaculata Catholic Church. Steep terrain on three sides, and Eden Park on the fourth side, give the neighborhood a unique sense of isolation. Mt. Adams has some of the highest property values in the city.
Hyde Park is an upscale, largely white and upper class walkable residential neighborhood. At the heart of the neighborhood is Hyde Park Square, a tree-lined esplanade of clothing boutiques, other retail, small businesses and offices, bars and restaurants.
Columbia Tusculum is the oldest neighborhood in Cincinnati, founded as the settlement 'Columbia' in 1788. This neighborhood is known for its large collection of Queen Anne Victorian "Painted Ladies" along hillsides that give the neighborhood somewhat of a San Francisco feel. Go up the hill on Tusculum Ave off Columbia Parkway for the best examples. In Columbia Tusculum is The Precinct which is one of the city's best dining establishments in an old Police Precinct building.
Oakley is an up-and-coming neighborhood that borders Hyde Park. Oakley has a lively downtown area with many unique restaurants and shops including Dewey's Pizza, Habits Cafe, Denim, and Bova Furniture. Also notable is Aglamesis Ice Cream, a long-time competitor of Graeter's in the gourmet ice cream category.

Some independent cities in close proximity to eastern Cincinati include:

Mariemont. East, at the end of Columbia Parkway (US 50). Beautiful 1920s planned community featuring lovely Tudor architecture, a pleasant public square and an old movie theater.
Norwood. A former industrial urban suburb and center of Appalachian culture. This town which is surrounded on all sides by Cincinnati, is increasingly gentrifying due to its central location.
St. Bernard. Surrounded by Cincinnati near I-75. Old industrial suburb that is home to Ivorydale which is one of Procter & Gamble's original factories.
Anderson Township. A suburban municipality directly southeast of Cincinnati, mainly notable for a string of shopping centers along Beechmont Avenue. Several cities in northeastern Hamilton County have their own articles; see Hamilton County (Ohio)#Cities for details.

Get in

Get around

See

Cincinnati Observatory Center, 3489 Observatory Pl (Mount Lookout,), 39.138611°, -84.422778°, +1 513 321-5186. The Cincinnati Observatory was the first professional observatory in America, and is now operated by volunteers. Hosts star gazing events, which, are remarkable considering light pollution has nearly surrounded the observatory.

Religious buildings

Holy Cross-Immaculata Catholic Church, 30 Guido St (Mount Adams), 39.107431°, -84.498511°, +1 513 381-1792. Roman Catholic treasure. Known as the "Church on the Hill". On Good Friday, many Cincinnatians "Climb the steps of Mt. Adams", praying on each step.
Athenaeum of Ohio, 6616 Beechmont Ave (Mt. Washington), 39.0828°, -84.3719°, +1 513 231-2223. Built as St. Francis Xavier Seminary, the Athenaeum of Ohio is the third-oldest Roman Catholic seminary in the United States being established in 1829. The present-day campus of the Athenaeum of Ohio includes 76 acres of manicured grounds surrounding an impressive granite stone building constructed in 1929.

Museums

Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Dr (Eden Park, Go up Gilbert Avenue, until you see the park, and turn onto Eden Park Drive), 39.114637°, -84.496965°, +1 513 721-ARTS, information@cincyart.org. Th-Tu 11AM-5PM, W 11AM-8PM, M Closed. The Cincinnati Art Museum is in the beautiful Eden Park, which perfectly reflects the artwork the museum houses. The museum has a 60,000 piece collection, which explains why the museum is referred to as the Art Palace of the West. According to the Zagat Survey, the Cincinnati Art Museum ranks with the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Modern Art in New York as the best art museums in the nation. The museum features special exhibitions and a terrific collection of art by Cincinnati artists in the "Cincinnati Wing" including the worlds largest collection of Rookwood Pottery. Be sure to check out the Far Eastern Art section which includes a Jain Shrine; the Egypt, Greece, and Rome room, which features a mummy; the spectacular collection from the Classical & Near Eastern Art section with its spectacular Room from Damascus, a room imported from Syria with beautiful Islamic architectural influences; and don't miss with impressive art from Cincinnatians. You can join a free docent led-tour around the museum's permanent collections on Tuesday through Friday at 1PM, Saturday at 2PM and on Sunday at 1PM and 2PM. Admission: Free
Cincinnati Triple Steam, 5651 Kellogg Ave (set back from Kellogg Ave, but check in with the Water Works office first), 39.069896°, -84.431101°, leland.hite@gmail.com. By guided tour with reservation only, typically Sa 9:30AM – noon. These four massive steam-powered water pumps are the largest in the world and were state-of-the-art in 1906, when they started a 57-year career delivering water for the Greater Cincinnati Water Works. They remain large and impressive engineering artifacts, and the tour is fascinating. The route is somewhat wheelchair accessible, and no children under age 7 are permitted. There are several other restrictions; see the tour website. Admission is only possible with a guided tour, and the tours are scheduled when enough people sign up on a wait-list. Free 2015-11-29
Harriet Beecher-Stowe House, 2950 Gilbert Ave (Walnut Hills), 39.133022°, -84.487658°, +1 513 751-0651, bleefurr@aol.com. Hours vary, see website. Harriet Beecher-Stowe is famous for writing the anti-slavery Uncle Tom's Cabin. Free (donations are welcomed).

Galleries

Manifest Creative Research Gallery, 2727 Woodburn Ave, 39.12871°, -84.47772°, +1 513 861-3638, info@manifestgallery.org. Tu-F noon-7PM; Sa noon-5PM. The so-called "Neighborhood Gallery for the World", Manifest Gallery holds year-round international calls for exhibition, bringing contemporary art to the small neighborhood of East Walnut Hills. Check the website to see what's up at the gallery, as there is some downtime in between exhibitions. Free

Parks

With more than 100 parks and green spaces covering an area of over 5,000 acres, Cincinnati has the most extensive and highest regarded park system in the nation. In addition to offering respite from the urban landscape, the parks also offer scenic views, hiking areas, floral landscapes and picnic facilities.

Ault Park, 3600 Observatory Ave (Mount Lookout), 39.13865°, -84.41635°. Ault Park is great for bikers, hikers and joggers. An annual 4th of July celebration is held there with music and fireworks. Ault Park also has great examples of natural glacial history throughout the park.
Eden Park, 950 Eden Park Dr (Entrances from Kemper Lane, Victory Parkway, Nassau Avenue, Martin Drive or Gilbert Ave), 39.1167°, -84.4917°. Daily 11AM-11PM. Eden Park is a particularly nice city park nestled in the hills near Mt Adams. Its home to the Cincinnati Art Museum, Playhouse in the Park, Murray Seasongood Pavilion, and the Irwin M. Krohn Conservatory. If you're taking a bus you can reach the park by taking bus number 11 or 69 and get off at the Cincinnati Association of the Blind, then walk into Eden Park until you find a trail that leads up a hill (the trail will take you up to the museum). Alternatively, you can take bus number 1, however, you may be required to walk up a steep hill, if the road is blocked.
Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Dr (Eden Park), 39.1152°, -84.4904°, +1 513 421-4086. Daily 11AM-11PM. Rainforest-under-glass. 5000 varieties of exotic tropical, desert and orchid plants. One of country's largest public greenhouses with beautiful seasonal floral shows. Admission is by donation

Public squares

Due to Cincinnati's age, a number of the more genteel neighborhoods on the East Side have charming public squares which can be a good place to hang out and enjoy a nice day.

Hyde Park Square, 39.139444°, -84.442778°. Charming patch of Greenery that anchors the main business district of the posh Hyde Park neighborhood. Old, rich, and elegant in a very turn of the last century kind of way. Probably the best spot in the city on a summer day to enjoy some Greaters Ice Cream which is right next to the square.
Oakley Square, 39.15118°, -84.43328°. Remodeled, this is a nice patch of greenery that anchors the once working class now wannabe Hyde Park neighborhood of Oakley. On a nice Summer day, enjoy some Aglamesis Bros ice cream and watch all the young professionals mulling about.
Mt Lookout Square, 39.12898°, -84.43026°. More of a landscaped parking lot than a square, this gives the Mount Lookout a quaint small village feel.

Do

Music and theater

Playhouse in the Park, 962 Mt. Adams Circle (Mt. Adams), 39.1112°, -84.4977°, +1 513 421-3888. Box office hours: M 10AM-5PM; Tu-F 10AM-9PM; Sa 10AM-10PM; Su noon-8PM. Box office hours may vary on days when performances are held. The Playhouse in the Park is a Tony Award-winning playhouse, housing two theaters in Eden Park, not far from the Cincinnati Art Museum. The playhouse hosts performances ten months out of the year.
Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave (California/Anderson Township), 39.0521°, -84.4187°, +1 513 232-6220. Box office hours: M-F 11AM-5PM, Sa 11AM-2PM. On the Ohio river, it draws big name artists like John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews Band, and Jimmy Buffet.
- Cincy Cinco Festival, 6295 Kellogg Ave (The Plaza at Riverbend Music Center), 39.05211°, -84.41702°, +1 513 232-5882. Cincy Cinco celebrates Cinco de Mayo, a Mexican Holiday on the fifth of May. It showcases Latino culture, values, and traditions. All proceeds benefit the tri-state charities that support the Hispanic population. Adults $10, kids 16 and under are free
TimberWolf Amphitheatre. This arena also draws some big name artists, usually teen heartthrobs like Aaron Carter.

Amusement

Coney Island, 6201 Kellogg Ave (Exit 72 off of I-275), 39.0543°, -84.42°, +1 513 232-8230. usually 10AM-9PM. Coney Island is a piece of Americana - a park that has been in operation for over 120 years. The park is closer to Cincinnati, on the Ohio River. General admission is $17.50 to use the rides and Sunlite Pool, the world's largest recirculating pool (200' by 401'). For cheaper admission go after 4PM when the price drops to $8.95
- Appalachian Festival, 6201 Kellogg Ave (at Coney Island Amusement Park), 39.05482°, -84.42308°, +1 513 251-3378. Mothers Day Weekend: F 9AM - 9PM, Sa 10AM - 9PM, Su 10AM - 6PM. The Appalachian Festival hosts more than 130 crafters, dozens of entertainers on three stages, cultural and educational programs and a new mountain life exhibit area. The Appalachian Festival draws nearly 50,000 people over the three-day event to Coney Island on the shores of the Ohio River.

Sports

Xavier Musketeers, 3800 Victory Parkway, 39.14994°, -84.47460°, +1 513 745-3411, tickets@xavier.edu. Box office hours: M-F 9AM-5PM. The XU basketball team plays at the Cintas Center, on the Xavier campus just northeast of downtown.
Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment Center (River Downs), 6301 Kellogg Ave, 39.0508°, -84.4084°, +1 513 232-8000. Until 2013, this race track and casino was known as River Downs. Free admission and free parking everyday. It has a unique 110 channel in-house television system in place that allows the viewers access to race replays of every race, advance viewing of upcoming simulcast race conditions and preview shows, changing odds formats and program changes. free admission and free parking everyday,

Learn

Buy

Joseph-Beth Booksellers, 2692 Madison Rd (In the Rookwood Pavilion shopping center, on the Norwood-Cincinnati municipal border), 39.1465342°, -84.4444198°, +1 513 396-8960. M-Th 9AM-10PM, F Sa 9AM-11PM, Su 10AM-9PM. Locally owned bookstore. Many nationally known authors sign books here.
Cherry Grove Plaza Shopping Center, 39.0729°, -84.3110°. 2019-03-05

Eat

Budget: $15 or less, mid-range: $16 - 25, splurge: $25 or more (meal for one + soft drink).

Budget

Aglamesis Bros, 3046 Madison Rd (Oakley Square), 39.15181°, -84.43236°, +1 513 531-5196. A long-time competitor of Graeter's in the gourmet ice cream category. Take a step back in time as this parlor is largely unchanged since it was opened in 1913!
Arthur's Cafe, 3516 Edwards Rd (Hyde Park), 39.14030°, -84.44312°, +1 513 871-5543. M-Sa 11AM-2:30AM, Su 11AM-9:30PM.. Great bar and cafe in trendy Hyde Park neighborhood. Excellent burgers that are borderline amazing. On Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays, Arthur's has "burger madness" where burgers are $5.50 with unlimited toppings.
The Echo, 3510 Edwards Rd (Hyde Park), 39.13993°, -84.44315°, +1 513 321-2816. M–Sa 6AM–3PM, Su 7AM–3PM. Great diner just off of Hyde Park Square. Try the fish special on Fridays. Roughly $10 or less
Gordo's Pub and Grill, 4328 Montgomery Rd (Norwood), 39.14455°, -84.46944°. Owned by Raymond Gordo, former chef de cuisine for local celebrity and restaurateur Jean-Robert, Gordo's is renowned for their semi-extensive beer list and delicious burgers.
Graeter's Ice Cream, 2704 Erie Avenue (one of several locations) (Hyde Park, right at Hyde Park Square), 39.13976°, -84.44313°, +1 513 321-6221. Daily 7AM-10:45PM. Quite possibly Cincinnati's greatest gift to humanity. No drive through Cincinnati is complete without Graeter's ice cream or another one of their delicious desserts. Often Cincinnati natives who have moved to different cities make it a priority to stop here if they are in town. There are other locations throughout Cincinnati, including one store directly on the Hyde Park Plaza. Celebrities such as Oprah and Jessica Simpson have claimed it to be their favorite ice cream. About $4 per person, unless you opt for more expensive treats. In that case you could spend upwards of $20
Quatman Cafe, 2434 Quatman Ave (Norwood), 39.173661°, -84.444698°, +1 513 731-4370. M–W 11AM - 9PM, Th–Sa 11AM - 10PM, Su closed. "Keep it simple, stupid" is the motto here. No frills, but many locals will tell you this greasy spoon is home to the best burger in town. Sandwiches $6-8, daily special with drink and fries $7.50
Zips Cafe, 1036 Delta Ave (Mt. Lookout Square), 39.13016°, -84.42894°, +1 513 871-9876, info@zipscafe.com. M-Sa 10:30AM-11:30PM, Su 11AM-11:30PM. Zips Cafe is not only the absolute best place in Cincinnati to get a burger (the Zip Burger - though some would put Terry's Turf Club in that category), but it is also a bar. $5-10
Terry's Turf Club, 4618 Eastern Ave, 39.11819°, -84.41906°, +1 513 533-4222. A small, hole in the wall burger joint that has garnered multiple awards over the years for its burgers, and is well known around Cincinnati. It's a small place with a casual atmosphere complete with peanuts on the floor and knick-knacks on the wall. $10-15
Pleasant Ridge Chili, 6032 Montgomery Rd, 39.18134°, -84.43017°, +1 513 531-2365. M-Sa 9AM to 4:30AM. A local favorite that offers great food at great prices. Home of Gravy Cheese Fries which has been bringing people back since 1964. The menu also includes great breakfast at anytime.

Mid-range

The Rookwood (Rookwood Pottery, Porkopolis), 1077 Celestial St, 39.10719°, -84.49997°, +1 513 721-5456. Su-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM. The Rookwood (formerly Rookwood Pottery or Porkopolis) is a burger and ribs restaurant, which is housed in the National Historical Register Building that used to house Rookwood Pottery complete with old brick furnaces being reservable as seating places. Now features a rotating menu oftentimes with clever takes on Cincinnati classics like Goetta or Chili. $10-$20
Cumin Indian Fusion Cuisine, 3520 Erie Ave (Hyde Park), 39.14120°, -84.41859°, +1 513 871-8714, info@cuminrestaurant.com. M-F 11:30AM-2:30PM. Cincinnati has a number of North Indian restaurants of high quality. This one is a boutique Indian place which is appropriate for the posh Hyde Park.
Mt Adams Bar and Grill, 938 Hatch St (Mount Adams, St Gregory and Hatch), 39.10935°, -84.49741°, +1 513 621-3666. M-Sa 11:30AM- 2:30AM, Su 1-10PM. According to the restaurant, this was a speakeasy founded by George Remus (the bootlegger who inspired Jay Gatsby of The Great Gatsby fame) and was one of the first places in Ohio to apply for a liquor license when prohibition was repealed. Lunches are reasonable and the airy sun room in back is a good weekend getaway for lunch. $5-17
Fifty West Brewing Company, 7668 Wooster Pike, 39.139446°, -84.353805°, +1 513 834-8789. Good selection of beers and very good food. 2017-02-11

Splurge

The Celestial Steakhouse, 1071 Celestial St (Mt. Adams), 39.10699°, -84.50013°, +1 513 241-4455, thecelestialgm@fuse.net. M-Th 5-9:30PM, F Sa 5-10:30PM, Su 4-9PM. Lounge: F Sa 4PM-1AM. Rated the Most Romantic by the Cincinnati Enquirer and the New York Times, Celestial's seasonal menu is eclectic and contemporary, with delightful steak and seafood offerings. Wine connoisseurs might appreciate the hundreds of vintages available from the wine cellar. $22 for the least expensive, expect $35 and up
The Precinct, 311 Delta Ave (Columbia-Tusculum), 39.11683°, -84.43967°. Su-Th 5-10PM, F Sa 5-11PM. The Original Jeff Ruby Steakhouse, set in a former police precinct! From $30
Teller's of Hyde Park, 2710 Erie Ave (Hyde Park), 39.13992°, -84.44302°, +1 513 321-4721, info@tellersofhydepark.com. Tellers is a trendy restaurant in old bank building in Hyde Park Square. Tellers has an excellent outdoor patio for dining in the summer. The food is very contemporary American fare. $14-61
Cincinnati Dinner Train, 2172 Seymour Avenue (Trip starts in rear parking lot of the Green Sales Company.), 39.18242°, -84.45632°, +1 513 791-7245. Departs Saturday 6PM, except Jan, Feb. Train ride with 1950s era dining cars that gently rides down tracks towards Downtown, including the Oasis line where the neighbors defeated intercity rail, but for some reason can tolerate this weekly train excursion. Price includes 3-course meal and there is also a bar car on board. Check website for details on special trips, including excursions to popular events like Riverfest. Book ahead to reserve tickets. $84.95/person 2016-10-22

Drink

City View Tavern, 403 Oregon St (Mount Adams), 39.10578°, -84.49986°, +1 513 241-VIEW. City View Tavern has for years been a popular spot amongst locals to grab an after-work drink. The outdoor deck is small but offers one of the best views of the city.
The Blind Lemon, 938 Hatch St, 39.10937°, -84.49757°, +1 513 241-3885. M-F 5:30PM-2:30AM, Sa Su 3PM-2:30AM. Great bar with delightful outdoor space. The bar is down a stone alleyway staircase on the side of Mount Adams Bar and Grill. Live music is a staple, and they have some great lemon inspired drinks.
Madtree Brewing, 5164 Kennedy Ave (Oakley, just off I-71 / Norwood Lateral), 39.16665°, -84.41972°. Th 4PM-midnight; F 4PM-1AM; Sa noon-1AM. A new microbrewery close to the Oakley Neighborhood.
Listermann Brewing Company, 1621 Dana Ave (Dana and Victory Parkway - Near Xavier University), 39.14640°, -84.47218°. M-Sa 10AM-6PM. A local microbrew that's near Xavier University.

Sleep

Cope

Religious services

Holy Cross-Immaculata Catholic Church, 30 Guido St (Mount Adams), 39.1076°, -84.4966°, +1 513 381-1792. Roman Catholic treasure. Known as the "Church on the Hill". On Good Friday, many Cincinnatians "climb the steps of Mt. Adams", praying on each step.
St. Francis DeSales Church, 1600 Madison Rd (East Walnut Hills, DeSales Corner on Madison Road), 39.129989°, -84.476544°, +1 513 961-1945. Roman Catholic services.
Crossroads Community Church, 3500 Madison Rd (Oakley), 39.15939°, -84.42334°, +1 513 731-7400. Large non-denominational church known for massive charitable campaigns and elaborate celebrations.