yesterday’s portland design guide will be joined by another city today- cincinnati! created by designer maya drozdz and founder/writer sean fisher of buycincy, the guide covers great shops and sightseeing destinations, as well as cool spots to grab a bit to eat (or a cup of coffee). click here for the full guide or just click “read more” below. thanks to maya and sean for their help!

[update: i’m so sorry! i forgot to add a link to a wonderful cincinnati guide written for us after this version had been finished. click here for drew’s version- thanks drew!]

[image above via blueash.com]

Founded in 1788 on the edge of the Ohio River in Southwestern Ohio, Cincinnati was once known as the “Paris of the West.” Decades of early growth were followed by a downturn during much of the 20th century so, while other cities razed their historic neighborhoods and erected Modernist skyscrapers, Cincinnati has retained much of the 19th century architectural charm in its core, while more recently embracing cutting-edge architecture. This famously conservative city has actually contributed significant talent, including Rookwood Pottery, Charley and Edie Harper, Steven Spielberg, Jim Dine, and, in his own way, Larry Flynt of Hustler. Cincinnati is also home to Skyline Chili, Grippo’s Chips, Busken Bakery, Glier’s Goetta, Husman’s Chips, and Graeter’s Ice Cream. If you’re out exploring Cincinnati, Busken, Skyline and Graeter’s are great places for a snack, with stores in many neighborhoods.

DOWNTOWN:

Downtown Cincinnati is flat and compact, with the river as its southern boundary [and border with Kentucky]. The rest of the city is uphill. Downtown is increasing its vitality with more restaurants, bars and shops, and it’s also a great place to wander around and check out some interesting architecture. We’ve highlighted some of our favorite stops.

Shopping+Sightseeing:

Fabulous Frames
A frame shop and gallery, Fab Frames is the biggest dealer worldwide in the works of beloved Cincinnati artists and illustrators Charley and Edie Harper. Fab Frames has two other area locations.
17 West 4th St. 513.579.9998

Ingalls Building
This is the first reinforced concrete skyscraper and a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
6 East 4th St.

Bolero Menswear
High-end men’s boutique specializing in international labels such as Jhane Barnes, Hugo Boss, Ted Baker London, and Haupt of Germany.
38 East 4th St. 513.421.5600

Carew Tower
Don’t let the lack of opulence on the exterior fool you [construction started just before the Great Depression]. The tallest building in Cincinnati has killer Art Deco touches on the inside. For $1, you can check out the view from the rooftop.
441 Vine St.

Mercantile Library
Founded in 1835, the Mercantile Library is a membership library. Non-members can visit the opulent space [well worth it] but can’t use the stacks or the reading room. The Mercantile also offers a wide range of musical performances and lectures on topics of cultural significance.
414 Walnut St. 513.621.0717

Fountain Square
Recently renovated semi-public area, and a popular scene for events, features the Tyler Davidson fountain - a gift to the city in 1871.
5th St. and Vine St.

Contemporary Arts Center
Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Zaha Hadid, the CAC is a non-collecting museum that focuses on cutting-edge exhibitions and programming. The CAC Store offers a range of designer items, mostly sleek high-end objects, plus some locally-designed items and a good selection of books on art, architecture and design.
44 East 6th St. 513.345.8400

Gwynne Building
An ornate building designed in the Beaux Arts style, the Gwynne Building used to serve as the headquarters for local giant Procter & Gamble.
602 Main St.

Ohio Book Store
A book store that carries a vast range of new, used, and rare books of local interest and beyond, including rare first editions and small-run books.
726 Main St. 513.621.7941

Cincinnati Public Library, Main Branch
Designed by noted local architect Woody Garber, the main public library is one of the largest in the country, and worth checking out for its interior atrium and garden. There’s a little coffeeshop/lunch spot inside as well as a gift shop with a surprisingly good selection of items.
800 Vine St. 513.369.6900

Elgin Office Furniture and Elgin Retro
Two adjacent storefronts offering new furniture and accessories with a retro vibe and quality used office furniture.
800-810 Main St. 513.621.1616

Nicholas Gallery
With a rotating selection of exhibits by some of the most interesting and accomplished regional artists, and an outdoor Artists Market during warmer weather, the Nicholas Gallery is a must-see during the Final Friday gallery hop in downtown and Over-the-Rhine.
23 East Court St. 513.621.0780

Food+Drink:

Twist Lounge
Super-swank upscale bar with gourmet “petite bites”. A good place to relax on the couches and take in the scene.
127 West 4th St .513.721.1345

Jean Ro Bistro
Reasonably priced French fare in a casual but classy environment, courtesy of one of Cincinnati’s top chefs, Jean Robert Pigall.
413 Vine St. 513.621.1465

Havana Martini Club
A former cigar bar (before Ohio’s indoor smoking ban), Havana still servies up awesome martinis and lots of live music on the weekends raging from salsa to jazz rock.
441 Vine St. 513.651.2800

Via Vite Restaurant
Located right on Fountain Square, Via Vite offers a reinterpretation of Italian cuisine, including a delicious late-night menu of small dishes.
520 Vine St. 513.721.8483

Nada
Hip Latin-American restaurant is one of the best new places to eat in the city [and serves up some of the tastiest margaritas]. Men’s restroom shows Mexican wrestling movies and the women’s shows telenovellas.
600 Walnut St 513.721.6232

Shangai Mama’s
The most popular late night joint downtown serves humongous bowls of rice and noodle dishes until 3am on the weekends. No dish costs more than $10, and the ambiance is 1920s Shanghai.
216 East 6th St 513.241.7777

Arnold’s Bar and Grill
The oldest bar in Cincinnati serves up local, national and international beers in its outdoor courtyard and expansive indoor spaces. Music on the weekends is heavy on bluegrass and jazz. Arnold’s serves up decent food that’s a step or two above typical pub fare.
210 East 8th St. 513.421.6234

OVER-THE-RHINE:

This neighborhood, just north of downtown, is experiencing a rebirth as more historic buildings are rehabbed and more business open in the area. OTR is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features the largest collection of 19th century Italianate buildings in the US. All the galleries schedule their receptions for Final Fridays of every month, when many local businesses stay open late as well. Because of gallery turnover and many temporary exhibition spaces, we’ve only highlighted a few of the more established galleries.

Shopping+Sightseeing:

The Wooden Nickel
With an extensive selection of antique furniture and varied architectural salvage pieces, The Wooden Nickel spans several store fronts and includes some basement space.
1400-1414 Central Pkwy. 513.241.2985

Park+Vine
Green general store with an always changing selection of apparel, home and personal accessories, cleaners, books, and gift items that are eco-friendly and/or fair-trade. Brands include Method cleaning products, BioShield paints, Teko socks, SameUnderneath bamboo clothing, Simple shoes, and local apparel purveyors Nati Evolvement and Wire&Twine.
1109 Vine St. 513.721.7275

City Roots
Urban gardening shop carrying a good selection of indoor and outdoor plants, unique planters, gardening supplies, and sometimes cut flowers.
1133 Vine St. 513.381.7668

OUTSIDE
Contemporary outdoor furniture and accessories including a collection of garden accessories designed by the owner.
16 E. 12th St. 513.744.9344

MiCA 12/v
Boutique focusing on high-end home decor, accessories, and apparel, with a wide range of brands including Third Drawer Down, 18 Karat, Marimekko, Lotta Jansdotter, K Studio, Angela Adams, and local design studio 3 Sheets to the Wind.
1201 Vine St. 513.421.3500

Metronation
Metronation is a boutique focused on furniture and home accessories but is now moving into unique apparel for men and women. Also has a great selection of gifts — candles, glassware, baby items, and toys.
1213 Vine St. 513.564.0095

A Lucky Step Furnishing and Design
Audacious contemporary home furnishings and accessories with a flair for the bold and unique.
1220 Vine St. 513.381.5825

1305 Gallery
Always thought-provoking and engaging art exhibits.
1305 Main St. 513.374.5618

Krafthaus
Monthly rotating exhibits plus an extensive assortment of affordable art and crafts.
1334 Main St. 513.313.7928

Country Club Gallery
Technically in the West End, but just a few blocks from OTR, Country Club presents high-profile exhibits by artists such as SIMPARCH and Charley Harper.
424 Findlay St. 513.792.9744

Urban Eden
Unique selection of gift items, accessories, urban gardening tools, affordable art, and unique items such an Indian saris.
1313 Main St. 513.621.3336

Designsmith Gallery
Tightly edited collection of high-end Mid-Century Modern furniture, lighting, home accessories, and art objects. Also displays contemporary, mostly local, art on its walls.
1342 Main St. 513.421.1397

Greg’s Antiques
If you’re outfitting a garden space or love shabby chic, this is the place for you. It’s filled to the brim with urns, wrought iron windowboxes, antique fencing, arbors, trellises, and gazebos. Add in the ocassional chandelier, stained glass panel, or mantel, and you can lose yourself in here for hours.
1404 Main St. 513.241.5487

Vintage Poster Bank
A lot more than just vintage posters, this store is a treasure trove of funky furniture, accessories, as well as oddities like vintage commercial signs and cigar labels.
1421 Main St. 513.421.6659

Joseph Williams Home
Offers a selection of reasonably priced and apartment-scaled contemporary and retro-inspired home furnishing and accessories.
550 Reading Rd. 513.721.3600

High Street
Specializing in “gorgeous things for clever people,” High Street has cultivated a worldly and London-infused aesthetic, with high-end furniture [Gus*Modern, Context, Lee], unique accessories [John Derrian, moooi, Ankasa], apparel [Suava Fashions], jewelry and an eclectic but extensive selection of art and design books. Also provides interior design services.
1401 Reading Rd. 513.723.1901

Architreks
Among the many architectural walking tours the Cincinnati Preservation Association leads in the Architreks program are three through the historic neighborhood of Over-the-Rhine.

Food+Drink:

Findlay Market
Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market contains about two dozen merchants [specializing in meat, fish, sausage, cheese, cookies, spices, etc.], and is home to a weekend farmers’ market. Neighboring stores carry specialty ethnic foods [Asian, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern], unique wines and beers, and local produce and goods. Come on Saturday to check out the farmer’s market, craft vendors, live music and, of course, the diverse crowds. Martha Stewart even visited and fell in love with the BBQ from Ms. Helen’s Grill!
Elder St. between Race St. and Elm St. 513.665.4839

Lavomatic Cafe
Lavomatic, another of Cincinnati uber-chef Jean Robert de Cavel’s restaurants, bills itself as an “urban wine bar.” But, the food is pretty damn good too. Locally raised and organic rabbit, chicken and buffalo highlight the menu.
1211 Vine St. 513.621.1999

Kaldi’s Coffeehouse and Bookstore
A bookstore, coffeeshop, and bar with food options a bit beyond typical pub fare, Kaldi’s is a beloved OTR institution that can take care of its patrons many needs. Occasional live music rounds out the options here. The interior is dark and sometimes sticky, but you’d expect no less from Kaldi’s.
1204 Main St. 513.241.3070

Below Zero Lounge
A fabulous martini lounge with a great selection of hard-to-find vodkas. Straight out of “Sex and the City” right in Over-the-Rhine. Fierce!
1122 Walnut St. 513.421.9376

Tucker’s Restaurant
If you look up “greasyspoon” in the dictionary, you just might find Tucker’s. This is a small no-nonsense breakfast-and-lunch spot with diner booths and a counter and prices that are not of this century. A lot of the ingredients come from nearby Findlay Market, and the Tuckers themselves are the ones who prepare your food. You might be surprised at how vegetarian-friendly this OTR institution is.
1637 Vine St. 513.721.7123

Grammer’s
First opened in 1872 and recently reopened after a 25-year hiatus, Grammer’s serves as a reminder of the German tradition of Over-the-Rhine. For a good time, grab a Cincinnati brew and a brat and crack open one of their board games.
1440 Walnut St. 513.421.8300

Ollie’s Trolley
Yup, it’s a vintage trolley car parked on a corner that serves up some of the best burgers we’ve tasted, plus pulled pork, deep-fried turkeys, and other meat-centered treats. Take-out only with limited picnic-style seating.
1607 Central Ave. 513.381.6100

Alabama Fish Bar
As the name implies, this is the place to come for fried fish and little else. It’s tiny, cheap, and always crowded, and the fish is excellent.
1601 Race St. 513.241.2255

NORTHSIDE:

Northside is truly eclectic. A bit off the beaten path, the neighborhood offers tons of charming independent shops, restaurants and bars, mostly on Hamilton Ave., its main drag. We just love a neighborhood in which high-end footwear is as easy to find as vintage records!

Shopping+Sightseeing:

Shoetopia
Excellently curated selection of women’s footwear, including Jeffrey Campbell, United Nude, Dollhouse, and Naughty Monkey. Also offers vegan shoes.
4044 Hamilton Ave. 513.591.SHOE

Shake It! Records
Record store catering to neighborhood hipsters has its own record label, in-store performances, one of the city’s best used CD sections and a huge vinyl collection downstairs, plus a solid selection of eclectic books and magazines.
4156 Hamilton Ave. 513.591.0123

Ali’s Boutique
Eclectic boutique offering hippie, ethnic, and bohemian clothing and accessories.
4183 Hamilton Ave. 513-591.2547

Feralmade
Really cool gallery and printshop.
4573 Hamilton Ave. 513.681.9653

Nvision
Eclectic boutique offering vintage clothing, furniture, and accessories, affordable arts and craft, and gallery space. On a recent visit, we saw an exhibit of hand-painted movie posters from Ghana.
4577 Hamilton Avenue 513.542.4577

Food+Drink:

Gajah Wong West Cafe
This Indonesian restaurant offers amazing, exotic dishes in a fitting, tropical-style setting that includes an expansive back patio with a stage and a bar.
3937 Spring Grove Ave. 513.591.3935

Honey
One of the city’s best new restaurants with everything from bay scallops to meatloaf. If you go, be sure to try their Honey fries.
4034 Hamilton Ave. 513.541.4300

Slim’s
Artfully prepared dishes made from locally grown ingredients in a comfortable, unpretentious atmosphere with communal tables and simple decor.
4046 Hamilton Ave. 513.681.6500

Northside Tavern
Rock and roll bar with a large outdoor area and concerts almost every day of the week.
4163 Hamilton Ave. 513.542.3603

Melt
Half omnivore, half veggie menu of sandwiches with fresh, often organic, ingredients and a delicious Sunday brunch.
4165 Hamilton Ave. 513.681.MELT

The Comet
Cheap and filling, The Comet’s burritos are deservedly renowned. This is also a cozy bar with an extensive beer selection, live music, and the Comet Bluegrass Allstars every Sunday night.
4579 Hamilton Ave. 513.541.8900

CLIFTON:

Clifton is [roughly] the area surrounding the University of Cincinnati. We’ve focused mostly on the Ludlow Ave. shopping district, which features many independent boutiques focusing on unique wares with a [dare we say it?] hippie twist. Ludlow is just northwest of campus, and a leisurely walk south will take you past Burnett Woods, a great park in the middle of the city.

Shopping+Sightseeing:

Kilimanjaro
Features a variety of African art and craft, including totems, jewelry, sandals, mud cloth clothing, and dashikis, as well as CDs, oils, and soaps.
310 Ludlow Ave. 513.221.0700

Mustard Seed Boutique
Women’s new, used and vintage designer clothing and accessories, plus some locally-designed items.
311 Ludlow Ave. 513.221.4022

Esquire Theatre
One of the few independent movie theaters still in the city. Although some of the screens have gravitated towards Hollywood in recent years, it still is your best bet for indie and foreign films.
320 Ludlow Ave. 513.281.8750

Toko Baru & Toko Kidz
Unique, multicultural, and New Age toys, clothing and accessories.
325 Ludlow Ave. 513.751.3338

Pangaea Trading Company
Women’s clothing and accessories with some eco-friendly offerings.
326 Ludlow Ave. 513.751.3330

Spiral Light
Imported clothing, jewelry and accessories.
329 Ludlow Ave. 513.751.5523

Paolo & Paolo Modern Lifestyle
Custom jewelry design, as well as furniture, lighting, gifts and accessories from Kartell, Blu Dot, Knoll, Offi, Chilewich and more.
3408 Telford St. 513.751.2171

University of Cincinnati:
The campus boasts many buildings by significant contemporary architects, including the Vontz Center by Frank Gehry, the Engineering Building by UC alumnus Michael Graves, the College of DAAP by Peter Eisenman, and the Campus Recreation Center by Thom Mayne and Morphosis. You can schedule an architecture tour or simply wander through the expansive campus.

Duttenhofer’s
Rare, old and used books and treasures such as antique maps.
214 W. McMillan St. 513.381.1340

Food+Drink:

Sitwell’s Coffee House
In addition to a full range of coffee and tea drinks, Sitwell’s also offers breakfast, sandwiches, salads, desserts, and a full bar. Vegetarian- and vegan-friendly offerings round out the selections.
324 Ludlow Ave. 513.281.7487

Ambar India
Believe it or not, Cincinnati actually has some pretty good Indian food. Ambar is tops here, where students from the nearby University of Cincinnati mingle with professors and neighborhood residents.
350 Ludlow Ave 513.281.7000

Habanero
Sure, you could hit Chipotle, but you can do that at home. Habanero’s burriots are just as big, but more inventive [and you can get a tasty draft beer as well].
358 Ludlow Ave 513.961.6800

Tink’s Cafe
A bistro specializing in seasonal American fare with a Southern twist, Tink’s offers an unpretentious but stylish atmosphere, with huge windows that look out onto the street.
3410 Telford St. 513.961.6500

Maki Express
Small space [only 5 tables], but good, affordable sushi. A favorite among students.
209 W. McMillan St. 513.721.6999

Myra’s Dionysus
Located in a Victorian house, Myra’s eclectic, mostly vegetarian menu includes Indonesian, South American, Indian, and Mediterranean offerings, plus truly amazing soups and desserts.
121 Calhoun St. 513.961.1578

Cilantro Vietnamese Bistro
Not a bistro but a charming hole-in-the-wall that serves up some of the best pho in the city. Cheap, filling and delicious!
2516 Clifton Ave. 513.281.1732

Mecklenburg Gardens
One of the best places to experience Cincinnati’s deeply rooted German heritage, the 150 year-old Mecklenburg serves German fare and large steins of lager.
302 W. University Ave. 513.221.5353

MOUNT ADAMS:

Steep hills made transportation to this downtown-adjacent neighborhood difficult before the advent of the automobile. This makes Mt. Adams feel a world apart from the rest of the urban core. Now, the hilly but walkable neighborhood boasts some of Cincinnati’s best restaurants and nightlife and some of the city’s finest arts institutions. Plus, the views of the city can’t be beat!

Shopping+Sightseeing:

Eden Park
This park offers respite in the middle of the city, with trails, a pond, free summer concerts, a beautiful gazebo, and ice skating during the winter. Both the Art Museum and the Conservatory are located within the park.
950 Eden Park Dr.

Cincinnati Art Museum
Truly one of the city’s most treasured cultural institutions, and free to the public, the CAM offers something for everyone, including one wing dedicated to Cincinnati, which is a great place to learn about the local creative legacy, including many examples of Rookwood Pottery.
953 Eden Park Dr. 513.721.2787

Krohn Conservatory
Free to the public, the conservatory features a lush selection of tropical plants such as palms and orchids, plus a 20-foot tall waterfall and a small but very cool store that sells plants and gardening supplies and accessories.
1501 Eden Park Dr. 513.421.5707

Food+Drink:

Blind Lemon
Unique, cozy pub featuring a patio with a bonfire [weather permitting] and live music nightly.
936 Hatch St. 513.241.3885

Teak Thai Cuisine & Bar
Delicious and reasonably priced Thai and Japanese food, including an extensive sushi bar. If the weather’s nice, request to sit on the back patio.
1051 St. Gregory St. 513.665.9800

Daveed’s at 934
You’ll pay for the inventive food here, but if you have the cash, it’s totally worth it. Like many establishments in Mt. Adams, Daveed’s has a nice outdoor space to dine.
934 Hatch St 513.721.2665

City View Tavern
Like the name implies, this bar’s claim to fame is a great view overlooking downtown Cincinnati. Decent food and beverage selection.
513.241.8439

O’BRYONVILLE:

This is a charming and very walkable shopping district, and we’ve merely highlighted some of our favorites from the eclectic selection of boutiques. There’s truly something for everyone in O’Bryonville.

Shopping+Sightseeing:

Morrison & Me
Women’s boutique offering shoes, bags, hats, and jewelry.
2009 Madison Rd. 513.232.SHOE

Indigenous
Gallery dedicated to the work of local craft artisans.
2010 Madison Rd. 513.321.3750

MiCA Contemporary Craft
MiCA is the “older sister” store to Over-the-Rhine’s MiCA 12/v. MiCA offers a similar aesthetic and some of the same brands, like Marimekko and 18 Karat, but different items and a larger selection of Angela Adams rugs than in the other store.
2039 Madison Road 513.533.1974

Margot Madison Creative Stationery
An oasis for lovers of beautiful stationery, fine ribbons, decorative papers and gift items.
2026 Madison Road 513.871.2069

Kismet
Distinctive clothing, footwear, accessories and gifts, including brands like Free People, American Apparel, Dansko, Putumayo World Music, and Trappcandles.
2037 Madison Road 513-871-7879

Jack Wood Gallery
Gallery of vintage posters and the graphic arts from the late 19th through the mid-20th century.
2041 Madison Road 513-321-7077

Food+Drink:

Marble Hill Chocolatier
Specialty chocolate boutique and lounge to satisfy your sweet tooth, perfect as a pick-me-up snack while shopping in O’Bryonville.
1989 Madison Road 513-321-0888

The Coffee Shop on Madison
This cafe boasts organic, Fair Trade coffee, a Charley Harper art collection, delicious pastries, and a charming garden for lingering away warm afternoons.
2030-1 Madison Rd. 513.321.3745

Bonbonerie
Offers delicious cakes, pastries, cookies, and tortes, some of the best in Cincinnati.
2030 Madison Rd. 513 321 3399

OAKLEY+HYDE PARK:

Seven miles away from downtown are these two leafy neighborhoods which have seen an influx of new families and young professionals. Don’t get sucked in by the big box shopping, as both neighborhoods have great community squares and walkable shopping districts.

Shopping+Sightseeing:

King Arthur’s Toys
Amazing toy store that carries an extensive selection of classic and contemporary toys, including brands like Lego, Radio Flyer, Playmobil, Webkinz, and Thomas the Tank Train.
3040 Madison Rd. 513.531.4600

Aglamesis Brothers
“Made the Sincere Way Since 1908,” Aglamesis makes some of the best ice cream and chocolates in town.
3046 Madison Rd. 513.531.5196

Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore & DecafŽ
A first-of-its-kind, child-focused, adult-friendly cafŽ offering out-of-the-mainstream books for kids of all ages, toys, organic all-fruit smoothies, and Fair Trade coffee. This is one the most fun stores in all of Cincinnati.
3054 Madison Rd. 513.731.2665

Modology
New, vintage, and repurposed furniture with a Mid-Century Modern twist.
3174 Madison Rd. 513.871.7000

>Nest
Gift boutique offering home accessories, women’s accessories like jewelry and handbags, and a sweet selection of invitations.
3184 Madison Rd. 513.871.8852

Voltage
Contemporary furniture including brands like B&B Italia, Cassina, Maxalto, Montis, and Poltrona Frau.
3209 Madison Rd. 513.871.5483

Denim
Solid selection of designer jeans and apparel including Rock & Republic, True Religion, and local brand Nati Evolvement.
3212 Madison Rd. 513.321.1892

Mainly Art
Actually, Mainly Art sells mainly furniture, mainly Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern, plus some lighting, home accessories, and art objects.
3711 Madison Rd. 513.378.8261

Duck Creek Antique Mall
A large space and extensive collection of antiques and collectibles including vintage art glass, Rookwood Pottery, and vintage furniture from the last 150 years, including some Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern and Arts and Crafts pieces.
3715 Madison Rd. 513.321.0900

Poeme
Boutique offering unique stationery, handmade paper, leather journals, pens and unusual gift items.
3446 Michigan Ave. 513.321.4999

Alligator Purse
Upscale women’s boutique offering brands such as Tahari, Rebecca Taylor and Theory.
2701 Erie Ave. 513.871.6171

Food+Drink:

Kona Bistro
Located in the heart of Oakley, this unpretentious bistro offers up an atmosphere and menu that can satisfy almost everyone, from meat-lovers to vegans, from romantic dates to family outings.
3012 Madison Rd. 513.842.5662

Essencha Tea House & Fine Teas
Offers a vast selection of black, green, white, oolong, rooibos, and herbal teas, as well as light fare like salads, sandwiches, and pastries.
3212a Madison Rd. 513.533.4TEA

Amarin
Delicious Thai and Japanese food in a low-key but elegant atmosphere, all at reasonable prices.
3514 Erie Ave. 513.321.5533

Teller’s of Hyde Park
Located in a former bank building, Teller’s serves up eclectic contemporary American fare with an extensive wine and beer list as well. The back patio is a great spot for warm-weather dining.
2710 Erie Ave. 513.321.4721

Beluga
This swanky, upscale Japanese-American fusion restaurant isn’t just about the perfectly prepared sushi or delectable drinks, but most definitely about being seen out on the town.
3520 Edwards Rd. 513.533.4444

COVINGTON:

Covington is just across the river from downtown Cincinnati. On a nice day, the bridge makes for a lovely stroll. Mainstrasse has most of the cute restaurants and shops, although there are more scattered about within walking distance.

Shopping+Sightseeing:

Abode
Extensive selection of affordable contemporary furniture and home accessories.
440 Scott St. 859.291.4161

Midwest Bags
A great selection of bags for men and women including messenger, laptop, backpacks, camera bags, shoulder bags, and purses.
607 Main St. 859.581.7300

Leapin’ Lizard Gallery
Located in a converted Methodist church, Leapin’ Lizard focuses primarily on smaller artisan-created pieces on the first level, including jewelry and home accessories, and exhibits of larger works upstairs. The garden showcases outdoor art and accessories. There’s truly something for everyone here.
726 Main St. 859.581.2728

The Ascent
The newest part of the Cincinnati skyline is in Covington. Designed by Daniel Libeskind and finished in early 2008, this building soars above the Roebling Bridge, which connects downtown Cincinnati and Covington. We’ve never been inside but, if you go, tell us all about it!

Food+Wine:

Otto’s
Otto’s is so cute and charming in the decor inside and on the back patio! The menu is somewhat short but offers up a good selection; our favorite is the tomato pie for lunch.
521 Main St. 859.491.6678

Dee Felice
Good old New Orleans-style food in the heart of Covington, Dee Felice also offers live jazz on some nights, a bar, sidewalk seating, and a hearty Sunday brunch menu.
529 Main St. 859.261.2365

Greenup Cafe
Another bistro by local chef Jean-Robert Pigall, this one is located in an old rowhouse and features a very low-key, bohemian atmosphere. This is one of the top spots for Sunday brunch. Also, make sure to try the delicious pastries!
308 Greenup St. 859.261.3663

Chalk Food+Wine
One more offering from Jean-Robert, Chalk is upscale but unpretentious, with a focus on local ingredients and food-and-wine pairings.
318 Greenup St. 859.643.1234

Riverside Korean Restaurant
Not the easiest restaurant to find [and perhaps a surprise in Kentucky], Riverside serves up genuine Korean fare in an appropriately exotic setting.
512 Madison Ave. 859.291.1484

OFF THE BEATEN PATH:

Cincinnati Museum Center at Union TerminalUnion Terminal is still an Amtrak station and also home to the Children’s Museum, History Museum, Omnimax Theater, and the Museum of Natural History & Science. The Art Deco building is a Streamlined masterpiece and one of Cincinnati’s many architectural treasures.
1301 Western Ave., West End, 800.733.2077

American Sign Museum
Open by appointment only, the Sign Museum is heaven for lovers of Americana, kitsch, typography, and vernacular signage. Call ahead, as it is slated to move at some point to a larger site in Camp Washington.
2515 Essex Pl., Walnut Hills, 800.925.1110

St. Theresa’s Textile Trove
This amazing fabric and sewing supply store seems to have it all, including barkcloth, oilcloth, batiks, quilting fabrics, and lots of options by the beloved Amy Butler, as well as buttons, beads and other embellishments.
5846 Hamilton Ave., College Hill, 800.236.2450

Bova Contemporary Furniture
Located way up North, Bova is a Denmark-based company specializing in contemporary furniture, and this is one of only seven US locations.
11349 Montgomery Rd. 513.247.9100

Sara Benjamin’s
High-end women’s fashion including Chip & Pepper, True Religion, Anna Sui, Paige Premium Denim. and Nicole Miller.
6810 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, 513.272.2280

Powerhouse Factories
Powerhouse has designed some amazing rock posters and has worked with more mainstream clients as well. After a recent move fro Covington to nearby Newport, we hope they will continue with their exhibit space.
33 East 9th St., Newport, KY, 859.491.0444

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About Maya and Sean:

Maya Drozdz is a partner in the all-media design studio VisuaLingual, through which she curates exhibits, works on client commissions, and develops a line of locally-inspired home goods.

Sean Fisher is the founder and lead writer for BuyCincy. He is also a frequent contributor to the environmental website TreeHugger.com.