We hope you’ve packed your appetite. This month, we’re finishing our Hit the Road series with a foodie foray into Cincinnati, Ohio. Whether you’re interested in taking a tour of Rhinegeist Brewery, putting your cooking skills to the test at a Jungle Jim’s International Market class, or trying the Guy Fieri approved filet mignon chili at The Turf Club, this driving-distance destination is every foodie’s dream.
Before you start packing your bags, here’s everything you need to know about the area + our insider recommendations.
Drive time: ~1.5 hours from downtown
Est. population: 302,000+
Avg. high in August: 83°
🎟️ Things to do
Rhinegeist Brewery, 1910 Elm St.
- Book a public tour of the iconic brewery Thursday-Sunday at select times. Tours are $10 and include a pint.
Jungle Jim’s International Market Fairfield, 5440 Dixie Hwy.
- Sign up for a cooking class + learn how to make a variety of options like an Italian dinner, shrimp scampi, or Mediterranean pasta.
Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour, 1801 Race St.
- This 3.5 hour tour includes stops at popular bars and restaurants throughout the city as you travel in a streetcar. The tour is $69 and includes lunch and a glass of beer or wine.
Findlay Market Mini Tour, 1801 Race St.
- Enjoy a one-hour tour of the Findlay Market + meet vendors and enjoy samples from merchants in the market.
Henke Winery, 3077 Harrison Ave.
- Stop by the award winning winery and sip wines from the tasting list + grab dinner like gourmet pizzas and ravioli from the food menu.
Enjoy corn hole and ping pong at the Rhinegeist Brewery. | Photo via @rhinegeist
🍲 Memorable eats
The Turf Club, 4618 Eastern Ave.
- Guy Fieri approved of The Turf Club on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” He recommends the filet mignon chili with pork tenderloin and fresh herbs.
Tortilleria Garcia, Multiple locations
- Voted by Eater as one of the essential restaurants in Cincinnati, this local taco spot is known for its authentic Mexican food.
Salazar, 1401 Republic St.
- Stop in for brunch or dinner at this local, farm-inspired restaurant. Restaurant Clicks voted Salazar as one of the top dining establishments in Queen City.
Maplewood Kitchen and Bar, 525 Race St.
- Indulge in all-day breakfast and locally roasted coffee + cold pressed juices.
Nicola’s, 1420 Sycamore St.
- Known for its Italian cuisine, this local spot has a special summer menu available.
The AC Kitchen serves Mediterranean-style breakfast. | Photo via @achotelcincinnatilc
🏨 Accommodations with award-winning cuisine
Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, 35 W. 5th St.
- The on-site food and drink options include Breakfast at Palm Court + The Bar at Palm Court.
AC Hotel Marriott Cincinnati at The Banks, 135 Joe Nuxhall Way
- Dine on the rooftop bar with downtown skyline views or try the AC Lounge and AC Kitchen.
Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront, 668 W. 5th St.
- Eighteen at the Radisson + The Fifth Lounge are on-site with American dishes, pizzas, and alcoholic beverages.
Kinley Cincinnati Downtown, 636 Race St.
- Not only is Kinley surrounded by bars and restaurants within walking distance, but they have The Exchange on-site with baked goods, cocktails, and bar snacks.
21c Museum Hotel, 609 Walnut St.
- The restaurant Metropole is in the hotel with a French and Italian menu.
