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| DATE IDEAS AND EXPERIENCES DESIGNED FOR DIFFERENT GREATER CINCINNATI NEIGHBORHOODS Cincinnati is a charming city, packed with fun date ideas and experiences, as well as stellar options for romantic dinners and drinks while out on the town. To help Cincinnati's lovebirds branch out and find and create new experiences — different places they may have not combined or visited otherwise — CityBeat created this handy guide to fun dates you could have in several different neighborhoods and communities throughout the Tri-State. Each neighborhood-focused idea contains a restaurant, a bar or brewery for drinks and an experience. And just like how each neighborhood has its own personality, we also aimed to create a vibe for each idea — a bourbon-centric one in Northern Kentucky, one perfect for dog parents who want to have a fun date out with their pup, laidback and chill or high-energy, etc. We also created many of the ideas based around walking distance so you can spend more time focusing on the fun and not on getting from Point A to B. Keep scrolling to see the fun date ideas we've crafted to help you better experience Cincinnati with your partner, or even if you're flying solo. Mt. AdamsThe date: Mt. Adams has all the romantic European vibes for a day out with your amour. Start at the Cincinnati Art Museum (953 Eden Park Drive) in Eden Park, where you can hold hands and peruse art from a collection that spans thousands of years — ranging from Renaissance paintings and historical Roman and Egyptian artifacts to modern works and masterpieces by Cincinnati artists. Then, head out of Eden Park and into the heart of Mt. Adams to cozy and laidback French restaurant Luca Bistro (934 Hatch St.). After your meal, which you should most definitely finish off with an orange crème brûlée or chocolate mousse, end up at one of the most romantic bars in the city: The Blind Lemon (936 Hatch St). The interior calls to mind an English pub — all moody lighting, copper pots over a fireplace, wooden ceiling beams and stone walls. It’s a cozy spot to enjoy one of the bar’s specialty hot cocktails or a glass of bourbon or scotch when the weather begins to cool. Or, if you prefer a mix of Bourbon Street with a Paris cafe, the boho garden patio allows you some fresh air while still feeling tucked away — not to mention the opportunity to snuggle up around its wood-burning fireplace in the colder months. Mt. LookoutThe date: What’s more romantic than a night out under the stars? Visit the Cincinnati Observatory (3489 Observatory Place) to see the oldest fully operational telescope in the nation and explore the cosmos with a local astronomer. Listen to a presentation and then partake in a guided stargaze with your sweetie through “a 16-foot long wood and brass refractor first used in 1845.” Weather permitting, you’ll see the moon, planets and stars. If it’s cloudy, you’ll get a tour of the cool historical building. For dinner, try some stellar Malaysian cuisine at Sago (1004 Delta Ave.) in Mt. Lookout Square. The restaurant was featured in an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dive in 2023 and offers a menu full of fresh, seasonal dishes. For drinks and live music after, visit the new bar The Vault (3195 Linwood Ave.), also located in the square. The Vault has a seasonal cocktail menu, plus wine and light bites in a stylish, industrial-yet-cozy space. CliftonThe date: Clifton’s Gaslight District along Ludlow Avenue is one of the most romantic spaces in Cincinnati, and it’s so easy to find something to do between Esquire Theatre, Ludlow Garage, Clifton Cultural Arts Center and the number of bars and restaurants all within walking distance. For a fun, casual night out, start your night at Ambar (350 Ludlow Ave.), one of Cincinnati’s favorite Indian restaurants — at least according to CityBeat readers. The menu is traditional Indian fare, and the dining room is a casual but romantic space, with natural light and tablecloths. After your meal, pop into lounge Alive & Well (3410 Telford St.), an art-deco-inspired neighborhood bar with an extensive list of craft cocktails. It’s moody and intimate, with plush leather couches and chairs, cabinets stocked with vinyl records and glittery chandeliers. Finally, head next door to the vintage movie ticket booth at Esquire Theatre (320 Ludlow Ave.), grab some snacks at the counter and settle in for a new movie or old favorite with your date. CovingtonThe date: We’re traveling The B-Line for this date in Covington. The B-Line is a collection of Northern Kentucky bars, restaurants and distilleries that are bourbon-forward. We’ll start off at Wenzel Whiskey (15 Tobacco Alley), where you can blend your own whiskey. You’ll try four barrel-proof samples from distilleries around the country and then get to work creating your own blended whiskey to bottle and take home. For more bourbon fun, head around the corner to Fifth Street to cocktail bar The Globe (12 E. Fifth St.), which carries an extensive list of bourbons and ryes and a menu featuring bourbon drinks like a classic Old Fashioned, a Kentucky Mule (bourbon and ginger beer), the 5th Street Manhattan (New Riff bourbon, Amaro Meletti, sweet vermouth and black walnut bitters) and Pass the Buck (Buck Bourbon, honey, lemon juice, peach bitters and salt). For dinner, walk a few blocks south (or grab an Uber if you imbibed a little too much) and visit Hotel Covington’s restaurant, Coppin’s (638 Madison Ave.). The upscale space and seasonal menu of elevated American fare is the perfect way to round out a day of bourbon tastings. FlorenceThe date: This date idea is for dog parents who want to bring their fur-child out with them. BARk Park & Patio (7544 Burlington Pike) is Northern Kentucky’s first and, currently, only dog park and bar. While your pup plays, enjoy a local craft beer on tap and socialize with the other pet parents. Be sure to visit BARk Park’s website before you visit to fill out the liability waiver, submit your dog’s vaccination records and make sure your dog meets the criteria to enter so everyone can have a safe and relaxing experience. After playtime, head to dog-friendly 859 Taproom and Grill (8720 Bankers St.) and grab a seat on the year-round patio to enjoy dinner with your pup. Be sure to call ahead to request patio seating. WestwoodThe date: Westwood’s Business District has a very homey, tight-knit neighborhood feeling, making it ideal for a double or group date with friends. Visit Nation Kitchen + Bar (3435 Epworth Ave.) to kick things off with a hearty burger and crispy tater tots — be sure to sit on the patio if the weather is nice — before walking down to Wondercade (3143 Harrison Ave.). Enjoy the energy of the neighborhood, as there’s often something happening outside Westwood Town Hall in the warmer months, whether it be a flea market or live music. At Wondercade, you can enjoy a variety of retro and modern arcade games, and when you’ve had your fill of Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, head back down Harrison Avenue to West Side Brewing (3044 Harrison Ave.) for one of their craft beers, ranging from German-style ales and lagers to the Gilligan’s brand of Irish-style porters and ales. Westwood’s Business District is also a DORA, so you can take your drink out as you explore the neighborhood and maybe stop by Aubrey + Zach’s (3447 Epworth Ave.) for some ice cream. LudlowThe date: River city Ludlow is the perfect, low-key destination for a day date in Greater Cincinnati. Start the day out with a trip to the expansive Devou Park (1201 Park Drive, Covington), which borders the city of Ludlow. Here, the adventurous can hike or mountain bike; play a round of golf; visit the Behringer-Crawford Museum, which celebrates Northern Kentucky’s rich heritage and culture; or just sit at the Drees Pavilion and gaze at the dreamy, picturesque views of downtown Cincinnati. Next, take a drive to the heart of Ludlow where you can indulge in craft bourbon or rum created by Second Sight Spirits (301 Elm St.). This eclectic, mystical distillery offers a variety of cocktails and coffee in its space that will make you feel like you stepped into a 19th-century psychic’s parlor for a seance. And when you’ve worked up an appetite, take just a short walk down the street to Conserva (225 Elm St.) for some authentic Spanish-style tapas and wine. Over-the-RhineThe date: There’s no shortage of date ideas or combinations of restaurants, bars and experiences to embrace in Over-the-Rhine, but OTR is the ultimate party spot if you and your date want to feel young and alive. Start with a dinner of Argentine-inspired empanadas at Ché (1342 Walnut St.) to fuel up for a night of drinking and dancing. Your next stop is Mecca (1429 Walnut St.), a hip LA-style bar filled with plants, art and good, strong drinks. Mecca offers a variety of beer and cocktails, but you’re encouraged to try the Chunker to get the buzz going. It’s a base of either San Pelligrino, ginger beer or your preferred can and then the choice of vodka, tequila, rum or bourbon. There’s also often a DJ spinning and a packed dance floor. If your feet aren’t killing you yet, head over to cocktail bar and discothèque Alice (1432 Main St.) for even more epic vibes and dance parties. Downtown CincinnatiThe date: The Fountain District in downtown Cincinnati is undergoing a sort of renaissance, with much to offer two lovebirds looking for a fun night out. Start the night out with drinks at Vintage on Race (500 Race St.), an elevated, spacious sports bar just a block away from Fountain Square. The drinks menu features a well-rounded selection of beer, as well as seasonal and classic cocktails that feel very Sex and the City-esque: dirty and espresso martinis, a Manhattan and a Cosmopolitan. Follow up drinks with a dinner of Latin-inspired tapas and Spanish wine at Mita’s (501 Race St.), a Chef Jose Salazar restaurant. Finally, end the night by singing a duet with your date at Japanese-inspired karaoke bar, Tokyo Kitty (575 Race St), or rent a private room with you and your friends to sing karaoke and enjoy drinks delivered by a robot. Camp WashingtonThe date: Camp Washington is a hidden gem when it comes to the day date. Your first stop is the American Sign Museum (1330 Monmouth Ave.). This one-of-a-kind museum dedicated to the art and history of commercial signs and sign-making holds the stories of a not-often-seen side of American history. You can wander through the American Sign Museum’s collection and ever-present neon glow with the person who makes your heart glow before heading to Camp Washington Chili (3005 Colerain Ave.) for a late lunch/early dinner of some of the best Cincinnati chili the city has to offer. Afterward, grab a drink at neighborhood bar Binski’s (2872 Colerain Ave.), lauded for its selection of drinks and its atmosphere that will make you feel right at home. NorthsideThe date: Brimming with live music, art, food and drinks, Northside offers plenty of opportunity for a chill, laidback night out. Dinner at Northside Yacht Club (4231 Spring Grove Ave.) is a must. This little-bit-naughty, little-bit-nautical rock and roll bar has a vibrant energy and a delicious menu of gastropub-style food that changes monthly, plus plenty of beer and cocktails. After, head to (DSGN)CLLCTV (4150 Hamilton Ave.), an art gallery/live music venue/performance space/design studio that hosts a variety of creative endeavors that help promote the space’s mission of social justice, equity and personal empowerment. You can see their show calendar here. Following the show, head up the street to Northside Tavern (4163 Hamilton Ave.) for a local craft brew on tap and to enjoy some live music and maybe a game of pool. Price HillThe date: East Price Hill’s Incline District offers some of the best views of Cincinnati, and it’s a beautiful backdrop to a date night featuring delicious food and wine and theater. Arrive for your date at Somm Wine Bar (3105 Price Ave.) in the Incline District. This cozy wine bar offers elevated, contemporary American fare and a broad list of wines by the glass and bottle. Share a charcuterie board as you toast to your date night, and do stick around for dessert after — the crème brûlée is divine. After dinner, make sure you have your tickets to see the latest performance at the Warsaw Federal Incline Theater (801 Matson Place). The theater puts on a variety of performances, including a spring/summer musical theater season ranging from comedies, like The Wedding Singer and Burgertown; classics like Hairspray; and jukebox musicals like Million Dollar Quartet, all of which will be performed in the 2025 season. There’s also no bad seat in the house. For a nightcap after the show, take a five-minute drive down W. Eighth to one of the oldest bars in Cincinnati. Irish pub The Crow’s Nest (4544 W. Eighth St.) is divey in the best way and often features live music, as well as good, cheap drinks. Original Source: https://www.citybeat.com/cincinnati/date-ideas-and-experiences-designed-for-different-greater-cincinnati-neighborhoods/Slideshow/19007296/19013003 |
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