Cincinnati Nesties
Dear Community,
Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
The Best of Cincinnati
Hello,
My husband and I are moving to Cincinnati on Saturday and would like some recommendations. Neither of us have spent much time in Cincy so we need to know where to go and what to do. We will be living in Oakley, but are open to exploring 
. Any help will be greatly appreciated!
Best Mexican Food:
Best Chinese Food:
Best Indian Food:
Best Sushi:
Best Pizza:
Best Place to See Live Bands:
Best Hidden/Unknown Gem of Cincy:
Best Place for a Leisure Date:
And anything else you guys can think of that we need to do/try. Thanks everyone!
Oh, and does anyone know if Oakley has a farmers market?
Re: The Best of Cincinnati
Welcome! DH and I lived in Oakley before we bought our house, we loved it over there.
Oakley does not have a farmers market, but Hyde Park does (it's off the square on Michigan (?), go to hydeparkfarmersmarket.com or google it).
Depending on where you are in Oakley, there is a great indian place on Madison Road called Baba India--it's not one of the best places (there is always great debate here about that) but it is VERY good. Many of the best Indian places are in Clifton.
I really like Dewey's pizza (there's one in Oakley square), it's pricey though.
Aglameisis brothers makes excellent ice cream and chocolates, they're original location (it's over 100 years old) is in Oakley square.
If you're looking for a good walking park, Ault park is really nice--quiet and beautiful. It's off Erie or Observatory (there are several entrances).
Southgate house is one of the better places to see live bands in town. It's in Newport (Northern Kentucky) and they have a wide variety of acts every month. They also have live music on fountain square (downtown) on some evenings during the week.
I'm not a fan of sushi, so I'll defer to the experts here :-)
Here's my two cents worth. Welcome & gl w/ your move!!
Best Chinese Food: First Wok, Hyde Park Plaza
Best Indian Food: Baba India, Madison Road (Oakley) or Ambar India (in Clifton). Owned by the same people. Great food!
Best Sushi: So many to choose from. Wild Ginger in HP; Soho in West Chester; Aroma in Kenwood Towne Center.
Best Pizza: Chinatti's in Kenwood is good.
Best Hidden/Unknown Gem of Cincy: when you find this, let me know! hehe
Best Place for a Leisure Date: Cheesecake Factory in Kenwood Towne Center. You can walk around the mall before/after dinner and its very relaxing. Food there is excellent too!
I'm a foodie so I'll try to answer those questions with my personal opinion of "best" of Cincinnati. You must also try Skyline Chili and Graeter's Ice Cream - local originals and favorites!
Best Mexican Food: Abuelo's
Best Chinese Food: Not sure what type you're looking for so I'll break it into sub-categories
Americanized - Wok Inn Express (disclaimer: this is my aunt's restaurant; 4609 Vine St / St. Benard) and Chan's Asian Wok
Authentic Szechuan - Sichuan Bistro
Authentic Cantonese - House of Sun, Uncle Yip's, and Imperial Inn
Dim Sum - No really awesome ones in town but decent maybe Jan's Chinese or Uncle Yip's...their dim sum chefs turn over so frequently it all depends!
Noodles - Yat Ka Mein and LuLu's
Best Indian Food: Ambar India (all around and non-buffet) and New Krishna (buffet)
Best Sushi: Kyoto
Best Pizza: Again, I'll break this down into subcategories
Gourmet - Dewey's
Wood Fired - Pomodori's
Pan/Pizza for a Crowd - Adriatico's and Jet's
New York/By the Slice - Have not gone yet but heard good things about Flying Pizza and Roc-A-Fella's
Best Hidden/Unknown Gem of Cincy: I've yet to make it here myself but have heard Vitor's Bistro on the West Side is a real gem (especially since it's on the West Side which is not exactly known for culinary wonders lol); I'm also a big fan of Sebastian's (also on West Side) for their gyros. Yum!
Latest Blog Update: Peanut Butter Cookie with Salted Peanut Caramel
http://365cincinnati.com/
Best Mexican Food:
El Ranchito (Anderson) or for Tex/Mex: El Coyote (Also in Anderson)
Best Chinese Food:
Doodles Noodles- good chinese to me means good quality cuts of chicken (Hyde Park) Their hot and sour soup is amazing!
Best Indian Food:
New Krishna (Sharonville)
Best Sushi:
Dancing Wasabi or Ruthai's Thai (Mt. Lookout)
Best Pizza:
Dewey's (Oakley, Newport) and NYPD Pizza (Colerain, Cheviot, Northside)
Best Place to See Live Bands:
Best Hidden/Unknown Gem of Cincy:
Aglamesis (In Oakley)- Just bc Graeter's thinks they are better which they arent
Grand Finale for brunch
Best Place for a Leisure Date:
Brunch at Orchids at Palm Court- Downtown Hilton. Oktoberfest is coming up....
Skyline (NOT gold star)
You might also enjoy wandering through some of the events and fundraisers organized by these groups.
http://bacchanaliansociety.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/PWDA.woa/wa/loadPage?pageId=7666
http://www.cincinnati.com/cincinnatieats/
http://www.cincinnatizoo.org/events/Wild_About_Wine3.htm
http://www.cincinnatizoo.org/events/zoo_brew.html
If you enjoy arts events and programming, then membership in Enjoy the Arts is worthwhile.
http://www.enjoythearts.org/
Bogart's is fun for live music, but it has a college vibe, so if you feel that you are well past that stage in your life, you might want to pass on it.
http://cincinnati.metromix.com/music/punk/bogarts-corryville-clifton-heights/606086/content
The Esquire makes for a simple date night, especially if you combine it with Ambar or Pomodori's.
http://www.esquiretheatre.com/Home%20Page.htm
Cincinnati Reds, Bengals, and Cyclones games are all safe bets as well.
If you are on Facebook, check out Cincinnati Onthemove for an ongoing lisiting of a variety of events.
Have fun!
Best Hidden/Unknown Gem of Cincy: Not really hidden or unknown, but Zips in Mt. Lookout had WONDERFUL burgers!
Everyone has really good answers, but I wanted to add Jungle Jim's International Food Market to the list. It's in Fairfield and it's a blast to walk around and see all the different stuff they have.
Oh and the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal is a nice. DH and I like to roam around their exibits from time to time and catch a show in the IMAX.
Welcome! I also live in Oakley!
These are the places we like that are convenient to us.
Best Mexican Food: The Cactus Pear! They have the best margaritas!
Best Chinese Food: PF Chang's
Best Indian Food: Baba India
Best Sushi: N/A but a lot of our friends like Green Papaya
Best Pizza: We like Dewey's and Adriatico's. Completely different so it just depends on what you like. Dewey's has good salads, too!
Best Place to See Live Bands: We just saw a great show at the 20th Century Theatre but they have other things there besides live music.
Best Hidden/Unknown Gem of Cincy: I'll have to think about this one!
Best Place for a Leisure Date: We like to have picnics in Ault Park.
For cheap eats and drinks nearby we like The Echo and Oakley Pub.
I'm sure you'll stil be getting settled but if you have any interest in the book club we're meeting at Habits (in Oakley) next week. This month is "No Book" Book Club!
Man this makes me feel like such a bad Cincinnatian. Can you believe all these years and I've still never had goetta?! I used to feel bad about hating on LaRosa's too (esp being from the West Side) but if you don't like it either than I feel a little better
Latest Blog Update: Peanut Butter Cookie with Salted Peanut Caramel
You're not the only one!!
Ha! DH gets so mad at me when I contradict his exclamations of "La rosa's is AWESOME!" but I've had a hard time finding a pizza place that I really like here (I got spoiled growing up). That said, the woodfired pizza at whole foods is surprisingly good.
Phew, good to know I'm not alone!
Oh and sorry for the bad grammar above. That's what happens when you're in a hurry and your fingers type faster than your brain. Oops!
Latest Blog Update: Peanut Butter Cookie with Salted Peanut Caramel
That's alright Christine! I doubt I've had many of your family's traditional foods either! Besides, I didn't know about "real" pizza until I was 27 and went to NYC for the first time-although I was probably hatin' on Buddy long before then
Like a true lazy person, I haven't read through most of the previous replies, so apologies for repeats. But as a foodie who's spent much time seeking out my own fav spots, a weigh-in:
Best Mexican Food: I haven't found one I LOVE above all others. To me, Mexican usually = Chipotle, which isn't much help.
Best Chinese Food: Dragon Chinas are usually pretty good...
Best Indian Food: If you're in Oakley, Baba is going to be your closest and it's really good. They have a great lunch buffet (usually with chicken vindaloo, which is an odd but welcome sight on a buffet, I think). Check out Ambar or Dusmesh if you're ever in the Clifton area.
Best Sushi: There are several good ones, but Dancing Wasabi in Mt Lookout has the best prices.
Best Pizza: Opinions widely vary--LaRosa's is our local. Palomino on Fountain Square (downtown) has good $5 pizzas and $4 drafts all day, every day if you hang out in the bar/lounge area.
Best Place to See Live Bands: Depends on your music taste, I'm an indie kid, but Southgate House in Newport, Northside Tavern in Northside (Hamilton Ave), The Comet in Northside (Hamilton again)... try Fountain Square downtown on Friday nights for the Indie Summer Concert Series.
Best Hidden/Unknown Gem of Cincy: I'm not sure how to answer this--it seems subjective; for me, it was Plum St Cafe downtown. Just a quiet, chummy, Cheers-y bar with fun regulars.
Best Place for a Leisure Date: City walking downtown (but I'm partial to downtown), Eden Park/Art Museum, Newport On The Levee...
Ooh ooh, I forgot--I don't know about Oakley, but you have to check out Findlay Market! I think Hyde Park (adjacent to Oakley) has a farmer's market, but I've never been to it to vouch for its quality.
AND hit up Jungle Jim's in Fairfield. International grocery store. It's amazing!
I have my recommnedations below and these are just my picks
Best Mexican Food: Nada - Downtown. Pricey, but delicious!
Best Chinese Food: Does P.F. Changs count lol
Best Indian Food: ?
Best Sushi: Dancing Wasabi in Oakley or Teak in Mt. Adams
Best Pizza: Dewey's. There's one in Clifton. Or I'm a fan of LaRosas
Best Place to See Live Bands: Party in the Park
Best Hidden/Unknown Gem of Cincy: City View. It's a restaurant in Mt. Adams that has great cheap burgers and a great view of the city. Skyline... that's my gem, it's just not hidden
Best Place for a Leisure Date: Art Museum then dinner at the Revolving Restaurant in Covington? Gosh, let me give that one some more thought.
Best Sushi: Kyoto in Symmes Twp. Best Pizza: Fratelli's or Flying Pizza for NY style. Chinatti's for Chicago.
Best Place to See Live Bands: Southgate HouseBest Hidden/Unknown Gem of Cincy: Devou Park (great views of Downtown Cincinnati), Sharon Woods (great walking trail along the lake), Eden ParkBest Place for a Leisure Date: Canoeing out in Indiana; going old-school and taking BB RIverboats for a dinner cruise.
Best Mexican Food: Acapulco in Lebanon
Best Chinese Food: Sichuan Bistro in Mason or Uncle Yips
Best Indian Food: New Krishna in Sharonville
Best Sushi: Bistro Ginza in Mason or Akira in West Chester
Best Pizza: Dewey's Pizza is good. Haven't found a favorite yet.
Best Place to See Live Bands:
Best Hidden/Unknown Gem of Cincy: Sammy's Burgers in Blue Ash
Best Music Shop: Shake It in Northside
If you like bicycling - check out the Loveland Bike Trail
Krohn Conservatory has beautiful flowers. They also do a butterfly show in May.
Off-Broadway plays come to the Aronoff Center in downtown Cincinnati
As someone else mentioned, Findley Market in the Northside area is a great place for local food vendors (meats, produce, bake goods)
Welcome! My husband and I live in Hyde Park, which is right by Oakley. Here is our input for the "Best" in the area.
Best Mexican Food: "upscale" Mexican - Nada (it is downtown, but has excellent fish tacos); we have heard that Toro is good (it is in the Hyde Park Plaza, right by Oakley), but we have not been there yet.
Best Chinese Food: China One in Hyde Park on Erie Ave by the UDF (Marburg and Erie)
Best Indian Food: We don't get Indian much, but Baba India and Ambar are good.
Best Sushi: Beluga has great sushi but is more expensive. Green Papaya is very good (on Wasson and Paxton) in Hyde Park/Oakley. You will see there are about 15 (no exaggeration) sushi places in Hyde Park/Mt Lookout/Oakley area, most are pretty good, some vary, none really to avoid. RuThai's in Mt Lookout Square is good and it is BYOB, so is Asiana on Edwards.
Best Pizza: Dewey's Pizza is our favorite. Tavern on the Hill (which used to be Guido's has great pizza, but we don't go there much if we don't go out - it is in Mt. Adams).
Best Place to See Live Bands: RP McMurphy's in Oakley/Hyde Park, Newport (in Northern KY) on the Levy has some fund bands at Brothers.
Best Hidden/Unknown Gem of Cincy: OTR (Over the Rhine) which used to be the brewery district, is really reviving. It is not always the safest, but it is getting some excellent restaurants (Lavomatic, Senate, and another newer one that I can't remember the name, but you'll find it). Also, check out Northside, they have great restaurants as well - Honey, Melt... Also check out Findley Market if you are interested in Farmers' Markets - fresh meat, fish, veggies, bread, great waffles...
Best Place for a Leisure Date: Depends what you like to do...
And anything else you guys can think of that we need to do/try. Thanks everyone!
Oh, and does anyone know if Oakley has a farmers market? There is a farmers' market in Hyde Park behind the square on Edwards (behind the US Bank) on Sunday mornings from 930-130, and Mt Lookout has one on Saturdays.Ok here's my 2 cents. I am not super familar w/ the Oakley area so I will just do Cincy as a whole:
Best Mexican Food: El Ranco Grande (they are starting to pop up all over the Cincy area)
Best Chinese Food: China Dragon in Silverton on Montgomery Rd.
Best Indian Food: Hate Indian food (sorry)
Best Sushi: Benihana downtown. I think they still have this buts its all you can eat sushi for $25 and when we go, the chef always throws in extra suchi creations for us to try.
Best Pizza: To me, no one can beat Donatos but for something diff, we LOVE Flying Pizza off of Fields Ertel. We do pizza by the slice and they put the slice in the over to warm it up and it makes the bottom crust so deliciously crispy!!
Indian: We like Ambar, but I have not tried New Krishna
Pizza: Ok, I'm a buckeye, so I'm partial, but I LOVE Adriatico's. Pick-up only, in Clifton. It's a bit spicy, and very thick crust, sort of heavy, but fantastic, and originated at Ohio State
Hidden Gem! Don't skip over Northside like so many people do. If you drive down Ludlow past Clifton gaslight and 75 you'll find this fantastic neighborhood. Very hip, in transition right now, but what beautiful historic homes, great vegetarian options, bars, and even a few really nice restaurants. Oh and only the best cupcakes in the city at Take the Cake. Worth the quick drive over.