Cincinnati/Eastern

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Understand

There is a rivalry between the "East Side" and "West Side" of Cincinnati. Historically people from the West Side were blue collar workers, while those from the East Side were white collar workers.
Some neighborhoods include:

Peter Fitzgerald

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, and is a good destination for anyone overly worried about personal safety.>
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.

See

Cincinnati Observatory Center

phone: +1 513 321-5186

address: 3489 Observatory Pl
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

phone: +1 513 381-1792

address: 30 Guido St
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

phone: +1 513 231-2223

address: 6616 Beechmont Ave
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

Daderot

Cincinnati Art Museum

phone: +1 513 721-ARTS

address: 953 Eden Park Dr
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.

Black Wolff

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Cincinnati Triple Steam

address: 5651 Kellogg Ave
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.

Harriet Beecher-Stowe House

phone: +1 513 751-0651

address: 2950 Gilbert Ave
Harriet Beecher-Stowe is famous for writing the anti-slavery Uncle Tom's Cabin. Free (donations are welcomed).

Galleries

Manifest Creative Research Gallery

phone: +1 513 861-3638

address: 2727 Woodburn Ave
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.

Parks

Greg Hume

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

address: 3600 Observatory Ave
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

address: 950 Eden Park Dr
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

phone: +1 513 421-4086

address: 1501 Eden Park Dr
Rainforest-under-glass. 5000 varieties of exotic tropical, desert and orchid plants. One of country's largest public greenhouses with beautiful seasonal floral shows.

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 SquareCharming 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 SquareRemodeled, 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 SquareMore of a landscaped parking lot than a square, this gives the Mount Lookout a quaint small village feel.

Do

Music & theater

Playhouse in the Park

phone: +1 513 421-3888

address: 962 Mt. Adams Circle
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

phone: +1 513 232-6220

address: 6295 Kellogg Ave
On the Ohio river, it draws big name artists like John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews Band, and Jimmy Buffet.

Cincy Cinco Festival

phone: +1 513 232-5882

address: 6295 Kellogg Ave
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.

TimberWolf AmphitheatreThis arena also draws some big name artists, usually teen heartthrobs like Aaron Carter.

Amusement

Lanskeith17

Coney Island

phone: +1 513 232-8230

address: 6201 Kellogg Ave
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').

Appalachian Festival

phone: +1 513 251-3378

address: 6201 Kellogg Ave
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

phone: +1 513 745-3411

address: 3800 Victory Parkway
The XU basketball team plays at the Cintas Center, on the Xavier campus just northeast of downtown.
Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment Center

phone: +1 513 232-8000

address: 6301 Kellogg Ave
Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment Center was formerly known as River Downs. Free admission and free parking everyday. Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment Center 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.,

Learn

Buy

Eat

Budget

Aglamesis Bros

phone: +1 513 531-5196

address: 3046 Madison Rd
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

phone: +1 513 871-5543

address: 3516 Edwards Rd
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

phone: +1 513 321-2816

address: 3510 Edwards Rd
Great diner just off of Hyde Park Square. Try the fish special on Fridays.
Gordo's Pub and Grill

address: 4328 Montgomery Rd
Owned by Raymond Gordo, former chef de cuisine for local celebrity and restaurateur Jean-Robert, Gordo's is renown for their semi-extensive beer list and delicious burgers.
Graeter's Ice Cream

phone: +1 513 321-6221

address: 2704 Erie Avenue (one of several locations)
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.
Quatman Cafe

phone: +1 513 731-4370

address: 2434 Quatman Ave
"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.
Zips Cafe

phone: +1 513 871-9876

address: 1036 Delta Ave
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.
Terry's Turf Club

phone: +1 513 533-4222

address: 4618 Eastern Ave
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.
Pleasant Ridge Chili

phone: +1 513 531-2365

address: 6032 Montgomery Rd
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

phone: +1 513 721-5456

address: 1077 Celestial St
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.
Cumin Indian Fusion Cuisine

phone: +1 513 871-8714

address: 3520 Erie Ave
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

phone: +1 513 621-3666

address: 938 Hatch St
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.
Fifty West Brewing Company

phone: +1 513 834-8789

address: 7668 Wooster Pike
Good selection of beers and very good food.

Splurge

The Celestial Steakhouse

phone: +1 513 241-4455

address: 1071 Celestial St
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.
The Precinct

address: 311 Delta Ave
The Original Jeff Ruby Steakhouse, set in a former police precinct!
Teller's of Hyde Park

phone: +1 513 321-4721

address: 2710 Erie Ave
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.
Cincinnati Dinner Train

phone: +1 513 791-7245

address: 2172 Seymour Avenue
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.