How QUEEN CITY SINGLES are putting themselves out there
BY NADYA ELLERHORST
VOL. 29 | ISSUE 03
& CULTURE
GRAPHIC
DINING
CONTRIBUTING
CONTRIBUTING
DISTRIBUTION
EXECUTIVE
BY MADELINE FENING
Historic Cincinnati church to close S
t. Francis Seraph Catholic Church — one of Cincinnati’s oldest and most historically significant churches — will cease operation this summer and be placed on the market.
Friar Alan Hirt first made the announcement to parishioners during a Jan. 11 mass.
“It is with personal sadness that I share with you that our Franciscan province finds it necessary to proceed with the sale of both the friary and the church building,” he said to audible reactions from the congregation. “Just take that in for a second.”
A representative of the Franciscan Friars’ Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe confirmed the news to CityBeat, saying the province’s decision was a continuation of discerning “how best to steward its resources and respond to the needs of an aging fraternity.”
The two friars at St. Francis Seraph Church will be reassigned to St. Clement Catholic Church in St. Bernard, where parishioners are also invited to transition.
“I know this is a lot to take in,” Hirt said. “I know for me, brother Tim, that knowing this since last October and the parish council was brought into this in mid-December, we continue to have our feelings. Just take a moment to
St. Francis Seraph Catholic Church. Photo by Joe Simon | CityBeat contributor
get in touch with those initial feelings, no matter what they are: shock, ‘not again,’ sadness, maybe frustration, disbelief. Feel what you’re feeling. I know our parish has a rich history in Over-the-Rhine.”
From its 19th-century origins to recent debates over public safety and outreach, St. Francis Seraph Church has long been a focal point for cultural shifts in Over-the-Rhine.
Historical significance
Before the present-day St. Francis Seraph Church rose along Liberty Street, the site held one of the earliest centers of Catholic life in Cincinnati.
In 1819, a small group of Irish Catholic settlers erected a simple wooden church called Christ Church. At the time, the land was called the Northern Liberties, sitting just beyond the city’s northern border. The congregation established the city’s first Catholic cemetery beside the church, creating a spiritual and physical anchor for a growing immigrant community.
Three years later, Edward Fenwick, the first bishop of Cincinnati, designated Christ Church as the city’s cathedral and ordered the building relocated Downtown. The frame church fell apart upon transport but was rebuilt at a new location. The cemetery remained in place as the surrounding neighborhood developed and later became known as Over-the-Rhine.
By the mid-19th century, the area had become a dense enclave of German immigrants, many of them Catholic. The rapid growth of German-speaking parishes led Archbishop John Baptist Purcell to invite Franciscan friars from Austria to serve the community, and the Franciscans established a new parish at the former Christ Church site. Construction of the St. Francis Seraph Church we know today began in 1858 and was completed the following year.
Families with relatives buried in the old cemetery were asked to relocate remains to other burial grounds. Some chose instead to have the remains placed in a crypt constructed beneath the sanctuary of the new church.
Approximately 41 individuals were ultimately entombed below the high altar, creating a collective burial space that reflected both the continuity of the site and the early Catholic presence in the city. The crypt, with stone markers set into the floor, remained largely inaccessible to the public for more than a century. In recent years, the crypt has been opened to the public through guided walking tours, like the American Legacy Queen City Underground Tour
Over the years, St. Francis Seraph was gradually adorned with frescoes, statuary and other
liturgical artwork. Early 20th-century renovations reshaped the sanctuary, added a choir for the friars and introduced a large canopy over the altar, and a Lourdes grotto was later built on the grounds. Exterior updates in the 1920s gave the church its distinctive glazed-brick façade and prominent twin spires, which became landmarks on the Over-the-Rhine skyline.
Public safety around the church
The iconic church is also known in more recent history for its busy sidewalk corner.
As recently as 2024, the corner of Vine and Liberty was a popular gathering spot that drew ire from church leaders and Cincinnati police. Warmer months drew dozens of people and lawn chairs, food and clothing giveaways, and some drug sales, according to CPD.
The church allowed unhoused people to sleep in the sanctuary for up to eight hours a day, but that stopped in 2024. That same year, church leaders, police and the city manager’s office teamed up on a “joint problem-solving effort” to address sidewalk activity outside the church, according to I-Team reporting from WCPO
“They believe our church should be a church and not a place for social services,” Hirt wrote in a 2024 church bulletin.
“The goal is to make this not an outreach center, not a place where people can come and get rest and all that,” Brother Tim Sucher told WCPO in 2024. “This is going to be a church. Period.”
Crime statistics for Over-the-Rhine have been a mixed bag in recent years — some categories are down while others are up — but data from 2022 to early 2026 does not show an outsized concentration of reported crimes directly outside St. Francis Seraph Church.
It’s this block — the corner of Green and Republic streets — that bumps up against the adjoining St. Francis Seraph friary. The recent press release from the Franciscan Friars’ Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe notes that, with the exception of the parish office, the friary portion of the large church building has remained vacant for the past two years. In 2024, the province sought to sell the friary to the nonprofit Tender Mercies for a new housing project for the homeless and mentally ill.
“We’re hoping that it could be a form of affordable housing with supportive services to get some of these people off the street into decent housing,” Hirt told WCPO in 2024. “The Franciscans would love to see it used that way, more than some boutique hotel or something.”
But the Over-the-Rhine Community Council Board of Trustees voted down the proposed housing project, citing financial and community risks.
CityBeat has reached out to OTRCC about the future of the church building.
Future of Franciscan services
The church has served neighborhood residents in need for generations — the Franciscan Friars started one of the city’s first soup kitchens in the ‘70s. In 2011, the church spun off its neighborhood services effort known as St. Francis Seraph Ministries into an independent 501(c)(3) organization, which operates out of the neighboring St. Anthony Center on Republic Street.
Church officials confirmed that St. Francis Seraph Ministries will continue to operate as usual despite the church closure; St. Francis Ser-
aph School will also continue to operate across the street.
Mary Pat Raupach, executive director of St. Francis Seraph Ministries, said many volunteers are parishioners from the church. Volunteers serve three meals a day to those who are hungry: a sit-down breakfast, a bagged lunch and a sit-down dinner.
Then there’s a program led by a nurse practitioner where volunteers provide basic foot care for those experiencing homelessness, like washing feet, treating calluses, cutting nails and treating more serious foot issues. The Sarah Center is another project where volunteers teach sewing, quilting and jewelry-making skills. Raupach said this program is as much about conversation and connection as it is about needle and thread.
“Health and well being is more than nutrition, and it’s more than care of one’s feet. It’s also emotional, psychological,” Raupach said. “It really goes back to our mission, to nourish and nurture people in need. Especially those experiencing poverty and homelessness.”
Raupach told CityBeat this group is growing in numbers, particularly among newcomers.
“We are seeing an increase in the number of people who’ve never experienced homelessness, who’ve never been without shelter, that suddenly are,” Raupach said. “So our population has just become even more diverse than it already was.”
St. Francis Seraph Ministries accepts financial donations, as well as donations of food and socks.
A crypt under St. Francis Seraph Catholic Church has been opened in recent years for walking tours.
Photo by Joe Simon | CityBeat contributor
Daily mass at St. Francis Seraph Catholic Church is held at 10 a.m. Photo by Joe Simon | CityBeat contributor
One of the stained glass windows at St Francis Seraph Catholic Church. Photo by Joe Simon | CityBeat contributor
How QUEEN CITY SINGLES are putting themselves out there
BY NADYA ELLERHORST
There’s a frustrated question that seems to cyclically pop up on the r/cincinnati subreddit: What can singles do to meet people?
Most answers encourage IRL means, from volunteering to contra dancing. But given the question’s repeated nature, it’s fair to observe that folks are finding modern dating challenging. And while it may be a problem for any locale in the digital age, maybe there’s just something about our region that makes it a little harder.
“ I think it can be really tough for people, especially if you’re from the outside, to break into new circles,” Leslie Deshler, a financial services professional, told CityBeat. “A lot of people grew up here, they come back here, they’re hanging out with their friends that they went to high school with.”
A year ago, following a move back from college, I found myself sailing in that very same singles boat. I wanted nothing to do with the apps, and I found no success with “putting myself out there” at bars and hobby groups.
So, on a different assignment for CityBeat, I offered my single self up to journalism and participated in a Date Cincy event. Date Cincy is one of the more entrenched in-person dating organizations in the region, hosting more than 20 annual mingle events targeted at singles in the 25-40 age range.
Following the highs and lows of a night of circulating in a bar crowded with singles (and
an utter failure of a match), I called in-person mingles a “novelty” in my debrief. It’s 2026, and I’m starting to eat my words.
The downfall of swiping
After trying the apps, Deshler, like many other modern singles, was left wanting more from the default method of surfing through profiles.
“ I don’t think there’s anybody or many people who would say they wouldn’t just rather meet someone organically, right,” Deshler mused.
Just last December, Deshler founded LinkedUp Live, a mingling event intended for single professionals over 40 in the Greater Cincinnati area.
“As people start to get older, you find there are less single people in that age group,” Deshler explains, invoking life circumstances like previous marriages. “It might be harder. You don’t just walk into a bar that everybody’s gonna be single in your age range.”
In December, LinkedUp Live hosted an event at Aviatra Incubator in Covington, followed by an after party at Second Story. While Deshler hasn’t yet heard specifically of any lasting connections made from this inaugural event, she still sees it as a success.
“ There were lots of interactions,” Deshler said. “I saw a lot of people connecting. It definitely didn’t have an awkward feeling to it. People were just happy to be there, happy to be involved.”
In an era of increasing frustration with digital facades, Logan Moore, one of Date Cincy’s founders, also sees value in the streamlined nature of in-person connections.
“ I think when you meet somebody in person, there’s that first connection,” Moore said, “you can kind of vibe out and suss out if there’s a connection.”
While co-founder Paige Braley thinks that authenticity can be a “buzzword” in the modern dating sphere, she still sees it as an important factor.
“ When they really do lean into what ‘authenticity’ actually means, I think that people immediately feel the sense of that guard coming down,” Braley said. “They truly do embrace the fact that they can genuinely show up as themselves and know that they are going to resonate with people who resonate with that version of themselves.”
It was a desire for more in-person connections that inspired Kelsey Ference to found Midwestern Lesbian. In her previous role as a member of Rhinegeists’s marketing team, she was tasked with creating weekly calendars for taproom happenings. She soon noticed a gap.
“ I found myself constantly searching for queer events to attend in my free time,” she said. “And I realized that there was a need for the community to easily find spaces where they can be with other queer people in person, because it’s difficult for queer people to meet each other outside of the internet, whether that’s dating or finding friends.”
Now, she and her partner, Caitlin Dunkley, run the Cincinnati-based organization, which curates “inclusive events and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals across the Midwest.” Midwestern Lesbian maintains a special focus on the sapphic community (while definitions vary, the organization describes “sapphic” as “An umbrella term for women and gender non-conforming individuals, who are attracted to women”).
Among Queer Line Dancing, book swaps and posing classes, Midwestern Lesbian also hosts “Cuffing Season: A Sapphic Singles Night” and “Sapphic Speed Dating” events. In the latter, participants have five-minute, prompt-based conversations with around 15-20 people.
”We don’t really have a specific lesbian bar in the Cincinnati area,” Ference said. “So we try to create those spaces for our community so sapphic people can meet other sapphic people, and also queer people can meet other queer people in a space that isn’t just a gay bar or a drag show.”
The speed dating format is also distinct for the conversation it inevitably spurs, as opposed to a free-for-all singles mixer.
“ When it’s just a mix-and-mingle kind of event, everybody’s on their own and has to have that bravery to go up to somebody and have a conversation,” Ference said. “Whereas if you’re put down sitting in front of this person, you’re gonna have a conversation with them no matter what.”
The bright glow of disco balls and twinkle lights ignite all four floors of Igby’s. Photo by Hailey Roden | CityBeat contributor
And for its mingle-based “Sapphic Singles Nights,” the organization utilizes Pinyada, an app designed for connecting people outside of the events they attend. Ference describes it as a blend of Eventbrite, Partiful and Hinge. At its last singles event, over 50 matches were made via Pinyada — and, in a context where jitters are completely natural, Pinyada is essentially the connective gift that keeps on giving.
“If you don’t have the courage or push or the time to talk to somebody that you wanted to talk to, you can connect with them through the app,” Ference said.
Yet no matter their format, it seems as these in-person singles events grow more popular, they’re also generating different positive results — intentionally or not.
Friend zones
On the third floor of Igby’s downtown, above the ruckus of singles participating in a dance icebreaker below, I’m seated between Dan and Izzy.
Throughout the span of our interview, they politely reach over me to fist bump a total of three times. These two are essentially each other’s wingmen, who just so happened to meet at a Date Cincy event a little over a year ago. They’ve frequently attended together since (Dan guesses he’s been to about 20).
“ I’ve actually met more guy friends than I have dating opportunities through these events,” Izzy tells me.
“Kind of ironic, but so cool, though,” Dan adds.
Earlier in the evening, I talked with Moore and Braley. While Date Cincy aims to help singles “meet their person IN PERSON,” over the past year, the pair have observed the simultaneous side growth of a new community.
“The primary reason to be here is to find that special someone, hopefully get engaged, get married, whatever you wanna do with your life,” Braley said. “But we also are finding that a lot of people are just coming here for community in general — a consistent social place to go out.”
Meanwhile, LinkedUp Live intentionally facil-
itates matches that go beyond the romantic; Deshler sees the event as a place for people to also make new friends or business connections (at her December event, she had a table for participants to include their business cards, and the recommended dress code was business casual).
”We all know that the bigger your network is, the more it leads to opportunities,” Deshler said, deeming LinkedUp Live a “forum” for folks who may be looking for a new flame, new job, new friend — or all three.
“ It’s really about just expanding your network, connecting with like-minded singles, and then allowing doors to open as a result,” Deshler said.
Midwestern Lesbian has additionally hosted the frequently sold out “Queer Speed Friending Nights” for the LGBTQ+ community. Ference also points out that during “Sapphic Speed Dating,” even if participants aren’t feeling a romantic spark, they still have the option to indicate an interest in being friends with the person across from them.
“ It’s just about meeting somebody that’s within your community in a natural way,” Ference said.
The present future of dating
All three organizations plan on continuing their in-person-focused events in the year ahead, although some with a new emphasis on hands-on activities.
LinkUp Live is still finding its footing as a newcomer to the rising in-person matching scene, but in 2026, Deshler envisions events structured around wine tastings, Saturday morning coffee and hikes.
Date Cincy, which has historically utilized icebreaker activities and conversation cards, is also hosting more activities-based mingles this year to help spur interactions. Upcoming events include duckpin bowling at Pins Mechanical Co., darts at Flight Club and an “adult field day” at The Fieldhouse in Covington.
“ It’s just that mutual thing to be doing together to make conversation a little bit easier,” Braley explains.
Continues on page 8
1/24 Richie Furay
1/25 The Music of The Beach Boys featuring Pet Sounds Live!
1/30 Bob James
1/31 Lets Groove Tonight Nation's #1 Earth Wind & Fire Tribute Band w/ Kool & the Gang Tribute Band
2 / 1 L o v i n ’ S p o o n f u l 2 / 6 S i o b h a n
2 / 0 7 J o h n V i o l i n i s t L i v e !
2 / 1 1 M i k e D a w e s 2 / 1 3 V i c k i P e t e r s o n & J o h n C o w s i l l
2 / 1 4 1 0 V a l e n t i n e ’ s D a y C e l e b r a t i o n w i t h t h A l e x B u g n o n w / J e f f K a s h i w a
2 / 1 9 V a n e s s a C o l l i e r
2 / 2 0 J a r r o d L a w s o n
2 / 2 1 C l a s s i c S t o n e s L i v e ( R o l l i n g S t o n e s )
2 / 2 5 M a t t e o M a n c u s o
2 / 2 7 K a r y n W h i t e
2 / 2 8 N i r v a n a
G r u n g e F e s t w i t h
S e v e n C i r c l e S u n r i s e
3 / 4 S c r e a m i n g O r p h a n s
3 / 6 S o n s o f C r e a m
3 / 7 T h e A r k B a n d
9 t h A n n u a l
B o b M a r l e y T r i b u t e
3 / 1 2 D a r W i l l i a m s
3 / 1 3 P i n k Ta l k i n g F i s h
( P i n k F l o y d - Ta l k i n g
H e a d s - P h i s h )
3 / 1 4 A d a m H a w l e y &
J u l i a n V a u g h n
3 / 1 5 T h e P h i l C o l l i n s
E x p e r i e n c e
3 / 2 0 J i m M e s s i n a
3 / 2 1 M o o n c h i l d
3 / 2 2 R i c k W a k e m a n & S o n
S O L D O U T
3 / 2 5 A l b e r t L e e a n d
H i s E l e c t r i c B a n d
3 / 2 6 M o r g a n J a m e s
3 / 2 7 T h e S u m m e r S e t
3 / 2 8 S a b b a t h ( O z z y )
3 / 2 9 P a t t e r s o n H o o d &
J o h n M o r e l a n d
B e T h e F I R S T T o K n o w
N e w s l e t t e r S i g n u p N e w s l e t t e r S i n u p
4 / 2 D a n i e l l e N i c o l e
4 / 3 R i c k y N e l s o n
R e m e m b e r e d S t a r r i n g
M a t t h e w & G u n n a r
N e l s o n
4 / 4 A v e r y * S u n s h i n e
4 / 9 S o u l A s y l u m
A c o u s t i c
4 / 1 0 S t e e l y D e a d
( S t e e l y D a n /
G r a t e f u l D e a d )
4 / 1 2 P e n n y & S p a r r o w
4 / 1 7 A J G h e n t &
h i s S i n g i n g G u i t a r
4 / 1 8 B r i a n S i m p s o n , J a c k i e m J o y n e r &
J e s s y J
4 / 1 9 H a r r i e t
4 / 2 4 A n a P o p o v i c
4 / 2 5 P a u l G i l b e r t
4 / 2 6 A n E v e n i n g w i t h
V a n e s s a C a r l t o n
4 / 2 9 A n E v e n i n g W i t h M a r y G a u t h i e r & S t e p h e n K e l l o g g
4 / 3 0 T h e S t r i n g Q u e e n s
5 / 1 T h e O u t l a w s
5 / 2 B l a c k h a w k
5 / 7 M a g i c a l M y s t e r y
D o o r s ( B e a t l e s ,
L e d Z e p p e l i n , D o o r s )
5 / 8 - L o u i s Yo r k
5 / 1 5 H e l l ’ s B e l l e s a c / d c
w i t h D e a d F e r v o r
5 / 1 6 L i v e a t T h e
F i l l m o r e ( A l l m a n B r o s )
5 / 2 9 M a c M c N a l l y
6 / 5 S t a c y M i t c h a r t
6 / 7 J a c k r a b b i t f e a t .
D e r m o t M u l r o n e y
6 / 1 2 L i n d s e y W e b s t e r
7 / 1 8 K i n d r e d T h e
F a m i l y S o u l
7 / 3 0 P u r e P r a i r i e
L e a g u e
1 2 / 1 2 / 2 6 H e r m a n ’ s
H e r m i t ’ s C h r i s t m a s w / P e t e r N o o n e
L u d l o w G a r a g e C i n c i n n a t i . c o m
Singles pour into Igby’s as January’s Date Cincy event begins. Photo by Hailey Roden | CityBeat contributor
Midwestern Lesbian plans on continuing to refine its roster of single-focused events, including “ Sapphic Speed Dating” for individuals over 40. While their main focus is on the sapphic community, in 2026, they’re looking at hosting singles events for the queer male and trans communities.
Despite varying event formats and target audiences, the in-person scene seems to be generating results. Ference and Dunkley have heard from numerous couples who met at Midwestern Lesbian events and ultimately got married. In 2025, Date Cincy saw six couples get engaged and three tie the knot (that they know of).
But Moore also points out that Cincinnati area singles still successfully connect online. We all likely know at least one pair of high school sweethearts (especially in this town), and none of this is to say that spontaneous meetings at Cincinnati’s many local bars, parks and more aren’t impossible. While tailored IRL methods may be on the rise, other means aren’t completely on the way out.
Despite being a consistent Date Cincy attendee, Izzy still uses Hinge. There’s a strategy there — he views apps as a “supplement” in a world where the dating landscape continues to
evolve on both the in-person and digital fronts. In-person mingles are, ultimately, a modern masterclass in putting yourself out there.
”The more I come to these things, the better and more comfortable I get at talking with people,” Izzy says.
Dan observes that times have changed, necessitating new approaches to finding the one.
”In our society today, especially post-COVID, we’re out of practice in talking to people, and also the rules of dating, per se, have kind of been thrown out the window,” Dan says.
Last winter, I personally found myself impressed by DateCincy — still a relatively young organization at the time — and its place at the forefront of what I once considered a newfangled way of meeting other singles in the city. But ultimately, I didn’t need to pick up a new hobby, download an app or resort to performative reading at one of our city’s many fine coffee shops. Nor did I need to keep mingling. A few months following the event, a friend unexpectedly asked me out to cocktails at Sundry and Vice. Nine months, and many wonderful Cincinnati dates later, we’re still going strong.
So it could be an algorithm. It could be a meet cute. It could be a melon in your shopping cart
at the Hyde Park Kroger signaling you’re in the market for more than fresh produce, according to (debunked) local lore. But, sometimes, maybe this whole modern dating enigma boils down to being at the right place at the right time. And in the Cincinnati area, it seems like there’s an ever-growing list of those right places for singles to be.
Ideal Cincy Dates
“ Being up in Mount Adams, having dinner, going to the Blind Lemon, walking over to the church to see the view of the city” – Leslie Deshler
“ You gotta feel out if they’re a dog person. That’s a deal breaker for me. So maybe going to the dog park with my dog, getting a drink at that little bar that’s right there in Washington Park. ” – Logan Moore
“ Smale Park is gonna be mine. Something in the daytime, outside walking and then a really good meal, like Nada.” – Paige Braley
“ My partner really loves art museums, so we would probably get brunch at Sacred Beast — and get the lemon ricotta pancakes. Then probably either go to the Cincinnati Art Museum or the Contemporary Art Museum, and then Union Terminal as well.” – Kelsey Ference
Top left: Date Cincy founders Paige Braley (left) and Logan Moore (right) stick around to help singles make genuine connections through their organization.; Top right: Date Cincy founder Paige Braley announces the winner of the dance-off.; Bottom left: Tables are littered with conversation starters and 2 Truths and a Lie for bar-goers to loosen up.; Bottom right: The cozy vibe of the second floor allows singles to escape the crowds and have deeper conversations. Photos by Hailey Roden | CityBeat contributor
ARTS & CULTURE
At CityBeat, we know a thing or two about picking the best restaurants in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, but Yelpers have some hot takes of their own.
Whether you’re a local or coming to Cincinnati for a visit, the platform offers an easy way to see what restaurants are hot and what diners are loving. From places serving up authentic Italian dishes to seasonal menus with the freshest ingredients and restaurants with small plates and massive flavor, these are the restaurants in Greater Cincinnati that Yelpers can’t stop talking about.
*Note: This was the list at the time of publication. Based on ongoing input, restaurant locations in this Yelp list may change. Reviews may have been shortened or edited slightly for clarity and grammar.
No. 25: Fillo Modern Greek 1505 Race St., Over-the-Rhine
“So I travelled to Greece back in the 1990’s and island hopped and ate where the locals ate, sometimes even welcomed in their houses. This restaurant is exactly what I had in my travels. Very authentic. Fresh. Greek wines were perfectly chosen and paired well with the food. Not a bad item on the menu. Amazingly fresh and tons of flavor.” —Michael O.
No. 24: The Baker’s Table 1004 Monmouth St., Newport
“This was truly a 10/10. It is not just a restaurant, it’s an experience. It’s the most fun setup I have ever heard of. The food was unbelievable and unique. Each course was made and prepared with such care. The chef delivered each course and explained the ingredients and where they came from, which was so special! You must try this at least once, but the menu switches for each month’s produce production, so you might as well try it every month.”
—Addison M.
No. 23: Juniper’s 409 W. Sixth St., Covington
“We walked into this charming establishment with just enough eclectic decor to make it interesting. The staff was friendly, knowledge-
These are the 25 best restaurants in Cincinnati right now,
according to Yelp
Here are the places Yelpers can’t stop talking about.
BY KATHERINE BARRIER
able and professional. The drink selection was vast and quality superb. We sampled the tapas menu and were delighted with the selection, quality and flavor! The evening was filled with wonderful live music, great food and delicious drinks.” —Diona K.
No. 22: Sacred Beast 1437 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
“Another excellent meal today. Went there first [for] brunch. Allison took good care of us. Cheesy eggs were ordered by two of our group. I had the lemon ricotta pancakes; light and tasty! Fourth in [the] party had the Diner [Breakfast] with eggs, goetta (very nice looking slice portion-wise) and hash browns. Had a nice large booth — comfy.” —Darah F.
No. 21: Hawker’s Alley
28 W. Court St., Downtown
“My wife and I walked here before seeing a play at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company.
We split an Okonomiyaki Pancake, which was absolutely delicious. We also ordered a Thai iced tea that was creamy, sweet and about 128 ounces smaller than I would have preferred (it was liquid gold).
For my entree, I picked the Charred Pork Belly Bahn Mi, which was sweet and savory, crispy and juicy, and all the veggie accoutrements all blended together well for a fantastic sandwich. Also, it was outrageously large for a ridiculously low $11.
My wife got the firecracker sandwich, which was also quite tasty, though it couldn’t hold a
candle to my sandwich in bahn mi opinion.
Everything else was so tasty we couldn’t resist getting dessert, so we ordered the yuzu cheesecake, which was rich, sweet, tart and definitely hit the spot.
We were able to get two entrees, an appetizer, a drink and dessert for roughly $50, including tip! If that isn’t a convincing reason to visit, I don’t know what would be.” —Jason B.
No. 20: Abigail Street 1214 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
“The
the best I have ever had?!?!! The gnocchi was wonderful too!!
We had some dietary restrictions and they were great with accommodations. We went for an early dinner and it was just getting busy, but not crowded. A lot of spacious seats so you can feel alone, even with a group. I loved the decor and vibe of the restaurant. Such a great place to feel inspired! Our server was kind and attentive. Definitely coming back!” —Isabel E.
No. 19: VV The Italian Experience 1026 Delta Ave., Mt. Lookout
“Wow! Big Italian fan and decided to try VV Italian tonight. Everything was incredible. Most notable item was the pistachio pesto rigatoni. No notes. Everything was to die for. Some of the best pasta in the city. I will definitely be back. Server was very knowledgeable too.”
—Sammi M.
Continues on page 11
food was amazing!!!! I loved my octopus — the dish was so well balanced. The broccoli was
Fillo Modern Greek. Photo provided | Fillo Modern Greek
The Baker's Table. Photo provided | The Baker's Table
Juniper's. Photo provided | Juniper's
Sacred Beast. Photo provided | Hailey Bollinger
Hawker's Alley. Photo provided | Hawker's Alley
Abigail Street. Photo provided | Abigail Street
VV The Italian Experience. Photo provided | VV
No. 18: Boca
“Boca was truly a phenomenal fine dining experience. The service is incredible — our server talked us through the menu, guided us in ordering the best dishes and the full wait staff was quick to clear empty plates and refill our drinks. Cocktails were delicious — we especially enjoyed the Madison and the Old Fashioned 2.0. Each dish was incredible — the Eufs mayonnaise was described to us as the “grandfather of the deviled egg” and was a great start to our meal. Next was the tuna crudo (excellent, high-quality thick tuna) and diver scallop (those Brussels sprouts are unreal! Cooked for three hours and so flavorful). We had the elote/ sweet corn pasta dish — which is seasonal and not something we’d normally order, but our server thankfully persuaded us to try it. For larger dishes, we had the halibut almondine (incredible) and the chicken (actually not my favorite, but still very well prepared). Finished the night with an excellent maple mascarpone cheesecake. The pricetag is high… but for a special occasion, Boca is an all-around amazing experience.”
—Katrina L.
No. 17: Wunderbar
1132 Lee St., Covington
“Amazing sausages and the pretzel with beer cheese was massive! Hilarious bartender/waiter. Walked in, ordered at bar, sat down, amazing food delivered, housed it, walked out 30 minutes later. Great experience.”—Robert M.
No. 16: Crown Republic Gastropub
720 Sycamore St., Downtown
“I am happy to pay well for a complete dining experience. This is complete: amazing food, service and ambiance. We started with General Tso cauliflower, then my husband had the spaghetti with Losanti prime meatballs, I had the wild mushroom capellini. We [took] some of each home so we’d have room for the s’more brownie. Good wine and beer options. Most of all, charming service. Can’t wait to return.”
—Peg M.
No. 15: Safi
1401 Republic St., Over-the-Rhine
“I have been to Morocco and eaten some of the best food there. The food at Safi is pretty close and excellent. The chicken pastels are very similar to what you get there. My favorites include lamb tagine, chicken pastels, fish and carrot salads. The lamb is perfectly cooked and not too gamey. The servers are great there. The wine selection is excellent, too, and it is a lovely, cozy little place.” —R M.
No. 14: Allez Café
1201 Main St., Over-the-Rhine (Café); 1208 Main St., Over-the-Rhine (Bakery); 6012 Madison Road, Madisonville
“I was recommended this cafe and at first I was worried about the small menu. However, everything we tried was delicious! Friendly counter service and we opted to sit at the bar. I had the turkey sandwich, which is delicious housemade focaccia. My husband had the ham and bean soup with extra bread. The bread is incredible and worth it to stop just down the block at its bakery to take home a loaf. No crumbs were left behind! The cafe is lively and bright with its windows and the service was so friendly. I will have to come back to try the other items.” —Laurel S.
No. 13: Carmelo’s 434 Madison Ave., Covington
“We had an incredible time eating at Carmelo’s. The vibe was warm, cozy and intimate. Our waiter did an excellent job describing the menu to us, and after hearing about the oxtail ragu, I decided to try it. I was so glad that I did! The meat was tender, the noodles of the pasta were the perfect consistency and the sauce pulled everything together. We also tried the cauliflower appetizer, which I would definitely order again. If you like chocolate, then you should try the budino for dessert. It was decadent and topped off our meal perfectly!” —Michelle G.
No. 12: Salazar 101 W. Fifth St., Downtown
“We waited a few months before visiting to give the staff time to get their feet under them, since it’s a new restaurant. We are glad we did. All cylinders were firing last night.
The staff were all super friendly. We were seated in the middle dining room and got to watch
the kitchen in action. It looked like chaos to us, having never worked in a kitchen before, but it was obviously a well-oiled machine. Everyone knew what they were doing. Chef Salazar was steering the ship with no doubt.
The food was all awesome. We had the sunchokes and grilled bread as “nibblers.” We heard several other tables around us raving about the sunchokes as well. Don’t miss them! For entrees, we had the gemelli pasta and hamburger as our entrees. Both were great. The pasta is all made in-house. The gemelli had a really light broth, shredded pork, some greens. Super tasty. The burger and fries were awesome as well. For dessert, we had the butter cake and Meyer lemon tart. Amazing. Don’t miss them. We will go back. Can’t wait to try new things and see how the menu evolves. I would recommend getting reservations unless you want to sit in the bar.” —Jim S.
No. 11: Noche
701 Madison Ave., Covington
“Worth the wait (almost one month out for a dinner reservation for us)! Our table started with a burrata to share and my friends ordered cocktails to enjoy with their meal. The burrata was filled with short rib and a great starter. I really enjoyed the braised short rib pasta, the lasagna and cacio; each pasta was great in [their] own way. We were able to try the bread pudding for dessert and it hit the spot. Excited to come back in the future!” —Melanie U.
No. 10: Otto’s
521 Main St., Covington
“I can’t believe I’ve never been here until now. Tucked away in Covington, this hidden gem has delicious food and atmosphere. We sat outside as it was a gorgeous night. Everything on the menu sounded amazing, so I had a hard time choosing but went with the scallops. I have to [say] my plate was licked clean. Every bite of the scallop was tender and melted in your mouth. The risotto was unlike any risotto I’ve had. I wish I had more because every single bit I tried to savor and have it last. I’ve had many mushroom risottos but this had asparagus and the creaminess was perfection. The smoked tomato aioli added so much flavor to the scallops and risotto. I could have rated another one of these dishes because it was such an experience. However, I left room for dessert. They were not joking when they said a gener-
ous portion of carrot cake. This three-tier cake was exactly what I needed to end the night. Rich and creamy and moist in every bite.” —Sonam P.
No. 9: Losanti
1401 Race St., Over-the-Rhine
“Once again they hit a home run — oysters from New Brunswick were delicious, a hearty Gem salad, the burrata and pear over the grilled bread was wonderful, the espresso martini was as good as everyone says it is (!), the filet mignon needed NO accompaniment of sauce because THAT’S the mark of a great steak well-prepared, and the service from entering to exiting and everything in between was top notch. A very comfortable environment in which to enjoy all that great food. For a great meal, I don’t think you can do any better. Five stars again for you, Losanti!” —Karl K.
No. 8: Colette
1400 Race St., Over-the-Rhine
“The sauces at this spot are out of this world!! This quaint Cincinnati spot brings France to Ohio.
Our four-person group shared the bread service (yes the butter is THAT GOOD,) beets, carrot salad (we preferred the beets,) and the cod and tagliatelle pasta dishes.
Both entrees were great but the cod blew everything away. The buttery bread “crumb” topping is crunchy and flaky and melts in your mouth. The sauce on the cod was the star of the night.” —Jennifer S.
No. 7: Wildweed 1301 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine
“One of the most unique restaurants I’ve ever been to. Every dish showcased an incredible combination of flavors that came together to create an unforgettable meal. The balance of sweet and salty was perfectly executed, making each bite exciting and satisfying.
Our waiter provided excellent recommendations and truly enhanced the experience with his knowledge and attentiveness. You can immediately tell the difference with the homemade pasta — it was fresh, tender, and far superior to anything store-bought. The care and creativity put into the food really stood out and made the entire meal feel special.
This is the kind of place that leaves a lasting im-
Boca. Photo provided | Boca
Safi. Photo provided | Lydia Schembre
Allez Café. Photo provided | Hailey Bollinger
Wunderbar. Photo provided | Hailey Bollinger
Crown Republic Gastropub. Photo provided | Hailey Bollinger
Carmelo's. Photo provided | Hatsue
Salazar. Photo provided | Liz Ford Noche. Photo provided | Noche
Otto's. Photo provided | Otto's
Losanti. Photo provided | Hailey Bollinger
Colette. Photo provided | Colette
Wildweed. Photo provided | Jon Medina
pression and makes you want to come back to try everything on the menu.”
—Kelli R.
No. 6: Maplewood Kitchen and Bar
525 Race St., Downtown
“Maplewood Kitchen and Bar has become a favorite of ours in Cincinnati. It can get crowded, but a skilled and polite staff keep things moving in a setting where you’ll stand in line to order and food will be delivered to your table. The menu is smaller but hits all the right spots. The food is great and the coffee is excellent. Even the decor is clean and sharp. One note, if you go during a Sunday Bengals home game, be prepared to wait, but, trust, even a long line moves quickly and is definitely worth waiting in. Just plan ahead!!”
—Tod C.
No. 5: Sotto
118 E. Sixth St., Downtown
“On a visit to Cincinnati on a December weekend, my wife and I were surprised (shocked, actually) by the excellent food scene. Sotto is a case in point. The ambiance is perfect for an underground restaurant: dimly-lit, romantic, yet buzzing on a Sunday night. The food did not disappoint either. If in doubt, get the cappellacci. The breaded pork loin was appropriately delicious for a city once known as Porkopolis and the branzino was nicely done.
We had recently celebrated our anniversary at one of the best Italian restaurants in Washington state — it was three times as expensive and ALMOST as good as Sotto.
Service was good — a nice change from Seattle where service is usually an afterthought.
Sotto is clearly very popular. We tried to make a last-minute reservation, but they were booked even on a Sunday. But we walked in and ate at the bar with no wait.
Sotto is the kind d of place that makes yousomewhat irrationally - look for an excuse to go to Cincinnati. Locals are lucky to have it.”
—Benjamin H.
No. 4: Pepp & Dolores 1501 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
“Stunning, gorgeous, delicious!!!! My first time in the great state of Ohio, and the food here really sealed the deal for me. So many vegetarian options, lovely ambiance, incredibly friendly staff, and obviously amazing food! I got the
Dunk (bread app) and the Pomodoro pasta. No notes-- I need to come back and eat both again, and then inhale everything else on the menu!” —Paayal J.
No. 3: The Eagle 1342 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
“The Eagle is one of my favorite restaurants in the city for fried chicken. The mac and cheese is phenomenal, and the spoonbread is always moist and delicious! The service there is always on point, the staff is always so nice and accommodating. The Eagle is one of those restaurants that’s always busy because of its popularity, but there’s never really ever a long wait. The place is pretty cozy and family friendly, so you’ll enjoy it whether you are dining alone, having a seat at the bar, or with a group of friends or family. They have daily drink specials, and my favorite is when they have Bulleit for $5. The sweet potato crock has just the right amount of sweetness, and the chicken speaks for itself. The grilled cheese is different, but in a good way. It has apple slices and apricot preserves on it and is the BOMB with an added piece of fried chicken breast on it. If you’re looking for some southern comfort, this is definitely worth trying.” —Tamieka G.
No. 2: The Davidson 501 Vine St., Downtown
“This was one of the best meals I’ve had anywhere. The Moroccan roasted eggplant is prepared tableside and is a unique, delicious dish that provided ample portions for our party of four.
The vodka rigatoni was perfect, with the sauce, sausage and peas all in excellent proportion to the pasta. The service was wonderful, and the drink menu offered a great variety.” -Ben M.
No. 1: Nolia 1405 Clay St., Over-the-Rhine
Always an amazing menu. Looking forward to the winter menu next time I am in town. Servers are always knowledgeable of the menu and ingredients. Chef always checks in and makes sure you are enjoying your meal.” -Jasmine H.
Maplewood Kitchen and Bar. Photo provided | Hailey Bollinger
Sotto. Photo provided | Hailey Bollinger
The Eagle. Photo provided | The Eagle
Pepp & Dolores. Photo provided | Hailey Bollinger
The Davidson. Photo provided | Aidan Mahoney
Nolia. Photo provided | Hailey Bollinger
FOOD & DRINK
NKY on Tap: Fantasy and folklore at Fabled Brew Works
BY JOE SCHUTZMAN
Joe Schutzman is a Newport firefighter who loves Northern Kentucky’s culture, sense of place — and beer. Come back each month for a new column on the latest brewery opening, Joe’s seasonal favorites and more. Find Joe’s previous columns and more on NKY dining at linknky. com
Iopened the door and was immediately enamored. A group of folks were gathered around a table. They were in the middle of a Dungeons and Dragons campaign. Across the room, there were five other friends playing a board game, and next to them, a family of four was playing Uno while the mom and dad enjoyed their beers. Before even savouring a single sip, I knew Fabled Brew Works was my kind of place.
The taproom was set up to resemble a medieval town square, the bar being the apothecary, evoking a Tolkienesque theme throughout the space. The ceiling was lit up like a mythical night sky and even had clouds hanging from the ceiling with occasional flashes of lightning running across them. And while the decor and theme were playful, the one thing clearly taken very seriously at Fabled was the craft of brewing.
Despite my unfortunate penchant for drinking the same style of beers on repeat, Fabled offered so many intriguing and original selections that it was delightfully impossible not to venture out of my thirst’s comfort zone.
The folks behind the bar were happy to help a newbie like me navigate their vast menu. They even used my personal preference in beer as a jumping-off point. “The traditional style beers start on the left side of the menu. I’d begin there,” said one of the staff members. “As you move right on the menu, we start adding stuff and things get weirder the further across the menu you go.” I was immediately hooked, on board and excited for the ride. Fabled had quite intentionally thrown down the gauntlet and bestowed an overt call-to-adventure to anyone entering the door.
And as anyone can tell you, when you’re at a brewery that’s new to you, the move is to always go with flights of beers. Courting as many different beers as you can responsibly do throughout an evening is often how you find that one special beer that becomes the love of your life. And as they say, when you fall in love, you simply want to tell the world (I knew I could find a way to mention Schneider Weisse in another article!).
Fabled does the basics super well. Its American lager, which it calls Paul Bunyan, was straightforward, crisp and simple. I was also thoroughly impressed with its Kolsch, “A Walk in the Woods” as well as its Czech dark lager, “Czech Ubetcha.” This might have been my personal favorite beer of the evening. It also offers the same beer as a version that has been aged on amburana oak spirals. I highly, highly recommend sampling both versions in succession to
fully appreciate the differences.
I also absolutely have to mention its Mexican lager “Unlitigated Sea Monster.” It had the loveliest touch of lime and is one of the most interesting Mexican lagers I’ve tried. It’s definitely a beer I need to experience with street tacos. And that is certainly an option, as Fabled allows patrons to bring their own food into the taproom. Fabled has also partnered with the mobile burger trailer, Gobblin’ Goblin, which is parked right out front of the entrance.
I can’t get over just how much I enjoyed sampling these different beers, but the real adventure began on my second flight. I had dipped my toes in the water, and now it was time to dive in head first. I tried some of its flavored beers, and one of the stand-outs was “Plum-p Up the Jam,” a sour ale with plums and vanilla. I also did a flight of meads, amongst which was its “Batman,” a mead with raspberry and blackberry, its “Robin” with strawberry and their “Bizarro Batman” with raspberries, blackberries, maple syrup and vanilla bean. And again, I highly recommend doing yourself a favor by sampling these together to really get the full enjoyment and appreciation of the nuances.
This was my first foray into meads, and I have to say, it’s something I will be returning to when I go back. First of all, it’s ridiculously fitting that this type of brewery would offer mead. Secondly, why aren’t more places doing this? It was an awesome experience.
Located somewhere between fantasy and adventure, Fabled Brew Works delivers all around, from its product to its ambiance to its hospitality. It’s everything I’m looking for in a good local brewery: killer beer and a place that is clearly community-oriented. Next time you’re looking for a fabulous casual evening with friends and family, don’t even think about it, just make a quest to Fabled Brew Works.
Fabled Brew Works in Erlanger. Photo provided | Fabled Brew Works on Facebook
Fabled Brew Works in Erlanger. Photo provided | Fabled Brew Works on Facebook
Four Greater Cincinnati chefs and one bar owner announced as semifinalists in 2026
James Beard Awards
BY KATHERINE BARRIER
Several Greater Cincinnati chefs, plus a local bar owner, have been named semifinalists in the 2026 James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards.
The Restaurant and Chef Awards is one of five recognition programs from the James Beard Foundation and one of the most prestigious culinary honors, celebrating excellence in everything from fine dining to casual eateries and emerging talents to established luminaries. Semifinalists in this program are recognized across 25 categories, including three recognizing bars and bar service professionals.
Chefs Sarah Dworak (Sudova, 22 W. Court St., Downtown), Hideki Harada (Kiki, 358 Ludlow Ave., Clifton) and Jeffrey Harris (Nolia, 1405 Clay St., Over-the-Rhine) are up for nomination in the category of Best Chef in the Great Lakes region, which covers Ohio and Indiana. And Chef David Willocks from Baker’s Table at 1004 Monmouth St. in Newport is up for nomination for Best Chef in the Southeast region, which includes Kentucky.
Chefs in these categories “set high standards in their culinary skills and leadership abilities” and are “making efforts to help create a sustainable work culture in their respective regions while contributing positively to their broader community.”
In the category for Outstanding Professionals in Cocktail Service, Mike Stankovich, who owns Longfellow (1233 Clay St., Over-theRhine), is also up for nomination. Stankovich made it to the nomination round in the Restaurant and Chef Awards in 2025.
“When we opened Nolia, we wanted to bring a specific piece of the South to Cincinnati — built on flavor, memory and hard work. To be recognized on this stage once again is a tribute to our entire team and every one of you who has sat at our table. New Orleans heart, Cincinnati soul. Let’s keep going,” Harris wrote in a Facebook post
“We are so proud to share that @vinolisa [Dworak] & Sudova are James Beard semifinal-
ists for 2026. Truly no words can express our gratitude and excitement,” Sudova shared
“We are thrilled to congratulate this year’s semifinalists as we mark another major milestone — 40 years of the James Beard Foundation,” Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation, said in a press release. “For four decades, the Foundation has recognized culinary excellence while championing the independent chefs and restaurants that are vital to our communities, economy and culture. It is an honor to celebrate the 2026 semifinalists, whose work reflects the incredible dynamism, talent and achievement defining our industry today.”
Nominees will be announced on Tuesday, March 31, and the winners will be celebrated at an awards ceremony on Monday, June 15, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Madisonville’s Bad Tom Smith Brewing closed
BY KATHERINE BARRIER
AMadisonville brewery closed at the end of January.
Bad Tom Smith Brewing announced on social media that it would close its location at 5900 Madison Road at midnight on Jan. 31.
“Thank you to all of our amazing customers for your continued support over the years here in Madisonville. We are truly grateful for the memories, friendships, and community we’ve built together,” the brewery shared.
Owners Fernando and Jacyln Cruz did not offer a reason for the closure. However, they
Just Q’in closed Walnut Hills restaurant
BY KATHERINE BARRIER
Cincinnati barbecue restaurant Just Q’in is closing one of its locations to consolidate operations.
Owner Matt Cuff shared the decision to close his Walnut Hills store on social media on Jan. 22.
Cuff says the plan is to move focus entirely to the restaurant’s second location in College Hill. The Walnut Hills location’s last day of business was Jan. 31.
“We’ve shifted our thinking from expansion to excellence. We want to give you the best experience [every] time and that’s now more possible with our team under one roof and our full attention on one place,” Cuff said in a Facebook post.
Cuff adds the College Hill location will now be open on Mondays, and there will be trivia nights, other programming and the re-
turn of pastrami on Fridays.
“We want to thank the Walnut Hills Community for the love over the last 10 years, but this isn’t the end. Come see what happens when we put all our energy into one place,” Cuff wrote.
Just Q’in started as a Texas-style barbecue food truck in 2009 before Cuff opened his first brick-and-mortar store in Newtown in 2011, which later closed.
The Walnut Hills location followed in 2016, and was even visited by President Joe Biden in January 2023 when he was in town for the Brent Spence Bridge funding announcement. Cuff opened the College Hill location at the beginning of 2024.
Just Q’in, 5903 Hamilton Ave., College Hill; 975 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills. More info: justqin.com.
say this isn’t the end for the brewery, writing, “Stay tuned we hope to continue the legacy of Bad Tom, and we will keep everyone updated as plans move forward for any future endeavors.”
Bad Tom Smith Brewing first opened under Sean Smith, Charles Boucher and Greg Brown in Linwood in 2013. The group sold the brewery in 2015 to John and Sheryl Vojtush, who moved the taproom into a historic former bank in Madisonville around early 2020. The Cruzes purchased the brewery’s brand in 2022.
Just Q’in. Photo provided | Just Q’in
Chef David Willocks from Baker’s Table is one of the semifinalists for Best Chef in the Southeast region. Photo provided | Baker’s Table
MUSIC
BCincinnati native and The National co-founder Bryce Dessner nominated for Academy Award
BY KATHERINE BARRIER
ryce Dessner, the Cincinnati-born Grammy Award-winning composer and musician and co-founder of indie rock band The National, has been nominated for an Academy Award.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the nominations for its 98th annual Oscars on Jan. 22. Dessner, along with Australian musician Nick Cave, was nominated for Best Original Song for “Train Dreams” in the Netflix period drama of the same name. Dessner composed the film’s score, as well.
“[Dessner’s] nomination underscores the global reach of artists shaped in this region and highlights Cincinnati’s influence on the international creative landscape,” Film Cincinnati said in a press release following the announcement, adding he’s become one of the most sought-after composers in contemporary music.
Train Dreams, directed by Clint Bentley and starring Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones, is based on a 2011 novella by Denis Johnson and follows the life of Robert Grainier (Edgerton) as he works the land in the early 20th century, helping build the country’s future. The story’s told against the backdrop of the Pacific North-
west, the landscape of which played a big role in the score’s creation, said Dessner.
“I wanted to explore all those sounds and the poetry of the filmmaking. Also, a lot of [the film] is silent; a lot of the film has very little dialogue. It’s very much immersed in the environment so that just the sweep of the forest, the sense of the earth were really important for me in the music,” Dessner said during an interview with Netflix
Train Dreams is the fourth film Dessner has worked on with the film’s director and co-writer Bentley and co-writer Greg Kwedar, having also co-composed the scores for Transpecos (2016) and Jockey (2021) with his brother and fellow The National founder, Aaron Dessner, as well as composed the score for Sing Sing (2023).
Other songs nominated for Best Original Song include “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters, “Dear Me” from Diane Warren: Relentless, “I Lied to You” from Sinners and “Sweet Dreams of Joy” from Viva Verdi!
The 2026 Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 15, and you can watch on ABC and Hulu. You can stream Train Dreams on Netflix now.
Bryce Dessner at the Berlin Film Festival in 2023. Photo provided | Harald Krichel via Wikimedia Commons
New renderings and details of Greater Cincinnati’s upcoming state-of-the-art music venue released
BY KATHERINE BARRIER
We’re getting a better look at the new music center being built in Greater Cincinnati.
On Jan. 21, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and its subsidiary, Music & Event Management, Inc., known as MEMI, released new renderings of the upcoming Farmer Music Center, a new, state-of-the-art music and entertainment venue currently being built on the former site of Coney Island.
The orchestra and MEMI also launched a new website and social media channels for the venue and released its official logos, as well as more details on the venue’s fan experiences and estimated economic impact.
MEMI says the music center’s design is a thoughtful reimagining of what a great concert night should be, with fans and stars at the center. Design elements include an innovative vertical design that offers better sightlines, cleaner sound and an intuitive layout.
The venue will be able to seat up to 20,000 guests, including 8,000 reserved seats and space for 12,000 people on the lawn. Fans can also experience the venue’s four premium club spaces or two levels of box suites, which offer exclusive amenities and extra comfort.
The Farmer Music Center will also have more
than 300,000 square feet of concourse and club space, with elevated food and beverage options available throughout the venue, including 25 full-service bars and concession stands, plus multiple grab-and-go kiosks.
“This is a meaningful step forward for the project and for the future of live music in Southwest Ohio,” Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra President and CEO Robert McGrath said in a press release. “These updates give the community its clearest view yet of what will be the most innovative venue design in the region, one built to put artists and audiences at the center of every performance, while strengthening our ongoing commitment to the region’s cultural and economic vitality.”
The venue is expected increase total live events in the area by 30%, boosting tourism and support to small businesses and generating more than $100 million in annual economic impact, says MEMI.
The Farmer Music Center will also create around $7 million in state tax revenue and $15 million in new city tax revenue over the next 10 years. And with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and MEMI’s unique funding model, net revenues will be reinvested into Cincinnati’s arts scene, helping fund the orchestra’s education programs, neighborhood concerts and orchestral programming.
“A venue like this does more than bring great music to Cincinnati — it creates real momentum for the city,” said Mike Smith, CEO of MEMI. “From hotel stays and restaurant traffic to seasonal jobs, the economic ripple effect reaches far beyond the gates.”
The Farmer Music Center will be located on the former Coney Island site, next to Riverbend Music Center along Kellogg Avenue in Cincinnati’s California neighborhood and Anderson Township, with a planned opening for spring 2027.
A rendering of the front of the new Farmer Music Center, planned to open in spring 2027. Rendering provided | MEMI
A rear view of The Farmer Music Center. Rendering provided | MEMI
