Want to find out about the freshest spots in Over-the-Rhine? From bagels to Turkish coffee, read on for the newest spots to open in this Cincinnati neighborhood.
The Bagelry
1401 Walnut St.
First up, The Bagelry is a new spot to score bagels and sandwiches. Formerly known as OTR Bagelry when it was offering its hand-rolled and kettle-boiled bagels at farmers markets and pop-ups, the family-run shop now has a brick-and-mortar storefront.
Bagels in flavors from pumpernickel to asiago are smeared with cream cheese (bacon scallion, jalapeño garlic, among others) or spreads (vegan herb cashew cheese, peanut butter). They can also be made into sandwiches, like one with ham, green apples, beer cheese and honey mustard.
With a 4.5-star Yelp rating out of 10 reviews, The Bagelry has been getting positive attention.
Yelper Catherine G., who reviewed it on Oct. 10, wrote, "They have a huge variety of bagels that varies often, but always expect the classics. You can tell the bagels are homemade and authentic."
Yelper Thomas S. wrote, "They have clearly perfected their craft after years on the road, and now have this great brick-and-mortar location. The bagels are made correctly (tall, round, coated on both sides with the right amount of salt). I got the breakfast sandwich, which was toasted nicely and very flavorful."
The Bagelry is open from 7 a.m.–2 p.m. daily.
Zundo Ramen and Donburi
220 W. 12th St.
Next, Zundo Ramen And Donburi is a new Japanese eatery in the neighborhood.
The name says it all: chose from four types of ramen (tonkotsu, miso, spicy miso and veggie) or a longer list of rice bowls, stewed chicken with egg and green onion, for example, or Japanese curry.
In addition, there are appetizers like gyoza, broiled pork sausage and deep-fried oysters.
There's also a full bar, and it's open late on weekends.
Zundo Ramen and Donburi is off to a strong start with a current Yelp rating of four stars out of 40 reviews.
Yelper Mark A., who reviewed it on Oct. 10, wrote, "I'm pretty much a curry fiend, and Japanese curry is hard to find here. It's spicy but not very hot, like Indian curry can be, and with carrots and potato added, it's the sort of homey, comforting food I love."
Magda C. noted, "The menu of sake itself is impressive and very educational. They did a fantastic job explaining the options."
Zundo Ramen and Donburi is open from 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5–9:30 p.m. on Tuesday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.–2:30 a.m. on Friday, noon–2:30 a.m. on Saturday, and noon–9:30 p.m. on Sunday. (It's closed on Monday.)
Rüya Coffee
1805 Elm St.
Finally, Rüya Coffee is a pop-up coffeehouse specializing in Turkish coffee across from the Findlay Market.
Turkish coffee refers not to the source of the bean, but rather to the manner of brewing. Finely ground coffee is briefly boiled in a long-handled copper called an ibrik. The coffee is immediately poured into a small cup, resulting in a thick, unfiltered, textured brew. There's also regular American-style coffee, as well as black, mint and apple teas, plus a handful of sweet pastries to eat.
With a five-star Yelp rating out of four reviews on Yelp, Rüya Coffee has been getting positive attention.
Lauren Y. noted, "The Turkish coffee drink was so nice with the pastries provided. My favorite was the mosaic cake. I'll definitely be back for that."
Yelper Rebecca S. wrote, "Coffee was great — lots of cushions and couches and fluffy rugs. It's definitely a place to sit and chat and relax."
Rüya Coffee is open from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. on Friday-Sunday. (It's closed Monday-Thursday.)
