Visiting downtown or just looking to better appreciate what it has to offer? Get to know this area of Cincinnati by browsing its most popular local businesses, from a breakfast and brunch diner to a Mexican eatery and more.
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit downtown, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results.
1. Maplewood Kitchen And Bar
Topping the list is New American spot Maplewood Kitchen and Bar. Located at 525 Race St., it's the most popular business in the neighborhood, boasting 4.5 stars out of 1,068 reviews on Yelp.
It serves many brunch and breakfast items, but also serves dinner. The menu consists of breakfast classics, sandwiches, salads, bowls, appetizers, pressed juices and cocktails.
Try the bistro steak and eggs plate for brunch, made with cage free eggs, bistro steak, chimichurri sauce, hash browns and a side of grain toast. Or go for a mixture of dinner and breakfast with the chicken hash entree, made with rotisserie chicken, goetta, hash browns, onion, bell pepper, pioppini mushroom, jalapeño, corn and two cage eggs. (Explore the full menu here.)
Taylor R., who reviewed it on Dec. 22, wrote, "Trendy, but casual atmosphere. The drinks are a great price for what you get—I had the classic Bloody Mary—and are huge and delicious! The food is fresh, tasty and plated beautifully! The staff was very attentive and kind."
2. Sotto
Next up is Italian spot Sotto, situated at 118 E. Sixth St. With 4.5 stars out of 866 reviews on Yelp, it's proven to be a local favorite.
It serves lunch, dinner and dessert and offers a diverse list of wine and cocktails. The selection consists of many Italian dishes that feature pasta, seafood and more. Look for entrees such as the salmon with farro, roasted beets and goat cheese. There’s also cavatelli con rapini, a pasta dish with sausage, brodo and Parmigiano. (Explore the entire menu here.)
Yelper Stephanie M., who reviewed it on Dec. 26, said, "While I've dined at Sotto numerous times, each dining experience offers something different and delicious. Whether you're dining at a table or at the bar, you receive the same hospitable and generous service!"
3. Boca
Italian, French and gluten-free spot Boca is another top choice. Yelpers give the business, located at 114 E. Sixth St., 4.5 stars out of 366 reviews. Guests can expect a constant, rotating menu of small bites, surf and turf, main plates, desserts, wines and cocktails.
The menu, created by chef and owner David Falk, highlights vegetarian and gluten-free food. The selection is varied, ranging from butternut squash mezzaluna with amaretti, brown butter, sage and ricotta to the 14-day dry-aged Rohan duck that consists of rutabaga puree, matsutake mushroom and natural jus. (See the menu here.)
Keith M. said, "Boca is another gem in the downtown dining scene. My wife and I went for our anniversary, and we really appreciated the understated ambiance. Service was excellent."
4. Nada
Nada, a Mexican spot that offers brunch, is another high-traffic neighborhood go-to, with four stars out of 1,094 Yelp reviews. Head over to 600 Walnut St. to see for yourself.
Nada serves a menu of Mexican food for brunch, lunch, dinner and dessert. Grab a sparkling blood orange drink with rosé cava, lillet blanc and blood orange for brunch. Add a plate of chorizo and egg enchiladas, which has chorizo, egg, scallions, cheese, flour tortillas and salsa to go with it. Or enjoy some Sir Winston’s Pot Roast tacos, made of braised short rib, whipped potatoes, crispy onion, horseradish and shishito mushrooms. (You can look at its menu here.)
Slava A., who visited on Dec. 31, wrote, "Located in the heart of downtown. Plenty of street parking nearby. It has a very good vibe, energy and atmosphere. Two floors that have tons of seating. The staff is very friendly and attentive. Their drinks are spot on and have a lot of flavor."
5. Cheapside
Finally, there's Cheapside, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 324 reviews on Yelp. You can find the cafe, which offers coffee, tea, sandwiches and more, at 326 E. Eighth St.
Cheapside offers a selection of breakfast, salads, sandwiches, coffee, tea and other drinks. Keep it light with the Granny Smith salad, made of radicchio, green apples, golden raisins, pecans and a creamy cider vinaigrette. Or sample one their signature sandwiches, such as the curried chicken salad, made of avocado, green apple and roasted chickpeas on a baguette. (You can find its menu by clicking here.)
Kimi K. said, "Gosh, this place was so good. I can't say enough about how well placed the ingredients were. I got a salad that had the best mix of salty and sweet. I'll be back."
