Cincinnati's culinary scene is about to experience another change as Senate, a popular hot dog restaurant, has announced it will be closing its doors at their Blue Ash location after this week. The gourmet hot dog establishment, which has been serving the community for more than a decade, broke the news on social media, stating their Blue Ash spot at Summit Park would shut down. While this closure might come as a disappointment for its loyal customers, the restaurant has not yet disclosed plans for relocation or if there is even one in the works.
Originating in Over-The-Rhine in 2010 and relocating to Blue Ash in 2017, Senate became a local favorite, drawing attention for its unique take on traditional hot dogs, poutine, and sandwiches. The OTR location, which closed its doors in 2021, even caught the eye of celebrity chef Guy Fieri and appeared on his Food Network show "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" as Local12 reports. As the Senate prepares to say goodbye to their suburban outpost, Blue Ash officials are already on the lookout for a new tenant to occupy the space, following a similar vacancy by Brown Dog Café, which recently closed as well.
Senate departure marks the end of an era for gourmet hot dog enthusiasts in Cincinnati's Summit Park. Reflecting on the partnership over the years, the City of Blue Ash took to social media to express their gratitude towards Senate: "After nearly ten years in Summit Park, it's time for us to move on," shared the restaurant in their Instagram post, which was echoed by the city, which thanked them for the years of collaboration, according to WLWT reports.
Those still craving Senate's distinct hot dog flavors can find solace at Holiday Spirits Liquor Bar in OTR, where several of Senate's staple hot dogs remain available. In tandem with looking for a new occupant for the Senate's soon-to-be former location, the City of Blue Ash has indicated that it will soon announce a new tenant for the former space of the Brown Dog Café, suggesting that there are successive culinary ventures on the horizon for the local diners and foodies.
