Things To Do
Brown Bear Bakery
The perfect spot for a morning coffee + a quick pastry to start your day. This is always a first stop, when back in town. In college, this was Ava's weekly tradition with friends, and has even become a spot we pick up treats from on Christmas Eve morning as a family. Ava's rec: Everything But The Bagel Croissant.
Taste of Belgium - The Banks
On our 3rd date, back in 2017, we came to this exact location for dinner and an evening stroll around Smale Park. We finished the night sitting on the riverside swings and even watched a proposal (was that a foreshadowing for us being here today?)! Whether or not you follow the same routine, ToB is a great spot anytime of day -- brunch, dinner or anything in between. They're known for their Chicken & Waffles but their brunch burger is also a great treat.
Pepp & Dolores
If you're looking for a good Italian meal this weekend, Pepp & Dolores is by far our favorite. The food will make you feel like you took a quick trip to Italy. Reservations are almost always needed, but you can always grab a seat at the bar and still order from the menu. Everything on the menu is incredible, but our favorite pastas are the Limone, topped with their homemade ricotta, and the Spicy Vodka. We recommend finishing your dinner with an espresso martini to go with the post-dinner cookies they serve. This restaurant holds a special place in our story as we celebrated our engagement here with friends the day after Michael proposed.
Skyline Chili
A Cincinnati classic! If you haven't tried Skyline before, it's worth checking off your bucket list. We recommend getting a kid's 3-way (the classic pasta and chili combo) and a Cheese coney (Chili Dog) for the full cincy experience. There are locations all over town, this is the closest one downtown.
12th Street Pilates
For the girls looking to get a little pilates workout in while in town, 12th Street Pilates is the place!