Things To Do

Losanti

Losanti is our go-to spot—the place we return to again and again, where everyone knows our name and makes us feel right at home. We love it for consistently great food, thoughtful service, and an excellent cocktail. If you’re looking for a place that feels welcoming, elevated, and reliably delicious, this is it.

Cantina

Crown Cantina is one of our favorite Mexican spots in the city. The space feels transportive like stepping into a relaxed, stylish corner of Tulum making it just as memorable as the food and cocktails. Owned by the same team behind Losanti, this restaurant is part of a group we frequent often. While we love all of their spots, Crown Cantina and Losanti are our top favorites. If you’re looking for great flavors, beautiful atmosphere, and a place that feels like a little escape, this is a must-visit.

Coppin's Restaurant & Bar

Coppin’s Restaurant & Bar is one of our favorite spots for brunch or a late-night drink. Tucked inside a beautifully designed hotel, it offers great food, a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, and an inviting bar that’s perfect for lingering. The space is so stunning that it was a strong contender for our wedding venue—a true testament to its warmth and beauty. If you’re looking for a stylish stop with great drinks and an elegant setting, Coppin’s is well worth a visit.

Maplewood Kitchen and Bar

Maplewood Kitchen and Bar offers casual, California-style dining and is a great go-to for a healthy brunch and a strong cup of coffee. The atmosphere is relaxed and bright—perfect for an easy morning or mid-day stop while you’re exploring the city. Parking in the area can be limited, so we recommend walking or taking an Uber to make the visit easy and stress-free.

Pendleton Parlor: Ice Cream & Cookie Dough

Pendleton Parlor is one of our favorite downtown stops for a sweet treat—especially during the summer heat. Whether you’re craving ice cream, cookie dough, or both, it’s the perfect place to cool off while exploring the city. Located in the historic Pendleton District, this neighborhood has long been an important hub for Cincinnati’s arts community. Once an industrial area, Pendleton has evolved into a creative enclave known for its galleries, artist studios, and beautifully preserved architecture. Today, it remains a place where art, culture, and community intersect—making a stop here both delicious and meaningful.

Findlay Market

Findlay Market is the heart of Cincinnati’s historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood and the city’s oldest continuously operated public market. For generations, it has been a vital gathering place—especially for Cincinnati’s Black community—serving as a hub for entrepreneurship, culture, and connection. Today, the market remains lively and welcoming, with longtime vendors inside and a rotating selection of vendors outside. It’s a great spot for quick bites, fresh foods, and soaking in the energy of the city. Whether you’re stopping by for a snack, lunch, or just to explore, Findlay Market offers a true taste of Cincinnati’s history and community spirit.

The Banks

The Banks is a lively riverfront area with a stretch of bars, restaurants, and public spaces connecting downtown Cincinnati to the Ohio River. Located between the city’s two professional sports venues, it’s a natural gathering place and an easy stop if you’re spending time downtown. If you’re in town on Saturday, June 20, The Banks will also be home to the annual Paloozanoire Juneteenth Block Party 2026. The event brings together live entertainment, dancing, local DJs, food, Black-owned vendors, and family-friendly activities, offering a meaningful way to experience the city’s culture and community while you’re here.

Queen City Radio

Queen City Radio holds a very special place in our hearts—it’s where we met during Pride in 2019. What started as a moment became the beginning of our forever. If you find yourself nearby, stop in, grab a drink, and raise a glass in honor of this meaningful place and the love story that began there.

Revel OTR Urban Winery

Revel OTR Urban Winery holds a special place in our story—it was one of our favorite meetup spots during our pre-dating and early dating days. It’s a relaxed bar setting with a great atmosphere, perfect for an easy drink and conversation. During Juneteenth weekend, this area will be especially lively, with plenty of activity happening nearby. If you’re looking for a casual stop with meaning to our story, Revel is a great place to visit.

Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge

Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge is a Thursday night classic for us—but Fridays and Saturdays bring their own energy, too. This Black-owned spot delivers a truly grown and sexy vibe with live jazz or a DJ (depending on the night), a great cocktails, and an atmosphere that feels both intimate and elevated. If you’re looking for a place to unwind, dress up a little, and enjoy good music and drinks, Nostalgia is absolutely worth the stop.

Ghost Baby

Ghost Baby is one of our favorite spots for a great cocktail and a romantic, moody vibe; perfect for dressing up and enjoying a nightcap after a day of exploring downtown. More than 150 years ago, Cincinnati breweries used underground lagering tunnels to cool and age their beer. Ghost Baby now lives four stories beneath Vine Street in tunnels once used by a local brewing company that ceased production in the 1850s. Long left vacant, the space is now wrapped in mystery, with stories of unexplained sounds and a legend that inspired its name. A truly unique experience rooted in history, atmosphere, and exceptional cocktails.

Prim

Prim is a newer, intimate bar from the owners of Ghost Baby, and it carries the same attention to detail and atmosphere. The space is small, moody, and beautifully designed—perfect for a quiet drink and conversation. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. If you’re looking for something refined, intimate, and thoughtfully curated, Prim is well worth the stop.

Cincinnati's Public Art

Cincinnati is home to an incredible collection of public art woven throughout downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. From large-scale murals to monuments and installations, these works tell stories about the city’s history, culture, and people. In 2023, Asha had the opportunity to work with ArtWorks Cincinnati on a public art and monument audit; an initiative that documented and tracked many of Cincinnati’s existing public works of art and monuments across the city. ArtWorks is known for supporting artists, employing youth, and shaping much of the public art you’ll encounter as you explore downtown. We’ve included a link to the interactive map of all audited public works of art for those who want to explore more intentionally. You can use it as a guide—or simply keep your eyes peeled as you move through downtown Cincinnati and discover the many beautiful works along the way.

ROMAC’s Artpreneur Pop-up Shop

ROMAC’s Artpreneur Pop-up Shop is a must-visit while you’re in town. This vibrant retail space showcases merchandise and artwork by local artists and vendors, with a strong emphasis on uplifting Black creatives from Cincinnati and the surrounding region. The shop is part of ROMAC’s Artpreneur program, where teens and young adults ages 13–20 gain hands-on experience running a retail business—from selling products and providing customer service to managing social media, inventory, and budgets. The space also hosts monthly programs spotlighting local visual and performing artists, making it both a shop and a community hub. If you’re looking to collect a meaningful piece from Cincinnati artists or support the next generation of Black creatives while you’re here, this is the place to do it.

Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame

Contemporary Arts Center (CAC)