Cincinnati Magazine - November 2025 Edition

DAVID PEPPER’S NOVEL PIVOT BY

JASON GARGANO

A BISTRO WITH FLOWER POWER BY M. LEIGH HOOD

HOW TO OUTWIT THE REAL ESTATE MARKET

HUNTING

Splurge vs. Save: Skincare Edition

Using high-quality skincare products is the foundation of healthy, beautiful skin. However, it’s no secret that skincare can also be expensive. Boardcertified dermatologist Dr. Alexandra Bowles breaks down what categories of skincare products you should spend a little extra on, and which products you can swap for a more affordable option without compromising on great results.

Scan the QR code to shop Dr. Alexandra Bowles’ product picks featured in this article!

Cleanser • SAVE

A good cleanser doesn't need to break the bank. “Whether you're spending $12 or $120, the primary job is the same— remove dirt, oil, and makeup without causing irritation or stripping your skin's natural barrier,” explains Dr. Bowles. The key is finding a gentle formula that works for your skin type.

Dr. Bowles’ Picks:

• CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser ($17.99)

•Avène Cleanance Cleanser ($26)

Growth Factor • SPLURGE

If you want to add a growth factor into your routine, this is not an area where you want to try to save. “Growth factors are complex proteins that require sophisticated formulation and clinical testing,” she explains. “The difference between a $30 and $150 growth factor serum is significant in terms of potency, stability, and results.” If you can’t splurge on a high-quality growth factor, it may be best to invest in other core parts of your routine, such as an antioxidant. Growth factors help stimulate cellular renewal and collagen production, making them particularly valuable for anti-aging. Look for products from established medical-grade brands that invest in research and development. These serums may cost more upfront, but the concentrated formulations mean you'll use less product and see better results over time.

Dr. Bowles’ Picks:

SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum ($295)

Antioxidant or Vitamin C • SPLURGE

Vitamin C is notoriously unstable and difficult to formulate effectively. “A cheap vitamin C serum might oxidize quickly and become ineffective, or worse, irritating to your skin,” notes Dr. Bowles. Quality vitamin C or antioxidant products use stabilized forms of vitamins and protective packaging to maintain potency.

Look for serums in dark glass bottles, and check the ingredient list for L-ascorbic acid or stable derivatives like magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. While drugstore vitamin C products exist, investing in a well-formulated

antioxidant serum will give you better protection against environmental damage and more visible results.

Dr. Bowles’ Picks:

•SkinMedica Lumivive System ($268)

•SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic ($185)

Retinol • SAVE

Here's where you can be strategic with your spending. “Over-the-counter retinol products have come a long way and can be very effective,” says Dr. Bowles. “In addition, prescription retinoids can often be covered by insurance and, as a result, will have a very low copay at the pharmacy.”

When choosing a retinol, the key is understanding concentration and formulation. A good-quality retinol will have a concentration shown on the label, such as 0.25 or 0.5. If you’re interested in a prescription-strength tretinoin, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist.

Dr. Bowles’ Picks:

SkinMedica Retinol Complex ($64–$96)

•Prescription Tretinoin (Ranges based on insurance coverage)

Hyaluronic Acid • SPLURGE

While hyaluronic acid might seem like a simple ingredient, the molecular weight and formulation make all the difference. “High-quality hyaluronic acid serums use multiple molecular weights to penetrate different layers of the skin and multiple types of HA for better results,” explains Dr. Bowles. “Cheaper versions often use only one type of HA or high molecular weight HA that sits on the surface.” Look for serums that have been clinically studied and proven to achieve the intended results.

Dr. Bowles’ Picks:

SkinMedica HA5 HydraCollagen Replenish + Restore Hydrator ($192)

Moisturizer • SAVE

Good moisturizing doesn't require luxury pricing. “The basic function of a moisturizer is to hydrate and protect your skin barrier,” notes Dr. Bowles. “Many affordable options do this just as effectively as expensive ones.” If you love your splurge moisturizer, there’s no reason to switch, but this is a great area

to save if needed.

Focus on finding a moisturizer with high-quality ingredients: ceramides, niacinamide, and glycerin are beneficial ingredients that appear in both drugstore and high-end products.

Dr. Bowles’ Picks:

• CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion - PM ($19.99)

• Avène Tolerance Control Cream ($38)

Sunscreen • IT DEPENDS!

This category requires the most nuanced approach. “The best sunscreen is the one you'll actually use every day,” emphasizes Dr. Bowles. “But there are some important distinctions to consider.”

For daily facial sunscreen, investing in a higher-quality product often pays off but is not necessarily required. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are the best choice for sun protection, but budget brands can sometimes leave a white cast. You may wish to splurge on a formulation that blends better. If you are comfortable with a lighter coverage makeup, you could also consider finding a tinted SPF that you can use as your foundation (getting two products in one for greater savings!) If you’re considering sunscreens that aren’t mineral-based, make sure your choice has broad-spectrum coverage (UVA & UVB) and an SPF of at least 30.

Dr. Bowles’ Picks:

• Splurge Option: Colorescience Face Shield Flex ($58) or No Show ($48)

• Mid-Range: EltaMD UV Clear, NonTinted ($44) or Tinted ($46)

• Save Option: CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 ($19.99)

The Bottom Line

Building an effective skincare routine doesn't mean you need to splurge on every product. By being strategic about where you invest your money, you can create a regimen that delivers results without breaking the budget. Remember, consistency matters more than cost—the best skincare routine is one you'll actually stick with.

Not sure where to start with your skincare routine? Schedule a consultation with Mona Dermatology to discuss which products and treatments are right for your specific skin concerns.

P. 34 HOUSE HUNTING

We look at why the market is so challenging and what you can do to increase your chances in these choppy waters. Plus, meet the neighbors: folks who’ve found nontraditional paths to their own front doors.

READ THE ROOM P. 46

These five public places offer spaces for thinking, reading, writing, and dreaming, surrounded by fellow creatives. You supply the ideas.

BY KELLY BLEWETT

DAVID PEPPER’S NOVEL PIVOT P. 50

The former elected official and party leader changed careers to become a full-time writer. He may have more political influence now.

BY JASON GARGANO

Our lavish four-night dinner series returns to celebrate the bounty of fall. Be sure to #savorthedate for this November 4–7 | 6–9:30 p.m.

ANDERSON PAVILION

14 / CONTRIBUTORS

14 / LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

FRONTLINES

17 / DISPATCH

How local libraries and museums are surviving budget cuts

18 / SPEAK EASY

New Xavier basketball coach Richard Pitino

18 / SKATE

The ice rink’s relocation to Elm Street Plaza

20 / HIGH PROFILE

Gabonese dancer Basko

Djonze has gone viral 22 / FIELD GUIDE

Young entrepreneurs are building businesses

23 / ESSAYS

The culture of comfort, from Copenhagen to the Queen City

24 / REAL ESTATE

A Prohibition-era Italianate in Mt. Auburn

26 / DR. KNOW

Your QC questions answered

COLUMNS

28 / WELCOME TO MIDDLEHOOD

The adults are always listening BY

JUDI KETTELER

88 / CINCY OBSCURA

Constructing Kings Island’s Flight of Fear BY CLAIRE LEFTON

DINE

72 / MAIN REVIEW

Pennyflower Bistro & Bar, downtown

74 / HOT PLATE

OTR’s signature brewpub, Mellotone Beer Project

74 / TABLESIDE

Taking a food tour through Cincinnati with Barb Cooper

76 / HEAD TO HEAD

Comparing local turkey farms—gobble, gobble!

78 / DINING GUIDE

Greater Cincinnati restaurants: A selective list

Extra servings of our outstanding dining coverage.

Decoding our civic DNA, from history to politics to personalities.

Tracking what’s new in local real estate, artisans, and storefronts.

Insight and analysis on the Bengals and FC Cincinnati.

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LLET’S TALK ABOUT THE FOUR STAGES OF HOMEOWNERSHIP. THEY’RE NOT QUITE as well-known as the five stages of grief, though buying and owning a house can involve denial, anger, and bargaining for many people. Here are my home stages: Get in, expand, contract, get out. I’m on the precipice of stage three. We bought a starter home in our first year of marriage for $110,000. It was a perfect introduction to the joys and tribulations of owning a house: filling it with stuff and memories, turning a small bedroom into a nursery, replacing the back deck and building a retaining wall. When my wife was pregnant with our second child, we bought a bigger house and took on that accompanying next-level worry: Can we could really afford the mortgage and property taxes? Is the school system right for us? How will we navigate the need for contractors and specialists to fix problems instead of doing repairs ourselves?

And now, with both kids off on their own, we see stage three on the horizon: downsizing. We haven’t decided yet if we’ll contract into a smaller house/condo or if we’ll skip straight to stage four and get out entirely. I’ve been getting served a ton of mobile home and van life ads after I googled “Winnebago.” To be determined. No homeowner navigates the stages the same way as anyone else. Some, like my mom, stick in stage two and never move out of the five-bedroom family home even though they should have downsized and made life easier on themselves. Some Boomers, like me so far, cling to their 2.5 percent mortgages and kick stages three and four down the lane.

The reality is that stage four is coming for all of us one day, whether it’s by choice, by necessity, or by death. What’s up for debate is whether stage one is within reach for younger generations in 2025. This month’s “On the Hook” (page 34) offers really smart strategies and tips for navigating the complicated, expensive process of buying and selling houses—while keeping your grief to a minimum. Happy house hunting!

JOHN FOX EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

CONTRIBUTORS

As former sports editor for The Cincinnati Enquirer covering Xavier and UC basketball, Michael Perry is no stranger to Musketeer sports. In his conversation with new men’s basketball coach Richard Pitino (page 18), the two juggle talk of sports strategy with more personal moments. “I have always found sports to have great drama, tremendous personalities, and incredible stories just waiting to be told,” he says.

JASON GARGANO

Freelance writer Jason Gargano explored former local politician David Pepper’s journey into fiction writing for “David Pepper’s Novel Pivot” (page 50). As someone who enjoys political commentary, current events, and research, exploring Pepper’s transition from politics to paperbacks was exciting for Gargano, who has read six of the author’s eight total books. His favorite? Pepper’s first: The People’s House

JON MEDINA

Jon Medina, a “born and fed” Cincinnati native, loves photographing food—he says he won’t stop until he’s taken photoshoots with every restaurant and bar in the Queen City, including downtown’s Pennyflower Bistro & Bar (“Flower Power,” page 75). “I feel every neighborhood is super vibrant, super different, and super unique. [Downtown] is so special because it kind of brings everyone together,” he says.

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Greater Cincinnat i

WHO PAYS FOR CULTURE?

In the face of massive funding cuts, cultural institutions in Cincinnati are sounding the alarm—and the community is answering the call.

PIEPER BUCKLEY

FEDERAL AND STATE BUDGET CUTS ARE PUTTING A NEW KIND OF pressure on Cincinnati’s museums and libraries. Legislation changes are damming up streams of revenue for artistic and educational institutions, throttling access to crucial resources. “It has been one of the most challenging state budget years,” says Paula Brehm-Heeger, director of the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library (CHPL). “I’m sure we would not be the only organization receiving state funding that would report that to you.”

When the first drafts of Ohio’s state budget were released this year, public libraries were among the first to speak out against the changes. Half of the CHPL’s funding—$48.5 million in 2024 alone—comes from the state’s Public Library Fund (PLF).

Previously, the PLF was funded by a certain percentage of the state’s general revenue. Now, the funding is a line item in the budget, meaning the amount won’t change even as Ohio sees economic growth. The new budget also splits PLF funds among other non-library entities, distributing millions in carve-outs for organizations like the Ohioana Book Festival

and OPLIN, which provides WiFi to libraries and public access to databases, according to Brehm-Heeger.

Earlier state budget proposals were even harsher. At one point, the library stood to lose nearly $14.5 million in funding. Brehm-Heeger says that’s when Hamilton County residents stepped up to contact lawmakers and push for change. “Our Hamilton County residents really love their library, and they want to express how much they appreciate the services we provide,” she says. “When those early propositions came out that would have catastrophically impacted us, people called and really responded.”

Hefner says the CAC was forced to scale back free programming and initiatives for teens like art fellowships and paid positions, despite an increase in the number of teens the organization serves. CAC leaders scrambled to find relief.

Invisible Services

Federal agencies like the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) are also facing severe cuts or complete termination. These agencies have funded projects at the library, the zoo, the Cincinnati Museum Center, and art museums across the city.

In August, CHPL helped more than 4,000 send faxes to Hamilton County Job and Family Services to access critical resources.

To make up for the loss, local organizations and private donors worked to raise more than $94,000 for the program. “We’re doing our best to make sure folks have a better understanding of what we do and the importance of contemporary art,” says Hefner. In April, CAC announced a new $12 entrance fee after nearly 10 years of free admission. Hefner says the federal cuts have exacerbated the museum’s longterm concerns about sustainable funding.

REMAKING THE MUSKETEERS

Richard Pitino

The Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) lost a $173,855 federal grant earlier this year, according to Carolyn Hefner, chief of external affairs. With one letter from the IMLS, nearly a third of CAC’s teen programming budget was gone.

“A lot of these programs are built to be a safe third space for teens,” Hefner says. “The teen programs allow for a space to come together, have community, and work through the things that are happening that a lot of us, even as adults, don’t have answers for yet.”

Shortly after the IMLS loss, a letter from the NEA put a new kind of pressure on CAC. The agency said the museum’s exhibits “no longer align with the priorities of the current administration.” Hefner says $20,000 to $30,000 of annual exhibit funding is now in jeopardy. “Our intent is to always allow our artists to have a platform to explore what’s happening around us,” she says. “There’s definitely a bit of uncertainty, but hopefully the community can continue to come together to help support those gaps.”

Across our local libraries, art galleries, and museums, the challenge remains the same: Can these organizations find the funds to preserve access to spaces that enrich and unite our city? And what would we do without them?

ICE ON ELM

After 20 years at Fountain Square, the UC Health Ice Rink moves to Elm Street Plaza, adjacent to the Duke Energy Convention Center. The new space also features rentable heated igloos, open-air pergolas, and a warming tent. elmstreetplazacincy.com/ice-rink

became the 21st men’s basketball coach in Xavier University history in March, replacing Sean Miller, who left for Texas. Pitino comes to the Musketeers after four seasons as head coach at New Mexico, eight at Minnesota, and one at Florida International. His teams are 247–186 and have been to four NCAA Tournaments and two National Invitation Tournaments.

What interested you in Xavier? I [was interested] in maybe something a little closer to the east because my family are all in New York, Boston, Florida. There is an infrastructure in place [at Xavier] that I believed could help me compete, get into the NCAA Tournament, compete for championships, and when I met with [Vice President for Institutional Strategy and Director of Athletics] Greg [Christopher], it just felt right.

You have 12 scholarship players who have never played a minute at Xavier, and because of graduations and transfers you had to essentially build an entire roster from scratch (one player returned who redshirted and practiced last year but didn’t play). What

should fans expect this season? Honestly, I have no idea. You do your very best to try to create as much adversity as you possibly can throughout the course of practices and the weight room and so on, but it all changes once the season starts. It’s very hard to simulate playing at UConn, at Villanova, at Iowa [November 14] in the nonconference, the Crosstown Shootout [December 5], and all those things. You really don’t know until you go through the war together, so we’ll see.

What would fans be surprised to learn about you? I think the natural thing is always the obsession with me and my dad [Rick Pitino, known for head coaching roles at Kentucky, Louisville, and the Boston Celtics, who currently coaches in the Big East at St. John’s]. I would say we’re very, very different because we’re 30 years apart. [Laughs.] The thing people will get to know is that I’ve got a pretty good sense of humor. Whether it’s in practice or even in games and press conferences, I’ve got a pretty good ability to subtly throw in some fun one-liners.

—MICHAEL PERRY

READ A LONGER INTERVIEW WITH RICHARD AT CINCINNATIMAGAZINE. COM.

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GABONESE GROOVE

Gabon native Basko Djonze has gone viral for sharing his culture through dance.

—ELLA RINEHARD

BEFORE GOING VIRAL ON

TikTok for his performances as a traditional Gabonese warrior, street dancer Basko Djonze was a boy in Gabon, dancing in the rain to the beat of the drums. A former French colony that gained independence in 1960, Gabon is a diverse nation in Central Africa, where dancing is more than an art form—it is a way for Djonze and others to stay rooted to their ancestry.

Like other African countries, Gabon experienced a century-plus of colonial rule that suppressed traditional customs. But as Djonze grew, so did his love for dance, leading him to pursue it professionally. He realized his mission: to travel, learn from other cultures, and teach others about Gabon. To achieve this, he dances. “Dancing is a universal language,” he says. “I don’t have to speak English. I just have to dance.”

His travels led him across Africa and Europe, and when Djonze sought to learn about American hiphop, he came to Cincinnati. His search brought him to street dancer Julius Jenkins in 2015, who invited Djonze to perform with his street dance crew, the Millennium Robots.

When Jenkins founded Heroes Rise Street Dance Academy five years later— the first dance studio in Cincinnati to bring street

dance into an educational studio setting—he had Djonze join as cofounder and as an instructor.

In the studio, Djonze teaches students not just the dance movements, but the historical significance behind them.

“Once I met Basko, I realized that at first, I was only operating under the American street style banners. Because there’s almost no representation for authentic street dances in the education spaces,” says Jenkins.

While teaching, Djonze sought to expand his influence and started posting on TikTok in 2021, creating dances and tutorials on traditional Gabonese dance and street dance. Today, his platform has more 1.6 million followers and 10 million likes.

In most of his clips, Djonze wears the traditional outfit of a Gabonese warrior, consisting of many intricate elements that symbolize his native country. “When I have the traditional clothes, it’s like I represent more than the value; I represent people. I represent life. I represent warriors. I represent something that is beyond,” says Djonze.

“I am my ancestors’ greatest dream,” he says. “I am an incarnation of change that I want to see.”

BOSS BABY

YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS ARE HANDMAKING GOODS AND RUNNING THEIR OWN BUSINESSES IN CINCINNATI.

—VICTORIA DONAHOE

Cincinnati’s “shop small” culture and the vibrance of local, independently owned brands is impacting the next generation of entrepreneurs. Kids as young as 8 are following their dreams and learning the ins and outs of running their own businesses. Check out the apparel, jewelry, and self-care products on the market from some of the area’s youngest minds.

1. COOL BEANZ

At 11 years old, Jordan Friend started Cool Beanz apparel, inspired by his love of the catchphrase “cool beans.”

Drawing and designing the Cool Beanz character himself—a cartoonish green bean sporting stylish sunglasses and a variety of accessories and outfits—Friend has refined his “bean craft,” printing his designs on shirts, hoodies, and other apparel. New product ideas begin with a sketchpad and pen. After the initial drawing, he takes the design to a digital art software, where it is refined by a designer and formatted for the Shopify system, then sent to the manufacturer.

Cool Beanz apparel can be purchased through the brand’s website and shipped directly to customers’

doorsteps. For every order placed, Cool Beanz donates one pound of beans to Friend’s temple’s annual Yom Kippur Food Drive to fight hunger. “I love that I took an idea of mine for a company that sells Cool Beanz shirts, and now I see people all over wearing my idea and talking about it. It’s amazing,” says Friend, now in eighth grade at Sycamore Junior High School. When Friend grows up, he dreams of a career in business, law, or medicine. coolbeanz.shop

2.

BEAUTY IS ME

Since she was 6 years old, Katelynn Parker has known she wanted to create something that makes others feel beautiful and cared for. In April 2023, she put her aspirations to the test and decided to create lip products made with natural and safe ingredients. All Beauty Is Me products—which include lip glosses, lip scrubs, and lip balms—are made from scratch by Parker with ingredients like shea butter, honey, brown sugar, cane sugar, and avocado oil, and are sold under fun names including “Juicy Joy,” “Main Squeeze,” and “Melanin Dream.” Her business emphasizes the importance of beauty affirmation,

bedazzled decor for her room. “I collected and painted so many that I ran out of space on my table and shelves,” she says, at which point her mom encouraged her to sell her shells to earn money for an American Girl Doll.

which is where its name, Beauty Is Me, originated.

According to Parker, her favorite part of running a business is the process of creating and selling products intended to help people take care of themselves. Beauty Is Me products are listed on her website and can be ordered through her Instagram by sending a direct message. beautyisme.online

3. SERSHELLS BY SERA

Eight-year-old Sera Bowling loves searching for shells, fossils, and even sea glass from the Little Miami River. Using her collections, she created painted and

In 2024, Bowling did just that, selling her handcrafted creations at a gift shop at Lake Erie and various festivals and markets. In addition to shell-charm bracelets, keychains, hair accessories, sandals, and sunglasses, Bowling also offers her signature Secret SerShells, designed to look like a clam with a one-of-a-kind handpainted shell and a fossil, stickers, sea animal toys, and more hidden inside. With her earnings, Bowling has raised money for organizations like Transform Cincy, and most recently saved up for a Kings Island Gold Pass. SerShells by Sera can be found on Instagram, Facebook, and at local markets and festivals including the City Flea Kids Market. instagram.com/ser. shells

A HAPPY HYGGE HOME

For one Cincinnatian, a trip to Denmark inspired a new way of living stateside.

N A RECENT VISIT to Copenhagen, I kept seeing the funny word hygge. It was on storefronts, on sweatshirts, on totes. I quickly learned hygge (pronounced HOOgah) is the Danish mantra of coziness, comfort, and charm—which is fitting, as the entire Danish culture seemed to ooze with effortless ease. From the kindly locals to the clean architecture and the whimsically colored canal fronts, the Danish lifestyle imbued well-being.

In Copenhagen, I felt perpetually at peace. There was a thrumming undercurrent of safety, inclusion, and acceptance. Joy, even. It was a feeling I wanted to stuff into my suitcase. I wanted to bring hygge home.

Copenhagen-based interior designer Josephine Stokkebye says a person can “create hygge” anywhere— alone or with people, at home or in public. “It’s more like an energy, an ambiance, a feeling that you get. It doesn’t have to be a specific place or with specific people,” she says.

For Stokkebye, creating hygge is about food, candlelight, and the practice of presence—especially if it means curating a space where oneself or others feel at ease. But hygge is unique for everyone, she insists. Everyone gets to define what

hygge means to them. Back home, I consulted with Amy Ostigny, owner of construction and design firm Designing with Amy, who translates the heart of Danish hygge into what she calls “organic modern” design. “This style is about simplicity,” Ostigny says. “Less is more.”

To achieve a hygge aesthetic, paint color plays a primary role. Ostigny recommends wall shades of linen or white with warm yellow undertones, as well as sage greens (try Evergreen Fog by SherwinWilliams) or even rustic

browns (like Sealskin by Sherwin-Williams).

Wood accents—especially live-edge varieties—infuse rooms with a refreshing rawness. Try them on headboards, coffee tables, or kitchen islands. Stone accents in fireplaces, showers, and four-season rooms help blur the line between indoors and out.

Lighting, too, is a powerful hygge tool. Undercabinet lighting in kitchens, sheer curtains that usher in natural light, and even simple accent candles can go a long way in creating a homey space.

And don’t forget the greens. “Plants really make it cozy and warm. Every room should have some source of green in it, in my opinion,” says Ostigny. Fake plants, she warns, might have the opposite effect, so if a lush indoor tree feels like too much upkeep, go with a hearty and low-maintenance succulent instead.

Lastly, think layers: chunky cable-knit blankets over sofas, pillows piled high on bedscapes, and double-layered area rugs for depth and dimension.

Shop these styles at Designing with Amy’s

showroom on Beechmont Avenue. For custom, handcrafted tables and desks, check out Table Bar. Craving artful hygge accessories? Visit Wildfire Hygge Goods in Hamilton.

As for me, I’ll be creating hygge this fall on my wellworn couch with a fuzzy throw, an oversized mug of pumpkin-spiced anything, and a glowing candle that reminds me of dreamy days in Denmark. My husband and kids can join too, as long as they’re willing to snuggle. From my home to yours, happy hygge-ing.

MOONSHINE MANOR

A MT. AUBURN ITALIANATE THAT SURVIVED A PROHIBITION-ERA FIRE FEATURES AN INTERIOR COURTYARD AND A BIT OF TUSCAN FLAIR.

—JEANA HARRIS

SSINCE THE EARLY 1800S, THIS ITALIANATE IN PROSPECT HILL’S HISTORIC District has worn many hats. It once served as a working stable house, then later an apartment building. Some of its history is more colorful, though. In 1931, the building stood vacant and made headlines for a fire that broke out. It wasn’t the flames that were noteworthy, but what was hidden inside. Firefighters discovered what The Cincinnati Post called a “moonshine mash cache”—roughly 12 barrels’ worth of prohibited hootch.

In the 1990s, architect Donald Beck reimagined the property, transforming it into an approximately 3,200-square-foot home that blends historic elegance with modern comfort. From the street, its old-world charm captivates passersby. Rich red brick features a smattering of original star bolts—fasteners that reinforce masonry and prevent the walls from buckling. In the limestone, large arches flank the front door—a preserved remnant from its equine era.

Once inside, a breathtaking foyer surprises in the best way. Enclosed in glass, the soaring

space is illuminated by natural light. Rugged stone and brick from the exterior reappear here to provide textural balance against the glass. Looking up, second-floor balconies feature Tuscan columns for architectural interest.

The foyer sets the tone for the rest of the house. “A rare blend of eclectic design, historic integrity, and functional elegance, this residence makes a bold yet refined statement,” says Doug Spitz, the listing agent in the property’s recent sale.

There are three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and two halfbaths. While the bathrooms favor modernity, the main living areas lean historic, with crystal chandeliers, an elaborate fireplace surround, and window seats in the bedrooms. This mixture of old and new allows the owner to embrace their preferred aesthetic or update as desired.

Outdoor spaces include a lush slate patio, plus a rooftop deck that provides uninterrupted skyline views. Possibilities seem endless here, and Spitz agrees, “With limitless potential, it is one of the city’s most iconic homes.”

A

large wooden bulletin board is standing at the Reading Road entrance ramp

to the Norwood Lateral. It has maybe 30 sheets of paper stapled on it. But to read them I would have to park blocks away and walk back to the ramp. No thanks.

Can you find the reason that big thing is there? —CAN’T READ AT READING

DEAR CAN’T:

This is a tall order. Only an obsessive nerd would immediately drive to the Reading Road ramp at the Norwood Lateral, illegally park under the overpass, trudge back to the bulletin board and read what’s there. The verdict: Don’t worry, you haven’t missed anything, un -

Dr. Know is Jay Gilbert, radio personality and advertising prankster. Submit your questions about the city’s peculiarities at drknow@cincinnati magazine.com

less you’re a highway construction worker wanting updates on safety regulations and employee rights.

The Doctor has determined—to his disappointment—that there is no such thing as the Federal Department of Wooden Bulletin Boards. Project contractors are themselves responsible for posting documents where workers can see them. All across the U.S., dedicated employees drag these boards around after laminating and stapling up the latest notices. The board you saw along Reading Road awaits the return of workers who have not completely finished last summer’s improvements to the Norwood Lateral (though they may be done by now). Regardless, you can be certain that every worker thoroughly reads every notice, as surely as you and I thoroughly read every single Software Agreement. Click “Agree” here.

There are tall columns of window panes on the front of Union Terminal (sorry, I still call it that). Some panes open and close. How is that done? One at a time? I assume it was done manually in the 1930s, and I hope it’s motorized now. Every time I go, I look up there and can’t stop wondering. —TRAINS OF THOUGHT

DEAR TRAINS:

The Cincinnati Museum Center (sorry, we call it that) has inspired a surge of questions ever since its cameo appearance in the new Superman movie (sorry, he calls it the Hall of Justice). But only an obsessive nerd would fixate on the minutiae of every single window pane at the grand entrance. The Doctor counts 1,242 of them. Thirty “sash operator” cranks can open and close 230 panes, a detail the Doctor unearthed on page 57 of the original Union Terminal blueprints from June 1, 1931.

And that’s just on the inside. There’s an outer layer of windows that stay closed (the HVAC works hard enough, thank you). Currently there are 94 inside panes tilted open, helping the rotunda’s air flow. The open-close procedure is motorized, al -

though you guessed correctly that it was once a manual task: 30 handcranks distributed among six of the 12 levels. And what about washing those 2,484 windows? This looks like a job for Superman! Or an obsessive nerd.

In Mt. Adams, there’s an alley with a street sign that says “Duval St.” But it’s not a real street, or even an alley; it’s only about three feet wide and fenced off. The sign is beside a little bar, and I guess they had a reason for putting it there. Where is the real Duval Street, and what’s on it?

—STREET SENSE

DEAR SENSE:

Our Parrothead readers mercifully forgive your ignorance. Duval Street is the main drag in Key West, Florida, where the career of Jimmy Buffett began its rise. Monk’s Cove in Mt. Adams displays the street sign as its not-entirely-convincing representation of that famed thoroughfare, celebrating the spirit (and spirits) of Jimmy’s legendary lifestyle. As for what’s to be found on the real Duval Street, only an obsessive nerd would book a flight to Key West just to walk along there. The Doctor was refused a budget for that trip, and so must rely on a scroll through Google Street View.

The official Historic Seaport District has many unique shops and attractions such as Starbucks, Ben & Jerry’s, CVS, Wendy’s, Walgreens, Häagen-Dazs, and another CVS. No, really, the majority of establishments are unique and charming tributes to Jimmy Buffett’s legendary life. Perhaps a small bar there has a street sign celebrating Cincinnati that says “Pete Rose Way” or perhaps “THIS IS CHILI, DAMMIT!”

JAN 13 – 25, 2026

WELCOME TO MIDDLEHOOD

BY JUDI KETTELER

S Sounds Like Peace

MIDDLE-AGED BODIES CAN’T STOP LISTENING AND PROCESSING, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT.

SOMETIMES IT’S THE CREAK OF THE STAIRS, BUT USUALLY IT’S MY PHONE NOTIFICATIONS from the back door. Unlock. Lock again. The oldest kid is finally home. It’s just after midnight, and my phone charges on my nightstand, ready to notify me of all the things. “Don’t sleep with your phone in your bedroom” was terrific advice for me at 40, and it will be equally terrific advice for me at 60. But now at 50 with two teenagers? Forget about it.

In the kitchen, cabinets open and close. A bag of chips from one cabinet, a bowl from another. I can read my son’s thoughts through the walls. Is there ice cream? The freezer opens, the carton lifts, the utensil drawer slides open. I hear the low clack of spoons as he roots through. Ice cream needs the right spoon.

A few minutes later, the bathroom door, located just outside my bedroom, closes. Those

damn squeaky hinges. Then it’s the faucet in the bathroom sink, which also squeaks. Eventually, there’s a light footfall on the steps upstairs. At 17, my oldest has finally taken to heart that being quiet leads to less rage from his parents.

Downstairs, in the room next to mine, the 15-year-old may or may not be asleep. She also knows, in theory, to keep it down. But the bathroom door will likely close again. The squeaky faucet again.

When I look back over this time in my life, it will surely be the night sounds I remember. I tell my ears to stand down. To only rouse for a smoke alarm or a tornado warning siren. Middle-aged bodies don’t listen. Or rather, all they do is listen.

I HEAR MY SON SETTLING UPSTAIRS. Why are so many things so hard for him right now? “You won’t solve it,” I say inside my head. I might say it quietly aloud, too. I don’t have to worry about waking my husband. He’s upstairs in his room. (We’ve always had separate rooms, even when we lived together while dating. Don’t read into it.)

Actually, I never have to worry about being the one who wakes anyone in the night. I scoot quietly along wood floors whenever I get up. I pull my door shut in a way perfectly calculated to make no noise when the latch catches the strike plate. Growing up in a house with nine people, I learned that you don’t draw attention to yourself when the world is supposed to be sleeping.

Everything is OK. I repeat this like a mantra. We’re all in our beds now. Even the cat is probably nestled in the crook of the old couch in the basement. No one is fumbling around drunk or high off pills they acquired via Snapchat. There is no threat tonight. But still my body remembers. Listens. Just in case.

I’ve filled my bedroom with calming noises. A fan, obviously, because menopause is not survivable without one. And an air purifier that no longer works as an air purifier but instead serves as my white noise machine.

For the seven years I lived on Madison Road in Oakley, I never needed these things. All night, the sounds of voices and traffic and buses were my soothing urban soundtrack. Back then, in my twenties and early thirties, I wasn’t afraid of the night

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sounds. They let me know my place in the world. I was among the hustle, on my way, establishing myself as a grown-up so that I could someday…what? Lie awake at 1 a.m. in the suburbs filled with worry about the future?

To help me sleep, I’ve already taken 20

when I had so much anxiety about school and couldn’t stop crying every morning.

For years, I wondered what it was I’d taken that fall month of 1984. I don’t know if it helped. Now, it mostly keeps the adrenaline from surging at 2 o’clock in the morning.

THE WATER MEDITATION SOUND MADE ME FEEL LIKE I WAS FLOATING, THE SAME WAY WATCHING A MOVIE IN IMAX MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE YOU’RE IN IT.

mg of hydroxyzine, prescribed by my doctor when I told her a year ago about the sleep anxiety that sometimes finds me. It’s one of those legacy allergy meds with temporary calming properties. I realized when I held the tiny pill for the first time last year that it was likely the same thing the pediatrician had prescribed for me in fifth grade,

I’ve also already read a few chapters of my book: Taylor Jenkins Reid or Fredrik Backman or the Ina Garten memoir. My brain is tired, though. It doesn’t want to make any more meaning. Maybe my daughter has the right idea. She blasts music from her phone right next to her head. Does it drown out her thoughts?

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I turn on to my right side, put an AirPod in my left ear. I listen to an Emily Henry book I’ve already read, one I don’t need to pay attention to, just to have the voice of audiobook narrator Julia Whelan wooing me to sleep. On a good night, it works. The last night sound I hear is someone telling me a story.

I FIND IT INTERESTING THAT HEARING is one of the first senses to fade with age, but it’s the last one standing in the end. A dying person apparently can recognize sound up to the very last hours of life. Even if the person is unconscious, research has found that they may still be able to hear and show signs of response.

When my dad was dying in 2013, we gathered around him in his room at the nursing home. My mom, my siblings, and I all talked to him. At one point, I had left for the evening, but two of my sisters had stayed. They sat with the hospice nurse, who started talking to my dad. He had been

unresponsive all day. She said she understood that he didn’t want to leave his beautiful daughters, that it must be so hard. My sister, Laura, said that she saw tears forming in my dad’s eyes.

Keep in mind, this was a man I never once saw cry. But there he was, a sunrise away from death, no part of the giant he was in our lives seemingly present any more, and the sound of voices cut still cut through.

It’s as if our bodies give us one last chance to hear what we need to hear. A friend of mine whose husband recently died after a week-long vigil with family by his side wrote a beautiful and heartbreaking post about the experience. She talked about how it made her realize she didn’t want to wait until the end to try to find peace. Exactly, I thought.

It’s why I’ve been bathing myself in healing sound lately. Literally. I’ve attended three sound baths over the last few weeks.

The first one was outside on my neigh-

bor’s deck. It was a sticky, hot Saturday evening and a dozen of us relaxed on yoga mats as my neighbor led us through a meditation, augmented with the most amazing sounds. A deep drum I felt in my navel. Crystal singing bowls that hit like waves. The sound was everywhere, and also inside of me. Meanwhile, the world kept making sound. I heard a lawnmower a few doors down and the chirp of birds just beyond the deck. A plane may have graced the skies above.

My intention for the meditation was to embrace the idea of fresh starts. When I opened my eyes after 45 minutes of soothing sounds, I did feel like it could be the beginning of something. And then life happened.

The second sound bath was inside, part of a day-long yoga retreat in Over-theRhine. The sound bath portion of the day was after lunch, and I was so tired from my lack of sleep the night before that I fell asleep to what sounded like some kind of ancient horn calling in sheep. When I woke,

tingly chimes played above my head. It was nice, but mostly I felt disoriented.

The third sound bath was back on my neighbor’s deck again. It was a fall evening, with a deepening sapphire sky. My neighbor talked about the collective power of a group, even a small one like ours. We did a water meditation, accompanied by a rain drum. The sound made me feel like I was floating, the same way watching a movie in IMAX makes you feel like you’re in it.

I was the sound. The sound was me. It felt like 1,000 plinking crystals, and I wanted to hold on to it as long as I could. I opened my eyes briefly, taking in the darkness.

I understood, then, these were also night sounds. And that there was no telling what my body would hold on to. If there was a chance it would take my instruction, I would tell it to remember the great hope it represents to lie under a full moon with a group of strangers, listening to a drum that sounds like water and thinking of peace.

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ON THE

These days it feels like buying a house is nothing more than a fish tale. We look at why the market is so challenging and what you can do to increase your chances in these choppy waters. Plus, meet the neighbors: folks who’ve found nontraditional paths to their own front doors.

By Carrie Blackmore and Laurie Pike

Buy a House? In This Economy?

Here’s why it feels so hard to buy a house and how you can make it easier.

BY CARRIE BLACKMORE

IN AUGUST 2024, A FOURbedroom home on Mt. Pleasant Avenue in Wyoming sold for $725,000— 43 percent higher than its previous sale in 2003, based on 2025 dollars. This past July, a four-bedroom home on Sawgrass Drive in West Chester Township sold for $530,000, up 37 percent since it sold in 2012, while over in Mason, a three-bedroom home on Hanover Drive sold for $386,000, up 59 percent from 2018.

All over Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky home prices have soared in recent years, with the Cincinnati metropolitan area experiencing some of the largest price spikes in the country in 2022 and 2023. Inventory continues to move fast, with homes in Southwest Ohio averaging just nine days on the market in August.

While it’s still a seller’s market, the landscape is beginning to improve for buyers, says DaVan Gassett, a local real estate agent with Coldwell Banker and president of the Realtor Alliance of Greater Cincinnati, a professional organization based in Sharonville.

“Even though home sales have dipped slightly compared to last year, we’re seeing steady price appreciation, a healthy increase in inventory, and strong overall sales value,” Gassett says. “Sellers are still achieving solid values for their homes and that combination is what has helped make it a strong market, because of rising equity for sellers and more opportunities for buyers.”

Tiffani Ray, a local real estate investor, agrees, particularly with September’s quarter-percent drop in the federal funds rates by the Federal Reserve Board, producing the lowest interest rates the country has seen in almost three years. Despite indications of an economic slowdown, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting the first decline in American jobs in four years in June and news of local layoffs at Procter & Gamble, Kroger, and UC Health in recent months, Ray believes affordable parts of the country like Greater Cincinnati will continue to be attractive for home buyers. The median cost of a home in every county in the region, except for Warren County, remained more affordable than the national average and the average in many other parts of the Midwest, ac-

buyer—perhaps a first-time homebuyer—start? Learn to navigate the complex process of buying a home, Ray and Gassett say, and start saving for that down payment.

“Determine your buying power and what you can afford,” Ray says. “A home is not just a place to lay your head, like an apartment. It’s an asset, which can be utilized for your financial well-being, whether that is down the road generationally or whether it’s for you as the homeowner.”

HOMEOWNERSHIP HAS

commonly been linked with the American Dream as a means of providing financial stability and independence, and the U.S. began tracking how many housing units were rented versus owned in the decennial census of 1890.

“Homeownership—Past, Present, and Future.” Since the 1960s, roughly 61 to 65 percent of the U.S. population has owned their home.

What hasn’t been so stable? Home prices, which have climbed steadily since sales figures began to be collected and analyzed across the nation in 1963. That year, the median sale price for a home in the United States was $17,800— $188,226 in today’s dollars. In the second quarter of 2025, the median home price in America was $410,000—an increase of 118 percent. Median sale prices are down a bit, though, having peaked at a historically high $442,600 at the end of 2022.

The why here is complicated. Prices have risen because of inflation, fueled by the rise in the prices of consumer goods and through a series of economic downturns and recessions.

All over Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, home prices have soared in recent years, with the Cincinnati metropolitan area experiencing some of the largest price spikes in the country in 2022 and 2023.

cording to July statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

“Cincinnati is still hot,” says Ray, president of the board of directors for Real Estate Investors Association of Greater Cincinnati. “It’s still a relatively affordable place to stay. Milk is still under $3 a gallon. That’s appealing not only to the people who stay here but to mom-and-pop and boutique investors, like me, and institutional investors and folks in California and in New York that look at it as good for business.”

Where does a potential home-

Between then and the 1940s, the rate of homeownership fluctuated between 43 and 48 percent, according to HUD. By 1961 it had reached 61.9 percent, an increase of more than 18 percent.

“This remarkable transformation was facilitated by higher incomes, a large percentage of households being in prime homebuying age groups, the Federal Housing Administration–led revolution in mortgage financing, the GI Bill of Rights, improved interurban transportation, and development of large-scale housing subdivisions with affordable houses,” reads a HUD report titled

In recent years, interest rates on mortgages have played a big factor in the housing market, according to a report released last year by the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, part of the U.S. Federal Reserve system. The report analyzed lending trends in Ohio, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania from 2018 to 2022, and included a snapshot of Hamilton County. (Keep in mind, the report represents the views of its author, and not necessarily the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland or the Board of Directors of the Federal Reserve.)

“While the mortgage lending environment functioned relatively normally during 2018–2019, 2020–2021 saw historically low interest rates amid a worldwide pandemic,” the report reads. The

average 30-year fixed rate mortgage reached a record low—2.56 percent—at the end of 2020, and Matt Klesta, the report’s author, found that low rates combined with stimulus checks, student loan forbearance, and money not spent on travel and entertainment during the height of COVID-19 allowed households to save for a down payment and home sales surged. “Things began to shift again in 2022, as interest rates doubled during the year, which had never happened before,” Klesta writes.

On September 17, the Federal Reserve cut the federal funds rate to 4–4.25 percent—the first reduction in nine months. The federal funds rate is the interest rate charged by banks to borrow from each other overnight. At press time, the change hadn’t caused any major move in the stock market. Its impact on the housing market is yet unknown.

“Job gains have slowed, and the unemployment rate has edged up but remains low. Inflation has moved up and remains somewhat elevated,” the Fed’s press release reads. “The [Federal Reserve Board] Committee is strongly committed to supporting maximum employment and returning inflation to its 2 percent objective.”

In recent decades, rising housing prices have also had to do with supply. Underbuilding, particularly during the Great Recession in 2007–2009, contributed to limited inventory. Demand caused a rise in prices, as properties began getting multiple offers, fueling bidding wars that ended above asking price. Median sale prices began rising faster than median incomes. Borrowing became even more expensive, as the percentage of applicants with debt-to-income rates over 36 percent, a lender’s general rule of thumb to qualify for a loan, grew in all income levels in Hamilton County, according to Klesta’s findings.

This last fiscal year, which ended in June, Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) Executive Director Bill Beagle says his organization saw record demand for its lending program, which provides

MARKET MOVES

THE NEW ROOMMATES

Shared living spaces aren’t just for kids starting out. Combining resources has no age limit.

Lifelong friends Diana Burton and Doreen McCormick have shared countless card games, strong evening beverages, and road trips over the years. Their bond deepened when Burton’s son married McCormick’s daughter, making them co-grandmothers. Now, they’re taking the next step: moving in together. The grandmas are house-hunting for a rental in Northern Kentucky, planning to split expenses and savor their friendship under one roof.

Shared housing isn’t just for college kids anymore. Once the domain of sock-strewn crash pads, it’s become a practical solution for adults at every stage of life.

The number of people aged 55 and over living with roommates has more than doubled since 2005, according to the

National Association of Home Builders. Today, nearly a third of shared housing arrangements include at least one Baby Boomer or Gen Xer.

Steven Hill, 69, is living proof of the trend. For $650 a month, which includes utilities and WiFi, he has a private room with a TV and refrigerator in a spacious South Fairmount home. He shares common areas with six roommates.

“I’m the uncle to everyone in the house,” Hill says. “I make sure the house stays clean. When I cook, everybody comes running.” For Hill and his housemates, shared living brings both affordability and camaraderie. Hill was referred by the VA, but the property owner, Tiffani Ray, also welcomes the general public to her home shares.

As housing costs rise and the population ages, the old stigma around adult roommates is fading. Roommatematching services help people find compatible housemates and offer safety features like background checks.

But some, like Burton and McCormick, are forging their own path.

Eager to be closer to family in Northern Kentucky, the friends are relocating from Florida and Alabama to find a “cute place with a small yard” in Burlington. Neither could afford to live alone, and both appreciate having someone around in case of emergency.

“We talked a lot on the phone and were honest about what each of us wanted, so everything would be clear from the start,” Burton says. Their living arrangement promises to be harmonious: McCormick enjoys shopping for groceries, Burton loves to cook. They share similar tastes in TV and music.

“We both love our cocktails,” Burton says, “and occasionally we’ll have an outside cigarette.”

—LAURIE PIKE

below-market interest rates on mortgages and down payment assistance for low- to middle-income Ohioans.

“We booked over a billion dollars in mortgage loans, which was by far a record for us,” Beagle says. “As you can imagine, a quarter-point difference on a mortgage is meaningful with high prices today. It will allow you to buy more house, maybe take out a smaller loan, or pay it off sooner.”

OHFA offers down payment assistance to Ohioans who meet income qualifications, and the agency has special programs for groups like veterans, active military, first responders, teachers, and nurses. (See “Get With the Program” for more information.) Increase in demand led to program changes in July, including lowering the percentage of a down payment OHFA will cover, from as much as 5 percent to 3 percent with a conventional loan and 3.5 percent with a government loan.

“For sustainability, and in order to help as many Ohioans as we could, we decided that it made sense to dial back the amount we were giving,” Beagle says. Demand has still been strong, he says, arguing that the help must continue, as the percentage of homeowners to renters in Ohio has been declining, falling below the national average for the first time on record in 2022.

Beagle says state government leaders have expressed their support for affordable housing and recently created a tax credit for developments of five or more affordable single-family houses, Beagle says, but those also immediately became competitive. Support for affordable housing on the federal level is a bit of an unknown at the moment, he says.

“OHFA is connected at least as much at the federal level as we are to the state because we’re using federal tax credits, so we watch federal policy,” Beagle says. “Will we have the dollars we have today to help the developer who’s putting in affordable housing in Ohio? I don’t know the answer to that.”

THERE IS GOOD SOME NEWS beyond lower interest rates for those

MARKET MOVES

THE NEW DOWNSIZING

Trading suburban life for an urban rowhouse brings more freedom and new community.

Stephanie Gilbreath’s daughters weren’t thrilled about losing their family home in Clifton, but at 7,500 square feet, it had simply become too much for Gilbreath and her husband Bob to manage on their own. The thought of washing all 60 windows—again— was the proverbial last straw. They craved

more simplicity, with the non-negotiable amenity of a sense of community. “We specifically wanted to be in Over-the-Rhine to be able to walk everywhere,” she explains. In 2021, they purchased a row house near TQL Stadium. “We’re down to one car between us now,” she notes. Moving

from an 1843 historic house to a newly built, four-story home was a dramatic shift. “This is sleek and contemporary,” Gilbreath says. “We had to sell all of our old furniture. It just didn’t fit.” Rather than feeling overwhelmed by downsizing, Gilbreath found it a helpful distraction from the bittersweet moment of their youngest heading off to college. With fewer repair headaches, she and her husband now enjoy more freedom to travel. The former

MONEY

MOVES

GET WITH THE PROGRAM

There’s a plethora of grants, forgivable loans, and low-interest mortgages for people needing a leg up into homeownership.

New Yorkers dig the vibrancy of OTR and downtown, and joined a neighborhood group for Tuesday Trivia in Washington Park.

“It’s nice to be around people you wouldn’t necessarily run into otherwise,” she says. Occasionally, people will ask them about the challenges of urban living. “I don’t worry about crime,” she says. “As in any big city, you pay attention to where you are. We’ve traveled all over the world. It’s no different here.”

—LAURIE PIKE

You likely already know about loans insured by the Federal Housing Authority, which include flexible qualification requirements, and no-moneydown loans from Veterans Affairs for current and former military members. Similarly, there are U.S. Department of Agriculture programs offering no-down-payment loans on properties in designated rural areas, and low-interest loans from state government agencies, such as the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA), the Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC), and the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA). “Most people don’t realize all this money is out there,” says Bethany Ritchey, branch manager at Fairway Independent Mortgage Cor-

poration. “And the programs can be stacked. Whether it’s a federal, state, city, or county program, you shouldn’t have to do all the research yourself. That’s the lender’s job.”

The OHFA offers forgivable loans of 3 percent of the home’s purchase price as a zerointerest loan, forgiven after several years if the home is not sold or refinanced. The same is offered to recent college grads, forgiven after a predetermined number of years if the grad continues to live in the state of Ohio. The IHCDA offers up to 6 percent of a home cost as a forgivable loan. A Cincinnati city program, The American Dream Downpayment Initiative, offers no-interest loans starting at $10,000 for first-time homebuyers in select neighborhoods,

forgiven as long as you live in the house for at

least five years. Like most of the programs in this article (but not all!), these apply to single-family homes for people whose Area Median Income is 80 percent of the average or less. (Ham-

ilton County’s AMI is $63,080).

Finally, grants are no-strings-attached gifts toward a home’s down payment. The FreddieMac BorrowSmart grant is for $1,250. —LAURIE PIKE

thinking about buying a home in Greater Cincinnati, says Gassett, who has been a real estate agent since 2012.

As of August, inventory was up 23 percent over last year, Gassett says, giving buyers more options and a little more wiggle room to negotiate. And the average time on market in August, nine days, was actually an improvement for prospective buyers. In spring 2025, the average was four days, according to data collected by the MLS of Greater Cincinnati.

“For buyers, I would say patience and preparation are key. It’s about being preapproved, knowing your budget, and working with a real estate professional to help see you through the process,” Gassett says. “For sellers, I would make sure you’re doing a competitive market analysis and using professional marketing tools to ensure your home reaches the right audience.”

Competition remains fierce, particularly for starter homes under $250,000 in desirable neighborhoods, Gassett says, so buyers and their agents must be diligent. Despite interest rates being less than 6.5 percent, Gassett says individuals and families should consider their possibilities.

“Some people think when they’re buying a home, it’s their end-all, be-all,” Gassett says, “but you might live there for three years, you might live there for seven. Over time, you are gaining equity, and you can’t do that when you rent. I encourage individuals to get out there, see a property, see if you can afford it.”

If you don’t qualify for financing—and statistics show that loan denials are up for all income groups—it’s time to consider the “5 Cs”: credit history; capacity (the probability you’ll consistently be able to make payments based on income and financial obligations); collateral (personal assets like a car); capital (savings, investments, retirement accounts); and conditions (a variety of factors that could include market conditions or the state of the economy).

Start saving for that down payment, work on paying down debt, and get into the market when you can, Gassett says.

MARKET MOVES

THE NEW DREAM HOME

A challenging lot from Cincinnati’s Land Bank proves just right for an architect and his family.

As an architect with an appetite for challenging new builds, Scott Hand has worked with several clients of the Port of Cincinnati’s Land Bank. Officially known as the Hamilton County Land Reutilization Corporation, the Land Bank takes ownership of abandoned, tax-delinquent properties and sells them to buyers qualified to renovate or build on them. All but a handful of Land Bank houses have sold since its inception in 2011, but there remain 743 parcels of land still available. In his work with the Land Bank, Hand, who is principal architect at Trilobite Design, eventually found an ideal parcel for his own family. “It’s

an amazing spot in an amazing location,” he says. The eight-acre lot sits on the edge of Mt. Airy Forest, combining frontage on Colerain Avenue with a forested hillside—an unusual blend of urban and natural topography close to the city’s core. There, he designed and built a “Passive House,” which cleaves to an international standard of sustainability and energy efficiency. His pre-teen kids love playing in nature, his wife is replacing the overgrown honeysuckle with native plant species, and Hand himself can bike to work in Northside in under 10 minutes.

A cheap price on acreage doesn’t make

Land Bank properties a discounted way to build a home. “Almost all of the properties are difficult to build on,” says Hand. “It’s part of why it is in the Land Bank.” Parcels may have steep slopes, odd shapes, or limited street access. “You can’t put any dream house anywhere you want,” he cautions. Right after purchasing, Hand had to immediately shore up a retaining wall, something that will be a “lifelong endeavor,” he says. Still, Land Bank parcels are priced well below market value— many around $5,000 a pop. “We wouldn’t have been able to afford this kind of land anywhere else,” Hand says. Buyers must submit a development plan, with deed restrictions ensuring the property is improved as promised.

—LAURIE PIKE

“We’re seeing steady, year over year appreciation of about 5 percent. Our affordability compared to coastal markets also continues to attract buyers,” Gassett says. “I do not have a crystal ball, but based on trends, I expect to see continued moderate growth, but at a more sustainable pace, as more inventory balances out the market.”

Ray, the local investor, suggests starting with a mortgage calculator. Think about why you want to buy and what you want.

She doesn’t think buyers should get that worked up about current interest rates, arguing they’re moderate by historic standards. Rates peaked at more than 18 percent during a recession in fall 1981.

She sees the market improving for buyers as new builds, rehabs, and homes being sold by aging, downsizing owners go on the market. In a city that is 61 percent renters, compared to 35 percent across the nation, Ray challenges Cincinnatians to think about how real estate can help build wealth and think outside the box.

“I think you’re going to see more people moving back in together—what happened with COVID—but not because of the pandemic, because of other financial factors,” Ray says. Part of her portfolio includes 13 “shared housing” properties, single-family homes that she rents to groups of people with common interests or backgrounds, like veterans, “golden girls,” or individuals with disabilities. That could be another option for those looking to buy their first home, Ray says. Need more help? OHFA offers an online Homebuyer Education Course that is free to Ohioans who qualify for OHFA’s down payment assistance program. Complemented by a Homebuyer Guide available on the website, OHFA guides homebuyers through the process and teaches them to manage, maintain, and build equity in their home once they’ve completed the purchase.

“You’ve got this asset that is going to belong to you. It’s yours now,” Beagle says, “So you want to do it right, because it’s a big investment.”

Personal Finance

One woman’s journey through the wilds of the real estate market shows that sometimes, impossible dreams do come true.

IT SOUNDS LIKE A CLICKBAIT HEADLINE

but it’s true: You don’t always need money, or a lot of it, to buy a house. You don’t even need to be a numbercrunching wizard; I flunked high school math, and financial formulas (which some colleagues compute to spitball whether a property investment is solid) still look like hieroglyphics to me. What I do rely on in buying real estate is gut instinct and efforts to connect with people personally.

My first Cincinnati investment was a hot mess in Northside. I’d become social and active in the neighborhood, and heard the owner was eager to sell before starting a new job out of town. The bachelor pad was dated, and a dog had trashed the basement. Still, Northside was desirable, so, even in rough shape, the house was worth more than the mid-five figures I thought I could scrape together. Thanks to the county auditor’s website, I knew my offer was just above what the owner had originally paid for the place. That small profit for him, plus the fact that I was local and my promise to buy “as is,” sealed the deal. To fund it, I cobbled together cash advances from credit cards.

The chasm between what I want and what I can afford has led to some precarious but ultimately exhilarating transactions. Once, I met a woman who was retiring to France and wanted to offload her four-plex in Spring Grove Village. We bonded over our love of French culture. I negotiated $10,000 off her multi-unit asking price by offering a cash deal. I didn’t actually have the money, and I fessed up right before signing the purchase contract. By then we had become Francophile BFFs, and she was one foot across the Atlantic Ocean. I regaled her with my plans for improving the property, and saw

in her eyes the hopes of what she herself wanted to do with the place but never got around to. She wanted to sell to someone who had a similar vision and emotional investment in the place. “Oui,” she agreed, and she sold it to me on a land contract.

Once I was priced out of Northside, I fell for Spring Grove Village, whose housing prices and hipster quotient make it like Northside 10 years ago. I rescued a fixerupper there that had languished on the market for so long the owners were ready to practically give it away. I was on site daily in overalls, “helping” the contractors. The next-door neighbor would stroll over and chat.

ing the rent if she sold to me, again offering “cash” which, once again, I didn’t yet have. The house cost just $18,000—the same as the new Louis Vuitton x Pharrell Williams Lobster purse. I hit up a boyfriend to lend me the money.

The chasm between what I want and what I can afford has led to some precarious but ultimately exhilarating transactions.

Now that I’m tiptoeing into retirement, I’m endeavoring to return the trust and discounts that were so generously offered to me. I’ve sold two of my properties to a tenant and a handyman, respectively, in handshake agreements. They are both first-time homebuyers who work hard and deserve a break.

She wanted to sell her cottage, but worried about her tenant being displaced. I promised to renew the lease without rais-

Could I have gotten more money for those properties on the open market? Certainly. But much more importantly, it just felt right in my gut.

By Kelly Blewett

Read The Room

These five public places offer spaces for thinking, reading, writing, and dreaming, surrounded by fellow creatives. You supply the ideas.

Linguist Helen Sword published a book in 2017 exploring the physical conditions and daily behaviors that help people become better thinkers, dreamers, and writers. She titled it Air & Light & Time & Space, which to me— an English professor and writer—sounds like heaven.

In reality, the kinds of sacred, luxurious, and accessible spaces that foster creative pursuits have been around for centuries. Consider reading rooms, public spaces that are often attached to the libraries of great institutions.

One classic and especially famous reading room is in the British Museum, whose Grecian exterior encompasses a curving, circular library where, it’s said, Karl Marx worked on Das Kapital at the same desk for more than 30 years. Other famous patrons included Virginia Woolf, Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle,

all literary writers who enjoyed writing while surrounded by books.

The New York Public Library’s Rose Reading Room opened more than 100 years ago. Its mural-bedecked ceiling, more than 50 feet high, features clouds billowing across azure firmament. The real sky is visible through massive arched windows on either side of the seating area, rows and rows of long tables covered with reading lamps and surrounded by heavy wooden chairs. You can almost hear the buzz of collective thinking underneath the thick quiet. It’s a communal (and free) space that’s profoundly quiet and individual—an intellectual cathedral or deep sea where visitors can drift and dream and get things done.

Cincinnati doesn’t have the British Museum or the New York Public Library, but we’ve had our own reading rooms through history. The showstopper was the former downtown library on Vine Street, whose extensive collection of books was displayed

on massive shelves climbing four stories high, bathed in natural light from immense windows overhead. How many thousands of Cincinnatians gazed up at those shelves or the movable ladders that reached the highest stacks over the years before returning to their newspapers, books, notebooks, or sketchpads?

Reading rooms have this in common: They offer pleasant or visually interesting spots to pause and to gaze between the paragraphs, as one does whether reading or writing. Cincinnati’s ornate original library was abandoned when the institution moved to its current location a few blocks north. Today, though, we still have a treasure trove of reading rooms at our beck and call, little gems that gleam with possibility.

You’ll often find unusual views of our city that are unique to Cincinnati—old, ornate Beaux-Arts cornices freshly framed by a perfectly positioned window; a grand staircase celebrating the region’s musical

history; a concrete patio offering a sky-high view of the city below. They’re relatively open spaces for Cincinnatians to gather and to make our world both a little bigger and a little slower.

Reading rooms offer air, light, and space to get something done—if we can find the time to enjoy them. Here are five of my favorites.

Roebling Books & Coffee, Newport

This Roebling Books & Coffee outpost is on a quiet, tree-lined street in Newport, not across from the eponymous bridge in Covington where owner Richard Hunt launched his first bookstore. (He operates a third Roebling Books & Coffee in Dayton, Kentucky, as well.)

The repurposed building was constructed to house the production of gold pocket-watch casings and assembly of pocket watches, and tall windows let in the ample light needed for the finicky process. The space later became a gas station and auto body shop, and today it’s a café and bookstore with an attached reading room in what used to be the garage.

Inclusive vibes are signaled by the rain-

bow flag by the door, followed by a long wooden coffee bar replete with options for seasonal lattes, looseleaf teas, and breakfast sandwiches. Shelves by the door feature carefully curated options, and I spy a novel by Fredrik Backman I’m currently reading and a picture book collaboration by the late Maurice Sendak and Stephen King I’ve been meaning to pick up—a retelling of Hansel

and Gretel. I page through the book, haunted by Sendak’s creepy images and King’s vivid prose, before turning to the big back room with the long table, where a writing group is currently exchanging notes on each other’s work.

I enter through a flat arch, with exposed brick on one side and a striking threedimensional

DAVID PEPPER’S NOVEL PIVOT

The former elected official and party leader changed careers to become a full-time writer. He may have more political influence now.

BY JASON GARGANO

PHOTOGRAPH BY ANDREW DOENCH

DAVID PEPPER, PHOTOGRAPHED AT THE MERCANTILE LIBRARY ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2025.

David Pepper is a civics junkie who grew up believing Cincinnati was the greatest place on Earth. His father was a top Procter & Gamble executive, his mother a philanthropist and advocate for women’s rights whose family in this region goes back multiple generations. He served on Cincinnati City Council and the Hamilton County Commission, almost became Cincinnati mayor, ran for statewide office, and led the Ohio Democratic Party for six years.

He then dropped out of the world of elections and political campaigns to become a novelist…who sets his fictional characters in dramatic stories about elections and political campaigns.

ing and the importance of focusing on elections at the state level to his love of Cincinnati’s long-suffering

discuss the rising tide of anti-democracy fever in the U.S.

Much of the credit for his career pivot derives from his first

At age 54, Pepper has a bigger megaphone than ever to share his passions, which range from the corrosive effects of gerrymander-

sports teams. His Substack, Pepperspectives , draws robust traffic, and he’s now a frequent guest on MSNBC, CNN, and various podcasts and YouTube channels to

The People’s House , a political thriller published in 2016 that seemed to predict Russia’s interference in that year’s actual U.S. presidential election. Lively and illuminating about the weaknesses of our political system, the story centers on a veteran Ohio newspaper reporter who uncovers a scandal involving voting machines with ties not only to the highest levels of U.S. politics but also to a Russian oligarch who uses nefarious tactics to ensure his energy company gains a lucrative foothold in this country.

The novel’s deft political insights—not to mention prescient elements concerning the state of journalism, the #MeToo move -

ment, and the impact of dark money—came as no surprise to those who knew Pepper as a professional politician. His keen insights into human behavior and the ways in which power and money can

news of the day, personal tidbits and remembrances, embedded clips of his various interview appearances across the media landscape, and even his modest but expressive efforts as a painter.

grounded in my hometown.”

David Pepper is the second of four children of John Pepper, former Procter & Gamble CEO, and the late Francie

DAVID PEPPER DROPPED OUT OF THE WORLD OF ELECTIONS AND POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS TO BECOME A NOVELIST CRAFTING DRAMATIC STORIES ABOUT ELECTIONS AND POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS.

AND HE HAS A BIGGER MEGAPHONE THAN EVER TO SHARE HIS PASSIONS.

sway people in the wrong direction, however, have opened him to a much wider audience over the past decade.

Pepper’s other novels include The Wingman (2018), The Voter File (2020), A Simple Choice (2022), The Fifth Vote (2023), and 2025 (2024). Former President Bill Clinton is a fan of what he calls Pepper’s “clever” fictional forays, and The Wall Street Journal describes him as “one of the best political-thriller writers on the scene.”

He’s also published two nonfiction books: Laboratories of Autocracy (2021), a sobering look at how the U.S. is sliding toward autocracy based on recent political trends in Ohio, and Saving Democracy (2023), a user manual to inform everyday Americans about what they can do to fight back against those attacking democratic ideals.

That’s eight books in less than 10 years, all but two published through Pepper’s own St. Helena Press imprint and distributed through Gatekeeper Press, which specializes in print-on-demand books. The output doesn’t include the daily Pepperspectives entries, which feature his thoughts on the

Through it all, Pepper has continued to live in the Cincinnati area and raise his family here. “I commuted to Columbus every day during my time leading the state party, while also driving to every corner of the state,” he says. “And I think not being up in Columbus was healthy because it helped me stay separate from the terrible statehouse culture and kept me

Pepper. He graduated from Cincinnati Country Day School before earning a B.A. in history and international relations from Yale University, where he was also a writer and managing editor on the school newspaper.

Pepper’s transition from official party politics to influential author and go-to commentator makes sense

CINCINNATI HOME

ON THE TABLE

Cincinnati Magazine’s Showcase of Homes featured five upscale houses from Cutter Custom Homes, Drees Homes, Fischer Homes, Gustin Construction, and Our Farmer House in the Affirmed neighborhood at Triple Crown. Here, a view of the dining room at The Bedford, from Drees Homes.

Expert Opinion

Eva Kavanagh, the Vice President of Marketing for Sibcy Cline, explains what’s happening in today’s real estate market.

WHAT

DO

BUYERS

WANT? WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS SHOULD SELLERS TAKE ON NOW?

Buyers are more cautious with their purchases as interest rates fluctuate. That favors well-priced homes with clear value. Cincinnati’s market is seeing a surge in demand for move-in-ready homes. We’re also seeing an increase in first-time homebuyers as more millennials enter the market. For those looking to renovate and sell, projects focused on kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces drive higher returns.

WHAT SORT OF TECHNOLOGIES

ARE BUYERS INTERESTED IN? WHAT TRADITIONAL AMENITIES ARE THEY LOOKING FOR?

Buyers are prioritizing sustainability and energy-efficient homes. That means they’re looking for properties with features like solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and smart home technology. Buyers also value convenience and community. That means walkable neighborhoods and mixed-use developments will continue to attract attention.

HOW SHOULD BUYERS AND SELLERS PREPARE IN THIS MARKET?

Right now it’s a competitive real estate market. Properly staged homes, priced correctly and marketed effectively, are selling faster and for top dollar. Small updates can yield big returns—curb appeal matters in Cincinnati. On the buying side, getting pre-approved and working with an experienced agent can make a buyer’s offer stand out in multiple-offer situations.

Magic Carpet Ride

Your flooring choices can transform your home’s design. The experts at McSwain Carpets & Floors can help.

n an era where personalization and technology are reshaping the way we live, McSwain Carpets & Floors is leading the charge in flooring innovation. With a legacy of craftsmanship and customer care, the company is now embracing digital tools to make the flooring selection process more intuitive and inspiring for homeowners.

“We’re committed to bringing customers the latest in flooring innovation,” says Michelle Bruegge, Director of Marketing at McSwain. “One way we do this is by offering digital visualization tools that allow homeowners to see how different flooring styles will look in their own spaces. It makes the selection process more personalized and stress-free.”

For new homeowners, flooring is more than just a design choice—it’s a foundational investment. Bruegge emphasizes that while aesthetics are important, other factors like durability, maintenance, and long-term value should be part of the decision-making process.

“Choosing the right flooring at the start can save time, money, and frustration down the road,” she explains. “That’s why it’s so important to work with flooring experts who can help guide decisions and match products to your lifestyle.”

McSwain’s approach is holistic, offering a full-service experience that spans product selection, professional installation, and ongoing support. With a wide range of options—from plush carpets and classic hardwoods to luxury vinyl, tile, and custom area rugs—the company caters to

nearly every design vision and budget.

“The flooring industry is evolving rapidly,” Bruegge notes. “Homeowners may not realize how much of an impact flooring has on comfort, efficiency, and even home value. Innovations like waterproof luxury vinyl and engineered hardwood provide stylish, durable options that make everyday living easier.”

And while product quality is essential, Bruegge is quick to point out that expert installation is just as critical.

“Even the best product can fall short if not installed correctly,” she says. “At McSwain Carpets & Floors, we take pride in delivering expert craftsmanship and exceptional service, ensuring every customer has flooring they’ll love for years to come.”

With a blend of tradition and technology, McSwain Carpets & Floors is redefining what it means to invest in your home—one step at a time.

Beyond the Closet

hink custom closets are just for shoes and sweaters? Michele Semona of Closets by Design says it’s time to think outside the bedroom. While you can certainly customize an over-the-top space to store your clothing and accessories, Semona emphasizes that’s only the beginning. It’s possible to transform every corner of the house, from laundry rooms that make chores easier to pantries that feel straight out of a cooking show. “We’ve built our reputation on creating dream-worthy closets, but we can create everything from mudrooms that corral the chaos of daily life to garages that work as hard as you do.”

Every project begins with a free, inhome design consultation, which makes the project personal and practical. Designers take the time to listen, sketch, and plan with the homeowner’s style, budget, and lifestyle in mind.

Bring order and style to every corner of your home with personalized organizational solutions.

“There are no cookie-cutter solutions,” Semona explains. “Closets by Design manufactures everything locally, and each project is made-to-measure, combining durability with a look that’s as polished as it is purposeful.”

While you might be tempted to put off these storage solutions, Semona’s advice to new homeowners is simple: Don’t wait. Building storage into your home from the start sets the tone for how you’ll live in it. “A well-planned closet or smartly designed laundry room doesn’t just add convenience—it adds long-term value and makes everyday life feel easier,” she says.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

PRESENTING SPONSORS: Heritage Bank, Kelly Brothers, Cincinnati Magazine

BUILDERS AND DEVELOPER: Triple Crown Country Club, Cutter Custom Homes, Drees Homes, Fischer Homes, Gustin Construction, Our Farmer House

SPONSORS: The BMW Store, Bray Topsoil & Gravel, C.K. Ash Insurance, Next Door Photos, Nikki Hayden, Madtree Brewing, Nisbet Brower, NW Title, Prestige Auto Body & Golf Cars, Sherwin-Williams, Team Herr, Publix, Wiseway, Rose Gynecology, Big Blue Moving, A Cottage Collection, Granite World, Decal Impressions, Quinn Electric, Florida Tile, Shelf Genie, Toothologie, Towne Properties, Vories Team

September 26, 2025 Affirmed at Triple Crown → Cincinnati Magazine readers, our builders, sponsors, vendors and guests came out to Union, Kentucky, to kick off the Showcase of Homes. Hall of fame jockey Steve Cauthen cut the ribbon on the event, which showcases homes from Cutter Custom Homes, Drees Homes, Fischer Homes, Gustin Constructio, and Our Farmer House.

Hundreds of guests also enjoyed live music from The Layovers (with special guest Darren Farmer), desserts from Publix, and hearty bites from McHale’s Catering. What a great way to kick off three weekends of home tours.

piece displayed above—a bike, broken down to its component parts and wrapped in colorful strips of fabric to spell out “GLO.” An interior entrance to the reading room is delineated by a second flat arch of bookshelves, opening to rafters and brick, tall shelves of books with colorful spines, warm faded rugs, and a pair of unusual chandeliers whose electric candles are surrounded by a metal frame. The floor is painted dark blue, and scuffs of concrete are visible through smudges of overuse and time. The look is industrial, bookish, and cozy.

were her clothes. She is, as the memorial evidences, remembered and beloved.

I buy the copy of Hansel and Gretel, order an egg and cheese sandwich, and chat with the bookseller about the reading room’s vibrancy. “The way you think and feel in that space is entirely due to Richard’s vision,” he tells me, and we gaze together down the book-lined hall.

Cincinnati Public Library, Downtown

With a renovation freshly completed in July 2024, the 540,000-square-foot library facility has never been more approachable. The redesigned plaza offers easy access to the South Building, where a spectacular skylight pours light onto a newly designed atrium. I make my way up a grand staircase to the third floor and settle in one of the cozy couches surrounding the atrium balcony.

The staircase itself, called the Social Stairs, is an art installation celebrating

PERHAPS 20 PEOPLE COULD WORK COMFORTABLY IN THIS ROOM AT ROEBLING BOOKS. THE VOLUMES AROUND US RECALL OTHERS WHO HAVE DONE THIS SORT OF WORK BEFORE US.

A painting on the wall mimics The Creation of Adam, but in this case God is handing Adam a red hardback book. The writers, a group of 10 clustered around the long table, are silent as their pens move across pages and fingers across keyboards among cups of iced and hot coffee.

Perhaps 20 people could work comfortably in this room; unlike the adjoining café, the vibe is quiet and thoughtful. These readers have settled down to think and create, and the books around us—from Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid to Abby Jimenez’s Say You’ll Remember Me to the high shelves featuring local authors—recall others who have done this sort of work before us.

I learn from one of the booksellers that the bike art piece is a memorial to former employee Gloria San Miguel, who was struck and killed by a car while riding her bike in 2022. The colored pieces of fabric

Cincinnati music history. Glass barriers on either side are covered in colorful stripes, most prominently yellow, blue, orange, and green, each bearing the name of a song or album produced in Cincinnati or about Cincinnati, along with the artist and the year of its creation. More than 1,600 songs or albums appear in the order of their creation from 1945 through 2023.

It’s a visual testimony to the city’s creative community, bathed in light by a skylight covering the entire lobby ceiling, two halves meeting at meet the top in a gentle peak. More than 150 clear square panes of glass make up the skylight, and the light they admit bounces off freshly painted white brick walls. The reading room feels like it almost reaches the heavens.

Cushioned seats in cheerful blues and greens, with natural wood armrests, are positioned behind small movable desks, each next to a plug. A bank of two-top tables

runs along a window-edged wall, offering views of a patio with yet more seating and umbrellas. I see half a dozen people working, though the space can easily accommodate a few dozen, and similar seating is available around the balcony edge on the floor below.

The space is harmonious and immense. A friend who is taking courses online tells me she’s been working at this spot in the library all day, and as I sit here, computer poised in front me of me and book stacks visible all around, I understand why.

I exit by way of the Reading Garden, a lovely courtyard about the size of a tennis court, with six tables, several long black benches, and a grove of mature trees, a few of which are almost as tall as the library itself. Old buildings—red brick, smooth gray concrete with remarkable detail work at the top—are visible above the garden wall. A path winds around a small pond with a water feature, and birds linger in the bushes. I hear the streetcar bell on Walnut Street. A brass sign informs me that this space was first established in 1955 and rededicated in 1983.

A woman sits reading on a bench under a tree, and two library workers come out and walk around the short path. I walk as well and notice a bronze statue of two children reading, an older girl with her arm around a younger girl, both wearing bobby socks and laced shoes, frozen in 1955, and holding a large book—a copy of The Secret Garden, of course, with several lines legible: “She slipped through the gate and shut it behind her, and stood with her back to it, looking about her and breathing quite fast with excitement and wonder, and delight.”

The Mercantile Building’s lobby is a sea of white marble. I hit the brass button on the express elevator to the 12th floor, and at the Mercantile Library entrance I’m greeted by a mannequin whose skirt is made entirely of books. Behind her to the right, a staircase leads down to the library’s more familiar 11th floor, but I move past it and make my way to a living-room styled reading room with windows on two sides.

Deep blue velvety couches and tufted leather chairs invite patrons to settle in

and relax. A long table with lamps provides space for collaboration, while five individual desks—four of them taken on the morning I’m here—accommodate individual work. Each is positioned in front of a window, through which the Mercantile’s elaborate concrete cornices, replete with swoops and fancy flowers, are only inches away. Peering out the window at the detailed, six-petaled flower underneath the cornice provides a breathless feeling of spying something beautiful that’s typically out of sight—as though I’ve become a bird nesting in the nooks of the building. An electric outlet on the desk and a coaster invite me to settle into the green leather seat for a long stretch.

People are working, headphones in, screens glowing, and fingers in motion. A thick book titled Biological Exuberance sits on the table of the person next to me. He yawns, stands up, moves away from his screen and books, and stretches.

Across the street I can see a window washer working on the upper floors of a building. Two long cords move his floating box up and down. There’s a feeling of motion and action but also of profound quiet and peace. Behind me is the poetry section, where I browse books from the early 1900s.

While the Mercantile requires a small fee to be a full member, everyone is welcome to come and try out the reading room for a day at no cost, says Amy Hunter, its director of community and experience.

matic religious iconography. Behind the imposing structure, almost hidden by it, stairs lead to the reading room.

The library is surprisingly large. When I first saw it several years ago, I felt as though I’d found a secret room; it’s actually in the separate-but-attached original Art Academy of Cincinnati building that was adjoined to the main museum in a 2012 renovation. Though the space has been repurposed, the quality of the light here, like the watch factory, is a clue about its past—this was the Art Academy’s old painting studio.

Long built-in shelves house more than 100,000 books, periodicals, and auction catalogs. Only a third of the collection is displayed at any given time. Schiff, after whom the library is named, was a major museum benefactor, and her portrait oversees the library from a high wall at the entrance. The bookshelves are tall and deep because the art books are heavy, hardbacked, and oversized.

A wall of windows, about 25 feet in height, is at the back of the room. A balcony beckons through the windows, and from this crescent shaped concrete perch amid the treetops the reader can sit at a long outdoor table or stand, stretch, and take in a view of downtown below.

circles the edge. The small space juts out of library building and comfortably seats just eight people, but the ceiling is quite high, offering a bit of space and luxury.

This is the Porte Cochère Reading Room at the Clifton Branch Library, housed in an old Gaslight District mansion built in 1895. To be in this space is to also contemplate the neighborhood as it would have been when this house was erected. At that point, this wasn’t a room but a drop-off spot at the side of the home—a covered entry (porte cochère means “covered door” in French) where horse-drawn carriages would pause to let residents and guests exit the carriage under an archway and enter the home through a side door.

Today the space is enclosed with limestone mined from the same quarry used in the original construction. It’s comfortable and cool. The deep blue carpeted floor was elevated in a 2015 renovation, and readers are tucked just underneath the high arches that would have created the equestrian tunnel.

I enter the Art Museum through its immense lobby with the sapphire-colored Chihuly spiraling overhead. I turn right and head up the marble staircase into the Renaissance wing. After crossing through a chilly, high-ceilinged gallery of centuriesold paintings, a fun hint of the reading room appears on the floor.

The words “Mary R. Schiff Library and Archives This Way” are beamed onto the hardwood in white light and twin arrows point ahead, seemingly to an ornate Renaissance altarpiece. With 13 painted panels set into an ornate wooden backdrop that’s more than 15 feet high, the piece feels like a portal to another world, a sort of C.S. Lewis wardrobe flung open to reveal dra-

Inside the library, long tables are organized into four seating areas. Each patron has plenty of table space as well a comfortable wheeled leather chair and access to a plug. Six individual cubicles are also available. The room is cool and silent, with long, rectangular lights arranged in a crisscrossed pattern toward the top of the ceiling. Yet more windows appear on either side of the room at the very top, like skylights.

I usually sit at the far end of the table on the right, just in front of the textile books. The ample space, generous hours, beautiful light, and gorgeous views make this an ideal reading room. Plus you can effortlessly intersperse gallery walks into your creative rhythm.

Clifton Public Library Branch

The room here is small, like a vault, with three perfectly rounded crescent-shaped windows. Indiana limestone walls are on all sides, and natural wood wainscotting

No one in this room is thinking of horse-drawn carriages today; they’re focused on thoughts and texts. Six of the eight spaces are taken, and snacks, laptops, and books abound. A woman twirls her hair, gazes through the window, and grabs a granola bar from her backpack. She stares at the ceiling while chewing, and I look up as well, suddenly appreciating the beadboard’s symmetrical orderliness.

At another desk, headphones and a laptop are abandoned; the patron has left to take a walk. I gaze out the window and count nine trees blowing gently in the wind. I appreciate the aura of concentration and focus, and I get out my own laptop and begin to write, working my way through a draft I’d been avoiding.

I feel transported, simultaneously floating on a ship and tucked in a safe. The strolling patron is back at his laptop now, staring at the screen while his mouth purses in concentration. The woman moves away to throw out her snack. Another reader slips into an empty chair.

There is an intimacy and a closeness to this space, though I can’t imagine interrupting anyone or even speaking to them. We’re together but alone, each urged into deeper fixation through this unique environment.

given his on-the-ground insights into recent erosions in U.S. democracy, as well as his embrace of “good government” ideals. His speaking voice is even-tempered, only occasionally rising to make a point but rarely betraying his simmering anger at a political and social situation he believes is growing more toxic by the day. His conversational style is succinct, yet he’s passionate about unleashing an obvious command of facts and history.

“Writing The People’s House was literally just this frustrated effort to think, Hey, if I wrote a novel dramatizing how much gerryman-

years, Alana—before settling on the final results.

“I was trying to capture what I like to read, which is quick,” he says. “Don’t waste the reader’s time. Details are great, but don’t lard it up with so many that you slow down the story. My biggest weakness early on was I’d put in too much detail about politics because I knew that world.”

Early critiques focused on Pepper’s lack of character development for the protagonist, reporter Jack Sharpe, as well as the supporting cast. “Someone told me, ‘David, people will read through any plot if they are compelled by a character. If they don’t like the character, the plot isn’t going to keep them in the book,’ ” he says. “I just hadn’t done that part well and hadn’t really mastered dialogue. The irony is the same lesson applies in politics as in writing—if the candidate is compelling, people get excited.”

Pepper was a compelling candidate himself or a while in this area, until he

“IN HINDSIGHT, MY FIRST BOOK WAS THE WORST IDEA FOR A NOVEL OF ALL TIME,” SAYS PEPPER. “WHO’S GOING TO READ A NOVEL ABOUT GERRYMANDERING?”

dering creates a problem for our country, maybe that will get the word out,” says Pepper. “That was literally why I did it. I’d never written fiction before. In hindsight, that’s the worst idea for a novel of all time. Who’s going to read a novel about gerrymandering?”

As it turns out, more people than he imagined. But first came the rejections. “I got tons of rejection letters from agents,” he says. “One agent told me, ‘You’re just not good at this, so you should basically stop.’ That was a college classmate of mine who I thought maybe would give me an extra look.”

Pepper had a bit of journalism experience but no training in how to create fully realized characters for an effective piece of fiction writing. It took him a few years of working on The People’s House off and on between day jobs and family commitments—he has two sons, 11-year-old Jack and 8-year-old Charlie, with his wife of 12

wasn’t. He was elected to Cincinnati City Council from 2001 to 2005, then served a term as Hamilton County Commissioner from 2007 to 2010. He lost to Mark Mallory in the 2005 race for Cincinnati mayor and had failed statewide runs for auditor in 2010 and attorney general in 2014. He served as chair of the Ohio Democratic Party from 2015 to 2021.

Before those public-facing years, Pepper spent three years in the mid-1990s traveling to St. Petersburg, Russia. He was working at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C., before he decided to go back to Yale to get his law degree. His experience on the other side of the world couldn’t help but inform his portrait of the Russian oligarch in The People’s House, which he based on none other than current Russian President Vladimir Putin. Pepper, then in his early 20s, interacted with Putin face to face on

multiple occasions.

“I had numerous meetings with him because he was the guy I was working with on a commission of Western leaders, businesses, and others to try and reform St. Petersburg,” says Pepper. “Putin was Vice Mayor of St. Petersburg at one point and was assigned to sort of oversee my project or be the interface, so some of that lead Russian character is based on him because he was pretty memorable.”

Pepper has become deft at incorporating real-life characters, first-hand experiences, and “ripped from the headlines” political issues into his novels, in a way that almost straddles the line between fiction and nonfi ction. “I kind of walk through all sorts of real issues I’ve learned about in politics,” he says. “One reason I think people like my books is because the characters and scenes feel realistic. Of course, after the [2016 U.S. presidential] election and the Russia scandal blew up for real, all of a sudden my book got a large following because people were like, Oh my God, how did you know that the Russians would get involved?”

John Pepper says his son was a voracious reader as a kid and was a “proficient” nonfi ction writer at an early age. But he was surprised that David also had a gift for writing fiction.

“I was enormously impressed by the quality of what he achieved in terms of dynamic narrative and character development,” says John. “And I was impressed by how he drew upon his experience from different parts of the world, including Russia, to inform his stories. His political work on gerrymandering and other issues formed a backbone for some of his books, of course. The success went beyond even what I might’ve anticipated, and his capacity to develop it quickly was and remains remarkable.”

Other family members might have taken a little longer to come around. “My brothers aren’t that into politics,” says David. “But they read my novels because I’m their brother. When they finished reading The People’s House, they were like, ‘God, that gerrymandering sounds terrible.’ And I thought, Oh, mission accomplished.”

FORMER CINCINNATI MAYOR JOHN Cranley has known Pepper for more than a

quarter century. As ambitious locals with similar backgrounds—both are products of esteemed private high schools and Ivy League law schools—it was inevitable that they’d cross paths.

They first got to know each other while working at a local law firm in the summer of 1998. Pepper volunteered on Cranley’s unsuccessful 2000 campaign to unseat Steve Chabot in Ohio’s 1st Congressional District. They then overlapped on Cincinnati City Council from 2001 to 2005.

Cranley credits the pair’s early and enduring commitments to their hometown to a common source—their families. “David certainly had extremely prominent parents who had done a lot for Cincinnati, both in the business world and the nonprofit world,” says Cranley. “I think he figured he had a lot of blessings in life and that he should share those blessings for the good of public service, which I believe he did.”

As moderate Democrats, the two recognize how the political climate has changed over the last 25 years. “Back before 9/11, there was a sense that the two parties were not that far apart and kind of worked together for the greater good,” says Cranley. “Over time, we’ve witnessed political polarization, which led David to be a little bit sharper in his partisanship than when he started. But all in all he’s still fighting for the same beliefs in democracy and social justice and trying to make the world a better place.”

Cranley isn’t surprised Pepper has been a keen commentor on current politics through his nonfiction books and Pepperspectives, but he didn’t expect him to craft a political thriller that would garner kudos nationally. “It was smart, obviously from someone who had a really good understanding of the life of a politician and the life of reporters,” Cranley says of The People’s House. “I knew him as a politician and a friend. I didn’t know him as a writer. I didn’t expect that I would be interested in his fiction writing, but I thought it was a page-turner. It was great.”

Pepper agrees that things have changed since he and Cranley first started working together on city council. “I ran as a Democrat, but I hadn’t been involved in any partisan things,” he says. “My identity was nonpartisan in my own mind. If you look at my first couple of elections, I actually did very well because I won tons of Republican votes.

I would knock on doors all over. I could talk to anybody. My initial start in politics was not at all driven by some partisan quest for anything. It was, This is public service, and I want to help a community I’m proud of and have been bragging about my whole life.”

The rightward lurch of the Republican Party, especially in Ohio, forced a response. As a trained lawyer and someone with a firm sense of history, Pepper couldn’t help but act given what’s happened in his home state over the last 15 years. “When I see the rules of democracy being violated with voter suppression or with gerrymandering,” he says, “there’s some part of me deep inside that’s offended by open rule-breaking.”

Ohio was once a swing state known for accurately predicting presidential elections, a state that earned the phrase,“As goes Ohio, so goes the nation.” According to Pepper, the state is now known for something else.

“Ohio is now a bellwether for how democracy can crumble in the world of extreme gerrymandering,” Pepper says.“That’s essentially what Laboratories of Autocracy is saying: Hey, everyone, this is what happens in this state when it essentially loses its democracy and its rule of law. In many ways, we’re still the bellwether, just in the worst possible way. I sound and talk differently from when I started because, as I’ve gone through it, I’ve actually seen first-hand how broken the political system is.”

Lisa Senecal is a writer and social justice advocate who co-hosts a podcast called Lincoln Square. She first became aware of Pepper’s work through Laboratories of Autocracy, which has become a revered political text in certain circles. Adding him as a regular guest on the podcast was a no-brainer.

“ Laboratories of Autocracy just put a spotlight on how states, and certainly Ohio was one at the forefront, were testing political maneuverings from gerrymandering to state Supreme Court elections to see what worked and what didn’t work in terms of corrupting the system and creating oneparty-controlled state government,” says Senecal. “David has been beating on that drum for years now. He should get a huge amount of credit for keeping citizens and the media focused on what’s happening on the state level.”

Somehow Pepper’s optimism about

the future never seems to waver despite the various outrages. “That is one of the many reasons I love talking to David,” says Senecal. “He somehow has this internal reset. I assume part of that comes from his mother’s activism. She was fighting battles that were definitely long-term issues and didn’t have any quick fixes. He has a special ability to help people who are reading his work or listening to his interviews reset with a positive outlook and feel like they have agency and power to be able to make change for the better.”

Senecal cites Pepper’s no-frills communication skills as key when it comes to explaining political matters. “He has a unique way of talking about really complicated issues that’s very digestible without ever sounding like he’s talking down to anyone,” she says. “The respect he has for citizens always comes through, especially when he’s using his whiteboards to break down complex problems into manageable pieces that make sense.”

Pepper’s whiteboard skills recall the late Tim Russert’s iconic usage during the 2000 presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore in which the then-moderator of NBC’s Meet the Press wrote what would be key to the outcome: “Florida! Florida! Florida!” In fact, there’s a Russert-like approach to Pepper’s political commentary and prose style—an unpretentious, plain-spoken sensibility no doubt influenced by his Midwestern upbringing and civic-minded family.

Pepper’s enthusiasm for explaining the mundane aspects of our political system can’t help but pervade the content he creates as a writer and a commentator. Which brings us to the fateful question Pepper asked himself after 20 years in organized politics: Do I go back to being a lawyer fulltime or do I go in wholeheartedly as a writer?

The leap to writing has paid off. “I had no idea what would happen,” he says. “I just started writing again. I was inspired by the moment to write Laboratories of Autocracy. My range of activity now is so much bigger than it was when I was chair of the Democratic Party or a candidate. I have a much bigger footprint. I’m far more independent. I feel liberated to say more than I could when I was chair of a political party or a candidate for office.”

FLOWER POWER

Colorful history meets a lively menu at this downtown bistro.

—M. LEIGH HOOD

ONCE UPON A TIME, WHEN CINCINNATI WAS KNOWN AS “PORKOPOLIS,” FOUNTAIN

Square was a butcher’s market. As the city grew and reimagined life in public spaces, it reclaimed the square for newer, more fragrant endeavors. To honor its legacy and squeeze through a legal loophole, the city kept a florist stall in the former meat market space. Every year, the mayor visited to pay the city’s lease by purchasing a flower from the stall for a penny. Although the cart has gone the way of the old market, Pennyflower Bistro & Bar celebrates its memory.

The venue embraces its neighborhood in name and design. The sign (a stylized pig holding a flower) invites questions and, Chef Jacob Benavides hopes, friendly conversations. Diffused sunlight glows through the windowed wall along Broadway, and inside, every table sports a single bloom or spray of fresh flowers.

The menu is just as colorful. The Smoked Butterfly cocktail is one of the servers’ top recommendations. Butterfly pea flower- and prickly pear-infused tequila, mezcal, lime, and toasted almond bitters transform you into the hookah-smoking caterpillar from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Light floral notes bloom into a finish so smoky I thought they’d used a cocktail smoker for flavor. For playful souls, there’s the Bourbon Cream Soda. A generous pour of Maker’s Mark goes into a house-blended cream soda with fresh vanilla bean and a big scoop of Tillamook ice cream. It’s simple, delightful, and delicious.

Benavides and his sous chef, Sameer Murekar, butcher proteins in-house, make sauces from scratch, and even shred their own hash browns, but they work with other local businesses to source bread (Sixteen Bricks), gin (Northern Row Distillery), and microgreens (Ft. Thomas Microgreens). Those greens pop on the

FYI

Pennyflower Bistro & Bar 701 Broadway St., downtown, (513) 904-4149, pennyflowerbistro.com

Hours

Lunch Mon–Fri 11 a.m.–3:30 p.m., dinner Sun–Thurs 4–9 p.m. and Fri & Sat 4–10 p.m.

Prices

$6 (Sixteen Bricks sourdough starter)–$100 (bone-in Allen Bros. rib eye)

Credit Cards

All major

The Takeaway Accessible bistro with bright bouquets of flavor.

burrata (Mandarin oranges, olive oil, Tellicherry peppercorn, and balsamic vinegar). Easy to share, the appetizer looks and tastes like a sunburst. Sweet oranges bring out the cheese’s character, and the drizzled oil and vinegar complicate things nicely. The carbonara croquettes oppose the burrata in every way, serving up crunchy puffs with lemon aioli, a snowbank of Parmesan, and savory lengths of prosciutto with the same pepper as the burrata. These two share a table surprisingly well, linked by citrus and peppercorns, and they scratch the itch for a refined, light introduction to dinner, along with the eternal call of fried things with cheese.

Pennyflower doesn’t serve anything with heat that isn’t equally sweet. The hot Nashville chicken sandwich tangos between these extremes with hot honey, sweet house pickles, and whole grain mustard caught in a potato bun. The chicken is juicy, the breading is crispy, and the entrée is an easy way to impress a date who expects you to catch fire. Approach this beastie without fear. If you want the zip Nashville hot chicken dishes usually provide, this won’t live up to your expectations.

The hot chicken isn’t the only fowl on the menu. The Amish chicken pressade reimagines pork belly with poultry. Layers of meat, fatty skin, and seasoning are pressed flat in a pan before cooking. The finished product arrives in long, narrow cuts that showcase the strata like a block of bacon. Red chimichurri and Calabrian chiles weave sweet, tangy spice throughout, and the natural stain furthers the illusion of red meat. Two cuts of pressade frame a garden of fingerling potatoes crisped at the edges and soft inside. Cutting into it

topples the illusion of a cohesive slice, but as the layers come apart, they land in the sauce and potatoes, so you can catch all the flavors in one forkful.

The Grilled New York is a particularly pretty plate. Disks of tender, rich steak blossom over a bed of black diamond cheddar pearls, and one of Pennyflower’s biggest twists hides below the meat: beets. Benavides aims to infuse vegetables with deep flavor, and here he showcases how to marry vegetables with proteins for a great entrée. While the steak gets the confit treatment (beef tallow and herbs), the beets soak in applewood smoke. Serving them together brings the warm taste of the grill to the meat’s natural fat, and the union is blessed by the beets’ natural sweetness. As the mildest of the three flavors, the cheddar pearls round things out with tapioca texture and a touch of salt.

Some of the best parts of the menu hide at the end of the meal. The crème brûlée sports a perfect, sugared crust, and the seasonings (fresh vanilla bean and cardamom) appear in each spoonful. It isn’t the restaurant’s crowning jewel, though. The darling of the menu goes through fire to reach the top.

Without a campfire, s’mores never live up to expectations, but Pennyflower’s version delivers everything it promises. The bulk of this beauty is fresh Italian meringue, made in-house every day. The fluff swallows a heart of vanilla bean ice cream and stands on a bed of crumbled graham. Like a baked Alaska, each s’more is toasted by hand via torch, and the open flame delivers the faint, smoky char that gives the dessert its soul. It’s a scene stopper and a conversation starter that leaves you comparing fireside adventures with friends as you pay the bill. As you head out, you’ll find yourself debating the finer points of roasting a marshmallow. (The best is well-burnt and gooey on the inside in case you needed a second opinion.)

Pitch Perfect

WHEN TAFT’S ALE HOUSE CLOSED ITS DOORS PERMANENTLY IN LATE 2023, IT LEFT A hole in Over-the-Rhine’s brewpub scene. A year later, Mellotone Beer Project took over the space, bringing west coast brews and a must-try menu for the casual beer drinker. Named after a Duke Ellington song, the restaurant and bar strikes the right note.

Get your meal started with an order of the burrata. Accompanied by grilled sourdough bread from Blue Oven Bakery and hot honey, the creamy cheese is usually served with seasonal fruits (like roasted grapes or peaches) for an extra burst of sweetness. It works as a great bridge between appetizers and the main act. No brewpub menu would be complete without a burger-and-fries combo. Grab the Cowboy Burger, a half-pound of grass-fed bison topped with cheddar cheese, crispy shallots, pickled jalapeño, and housemade BBQ sauce. Add an order of fries with chipotle mayo and you’ll be fully fueled up.

Of the main courses, the spaghetti squash stands out. It’s made by roasting the vegetable and then shredding it into strings that resemble the beloved pasta. The “noodles” are tossed in brown butter, lemon, and hazelnut, and placed back into the squash’s shell and topped with pecorino and crispy kale for a sweet, nutty flavor.

And we can’t forget the beer. The top floor hosts the brewpub’s “beer garden,” offering a rotation of IPAs. —AIESHA D. LITTLE

BARB COOPER

THE OWNER OF CINCINNATI

Food Tours talks about her journey from shopkeeper to tour runner.

When did you get started giving food tours? In 2012 when the World Choir Games were in town.

What was the impetus for the business? I was in Charleston, South Carolina, on a girls’ trip in 2011. We didn’t know much about the area, so we signed up for a food tour. I decided that someone in Cincinnati should do the same thing. That person ended up being me!

How many food tours did you run in the beginning? I focused just on Findlay Market for the first few years. As interest grew regarding restaurants in Over-the-Rhine, I began to add more options.

How many do you currently run? We now have tours in OTR, along the streetcar line, and in Walnut Hills, Pendleton, and Hyde Park. We also offer theme-based tours, such as our Sweet Stroll and our Burgers, BBQ, and Beer Tour, for a total of seven different public tours.

What’s the one item that you love showing customers? I really like introducing guests to goetta from Eckerlin Meats at Findlay Market. The guys at Eckerlin’s do a great job of explaining the history of this local specialty, and almost everybody agrees that Eckerlin’s recipe is one of the best. – AIESHA D LITTLE cincinnatifoodtours.com

Beer Project, 1429 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 650-7773, mellotonebeer.com

Read a longer interview with Barb at cininnatimagazine.com

GOBBLIN’ MODE

The holiday season is quickly approaching, and you’ll want to start looking for turkey options early. Here, two local turkey farms show you what they’ve got. —AIESHA

MOVING UNITS

Valley View sells more than 1,000 turkeys per holiday season.

POUND FOR POUND

Turkeys range from 12 to 30 pounds.

FREE TO FEED

These turkeys are free range and fed a corn-and-soybean meal packed with vitamins and minerals.

HOW TO BUY ’EM

Turkeys went on sale for Thanksgiving in late September to early October.

HOW CLOSE TO THANKSGIVING CAN YOU GET A TURKEY?

Customers can pick up until the day before the holiday (and the Saturday after by appointment).

VALLEY VIEW TURKEY FARMS 4900 Yankee Rd., Liberty Twp., (513) 779-4546, valleyviewturkeyfarm.com

D. LITTLE

TEWES FARM

MOVING UNITS

Tewes sell about 3,000 turkeys in November and December.

POUND FOR POUND

Get a bird ranging from 15 to 35 pounds.

FREE TO FEED

These free-range turkeys are fed cornmeal with no hormones of any kind.

HOW TO BUY ’EM

Turkeys go on sale for Thanksgiving online on Tewes’s website starting November 1.

HOW CLOSE TO THANKSGIVING CAN YOU GET A TURKEY?

Customers can pick their orders up to three days before cooking.

TEWES FARM 2801 Crescent Springs Pike, Erlanger, (859) 341-8844, tewesfarm.com

Readers’ Choice

AMERICAN 78

BARBECUE 79

CAJUN/CARIBBEAN 79

CHINESE 79

ECLECTIC 80

FRENCH 83

INDIAN 83

ITALIAN 83

JAPANESE 84

KOREAN 85

MEDITERRANEAN 85

MEXICAN 86

SEAFOOD 86

STEAKS 86

THAI 87

VIETNAMESE 87

AMERICAN

BOOMTOWN BISCUITS & WHISKEY

Boomtown leans hard into the Gold Rush theme and the dense grub isn’t for the faint of heart. Arrive with an empty belly, ready for a carbo load. The biscuits are all they’re cracked up to be, and the gravy’s not playing around, either. Sample its biscuits and gravy styles with a gravy flight. Or try The Yukon, an anytime breakfast sandwich, featuring fried chicken on par with the best the city has to offer. By the end of the meal, you’ll feel a little out of place without your own denim getup.

9039 U.S. Route 42, Ste. H, Union, (859) 384-5910, boomtownbiscuitsandwhiskey. com. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Wed–Sat. Breakfast and lunch Sun. MCC. $$

BROWN DOG CAFÉ

If you haven’t had a plate of Shawn McCoy’s design set in front of you, it’s about time. Many of the menu’s dishes show his knack for the plate as a palette. A trio of duck breast, lamb chop, and demi haute chocolate boar is a standout. The eye for detail and contrasts of colors and textures belongs to someone who cares for food.

1000 Summit Place, Blue Ash, (513) 794-1610, thebrowndogcafe.com. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat, brunch Sat. MCC, DS. $$$

COZY’S

CAFÉ & PUB

On a visit to England, Jan Collins discovered the “cozy” atmosphere of London restaurants built in historic houses. She brought that warm, comfortable feeling back to the United States in opening Cozy’s. Though the atmosphere in the restaurant is reminiscent of Collins’s London travels, the food remains proudly American. The produce in virtually every dish is fresh, seasonal, and flavorful. The braised short rib stands out with its cheesy grits and haystack onions along with a portion of tender meat. And when it comes down to the classics, from the biscuits that open the meal to the carrot cake at the end, Cozy’s does it right.

6440 Cincinnati Dayton Rd., Liberty Twp., (513) 644-9365, cozyscafeandpub.com. Lunch and dinner Tues–Sat, brunch Sat & Sun. MCC, DS. $$$

DINING GUIDE

CINCINNATI MAGAZINE’S dining guide is compiled by our editors as a service to our readers. The magazine accepts no advertising or other consideration in exchange for a restaurant listing. The editors may add or delete restaurants based on their judgment. Because of space limitations, all

of the guide’s restaurants may not be included. Many restaurants have changing seasonal menus; dishes listed here are examples of the type of cuisine available and may not be on the menu when you visit. To update listings, e-mail: cmletters@cincinnati magazine.com

EMBERS

The menu here is built for celebration: poshly priced steak and sushi selections are meant to suit every special occasion. Appetizers are both classic (shrimp cocktail) and Asian-inspired (shrimp tempura); fashionable ingredients are name-checked (micro-greens and truffles); a prominent sushi section (nigiri, sashimi, and rolls) precedes a list of archetypal salads; Kobe beef on sushi rolls sidles up to steaks of prime; non-steak entrées (Chilean sea bass or Dover sole with haricots verts and almondine) make for high-style alternative selections. Talk about a party.

JUST LISTED

Wildweed continues to rack up accolades thanks to its stellar fine dining fare.

In September, the OTR restaurant was named to not one but two national best restaurants lists: TheNewYork Times’s“The Restaurant List 2025” and BonAppetit’s “The 20 Best New Restaurants of 2025” list. wildweed-restaurant. com

8170 Montgomery Rd., Madeira, (513) 9848090, embersrestaurant.com. Dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $$$$

GREYHOUND TAVERN

Back in the streetcar days, this roughly 100-yearold roadhouse was at the end of the Dixie Highway line, where the cars turned around to head north. The place was called the Dixie Tea Room then, and they served ice cream. The fried chicken came along in the 1930s, and they’re still dishing it up today. Families and regulars alike pile in on Mondays and Tuesdays for the fried chicken special. While the juicy (never greasy) chicken with its lightly seasoned, crisp coating is the star, the side dishes—homemade biscuits, coleslaw, green beans, mashed potatoes, and gravy—will make you ask for seconds. Call ahead no matter what night you choose: There’s bound to be a crowd. Not in the mood for chicken? Choose from steaks, seafood, sandwiches, and comfort food options that include meatloaf and a Kentucky Hot Brown. Or just try the onion rings. You’ll wonder where onions that big come from.

2500 Dixie Highway, Ft. Mitchell, (859) 3313767, greyhoundtavern.com. Lunch and dinner seven days, brunch Sun. MCC, DS. $$$

Top 10 IVORY HOUSE

The menu here generally doesn’t reinvent dishes or introduce outlandish flavors, but simply pays attention to enough little things to make the results unusually good. All steaks are premium and hand-selected, the star player being the Japanese A5 Wagyu. The Ultimate Surf & Turf is a date night favorite with a 34-ounce Angus Tomahawk, four shrimp, four scallops and two lobster tails. Bluefin tuna steak is comple-

KEY: No checks unless specified.

AE American Express, DC Diners Club

DS Discover, MC MasterCard, V Visa

MCC Major credit cards: AE, MC, V

mented by cilantro lime rice, a vegetable medley, chimichurri, and a soy ginger vinaigrette. Confit duck leg, an Ivory House specialty, is served with parsnip mash, confit beets, and berry gastrique. The cocktails are ones you’ve probably seen before, but everything—from the Death Valley Farm Old Fashioned to the Best West Lemon Drop—has an extra dash of liveliness from a house-made element, like the rosemary syrup.

2998 Harrison Ave., Westwood, (513) 3890175, ivoryhousecincy.com. Dinner seven days, brunch Sun. MCC. DC. $$$

THE NORTHSTAR CAFÉ

In Northstar’s first outpost beyond the Greater Columbus area, the space itself reflects the ethos of the food: warm and comfortable, but still modern and fresh. The dinner and cocktail menus are fab, as is the large bar. But breakfast is worth waking up early for. Take the mushroom frittata, made with meaty mushrooms, caramelized sweet onions, and Gruyère. The portions are no joke—that frittata comes with breakfast potatoes and arugula—yet it doesn’t feel gluttonous or excessive. In large part that’s due to the freshness (e.g., the sausage made in-house daily) and the abundance of healthy options. One of our favorites: the shooting star juice, a balanced blend of carrot, ginger, orange, and lemon.

7610 Sloan Way, Liberty Township, (513) 759-0033; 7875 Montgomery Rd., Ste. 3112, Kenwood, (513) 570-5570, thenorthstarcafe. com. Breakfast and dinner seven days, lunch Mon–Fri, brunch Sat & Sun. MCC. No cash. $$

QUATMAN CAFÉ

The quintessential neighborhood dive, Quatman’s sits in the shadow of the Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center, serving up a classic bar burger. Look elsewhere if you like your burger with exotic toppings: This half-pound of grilled beef is served with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle. Sometimes cheese. The no-frills theme is straightforward and appealing. A menu of standard sandwich fare and smooth mock turtle soup; beer on tap or soda in cans (no wine or liquor); and plenty of kitsch is served daily. Peppered with regulars, families, and political discussions, Quatman’s is far from fancy, but it’s fun, fast, and delicious.

2434 Quatman Ave., Norwood, (513) 7314370; 224 W. Main St., Mason, (513) 229-0222,

quatmancafe.com. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. MCC, DS. $

RON’S ROOST

Ron’s stakes its reputation on its fried chicken, serving roughly 10,000 pieces weekly. It takes a few minutes, since each batch is made to order. Ron’s also serves chicken 18 other ways, including chicken livers in gravy. It’s all about the chicken here, but the menu is five solid pages of other stuff good enough to be called specialties: Oktoberfest sauerbraten, Black Angus cheeseburgers, fried whitefish on rye, hot bacon slaw, lemon meringue pie (homemade, of course), and the best Saratoga chips this side of Saratoga. 3853 Race Rd., Bridgetown, (513) 574-0222, ronsroost. net. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $$

THE SCHOOLHOUSE RESTAURANT

An old flag stands in one corner and pictures of Abe Lincoln and the first George W. hang on the wall of this Civil War–era schoolhouse. The daily menu of familiar Midwestern comfort fare is written on the original chalkboard. Once you order from a woman who bears an uncanny resemblance to your high school lunch lady, the elevated lazy Susan in the center of the table begins to fill up with individual bowls and baskets of cornbread, slaw, salad, mashed potatoes, chicken gravy, and vegetables. The deal here is quantity. More mashed potatoes with your fried chicken? More cornbread with your baked ham? You don’t even have to raise your hand.

8031 Glendale-Milford Rd., Camp Dennison, (513) 8315753, theschoolhousecincinnati.com. Lunch Thurs, Fri & Sun, dinner Thurs–Sun. MCC, DS. $$

SOUL SECRETS

You no longer need an event to celebrate with a fish fry. At Candice Holloway’s restaurant, Soul Secrets, fried chicken and fish are always on the menu. Servers wearing T-shirts that read “my ancestors sent me” introduce guests to a trim menu full of the best soul food. You can’t go wrong with the fried fish platters. The whiting is good, but the catfish is divine. The cornmeal breading is so perfectly seasoned you won’t need salt, and the light crunch it adds doesn’t hide the star of the show. So soft it’s nearly fluffy, the catfish melts in your mouth. Each catfish platter delivers two enormous pieces of fish along with two sides and a cornbread muffin that may be the best in Cincinnati. This is the kind of meal you take home with you—not just in your heart but in a box—because chances are low you’ll conquer all the fish and sides in one go.

1434 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 721-7685, soulsecretscincy.com. Lunch and dinner Wed–Sun. MCC. $

SUGAR N’ SPICE

This Paddock Hills diner, with other locations in Over-theRhine and Blue Ash, has been dishing up wispy-thin pancakes and football-sized omelettes to Cincinnatians since FDR was signing new deals. Breakfast and lunch offerings mix old-hat classics like corned beef hash and basic burgers with funky iterations that draw on ethnic ingredients such as chorizo. Get here early if you don’t want to stand in line. 4381 Reading Rd., Paddock Hills, (513) 242-3521; 1203 Sycamore St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 762-0390; 10275 Summit Pkwy., Blue Ash, (513) 447-6453, eatsugarnspice. com. Breakfast and lunch seven days. MCC. $

TANO BISTRO

This Loveland bistro is comfortable, with reasonably priced food and amenable service. The menu is tidy—25 or so dishes divided between appetizers, salads, and entrées, plus two or three specials—its flavor profile partially influenced by a childhood growing up in a third-generation Italian family. Most of Tano Bistro’s main courses lean toward the comfortable side of American. For instance, Williams serves a stuffed salmon and an allegiance pork chop. The sprout & snout appetizer is also worth a trip to Loveland, combining crispy Brussels sprouts, garlic, and lemon aioli with sliced pork belly.

204 W. Loveland Ave., Loveland, (513) 683-8266; 150 Riverfront Plaza, Hamilton, (513) 795-8654, foodbytano. com. Lunch Thurs–Sun, dinner Mon–Wed, brunch Sun. MCC. $$$

TRIO

Trio is nothing if not a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re in the mood for a Mediterranean-style pizza or filet mignon (with

a baked potato and compound herb butter), the menu is broad enough to offer something for everyone. It may lack a cohesive point of view, but with the number of regulars who come in seven nights a week, variety is Trio’s ace in the hole. A simple Margherita pizza with Roma tomatoes, basil, Parmesan, and mozzarella delivered a fine balance of crunchy crust, soft cheese, and sweet, roasted tomatoes. Paired with a glass of pinot noir, it made a perfect light meal. The service is friendly enough for a casual neighborhood joint but comes with white tablecloth attentiveness and knowledge. Combine that with the consistency in the kitchen, and Trio is a safe bet.

7565 Kenwood Rd., Kenwood, (513) 984-1905, triobistro.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, DC. $$

THE WILDFLOWER CAFÉ

Wildflower Café is not the sort of place that tries to wow anyone with feats of inventiveness. Its formula is simple but satisfying: meat and produce sourced from its own farm, a menu that continuously changes with available ingredients, a nice selection of wine and beer, and well-made, homey food. The small, focused menu has a classic American quality (salads, steaks, burgers) with enough surprises to keep things interesting. Many of the dishes are designed with open spaces to be filled with whatever is available in the kitchen that day, an advantage of an unfussy style. You don’t go to Wildflower expecting a certain kind of perfection; you accept that your favorite dish from last time might be made differently tonight, or no longer available. Like the farmhouse that Wildflower occupies, the imperfections are part of the charm.

207 E. Main St., Mason, (513) 492-7514, wildflowermason.com. Dinner Mon–Sat. MCC. $$$

BARBECUE

BEE’S BARBEQUE

You’ll want to get to Bee’s early if you want to avoid the line of friendly regulars. The restaurant’s smoker churns out a variety of meats—including brisket, pulled pork, rib tips, turkey breast, and two kinds of sausage—so it’s easy to see why they keep coming back. If you enjoy the spicy grease that oozes out of a good chorizo, you’ll love the Cincinnati Hot Link, which tastes like the delicious love child of a chorizo and a hot mett. Word to the wise: Bee’s opens at 11 a.m. and closes when they run out of meat. Understandably, this doesn’t take long.

5910 Chandler St., Madisonville, (513) 561-2337. Lunch and dinner Tues–Sat; 1403 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 721-2337, beesbarbecue.com. Lunch and dinner Tues–Sun. MCC. $

ELI’S BBQ

Elias Leisring started building his pulled pork reputation under canopies at Findlay Market and Fountain Square in 2011. Leisring’s proper little ’cue shack along the river serves up ribs that are speaking-in-tongues good, some of the zazziest jalapeño cheese grits north of the MasonDixon line, and browned mashed potatoes that would make any short-order cook diner-proud. The small no-frills restaurant—packed cheek-by-jowl most nights—feels like it’s been there a lifetime, with customers dropping vinyl on the turntable, dogs romping in the side yard, and picnic tables crowded with diners. The hooch is bring-your-own, and the barbecue is bona fide.

3313 Riverside Dr., East End, (513) 533-1957; 133 West Elder St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 533-1957, ext. 2, elisbarbeque.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC. $

WALT’S HITCHING POST

A Northern Kentucky institution returns. Roughly 750 pounds of ribs per week are pit-fired in a small building in front of the restaurant, with a smaller dedicated smoker out back for brisket and chicken. Walt’s ribs begin with several hours in the smokehouse and then are quick-seared at the time of service. This hybrid method takes advantage of the leaner nature of the baby-back ribs they prefer to use. Each rib had a just-right tooth to it where soft flesh peeled away from the bone. One hidden treasure: Walt’s homemade tomato and garlic dressing. Slightly thicker than a vinaigrette yet unwilling to overwhelm a plate of greens, the two key elements play well together.

3300 Madison Pke., Ft. Wright, (859) 360-2222, waltshitchingpost.com. Dinner seven days. MCC. $$$

CAJUN/ CARIBBEAN

BREWRIVER CREOLE

More than 800 miles from New Orleans, this may be as close as you can get to the real deal here in your own backyard. The menu fully leans into Chef Michael Shields’s penchant for cuisine from the Crescent City. His six years of training under NOLA’s own Emeril Lagasse comes through in a scratch kitchen menu that spans a range of the city’s classics. The enormous shrimp and oyster po’boys—the former protein fried in a light and crispy beer batter and the latter in a hearty cornmeal breading—are served on fluffy French bread loaves and dressed with lightly spicy rémoulades. The jambalaya packs all the heat of a late summer day in the French Quarter without masking a hint of its satisfying flavors. Paired with a Sazerac and nightly live jazz, you may just feel tempted to start a second line.

4632 Eastern Ave., Linwood, (513) 861-2484, brewrivercreolekitchen.com. Dinner Tues–Sun, brunch and lunch Sat & Sun. MCC. $

SWAMPWATER GRILL

At first blush, this place is a dive where homesick Cajuns can find a good pile of jambalaya. But thoughtful details like draft Abita beer and char-grilled Gulf Coast oysters on the half shell signal its ambition. Bayou standards like jambalaya, gumbo, and fried seafood also make an appearance. But the extensive menu also features amped-up pub-style items for those who may be squeamish about crawfish tails (which can be added to just about anything on the menu). You’ll also find a roundup of oyster, shrimp, catfish, and alligator po’boys, as well as a selection of hardwood-smoked meats.

3742 Kellogg Ave., East End, (513) 834-7067, swampwatergrill.com. Lunch and dinner Wed–Sun, brunch Sat & Sun. V, MC, DS, AMEX. $$

KNOTTY PINE ON THE BAYOU

The Pine serves some of the best Louisiana home-style food you’ll find this far north of New Orleans. Taste the fried catfish filets with their peppery crust, or the garlic sauteed shrimp with smoky greens on the side, and you’ll understand why it’s called soul food. Between March and June, it’s crawfish season. Get them boiled and heaped high on a platter or in a superb crawfish etouffee. But the rockin’ gumbo—a thick, murky brew of andouille sausage, chicken, and vegetables—serves the best roundhouse punch all year round. As soon as you inhale the bouquet and take that first bite, you realize why Cajun-style food is considered a high art form and a serious pleasure. And you’ll start planning your return trip.

6302 Licking Pke., Cold Spring, (859) 781-2200, theknottypineonthebayou.com. Dinner Tues–Sun. MCC, DS. $$

CHINESE

AMERASIA

A sense of energetic fun defines this tiny Chinese spot with a robust beer list. The glossy paper menu depicts Master Chef Rich Chu as a “Kung Food” master fighting the evil fast-food villain with dishes like “fly rice,” “Brocco-Lee,” and “Big Bird’s Nest.” Freshness rules. Potstickers, dumplings, and wontons are hand shaped. The Dragon’s Breath wontons will invade your dreams. Seasoned ground pork, onion, and cilantro meatballs are wrapped in egg dough, wok simmered, and topped with thick, spicy red pepper sauce and fresh cilantro. Noodles are clearly Chef Chu’s specialty, with zonxon (a tangle of thin noodles, finely chopped pork, and mushrooms cloaked in spicy dark sauce and crowned with peanuts and cilantro) and Matt Chu’s Special (shaved rice noodles, fried chicken, and seasonal vegetables in gingery white sauce) topping the menu’s flavor charts.

521 Madison Ave., Covington, (859) 261-6121, kungfood. online. Lunch and dinner Mon–Fri, dinner Sat. MCC. $

GREAT TANG

Although the menu features classic dishes in every style, the specialty at Great Tang is the refined coastal cuisine of Zhejiang. If you like spice, you can get still the Sichuanese and Hunanese classics. One dish will hint at the surprises in store for people who are mainly used to Chinese takeout: the lovely Xian cold noodle. The dish is exquisitely layered: the creamy and nutty undertone of sesame paste, mixed with notes of tang and spice, topped with the bright pop of cilantro. The combination of textures is also delightful, with crunches of cucumber and sprouted mung and the softness of the flat noodles. Be as brave as you are in the mood to be. Ask for some suggestions and prepare to be astonished.

7340 Kingsgate Way, West Chester, (513) 847-6097, greattangohio.com. Lunch and dinner Wed–Mon, dim sum Sat & Sun. MCC, DS. $$

ORIENTAL WOK

When Mike and Helen Wong opened Oriental Wok in 1977, the couple wanted to recreate the glamor and refinement of the Hong Kong-Cantonese cuisine they knew. Today, locals and expats alike enjoy authentic Chinese and Chinese-American dishes in dining rooms reminiscent of Beijing. Beyond the elephant tusk entryway and fish ponds and fountains is the warmth and hospitality of the Wong family, service on par with the finest establishments, and very, very good food. Best are the fresh fish: salmon, grouper and sea bass steamed, grilled or fried in a wok, needing little more than the ginger-green onion sauce that

accompanies them. Oriental Wok is the tri-state’s longestrunning family-owned Chinese restaurant for a reason.

317 Buttermilk Pke., Ft. Mitchell, (859) 331-3000; 2444 Madison Rd., Hyde Park, (513) 871-6888, orientalwok. com. Lunch Sun–Fri (Ft. Mitchell; buffet Sun 11–2:30), lunch Tues–Sat (Hyde Park), dinner seven days (Ft. Mitchell) dinner Tues–Sun (Hyde Park). MCC. $$

THE PACIFIC KITCHEN

The monster of a menu can be dizzying. Ease in with some top-notch Korean Wings. These slightly bubbly, shatter-crisp wings are painted with a thin gochujang chili sauce (a foil to the fat). It takes 24 hours to prep the Cantonese duck, between a honey-vinegar brine to dry the skin, a marinade of star anise, bean paste, and soy within the re-sealed cavity, and the crispy convection oven finish. Dolsot bibimbap had plenty of crispy rice at the bottom of the stone bowl, and the accompanying banchan were soothing yet flavorful. Even dishes like a Malaysian goat stew resonated with rich, original flavors.

8300 Market Place Lane, Montgomery, (513) 898-1833, thepacific.kitchen. Lunch and dinner Mon & Wed–Sun, dim sum lunch Sat & Sun. MCC. $$

SICHUAN BISTRO

Like many Chinese restaurants that cater to both mainstream American and Chinese palates, this strip mall gem uses two menus. The real story here is found in dishes of pungent multi-layered flavors that set your mouth ablaze with fermented peppers and fresh chilies and then just as quickly cool it down with the devilish, numbing sensation of hua jiao, Sichuan pepper. Its numbing effect is subtle at first: appetizers of cold sliced beef and tripe, as well as slices of pork belly with a profusion of minced garlic, lean toward the hot and sweet; mapo tofu freckled with tiny fermented black beans and scallions, and pork with pickled red peppers and strips of ginger root, progress from sweet to pungent to hot to salty—in that order. Alternated with cooling dishes—

nibbles of rice, a verdant mound of baby bok choy stir-fried with a shovelful of garlic, a simply sensational tea-smoked duck—the effect is momentarily tempered.

7888 S. Mason Montgomery Rd., Mason, (513) 770-3123, sichuanbistro.com. Lunch and dinner Tues–Sun. MCC, DS. $$

UNCLE YIP’S

Long before sushi somehow un-disgusted itself to the Western World, China had houses of dim sum. Uncle Yip’s valiantly upholds that tradition in Evendale. This is a traditional dim sum house with all manner of exotic dumplings, including shark fin or beef tripe with ginger and onion. As for the seafood part of the restaurant’s full name, Uncle Yip has most everything the sea has to offer. The menu has more than 160 items, so you’ll find a range of favorites, from moo goo gai pan to rock salt frog legs.

10736 Reading Rd., Evendale, (513) 733-8484, uncleyips.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, discount for cash. $$

ECLECTIC

Top 10 ABIGAIL STREET

Most people who’ve eaten at Abigail Street have favorite dishes that they order every visit: the Moroccan spiced broccoli, for example, or the mussels charmoula, with its perfect balance of saffron, creaminess, and tomatoey acidity. Many of the new items on the menu have the same perfected feeling as these classics. Working within a loose framework of Middle Eastern and North African flavors, Abigail Street has never fallen into a routine that would sap its energy. Offerings like the lamb spaghetti with grana padano feel just as accomplished as old favorites like the falafel. The restaurant is always watching for what works

and what will truly satisfy, ready to sacrifice the superficially interesting in favor of the essential.

1214 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 421-4040, abigailstreet.com. Dinner Tues–Sun. MCC, DS. $$

ALCOVE

Alcove lives up to its name, the embodiment of a green oasis where lots of care goes into the space’s bright, floral design. Equal care and attention goes into its seasonal farm-to-table menu. It’s an uncomplicated affair featuring exceptional-but-approachable dishes. As one might expect from a restaurant where plants cover most of the walls, vegetables are done very well here. The beet and goat cheese salad stands out as does the buffalo cauliflower. Like the produce, much of the meat is sourced from local and regional farms. Among other local vendors, Rich Life Farms, Urban Stead Cheese, and Eli Settler (a.k.a. “Eli the Farmer”) all contribute to Alcove’s menu. This is a restaurant that takes sustainability seriously, and sustainability has a funny way of going hand-in-hand with quality.

1410 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 371-5700, madtree. com/locations/alcove-bar-restaurant. Brunch Fri–Sun, dinner seven days. MCC. $$

THE APERTURE

After several pandemic-related setbacks, Chef/Owner Jordan Anthony-Brown opened his world fusion restaurant in Walnut Hills’s historic Paramount Square Building. And it was worth the wait. The seasonal menu draws on flavors from across the globe with subtle touches, such as its scallop crudo. The sublime charred carrots are served with Middle Eastern spice blends like dukkah and ras el hanout as well as mint and crumbles of lamb merguez sausage. It’s a dish that perfectly encapsulates The Aperture’s commitment to serving substantial versions of traditionally lighter fare. At heart, The Aperture is a neighborhood restaurant, albeit one that’s bound to bring people in from all over.

900 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills, (513) 872-1970, theaperturecinci.com. Dinner Tues–Sat. MCC. $$

ATWOOD OYSTER HOUSE

While Atwood has done an excellent job of working closely with coastal purveyors to curate a focused but eclectic selection of oysters, the rest of its menu consists of southern coastal cuisine prepared with rigorous French technique. The wild-caught fish is as fresh and deliberately sourced as the eponymous oysters, and smoked fish rillette with milk bun toasties. The modern, clean-lined space, adorned with busts and oil paintings (curated with the help of neighborhood artist Alex Frank) matches the elegant food. It’s stately without being stuffy; it somehow feels both timeless and hip. Like everything else at Atwood, it’s the result of a delicate, highly successful balancing act.

1220 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 246-4256, atwoodoysterhouse.com. Dinner Wed–Sun. MCC. $$

Top 10 BOCA

With its grand staircase, chandelier, and floorto-ceiling draperies, Boca has an atmosphere of grandeur and refinement. There is a sense of drama not only in the decor but in everything it serves. In some dishes, there is a painterly sense of contrast and surprise, like the maple tuile served with the maple mascarpone cheesecake. In others, there is a dramatic suspense, like the whole egg yolk quivering in the center of the beef tartare waiting to be broken. While staying mostly grounded in the fundamentals of Italian and French cuisine, Boca has an air of international sophistication that sets its food apart with extraordinary creativity and flair.

114 E. Sixth St., downtown, (513) 542-2022, bocacincinnati.com. Dinner Tues–Sun. MCC, DS. $$$

Top 10 BOUQUET RESTAURANT

Normally diners aren’t pleased when a restaurant runs out of something. At Bouquet, though, surprise changes to the menu are simply a sign of integrity. The restaurant is serious about using seasonal ingredients, and if the figs have run out or there is no more chicken from a local farm,

so be it. The flavors at Bouquet are about doing justice to what’s available. Preparations are unfussy, complexity coming from within the vegetables and proteins themselves. A spring salad—wonderfully fresh and vibrant, so you know the strawberries included have just come off a nearby vine—is dressed with candy-striped beets and whipped goat cheese. This determination to make something delicious out of what’s on hand, to embrace limitations, gives the food at Bouquet a rustic, soulful quality.

519 Main St., Covington, (859) 491-7777, bouquetbistro. com. Dinner Tues–Sat. MCC, DS. $$

CHÉ

This spot draws on authentic Argentine recipes, including the empanadas. Choose from a dozen different crispy, perfectly cinched dough pockets, with fillings ranging from traditional (a mixture of cumin-spiced beef, hard-boiled egg, and olives) to experimental (mushrooms, feta, green onion, and mozzarella). There are also six different dipping sauces to choose from, but you need not stray from the house chimichurri.

1342 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine; 2038 Madison Rd., O’Bryonville, (513) 345-8838, checincinnati.com. Dinner seven days, brunch Sat & Sun. V, MCC, DC, AMEX. $$

CROWN REPUBLIC GASTROPUB

What makes Crown Republic special isn’t its handful of outstanding dishes. It’s the place’s sheer consistency. No single dish is absolutely mind-blowing or completely original, but when almost everything that comes out is genuinely tasty, the service is always friendly and attentive, and (stop the presses!) the bill is quite a bit less than you expected, you sit up and pay attention. The crab and avocado toast, served on toasted bread with lime juice and slivers of pickled Fresno chiles, is a prime example of what makes Crown Republic tick. The cocktails are equally unfussy and good, like the Tequila Honey Bee, made with tequila reposado, honey thyme syrup, lemon, bitters, and mezcal rinse, which adds a smoky kick.

720 Sycamore St., downtown, (513) 246-4272, crownrepublicgastropub.com. Brunch and dinner Wed–Sun. V, MC, DS, AMEX. $$

FIVE KITCHEN & BAR

The fifth venture from Anthony Sitek and wife Haley NutterSitek’s Crown Restaurant Group, Five Kitchen & Bar achieves excitement through comfort food with meticulous attention to detail: the meat is butchered in-house, the bread and pasta are made from scratch, and the bacon is housecured. Thick, cleanly acidic fried green tomatoes make an appearance, as does a bountiful cioppino, a tomato-based seafood stew created by Italian American fisherman in San Francisco. Some of the dishes are pulled straight from Sitek’s own childhood, in New Jersey. “Gracie’s Meatballs,” named in honor of his grandmother, use her unique blend of raisins and pine nuts.

1324 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 246-4301, fiveonvine.com. Dinner seven days. MCC. $$

THE GOVERNOR

This Milford restaurant playfully elevates diner classics. Sandwiches get an inventive twist here. The “Governor Tso’s chicken”—a crispy, gluten-free fried chicken breast glazed with a General Tso’s–inspired sauce, topped with apricot slaw and served on a toasted brioche bun—is a gigantic, happy mess of a sandwich, but the sweet glaze faintly evokes the namesake “General” while letting the sublimely fried chicken lead the charge. Order a side of bowling alley fries and ask for the red dip. (You’ll thank us later.)

231 Main St., Milford, (513) 239-8298, governordiner. com. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Mon–Sun. Breakfast and lunch Sun. Brunch seven days. MCC. $

THE GREEN LINE KITCHEN & COCKTAILS

Named after the historic trolley line that used to run between Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, this restaurant combines quality American food with charm and history. Meals feel like homemade Sunday dinners, and with a menu bursting with steaks, seafood, and pasta, there’s something to make everyone’s weekend. The half-roasted chicken appears exactly as promised, with a breast, wing, thigh, and drumstick cooked as one large piece. On the cocktails side, even the designated driver has options beyond iced tea. Nonalcoholic choices range from beer and wine to original mocktails, like the Strawberry Ginger (strawberry puree, fresh strawberries, fresh basil, and ginger beer). 425 N. Ft. Thomas Ave., Ft. Thomas, (859) 757-4580, greenlinerestaurant.com. Dinner Tues-Sat, brunch Sun. MCC. $$

MAPLEWOOD KITCHEN

At Maplewood, you order at the counter, then find a table, and a server will deliver what you’ve selected. There’s no cohesive cuisine, rather, the menu takes its cue from all corners of the globe: chilaquiles, guajillo bowls with chicken are all represented, along with the satisfying Maplewood hash with goetta and local mushrooms. Brunch is available all day so try the light lemon ricotta pancakes or the shakshuka. 525 Race St., downtown, (513) 421-2100, maplewoodkitchenandbar.com. Breakfast and lunch seven days. MCC. $$

MELT REVIVAL

In this Northside sandwich joint, the restaurant’s name pretty much dictates what you should get. Diners have their choice of sandwiches, including the vegetarian cheesesteak—seitan (a meat substitute) topped with roasted onions, peppers, and provolone—and The Gobbler, turkey burger served with curried aioli, red cabbage slaw, pickled red onions, and arugula. For those who require meat in their meals, try the verde chicken flatbread: juicy pieces of chicken intermingle with pesto, zucchini, and provolone. Not sure you’ll want a whole sandwich? Try a half-sandwich with a half-salad or half-soup order—a popular selection with the lunch crowd.

4100 Hamilton Ave., Northside, (513) 818-8951, meltrevival.com. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Tues—Sat, brunch Sun. MCC. $

METROPOLE

Metropole has been remarkably stable since it opened in 2012. Even when chefs have left, the organization has promoted from within, kept popular dishes on the menu, and maintained a certain vibe, a balance between sophistication and rusticity. Its vegetarian fare contains many of its most inventive and delightful creations. Showcasing housemade pastas, house-cured meats, and more, the menu honors the region’s ingredients for a fun and whimsical meals rooted in careful execution of deep and satisfying flavors.

609 Walnut St., downtown, (513) 578-6660, metropoleonwalnut.com. Breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days. V, DS, MC, AMEX. $$

Top 10 MITA’S

It’s fitting that Chef/Owner Jose Salazar named this restaurant after his grandmother, because there is something deeply homey about the food at Mita’s. With a focus on Spanish and Latin-American tapas, it always feels, in the best possible way, like elevated home cooking. Its sophistication is modestly concealed. The flavors are bold and direct, like the spicy freshness of the ceviche de camarones with poached gulf shrimp, sour orange, fava beans, and jalapeños. The tacos de lengua, which come in pairs, are made with beef tongue, watermelon pico de gallo, watermelon radish, salsa roja, and mint, and are served on housemade corn tortillas. But what mainly comes through is the warm-hearted affection a grandmother might have put into a meal for a beloved grandson. It’s the kind of big hug everyone needs from time to time.

501 Race St., downtown, (513) 421-6482, mitas.co. Dinner Mon–Sat. MCC. $$$

NICHOLSON’S

To remind local diners that they were here before those young dog-toting punks with their exposed brick and crafty ales in Over-the-Rhine, Nicholson’s branded themselves Cincinnati’s “first and finest gastropub,” and revamped the menu to include plenty of snacks and small plates for grazing, and not-quite-brawny, straightforward sandwiches and main dishes. Try the pan-seared salmon, a bowl of cocka-leekie soup, or the BBQ bacon-style burger. And the bar’s clubby intimacy makes it easy to belly up and enjoy the impressive collection of single malts or a Scottish ale.

625 Walnut St., downtown, (513) 564-9111, nicholsonspub.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC. $$

NOLIA

Chef/Owner Jeffery Harris, a New Orleans native, prepares the cuisine of his beloved city with sophistication and flair, drawing on all the influences that have contributed to the cuisine of the Big Easy—from West African to French to Japanese to Haitian. The menu changes seasonally, with almost a complete overhaul each time. If classic New Orleans dishes do show up on the menu, they’re likely to get delightfully unexpected touches. The smoked chicken, for example, comes with peach Alabama barbecue sauce, greens, mirliton, and charred peach. It’s exquisitely prepared food served in a funky, laid-back atmosphere.

1405 Clay St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 384-3597, noliakitchen.com. Dinner Tues–Sat. MCC,DC. $$$

THE QUARTER BISTRO

Quarter Bistro has multiple personalities: one part clubby neighborhood joint, one part dinner and a movie with a dash of lusty romance. The Bistro Burger, a half-pound of black Angus beef, is seasoned but not overly so, with a sturdy-but-not-too-chewy bun. The 18-hour short ribs are the star, and reason enough to skip the movie next door. Braised into a flavor bomb of meat candy, it’s served with mushroom ravioli and roasted vegetables. With the no-lip service, The Quarter Bistro could be well on the way to making middle age look sexy.

6904 Wooster Pke., Mariemont, (513) 271-5400, qbcincy.com. Dinner Tues–Sun. MCC, DS. $$

RUTH’S PARKSIDE CAFÉ

The spiritual successor of Mullane’s Parkside Café, Ruth’s brings back the vegetable-forward menu with a few concessions to contemporary tastes. Dinner options now include

steaks and heavier entrées. But the stir-fries, beans and rice, pasta, and the traditional option to add a protein to an entrée (tofu, tempeh, chicken, or local chorizo) for an upcharge are all old standards. While dishes are generally hearty, they are rarely too rich, leaving room to freely consider dessert. There is a small selection of baked goods, including a gooey butter cake, homemade fruit pies, and Madisono’s Gelato. 1550 Blue Rock St., Northside, (513) 542-7884, ruthscafe.com. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat. MCC. $$

SENATE

Ever since it began dishing out its lo-fi eats, Chef Dan Wright’s gastropub has been operating at a velocity few can match. From the howl and growl of supremely badass hot dogs to the palate-rattling poutine, Senate has led the charge in changing the local conventional wisdom about what makes a great restaurant. Consumption of mussels charmoula means either ordering additional grilled bread to soak up every drop of the herby, saffron-laced broth or drinking the remainder straight from the bowl and perfectly crisped and seasoned truffle fries inspire countless return visits.

1100 Summit Place Dr., Blue Ash, (513) 769-0099, senatepub.com. Lunch and dinner Wed–Sun. MC, V, DS. $

SUDOVA

Sarah Dworak packed a lot into her latest venture. She began introducing fresh takes on eastern European cuisine to the dining scene via the now-defunct Wodka Bar, and while everyone loved its pierogi window, Dworak wanted to offer more. Sudova gives her the literal space to spread her wings with far more seating and a built-out kitchen. Recipes for the halushki (caramelized cabbage and onion, brown butter, and Linnea’s spaetzle), holubsti (stuffed cabbage rolls and tomato sauce), and rye varenyky (potato, sauerkraut, caramelized onion, and dill sour cream) come straight from Dworak’s baba and they are the jewels in the restaurant’s crown. Most small plates arrive dressed in herbs from Dark Wood Farm and culinary flower petals, deepening the illusion that you’ve stopped for dinner at some grandmother’s cottage deep in the woods, and she’s just picked something fresh from the garden. You should feel grateful that you don’t have to go over the hills and through the woods to get it.

22 W. Court St., downtown, (513) 407-7974, sudovaoncourt.com. Dinner Tues–Sat. MCC. $$$

TASTE OF BELGIUM

Jean-François Flechet’s waffle empire grew from a back counter of Madison’s grocery at Findlay Market to multiple full-service sit-down spots. There’s more on the menu than the authentic Belgian treat, though it would be a crime to miss the chicken and waffles: a dense, yeasty waffle topped with a succulent buttermilk fried chicken breast, Frank’s hot sauce, and maple syrup. There are also frites, of course, and Brussels sprouts—served with pancetta and sherry vinaigrette—plus a gem of a Bolognese. And let’s not forget the beer. Six rotating taps offer some of the best the Belgians brew, not to mention those made in town.

16 W. Freedom Way, downtown, (513) 396-5800, and other locations, authenticwaffle.com. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Tues–Sun, breakfast and lunch Mon, brunch Sun. MCC, DS. $$

20 BRIX

This restaurant mixes Mediterranean influences with homespun choices, and he comes up with some marvelous food. Lamb meatballs with melted onions and romesco sauce are sweet and peppery, and their simplicity partners well with a lush Zinfandel. The excellent wine list, arranged by flavor profiles within the varietals, features dozens of varieties by the glass in five-ounce or two-ounce pours, which makes it easy to try several.

101 Main St., Milford, (513) 831-2749, 20brix.com. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. MCC, DS. $$

TERANGA

West African cuisine consists of mostly simple, home-style dishes of stews and grilled lamb with just enough of the exotic to offer a glimpse of another culture. Be prepared for a few stimulating sights and flavors that warm from within. An entire grilled tilapia—head and all—in a peppery citrus marinade and served on plantains with a side of Dijoncoated cooked onions is interesting enough to pique foodie interest without overwhelming the moderate eater. Stews

of lamb or chicken with vegetables and rice are a milder bet, and Moroccan-style couscous with vegetables and mustard sauce accompanies most items. The dining room atmosphere is extremely modest with most of the action coming from the constant stream of carryout orders.

8438 Vine St., Hartwell, (513) 821-1300, terangacinci.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC. $

WILDWEED

Before it opened as a restaurant, Wildweed developed a loyal fan base through the hundreds of pasta pop-ups that Chefs David and Lydia Jackman held around the city. Even today, it retains some of the freewheeling quality from its pop-up era with a palpable sense of restlessness in the food. Part of the menu changes from week to week, based on what’s available in the woods and from local farms. What makes Wildweed a place to return is its sense of adventure. This place is always pushing itself to try something different.

1301 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 246-4274, wildweed-restaurant.com. Dinner Tues–Sat. MCC. $$$

YUCA

Yuca is in The Fairfield’s former space, retaining much of the same modern, airy, and inviting café vibes with a neighborhood feel, but boasting a menu certainly worth a commute. In the mood for a hearty breakfast? Indulge in the Fat Zach, a heaping corn gordita packed to the brim with chicken, chorizo, and scrambled egg, served with avocado, pineapple pico, and sweet and spicy potatoes. There’s a full drink menu ranging from coffee to Bloody Marys—or a selection of margaritas and palomas if you’re looking to stick around.

700 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue, (859) 360-0110, yucabycedar.com. Breakfast and lunch Tues–Sun. MCC. $$

FRENCH

CHEZ RENÉE FRENCH BISTROT

Based on American stereotypes of French food— that it’s elaborate, elitist, and expensive—one might expect Chez Renée to fall on the chichi side. Instead, it’s elegant in an everyday way, operating on the principle that it is better to excel at simplicity than to badly execute something complicated. The formula is not complex: Simple ingredients, generally fresh and from nearby, prepared without much fuss. Warmed brie is served with thyme, almonds, fruit, and bread, and the chicken risotto is served with creamy mushrooms. This is solid, tasty food, both approachable and well-executed. It’s well on its way to becoming, as a good bistrot should be, a neighborhood institution.

233 Main St., Milford, (513) 428-0454, chezreneefrenchbistrot.com. Lunch Fri & Sat, dinner Wed–Sat. MCC. $$

COLETTE

At this “mostly French” restaurant, which occupies the former Zula space across from Washington Park, Chef Danny Combs has built a more laidback home for his focused, pristine cooking. While there is classic bistro fare, like steak frites, on the concentrated menu, there are also less familiar but equally classic French dishes, like the poulet frit a la moutarde (chicken with Dijon and crème fraîche) and the tagliolini aux champignons (egg yolk pasta with ragout and Parmesan). One can turn to the extensive drink menu (also “mostly French”) to find a wine or cocktail to go with any dish on offer. Like Zula, Colette would function just fine as a wine and cocktail bar, though we can’t imagine coming to a place this good and not eating something.

1400 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 381-1018, coletteotr.com. Dinner Tues–Sat. MCC, DC. $$

Top 10 LE BAR A BOEUF

If it’s been a couple of years since you’ve been to Le Bar a Boeuf—the late JeanRobert de Cavel’s fun-yet-refined French bistro located on the first floor of the Edgecliff Private Residences in East Walnut Hills—it may be time for a revisit. The formerly burger-centric menu now approaches the full repertoire of bistro classics. The menu reads like a greatest hits list of bistro fare, with escargot, beef tartare, duck leg confit, steak frites, and French onion soup all making appearances. As France’s influence on American fine dining has waned, it’s refreshing to see a restaurant committed to not only preserving the French classics but reinvigorating them.

2200 Victory Pkwy., East Walnut Hills, (513) 751-2333, decavelgroup.com. Dinner Tues–Sat. MCC. $$

LUCA BISTRO

This unabashedly French restaurant, with its French posters, bright red outer paneling, and chalkboard menu proclaiming its specials to passersby, fits into its Mt. Adams environs so perfectly that it’s hard to imagine Hatch Street without it. That, combined with warm service, timeless French fare, and relaxed joie de vivre makes this a true neighborhood establishment. Chef Frederic Maniet grew up in the south of France and has done an excellent job transporting his native cuisine to a quiet corner of Cincinnati. These are the dishes that culinary Francophiles often crave, prepared in a straightforward, timehonored way. The Bouchées à la Reine, a buttery, flaky puff pastry filled with chicken, mushrooms, peas, Gruyère cheese, and béchamel sauce, is so warm and comforting it makes chicken pot pie seem aloof by comparison. It’s a warm, gentle reminder that French food can be convivial and affordable.

934 Hatch St., Mt. Adams, (513) 621-5822, lucabistro.com. Breakfast and lunch Tues–Sun, dinner Tues–Sat. MCC. $$

INDIAN

AMMA’S KITCHEN

Muthu Kumar Muthiah serves traditional southern Indian and Indo-Chinese vegetarian cuisine, but with a sizable Orthodox Jewish community nearby, Muthiah saw an opportunity: If he was going to cook vegetarian, why not also make it kosher? Muthiah prepares every item—from the addictively crunchy gobhi Manchurian, a spicy Chinese cauliflower dish, to the lemon pickle, tamarind, and mint sauces—entirely from scratch under the careful eye of Rabbi Michoel Stern. Always 80 percent vegan, the daily lunch buffet is 100 percent animal-product-free on Wednesdays. Tuck into a warm and savory channa masala (spiced chickpeas) or malai kofta (vegetable dumplings in tomato sauce) from the curry menu. Or tear into a crispy, two-foot diameter dosa (chickpea flour crepe) stuffed with spiced onions and potatoes.

7633 Reading Rd., Roselawn, (513) 821-2021, cincinnati.ammaskitchen.com. Lunch buffet (all vegan on Wed) and dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $

BRIJ MOHAN

Order at the counter the way you might at a fast food joint, except the shakes come in mango and there’s no supersizing your mint lassi. The saag, full of cream in most northern Indian restaurants, is as intensely flavored as collard greens in the Deep South—real Punjabi soul food. Tarka dal is spectacular here, the black lentils smoky from charred tomatoes and onions, and the pani puri,

hollow fried shells into which you spoon a peppery cold broth, burst with tart cool crunch. Follow the spice with soothing ras malai, freshly made cheese simmered in thick almond-flavored milk, cooled and sprinkled with crushed pistachios.

11259 Reading Rd., Sharonville, (513) 7694549, brijmohancincinnati.com. Lunch and dinner Tues–Sun. MC, V, DC, AMEX. $

ITALIAN

A TAVOLA

In 2011, Jared Wayne opened A Tavola Pizza with two friends just as OTR was blowing up. A Ferrara pizza oven was ordered from Italy; Wayne, a skilled woodworker, built custom tables; and the menu was fleshed in with trendy crowd-pleasers like charcuterie and craft cocktails. Fast-forward a decade. The OTR outpost is closed but the second location is still going strong in the ’burbs: A Tavola Madeira capitalizes on the menu from the Vine Street location, including the fresh and zesty artichoke pizza on a Neapolitan crust; gooey mozzarella-filled arancini, or risotto fritters; and the zucchini mozzarella. Wash down your small plates with a glass of crisp and grassy Sannio falanghina or an ice-cold Rhinegeist. They’re definitely going to need a bigger parking lot.

7022 Miami Ave., Madeira, (513) 272-0192, atavolapizza.com. Lunch and dinner seven days.

V, DC, MS, AMEX. $

AL-POSTO

Al-Posto is an upscale southern Italian spot that reflects the same commitment to quality ingredients and delicate preparation that made its predecessor Dear such a gem. Appetizers include classic sharables like marinated olives (prepared with orange zest, rosemary, and Calabrian chile) and burrata with grilled focaccia, but it’s the pasta (which can be ordered as an entrée or a first course) that’s not to be missed. We recommend the cacio e pepe, a seemingly simple dish comprised of bucatini (similar to spaghetti, but thicker), black pepper, and a sharp pecorino Toscano. Since you’re probably wondering, “Al-Posto” roughly translates to “at the spot.”

Located in the middle of Hyde Park Square, this eatery seems poised to become the culinary focal point of the neighborhood.

2710 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, (513) 321-2710, alposto.com. Dinner Tues–Sat. MCC, DC, DS. $$

FORNO

Cristian Pietoso’s second restaurant has all the bones of an upscale eatery, but the menu is infused with enough Italian soul to make nonna proud. In most instances, raving about a side of creamed corn wouldn’t bode well for the rest of the menu. Here, that side dish—kernels swimming in a pool of truffle-laced heavy cream that demands sopping up—is evidence that each component is purpose-driven. The “bone-in” pork chop Milanese, and the tagliatelle Bolognese with traditional beef and veal sauce are examples of the elevated, adventurous comfort food that Pietoso strives for.

3514 Erie Ave., East Hyde Park, (513) 818-8720, fornoosteriabar.com. Dinner Mon–Sat. MCC. $$

Top 10 NICOLA’S

Chef/Restaurateur Cristian Pietoso carries on the legacy of his father, Nicola, as the elder Pietoso’s Pendleton eatery celebrated 25 years in business in 2021. You can still get the old Italian classics, and they’ll be as good as ever, but the rest of the menu has blossomed into a freewheeling tour of modern American cuisine. Any establishment paying this level of attention to detail—from the aged balsamic and lavender honey on the Italian cheese board to the

SPANISH STEPS

Boca veterans

David Matern and Heather Brady recently launched Etxe (pronounced “et-chay,” which means “home” in Basque) at The Aperture in Walnut Hills. The “culinary residency”—which takes place on Sundays and Mondays when The Aperture is closed—pairs tapas with Spanish wines, among other dishes, to recreate cuisine from the Basque region of Spain. The dinners run through the end of December. etxecincinnati.com

staff ’s wine knowledge—is going to put out special meals. Order an old favorite, by all means, but make sure you try something new, too.

1420 Sycamore St., Pendleton, (513) 721-6200, nicolasotr.com. Dinner Mon–Sat. MCC, DS. $$$

PADRINO

Billed as “Italian comfort food,” this sister restaurant to 20 Brix offers the classics (like lasagna and chicken carbonara) plus hoagies and meatball sliders, an impressive wine list, seasonal martinis, and a decadent signature appetizer—garlic knots, doughy buns smothered in olive oil and garlic. Best of all, Barraco’s pizza sauce, which is comprised of roasted tomatoes and basil, is so gardenfresh that one can’t help but wonder: If this is real pizza, what have we been eating all these years?

111 Main St., Milford, (513) 965-0100; 14 N. Grand Ave. Ft Thomas, (859) 957-4082, padrinoitalian.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $$

PEPP & DOLORES

As with all of Thunderdome’s restaurants, you get a sense that they want to deliver a meal that satisfies many different kinds of people. The prices are reasonable, with pasta entrées about $15. The dishes are familiar in their flavors, but everything feels balanced, modulated and gradually perfected. There is lovely variety: the limone pasta is zippy with lemon and chili flakes, and just the right mixture of tart and creamy; and the heat in dishes like the eggplant involtini is just enough to wake up the sauce without overwhelming the flavor. The menu has a wealth of excellent vegetarian and pasta-alternative options.

1501 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 419-1820, peppanddolores.com. Lunch Fri–Sun, dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $$

PRIMAVISTA

Besides offering the old-world flavors of Italy, Primavista also serves up a specialty no other restaurant can match: a bird’s eye view of Cincinnati from the west side. The kitchen is equally comfortable with northern and southern regional specialties. Among the classics, nothing is more restorative than the pasta e fagioli, a hearty soup of cannellini, ditali pasta, and bacon. Most of the pastas are cooked just a degree more mellow than al dente so that they soak up the fragrant tomato basil or satiny cream sauces. On the desserts side, you’ll be hard-pressed to decide between the housemade tiramisu or bread pudding with caramel sauce, marsalasoaked raisins, and cream.

810 Matson Pl., Price Hill, (513) 251-6467, pvista.com. Dinner Wed–Sun. MCC, DS. $$$

Top10 SOTTO

There are certain books and movies that you can read or watch over and over. Eating at Sotto is a similar experience: familiar, but so profound and satisfying that there is no reason to ever stop. Unlike other restaurants, where the techniques are often elaborate and unfamiliar, the magic at Sotto happens right in front of you, using ordinary elements and methods. When you taste the results, though, you realize that some mysterious transmutation has taken place. The wood-fired branzino with broccolini, matched with the warm, smoky taste of the Calabrian pepper, offers a flavor that you could go on eating forever. From the texture of the chicken liver mousse to the citrusy lemon aioli on the tartare di fassone, most of the food has some added element of soulfulness.

118 E. Sixth St., downtown, (513) 822-5154, sottocincinnati.com. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $$$

SUBITO

Focusing on Northern Italian cuisine, Subito carves out its own worthwhile place in the landscape. Most of the items on the menu—from pizza to various pastas—will be familiar, but there are delightful surprises, like the smoked grape crostini. This zingy dish is served with herb whipped goat cheese, apple, pecan, and maple agrodolce. Everything at Subito is done with intelligence and a light touch.

311 Pike St., downtown, (513) 579-3860, thelytleparkhotel.com/dining/subito. Breakfast and lunch seven days, dinner Mon–Sat. MCC, DS. $$

VIA VITE

Via Vite serves up crowd-pleasing entrées—including the Pietoso family Bolognese, over tagliatelle—right on Fountain Square. This is where small touches add sophistication. Golf-ball-sized veal meatballs are heavy with lemon zest, an over-the-top comfort dish. The same applies to the risotto frutti di mare, its soffritto, shrimp, lobster, mussels, and Boston bay clams creates a nice back-and-forth between vegetal and briny flavors. Braised lamb shank over polenta is a workhorse, and the flavorful Faroe Island salmon with roasted carrot puree, caramelized Brussel sprouts, and truffled brown butter balsamic vinaigrette is a delight.

520 Vine St., downtown, (513) 721-8483, viaviterestaurant.com. Dinner Mon–Sat. MCC, DS. $$$

JAPANESE

ANDO

You don’t go just anywhere to dine on uni sashimi (sea urchin) or tanshio (thinly sliced charcoal-grilled beef tongue). And when it’s on the menu, don’t overlook the buttery amberjack collar marinated in a Japanese citrus infused soy sauce and grilled over charcoal. Noodles are also well represented, with udon, soba, or ramen options

available. Owners Ken and Keiko Ando always have something new, be it kamo negi maki (grilled duck breast stuffed with organic green onions) or a chocolate crepe and matcha parfait, delicacies that you’ll be hard-pressed to find in anywhere else, so dont’ forget to check out the specials.

11255 Reed Hartman Hwy., Blue Ash, (513) 954-0041, andojapaneserestaurant.com. Dinner Tues–Sat. MCC, DS. $$$

BARU

Baru, the sleek izakaya in the former MidiCi space, prioritizes bar dining, which is meant to be enjoyed alongside its eclectic drinks list. The menu is broken down into sushi, “small plates,” “plates,” sides, and ishiyaki. Baru’s sushi offerings are varied but concise, featuring a trio of ahi tuna, spicy tuna, and escolar, as well as a lobster nigiri. If sushi gets the party going, the theatrical ishiyaki kicks it into high gear. The term refers to dishes that diners grill tableside on a hot stone, such as the Wagyu New York strip. For all its convivial buzz, Baru is also a spot where solo diners can enjoy a few peaceful bar-side bites. The Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna from the small plates section brought the same level of freshness and quality as the rest of the menu. Sometimes it pays to dine alone.

595 Race St., downtown, (513) 246-0150, barusushi. com. Dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $$$

KIKI

Your best bet here is to share plates or simply order too much. Start with the edamame and the chicken karaage. The selection of sauces (from tare to ponzu to chili oil) makes each dish better. And, of course, the ramen is the main reason for visiting. The shio features pork belly and tea-marinated soft-boiled egg, but the kimchi subs in tofu and its namesake cabbage for the meat. Be sure to try something from the sushi bar which offers nigiri, sashimi, and roll options.

358 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, (513) 706-8902, kikicincinnati. com. Lunch and dinner Tues–Sat. MCC. $$

KYOTO

Owner Jason Shi seems to know everybody’s name as he chats up diners, guiding them through the extensive sushi and sashimi menu. Four young sushi chefs, all part of Shi’s family, work at light speed behind the bar, a choreography backlit by rows of gleaming liquor bottles. Dinner proceeds with glorious chaos as a feisty Carla Tortelli–like server delivers one dish after another—combination of crab, fish, shrimp, scallop, and vegetable tempuras, a volcanic tower of chopped fatty tuna hidden inside overlapping layers of thin avocado slices, crispy chicken katsu with a mayo sauce,, and delicate slices of a samurai roll—all between shots of chilled sake.

12082 Montgomery Rd., Symmes Twp., (513) 583-8897, kyotousa.m988.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $$

ZUNDO RAMEN & DONBURI

A stark contrast to Styrofoam cup soup, chef Han Lin’s ramens are a deep and exciting branch of cuisine, capable of subtlety, variation, and depth. The simplicity of the dish’s name hides a world of complexity. Zundo uses the traditional Japanese building blocks of flavor—soy sauce, miso, sake, mirin—to create something freewheeling and timetested. Bowls of ramen come with a marinated soft-boiled egg half, roast pork, green onion, and a healthy serving of noodles. Each has a distinct identity, like the milky richness of the tonkotsu, the rich and buttery miso, or the light and faintly sweet shoyu ramen. A transformative add-in is the mayu, or black garlic oil. Dripped on top of one of the subtler broths, it adds a deep, mushroom-y richness, with the hint of burned flavor that makes barbecue so good.

220 W. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 975-0706, zundootr.com. Lunch and dinner Tues–Sun. MCC. $$

KOREAN

RIVERSIDE KOREAN RESTAURANT

Come for the jham bong—a seafood soup with flour noodles in a spicy broth with pork, shrimp, squid, mussels, and vegetables. Revered for its medicinal properties, the dinnersized soup will leave your eyes glistening and your brow beaded with sweat. It’s a detox for your overindulgence, rejuvenation for when you’re feeling under the weather. Expect crowds on weekends. Expect too, that dozens of them have come for dolsot bibimbap, the hot stone pots filled with layers of rice, vegetables, meat or tofu, egg, and chili paste. Characterized by its electric color and addictive flavors, Riverside Korean’s version is a captivating bowl of heaven. 512 Madison Ave., Covington, (859) 291-1484, riversidekoreanrestaurant.com. Dinner Tues–Sun. MCC, DS. $$

MEDITERRANEAN

ANDY’S MEDITERRANEAN GRILLE

In this lively joint with a burnished summer lodge interior of wood and stone, even the food is unrestrained: rough-cut chunks of charbroiled beef tenderloin, big slices of onion and green pepper turned sweet and wet in the heat, skewers of marinated and charbroiled chicken perched on rice too generous for its plate.

906 Nassau St., Walnut Hills, (513) 281-9791, andyskabob.com. Lunch Mon–Sat, dinner seven days. MCC. $$

PRIM AND PROPER

Josh Heuser, owner of underground bar Ghost Baby, is opening a new venue at The Foundry development downtown this fall. Billed as “living room entertainment for a new era,” Prim revolves around music, cocktails, and entertainment, including vinyl sets and live performances. primon5th.com

CAFÉ MEDITERRANEAN

Chef-driven Middle Eastern cuisine leans heavily on Turkish tradition here. The baba ghanoush uses seared eggplant, which adds a pleasant smokiness to the final product. Börek is described as a “Turkish Egg Roll,” wrapping feta and fresh and dried herbs into phyllo dough and frying it lightly to brittle flakiness. While there is a smooth, simple hummus on the menu, you should go for the classic sucuklu hummus, which is spiked with sujuk, a common beef sausage popular all over the Middle East.

3520 Erie Ave., East Hyde Park, (513) 871-8714, mediterranean-cafe.com. Lunch Mon–Sat, dinner seven days. MCC. $$

FILLO

This modern Greek restaurant has a menu composed of mezedes, the small, shareable plates that serve as the binder to a great Greek meal. Take the saganaki, for example. True to Greek tradition, Fillo’s version is served without a tableside flambé. But what the dish lacks in spectacle, it makes up for in spectacular flavor. The layering of ingredients and flavors defines Fillo’s most filling entrée: moussaka. The classic dish appears on several local Mediterranean menus, but for pure comfort, Fillo’s combination of eggplant, potato, tomato-y beef ragu sauce, and béchamel can’t be beat.

1505 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 873-1995, fillomoderngreek.com. Dinner seven days. MCC. $$$

Top 10 PHOENICIAN TAVERNA

No matter how much restraint you go in with, meals at Phoenician Taverna quickly become feasts. There is just too much that’s good, and everything is meant to be shared. With fresh pita bread continuously arriving from the ovens, and a table of quickly multiplying meze (hummus, falafel, muhammara), there is a warmth and depth to the cooking that envelops you. With such traditional cuisine, you may think there isn’t much left to discover beyond simply executed classics prepared according to time-tested methods. But there are always new discoveries as the flavors mingle from plate to plate: the tabbouleh with the hummus, mixed with a touch of harissa, or the smoky baba ghanoush spooned onto falafel. Phoenician Taverna keeps taking these classics a little further.

7944 Mason Montgomery Rd., Mason, (513) 770-0027, phoeniciantaverna.com. Lunch Tues–Fri, dinner Tues–Sun. MCC. $$

SANTORINI

Steak, eggs, and homefries. Jumbo haddock sandwich with Greek fries. Chocolate chip hotcakes with bacon. Notice something wrong with this menu? Chicken Philly cheese steak sandwich with Olympic onion rings. Yep, it’s obvious: What’s wrong with this menu is that there’s nothing wrong with this menu. Greek feta cheese omelette with a side of ham. It’s been owned by the same family for more than 30 years. Santorini has diner standards, like cheeseburgers, chili five ways, and breakfast anytime, but they also make some Greek pastries in-house, like spanakopita and baklava. 3414 Harrison Ave., Cheviot, (513) 662-8080. Breakfast and lunch seven days, dinner Tues–Fri. MCC. $

SEBASTIAN’S

When the wind is just right, you can smell the meat roasting from a mile away. Watch the rotating wheels of beef and lamb, and you understand how Greek food has escaped the American tendency to appropriate foreign cuisines. Sebastian’s specializes in gyros, shaved off the stick, wrapped in thick griddle pita with onions and tomatoes, and served with cool tzatziki sauce. Whether you’re having a crisp Greek salad with house-made dressing, triangles of spanakopita, or simply the best

walnut and honey baklava this side of the Atlantic, they never misses a beat, turning more covers in the tiny restaurant on one Saturday afternoon than some restaurants do in an entire weekend.

5209 Glenway Ave., Price Hill, (513) 471-2100, sebastiansgyros.com. Brunch, lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. MCC. DS. $

MEXICAN

MAZUNTE

Mazunte runs a culinary full-court press, switching up specials to keep both regulars and staff engaged. Pork tamales arrive swaddled in a banana leaf, the shredded pork filling steeped in a sauce fiery with guajillo and ancho chilies yet foiled by the calming sweetness of raisins. The fried fish tacos are finished with a citrusy red and white cabbage slaw that complements the accompanying mango-habañero salsa. With this level of authentic yet fast-paced execution, a slightly greasy pozole can be easily forgiven. Don’t miss the Mexican Coke, the margaritas, or the non-alcoholic horchata.

5207 Madison Rd., Madisonville, (513) 7850000, mazuntetacos.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC. $

NADA

The brains behind Boca deliver authentic, contemporary, high-quality Mexican fare downtown. You’ll find a concise menu, including tacos, salads and sides, large plates, and desserts. The Pork Al Pastor tacos, zesty with salsa verde and sweet with grilled pineapple, are definite crowdpleasers. If you’re biased against Brussels sprouts, Nada just might convert you. The crispy sprouts, served with chipotle honey and candied ancho pepitas, are a deliciously intriguing starter.

600 Walnut St., downtown, (513) 721-6232, eatdrinknada.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $$

TAQUERIA MERCADO

On a Saturday night, Taqueria Mercado is a lively fiesta, with seemingly half of the local Hispanic community guzzling margaritas and cervezas or carrying out sacks of burritos and carnitas tacos—pork tenderized by a long simmer, its edges frizzled and crispy. The Mercado’s strip mall interior, splashed with a large, colorful mural, is equally energetic: the bustling semi-open kitchen; a busy counter that handles a constant stream of take-out orders; a clamorous, convivial chatter in Spanish and English. Try camarones a la plancha, 12 chubby grilled shrimp tangled with grilled onions (be sure to specify if you like your onions well done). The starchiness of the rice absorbs the caramelized onion juice, offset by the crunch of lettuce, buttery slices of avocado, and the coolhot pico de gallo. A shrimp quesadilla paired with one of their cheap and potent margaritas is worth the drive alone.

6507 Dixie Hwy., Fairfield, (513) 942-4943; 100 E. Eighth St., downtown, (513) 381-0678, taqueriamercado.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $

SEAFOOD

MCCORMICK & SCHMICK’S

The daily rotation here reads like a fisherman’s wish list: lobster tails from Australia and the North Atlantic, ahi tuna from Hawaii, clams from New England. But high-quality ingredients are only half the equation; preparation is the other. Herb-broth sea bass, served with roasted fingerling potatoes, makes the taste buds dance. The spacious digs and attentive waitstaff bring a touch of class to

Fountain Square and make it a sophisticated destination. It’s likely to remain a favorite. After all, it’s right in the middle of things.

21 E. Fifth St., downtown, (513) 721-9339, mccormickandschmicks.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, DC, DS. $$

STEAKS

CARLO & JOHNNY

The stars of the menu are 12 delectable steaks that could sway the vegi-curious to recommit. Not sure which to choose? If you prefer brawny flavor over buttery texture, go for one of the three bone-in rib cuts. Or if it’s that melt-inyour-mouth experience that raises your serotonin levels, C&J features several tenderloin cuts, including the premium six-ounce Wagyu filet. There are the usual suspects of raw bar, seafood, pork chops, et al, if you’re interested in non-beef alternatives.

9769 Montgomery Rd., Montgomery, (513) 936-8600, jeffruby.com/carlo-johnny. Dinner seven days. MCC. $$$$

JEFF RUBY’S

Filled most nights with local scenesters and power brokers (and those who think they are), everything in this urban steakhouse is generous—from the portions to the expert service. Waiters deliver two-fisted martinis and mounds of greens dressed in thin vinaigrettes or thick, creamy emulsions. An occasional salmon or sea bass appears, and there’s a small but decent assortment of land fare. But most customers are there for the slabs of beef (dry aged USDA prime). The best of these is Jeff Ruby’s Cowboy, 22 ounces of 70-day dry-aged bone-in rib eye. This is steak tailor-made for movers and shakers.

505 Vine St., downtown, (513) 784-1200, jeffruby.com. Dinner seven days. MCC, DC. $$$$

Top 10

LOSANTI

A bit more upscale than its sister restaurant, Crown Republic Gastropub, Losanti is also more conservative in its offerings. Service is friendly and informal, and though the meal feels like a special occasion, prices and atmosphere are right for, say, a date, rather than a wedding anniversary. The filet mignon, rib eye, and New York strip are cut to order for each table (there are a few available weights for each). The steaks themselves are totally irreproachable, perfectly seasoned, cooked to precisely the right point. Losanti even makes the steakhouse sides a little special. Sweet and smoky caramelized onions are folded into the mashed potatoes, a nice dusting of truffles wakes up the mac and cheese, and the sweet corn is at least freshly cut off the cob and recalls elote with lime and chile.

1401 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 246-4213, losantiotr.com. Dinner seven days. MCC. $$$

Top 10 THE PRECINCT

Part of the appeal of the Ruby restaurants is their ability to deliver deep, comfort-food satisfaction. And the steaks. The meat is tender with a rich mineral flavor, and the signature seasoning provided a nice crunch, not to mention blazing heat. The supporting cast is strong—the basket of warm Sixteen Bricks bread with a mushroom truffle butter, the addictive baked macaroni and cheese, the creamy garlic mashed potatoes, the crisp-tender asparagus with roasted garlic and lemon vinaigrette—and dinner ends on a sweet note with a piece of Ruby family recipe cheesecake. Neither cloyingly sweet nor overwhelmingly creamy, it’s a lovely slice of restraint.

311 Delta Ave., Columbia-Tusculum, (513) 321-5454, jeffruby.com/precinct. Dinner seven days. MCC. $$$$

TONY’S

He is a captivating presence, Tony Ricci. Best known for his 30 years in fine dining—including the Jeff Ruby empire while managing the venerable Precinct—Ricci has built a life in the hospitality industry. Much of Tony’s menu is right out of a steakhouse playbook: tiger shrimp and king crab legs from the raw bar; Greek and Caesar salads; sides of creamed spinach, mac-and-cheese, asparagus, and sautéed mushrooms; toppings of roasted garlic or Gorgonzola butters to accompany your center cut of filet mignon. There are boutique touches, though, that make it stand out—a garlic herb aioli with the calamari, steak tartare torch-kissed and topped with a poached egg, a superb rack of lamb with balsamic and lemon gastrique and served with traditional ratatouille. 12110 Montgomery Rd., Symmes Township, (513) 6778669, tonysofcincinnati.com. Dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $$$$

THAI

GREEN PAPAYA

Inside this simple dining room, replete with soothing browns and greens and handsome, dark wood furniture, it takes time to sort through the many curries and chef’s specialties, not to mention the wide variety of sushi on the somethingfor-everyone menu. Have the staff—friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable—help you. When the food arrives, you’ll need only a deep inhale to know you made the right choice. The Green Papaya sushi rolls are as delicious as they look, with a manic swirl of spicy mayo and bits of crabstick and crispy tempura batter scattered atop the spicy tuna, mango, cream cheese, and shrimp tempura sushi—all rolled in a vivid green soybean wrap.

2942 Wasson Rd., Oakley, (513) 731-0107; 4002 Plainville Rd., Mariemont, (513) 272-8424,

greenpapayacincinnati.com. Lunch and dinner seven days (Oakley), Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat (Mariemont). MCC. $$

TEAK SUSHI & THAI

Owner Chanaka De Lanerolle has said that he decided to bring back Teak’s take on Thai food because of the renewed vibrancy in Over-the-Rhine, which he compared to the energy he felt in Mt. Adams during his time there. But for all of the hype around the restaurant’s re-emergence on the scene, it’s probably best to consider it a reimagining rather than a reopening. While long-time favorites show up on the menu, prepared by many of the same kitchen staff members from Mt. Adams, some adaptations have been made to better meet expectations of modern diners. Letting go of preconceived notions about Teak will serve you well. With a two-sided, standalone sushi menu and a wide variety of main plates ranging from small bites to signature dishes, you have plenty of room to craft your own dining experience. 1200 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 421-8325 ; 110 S. Second St., Loveland, (513) 583-8325, teakotr.com. Lunch and dinner Tues–Sun. MCC. $$

WILD GINGER

The ability to satisfy a deep desire for Vietnamese and Thai fusion cuisine is evident in Wild Ginger’s signature Hee Ma roll—a fortress of seaweed-wrapped rolls filled with shrimp tempura, asparagus, avocado, and topped with red tuna, pulled crab stick, tempura flakes, a bit of masago, scallions, and of course, spicy mayo. It’s tasty, even though the sweet fried floodwall of tempura and spicy mayo overpowered the tuna completely. The spicy pad char entrée was a solid seven out of 10: broccoli, carrots, cabbage, succulent red bell peppers, green beans, and beef, accented with basil and lime leaves in a peppercorn-and-chili brown sauce. 3655 Edwards Rd., Hyde Park, (513) 533-9500, wildgingeroh.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $$

VIETNAMESE

PHO LANG THANG

Owners Duy and Bao Nguyen and David Le have created a greatest hits playlist of Vietnamese cuisine: elegant, brothy pho made from poultry, beef, or vegan stocks poured over rice noodles and adrift with slices of onions, meats, or vegetables (the vegan pho chay is by far the most flavorful); fresh julienned vegetables, crunchy sprouts, and herbs served over vermicelli rice noodles (again, the vegan version, bun chay, is the standout); and bánh mì. Be sure to end with a cup of Vietnamese coffee, a devilish jolt of dark roast and sweetened condensed milk.

1828 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 376-9177, pholangthang.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, DS, DC. $$

CINCINNATI MAGAZINE, (ISSN 0746-8 210), November 2025, Volume 59, Number 2. Published monthly ($19.95 for 12 issues annually) at 221 E. Fourth St., Ste. 130, Cincinnati, OH 45202. (513) 421-4300. Copyright © 2025 by Cincinnati Magazine LLC, a subsidiary of Hour Media Group, 5750 New King Dr., Ste. 100, Troy, MI 48098. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or reprinted without permission. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, and artwork should be accompanied by SASE for return. The magazine cannot be held responsible for loss. For subscription orders, address changes or renewals, write to CINCINNATI MAGAZINE, 1965 E. Avis Dr., Madison Heights, MI 48071, or call 1-866-660-6247. Periodicals postage paid at Cincinnati, Ohio, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send forms 3579 to CINCINNATI MAGAZINE, 1965 E. Avis Dr., Madison Heights, MI 48071. If the Postal Service alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within one year.

Crash Landing

KINGS ISLAND’S ONLY INDOOR ROLLER COASTER, FLIGHT OF FEAR (ORIGINALLY THE OUTER Limits: Flight of Fear), has grown quite the cult following over the nearly 30 years it’s been open. Riders are immediately plunged into a sci-fi world when they enter the queue, which is designed as a military installation studying aliens from the room’s centerpiece—a giant flying saucer that also serves as the coaster’s loading area. “People were blown away when it opened because I don’t think they had seen that level of detail in the park before,” says Joe Leonard, the ride’s designer, currently professor of technical theater at Xavier University. “This was the first project we had done that had story and a scripted experience.” Leonard says he’s proudest of the effect of making the flying saucer look bigger by lining the back wall with a mirror, inspired by designs he’d seen done by Paramount. “I walked through the queue line and placed items in places where, when you’re about to see yourself in the mirror, something blocks your view. I literally spent six weeks on that trying to make the illusion work.”

—CLAIRE LEFTON

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