The Most Fun Restaurants in Cincinnati

Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant is now open at Cornerstone of Centerville, the first Dayton location. They offer a redefined version of modern casual dining and provide a super fun atmosphere to hang out and enjoy the delicious food. The menu features fresh, contemporary-American fare infused with flavors from around the world. Each dish on the menu, from appetizers to desserts, has a bin number to help guide you to the perfect bottle of wine to match with your meal. Favorite menu items include Mexican Drunken Shrimp, Chopped Deviled Eggs and Toast and Thai Lettuce Wraps.

Orchids at Palm Court is a fine dining restaurant located in the National Historic Landmark Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza. It’s a wonderful opportunity to dine in a breathtaking 1930s French Art Deco setting with two-story Romanesque murals, Brazilian rosewood, German silver-nickel sconces and an original Rookwood pottery fountain. The restaurant features French-inspired modern American fare with fresh seasonal offerings. The menu changes regularly depending on what local and organic products and ingredients are available and they have rooftop beehives and an herb garden on the premises!

Located on Central Avenue right in the heart of Middletown, Gracie’s is the place to go for American comfort food! It’s one of the most fun restaurants in Cincinnati, mostly due to the friendly, welcoming vibe and laid-back attitude. You’ll usually find the place packed with locals enjoying food and drinks with friends. They feature an approachable yet sophisticated menu that’s sure to please even picky eaters. They also have a full bar with a great wine list and classic cocktails. The location in Middletown’s revitalized Downtown business district makes it a perfect place to stop for a bite after work or while you’re out painting the town on the weekend.

Chef Tano Williams recently opened a second Tano Bistro in Hamilton after the success of the first one in Loveland. Inspired by the neighborhood’s new energy and old history, the Hamilton location offers a fresh dining experience in a contemporary dining space located directly across from the beautiful Marcum Park. Chef Tano and team offer a seasonal menu of Contemporary American food prepared with the very best ingredients focused on local sourcing, sustainability and simplicity.

Bite Restaurant, located in Milford, hides in what appears to be a house in suburbia. You might easily miss it, but inside the house is a delightful restaurant that locals love! Opened seven years ago, many consider it one of the most fun restaurants in Cincinnati. It’s a foodie paradise, open for lunch and dinner with a regular menu as well as specials on the board that are worth checking out. They have a passion for creating dishes focused on farm-to-table preparation. They grow organic vegetables, herbs, fruits and nuts right on the two-acre property! You can dine inside the restaurant or choose to sit outside on the patio if the weather allows! Also, Bite is BYOB, which means you can bring along your own wine or beer to enjoy with your meal! It’s the perfect recipe for a fun night out.

Mita’s is the second restaurant from James Beard Nominated Chef Jose Salazar. He named it after his Colombian grandmother, Mita. it’s a gorgeous, 130-seat restaurant located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati at the corner of Fifth and Race streets on the ground floor of the 84.51 building. The eclectic, farm-inspired menu focuses on both traditional and modern foods and beverages with tapas, ceviches, cured hams, cheeses and large plates. It’s a fun place to dine and you’ll find warm and sincere hospitality and creative, delicious food every time!

Located in Dayton’s Historic Oregon District, Salar features an exciting menu of World-fusion cuisine with strong Peruvian, French and Mediterranean influences. It’s an affordably priced, upscale yet casual restaurant that makes dining and drinking extra fun. They created a unique dining experience with two outdoor patios, two full bars, the main dining room with full-wall windows looking out onto the Historic Oregon District, cozy lounge space and a private dining room. Chef Margot Blondet hails from Peru and the menu reflects the cooking of her home country.

Coldwater Cafe occupies a former bank building in the heart of downtown Tipp City. The small-town setting offers a great place to kick back and have fun with a date, a group of friends or work colleagues. The decor is warm and welcoming and provides a delight for the senses. Grab a spot by the fireplace to enjoy the cozy space or grab a pre-dinner drink at the full bar. The vibe here is mellow and relaxed for easy conversation. And for a small-town place, they have some very sophisticated menu options! Entrees include choices like Baked Artichoke, South Texas Antelope, Local Half Duck and more!

If you are looking for an amazing restaurant where you can celebrate a big occasion, look no further than “The Melting Pot.” Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two or a gathering of friends for a wedding shower birthday party, Girls Night Out or holiday gathering, The Melting Pot is the kind of place that makes all your occasions extra special. Relax in the inviting, warm atmosphere and let the servers guide you through the menu. They serve a wide selection of fondues, sauces and fine wines in addition to full 4-course meals.

Black Rock Bar and Grill is an award-winning steakhouse specializing in certified Angus beef steaks served up on a sizzling stone. You cook your steak on a searing hot 755-degree volcanic rock without even leaving your seat! Cooking on the rock ensures that every bite is hot and juicy and cooked just the way you like it. It makes the restaurant a great choice for a fun and memorable dining experience. Come in for a special occasion and enjoy one of their fancy handcrafted cocktails, like the Smoked Old Fashioned or Magic Potion.

Bouquet Restaurant is an upscale farm-to-table bistro opened in 2007 by Stephen Williams. It’s one of the first restaurants in the area to get into local and sustainable farming as the focal point of its menu. The food here constantly evolves to incorporate the best products from over fifty farmers and purveyors. They showcase an eclectic and ever-changing offering of small plates, entrees and desserts. They also have a wide variety of Vegetarian and Vegan options. And be sure to sample their monthly four-course tastings and dip into their extensive bourbon collection!

Located inside former East Walnut Hills Central Trust Bank, Brand and Night Drop is a popular restaurant and bar combo from the Littlefield Group. Branch is a casual niche restaurant on the building’s fist floor with a menu crafted by executive chef Shoshannah Anderson. The menu features Mediterranead cuisine alongside Eastern European and Vietnamese-influenced dishes and a fully-stocked craft cocktail bar. Night Drop is a small but casual bar located in the building’s basement with a full array of craft cocktails and small plates from the kitchen upstairs.

BOCA is Chef David Falk’s way of creating an ode to Europe. The design pairs contemporary European and American stylings with touches of rusticity in a beatuiful, loft-like space. Come enjoy the elegant and inviting surroundings and prepare for one of the most delicious meals Cincinnati has to offer! They serve up fantastic cocktails at the bar and its’ a great place to come for a bite before a show, a casual dinner with friends or a luxurious night out on the town.