Downtown

Downtown is a microcosm of the entire city - and one that reveals Cincinnati's keen business ethic, love for dining and entertainment and passion for the arts. Fortune 500 corporations, attractive urban living, world class arts organizations, exquisite dining, fun shopping and one of the region's best libraries all co-exist within easy walking distance from one another. If Ohio is the heart of it all, Downtown is truly the heart of Cincinnati.

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Reclining in the broad bowl where the Ohio and Mill Creek valleys meet, the Queen City slopes upward from the Roebling Suspension Bridge (which served as the prototype for the Brooklyn Bridge), expanding abruptly into a bustling, Midwestern metropolis. The Great American Ballpark, U.S. Bank Arena, Paul Brown Stadium and National Underground Railroad Freedom Center stand sentry along a skyline where sleek steel and glass mingle with Art Deco and turn-of-the-century masonry.

In Fountain Square, the center of Downtown, a bronze fountain called "The Genius of Water" rains water from her outstretched hands. As if having sprung from those magic waters, tall buildings cluster around the square, housing businesses of all types, from department stores to delis.

Downtown, home to several Cincinnati-based Fortune 500 companies (most notably Procter and Gamble, Kroger Co and Fifth-Third Bancorp), buzzes with activity during the day. The central Downtown area, roughly spanning Central Parkway to the river, between Plum and Broadway, is easily navigable - you can cross it on foot within twenty minutes. You can also reach Downtown from Newport or Covington via both pedestrian and street bridges, or on I-71, I-75 or Route 50. Almost all of the city's buses pass through Downtown as well, congregating at Government Square.

Cincinnati's German-American work ethic is tempered by an insatiable appetite for fun. Downtown enjoys a year-round parade of festivals, such as Oktoberfest, Taste of Cincinnati, Opening Day, Bockfest, the Flying Pig Marathon, Mid Point Music Festival and the Fringe Festival, to name a few. In winter, an ice rink on Fountain Square sees heavy use by skaters and broom ball teams. While Fountain Square, the Back Stage District, and Tower Place Mall are a flurry of activity, many Downtown cafés offer a quiet respite, as do the vine-covered trellis and green space beneath Procter & Gamble's world headquarters, the tree and bench-lined promenades of Piatt Park and Court Street, where professionals lunch at sidewalk cafes, and the outdoor patio of the Main Public Library, which serves as an urban equivalent of The Secret Garden. Downtown contains numerous well-kept secrets; many seemingly mundane office buildings hide hole-in-the-wall bars and quaint 1950s eateries or eclectic new delis like Deli Seven20.

All in all, Downtown Cincinnati is a microcosm of the rest of the city - brimming with small businesses and big corporations, continuously in flux and constantly seeking a balance between big-city aspirations and comfortable, homey small-town inclinations. It is this mix of opportunity with familiarity, and the resources of a large city with the conveniences of a small one, that make Cincinnati "the most livable city" - all traits which are readily apparent in its epicenter, Downtown.

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Dining

Whether you’re looking for high cuisine or street fare, Downtown has everything from upscale restaurants and cozy bistros to hot dog stands and chili parlors. Epicures with deeper wallets will enjoy the elegant and classy Via Vite perched over Fountain Square. To impress a business client or a date, you can't beat the opulent French Art Deco detailing of the Palm Court’s atrium, which houses a martini bar and Orchids (for fine dining), and The Grille (for something simpler). Seafood lovers will have to decide between McCormick and Schmick's, the Oceanaire, or the Washington Platform, home to the annual Crab Carnival and Oyster festival.
A spectrum of international cuisines exist Downtown, including Akash (Indian), Shanghai Mama’s (Chinese), Sung Korean Bistro (Korean), and Ko Sho (Japanese). Francophiles can visit Cafe de Paris, and those wanting a taste of the British Isles can sample the Haggis at Nicholson’s or the Guinness Pie at Sully’s. Boi Na Braza provides a Brazilian steakhouse experience complete with gauchos, and classic Italian can be found at Scotti’s or Campanello’s. Mexican is well represented with Javier's, but Nada, an upscale, hip take on Mexican is more than just a meal – it’s also a great place to hob knob with Cincinnati’s creative class before seeing a show.
For those in the mood for American eats, Morton's and Jeff Ruby’s offer extraordinary steaks, and Palomino features regional American cuisine along with a lovely view of Fountain Square. For pub fare and a great atmosphere, Cincinnati's oldest bar, Arnold's, does the job. And if it's New York Deli you're craving, it's tough to beat Izzy's corned beef on rye with a potato pancake on the side.
Nightlife

On any given night, there's plenty going on Downtown. From riding the mechanical bull at Cadillac Ranch to discussing politics elbow-to-elbow at O’Malley’s in the Alley, or enjoying an evening of live Jazz at the Blue Wisp, Downtown hums with a late-night electricity. Bars and restaurants surround the Backstage district near the Aronoff — including the Lodge Bar, Blackfinn, Rockin’ Robin’s and Madonna’s.
On warm summer nights Fountain Square features Salsa dancing, concerts and movies on the Jumbo-tron. Shooters, The Subway, Below Zero Lounge, and Simon Says anchor Downtown’s GLBT scene, and Arnold’s, the city’s oldest watering hole, is not only a great bar and restaurant, but also the perfect setting to catch live bluegrass or folk music. The Blue Wisp Jazz Club, which has an international reputation, attracts world class Jazz performers — as well as hosts its own hotshots on Wednesday nights (the Blue Wisp Big Band is not to be missed).
For late-night revelers who like to burn calories while they drink, Bang Nightclub hosts DJs playing the latest techno and break beats, with a series of sculpted spaces geared toward seeing and being seen. The Havana Martini Club offers everything from Funk and Salsa bands to a Ladies Eighties Dance Party. Those truly committed to Downtown nightlife may join serious fraternal organizations as Nicholson Pub’s Wild Scotchmen Whisky Society or the Rock Bottom Brewery Mug Club.
Arts & Entertainment

With Cincinnati’s history and reputation as an artistic and creative center, Downtown abounds with galleries and theatres. The Lois and Richard Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art, itself a modern work of art designed by architect Zaha Hadid, contains a dazzling series of art-dedicated vaults and visual feasts. Its upper level features the UnMuseum, an innovative experiment in art education that children of all ages (including adults) will love.
Other must-sees for arts enthusiasts include the Westin Gallery, a modern gallery where you’re as likely to encounter conceptual sculpture as conventional oil paintings, and the Artworks Gallery, which specializes in work by budding artists, often teenagers. Closer to the river, the Taft Museum of Art is one of the finest small art museums in America, displaying works by Whistler, Rembrandt, Goya and Sargent.
Stage-wise, with its many theatres and proximity to theatre-rich Over-the-Rhine, Downtown is something of a performance Mecca. The Aronoff Center for the Arts includes three major performance halls regularly presenting dance, theatre and music. The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company on Race continuously reinvigorates the works of the great bard, while the Taft Theatre on 5th Street features comedians, musicals and children’s shows. Throughout the summer, LPK sponsors an “Acoustic Lunch” series every Tuesday in Piatt Park.
Recreation

Downtown isn’t just a place to do business – it’s also a great place to play. The nooks and crannies of Cincinnati’s winding riverfront are a delight to explore on foot or by bike, which can be rented from Wheel Fun Rentals at Sawyer Point. At the Public Landing you'll find the Showboat Majestic, a floating National Historic Landmark where live theatrical productions are performed to this day. Serpentine Wall wriggles upriver away from the Public Landing below U.S. Bank Arena, offering an easy and visually stimulating stroll. International Friendship Park meanders along the river beyond Sawyer Point and below affluent hillside homes.

The riverfront hosts many festivals, ranging from after-work concerts to enormous, multi-day music and culture festivals such Tall Stacks, Paddlefest and the Cincinnati Salsa Festival. In the summer, families spread picnic blankets on the lawn at P&G Pavilion at Sawyer Point, and enjoy free concerts by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra as well as many other local and national acts. Sawyer Point offers a slew of recreational activities, from extensive playgrounds and a wading pool to sand volleyball, tennis and roller skating. On Labor Day weekend, the riverfront on both the Ohio and Kentucky sides becomes a huge stomping ground as families claim their spots for the city’s biggest annual pyrotechnic display, the WEBN fireworks.

Cincinnati Reds and Bengals games are, of course, one of the most visible local pastimes — the opening day parade signals a city-wide holiday, and a festival air surrounds home games for both baseball and football. Pre-game, bars on the south side of Downtown fill early with excited fans. Sports veterans know that post-game traffic is better avoided, and tend to do so while celebrating their home team’s success or commiserating their defeat with an appropriate alcoholic beverage.

For the contemplative visitor, the observation deck of Cincinnati's tallest building, the Carew Tower, affords a breathtaking 360 degree view of the Ohio and Mill Creek valleys. If heights aren’t your thing, you can get a horse-eye view from a carriage ride around Downtown. Other festive ways to enjoy the sights include ice skating at Fountain Square during the winter, and Cinergy’s impressive model railroad display throughout the holiday season.
Special Interest

Downtown Cincinnati has plenty of off-the-beaten path oddities and eccentric points of note. The Fire Museum exhibits over 200 years of fire fighting history with everything from an 1808 fire drum to a modern fire engine cab. In addition to the Main Public Library, which is so large it required a bridge to be built between its two large buildings, Downtown also boasts two other unique libraries: The Lloyd Library, a botanical library originating in the pharmacological collections of John Uri Lloyd and his brothers; and The Mercantile Library, begun in 1835, which has a 10,000 year renewable lease. Book lovers will also find hours of diversion in the four floors of Ohio Book Store on Main Street. For those who prefer a museum approach to learning, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center hosts exhibits that "tell the story of the struggle for freedom in the United States."
Shopping

Tower Place Mall in the Carew Tower is a good starting point for Downtown shoppers, especially in the colder months; from the mall, one can take the skywalk to Macy's and Brooks Brothers. Many of the street level stores, haberdashers, and clothiers also provide a unique shopping experience. For those of a truly sartorial bent, don’t miss Bolero, and also block off plenty of time for browsing in Mike Trotta. The recently relocated hat shop and local institution Batsakes cannot be missed, and while you’re at it, consider a bright new set of threads from the House of Adam. Other local faves include Pieczionka Unlimited for everything from Red Wing Shoes to monogrammed golf shirts. For jewelry, try Philip Bortz and Richter and Phillips. Saks Fifth Avenue is a professional’s mainstay, and Macy’s is one of the area’s premiere department stores. Carteaux and Leslie Books and Art will yield pleasant window shopping – and you might even find a much-sought-after first edition or print. Or, if you’re interested in creating your own art, stop in at Prince Reproductions, which provides area artists with supplies.
Personal Care

Working out is not hard to do Downtown. The YWCA on Walnut Street and the YMCA on Central Parkway offer complete facilities including pools, indoor tracks, racquetball, squash and handball courts, massage services, personal trainers and fitness classes. Many Downtown professionals tone and strengthen at The Gym at Tower Place, in the basement of the Carew Tower. The riverfront is a popular route for runners, some of whom are in training for the annual Flying Pig Marathon, an event that balances Cincinnati's porcine proclivities with Protestant self-punishment.
Kinder, gentler personal care includes getting a brief but needed massage at the 10 Minute Backrub Store in Tower Place. East meets West at Inner Peace Salon, offering holistic services such as yoga and guided meditation as well as salon services ranging from reflexology to hair and nails. For further self-pampering there’s also Paragon Salon and Day Spa at the corner of 4th and Race.

Whether you’re looking for high cuisine or street fare, Downtown has everything from upscale restaurants and cozy bistros to hot dog stands and chili parlors. Epicures with deeper wallets will enjoy the elegant and classy Via Vite perched over Fountain Square. To impress a business client or a date, you can't beat the opulent French Art Deco detailing of the Palm Court’s atrium, which houses a martini bar and Orchids (for fine dining), and The Grille (for something simpler). Seafood lovers will have to decide between McCormick and Schmick's, the Oceanaire, or the Washington Platform, home to the annual Crab Carnival and Oyster festival.

A spectrum of international cuisines exist Downtown, including Akash (Indian), Shanghai Mama’s (Chinese), Sung Korean Bistro (Korean), and Ko Sho (Japanese). Francophiles can visit Cafe de Paris, and those wanting a taste of the British Isles can sample the Haggis at Nicholson’s or the Guinness Pie at Sully’s. Boi Na Braza provides a Brazilian steakhouse experience complete with gauchos, and classic Italian can be found at Scotti’s or Campanello’s. Mexican is well represented with Javier's, but Nada, an upscale, hip take on Mexican is more than just a meal – it’s also a great place to hob knob with Cincinnati’s creative class before seeing a show.

For those in the mood for American eats, Morton's and Jeff Ruby’s offer extraordinary steaks, and Palomino features regional American cuisine along with a lovely view of Fountain Square. For pub fare and a great atmosphere, Cincinnati's oldest bar, Arnold's, does the job. And if it's New York Deli you're craving, it's tough to beat Izzy's corned beef on rye with a potato pancake on the side.

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Downtown

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