There’s no shortage of gorgeous winery estates in Cincinnati producing award-winning blends. Not only are the wines exquisite, the landscapes provide gorgeous scenery. With so many to choose from, we’ve listed 3 of the finest wineries any wine enthusiast MUST pay a visit to.

First, there’s family-run Henke Winery. Sourcing their grapes from the local Ohio Valley region, Henke produces a wide array of reds and whites. It’s no surprise they won the 2017 Indy Wine Competition.

Our second recommendation is Holtkamp Winery; they source their grapes from their own Ohio vineyards as well as from California. This provides a taste of home with a hint of something new.

The third is Woodstone Creek Winery and Distillery. Their blends change with the seasons, making them a true native Ohioan vineyard. Their unusual mead range offers tasters a unique experience.

Cincinnati is home to some of the countries’ best wines and wineries. Many operated and produced by local Ohioan families, there’s nothing like reaping the rewards of your region’s harvest. Visitors are guaranteed to have a ball exploring the estates, in addition to tasting the unique blends.

Ohio has some of the country’s best and productive farms, and Cincinnati region is no exception! We’ve compiled a list of fresh and seasonal food you can buy during the summer, and where to buy them, to support local farmers.

Fruits: Apples (July-October), Blackberries and blueberries (July and August), Cantaloupes (August and September), Cherries (June and July), Grapes (August and September), Peaches (July and August), Strawberries (June and July), Watermelon (August and September)

Vegetables: Broccoli (June-October), Cabbage (June-November), Corn (June-August), Cucumber (July-October), Green beans (July-September), Peas (June-August), Spinach (May-October), Zucchini (July-October), Tomatoes (July-October), Radishes (May-October).

The best places to buy local food is at farmer’s markets. Not only are all fruits and vegetables in one place for you, you can get to know the farmers and workers that harvested them. Making the connection between the food on your plate and where it came from changes how you see the food industry. Meeting people in the community who also care about shopping local can connect you to even more resources.

Cincinnati’s Farmer’s Markets: Hyde Park Farmer’s Market, Findlay Market, Fresh Thyme Farmer’s Market, College Hill Farm Market, Northside Farmer’s Market, Newtown Farm Market.

You haven’t experienced Cincinnati’s food scene until you’ve been to Findlay Market. Nestled in the scenic neighborhood of Over-the-Rhine, Findlay Market houses over 40 indoor stalls for vendors, as well as outdoor stalls during the warmer months. It’s Ohio’s oldest operating public market and welcomes over a million visitors each year. Vendors come from farms, bakeries, and restaurants all over the Cincinnati area to demonstrate the local cuisine and quality ingredients you can get from your own backyard. In fact, Findlay Market is one of the largest employers in the area, creating jobs and opportunities for all interested in local food.

This Cincinnati gem is also one of the city’s most beautiful landmarks. Hundreds of flower boxes are planted each spring, and the organizing committee also planted over 100 trees along the walkways and paths to provide shade over the past 5 years. It’s an extremely clean and curated property providing visitors with gorgeous scenery and a homey atmosphere.

You could explore the market on your own, but there’s a chance you may get lost. So, why not take a tour? There are a variety of tours available at the market, all you need to do is sign up for one online in advance. The Original Findlay Market Tour is the crème de la crème of tours; meet your local guide in the market center and follow their lead through the winding paths. Learn about the history of the estate, how the market came to be, and the future of this beloved attraction. Feel free to sample food from the vendors as you go, because this tour includes 5 sample tickets. For 90 minutes of guided exploration and tasting, all that’s required is a $20 donation to the market.

For a more go-with-the-flow tour, you can sign up for the Basic Tour, which is only 30 minutes and costs $5. You’ll get a guided lay of the land as well as a brief history of the market. The Tour and Treat option costs only $5 more and you get a special treat from one of three vendors. If you’re seeking more independence in your exploration, the Findlay Market’s website has a recorded audio tour you can download to your Smartphoneand follow along with headphones.

There are different events held year-round at Findlay Market, and one of the best is the Craft Beer Series and Music @ The Market. Every weekend from May to September, a different regional brewery is given the spotlight to teach visitors about their beer, the brewing process, provide demonstrations, and even hand out samples. All the while, a different local musician provides live entertainment. It is a must-do for anyone coming to the market.

Findlay Market has so much to offer to the Cincinnati community; from showcasing local vendors, encouraging people to shop local, teaching about sustainable farming, and bringing everyone together. To learn more about Findlay, how to become a vendor, and how you can get involved to support this great institution, visit their website.

Cincinnati is world-renowned for its exceptional wine blends and wine production. This month, we’d like to shine a spotlight on one of the oldest operating wineries in the area, Stoneybrook Winery. Family-owned since 1871, the land this vineyard was built on has its own unique history. Charles Walter originally ran a blacksmith shop on the property and built wagons and coaches for other farmers. Later, in the 1920s, he switched his focus to raising dairy cows and providing milk products to the area. Finally, in the year 2000, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren worked together to convert the farm into a wine vineyard.

Between the two farmsteads the Walter family owns, they produce over 20 different wine blends. They have 11 red grape wines, ranging from Sunset Blush to Bodacious Red. Not to mention Noveau Rouge, Chambourcin, and Cabernet Franc, to name a few other crowd pleasers. They produce 15 fruit wines that are extremely popular each summer. They range from Honey Mead, Cherry, and Pear, to Elderberry and Black Knight Port. In general, Cincinnati’s warm and humid spring to summer weather is perfect for growing season. The cool and dry weather of fall is perfect for harvesting. This schedule results in higher sugar and lower acidity in the fruit, and ultimately exceptional wines.

On the Kool farmstead stands the original structure of the 1870s house Walter Charles lived in. The family kept almost everything the same, give or take updates for building code safety. Today, the house is called The Tasting Room where guests can sample the array of wines at Stoneybrook while going back in time. They even decorated the house with tools and household items from the 1800s authentic to the farm’s history. The house has a gorgeous seating area for tasting, as well as a smokehouse and summer kitchen.

In addition to creating some of Cincinnati’s finest wines, Stoneybrook Winery also rents out The Tasting Room for special events like rehearsal dinners, baby showers, and other family gatherings. It can seat up to 50 people and has indoor and outdoor areas to lounge. Or, book the room for a private wine tasting, just your group,and a professional sommelier. Enjoy spending time with your loved ones as you overlook the rolling valleys and lush green vineyards.

Another service they provide is custom bottle labeling. If you’d like to serve Stoneybrook wine at your wedding or another event, why not customize it with your wedding information or name of the company? After the cost of the wine, it’s $10 for the first label and $2 for each label after. In comparison to what the big brands would charge, this is quite a deal. All orders must have a minimum of 12 bottles, but that shouldn’t be hard given the outstanding selection of blends.

The winery is open Fridays 5:00PM-9:00 PM, Saturdays and Sundays 1:00PM-6:00PM

To book a wine tasting, inquire about custom labels, or host an event there, call them at 859-635-0111.

The Ohio River flows right through Cincinnati and neighboring Kentucky, providing gorgeous scenery for waterfront dining on both sides. We’ve compiled a list of the top restaurants and bars with exquisite food and a view of the water.

1. Joe’s Crab Shack

For an elbows-deep seafood dining experience, look no further than Joe’s Crab Shack. This establishment provides all visitors the chance to get hands-on and dirty with their meals. A bucket of ready-to-shell shrimp, anyone? Mouthwatering crab doused in garlic butter? You may want to bring a bib because this meal splashes like a fish out of water.

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:00AM-11:00PM, Friday-Saturday 11:00AM-12:00 midnight.

Number: 859-581-6333

2. Montgomery Inn Boathouse

Known as the “Ribs King” of Cincinnati, Montgomery Inn Boathouse boasts some of the country’s bestslow-cooked ribs. This upscale establishment brings some class to your dining experience. Enjoy your BBQ ribs or high-end surf N’ turf as you overlook the Ohio River and Kentucky skyline. The perfect place to bring a date, the ambiance of Montgomery should not be missed.

Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:00AM-10:00PM, Friday 11:00AM-11:00PM, Saturday 3:00PM-11:00PM, Sunday 3:00PM-9:00PM

Number: 513-721-7427

3. 10 West Restaurant and Bar

Get your Southern drawl on at 10 West, a Kentucky-honoring restaurant. Eat some ribs with iconic Kentucky bourbon BBQ sauce, or dive into a thick cut of the most mouthwatering steak you’ve ever seen. Oh, and they have fresh seafood caught and served daily. The best part is on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays they offer an all you can eat lunch buffet. If you can’t choose one dish, have them all! The view from inside is good, but not as good as from their outdoor patio.

Hours: Monday-Sunday 8:00AM-10:00PM

Number: 859-392-3750

4. Riverwatch Floating Restaurant and Bar

This restaurant is only open in the spring and summer months because it is literally on the Ohio River. As you step onto the Riverwatch boat, you are taken away from the hustle and bustle of the city and immersed in the island life. With 450 feet of dock space, the Riverwatch allows lots of space to relax and unwind as you admire the views from the water. Serving some of Ohio’s best seafood, this over-water dining experience shouldn’t be missed!

Hours: Reopening in April 2018 with new summer hours. Stay tuned!

Number: 812-539-3625

5. Ludlow Bromley Yacht Club

For all the boat-enthusiasts and yacht club members, this establishment honors your hobby and serves up some mighty-good food. They provide a marina dock for boats so that guests can literally sail up to the restaurant, and take their boat home when they’re done. Each night is a different cuisine theme; most popular is Monday Steak Night. Plus, they have live music every night to provide even more ambiance to your waterfront night out.

Hours: Monday-Sunday 11:00AM-2:30AM

Number: 859-291-8132

The Ohio River provides so much ambiance, atmosphere, and opportunity to Cincinnati diners, we couldn’t ignore how valuable these establishments are to the city. If we missed a restaurant on the water that you think should be on this list, let us know on the Contact page!

Everyone knows that Cincinnati locals love their brunch. A little bit of breakfast, a little bit of lunch, brunch is the perfect merge of 2 delicious meals. Whether you had a crazy night out and are craving some hangover food or are getting Sunday-morning tea with your grandmother, Cincinnati has the perfect brunch spot for you. While there are tons of options in the city to get a decent brunch, these are our top 3 faves!

1. Incline Public House

There’s nothing like fresh mimosa to wake you up in the late morning. Luckily, Incline serves a variety of mimosa flavors, like peach or strawberry. After you’ve had your first, switch over to their legendary bloody marys to accompany your banana fosters French toast. The brunch menu serves classics with a twist. Don’t settle for a plain old egg and bacon dish, live a little! Try the three-cheese and bacon quiche. Enjoy the breeze as you dine on their outdoor patio looking out over downtown Cincinnati.

Prices: $$

Hours: Monday to Thursday 11:00AM- 11:00PM, Friday and Saturday 11:00AM-Midnight, Sunday 10:00AM- 10:00PM

Number: 513-251-3000

2. Brown Dog Café

Located in Summit Park, Brown Dog Café is the perfect spot to have some brunch after a stroll through nature. The vibe is very eclectic and urban, with a huge focus on sustainable agriculture. All eggs are sourced from Morning Sun Farm, and all bread is baked at Blue Oven Bakery. With a passion for supporting local farmers and businesses, you’ll definitely feel like a native Ohioan dining here. There’s a strong sense of community here, in addition to a strong roster of brunch items- goetta grip omelet, anyone?

Prices: $$

Hours: Monday- Thursday 7:30AM- 9:00PM, Friday 7:30AM- 10:00PM, Saturday 10:00AM- 10:00PM, Sunday 10:00AM- 3:00PM

Number: 513-794-1610

3. Maplewood Kitchen and Bar

If you didn’t feel how cold the Cincinnati winter is outside, you may just think you’re in California from Maplewood’s brunch menu. Crowd pleasers like avocado toast get ordered on the daily, with a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice. When you’re ready for a little danger, try one of their intense bloody marys. The atmosphere is clean, chic, and trendy, with a dash of Cincinnati coziness. The meals are relatively healthy and low-calorie, but you can always add a dessert at the end to change that.

Prices: $$$

Hours: Monday- Thursday 7:00AM- 9:00PM, Friday 7:00AM- 10:00PM , Saturday 8:00AM- 10:00PM, Sunday 8:00AM- 9:00PM

Number: 513-421-2100

Honorable Mentions

Cincinnati simply has way too many awesome restaurants and bars for brunch. We couldn’t list all the amazing brunch places on this list, so here are some more that we highly recommend

Che, Argentinian cuisine, 513-345-8838

Coppin’s Restaurant and Bar, Rustic American fare, 886-501-1700

Did we miss an obvious brunch spot in Cincinnati on this list? Let us know on the Contact page! We love supporting any and all local businesses and restaurants, help us do that by suggesting more places for us to advertise in our articles.

There’s nothing better than a fresh cup o’ joe in the morning. Or afternoon. Or evening. Anytime you like to drink some brew, there is guaranteed to be a coffee shop in Cincinnati that suits your style. You could stop at one of the many franchise locations (which we love!), but why not support a local Ohioan by supporting small businesses and stimulating the local economy? Here’s our list of the best coffee shops in Cincinnati!

1. Reality Tuesday Café

Once upon a time, there was a young adults’ Bible study group that would meet every Tuesday night. They would discuss the Bible over a hot cup of coffee or tea. That group meeting inspired the ministers to purchase a storefront and open Reality Tuesday Café, names after Reality Ministries. Since 2001, they have been serving exceptional cups of coffee to the Cincinnati public, while also using their proceeds to support their ministry. The coffee is roasted by the Seven Hills Coffee, another local business. In addition to caffeinated beverages, they also serve pizzas, cold sandwiches, and salads.

Hours: Monday- Sunday 6:30AM- 7:00PM

Number: 859-261-4939

2. Carabello Coffee

Carabello Coffee is not only a brick and mortar café, it’s also the roaster for numerous restaurants throughout Cincinnati, a wholesale coffee distributor, and an educator of all things coffee. They created a variety of coffee blends that range from light to dark to flavored. All beans are sources ethically and under the Fair Trade agreement. The owners of Carabello also ensure that the farms the beans are sourced from are done so sustainably and ethically. A large chunk of Carabello’s profit is put towards “works of compassion”, helping others in the local and international community. The owners, 2 former public-school teachers, created Carabello to fund their mission of helping others. And boy, are we glad they did!

Carabello Café Hours: Monday- Saturday 7:00AM- 8:00PM

Number: 859-415-1587

3. Velocity Bike and Bean

Have you gone for a cup of coffee and remembered you need to fix your bicycle that broke last week? Same here! Thank goodness for Velocity Bike and Bean, your one-stop shop for a great cup of java and all your bike needs. They sell new and used bikes as well as offer repairs and tire inflation. The vibe inside is easily described as quirky and comfortable, providing the comfiest of seats to all patrons. The coffee is roasted and supplied with Carabello Coffee, so you know it’s going to be delicious. Plus, every Saturday they have live music entertainment, and a gift shop full of interesting and quirky items. If you’re looking for a great cup of coffee with an even great atmosphere, check out Velocity.

Hours: Tuesday- Saturday 8:00AM- 5:00PM

Number: 859-371-8359

It’s no surprise that Cincinnati has so many awesome cafes and restaurants to choose from. If we missed one that you think deserves to be on this list, let us know on the Contact Us page!

Every Spring, the food and wine community gets the luxury of hosting one of the biggest events of the year: The Cincinnati International Wine Festival. Wine enthusiasts from all over the country gather for 3 days of tasting, eating, and learning. This year, the festival will be on March 8-10, and we couldn’t be more excited.

A huge benefit of hosting the Festival in Cincinnati is the sheer amount of money it raises for local charities. Since 1991, the International Wine Festival has raised over 5.3 million dollars for organizations that help those in need. In 2017, the Festival was able to distribute $350 000 in grants. Some of the organizations that were blessed with this help were: Boy Scouts of America, ALS Association, Cincinnati Ballet, Freestore Foodbank, Special Olympics Ohio, Women Helping Women, and many more.

The three days of the event are packed full of fun activities. The main event is held on March 9^th at the Duke Energy Convention Center (in the Grand Ballroom, third floor) at 525 Elm Street. There will be wine tastings from over 250 global wineries present; over 700 wine blends to sample over the 3 days. Your ticket to the event includes a set amount of sampling tickets, but you may want to bring more if you choose to make any purchases. During the day of the tasting, there are also education sessions from some of the world’s leading sommelier and wine experts. This year, the three sessions are Old World vs. New World, All the French You Need To Know, and 50 Shades of Grape. Sessions are an additional cost to attend.

The festival’s auction creates excitement from guests and vendors alike. There are live and silent auctions happening, with a large array of prizes. Last year, prizes included wine cellar tours, limited-release bottles, wine-maker signed bottles, rare wines, chef’s table dinner opportunities, trips, and more. And the money raised by the auction goes to one of those amazing charities in Cincinnati.

If you aren’t able to get to the Convention Center to participate in the festival, don’t worry because restaurants all over Cincinnati will be participating from their locations. Through the Winery Dinner Series, local restaurants plan a multi-course dinner that showcases their unique flavors and pairs it with a specific wine. Here are some restaurants participating this year:Bouquet Restaurant featuring Signorello Estate, Eddie Merlot’s featuring Copper Cane Wines, Jag’s Steak & Seafood featuring Santa Margherita, LisseSteakhuis featuring Revelry Vintners, Postmark featuring FamigliaPasqua, Ruth’s Chris, Steakhouse featuring B.R. Cohn, The Capital Grille featuring Robert Mondavi, The Metropolitan, Club featuring Bordeaux Chateaux, Trio Bistro featuring GroupoPesquera, Zula featuring Sokol Blosser, and many more.

Tickets are available for purchase from October 1, 2017, to March 10, 2018. To get tickets for any of the Festival’s events or to learn more, head over to the Cincinnati International Wine Festival’s website. Tickets can be ordered online through their website, or over the phone. Call 513-241-3434 or 513-723-9463 for more information.

Winters in Cincinnati can be rough. You have to shovel heaps of heavy snow out of the driveway, pay higher utility bills, and deal with the sun setting so much earlier than normal. The only positive thing in this pile of muddy snow is the amazing winter meals Cincinnati restaurants provide. You could try to make something at home, but why bother when world-renowned chefs can make it for you? There’s no need to hibernate all season, just get yourself to one of these fine establishments and eat until your toes thaw:

1. Cincinnati Chili

Unless you’ve tried it, you won’t understand. To an outsider, it looks like a confused plate of spaghetti. But to the trained eye and palette, Cincinnati chili is a work of art. The base is thick spaghetti noodles covered in meat chili. Here’s where it gets fancy. Order it “two-way”, and you just get the noodles and chili. Order it “three-way”, and it gets topped with a huge mound of cheddar cheese. Order it “four-way” and you can add onions or bacon. “Five-way” is loaded with every topping option out there. If you’re really hungry, order a side of garlic bread or salad. If that doesn’t warm your heart and stomach, nothing will.

Available at Skyline Chili- 643 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH | 513-241-2020

2. Chicken Soup

This one’s a classic all over the world, but the way it’s made in Cincinnati makes it special. Starting with the broth, use a salt-infused chicken broth. Add rice noodles, rice, and any noodles you like. Then, throw in some shredded chicken, bean sprouts, jalapeno, and mint. The final ingredients are avocado and pico de gallo. An unexpected calamity of flavors? Yes, but don’t knock it until you try it. This bowl of heaven is a classic in Cincinnati and you won’t find it anywhere else in the country. Most restaurants will serve it with a side of tortilla chips, limes, and salsa.

Available at Blue Agaves Mexican Grill- 11711 Princeton Pike, Cincinnati, OH | 513-671-1152

3. Pho

Another classic enjoyed worldwide, but Cincinnati makes it special in our own way. After the usual base of rice noodles, beef broth, onions, bean sprouts and cilantro, things get crazy. Throw in some cinnamon sticks, cloves, peppers, and ginger to add some warm spice to the soup making it perfect for Cincinnati winters.

Available at Pho Lang Thang in Findlay Market-  114 W Elder St, Cincinnati, OH |  513-376-9177

Honorable Mentions:

Pizza at La Rosa’s

Grilled Cheese Donut at Tom + Chee

Trailer Park Hotdog at Senate

GalbiUgujiGuk at Riverside Korean Restaurant

Spit-Roasted Chicken at Floyd’s of Cincinnati

Now that you know where to warm yoursoul this winter, tell us what you think! Did we leave a crucial restaurant or foodstand off this list? Let us know on the Contact Us page. We love hearing what you think and sharing your favorite spots in Cincinnati because let’s face it, we live in a pretty cool city.

Cincinnati is world famous for its vineyards and wineries. We have some of the lushest farmland and coolest winemakers in the United States. Luckily, you don’t have to leave the city to drink wine on a farm; there are dozens of amazing bars in downtown Cincinnati that will leave you palette in awe. Alas, here’s our list of the must-try wine bars in Cincinnati!

1. Liberty’s Bar and Bottle

If you’ve ever wanted to feel fancy and high-class despite having holes in all of your socks, head over to Liberty’s Bar and Bottle. Among the long list of wines they serve, 15 of them are available by the half-glass and full-glass. Plus, if go during happy hour (Monday- Friday 3-7PM) you can get a full glass of house red or house white for only $5. Feeling peckish? Order the meat and cheese charcuterie board, you won’t be disappointed.

1427 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 429-2461

2. 1215 Wine Bar and Coffee Lab

For a fun twist on wine tasting, head over to 1215 Wine Bar and Coffee Lab. You’ll start with 3 glasses of wine on a flight, and a downturned notecard holding the answers. Take your time tasting, smelling, and swirling each glass, because you are a classy person who knows a lot about wine. Once you think you know what each blend is, flip over the notecard and validate your knowledge. Besides sampling, they have a full menu of wines available by the glass and bottle. It’s best to go on weeknights because it gets packed with excited patrons on the weekend. Also, if you want to take your unfinished bottle home with you, there’s no corkage fee on Mondays.

1215 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 429-5745

3. Piccolo Wine Room

For a chic, fun, and trendy night out, you must go to Piccolo Wine Room. The minimalist aesthetic is begging to be the background of your Instagram picture (hello white tin ceilings and stemless glassware!). Choose from they ever-changing wine list on their chalkboard wall menu, and embrace the quirky bartenders small talk. You should also embrace the complimentary house-seasoned Bugles served at the bar. It’s the perfect place to bring your date, your group of friends, or even go for a nightcap by yourself.

23 Village Square, Glendale, (513) 771-6612

4. The Cellar at Oakley Wines

The Cellar at Oakley Wines is one of the best-kept secrets of the city. You would never know from standing outside, that down in the basement of Oakley Wines is a quirky, classy, and trendy wine bar. The walls are repurposed with wood palettes and the light fixtures are made from wine bottles. Their wine selection is exceptional, but don’t be scared to try one of their legendary cocktails or beers on tap. A special perk of chilling at The Cellar is that serve tabletop s’mores- you get your own mini campfire for the table! Also, you can choose any bottle of wine from upstairs, you just have to pay a small corkage fee.

4011 Allston St., Oakley, (513) 531-1400

Cincinnati is so proud to home all our State University Students on multiple campuses. The task of providing delicious and budget-friendly dining options is not taken lightly! Restaurants and bars located in and around campus always strive to serve the best of the best for the millennial generation; here’s our list of the best student eateries near campus!

1. Keystone Bar and Grill

For students coming from the South, there’s nothing like some heavy comfort food to soothe your homesickness. At Keystone, they specialize in gourmet comfort food, from burritos to mac n’ cheese. In fact, they serve 9 types of award-winning mac n’ cheese. Other crowd pleasers are the Hangover Burrito and the Wood Potato Crisp. On warm summer days, enjoy your food on the outdoor patio sipping a cold beer. In the winter, the cozy and warm atmosphere inside is exactly what you need. The beer selection is extensive, and they also have a variety of wines and cocktails. Students swoon over the deli Scopus grub, and the attractive prices. Located 0.5 kms from campus.

Location: 249 Calhoun Street, Cincinnati, OH | 513-221-5397

2. The Elephant Walk

For an exotic taste of Indian food, you must go to The Elephant Walk. Only 2 blocks away from campus, it’s the perfect place to thrill your taste buds and get your blood flowing. The menu provides a perfect selection of tapas and appetizers for big groups to share, and then lots of entrée options that are sure to fill you up. If you’re vegetarian, you must try the Aloo Choley, the Bhindi Masala, or the Dal Makhani. They serve a bunch of different curries, but the staples are korma, vindaloo, and jalfrezi. Make sure you order a side of the homemade oven-fresh garlic naan so soak up what’s left on your plate. The Elephant Walk supports local breweries by only serving Ohio beers. Students can get a deal during happy hour (Monday to Saturday 3-7PM) with $3 glasses of wine and $2 domestic beer cans.

Location: 170 West McMillan Street, Cincinnati OH | 513-526-1555

3. Adriatico’s Pizza

You may think you’ve had amazing pizza in Chicago or New York, but unless you’ve eaten in Cincinnati you haven’t. They bake their own Sicilian thick crust dough, as well as a moist and calorie-friendly thin crust. They’ve got your usual toppings like pepperoni and bacon, but they also serve their own special combinations like the Inflation Fighter (pepperoni, ham, beef, sausage, green olives, black olives, green peppers, onions, and mushrooms). It’s the perfect spot to grab a slice after class, or cater that keg party your friends are throwing. Adriantico’s is budget-friendly and delicious- what more could you ask for?

Location: 113 West McMillan Ave., Cincinnati, OH | 513-281-4344

Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy theluxuriously delicious food in Cincinnati. We listed our three favorite places on campus; if we missed a restaurant you think deserves to be on this list, let us know on our Contact Us page!

One of the best ways to get better at your cooking-hobby is to take a class with a professional. Rather than experiment with trial and error at home, why not get a couple friends together and learn how to perfect your favorite dish? While you can buy a cookbook and do it your self, there’s something empowering about following an instructors instructions in-person and being able to ask questions and clarify the steps. We’ve listed 3 awesome places to take a cooking class and improve your culinary skills.

1. Sur la Table

With locations all over the country, Sur la Table is a reliable and fun place to learn how to cook. Expert-level teachers share their passion for food and educating with classes of people from all walks of life. They provide classes for beginners, like Teens Cook: Fast, Healthy, and Delicious. As well as specialty classes like Meatless Mondays. Some other class topics are Macaroon Workshop, Date Night: Winter in Paris, Guilt Free Noodles, Sushi Party, and many more. Class prices range from $49-$79. Plus, you can shop and wander the aisles when your class is done!

Location: Rockwood Commons, 2673 Edmondson Road, Cincinnati, OH | 513-351-7444

2. The Learning Kitchen

For a smaller group of cooking-enthusiasts, check out The Learning Kitchen in West Chester. The state-of-the-art facility provides a clean but still cozy atmosphere to cook in. Teachers share their passion through interactive classes where you’re encouraged to ask questions and get involved. It’s a perfect place to take your teens about to go off to college, or simply improve your own skills. They have exceptional reviews from past students and it’s no surprise that many of them are repeat customers. Some of their most popular classes include Chicken and Waffles, Farm to Table, Date Night: India at Home, Hone Your Knife Skills, Gnocchi Workshop, and many more.

Location: 7659 Cox Lane, West Chester, OH | 513-847-4474

3. The Glendalia

The Culinary Studio at The Glendalia is truly a fun and enlightening experience. Located in this gorgeous bed and breakfast and event space, The Culinary Studio offers cooking classes in series-form. You can sign up for 6-8 week series that meet once a week to build upon skills you learn each week. It’s the perfect excuse to see your friends every week and learn something new together. Some of their classes includeEverday Gourmet (best for beginners), Culinary Journey (fine dining with a twist), Bootcamp (learn everything from the basics to hosting a dinner party), and many more. Their location is also great for bachelorette party cooking classes or other special events.

Location: 11 Village Square, Glendale, OH | 513-376-9645

Cooking classes are an awesome way to bond with your friends, meet new people, and improve your culinary skills. If you’ve taken cooking classes at one of these locations, we’d love to know how it was! If you have class recommendations, experiences you want to share, or another cooking studio that should be on this list, let us know on the Contact Us page. We want to hear from you!

Behind all the eating, drinking and partying is a strong mission to shine a national spotlight on Cincinnati and the Midwest.