
Do you believe that bacon should be one of the five basic food groups? Indulge to your heart's content on Friday, December 30, when the country celebrates Bacon Day. Discover many creative uses for bacon at these wonderful restaurants in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
West Side Market, 1979 W. 25th St., Stand C4, Cleveland, OH 44113
How do you improve on perfection? For the staff at Toney's Baloney, it means pairing bacon with another iconic food. But watch out, you may get hooked on their strips of candied bacon wearing robes of milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and milk chocolate with a peanut butter drizzle. Candied bacon also comes in other forms, such as whimsical mustache-shaped "pops." The latest addition, bacon covered in Fruity Pebbles or Cinnamon Toast Crunch, might be the ultimate breakfast food. West Side Market is open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday.
12900 Lake Ave., Unit 2, Lakewood, OH 44107
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At Summer House, they're not content with bacon that just tastes good. Their Clothesline Bacon, featured on the brunch and dinner menus, is equally fun to eat. Dry-aged bacon, steeped in a mixture of Ohio maple syrup and scratch-made apple cider vinegar, hangs from a miniature clothesline over a bed of bread-and-butter pickles. Add in the incredible views, and eating bacon at Summer House is a true treat for the senses. Hours are 3 - 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 3 - 11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday.
2710 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113
"Breakfast for dinner" takes on a whole new meaning at Touch Supper Club. Their Bourbon Breakfast Martini starts with a cocktail of bourbon, sweet vermouth, butterscotch, and maple-infused simple syrup. It's topped off with a maple-infused pancake and slice of candied bacon. Classic supper club vibes complete the experience. Hours are 5 - 10 p.m. Tuesday, 5 - 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and 5 p.m. - 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
1788 W. 5th St., Columbus, OH 43212
Tater tots aren't just for kids. The whole family will love these dressed-up nuggets at Jimmy V's Grill & Pub. Crispy tots, made fresh in-house, come topped with bacon, Cheddar, smoked Gouda, and pepper jack. A side of Buffalo ranch adds a finishing touch. Bacon also stars in Jimmy V's twist on a BLT that includes grilled salmon served on a pretzel bun. Hours are 11 a.m. - 2:30 a.m., seven days a week.
138 Graceland Blvd., Columbus, OH 43214
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The starters at Pat and Gracie's Kitchen & Tavern are so tempting and delicious that you may never make it to the main course. Everyone's favorite, macaroni and cheese, is combined with bacon and deep-fried in bite-sized pieces. Double down on cheesy goodness with a side of cheese dipping sauce. Another inspired appetizer features diced caramelized onions, smoked bacon, cream cheese, garlic, and Parmesan cheese blended into a smooth dip and served with Lavosh crackers. P&G is open daily from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. except for Friday and Saturday, when hours are extended to 11 p.m.
143 E. Main St., Columbus, OH 43215
The Walrus Kitchen & Public House uses bacon to elevate traditional comfort food to a new level. Start your day with a Candied Bacon Melt, topped with an egg and cheddar cheese and served in a Belgian waffle sandwich. For lunch, the Candied Bacon Grilled Cheese with tomato slices keeps customers coming back for more. The Walrus is open daily from 11 a.m. - 2:30 a.m.
1200 Broadway St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Nation Kitchen & Bar came onto the Cincinnati culinary scene in 2015. It took only a couple of years for their bacon burger to be acclaimed as best in the state, while national publications have also included it on lists of top burgers around the country. This delicious burger gets some Southern flavor from cheddar cheese, apple slaw, and Memphis BBQ sauce. Bacon also makes an appearance on the Hangover burger, along with goetta, ham, and fried egg on a bagel. Hours are 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday.
3356 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45209
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Sweet and savory is a popular food trend that satisfies nearly every taste. One of the finest examples is the popular maple bacon donut found at family-owned Holtman's Donuts. Other bacon-centric variations in their revolving repertoire include chocolate maple bacon, bourbon maple bacon, and blueberry maple bacon. Hours are 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday, 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday.
1135 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
While thick, fluffy waffles may be their signature item, Taste of Belgium makes great use of bacon as well. On the Beltucky Hot Brown, bacon joins roasted turkey, Gruyère, tomato, and Mornay sauce atop a waffle. For the McWaffle and Brunch Burger, a split waffle stands in for English muffins and bread on these sandwich-style dishes that also include bacon. Taste of Belgium is open 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday.
Bacon is appropriate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in both food and drink. What's your favorite way to use bacon?

Foodies of Ohio, your dream has come true! You can literally eat and drink your way across this great state with food and beverage trails spotlighting a wide range of dishes, drinks, and cuisines. Indulge in mac & cheese in Northeast Ohio, sip on lattes in Columbus, or bite into tacos in Cincinnati. Which trail will you head to first?
Who says tacos are just for Tuesdays? With almost two dozen wonderful Mexican restaurants, you can enjoy this classic favorite any day of the week along the Taco Trail. The flavors are so authentic that you'll close your eyes and think you're south of the border. Earn points each time you check in at a location and build your total to receive prizes such as a bottle opener/keychain, shot glass, and t-shirt. Visit the website to have the passport delivered straight to your smartphone.
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Mac & cheese is truly comfort food, deeply satisfying to body and soul. You may be surprised by the variety you'll find along the Mac & Cheese Trail in Cleveland. Try mac & cheese topped with smoky BBQ meats, or have it piled on top of hot dogs and French fries. A couple of locations even offer creamy vegan versions.
Mamma mia! Get your fill of pizza, pasta, and pancetta when you follow the Italian Food Trail. Follow the delicious aromas to more than 60 Italian restaurants, pizzerias, and markets. Many of these locations are family-run, serving food made with original recipes passed down over generations. Just don't ask them to share any of their secrets! Visit the website to get your digital passport.
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Get up bright and early in the morning to hit the Columbus Coffee Trail. You'll have no shortage of caffeine to fuel your visits to these two dozen charming cafés, bakeries, and coffee shops. Most locations carry an irresistible selection of pastries, so the route is a tasty way to satisfy your sweet tooth as well. Four stops earn you a t-shirt. Hit every location to receive a coffee mug. Visit the website to get your digital pass.
Sample some great adult beverages made with the highest-quality ingredients on the Columbus Distillery Trail. The capital city is home to a number of distilleries producing award-winning whiskey, gin, vodka, and bourbon. There's even a "brewstillery" offering craft beer along with spirits. Each site has a specialty Trail cocktail, such as the Side by Side Daiquiri. Check in at four stops for a Simple Times Mixer and visit each one for a t-shirt. Head to the website for your digital pass.
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Do you dosa? Find the answer to this culinary question with a trip along the Columbus Tikka Trail. Indian food incorporates cardamom, cayenne pepper, cumin, and other flavorful spices for a unique taste. Most restaurants let you choose your own level of heat on a scale of one to five. Many also feature buffets so you can try several different dishes. For the record, dosa is similar to a burrito, with a thin rice pancake that can be wrapped around different fillings.
For the month of July 2022, Ales for Trails served as a fundraiser for the Cincinnati Riding or Walking Network, referred to as the CROWN. While that event has ended, the trail can still be followed by beer lovers who want to sample a variety of brands and styles. The 10 stops along the way represent the leading microbreweries that make Cincinnati a star in the craft beer movement. As you make your way, you're also roughly following the route planned for the CROWN as Cincinnati's first urban trail loop.
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When it comes to fine whiskey, Kentucky bourbon is the gold standard. Explore the quality and versatility of this iconic spirit through the 19-stop route of the B-Line. The line-up includes five craft distilleries and eight bars, all of which are named in the Bourbon Review's list of "Best Bourbon Bars in America." Rounding out the trail are six restaurants where bourbon complements their menus of Southern, Creole, and BBQ cuisine. Check in at two locations of each of the three types of establishments and receive your choice of gifts, such as a B-Line t-shirt or engraved Glencairn glass. Visit the website to download the digital B-Line Guide.
What's not to love about tacos? They're fun to eat, they accommodate meat-eaters and vegetarians, and they're great with beer or soft drinks. Cincinnati's Taco Trail is lined with lively and colorful restaurants where you can try a never-ending variety of flavors and types. Styles range from authentic, served simply with onions and cilantro, to gourmet, with creative fillings such as grilled salmon or carmelized cauliflower.
If you were creating your own culinary trail, what food or beverage would be highlighted?

If you've never had a bowl of iconic Cincinnati-style chili, you don't know what you're missing. This city has been known as the chili capital of the world since the early 1900s when Macedonian immigrants Tom and John Kiradjieff founded the city's first of many chili restaurants. Today, there are dozens of great local dining establishments where you can order a bowl of Cincinnati chili any way you like it.
If you're new to Cincinnati chili, you'll find it's unlike any other chili you've had. It's often sweet and able to be customized just to your liking. When it comes to Cincinnati-style chili, you typically order it multiple ways: 1-way is chili only, 2-way adds spaghetti, 3-way adds cheese, 4-way adds onions or beans, or 5-way adds onions and beans.
If you're in the mood for a warm bowl of chili this fall, here are eight places where you can order it Cincinnati-style:
4920 Glenway Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45238
One of the most popular restaurants in Cincinnati, Price Hill Chili is a family-owned and operated establishment on the west side. This comfortable, neighborhood-style restaurant serves some of the best 5-way chili in the city. Order it in a bowl (any number of ways), a Coney dog, or a chili cheese sandwich. Plus, add a side or a salad to go with it. The restaurant is also attached to Golden Fleece Lounge, a nice cocktail bar where you can have a drink and watch the game.
3005 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45225
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A '40s-style diner serving some of the best Cincinnati-style chili around, Camp Washington Chili is worth checking out for both the food and decor. The recipe behind this chili has been kept secret for over 60 years and is a large reason behind this restaurant's success and longevity. The restaurant has become a local landmark with both the interior and exterior resembling a 1940s-style diner. The 5-way chili has been featured on numerous food television series. Plus, the diner is open 24 hours a day except Sunday, so you can enjoy a bowl of chili almost any time you'd like.
580 Walnut St. S700, Cincinnati, OH 45202
If you're downtown and interested in grabbing a quick bowl of chili for lunch, swing by The Silver Ladle. This fast, casual restaurant allows you to create your own chili. Choose from a number of bases, including spaghetti, French fries, tortilla chips, or mixed greens. Then, pick your chili (beer, chicken, Cuban black bean). Finally, top it off with cheese, onions, jalapenos, sour cream, and more. They also serve other soups, sandwiches, and salads. Enjoy your lunch indoors or out on the patio when weather permits.
290 Ludlow Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45220
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You can't list Cincinnati chili destinations without mentioning Skyline Chili. What began as a single chili restaurant on Price Hill overlooking downtown is now one of the most popular places for locals and tourists to order a bowl of authentic Cincinnati 5-way chili. The chili is very sweet, so you may want to spice it up with some jalapenos or hot sauce. The original restaurant is no longer open, but the city has many old-school locations, including this one on Ludlow Avenue.
2601 W. 8th St., Cincinnati, OH 45204
What better way to experience Cincinnati than by digging into a bowl of hearty chili while taking in panoramic views of the downtown skyline? You can enjoy this exact experience at Incline Public House, a great local restaurant located at the top of Price Hill, on the site of the former incline. This restaurant's chili is phenomenal, and they serve many classic American entrees and pizzas as well. There is also an extensive craft beer and bourbon menu. It's a great place for a date!
310 Mt Zion Rd. Ste. 4, Florence, KY 41042
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Another great chili chain that was started in Cincinnati, Gold Star Chili was founded in the Mt. Washington neighborhood in 1965. Today there are many locations around the area, including this one in Florence, KY. This chili comes with a mountain of cheddar cheese, plus onions, beans, and spaghetti if you choose. Or, add chili to one of their delicious burgers for an unbelievably tasty dinner. Dine in or grab your chili to go through the drive-thru.
6032 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45213
5-way chili, chili cheese fries, Coney dogs, and more, Pleasant Ridge Chili Restaurant has all your chili favorites. This old-timey diner has a variety of comfort food as well as some of the best chili in town. They also serve some delicious breakfasts! Dine in or order your chili to go and serve it during your upcoming holiday dinners. This restaurant is open until 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday, so it's a great place to stop for a late evening snack. Affordable prices, no-frills service, and great food, it's a true Cincinnati staple.
9525 Kenwood Rd. Suite 5, Blue Ash, OH 45242
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Among the many varieties of chili on the menu at Blue Ash Chili is a "6-way" Cincinnati-style chili with chili, spaghetti, beans, onions, cheese, and fried jalapeno caps. This unique local restaurant also features the No Freakin' Way Challenge. If you can eat 2.5 lbs. of spaghetti topped with 2.5 lbs. of chili, 2 lbs. of shredded cheese, and 1 lb. of jalapeno caps in 60 minutes, then your meal is free. If not, you'll be featured on the Wall of Shame!
Where will you warm up with a delicious bowl of chili around Cincinnati?

Music is such a significant part of Cincinnati's culture that it gave rise to the slogan, "The City that Sings." Whether you prefer country, rock, blues, jazz, R& B, or hip-hop, you'll find it at these lively music venues around Cincinnati.
342 Ludlow Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45220
No, it's not a figure of speech. Ludlow Garage was originally an auto shop that became a legendary rock venue in the 1970s, hosting acts such as Santana, The Kinks, Iggy Pop and the Stooges, and Allman Brothers Band. After stints as a restaurant, yoga studio, and hardware store, the Garage was reborn in 2015 as a gastropub with a menu of upscale bar food and once again offering live music. Upcoming shows include The Wallflowers (August 23), jazz legends Spyro Gyra (September 10), and Joan Osborne (September 24). Pub hours are 4 - 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 4 - 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, brunch is served from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. and dinner from 3 - 9 p.m.
1345 Main St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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MOTR Pub is devoted to showcasing performing arts in all forms. In addition to live shows by cutting-edge musical acts, MOTR features open mic nights for comedy and writing, with no cover charge for any event. Each month, the works of a different local artist are displayed around the dining area. A light menu of burgers and munchies is available. Writer's Night is every first and third Wednesday of the month at 9 p.m. Other events include Comedy Night every fourth Thursday at 9 p.m., The Midwestern Swing (September 3), and Spoils with the Fairmount Girls (September 9). Most shows have no cover charge. MOTR is open from 4 p.m.. - 2:30 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. - 2 a.m. Sunday.
1404 Main St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Across the street from MOTR is its sister venue, the Woodward. Both facilities have the same ownership, and several musical acts have started out at MOTR and "graduated" to the larger venue. The Woodward made its debut in 1913 as a silent movie house but couldn't survive the Great Depression. Like Ludlow Garage, the Woodward went through various incarnations over the decades until its grand reopening in 2014. Future shows include Built to Spill (August 22) and Carriers with Speaking Suns and Christian Nicholas Gough (September 30), but the Woodward still honors its roots as a movie house with periodic screenings and film festivals.
936 Hatch St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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For more than 60 years, The Blind Lemon has been a Cincinnati institution. Words almost can't do justice to the experience, beginning with a descent down a narrow passageway that opens onto a charming brick courtyard with an oversized fire pit. The indoor bar is also rich in atmosphere, with a classic tavern decor and eclectic collections of model airplanes, campaign buttons, and other quirky memorabilia. The Lemon, as it's affectionately known, has been visited by celebs such as George Clooney and hosted a birthday party for David Crosby. Visit the website for the current schedule. Hours are 5 p.m. - midnight Tuesday through Thursday, 5 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. Friday, 3 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. Saturday, and 3 p.m. - midnight Sunday.
1225 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
With a name like Memorial Hall, you know a venue is bound to be special. Built in 1908 as a monument to Cincinnati's war veterans, the stunning 556-seat Memorial Hall features Tiffany chandeliers, marble staircases, and decorative murals. The hall also serves as a mini-museum with displays of artifacts related to local civic and military history. Over the next couple of months, you can enjoy shows as diverse as Girl Named Tom (September 1), Herb Alpert & Lani Hall (September 19), and A.J. Croce playing the music of his father Jim (October 5).
2621 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45219
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If you have to move when the beat grabs you, Bogart's is your spot. With a colorful past that includes vaudeville shows and German film screenings, Bogart's today is a spacious yet intimate music venue that provides plenty of space to get up and dance. Capacity is approximately 1,500 people with three viewing levels along with six bars. The Premium Seating program offers reserved seating and amenities such as in-seat cocktail service and dedicated concierge. Upcoming events include The Afghan Whigs (September 11), Stryper (September 12), and The Prince Experience (September 23).
4579 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223
Perhaps the best description of The Comet comes from an online article about the best music venues in Cincinnati: "a grungy little slice of Brooklyn ... without the attitude or $12 cocktails." This old-school dive bar is beloved for its incredible Mexican food and the intriguing lineup of reggae, garage rock, punk, bluegrass, and avant-garde bands. De facto house band Comet Bluegrass All-Stars performs every Sunday at 7:30 p.m. The Comet is open 4 p.m. - 1 a.m. weekdays, 2 p.m. - 1 a.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. - midnight Sunday.
1314 Republic St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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The name conjures up an aura of mystery, and Ghost Baby definitely has the vibe of a private hideaway. Several flights of stairs lead to an underground bar with a darkly elegant ambiance. The atmosphere and live music lineup helped land Ghost Baby on Esquire's recent list of "Best Bars in America." Visit the website for the schedule of performers. Ghost Baby opens at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 4 p.m. Saturday.
1901 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Schwartz's Point brings European style and sophistication to the Cincinnati music scene. The cobblestone building, flickering candles, and cozy space make you feel as though you're in a private home or club. Jazz is the main event at Schwartz's Point, whether straight-ahead, smooth, be-bop, avant-garde, or fusion. A small soup-and-salad buffet is available, along with craft cocktails like Tito (Puente) Mojito and Chet (Baker) Basil. Be sure to catch upcoming shows with the Melvin Jackson Trio (August 26), Phil DeGreg's Trio Brasilliero (September 10), and jazz violinist Luca Volipiano (September 18). Hours are 7 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Sunday.
Where's your favorite spot in Cincinnati to bust a move?

Whether you're a wine connoisseur or just a casual fan, it's easy to discover a wide array of wine selections throughout Cincinnati and surrounding areas. Many of these wineries also have food, live music, and other events that locals and tourists absolutely love. To give you an idea of the many selections available, we've put together some of our favorite wineries in the area.
6955 Plainfield Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45236
As one of the largest wineries in the state, Meier's Wine Cellars has a wide range of selections that include Cabernet franc rose, Concord, Catawba, and Sangria. Feel free to bring the kids along because they can enjoy a variety of fruit juices like apple or raspberry. This winery has been around since 1890 and has won many awards encapsulating more than 30 different types of wine that they produce and make available to the public.
3077 Harrison Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45211
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Started in 1973, this family-operated winery has been a winemaking hotspot in Cincinnati since its inception. Henke Winery is considered by many locals to be the best wine shop in town and is the perfect place for both residents and visitors. While you're checking out the awesome variety of wines, you can also indulge in Cincinnati cuisine that includes pizza, spaghetti, mussels, and smoked salmon salad while listening to local artists and music. Bring the entire family and have a heck of a good time!
11069 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45252
Come by this incredible winery and feast your eyes on more than 500 vines spread across 32 acres! The Vinoklet Winery & Restaurant has won multiple awards and wine competitions over the years, but its true claim to fame for many residents is the amazing art and wine festival featured every September. In addition to their wine tasting tours, we suggest you drop in for the craft show held on Mother's Day, the rib dinner available every Thursday, the Sunday picnic lunches, and the occasional outdoor bonfire.
2276 US-22 & OH-3, Morrow, OH 45152
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Valley Vineyards may just be home to the quintessential Cincinnati winery tour. While you're there, you'll be able to taste several types of delicious wines and beers while trying out a few of their dishes and meeting some of the friendliest people in the state. You can also enjoy a self-guided tour of the cellar and learn winemaking skills giving you more insight into why wine tasting is such a phenomenon. Add steak cookouts, live music, and comedy nights, and this is a one-stop shop for entertainment, food, and drinks.
4011 Allston St., Cincinnati, OH 45209
Oakley Wines changed hands not too long ago, and it definitely shows. You'll now find a fresh, modern ambiance paired perfectly with the current selection of affordable wines. Each wine tour revolves around a specific theme such as spring wines, California wines, and classic varietals. And if you're up for a little mystery in your life, you may want to check out their blind tastings routinely scheduled for locals and visitors.
1215 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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The entire menu of the 1215 Wine Bar & Coffee Lab is a tasting menu, offering different selections depending on the season. The staff has been very well-trained in wine tasting, allowing patrons ample opportunity to converse with an aficionado or two. Located in the Over-the-Rhine area of Cincinnati, other features include live jazz on Thursday nights and a different type of tasting in the mornings consisting of hot and iced coffees.
128 W. Elder St., Findlay Market, Cincinnati, OH 45202
This Findlay Market storefront is a bit unique, to say the least. If you do some food shopping before checking out the wine selections, the owner of Market Wines may just take a look at what's in your bag and suggest the best wine to pair with your food. The weekly weekend tastings are quite popular with the locals, but you can also stop by every Tuesday night to try out some samples without a big crowd.
6136 Campus Ln., Cincinnati, OH 45230
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If you're looking for variety, you can't do much better than Water Tower Fine Wines. Their facility is home to approximately 2000 wines, including around 130 international sparkling wines and 135 champagnes. Every tasting includes hors d'oeuvres, and you can sign up for their newsletter to always know what they're sampling on any given day. Their location now also features beer on draft in case you want to change things up every once in a while. If you like the spot (which you surely will), feel free to rent it for a special event!
111 E. 12th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Located in Cincinnati's historic OTR neighborhood, the Revel OTR Urban Winery is one of the most flexible wineries in Ohio. Not only does it include a wide selection of handcrafted wines that you'll be able to sample, but it also features live music and other events on the weekends. And if you're so inclined, you can rent out the newly reconstructed rooftop patio for a private party of your very own.
Which incredible wine tasting opportunities in Cincinnati will you dive into?