Cinci spots (A Non-local's Take)
OTR Bagel Bar
Any time I visit Cinci, I always make sure to stop here (at least once). Their bagels are freshly made in-house, with flavors ranging from Garlic Everything to Fruit Loops to Flaming Hot Cheetos. They've got a savory breakfast sandwich with tater tots for only $5 and vegan goetta. They also feature local artists' work on their walls, with rotating exhibitions every few weeks!
Quan Hapa
While David lived in Cinci, we ate at Quan Hapa more than anywhere else. Their waffle fries? Incredible, and they come with spicy ketchup. The Okonomiyaki? SO GOOD. (It's one of my favorite dishes now.) It's a Japanese savory pancake-esque platter of sauces, cauliflower or shrimp, and veggies. They also have yummy ramen.
[Image from Quan Hapa]
Lola’s
Lola's feels like a hole in the wall, though it's just shy of the tall buildings downtown. It's tucked away on 3rd Street and has a bar, great daily deals, booths, WiFi, and great music in the background. It's easy to access from the streetcar, and it's just out of the way enough that you can find some quiet to get work done.
Indigo Hippo
Indigo Hippo is a non-profit, second-hand art and art supplies store with a pay-what-you-can model. I could spend hours here finding fabric, colored pencils, embroidery books, stickers, scrapbook paper, etc, etc. Definitely pop in here to find inspiration, supplies, and support a good cause.
Madtree Brewing
Okay, this place is THE BEST. They have 40+ of their beers on tap (Dreamsicle and their seasonal coffee porters are my top choices), an amazing selection of pizzas, outdoor seating where you can see the sky unfold above you, plants, wifi, and plenty of dogs. I'd spend all my afternoons here if I could.
Forty Theives
I hate to say it, but Forty Thieves doesn’t serve saffron rice anymore—but still go! I love the falafel dish and the za’atar french fries. The kitchen is connected to Holiday Spirits so it’s an easy two-in-one stop.
Holiday Spirits
This bar is small but mighty. It’s right on the corner of Race and Liberty (central to OTR). David loves the cinnamon drinks in the fall and I gravitate toward gin. We spent NYE here one year, playing pool and eating fries.
Rooted
This is my go-to juice and matcha stop while I'm spending a day in the city. I haven't found anywhere else that makes such a solid matcha. They also have a fridge full of ready-to-go juices and shakes for those who only have a minute to drop in.
Brown Bear Bakery
One time, David and I got lavender cookies and banana bread and sat in the window doing the Sunday NYT crossword and watched people come and go from the church across the street. The bakery makes the yummiest treats, but don’t expect there to be open seats!
[Image from Brown Bear Bakery]
Taft’s Ale House
Taft's is a brewery and taproom housed in an old church, so there are chandeliers, high ceilings, beautiful wallpaper, and gorgeous windows. While it can often be hard to find a seat since tables are reserved for those who are dining in, it's one of my favorite places to drink because of the atmosphere and decor.