Moerlein Lager House
A solid menu serving everything from burgers to calamari and filet mignon, a noteworthy collection of beers and two levels of open-air dining with a river view make Moerlein Lager House a go-to spot on a nice day – especially before or after a Reds game. Be sure to try one of the local craft brews from this working microbrewery on the river!
Bridgeview Box Park at Newport on the Levee
Via Vite
Via Vite offers an intimate open-air second-story dining area and piazza overlooking Fountain Square paired with classic and inventive Italian dishes – what’s not to love?
Top of the Park
Top of the Park, the outdoor lounge atop The Phelps, a Residence Inn, boasts two levels with an almost 360-degree view of Cincinnati. Sip on wine, beer and hand-crafted cocktails with a small bites menu, or enjoy a fire pit on the second level.
The Gruff
Nestled nearly underneath the Roebling Suspension Bridge, The Gruff is a casual spot that serves as both a restaurant and a market selling gourmet foods, including many from local purveyors like Graeter's and Maverick Chocolate Co. Pizzas, sandwiches and brunch favorites make this a great stop when sightseeing in Northern Kentucky.
Fountain Square
Fountain Square offers lunchtime vending on weekdays and daily entertainment in the evenings. The Square is surrounded by restaurant options where visitors can order carry-out meals to enjoy under the sun. Enjoy people-watching and Reds games on the jumbo TV from the comfort of this large open-air plaza with appropriately spaced tables in the heart of downtown.
Frida 602
Foosball and margaritas make an unexpectedly fun combination, especially alongside deliciously unconventional taco fillings at Frida 602 (named after the famous Mexican painter). And be sure to check out the largest selection of Mezcal in the region.
Hofbräuhaus
Pepp & Dolores
Enjoy housemade pastas perfectly paired with fine wine while enjoying the large open-air dining patio at Pepp & Dolores, the casual Italian eatery in Over-the-Rhine.
Northside Yacht Club
Northside Yacht Club has arguably some of the best smoked chicken wings in all of the Cincinnati region. And if chicken isn't your thing, try the seven sauce options on the boneless (cauliflower) wings paired with a local craft brew or a homemade adult Capri-Sun.
Queen City Radio
This 1920s-era filling station-turned-radio-installation-company is now an expansive beer garden and bar with 14 beers on tap. Queen City Radio brings plenty of cool vintage charm as well as domestic and craft beer, cocktails, boozy slushies and even boozy popsicles in the summer time.
Che
Craving empanadas? You’ll find plenty of crave-worthy options to choose from at Che, which you can enjoy on the outdoor patio. This Argentine eatery also serves daily specials from the grill, salads, soups and cheese-and-meat boards.
Findlay Market
The Findlay Market Biergarten is open six days a week (closed Mondays) during market hours. Grab a local craft draft from the Biergarten stand or Market Wines to pair with your meal from one of the many vendors and restaurants at the market.
Rhinegeist
The draw at Rhinegeist brewery during summer is definitely the spacious rooftop deck. One must-try brew? Cougar, an easy-drinking crisp and refreshing blonde ale. And if the weather isn't quite right for outdoor drinking, play cornhole or table tennis inside.
Incline Public House
Incline Public House is worth a trip for the picture-perfect view of its outdoor dining area. Stay for a drink and a bite from the menu featuring classic American fare such as brick oven pizzas and gourmet sandwiches.
Eli’s BBQ
BYOB to Eli's BBQ, the uber-casual, family-friendly spot where eating mostly takes place at picnic tables outside, which means plenty of room for kids to run around and let off steam. Oh, and the food is amazingly good. (Also located in Findlay Market.)
Unwind Wine Bar
Unwind Wine Bar is a beautiful little oasis tucked into Hyde Park that serves just about any wine you could wish for. The rustic upscale wine bar also offers light fare such as a cheese board, flatbreads and crostini.
The Littlefield Bourbon Bar and Kitchen
The Littlefield's generous outdoor patio offers a sweetly sunny spot for sipping bourbon and grabbing a bite in this Northside neighborhood bourbon bar. (Currently only open for carryout and walk-up service.)
Brown Dog Café
A spacious covered patio overlooking Summit Park makes Brown Dog Café a great spot to nosh for breakfast, lunch or dinner – or weekend brunch.
The Wildflower Cafe
Fresh, local and organic is the mantra at this restaurant and coffee house. With a menu best described as eclectic American and that changes daily based on what is fresh and seasonal, The Wildflower Cafe also has a cozy outdoor space. Reservations encouraged.
Click here to find even more outdoor dining options.
By Jessica Gordon. Updated by Julie Brock & Amber Potter.
