Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas (DORA) have been popping up all around town, allowing guests to stroll, sightsee and enjoy the fresh outdoors with an alcoholic beverage in hand. With an official DORA cup from a participating location and within set boundaries, those over the age of 21 can carry their drinks around with them in these hot spots.
The Banks
The acreage in downtown Cincinnati between Paul Brown Stadium (home to the Cincinnati Bengals) and Great American Ball Park (home to the Cincinnati Reds) has long been a favorite hangout on the Ohio River. With dozens of restaurants and bars, The Banks is the perfect spot for pre- or post-game food and drinks, and is only steps away from Smale Riverfront Park with plenty of fun for all ages. Now revelers can take their drinks to the pedestrian streets whether celebrating a win or drowning sorrows after a loss. Looking for something fun to do with the whole family? The Escape Game at The Banks is top-rated and a total blast! The district is in effect 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily. Click here for additional details.
Bellevue Entertainment District
While not technically called a DORA district, the Bellevue Entertainment District along Fairfield Avenue in Northern Kentucky carries an historic charm while allowing for traveling alcoholic beverages. Rules are similar as for DORA districts with specified cups, boundaries and hours. Special events like It's Girls' Night Out and First Fridays (scheduled, as the name suggests, every Friday of the month) are a great excuse to get out with a beverage and enjoy the shops, galleries and restaurants. Hours are in effect 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Click here for more information about the specific dates when this goes into effect.
Cheviot
Along three blocks of Harrison Avenue in Cheviot, on the west side of Cincinnati, those ages 21 and up can enjoy their beverages outside while exploring the local, independent shops, restaurants and bars, like Dean's Hops and Vines. The district is in effect 4 p.m. to Midnight Monday-Thursday and Noon to Midnight Friday-Sunday. Click here for additional details.
Hamilton
Downtown Hamilton in the northern Cincinnati region has been experiencing a resurgence with new small businesses continuing to open and thrive. With its DORA district in full effect, visitors can order a locally crafted beer from Municipal Brew Works and enjoy the refreshment while admiring murals and greenspace around the revitalized downtown area; or exploring the outdoor sculptures that helped the city earn the moniker "City of Sculpture." The district is in effect Noon to midnight daily. Click here for additional details.
Harrison
On the west side of town, a DORA district extends down a stretch of Harrison Avenue and includes the 1860 Taproom and Bottle Shop, housed in an historic building and offering 16 craft beers on tap, a rotating selection of bourbon, wine and canned and bottled beer. The district is in effect 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, 5 p.m. to Midnight on Friday, Noon to Midnight on Saturday and Noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. Click here for additional details.
Liberty Center
This epicenter of shopping and dining in the northern suburbs of Cincinnati hits the sweet spot with its DORA district. Grab tacos from Agave and Rye, pizza from Pies & Pints or a mouthwatering steak from Cooper's Hawk before taking your adult drink to-go and shopping or enjoying the green spaces. The district is in effect from Noon to Midnight daily. Click here for additional details.
Mason
In the northern suburbs of the region, Mason has opened a DORA district up and down several blocks of its Main Street and US 42. Grab a cheeseburger and beer at Quatman's Cafe, then saunter up Main Street to check out the patio at Wildflower Cafe or Common Beer Company, the nano-brewery using local ingredients to create craft brews. The district is in effect 6 p.m. to Midnight on Monday-Thursday and Noon to Midnight on Friday-Sunday. Click here for additional details.
Milford
Experience a hometown feel in historic downtown Milford, situated on the Little Miami River. Made up of many family-owned businesses, the downtown area is a charming spot to sip and stroll with a wine from 20 Brix or a craft beer from Little Miami Brewing Company while checking out boutiques and shops. The district is in effect 4 to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 11 a.m. to Midnight Friday-Sunday. Click here for additional details.
Montgomery
Throughout the Heritage District, Old Montgomery Gateway District and The Marketplace, visitors can take their to-go beverages outside to enjoy the fresh air and flowers on the streets of Montgomery. DORA boundaries include the original location of Montgomery Inn (known for its ribs and barbecue sauce) up to Go Bananas Comedy Club. The district is in effect 5 to 11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 5 p.m. to Midnight Friday, Noon to Midnight Saturday and Noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. Click here for additional details.
New Richmond
To bring more business and vibrancy to the Front Street area, New Richmond was the first village in Clermont County to establish a DORA district. Visitors can enjoy their drink with the river breeze in their hair and views of the Ohio River. The district is in effect Noon to 10 p.m. daily. Click here for additional details.
Sharonville
Get your to-go drink and check out The Loop in Sharonville, including Depot Square, which was once home to a real railroad depot and is now the center of Sharonville's downtown. The district is in effect 5 to 11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 5 p.m. to Midnight Friday, Noon to Midnight Saturday and Noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. Click here for additional details.
Wyoming
This suburb is home to delicious dining at spots like Gabby's Cafe (try the homemade carrot cake) and Station Family + BBQ. Now you can also grab an alcoholic beverage at participating locations and enjoy it outside at The Village Green or while checking out the rest of the area. The district is in effect 2 to 11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 2 p.m. to Midnight Friday, Noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and Noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. Click here for additional details.
