Remember Outdoor Dining??

While watching the snow generously pile up in my front yard, I began remembering what dining outside on a warm night feels like. Nothing beats relaxing on a downtown restaurant patio, taking in the sights and sounds of our lively city in the summer. As I look forward to the warm season, which seems forever away, I'm wondering which restaurant will dominate in best outdoor dining this year. Whether its a stone patio or rooftop hideaway I will patiently wait for the taste of a cold drink and a hot day.

Cincinnati Icons Chicken Dance

A Late Night Snack

I remember a time when walking into a restaurant after 10:00pm and expecting dinner was considered slightly rude. Most restaurants are winding down and crossing the last reservations off the list, but with the rise of the "late night diners" a new movement is in effect. Restaurants have taken notice of our growling stomachs and open wallets. It's a beautiful thing to have options when hunger strikes us randomly after traditional dinner hours have ended and many restaurants have closed. As a chronic "late night diner" myself, some of my favorite spots to enjoy a late dinner downtown are Nada, Bootsy's produced by Jeff Ruby, Mynt Lounge and Mccormick and Schmick's. Each with its own charm and delectable fare they are all located in the surrounding blocks of Fountain Square, making for an enjoyable walk from the car to the restaurant. With items like Oyster shooters, Barbacoa tacos, Caprese croquettes and Kobe skirt steak on the menu's there is something for everyone's taste. So whether you work, play or live downtown take comfort in knowing that the next time your hungry, you have options.... and some really good ones.