Photographs by Aaron M. Conway/OMS Photography
1. Lolli’s
Chic, simple R. Nichols cards and stationery and Chan Luu’s delicately earthy leather and stone wrap bracelets make Lolli’s a destination for eclectic gifts. The new location in the heart of Mariemont’s shopping district stocks the same rustic-meets-modern assortment of jewelry, exquisite soaps and candles, and pet accessories shoppers have come to expect from owner Leah Osgood. Looking for something extra special? Check the store’s schedule
of designer trunk shows.
6814 Wooster Pike, (513) 561-5054, lollisltd.com
2. The Wardrobe Cincinnati
Owner Lesley Hern made the short migration south from Madeira to the square last September, making room for more sought-after styles. The carefully curated collection of women’s apparel and accessories bridges the gap between slightly edgy and classic chic, featuring jeans from Marc by Marc Jacobs, Missoni dresses, and Rebecca Minkoff handbags. Hern’s bright eyes and sweet demeanor quickly set her clientele at ease as she outfits women from their mid-30s to their late 70s, showcasing the versatility of her threads.
6816 Wooster Pike, (513) 271-4800, thewardrobecincinnati.com
3. Mariemont Barber Shop
Tucked inside the Mariemont Inn since 1934, this full-service operation does everything the old-fashioned way. Outfitted with retro-style checked floors and vintage chairs, customers can relax and soak up a hot lather face shave—and some warm towels. Serving up the full range of haircuts from high-and-tights to faux hawks, Ron Salzano and the boys will have you carefully coiffed in no time, no matter what your syle preference is.
6880 Wooster Pike, (513) 271-7676, mariemontbarbershop.com
4. Dilly Bistro, Bar & Bottle Shop
Owner and resident wine guy Chuck Warinner has helped make Dilly a go-to village brand for more than two decades. What began as Dilly Deli, a carry-out sandwich spot, has evolved into a casual bistro with a full menu, complemented by one of the best beer and wine selections citywide. Sit tableside for pan-seared salmon, or keep things casual at the bar with some beer cheese and a pint of suds. And if you prefer to chow in your own chair, the café-adjoining bottle shop makes it easy to take out and take home.
6818 Wooster Pike, (513) 561-5233, dillycafe.com
5. Sara Benjamin’s
This contemporary women’s boutique’s 10-year run at The Strand (the old square in the heart of the village, for you non-Mariemonters) certainly speaks to an eye for good fashion. Lining the walls and shelves are what owner Amie Fanta calls “clothes you can wear every day” and “things you want to put on”—knits and T-shirts from Splendid, dresses from Tibi. But the main attraction is denim. A range of styles by Adriano Goldschmied, J Brand, and Mother make this a must-stop for jean lovers. Not ready to invest in premium denim? Try the colorful scarves from Yarnz or sturdy leather totes from Foley + Corinna—both add spice to everyday essentials.
6810 Wooster Pike, (513) 272-2280, sarabenjamins.com
6. Pomegranate & Lime
Elegant bowties, needlepoint-wrapped belts, and top-notch costume jewelry fill the light and airy space of Pomegranate & Lime. Owner Jennifer Degerberg searches far and wide for her treasures, and she treats customers with warm attention. Knock off a bunch of gifting needs in one stop: Delicate charm necklaces make bridesmaids swoon, bright-striped baby socks keep wee ones warm, and small
decorative mirrors are just the thing for your mother-in-law.
6804 Wooster Pike, (513) 271-1012
7. The Sweeterie
Inside cozy, candy-pink walls, resident sugar queen Susan Knabb serves up gourmet sugar cookies and specialty cupcakes. Exhibit A: the coconut version, which tops vanilla buttermilk or chocolate cake with rich coconut cream cheese icing. Chocoholics, go straight for the triple chocolate fudge cookies—chocolate cookies with chocolate chips, dipped in ganache, and covered in sprinkles. Too indulgent? The Sweeterie’s sugar cookies come in a variety of shapes decorated to celebrate the current season.
6820 Wooster Pike, (513) 271-7444, thesweeterie.com
8. Eva’s Esthetica
When de-stressing tops your to-do list and your face or nails are begging for some TLC, stop by Eva’s Esthetica for a relaxing, rejuvenating spa experience. Ensconced on the second floor of The Strand for 15 years, Eva and her small staff offer waxing, facials, shellac manicures, and more. Ahhhh…
6824 Wooster Pike, (513) 527-4770, evasesthetica.com
9. The Quarter Bistro
Right next door to Mariemont Theatre, this quintessential dinner-and-a-movie spot boasts a Euro-infused, seasonal menu. The French onion soup will warm you—beef broth with red onions and toast, covered with melted emmentaler, Gruyere, and provolone. Or keep things light with an apple and Gorgonzola salad. Don’t forget your protein: top any salad with chicken, steak, salmon, a scallop, or mahi mahi. The wine list has a healthy number of by-the-glass pours, including a couple of rosés and a handful of American reds. When it warms up, the patio will be packed—plan accordingly.
6904 Wooster Pike, (513) 271-5400, quarter-bistro.com
10. Mariemont Theatre
First opened in 1939 and managed by the same group as the Esquire and Kenwood Theatres, this is where you go to see Before Midnight and Die Fälscher (The Counterfeiters). Last year’s renovations added two new screens (for five total), and a bar with beer, wine, cocktails, and coffee. Tuesdays are bargain days, and Wednesday dinner-and-a-movie deals give discounts on tickets and grub at nearby restaurants (including numbers 4 and 9 above).
6906 Wooster Pike, (513) 272-0222, mariemonttheatre.com
11. The Coffee Shop on Wooster
This ice cream shop turned coffee drive-thru serves piping hot cups of joe to Mariemont commuters seven days a week. Stop by to enjoy espresso drinks from quality beans and a quick Taste of Belgium waffle fix.
6110 Wooster Pike, (513) 271-3350, coffeeshoponmadison.com
12. Mac’s on the Pike
With more than 100 beers and a $3 craft beer pint night featuring local breweries, you could almost overlook the specialty pies. Don’t.Try the Chicago Gyro with gyro meat, feta, and tzatziki sauce, or the Mac-Attack, loaded with bison, jalapeños, and pepperoni.
6309 Wooster Pike, (513) 271-6227, macspizzapub.com
Photography by Aaron M. Conway/OMS Photography
Originally published in the March 2014 issue.
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