This week, the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber will announce the recipients of $4 million in grants from the City of Cincinnati’s federal CARES Act funding, which are designed to help full- and limited-service restaurants crippled by COVID-19 restrictions. This will be a boon for area bars and restaurants as they continue to struggle with ways to draw in customers as the weather gets colder. Here are a few of the restaurants and bars that are getting creative to make it possible for customers to enjoy the safety and comfort of outdoor dining.
Photograph courtesy of HomeMakers Bar
HomeMakers Bar
When HomeMakers Bar reopened in June, the restaurant/bar outfitted a nearby parking lot with a converted Airstream bar and fire pits. As the cold weather rolls in, they have converted this space into a winter wonderland and ski lodge. Two igloos, furnished by Queen City Vignette, are available for rent, and the bar is offering Grandma Afghan blankets for purchase.
39 E. 13th St., downtown, (513) 394-7559
Catch-a-Fire Pizza
Catch-a-Fire Pizza in Blue Ash adds to the growing list of restaurants and bars with igloos you’ll find around the city. These igloos comfortably seat eight, have fun winter themes (try Fireglow, Northern Lights, or Snowglobe) and allow you to connect your personal Bluetooth speaker so you can play whatever music suits your party.
9290 Kenwood Rd., Blue Ash, (513) 441-8565
The View at Shires’ Gardens
Not only does this historic rooftop bar have the same homey igloos it had last year, but it also has some very on-brand greenhouses. Although the igloos and greenhouses do not have a guaranteed view, they do offer a bit of romance and personalized fun as well as the capacity to seat various group sizes.
309 Vine St., 10th floor, downtown, (513) 407-7501
Photograph courtesy of Vista at Lytle Park Hotel
Vista at Lytle Park Hotel
This recently opened rooftop lounge with its retractable roof and walls was practically built to accommodate the needs of customers’ varying comfort levels. The outdoor deck, complete with 360-degree views of the city, does not sacrifice its luxurious vibe in its less-glamorous need for warmth. Their fire pits, which are available for booking, are complete with heating lamps, festive lights, and fur throws.
311 Pike St., downtown, (513) 621-4500
Sundry and Vice
Sundry and Vice is one of several Over-the-Rhine restaurants and bars that have extended their patios onto the sidewalk. This “almost-too-hipster-for-Brooklyn” cocktail spot features heaters, a small-ish patio, and inventive drinks.
18 W. 13th St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 721-8423
Montgomery Inn at the Boathouse
Montgomery Inn recently announced that it will keep the patio at its Riverside Drive location open year-round. The climate-controlled space now boasts “blinds that withstand rain, snow, wind, and cold” so you can eat your ribs in relative warmth through these cold months.
925 Riverside Dr., East End, (513) 721-7427
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