Cincinnati Guide To Food & Fun
B in Cincinnati stands for boring. Yeah, that’s right—the letter doesn’t exist, and neither does boredom. With so many fun things to do and great food to eat, Cincinnati has way too much to offer for you ever to find yourself twiddling your thumbs.
In this ultimate Cincinnati food guide to the city’s food and fun scene, we’ll list all the must-try eats and must-see sights to ensure you don’t miss anything. Read until the last word of this blog post to make the most of Cincinnati’s fun and food. Let’s begin.
The Food Side of the City
Oh, sorry, there is no food side of the city. The truth is, Cincinnati is a food city in itself, and you’ll love to explore it. Food options will tempt you from the second you land at the airport. Try not to drool at the screen as we explore the best eats in this Cincinnati food guide.
Signature Dishes of Cincinnati
Cincinnati has an indefinite list of delicacies that delight both locals and visitors. But a few signature dishes are the frosting on the cake (you’ve got to try them, and good luck stopping). Let’s uncover what Cincinnati food is known for.
Cincinnati Chili
Drop every opinion you’ve ever had about chili because the best and most unique version is served in Cincinnati. This dish is a welcome gift for newcomers and for locals; it’s pure comfort food.
The origins of Cincinnati chili were rooted in Greek immigrants who opened restaurants here and unknowingly created this popular dish. Cincinnati chili doesn’t quite scream “Greek cuisine,” yet it’s one of the city’s must-try dishes.
This dish is ground beef cooked to a fine consistency, topped with heaps of shredded cheddar cheese. A guide to Cincinnati Chili will help you to know more about it. This chili goes well with spaghetti or a small hot dog called a coney. An expert would order the ‘three-way’ (spaghetti, chili, and cheese), a ‘four-way’ (add onions or beans), or go all out with a ‘five-way’ (everything!).
Graeter’s Ice Cream
A Cincinnati food tour is incomplete without a scoop (or heaps) of Graeter’s Ice Cream. This place knows how to serve ice creams that make anyone smile on a bad day.
The secret to Graeter’s success? A one-of-a-kind French Pot Process that transforms egg custard into creamy perfection. Small two-gallon batches are spun in frozen saltwater, with a blade scraping the cream into the luscious ice cream Cincinnatians know and love.
Greater’s Ice Cream has around 50 locations, including a parlor in Fountain Square. These stores ensure that no matter where you are in Cincinnati, you just have to walk a few steps to treat that sweet tooth.
KNOW MORE: What is the #1 Alternative To Eating At Cincinnati Restaurants?
Goetta
While Cincinnati chili has Greek roots, Goetta (pronounced GET-uh) brings a taste of Germany to your breakfast table. Originally a way for resourceful German immigrants to stretch their sausage supply, this dish has a unique charm that’s hard to resist.
Goetta is a tasty mix of pork sausage and oats, fried up crispy on a grill. It’s usually served with eggs and has a texture and flavor. Don’t let its humble appearance fool you—many a skeptical newcomer has become a goetta convert after just one bite!
You’ll rarely find goetta outside Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, but locals swear by it. If you’re curious, head to The Colonial Cottage Inn in Erlanger, Kentucky, where you can try goetta in all its glory: Reuben sandwiches, wraps, biscuits, and more.
ALSO READ: How To Find The Best Food In Cincinnati?
Other Unmissable Experiences for Food Lovers
Cincinnati’s food experiences go beyond eating at its famous eateries. This city offers a buffet of options that food lovers must explore. Want to know what else there is to do in Cincinnati for food lovers? Continue reading this Cincinnati food guide to find out.
Cooking Classes
At some point, we all wish to cook like professional chefs and not depend on anyone for tasty food. To grant this wish, Cincinnati offers many cooking classes that help people master their culinary skills.
From beginner courses to advanced workshops, there’s something for every aspiring chef. These hands-on classes are a fun and interactive way to expand your cooking repertoire, meet fellow food enthusiasts, and gain confidence in the kitchen.
ALSO READ: Everything You Need To Know About Cooking Classes In Cincinnati, OH.
Food Festivals
Cincinnati’s food festivals are legendary. If you attend one, your taste buds will worship the city’s flavors. These festivals are the perfect opportunity to find your new favorite dish.
The Taste of Cincinnati is one such food festival. It draws dozens of food vendors, restaurants, and trucks. You can also attend the Buckeye BBQ Fest, where you can enjoy music, a car show, a kids’ zone with bounce houses, a petting zoo, and a barbecue!
Create Your Own Cincinnati Gift Basket
Why not take a piece of Cincinnati home with you? Creating a Cincinnati gift basket is a delightful way to capture the city’s culinary essence and share it with friends and family. Putting together a gift basket also allows you to connect with local artisans and discover unique flavors that are distinctly Cincinnati.
As you explore the city’s markets and specialty shops, you’ll find inspiration for your gift basket that truly captures the spirit of Cincinnati. Whether for a special occasion or just a treat, a Cincinnati gift basket is a tasty reminder of your adventures in this vibrant city.
Feast at Home without Cooking
Have you ever wished you could feast like a celebrity but with the same qualities and love as one cooked at home? Good news: It is possible, and you don’t have to cook. With a personal chef, you can enjoy restaurant-quality dishes right at your dining table.
These chefs create menus tailored to your needs and tastes. They also shop for the fresh ingredients required for the dishes and clean up the kitchen after cooking. This experience allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the meals as you like them.
READ MORE: How To Choose The Best Cincinnati Chef For Your Dinner Party?
The Fun Side of Cincinnati
Cincinnati knows more things than how to fill your belly with delicious eats. This city also knows how to unleash the fun by the bucketload. Let’s check out these activities!
Dive into Adventure at Newport Aquarium
The Newport Aquarium is just a hop, skip, and jump across Let’siver from downtown Cincinnati. Do not go by the place’s name and consider it an Aquarium. This place is where you get to explore the wonders of the ocean. Here, you can interact with penguins, see the rare white alligators, and find the sharks grinning at you.
The Newport Aquarium also has the shark bridge, where braves can walk inches above a tank of sharks. You’ll also explore exhibits like Hatchling Harbor, where baby animals grow and change daily. If you’re visiting with family, visiting this place is one of the Cincinnati indoor activities you must try right now.
Take the Plunge at Skydive Cincinnati
Skydive Cincinnati is where you’ll be able to feel freefall in the safest way possible. This super fun activity lets thrill seekers chase that adrenaline of flying in the sky like a superhero. If you’re not ready to move independently, you can take lessons to feel more confident.
Skydive Cincinnati wears the crown of being the oldest United States Parachute Association dropzone. They make sure by every means that each jump is safe.
Cruise the Ohio Riverboat
Cruise the river on a BB Riverboat for some old-school fun. This is an excellent vantage point from which to see Cincinnati, including the beautiful skyline and the iconic downtown Cincinnati dining spots.
Available cruises include the Sunday Family Dinner Cruise or a Music and Sunset Sightseeing Cruise. From historic to romantic-themed trips, there is a cruise for you. Cruising with BB Riverboat can also be a great party idea for special occasions.
READ MORE: Your Guide To Throwing The Best Bachelorette Party In Cincinnati
A Splash at the Coney Island
Despite what the name suggests, Coney Island is a perfect place for escaping the summer heat. Sunlite Water Adventure boasts the world’s largest recirculating pool and a lineup of 130-foot waterslides.
Get soaked at Typhoon Tower, conquer the Ninja Warrior-style, or simply kick back in a cabana with a cool drink. Throw in mini-golf, midnight swim parties, and live music every Sunday Funday, and you’ve got a recipe for an unforgettable day of fun in the sun. And if you get hungry, there are plenty of options for downtown Cincinnati dining that will complement your visit.
Take an Artsy Journey Through Monet at a Digital Art Show
Become a critic at the exhibition of Digital Art – you may have never seen the paintings Monet like this! Witnessing this art is how to have the most romantic date night in Cincinnati. Immerse yourself in a world of colorful imagery and music orchestrated to move with the design-awe-inspiring worlds, melding reality with an emotional, surreal experience.
As you explore a digital wonderland that’s just as informative, engaging, and downright entrancingly beautiful, learn about Monet’s life and what inspired his iconic creativity. This show is a hot ticket, so hurry up and get your tickets before none are left! Afterward, head back for downtown Cincinnati dining to round out the perfect day.
Hop on a Hot Air Balloon
The next time you plan on making your loved one feel special, think of something that seems exciting and romantic, and the very thought would indeed take a Hot Air Balloon Ride over Ohio in clear skies.
Wake up early for this one-time experience flying high at 3,000 feet above the ground, showing panoramic views that have rocked your socks off. Toast your descent with a complimentary glass of Champagne after an hour-long flight. Whether celebrating something or just trying to experience a high-flying activity, hot air balloon rides can be one of the most romantic summer date night ideas in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Release Your Inner Detective With a Scavenger Game
Are you one of the detectives whodunit? Check your ‘detective’ skills by doing a scavenger hunt in Cincinnati; this game turns Queen City into one big board game! Race against the clock while you solve riddles and take on challenges as you discover iconic landmarks using an interactive app. From a zombie game to a traditional adventure hunt, it is the perfect way of discovering Cincinnati in a different light with your friends and family.
Conclusion
Cincinnati never ceases to surprise and delight. It’s a destination that promises unforgettable experiences for everyone. With so much to see, taste, and explore, this Cincinnati food guide welcomes you with open arms and a full plate. It welcomes you with open arms and a full plate. Prepare to create memories that will last a lifetime in the Queen City.