"Elm & Iron, Over The Rhine. Vintage charm meets industrial cool at home décor store Elm & Iron. While it's not the first in the state (that's in Columbus, Ohio), locals were quick to embrace its eclectic collection of home goods, so quick that owner Dan McClurg opened a second store down the street focusing more exclusively on furniture, with three stories of tables, seating and more."

"The Mercer, Over The Rhine. Opened in 2014 by seasoned Cincinnati restauranteur Jon Zipperstein, this Euro-style bistro gives classic dishes an upscale makeover – from confit chicken wings to porcini-crusted beef tenderloin. For something more casual, grab a spot at their classy bar and enjoy a signature cocktail with a side of small plates. An extensive gluten-free menu is also available."

"Kaze OTR, Over The Rhine. Can’t decide between a beer garden, a bar and lounge, or sushi? Kaze‘s got it all. This Japanese gastropub and sushi bar, co-owner Jon Zipperstein’s first restaurant in the neighborhood, serves noodle soups, salads, small bites and – of course – sushi. Try their signature rolls or pork belly buns with a Tokio Mule cocktail. Happy hour runs for a generous three hours Tuesday-Thursday (4-7:00 p.m.); Wednesday karaoke nights are also a local favorite."

"Maverick Chocolate, Over The Rhine. Three words: Chocolate on tap. Hot chocolate, that is. And more chocolate is piled high in apothecary jars to try before you buy at Maverick Chocolate, a bean-to-bar chocolate maker at Findlay Market. Marlene and Paul Picton own the family operation and make chocolate bars in small batches from ethically-sourced raw cacao beans. Maverick’s single origin and flavored chocolate bars have received global acclaim, including three medals at the 2017 International Chocolate Awards."

"Zula Bistro, Over The Rhine. A spacious tapas and wine bar right by eight-acre Washington Park, Zula Bistro is double the size of many Over-the-Rhine eateries, making it (a little) easier to snag a table. That doesn’t mean sacrificing on quality though, and chef-owner Tsvika “Vik” Silberberg makes sure of that. Cold plates, hot plates or crudo, there’s something for everyone here, including nine riffs on steamed mussels."

"Rhinegeist Brewery, Over The Rhine. Located in a 110,000-square-foot building originally built in 1895 and rehabbed by co-founders Bob Bonder and Bryant Goulding, Rhinegeist boasts a 60-barrel brew house, distribution center, private event space and rooftop bar. Try the Truth IPA, the brewery’s flagship beer, while you play whiffle ball, ping pong or corn hole, or sign up for a VIP Tasting Tour to sample rare, unreleased brews. When hunger strikes, head next door to the contemporary brasserie Sartre OTR, or order off a limited menu right from the taproom at their takeaway stand."

"Gia and the Blooms, Over The Rhine. First came a wedding, then came Gia and the Blooms. Sticker-shocked by the price of professional floral arrangements, Yuliya Bui did her own wedding flowers. Now she does the same for other brides and anyone looking to take home Instagram-worthy arrangements at an affordable price. Delivery’s free in the Cincinnati metro area, and you can also pick up houseplants and home goods at Bui’s wildly charming storefront."

"People's Liberty, Over The Rhine. Eric Avner wants to empower people to take on local challenges. He does just that as CEO of People’s Liberty, a philanthropic lab that invests directly in individuals through funding and mentorship. Drop in to meet the city’s movers and shakers of the moment and to marvel at the offices in the historic Globe Furniture Building."

"Artichoke, Over The Rhine. Pots and pans barely scratch the surface of the cookware you’ll find here. Husband and wife Karen and Brad Hughes stock all the best kitchenware at their shop Artichoke, located in a renovated 150-year-old Italianate building at Findlay Market. Give their collection a test run in the demonstration kitchen, or for something even more hands-on, register for a cooking class."

"1215 Wine Bar & Coffee Lab, Over The Rhine. This coffeehouse hybrid owned by Joanna Kirkendall and Daniel Souder offers something for everyone at any time of day. Grab a seat at the bar and lose yourself in a seemingly endless selection of coffee and wine. Try a blind wine flight if you’re feeling adventurousor get buzzed in more ways than one with a coffee cocktail like the Rye Chai with Bulleit Rye. Light bites are also available, and there’s live jazz on Tuesday and Thursday nights."

"Pleasantry, Over The Rhine. The menu’s rooted in natural wine, but the food at Pleasantry, Joanna Kirkendall and Daniel Souder’s second restaurant, is just as pleasant as its wine list. It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and features a coffee bar serving espresso and coffee from local roaster Deeper Roots. Early risers shan’t miss out on their cured salmon toast. If the weather’s nice, definitely snag a table on the patio."

"Bakersfield, Over The Rhine. The Mexican street fare at the original Bakersfield location got people so hooked, Thunderdome Restaurant Group opened seven more locations in other cities. You can’t make reservations, and the wait can be long. It’s worth it. Have a margarita or try one of over 100 tequilas and American whiskeys while you wait it out. When your table’s up, you can’t go wrong with any of the tacos, but it’s a mistake not to consider the deliciously underrated tortas."

"Sundry and Vice, Over The Rhine. Ohio native Stuart King moved back to his home state from L.A. to open Sundry and Vice with Julie Petiprin, and they’re throwing it way back with pre-prohibition cocktails like the Clover Club (lemon, raspberry, egg white and gin). Choose from more than a dozen freshly mixed concoctions, or drink straight from the tap – phosphate cocktails are dispensed through vintage soda fountain arms. The apothecary-inspired aesthetic, like the drinks, is a portal to the past, with walls covered in old doctor’s notes and a super-secret back door entrance."

"Collective Espresso, Over The Rhine. You won’t find any syrups or fussy flavors at Dave Hart and Dustin Miller’s café, just the best coffee and espresso beans prepared four of the purest ways – La Marzocco Strada, Chemex, V60 and Yama. Bar seating encourages community versus headphones-in solitude, making this the perfect morning stop. Tea and local baked goods are also available … and yes, the latte art is worthy of the ‘gram."

"Macaron Bar, Over The Rhine. Macaron Bar only serves (gluten-free!) cookies made in the French tradition, but you’ve still got plenty of options at Patrick Moloughney, Nathan Sivitz and Mark Santanello’s bakery. Choose from a colorful assortment of macarons, like chocolate, birthday cake and earl grey tea macarons, plus seasonal flavors. Or to learn the art of macaron making from the pastry chef himself, book a class."

"Coffee Emporium, Over The Rhine. The place to meet, work (free Wi-Fi) or grab your morning joe in Cincinnati since 1973 and in Over-the-Rhine specifically since 2001, when current owners Tony Tausch and Eileen Schwab opened the location on Central Parkway. They roast their own beans in small batches, but don’t underestimate the café menu, always with a quiche and burrito of the day. You can find Coffee Emporium coffee all over the city, but there’s nothing like having a cup with the locals straight from the source."

"MiCA 12/v, Over The Rhine. This gallery and gift boutique’s been stocking a top-notch supply of bespoke gifts since 2007, when husband-and-wife owners Mike and Carolyn Deininger opened MiCA 12/v. Shop local for everything from fine art to handbags to baby clothes and home goods, knowing you can’t go wrong. Carolyn has a background in art and design, so whatever you get to give or keep won’t lack in style."

"Findlay Market, Over The Rhine. Cincinnati’s iconic market opened in 1852 and was listed on the National Register of historic places in 1972. Open year-round Tuesdays through Sundays, Findlay Market attracts more than a million visitors annually with its dozens of vendors and eateries. On Saturdays and Sundays, it becomes a full-on farmer’s market complete with street entertainers, and from May to October, the patio becomes a beer garden."

"Jack Wood Gallery, Over The Rhine. Stepping foot inside Jack Wood’s eponymous gallery is stepping back in time. Wood specializes in 19th and 20th-century lithographs from all over the world that won’t break the bank, with prices ranging from $150 to $450. Whether you’re tomb raiding for ancient artifacts or just some raucous retro ads, there’s bound to be something at Jack Wood Gallery that speaks to you."

"American Legacy Tours, Over The Rhine. Founded in 2011 by Jerome Gels, American Legacy Tours offers daily tours exploring both popular destinations and Cincinnati's underground, always with a highly entertaining character of a guide. You can book everything from a brew bus to a haunted excursion to a tour that explores the old beer lagering tunnels beneath the streets of Over-the-Rhine. Show up at least 20 minutes before your tour and be ready to go rain or shine."