Food and Beverage
The Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region is well-known for great food and drink. From gourmet restaurants to the eateries in Over the Rhine that were featured in Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, the area has a wide array of places to eat within walking distance and a short two-mile radius. There is no shortage of beverages in the area either, as Kentucky is the state that birthed bourbon, and Cincinnati has a rich German history of breweries. Local dining specialties in the region include Cincinnati Chili, which is a Mediterranean-spiced meat sauce; Goetta, a German inspired pork sausage/pinhead oatmeal breakfast food that is eaten all day long; and Schneider’s ice balls with homemade ice cream, just a few blocks from the bed and breakfast. Below are some of Weller Haus Bed, Breakfast & Event Center’s favorite regional restaurants and local watering holes in alphabetical order:
Within Walking Distance (1/2 mile or less)
Avenue Brew – Located in the heart of Bellevue, the coffee house and restaurant offer both indoor and outdoor patio seating. Avenue Brew serves freshly brewed coffees, lattes, smoothies, beer, and baked goods; they serve full-order meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well.
Bellevue Bistro – In the heart of Bellevue resides a cozy little cafe offering breakfast, brunch, and lunch.
Buckhead Mountain Grill – Located on the river with an exceptional view, this chain restaurant offers an expansive menu and full bar.
Chart House – With a great river view, this steak and seafood chain restaurant offers an expansive menu, full bar, and daily happy hour.
Danyelles — A wonderful renovated tavern on historic Fairfield Avenue, Danyelle’s is part of the Bellevue Entertainment District. You’ll love the local vibe and specialty cocktails.
Darkness Brewing – Within two blocks of the B&B, the local brewery has both indoor and outdoor space with a cool vibe. The industrial style building, which was once a car dealership, uses refurbished wood and local art as the backdrop to drink on-site brewed craft beers and other specialty unique beers and ciders that are carefully selected to round out the offerings on tap.
Elusive Cow – Casual dining in the heart of Bellevue for lunch or dinner, with a great full bar set up; offers locally grown produce when in season and fresh daily specials.
Fairfield Market–Fairfield is a fast-casual concept, offering bites, which are ordered at the bar, drinks are available–starting with coffee in the morning and lunch (served until 3 p.m.),with beer, wine cocktails and snacks in the evening. A unique concept with a unique decor.
Braxton Brewery (Party Source) – Nestled in the back of this expansive store (which offers a wide variety of beer, wine, and liquor) is a small bar where the tap serves craft beers from Braxton Brewing Company and other local craft breweries; the bourbon selections and premier cigar humidor are extensive and routinely include tastings.
Joe’s Crab Shack – Located on the river with a fantastic view, this seafood chain restaurant offers an expansive menu and full bar.
Fessler’s Pizza – Family owned and operated in the heart of Bellevue, the pizzeria is well-known for pizza and hoagies; they offer both restaurant dining and carry-out.
Schneider’s Sweet Shop – Founded in 1939 and located in the heart of Bellevue, the old-fashioned candy and ice cream store still uses the same quality ingredients and recipes that have made Schneider’s a well-sought out destination in the region.
Siam Orchid – This Thai restaurant in Bellevue offers traditional Thai entrees and Asian food for restaurant dining or carry-out.
Three Spirits Tavern — Two blocks away, this bar located in a renovated brick with outside picnic table seating is great place to enjoy specialty cocktails, including a great Bourbon selection. Late night snacking is available as well.
The Pretzel Shop – Locally owned and operated in Bellevue, the pretzel café offers a variety of soft pretzels from sweet to spicy and a creative lunch menu using pretzels as the bread.
Walking, Biking, or Driving Distance (1 – 2 miles)
Newport on the Levee – The multi-purpose riverfront entertainment complex includes dining options for all budgets and is home to several chain restaurants including Brio’s, Dick’s Last Resort, and Mitchell’s Seafood.
Newberry’s – The bar with the world’s largest bourbon selection is open on the weekends and has a homey local neighborhood vibe, an expansive wine list, and both indoor and outdoor seating.
Purple Poulet – Located in the next river town over, the newest addition to the area offers a southern bistro featuring a New Orleans and Charleston style menu with a Kentucky bourbon flare by Chef Rick Zumwalde.
Pompilios – Located in Newport, this Italian restaurant and full bar has both indoor and outdoor seating and may look familiar…the movie Rain Man was shot on site (it is the restaurant in the movie where Dustin Hoffman counts the toothpicks).
Between 2 and 5 Miles from the Inn
21 C Museum Hotel – Located next to the Contemporary Arts Center and across from the Aronoff Center, 21 C also acts as a contemporary art gallery in its public space. The restaurant has a changing menu of dishes cooked in a custom-built wood-burning fireplace, as well as a rooftop bar with a cool vibe and great cocktails and craft beers.
Abigail Street – Located in Over the Rhine, the Mediterranean inspired cuisine offers exceptional small plates to share with a wine on tap and cocktails.
Arnolds Bar & Grill – Cincinnati’s longest continuously operated bar and grill featuring American and Mediterranean offerings; year-round courtyard seating and live music in a casual setting.
A Tavola Pizza – Located in Over the Rhine, the casual setting offers Neapolitan pizza and other Italian cuisine using fresh, locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
Bakersfield – Located in Over the Rhine, this restaurant – which was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives – offers a casual and fresh approach to Mexican street food with a full bar and great setting.
Boca – Fine dining near the Aronoff Theatre, featuring world-class cuisine with impeccable service.
Christian Moerlein Lager House – Casual dining located on the river with indoor and outdoor seating; serving lunch and dinner from an expansive menu that features handcrafted lager and ales.
Covington (Kentucky) – A historic and quaint small town with wonderful architecture and several restaurants and bars, including favorites such as New Orleans inspired cuisine at Dee Felice (live music on certain days); New York style pizza with an expansive bourbon bar at Wise Guys; and original farm-to-plate menus at Otto’s or Bouqet.
Jean-Robert’s Table – French cuisine with preeminent Chef Jean-Robert de Cavel in a warm setting.
Jeff Ruby’s – An upscale New York style steak house with a well-known reputation for great steak and seafood.
Findlay Market – Historical open-air market located in Over the Rhine; with fresh produce, meats, food booths, and a few restaurants.
Graeter’s Ice Cream – Located on Fountain Square, this gourmet French pot ice cream shop with over 145 years of experience is well-known for its decadence and was once featured on Oprah’s favorite things.
Igby’s – Located within the same block as the Aronoff Center, Igby’s offers 7,500 square feet of wonderfully designed space in a Civil War-era building. Features an indoor and outdoor bar with shareable plate menus and chef designed craft cocktails.
Montgomery Inn – Located on the Ohio River in Cincinnati, the well-known restaurant specializes in loin back ribs and barbeque sauce and has served many famous diners throughout its history.
Nada – Located in downtown Cincinnati, the restaurant serves upscale Mexican inspired food and drinks in a vibrant setting.
Rhinegeist – Located in Over the Rhine and housed in a historic bottling plant building, this local brewery offers a taproom featuring house-brewed beers in an expansive space that has ping-pong tables, cornhole boards, and an outside bar.
Salazar – Located in Over the Rhine, the creative menu changes with the seasons and offers a farm-inspired menu, craft beers, cocktails, and wine.
Sotto – This upscale authentic Italian trattoria in downtown Cincinnati serves freshly-made pasta in an intimate and low-light atmosphere.
Sundry & Vice – Located in Over the Rhine, the apothecary-themed cocktail bar is a great place to grab a drink and watch the bartenders perform their craft.
Taft Ale House – Located in Over the Rhine, this gorgeous ale house and restaurant was formerly the old St. Paul’s Evangelical Church, which once housed the oldest Protestant Parish in Cincinnati.
Taste of Belgium – Located in Over the Rhine, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with full bar; the Leige-style Belgian waffles, crepes, and bakery goods are served in a creative manner for any meal.
The Eagle – Located in Over the Rhine, this restaurant – which was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives – is well-known for serving spicy fried chicken, craft beers, and cocktails.
Senate – Located in Over the Rhine, this restaurant – which was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives – offers an eclectic menu featuring gourmet hot dogs and a full bar.
Skyline Chili – Located in several Cincinnati locations including downtown, this a regional favorite that offers a Mediterranean-style chili served plain or over spaghetti with onions, cheese, red beans, and cheese.
Yard House – Located in the Ohio River downtown, the restaurant offers a broad menu of American fare and beer, including 160 taps with both indoor and outdoor seating
Via Vite – An upscale Italian bistro that overlooks Fountain Square with both indoor and outdoor seating.