2005 Baseball Trip -Cincinnati

I have lived in Cinci for 9 years (and grew up just north in Dayton-NC and TN in between), and go to every opening day. You will have a blast. As a 34 year old (attorney, married, kids, but still like to get out and get crazy with friends every now and then), I'll tell you where we go, and you can take it for what it's worth. First, I highly recommend that you stay across the river (Newport on the Levee - I believe there's a Marriott, Sheraton, etc..).

As far as some of the other days, Louisville is great (my wife is from there), so I could make suggestions. Both Bearno's and Rocky's are pizza landmarks, that's for sure. If this is truly a baseball trip, you ought to see a Riverbats game (they're AA for the Reds). They have a beautiful complex down there. And DO see the bat Slugger Museum. Good stuff.

The chili wars in Cinci rage on. All of the ones mentioned are good. It's personal preference after that. Camp Washington is a landmark, for what it's worth. I prefer skyline to be honest, but again, personal preference. Honestly, from an outsider's point of view, I'll bet all Cinci Chili places smell and taste the same. It's not until you've had each one 10-20 times, before you start discerning diferences. It's like beer. If you've NEVER had beer, is Gobel that bad? No. Unless you've developed a taste, what's the difference? Definitely go to Montgomery Inn Boathouse for dinner one night. Period. Get Graeter's Ice Cream (if your into Ice Cream). All these things are good, and when you meet someone from Cinci (or former visitors) these are the places that consistently come up.

As far as game day...this is more social life that food advice.

Pre-game can start early (everyone else does) at Hofbrauhaus, then walk across the purple people bridge (OH river) to the "In Between Tavern" (right across from Stadium). It is a DIVE, but also a MUST, I think. The parade...come on, really? Can 30 something guys be THAT different?

After the Game, go to Neon's On 12th street (Main Street Entertainment District). It will be PACKED after the game with fans, partiers, and beautiful women. Then as evening turns to night you can head over to one of the clubs in the Main Street District (highly discouraged in "game clothes"), or better yet, get a cab to Mt. Adams, and go to Crowley's and The Pavillion. They are across the street from each other up in Mt. Adams (another place that always gets mentioned when talking about Cinci)- there are about 6 other great bars up there too.

Then you can cab back to Newport on the Levee (closer to your hotel) around 12 or 1, and nightcap at Fat Fish Blue or Tropicana (an amazing Jeff Ruby steakhouse in its own right, but also has a cool bar).

All this assumes you like to party, drink, revel a bit, and don't mind crazy, 30-something crowds (of mostly professionals, mind you). If you prefer sipping cosmos, and are going to wear a tie to the game instead of shorts and a polo, I'd have to revamp my suggestions. I could though...those places exist too.

Have fun. If you follow these directions, 1) you will have a great time, and 2) I'll probably run into you...literally.

Good mentioning Mt Adams. I'll be interested in hearing TJ's and Wallyum's take on it. I've always like The Blind Lemon myself, but that was years ago, but it's strill around I'm sure. Should be lots of neat places there. Wouldn't expect much in the roadfood class places though.

well, I don't do bars, and I dislike the whole "yuppie" thing and see Mt Adams as a yuppie type area, so I don't tend to go up there. *shrug* It's just a personal thing, and I have nothing against anyone who heads up there for whatever :-)

One exception - had hoped to take the wife to the Celestial for a anniversary dinner at some point. They closed down and will reopen as a steakhouse soon, or maybe they already have. One fewer great french restaurant in town....

Agreed. Celestial is/was an amazing place to eat. The chef from Maisonette has left and opened his own new restaurant, though. One lost, one gained. My take was simply that 4 30-something guys in town for Opening day - arguably the biggest party of the year in Cincinnati (maybe 2nd to Oktoberfest) - may not be looking for dinner and brunch at 2 of Cincinnati's "most romantic" restaurants (Celestial and Grand Finale).

Coneys, chili, ribs, brats, and beer. Oh, and if you do find yourself wandering the streets (East 6th to be exact) of downtown cinci in the afternoon (only open for lunch on weekdays), make it a point to grab a triple decker at the "Red Fox". Have your order ready though, he is to sandwiches what the Soup Nazi (Seinfeld) is to soup. An old greek guy owns/runs the place. Cash only. "Hurry up...no sandwich for you...".

BTW, Blind Lemon is a great place AND still there, however, see "romantic" reference above...

*laff* I just answer the questions, whether they 'fit" the originally stated need or not :-)

No, I don't think these guys will head out to Grand Finale or Celestial :-)

Another non-sequitur to the thread but in reply to your note above -- there is another place in Mt Adams called "Daveeds at 934" which is also run by a former chef at Maisonette. Seems that Jean-Robert Cavel prounounces "David" as "Daveed" and that's where the name came form. Anyway, word is this is very good, very expensive, etc etc; never been there myself. Review at http://www.cincinnati.com/freetime/dining/reviews/031403_daveeds.html