Editor's note: This story was written in July 2020
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, there's been an emphasis on outdoor and socially distant dining.
In 2020, Cincinnati closed off 25 streets in Over-the-Rhine and Downtown to make more outdoor seating, and some restaurants were already prepared with patios and rooftops allowing enough room to socially distance tables by 6 feet or more.
Some of these patios are makeshift, a response to the pandemic. Others have been around for a while and had to make little to no adjustments at all.
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Masks are required at all of them, per Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine's order, but you can take them off once you're seated at a table to eat or drink.
Here are some of the patios in Greater Cincinnati that are worth a visit:
If you're looking for views ...
AC Upper Deck
135 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown
This bar has a view of the Roebling Suspension Bridge, the Ohio River, Great American Ball Park and Northern Kentucky.
Bridgeview Box Park
1 Levee Way, Newport
This new addition to Newport on the Levee is a cluster of small food and drink vendors with views of downtown Cincinnati. This colorful open-dining area has a variety of seating options including tables and lawn chairs and turf-lounge areas.
Braxton Brewing Co.
27 W. Seventh St., Covington
Braxton has an outdoor patio and a rooftop for guests to enjoy. The rooftop does not accept reservations but has a full bar and shady umbrellas. The outdoor patio has a living wall and is first-come, first-served seating.
Porch at Washington Park
1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine
Enjoy the views of Music Hall and Over-the-Rhine at the porch in Washington Park. You can bring a blanket and lounge on the lawn or enjoy any of the seating options at the park.
If you're on a date...
The Blind Lemon
936 Hatch St., Mount Adams
There is always an air of romance at the Blind Lemon. Down stone stairs, you'll find a back patio that is reminiscent of a fairy garden. It's small and probably does not have enough room for a group, but it's perfect for two.
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Coppin's Restaurant and Bar
638 Madison Ave., Covington
The patio at Coppin's has a full menu and also often has live music and other events. Sandwiched between buildings, it can feel almost like a hideaway.
Arthur's
3516 Edwards Road, Hyde Park
Arthur's is a burger joint that won't hurt the wallet too much. The patio has a lot of greenery and plenty of space to social distance.
Arnold's
210 E. Eighth St., Downtown
Cincinnati's oldest tavern has always had an outdoor patio and now has a front, city-provided outdoor dining space, as well. Arnold's also has been having live musical performances from soloist and duets.
Third Eye Brewing
11276 Chester Road, Sharonville
This brewery in Sharonville has tons of outdoor seating and an upstairs patio overlooking the Sharonville Convention Center. People watching at its finest. Grab a flight of beers or order something from the kitchen, perhaps share the charcuterie board with your date.
If you're looking for space...
Findlay Market Biergarten
1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine
This outdoor area has plenty of space to enjoy any of the food or drinks that Findlay Market has to offer. The Biergarten has its own bar and there's plenty of treats within walking distance.
MadTree Brewing
3301 Madison Road, Oakley
MadTree has made a lot of changes to ensure social distancing. They take temperatures, there are lines on the floor and the tables have been spaced apart. The outdoor area still has plenty of space to enjoy one of more than 30 exclusive MadTree beers or a pizza from Catch-a-Fire.
Mecca
1429 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine
Enjoy picnic tables, several colorful murals, a gravel patio and a full-service bar in the middle of OTR. There's also plenty of hanging plants and socially distanced seating.
Queen City Radio
222 W. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine
There's a mural view, sights of the West End and a huge patio at Queen City Radio. This outdoor full-service bar has plenty of room to socially distance. You'll find food trucks on-site and boozy slushies here.
Urban Artifact
1600 Blue Rock St., Northside
You can try one of the many sours Urban Artifact has to offer on this socially distanced patio. This brewery has picnic tables and outdoor lighting to make your visit special.
Incline Public House
2601 W. Eighth St., East Price Hill
This West Side staple has views of downtown Cincinnati. There's usually a wait for this patio, but the wait is worth it with a full menu and bar.
HomeMaker's Outpost
39 E. 13th St., Over-the-Rhine
HomeMakers Bar added this makeshift pop-up patio last summer. In addition to picnic tables, HomeMakers has a vintage outdoor bar trailer and garden lights.
If you're hungry...
Eli's BBQ Eastside
3313 Riverside Drive, Columbia-Tusculum
You can enjoy ribs and the sun at Eli's patio area with seating both in the sun and in the shade. Eli's has picnic tables and affordable food.
Arlin's Bar and Restaurant
307 Ludlow Ave., Clifton
This dive bar has cheap drinks and a two-floor patio with picnic tables. In addition to indoor seating, Arlin's has food and two bars.
Northside Yacht Club
4231 Spring Grove Ave., Northside
The Yacht Club has a patio and upper deck. This bar has drink specials, an adult boozy Capri Sun and weekly food specials.
Do you know more patios that should be on this list? Send them to trending news reporter Briana Rice at [email protected].
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