I had the pleasure of visiting the beloved Queen City and patronizing as many Black-owned businesses as I could! As a child who spent every summer in Ohio, I had no idea how rich in Black history and culture Cincinnati has. While you can’t do everything over a weekend, here are my top picks for where to see, dine, and play!
Eats
Make no mistake, Cincy has no issues when it comes to culinary delights. No matter what you have a taste for, something in Cincy will leave you satisfied!
If you know me, you know I love tacos. When I arrived here on Taco Tuesday and found it closed, my heart sank. I spoke to an employee who let me know that during the week, they close at 8 p.m. She suggested I visit for lunch the next day, and that's exactly what I did!
Let me tell you, the community loves Pata Rojas! The restaurant was bustling, but they managed the crowd extremely well, and our food came quickly. As a Californian, I am in love with birria tacos. I ordered three, loaded up on sauces, and they were delicious! Even better, they have this cucumber lemonade that is so good and refreshing—some people come just for that.
I loved the decor, the friendly staff, and the charming outdoor seating area. It felt like a family gathering where we could enjoy our food and just laugh!
On the corner of Madison and Woodburn lies 6 in the Morning, or After 6, depending on when you get there. Even though breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day, I don’t usually eat it, but I had to break some rules that day. Enticed by the savory Southern menu, it took me a while to choose what I wanted. I knew I needed something light because I’d be sitting down afterward and didn’t want to have "the itis" (lol). I ended up going with the crab cakes and a side of home fries, and my guest had the fried catfish and grits! Needless to say, I had to try both dishes and was incredibly satisfied.
Open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, this is a breakfast you don’t want to miss. With a great outdoor area, there’s plenty of room for a large party both indoors and outdoors, and they provide great bar seating where I met people you would've thought I knew for years. I came in as a stranger and left with a full stomach and a new Cincy family.
I am not a huge beer fan, but I definitely knew I wanted to check out Esoteric Brewery. It’s a space so many people told me I must visit, and after doing some research, I was like, "Absolutely!" A common theme you find around the Queen City is passionate entrepreneurs who aren’t necessarily from Cincinnati but are leaving their legacy there. This is the case for Esoteric! The number of local organizations and artists they support is phenomenal. Their artist-in-residence program had me going down rabbit holes in amazement, exploring how they collaborate with local talent and stay true to their social impact mission.
See
The Harriett Beecher Stowe House / Edgemont Inn
When you speak about Cincy, you must acknowledge the brilliance that is the Walnut Hills neighborhood. This area is full of so many historic landmarks, and all I could think was, "If these streets could talk!"
I started at the Beecher Stowe House, which also operated as the Black boarding house, the "Edgemont Inn," which you can still find in the original Negro Motorist Green Book when looking at Black-owned businesses in 1936. I loved the history they bring to life from room to room, and some of the original artifacts they have are fascinating and really put you in the house with the families it welcomed.
My favorite room is that of the Bacons. Irene Bacon, along with her husband, managed the Edgemont Inn. Although the original furniture and contents are no longer present, they did a fantastic job of finding things you’d typically find in a Black household around that time. You always see a Bible, as it was the cornerstone of any Black family. They included Marcel irons and jewelry trays, and the classic handkerchiefs reminded me of my own great-grandmother as I visited throughout the room and smiled.
I love unique finds, and they shared with me some of the things they found in between floors and ceilings as well as in the walls. These conversations really helped me feel like I was there, and the way they are amplifying history is incredible.
They also have a gift shop with a printed version of the Negro Motorist Green Book from 1936, where you can find the original listing of the inn, as well as multiple books that celebrate and amplify Black history. I was pleased with my visit and look forward to more people visiting now that it's reopened. They've done a fantastic job transporting you back in time to fully understand how important that family and that house were in the progression of African Americans in Cincinnati.
While on my tour of the Beecher Stowe House, I learned about the nearby Lane Seminary, and my guide showed me from the porch where it used to be. While speaking about the seminary, I also learned about the Manse Hotel, which was featured in the Negro Motorist Green Book and was a staple in the Walnut Hills community. I had to know more and wanted to see the historical marker, so I walked the two blocks. Not only was it important for tourists, but it was also significant to locals, hosting important personal and political events.
Next to the Manse Hotel, I realized, was the Federation of Colored Women's Club, a place that fostered ideas and gave support to Black women and children in the community and those who'd relocated to the Queen City. Although it wasn't open, I found myself in awe, looking up at this huge house that many pass by without knowing its history. Purchased in 1925, I’m grateful the Walnut Hills Historic Society has recognized it as an important landmark in the Black Cincinnati narrative.
This attraction should be on everyone's list! The Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame is a love letter to Black music from the region and is beyond incredible. Founded and created by Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece, this woman deserves an award for such an experience that is fun for the whole family!
I had the privilege of visiting the attraction with Commissioner Reece, and it made the experience ten times better. Understanding her thoughts behind the Walk of Fame and hearing about her amazing journey to bring the community such a gem made me an instant fan. As a musician from a family of musicians, every single part of the Walk of Fame had me captivated.
From the Bootsy Collins interactive concert, where I was on the drums, to the individual stars and stories, this attraction is so well done and deserves all the recognition. I learned so much while there about the contributions of Black musicians from this region, like Marie Selika Williams, who, in 1878, became the first Black artist to perform at the White House.
The Black Music Walk of Fame amplifies Black musicians and artists in a way the music industry isn't, and that is worth more than gold. I'm so proud of all they continue to do and encourage everyone to enjoy this masterpiece!
Play
I LOVED Nostalgia. It gave grown and sexy vibes, and everything was right from the lighting, live music, decor, and drinks! Let's start with the decor, anytime there are vintage photos of Black people I LIVE for it. It's nothing like seeing those who came before us through the art of photography. It's something about how well-dressed they were and the pride they took in their appearance. That coupled with Black authored books and lovely interior set the tone for the kind of experience we were bound to have.
I loved the fact that I noticed so many of the wine selections from the menu. Black Women have been working hard in the wine industry and to know that that hard work pays off and translates nationally is an awesome feeling. I enjoyed my wine and live music and after I walked back to my hotel with absolutely no issues. From the mix of visitors to locals you can see how much this space is appreciated amongst the Cincy Black community.
Also located in OTR is Revel Urban Winery. I had no idea this place existed until a friend asked me if I had been. When it comes to creating a space for amazing people to connect, that is Revel. They have light bites, but this is one of those I don’t want to go home; I still want to be outside spots. Although I didn't stay long, trying their Rosé was a must, and I even took a bottle to go.
All in all, I can’t wait to get back to Cincinnati and explore more of what the city has to offer! With over 300 listings in the ABC Travel Greenbook app highlighting Black-owned businesses, let us know what your favorites are, and be sure to tag us! Be sure to check out visitcincy.com for more ideas when you plan your trip, enjoy cousins!
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