Critics' Pick: Hofbräuhaus

Scene: Picnic table seating lets you cozy up to friends and strangers for some Gemütlichkeit, relaxed sociability, in the great outdoors. The gravel floor, shade trees and beer barrels impart the rustic feel of an authentic German bier garten, but this locale has something Germany does not -- an impressive view of the Cincinnati skyline.

Eats: You can't leave without hoisting a liter of beer, crafted on-site by the restaurant's German brew master. August's seasonal offering is Kunzel Schwarzbier, a dark, chocolaty lager. While a few full dinners are served outside, the menu focuses on appetizers like the wünderbar Goetta Links ($7.29) and sandwiches such as the Schnitzel Sandwich ($8.49), Pork Schnitzel on pretzel bread or the Any Würst on a Bun ($5.99). (Lora Arduser)

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Hofbr#228uhaus, Third and Saratoga, Newport (across from Newport on the Levee), 859-491-7200. Open at 11 a.m. daily. Last call 11:30 p.m. Sunday-Tuesday, 12:30 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 1:45 a.m. Friday and Saturday. (Menu becomes "appetizers only" after 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.)