Over-the-Rhine loves its coffee. Don’t believe us? Walk two blocks in any direction and you’ll likely run into a cafe with something unique.
Here are six of our favorites, featuring everything from local legends to independent breweries that could be your next favorite coffee shop.
1814 Race Street, Over-the-Rhine
It feels like half the coffee shops in the Greater Cincinnati area get their coffee beans from Deeper Roots anyway, so why not go straight to the source? Since 2011, the popular coffee shop has been producing some of the Queen City’s best coffee. No better time to try a sip than the present.
207 Woodward Street, Over-the-Rhine
This eclectic coffee shop serves up a mean espresso, as the name implies, but more interesting is the wild drinks they conjure up that don’t sound like they’d work but do. Take, for example, some of their current summer offerings: a pineapple chipotle soda (served with or without espresso), a strawberry matcha, or their fan-favorite ‘espresso lemonade’ — which is exactly what it sounds like. Don’t knock it ’til you try it.
1215 Vine Street, Over-the-Rhine
Coffee, wine and food with indoor and outdoor seating? Do we really need to say anything else? This beloved neighborhood spot sees visitors all day and night thanks to coffee, wine and cocktail menus that are equally as expansive.
110 E. Central Parkway, Over-the-Rhine
The granddaddy of them all, the original Coffee Emporium opened over 50 years ago, but the Over-the-Rhine location opened in 2002. Cincinnati’s original roastery is still one of the best around, thanks to their self-proclaimed “Really Good Coffee.”
123 E. McMicken Avenue, Over-the-Rhine
This coffee shop operates a little differently. Radical Bean Cooperative, located next to the cocktail bar Somerset, is entirely worker-owned — meaning all profits go right back to employees, and every major decision is made by the people who work there. The coffee is great, and cheap too; at Radical Bean, a drip coffee is just $2. Read our profile of the shop here.
229 W. 12th Street, Over-the-Rhine
Coffee and cocktails abound at this cafe that surrounds customers with art from local artists. The sandwiches and quiches are pretty good, too. But what’s most interesting about Redtree is how it’s gradually become a community hub for all sorts of events, like DJ sets and drag shows. Redtree is more than a cafe; it’s a place for art of any kind.
