CityBeat’s 2018 Best of Cincinnati event is comin’ in hot. The celebration, taking place at The Phoenix on March 28, marks 22 years of rejoicing in all the things we love about our city. While past celebrations have left us with pleasant memories of tasty food, live music and prizes, we’re pretty certain this year may take the cake.
First off, we’ve upgraded to a more retro method of swag transportation: Say “hello there” to the Bogart’s Concert Fanny Pack. Included with every admission ticket, it’s packed with coupons and other goodies from Best Of Cincinnati vendors and restaurants — and some very lucky eventgoers will even find a Golden Ticket inside. “What’s a Golden Ticket,” you ask? Oh, maybe just you and a friend’s chance to see Kesha, Cirque Du Soliel, Bunbury, Forecastle or some other cool band/festival. Randomly sprinkled throughout the fanny pack swag bags, these tickets can be redeemed for their listed festivals, concerts and events.
Now, let’s talk food and drinks. We’ve made it our mission to provide you fine people with the bites that you crave from places including:
– Eli’s BBQ
– Court Street Lobster Bar
– Holtman’s Donuts
– Nada
– Dewey’s Pizza
– AmerAsia
– Taste of Belgium
– The BonBonerie
– Camp Washington Chili
– Macaron Bar
– Lil’s Bagels
– Keystone Bar & Grill
– Graeter’s
– Fusian
– and tons more faves to fill the floors of The Phoenix.
We’ve got not one but two different cheesemongers in the house: The Rhined and Share: Cheesebar (included in the Presidential Package only). So, no matter which ticket you purchase, you shall get your cheese fix — you’re welcome. Pro tip: Use your new fanny pack as a napkin holder for foods gone wild.
There are two ticket options for Best Of Cincinnati: General Admission and the Presidential Package. General admission includes drink tickets, food samples and coupons from participating restaurants, your ~awesome~ fanny pack, swag, access to the silent disco and photobooths and opportunities to win Golden Tickets and an ArtsWave raffle basket.
The Presidential Package includes all the general admission perks plus early entry (5 p.m.) and access to exclusive restaurants — The Anchor, Capital Grille, The Presidents Room, Seasons 52 and Share: Cheesebar; upgraded swag including a Tito’s Handmade Vodka tote, Old 502 wine glass and Hen of the Woods chips; seating; live Jazz from Old Green Eyes; and speciality cocktails made by Cincinnati’s best, Molly Wellmann.
Some of our beloved neighborhood bars like Queen City Radio and Revel OTR will also be in attendance, serving up some tasty cocktails. New to this year’s event, we’ll be slingin’ local beers from some of your favorite Cincy breweries, including Braxton, MadTree, Rivertown and Rhinegeist, with liquor provided by George Remus, New Riff Distilling, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and wine from Old 502 Winery.
Grooves will be brought to you by DJ Mowgli. Don’t miss your chance to dance like a weirdo at the silent disco and get your photo taken at the Framster Photo Booth or Photosphere… OR both because why not?
On your way out, don’t forget to grab a 22nd anniversary Best of Cincinnati issue, a 150-plus page glossy magazine packed with details about the best people, places and businesses in this city, selected by our readers and staff.
And join us for an official Best Of Cincinnati Afterparty at Queen City Exchange. Located a block away from The Phoenix, it’s just a hop, skip and a jump away to more of your favorite local brews and entertainment. Starting at 9:30 p.m., we will draw the winner for the ArtsWave basket filled with Best Of Cincinnati merchandise. Following will be a special live performance to keep the party going.
For ages 21+. Best Of Cincinnati takes places 5:30-9 p.m. March 28. Tickets are $35-$50; $100 Presidential Package. The Phoenix, 812 Race St., Downtown, bestofcincinnati.com.
