16 Dreamy Cincinnati Patios You Need to Visit This Summer

By CityBeat Staff on Thu, Aug 16, 2018 at 7:30 pm

It's officially summertime in Cincinnati — what better way to embrace these warm sunny days than from an outdoor bar/restaurant patio. From scenic city views to a string-lit garden paradise, patios are the perfect place to soak up some summer sun while keeping cool with a cocktail, or some ice water... stay hydrated out there, folks. We've got you covered from downtown to the East End to the northern 'burbs and beyond. With both street-level or sky-high patio selections, this list is sure to guide anyone looking for a chill spot to sip or dine outside.

Photos by Hailey Bollinger, Kelly Coleman, Phil Heidenreich, Susan Keller, Patty Salas and Ty Wesselkamper

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The Blind Lemon
936 Hatch St., Mount Adams
Mount Adams favorite backyard bar since 1963. Walk down a set of stairs to find a secret, little hideaway. Outside, the relaxed garden patio is like a boho blend of Bourbon Street and Paris café life. With live music every night, its one of the most romantic drinking destinations in the city.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Hailey Bollinger, Kelly Coleman, Phil Heidenreich, Susan Keller, Patty Salas and Ty Wesselkamper

The Blind Lemon

936 Hatch St., Mount Adams
Mount Adams’ favorite backyard bar since 1963. Walk down a set of stairs to find a secret, little hideaway. Outside, the relaxed garden patio is like a boho blend of Bourbon Street and Paris café life. With live music every night, it’s one of the most romantic drinking destinations in the city.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

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Madtree 2.0
3301 Madison Road, Oakley
With 32 brewery-exclusive taps, ambient lighting and an industrial brick façade leftover from the buildings factory days, theres more than enough space to accommodate all the beer-drinking, cornhole-playing, dog-loving humans that hang at MadTree on the regular.
Photo: Phil Heidenreich

Hailey Bollinger, Kelly Coleman, Phil Heidenreich, Susan Keller, Patty Salas and Ty Wesselkamper

Madtree 2.0

3301 Madison Road, Oakley
With 32 brewery-exclusive taps, ambient lighting and an industrial brick façade leftover from the building’s factory days, there’s more than enough space to accommodate all the beer-drinking, cornhole-playing, dog-loving humans that hang at MadTree on the regular.
Photo: Phil Heidenreich

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Findlay Market Biergarden
1801 Race St. Over-the-Rhine
Summertime means extended hours at this Over-the-Rhine drinking destination. Grab a bite, sit on the iconic Findlay Market chairs and sip on something cold while the sun goes down. Through October, the Biergarten will be open 4-8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Hailey Bollinger, Kelly Coleman, Phil Heidenreich, Susan Keller, Patty Salas and Ty Wesselkamper

Findlay Market Biergarden

1801 Race St. Over-the-Rhine
Summertime means extended hours at this Over-the-Rhine drinking destination. Grab a bite, sit on the iconic Findlay Market chairs and sip on something cold while the sun goes down. Through October, the Biergarten will be open 4-8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

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Mecca OTR
1429 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine
This hip hideaway in OTR is a garden paradise. Hanging plants, colorful street-art murals, a panoply of rainbow lighting and a plethora of communal seating makes this a welcoming hangout for those interested in L.A. vibes, vinyl tunes and food truck hamburgers.
Photo: Brittany Thornton

Hailey Bollinger, Kelly Coleman, Phil Heidenreich, Susan Keller, Patty Salas and Ty Wesselkamper

Mecca OTR

1429 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine
This hip hideaway in OTR is a garden paradise. Hanging plants, colorful street-art murals, a panoply of rainbow lighting and a plethora of communal seating makes this a welcoming hangout for those interested in L.A. vibes, vinyl tunes and food truck hamburgers.
Photo: Brittany Thornton

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Mecklenburg Gardens
302 E. University Ave., Corryville
At 150 years old, Mecklenburg Gardens is one of the citys most historic eateries, and its vine-covered trellised biergarten is one of the best in the nation (an accolade awarded by "Travel + Leisure" magazine). Grab one of the German brews on draft, which come in several sizes, including a 1-liter glass boot.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Hailey Bollinger, Kelly Coleman, Phil Heidenreich, Susan Keller, Patty Salas and Ty Wesselkamper

Mecklenburg Gardens

302 E. University Ave., Corryville
At 150 years old, Mecklenburg Gardens is one of the city’s most historic eateries, and its vine-covered trellised biergarten is one of the best in the nation (an accolade awarded by "Travel + Leisure" magazine). Grab one of the German brews on draft, which come in several sizes, including a 1-liter glass boot.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

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21c Museum Hotel
609 Walnut St., Downtown
Take a secret elevator ride to the seasonal 21c Museum Hotel rooftop terrace and watch the sun set over downtown with a 'pop-tail' in hand. The uniquely flavored popsicles are made from scratch and then added to chilled spirits to be sipped, stirred or licked.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Hailey Bollinger, Kelly Coleman, Phil Heidenreich, Susan Keller, Patty Salas and Ty Wesselkamper

21c Museum Hotel

609 Walnut St., Downtown Take a secret elevator ride to the seasonal 21c Museum Hotel rooftop terrace and watch the sun set over downtown with a 'pop-tail' in hand. The uniquely flavored popsicles are made from scratch and then added to chilled spirits to be sipped, stirred or licked.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

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Elis BBQ
3313 Riverside Drive, East End
With plenty of outdoor seating and some Southern hospitality, this restaurant is a literal breath of fresh air. The no-frills affair specializes in meats, pulled and smoked and served in a red plastic basket.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Hailey Bollinger, Kelly Coleman, Phil Heidenreich, Susan Keller, Patty Salas and Ty Wesselkamper

Eli’s BBQ

3313 Riverside Drive, East End
With plenty of outdoor seating and some Southern hospitality, this restaurant is a literal breath of fresh air. The no-frills affair specializes in meats, pulled and smoked and served in a red plastic basket.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

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Cozys Cafe and Pub
6440 Cin-Day Road., Liberty Township
This cafe features an L-shaped grey-brick patio with a pergola that lights up at night. The patio is very large but secluded so guests can feel like they're being transported to a vacation destination.
Photo: Susan Keller

Hailey Bollinger, Kelly Coleman, Phil Heidenreich, Susan Keller, Patty Salas and Ty Wesselkamper

Cozy’s Cafe and Pub

6440 Cin-Day Road., Liberty Township
This cafe features an L-shaped grey-brick patio with a pergola that lights up at night. The patio is very large but secluded so guests can feel like they're being transported to a vacation destination.
Photo: Susan Keller

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Arnolds Bar and Grill
210 E. Eighth St., Downtown
A friendly, diverse and historic gin joint, Arnold's is the city's oldest bar  in operation since the 1830s. The cheap (strong) drinks and almost daily live music  from Bluegrass and Americana to Jazz  complement the awesome interior courtyard, which used to be a stable and carriage house.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Hailey Bollinger, Kelly Coleman, Phil Heidenreich, Susan Keller, Patty Salas and Ty Wesselkamper

Arnold’s Bar and Grill

210 E. Eighth St., Downtown
A friendly, diverse and historic gin joint, Arnold's is the city's oldest bar — in operation since the 1830s. The cheap (strong) drinks and almost daily live music — from Bluegrass and Americana to Jazz — complement the awesome interior courtyard, which used to be a stable and carriage house.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

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Krueger's Tavern
1211 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
The restaurants Gateway Quarter upstairs patio offers a birds-eye view of the action on Vine Street, plus Kruegers full menu. Try: Their veggie burger is the best in the city, but if youre looking to drink your dinner, opt for a shareable pitcher like the Gin and Juice, with house-infused bathtub gin, fresh-squeezed orange juice and West Sixth Brewing Lemongrass wheat beer.
Photo: Kellie Coleman

Hailey Bollinger, Kelly Coleman, Phil Heidenreich, Susan Keller, Patty Salas and Ty Wesselkamper

Krueger's Tavern

1211 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
The restaurant’s Gateway Quarter upstairs patio offers a birds’-eye view of the action on Vine Street, plus Krueger’s full menu. Try: Their veggie burger is the best in the city, but if you’re looking to drink your dinner, opt for a shareable pitcher like the Gin and Juice, with house-infused bathtub gin, fresh-squeezed orange juice and West Sixth Brewing Lemongrass wheat beer.
Photo: Kellie Coleman

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Bon Bonerie Bakery & Cafe
2030 Madison Road, O'Bryonville
Enjoy tea time in the garden while the aroma of freshly baked cakes and pastries linger in the air around you.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Hailey Bollinger, Kelly Coleman, Phil Heidenreich, Susan Keller, Patty Salas and Ty Wesselkamper

Bon Bonerie Bakery & Cafe

2030 Madison Road, O'Bryonville
Enjoy tea time in the garden while the aroma of freshly baked cakes and pastries linger in the air around you.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

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Monkey Bar & Grille
7837 Old 3c Highway, Maineville
As a family-owned operation, this place does not allow any monkey business since its
transformation from a biker bar, but they do permit a lot of fun. With a full schedule of live entertainment, food trucks and a large patio that overlooks the Little Miami River, they provide a relaxed and friendly atmosphere to grab a drink and listen to some music with your friends (and pup).
Photo: Patty Salas

Hailey Bollinger, Kelly Coleman, Phil Heidenreich, Susan Keller, Patty Salas and Ty Wesselkamper

Monkey Bar & Grille

7837 Old 3c Highway, Maineville
As a family-owned operation, this place does not allow any monkey business since its transformation from a biker bar, but they do permit a lot of fun. With a full schedule of live entertainment, food trucks and a large patio that overlooks the Little Miami River, they provide a relaxed and friendly atmosphere to grab a drink and listen to some music with your friends (and pup).
Photo: Patty Salas

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Dutchs
3373 Erie Ave., Hyde Park
This pony keg turned bar, bottle shop and artisanal larder is an East Side hang with an expansive kitchen, pantry and patio, complete with a fire pit and backyard bocce court. Pair one of 200 different available wines or craft on-tap beers with farmstead cheeses, natural meats or snacks like truffle popcorn.
Photo: Ty Wesselkamper

Hailey Bollinger, Kelly Coleman, Phil Heidenreich, Susan Keller, Patty Salas and Ty Wesselkamper

Dutch’s

3373 Erie Ave., Hyde Park
This pony keg turned bar, bottle shop and artisanal larder is an East Side hang with an expansive kitchen, pantry and patio, complete with a fire pit and backyard bocce court. Pair one of 200 different available wines or craft on-tap beers with farmstead cheeses, natural meats or snacks like truffle popcorn.
Photo: Ty Wesselkamper

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The Upper Deck at AC Hotel Cincinnati at The Banks
135 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown
On top of the new AC Hotel at The Banks, the Upper Deck boasts excellent views of the riverfront and Great American Ball Park. Lounge under string lights while gorging on Grand Slam Nachos (salsa, guac, cheddar, nacho cheese, jalapeños, corn, black beans, onions, olives, sour cream and carnitas or chicken on tortilla chips). Try: Sangrita. A summery mix of fresh margarita and housemade sangria.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Hailey Bollinger, Kelly Coleman, Phil Heidenreich, Susan Keller, Patty Salas and Ty Wesselkamper

The Upper Deck at AC Hotel Cincinnati at The Banks

135 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown
On top of the new AC Hotel at The Banks, the Upper Deck boasts excellent views of the riverfront and Great American Ball Park. Lounge under string lights while gorging on Grand Slam Nachos (salsa, guac, cheddar, nacho cheese, jalapeños, corn, black beans, onions, olives, sour cream and carnitas or chicken on tortilla chips). Try: Sangrita. A summery mix of fresh margarita and housemade sangria.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

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Brew River Gastropub
2062 Riverside Drive, East End
This New Orleans-inspired pub features Creole-based bites and local brews. Listen to live Jazz and enjoy a view of the Ohio River from the second floor patio.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Hailey Bollinger, Kelly Coleman, Phil Heidenreich, Susan Keller, Patty Salas and Ty Wesselkamper

Brew River Gastropub

2062 Riverside Drive, East End
This New Orleans-inspired pub features Creole-based bites and local brews. Listen to live Jazz and enjoy a view of the Ohio River from the second floor patio.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

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Hailey Bollinger, Kelly Coleman, Phil Heidenreich, Susan Keller, Patty Salas and Ty Wesselkamper

Rosedale OTR

208 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine
When Neons closed in 2016, people were devastated to lose “OTR’s backyard.” After being revived by entertainment group 4EG, they reopened as Rosedale in January 2018. They’ve added some upscale renovations inside but have retained the former’s focus on craft cocktails… and the giant, dog-friendly patio (now with brand new seating and bocce ball).
Photo: Ty Wesselkamper

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The Blind Pig
24 W. Third St., Downtown
This friendly downtown pub has a shaded rooftop patio  on top of Lolas coffee shop  that serves a full menu of bar food and daily drink specials. A perfect stop for a Reds pregame party. Try: Whatever is on special that day. Tuesdays its $3 Fireball and Tullamore Dew shots... and karaoke.
Photo: Kellie Coleman

Hailey Bollinger, Kelly Coleman, Phil Heidenreich, Susan Keller, Patty Salas and Ty Wesselkamper

The Blind Pig

24 W. Third St., Downtown
This friendly downtown pub has a shaded rooftop patio — on top of Lola’s coffee shop — that serves a full menu of bar food and daily drink specials. A perfect stop for a Reds pregame party. Try: Whatever is on special that day. Tuesdays its $3 Fireball and Tullamore Dew shots... and karaoke.
Photo: Kellie Coleman

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