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. 

Blind Lemon // 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. 936 Hatch St., Mount Adams. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
MadTree 2.0 // 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. 3301 Madison Road, Oakley. Photo: Philip Heidenreich
Findlay Market’s Biergarden // 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. 1801 Race St. Over-the-Rhine. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Mecca OTR // 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. 1429 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Mecklenburg Gardens // 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. 302 E. University Ave., Corryville. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
21c Museum Hotel’s Cocktail Terrace // Take a secret service elevator up to the 11th floor to discover the Cocktail Terrace, a hip 75-seat oasis with cushy patio furniture and glass partitions for full views of downtown’s glowing nighttime cityscape. 609 Walnut St., Downtown. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Rhinegeist // This weather-dependent, very chill wooden rooftop deck features ample seating and an upstairs bar with 15 draft beers and ciders plus a selection of wine and draft cocktails. 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Eli’s BBQ // 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. 3313 Riverside Drive, East End. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Residence Inn’s Top of the Park // On the roof of this downtown hotel, catch 360-degree views of the city and the river from its vantage point at the base of Lytle Park. Amenities include tabletop fire features, TVs and live music, plus a tapas menu with snack options like sliders, charcuterie and chocolate churros. 506 E. Fourth St., Downtown. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Cozy’s Cafe & Pub // 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. 6440 Cin-Day Road., Liberty Township. Photo: Susan Keller
Arnold’s Bar and Grill // 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. 210 E. Eighth St., Downtown. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Krueger’s Tavern // The restaurant’s Gateway Quarter upstairs patio offers a birds’ eye view of the action on Vine Street, plus Krueger’s full menu. 1211 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine. Photo: Kellie Coleman
Ludlow Bromley Yacht Club // With a giant shark figurine impaled on the sign, this bar, grill and marina has a definite sense of laid-back island humor — and cheap drinks. People might go for the irony, river views and glowing palm trees, but they stay for the grill-your-own steaks, live music and Tiki drinks served in Styrofoam cups. 860 Elm St., Ludlow. Photo: Philip Heidenreich
Bon Bonerie Bakery & Cafe // Enjoy tea time in the garden while the aroma of freshly baked cakes and pastries linger in the air around you. 2030 Madison Road, O’Bryonville. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Monkey Bar & Grille // 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). 7837 Old 3c Highway, Maineville. Photo: Patty Salas
Dutch’s // 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. 3373 Erie Ave., Hyde Park. Photo: Ty Wesselkamper
Queen City Radio // Head to this beer garden for a local pint, boozy slushies, wine and cocktails. The patio boasts not only a ton of seating, but the on-site Queen City Whip food truck (which serves burgers, shakes, and chili fries) and a new outdoor bar in a converted Airstream trailer. 222 W. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine. Photo: Patty Salas
The Upper Deck at AC Hotel Cincinnati’s Rooftop at The Banks // 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 and sipping a local craft beer. 135 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Brew River Gastropub // 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. 2062 Riverside Drive, East End. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Rosedale // 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). 208 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine. Photo: Ty Wesselkamper

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