From the legendary Graeter’s Ice Cream that has been around for generations to riverfront patios, rooftop bars with killer views and restaurants that specialize in your favorite Americana, throw-it-on-the-grill food like hot dogs and burgers, there are just some places that are synonymous with Cincinnati in the summer. To help you make the most of your summer dining adventures, we’ve put together a list of restaurants, breweries, food stands and ice cream shops that are must-trys this season. 

Moerlein Lager House 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, The Banks With a come-as-you-are atmosphere, a relaxing biergarten and a stunning view of the riverfront and Roebling Bridge, Moerlein Lager House is a prime stop before or after a Reds game or just to enjoy a summer evening. The restaurant and microbrewery’s menu features New American-style eats with German influences, like the shareable pretzels and beer cheese, the German sausage platter entree and the Zincy Style Bratwurst. Along with its line of Moerlein beers, the restaurant also offers plenty of elevated bar-fare-style shareables, a variety of burgers and sandwiches and upscale entree offerings like the filet mignon or salmon Oscar. Photo: facebook.com/moerleinlagerhouse
Best Ice Cream 1. Graeter’s, graeters.com 2. Aglamesis Bro’s, aglamesis.com 3. United Dairy Farmers, udfinc.com Photo: Jesse Fox Photo: Jesse Fox
Top of the Park 506 E. Fourth St., Downtown For a stunning, nearly-360-degree view of downtown Cincinnati and its riverfront, plus some amazing craft cocktails, snag the elevator in the lobby of The Phelps hotel and take it to the very top where you’ll find one of the best rooftop bars in the city. Top of the Park is intimate, with plenty of comfy seating, including a glass bar top where you can sit with your drink and enjoy the bird’s-eye view. Grab a Rooftop Lemonade (Ketel One Citroen, muddled strawberries, fresh lemon juice and wild berry simple syrup) and toast to an amazing summer. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Senate Blue Ash 1100 Summit Place, Blue Ash Summit Park’s Senate features delicious glammed-up hot dog creations, plus appetizers like oysters, poutine and roasted marrow bones. The eatery offers an expansive outdoor patio that overlooks the park where you can sip on beer, wine or craft cocktails. Photo: facebook.com/senatepub
Visit Sharonville’s The Root Beer Stand 11566 Reading Road, Sharonville Opened as an A&W Root Beer Stand in 1957, the now family-owned restaurant makes secret-recipe root beer (available by the jug) using water from the property’s 280-foot-deep well. But don’t miss out on the food — the secret-recipe chili for the eatery’s famous foot-long coney dogs is to die for. Open seasonally. Photo: Danielle Schuster Photo: Danielle Schuster
Cabana on the River 7445 Forbes Road, Sayler Park This Margaritaville-esque oasis on the river will make you feel like you’re on vacation with their neon palm trees out front, sand volleyball courts, multiple walk-up bars where you can grab a drink while you wait for a table, and just overall Jimmy Buffett vibes. While all the seating is technically outside, the best seats aren’t underneath the awning, but on the lower deck closest to the river. The menu is similar to what you’d find at a beachy restaurant – fish tacos, burgers, chicken sandwiches and shareables – but they also have some great salad options as well as the Cincinnati touch of metts, brats and franks. We also highly recommend a margarita while you’re there to 1) complete the aesthetic and 2) because they’re delicious. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Putz’s Creamy Whip 2673 Putz Place, Westwood Summertime means it’s also time to hit the local creamy whip, and one of those creamy whips has been serving up smiles in a cone every summer for nearly 90 years. Putz’s Creamy Whip has been in the family since the day Constantine and Anna Putz opened their first trolley car walk-up ice cream window in 1938. The Putz’s as we know it — now in a square concrete structure just down the hill from Mt. Airy Forest — is a scoop of summer nostalgia. Not much about this place has changed over the past several decades. Of the current generation, Putz descendant Mindy Borgman has been cranking out cones at the creamy whip for the last few decades — all on the same Electro-Freeze machine. Another tradition? Putz’s is cash-only. Despite the hoopla about the vintage ice cream machine and vanilla soft serve, the pineapple sherbet is a must. It is creamy like soft serve and tangy to boot. “Face cones” are also a hot commodity at Putz’s. The soft serve cones are adorned with Necco wafer ears and crunchy googly-eyed candy. Photo: facebook.com/PutzsCW
Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Ramsey’s Trailside 200 W. Loveland Ave., Loveland Ramsey’s Trailside is located right along the Loveland Bike Trail, making it a fun and easy pit stop to take to refuel and relax. The historic building dates back to the 1800s and features a charming, string-light-lit patio and upper deck for dining. On the menu, you’ll find an eclectic mix of shareables, including sliced filet mignon, wings, a garlic and red pepper hummus platter and fried zucchini, as well as salads, bowls, sandwiches and wraps. The kitchen even has a dedicated grill for preparing vegan meals. Photo: facebook.com/ramseystrailside
Pirates Cove Tropical Bar & Grill 4609 Kellogg Ave., East End Pirate’s Cove is perfect for a stay-cation or if you just want to feel like you’re on a beach somewhere. This paradise-themed restaurant has the occasional pirate roaming the grounds for the kids, signature cocktails, Key West-inspired cuisine and live music. The patio overlooks the Ohio River and the Four Seasons Marina. Photo: Facebook.com/PiratesCoveCincy
The Cone 6855 Tylersville Road, West Chester West Chester’s The Cone is arguably the most recognizable creamy whip in all of Ohio — partially because of its large ice cream cone-shaped exterior. The Cone’s flavors and ingredients are all-natural, the majority of which are made in-house daily with fresh fruit, real chocolate and more. Even their famous bright orange zebra cone is made from real oranges. Plus all their ice creams, yogurts, Italian ices and sherbets are not only all-natural, but soy-free, gluten-free and egg-free, and their whipped cream is homemade from scratch on a daily basis. They also have peanut-allergy-friendly options, as well as dairy-free and sugar-free selections. Photo: facebook.com/TheConeWC
The Restaurant and Bar Scene Chili is king here, but we also have a lot more to offer in the food and drink scene. From fine dining to cheap, but delicious street food, we’re a growing foodie city with a lot of flavor and a selection of bars with vibes ranging from chill to raging. Photo: facebook.com/InclinePublicHouse
Madtree Brewing Co. Oakley Taproom 3301 Madison Rd., Oakley MadTree’s massive 10,000-square-foot beer garden is a fun family hangout. With over 30 MadTree-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 Heiden Reich
Eli’s BBQ 3313 Riverside Dr., East Side Eli’s has provided over 15 outdoor picnic tables for dining, both in the sun and the shade. Celebrate a spring afternoon with a cold brew and some delicious barbecue like their pulled pork sandwich with a slide of jalapeno cheddar grits and baked beans. Bring your own beer and enjoy the warmth by the river. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Aglamesis Bro’s 3046 Madison Road, Oakley; 9899 Montgomery Road, Montgomery This classic 1900s ice cream parlor has been wooing foodie visitors from all around the country with its unblemished reputation for quality for generations. The location in Oakley has remained virtually unchanged since it opened in 1913 with its chic Tiffany lamps and a marble soda fountain, offering just the right amount of summertime nostalgia as you sit at the counter with a dish of ice cream or Italian ice (try the pink champagne flavor). Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Fifty West Burger Bar 7605 Wooster Pike, Columbia Township There might truly be no better “patio” in town than what you’ll find at Fifty West. The brewery and burger joint feels like you’ve just arrived at summer camp. Sand volleyball, cornhole, people carrying kayaks down to the water – it’s like you’re at church camp but you can actually drink. Fifty West is incredibly kid- and dog-friendly; just be sure to bring your sunscreen if all the overhangs are taken on a sunny afternoon. Photo: facebook.com/FiftyWestBrewingCompany
Milkman 1106 Race St., Over-the-Rhine Is there anything more nostalgic than spending summer as a kid sipping on milkshakes and demolishing a big plate of hot, crispy fries at the local diner? Milkman serves up those nostalgic vibes along with its unique take on diner food with smash burgers; fried chicken sandwiches that range from the classic (topped with dill pickles) to Thai (topped with spicy cucumber slaw and sweet chili sauce); and “not a burger” options like hot dogs, salads and Italian beef sandwiches. There are also options for non-meat eaters, including tofu nugs plus the meat for any of the chicken sandwiches can be switched out for fried tofu. You also can’t leave without trying one of their perfect-for-summer boozy milkshakes. Photo: facebook.com/Milkman OTR
Schneider’s Sweet Shop 420 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue In the summer, getting frosty with the classic Ice Ball is a must. A combination of finely ground ice with rich, flavored syrup generously poured on top, this dessert has been a seasonal staple in Northern Kentucky since its inception in 1919. The more-than-a-century-old legacy continues at places like Schneider’s Sweet Shop, where you can choose from over 20 homemade Ice Ball syrups to pair with over 20 ice cream flavors, including sugar-free and non-dairy options. And if you’re sweet tooth isn’t completely satiated, make sure to try the homemade candies too. Photo: facebook.com/Schneider's Sweet Shop
Ollie’s Trolley 1607 Central Ave., West End Located in a bright yellow and red trolley car, Ollie’s Trolley is a soul food staple in Cincinnati. This little trolley serves a variety of smoked meats, including ribs, turkey tips and pulled pork, plus metts and burgers. They also offer plenty of sides, like collard greens, buttered corn and potato salad. For dessert, get a slice of their lemon pound cake or chess pie, or take a whole pie or cake home to share. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Little Miami Brewing Company 208 Mill St., Milford Little Miami Brewing Company features a patio that overlooks the scenic namesake river. Stop by the popular Milford brewery to enjoy some of their 16 seasonal craft beers on tap and tacos or hand-tossed pizza, plus some breezy views. For a touch of adventure, you can also rent a kayak from Scenic River Canoe Excursions and roll up on the bank by the brewery for a good time, or hop on the Little Miami Scenic Trail at the nearby Milford trailhead for some strolling or biking. Photo: facebook.com/littlemiamibrewing
Northside Yacht Club Photo: facebook.com/NorthsideYachtClub
Covington Yard 401 Greenup St., Covington Covington Yard is the kind of bar that feels like an “Oops All Berries” cereal – it throws everything at you at once: TVs blaring the Reds game, music, dogs, games, college kids, actual kids. And yet, Covington Yard’s park-like setting doesn’t make you feel overwhelmed, just at home. The come-as-you-are bar is perfect for those who want the energy of a packed sports bar while still being able to stretch out and sip something crafty during the warmer months. Photo: Facebook.com/CovingtonYard
ACES Pickleball Bar + Grill 2730 Beech St., Norwood This state-of-the-art pickleball complex features 11 cushion-based courts designed for all skill levels – both indoor and outdoor. After a fun game of pickleball, head over to the full-service restaurant and bar, where the menu features dishes crafted with local and seasonal ingredients from regional farmers, artisans and producers. You can try elevated bar-fare appetizers like their brown sugar- and citrus-brined wings or loaded nachos topped with white queso, pickled jalapenos, cilantro, pico de gallo and lime crema. ACES also serves a range of sandwiches, bowls and salads all day, and main plates like the New York strip steak or herb-roasted salmon are available for dinner starting at 5 p.m. At the bar, you’ll find a selection of wines, beer – including some local craft brews – and cocktails. You can also try the house shot, Drop Shot, crafted with Jameson and – what else but – pickle juice. Photo: facebook.com/Aces Pickleball + Kitchen
The Monkey Bar & Grille 7837 Old 3C Highway, Maineville As a family-owned operation, this place has not allowed any monkey business since its transformation from a biker bar, but it does permit a lot of fun. Weather permitting, enjoy fine bourbon while chatting with friends outside next to one of their outdoor fire pits. The kitchen serves up appetizers like “Spicy Monkey Balls” (a breaded and fried ball made with bacon, jalapenos, corn and cream cheese), wings plus specialty and build-your-own pizza. Photo: Patty Salas
Vinoklet Winery & Restaurant 11069 Colerain Ave., Colerain Nestled near the edge of the West Side is an idyllic winery surrounded by rows of grapes and rolling hills. Vinoklet is the only working winery in Hamilton County and is home to 12 award-winning wines. Bask in the warmth of the season with a glass of vino and enjoy the scenery. And on Fridays and Saturdays, the winery hosts its Grilled to Perfection dinner where you select your entree and grill it yourself while sipping on a half bottle of wine of your choosing. Photo: facebook.com/vinkolet
Mr. Gene’s Dog House 3703 Beekman St., South Cumminsville Is there a more quintessential summertime food than a hot dog? Mr. Gene’s Dog House has been serving up hot dogs and coneys from their no-frills stand on Beekman Street for over 50 years. They keep things simple with only a handful of dog variations and some ice cream to wash it all down. Photo: Sami Stewart