These are Some of the Coziest Restaurants and Bars in Greater Cincinnati

Highland Coffee House 2839 Highland Ave., Corryville Open since 1978, this is not your traditional coffee house — Highland doesn’t open shop ’til 5 p.m., and alongside a bunch of coffee drinks and a full bar, there are delights like boozy milkshakes, iced Thai coffee and fresh cookies and pies. Photo: Holden Mathis Photo: Holden Mathis

Luca Bistro 934 Hatch St., Mt. Adams Simple and French cuisine make up the unlikely duo at Luca Bistro. The menu is filled with cozy, flavorful and laid-back dishes that Chef Frédéric Maniet says are common in French foods. Breakfast offers familiar favorites like omelets, tartine and croissants. For lunch, the menu changes to include salads and sandwiches, like a classic Niçoise salad and a mouthwatering croque monsieur layered with delicious ham, gruyère and béchamel. The dinner menu is similar to lunch, with a few more options, including starters like a charcuterie board and basil Boursin crostinis, plus decadent dessert options like chocolate mousse and orange crème brûlée. Diners also can order an assortment of French table wines, along with beers and cocktails. The space is decorated with vintage European posters to really transport you to the bistros of Paris. Photo: Provided by Luca Bistro

Mt. Adams Bar and Grill 938 Hatch St., Mount Adams Opened during the prohibition era in 1919, Mt. Adams Bar and Grill’s roots are thought to tie back to a speakeasy owned by infamous bootlegger George Remus. It became the first bar and grill in Ohio to receive its liquor license in 1933. Known for their whiskey, it offers a varied menu that serves up hearty burgers, soups and even features a Cincinnati favorite with a twist: white chicken chili. Walk inside and enjoy this Cincinnati blast from the past while tasting some amazing grub. Photo: Izzy Viox Photo: Izzy Viox

The Blind Lemon 936 Hatch St., Mt. Adams Often called one of the most romantic drinking destinations in Cincinnati, The Blind Lemon’s interior calls to mind an English pub — all moody lighting, copper pots over a fireplace, wooden ceiling beams and stone walls. It’s a cozy spot to enjoy one of the bar’s specialty hot cocktails or a glass of bourbon or scotch when the weather begins to cool. Or, if you prefer a mix of Bourbon Street with a Paris cafe, the boho garden patio allows you some fresh air while still feeling tucked away — not to mention the opportunity to snuggle up around its wood-burning fireplace in the colder months. Photo: Hailey Bollinger

NYE at Juniper’s 9-11 p.m. Welcome the new year at Juniper’s Gin Bar, which is offering a buffet, live music by the Chris Comer Quartet, a specialty cocktail and a champagne toast at midnight for all guests. 409 West Sixth St., Covington, junipersginbar.net. Photo: facebook.com/junipers

Photo: Hailey Bollinger

7. Abigail Street 1214 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine “This is my new favorite restaurant in cincinnati! I can’t wait to return. The service, food and wine are the best in town. The ambiance is the best vibe and very chill but a great date night. Let’s just talk about the food, it is melt in your mouth delicious and has something for everyone. My favorite was the black garlic shrimp, lamb spaghetti and ricotta cheese! Don’t miss this.” -Kelli R. Photo: Matthew Allen

Best Neighborhood Burger Spot (East Side) Winner: Zip’s Café Runners-up: Arthur’s, The Turf Club Photo: Hailey Bollinger

GlendAlehouse Brewery 310 E. Sharon Road, Glendale You can truly feel like you’re cozied up at home at the GlendAlehouse Brewery. The owners of this family-owned and operated brewery took the first floor of their house and transformed it into a warm, inviting space to enjoy some pizza and beer with loved ones. The interior is still very homey, with comfy chairs, bookshelves and nooks around the space to give it that lived-in feeling. The beer selection is varied, so there’s something for everyone, and the wood-fired pizzas are made from scratch daily. Photo: facebook.com/GlendAlehouse Brewery

Caffè Vivace 975 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills For a cozy night of jazz and drinks, Caffè Vivace is the perfect spot. The space is intimate and decked out in autumnal colors that come to life when the lights go down and the music starts to play. During the day, it serves a coffeehouse menu along with hot breakfast sandwiches, a vegan African peanut stew, flatbreads and pastries. But at night, Caffè Vivace transforms into a jazz lounge complete with live music, café drinks, specialty cocktails, beer and wine. Photo: facebook.com/caffevivace

Second Sight Spirits 301 Elm St., Ludlow Distillery and lounge Second Sight Spirits is truly a sight to behold. Giving off the air of a turn-of-the-century boardwalk carnival mixed with some 19th-century séance vibes, the space is eclectic but cozy. The focal point of the room is where all the spirited magic happens: the Second Sight Still on display on a stage for all to admire. While Second Sight is located on Kentucky’s famed bourbon trail and does distill plenty of good whiskey, it also crafts delicious rums, as well as a hazelnut liqueur and red absinthe. Photo: instagram.com/@2ndsightspirits

Fable Cafe 3117 Harrison Ave., Westwood Fable Cafe owner Brandie Potzick sees the value in third spaces — those places we go between home and work or school that allow us to unwind, maybe catch up with friends or family. That’s partly why she chose the name Fable for her Westwood coffee shop — envisioning friends and families gathered with cups of coffee in hand as they share stories, or parents, like herself, who may tire of the ‘kid places’ but still want to bring their children somewhere with a little bit of magic. And there is magic in the walls of Fable, which offers coziness in a bright and airy space with its rustic, chic design, including a whimsical mural featuring vignettes of fairytale-esque characters drawn by Brandie’s friend, and all-are-welcome ethos. Fable’s menu is classic coffeehouse — simple, no-fuss drinks with a small selection of seasonal, housemade syrups. To eat, try one of the made-to-order breakfast sandwiches or a delicious pastry. Photo: instagram.com/@fablecafecincy

Purple Poulet 846 York St., Newport Bourbon-bistro Purple Poulet offers its diners a lot of homey, Southern-style charm. The centerpiece of the restaurant is its bar, both the bar’s offerings and the literal bar — like the restaurant’s name, it’s purple and it adds some fun eclecticism to the cute, country-style decor. As for what’s behind the bar, it’s bourbon (and lots of it). Purple Poulet has over 500 bourbons and ryes you can try, and it’s always looking to add to its collection. The restaurant is also well-known for its fried chicken, offering five different ways to try it, including the Fried Chicken and Waffle and “Claim to Fame” dinner. But this isn’t just a fried chicken joint; the Chef Z’s Southern Supper portion of the menu offers up a number of Southern comfort-food dishes, including Z’s Uptown Hot Brown (turkey, ham, bacon, Mornay and fried green tomato on a biscuit), Cola BBQ Ribs and Cornmeal Fried Catfish. Photo: facebook.com/Purple Poulet

Photo: Mary LeBus

Wildflower Cafe 207 E. Main St., Mason This farm-to-table restaurant offers a menu of elevated American fare from an actual (and adorable) farmhouse in Mason. Wildflower Cafe’s old-school dining room is painted a bright, sunshine yellow to make you feel like you’re sitting in a loved one’s kitchen, and the walls feature chalkboard menus and illustrations of where the restaurant’s locally and sustainably sourced and high-quality ingredients come from. Beef is farm-raised locally and grass-fed, while the extensive wine list offers products from Cincinnati-area vineyards. And to complete the fresh, homecooked-meal experience, be sure to try one of Wildflower Cafe’s desserts, like the gluten-free peanut butter cheesecake or Grandma Sheila’s bread pudding. Photo: facebook.com/WildflowerCafeMason

Somm Wine Bar 3105 Price Ave., East Price Hill Food, wine and coziness are perfectly paired at Somm in Price Hill’s Incline District. Share a bottle of wine with loved ones in the intimate dining room or out on the outdoor patio, with its fountain, Edison-bulb string lights and fire table a prime setting for date night. Somm has over 80 kinds of wine to choose from and a menu ranging from charcuterie boards and Angus burgers to filet mignon. Photo: facebook.com/sommewinebar

Mid City Restaurant 40 E. Court St., Downtown Helmed by the same team as popular Over-the-Rhine bar Longfellow, Mid City Restaurant describes itself as intimate and relaxed, with a menu of savory small (but hearty) plates like mushrooms in foil, chicken skewers and a petit steak filet; classic cocktails like the Gibson martini, Manhattan and highball; and vintage desserts like Baked Alaska. The restaurant features cafe-style seating and walls lined with traditional-style oil paintings, as well as a calming beige, white and green color palette for a laid-back dining experience. Photo: facebook.com/midcitycinti

Best Neighborhood Coffee Shop (West Side) 1. Muse Cafe, facebook.com/musecafecincinnati 2. BLOC Coffee Company, bloccoffeecompany.com 3. White Oak Coffee House, whiteoakcoffeehouse.com Photo: Erin Gardner Photo: Erin Gardner

Otto’s 521 Main St., Covington, Ky. Otto’s does lunch and dinner, but it’s definitely a happening brunch spot. For brunch, Otto’s Benedict substitutes fried grit cake and smoked salmon for the English muffin and ham of a traditional eggs Benedict. It’s delicious, a bit rich and a true indulgence. There are a half-dozen mimosa options. Otto’s is known for its panko-crusted fried green tomatoes, so if you go during brunch, order the B.L.F.G.T. aka the bacon, lettuce, fried green tomato, egg and cheese sandwich on a croissant. Photo: facebook.com/ottos521cov

Cozy’s Cafe and Pub 6440 Cincinnati Dayton Road, Liberty Township Cozy is right there in the name of Cozy’s Cafe and Pub. The space is in a former house, so you feel right at home dining on their gourmet comfort food in one of the farmhouse-style dining rooms or outside on the patio by the fire. The menu features farm-to-table-style Southern fare, like shrimp and grits, Creole-style salmon burgers, fried chicken and grilled skewers. Cozy’s also has a thoughtfully curated wine list, craft beers and classic cocktails with a twist, as well as an in-house pastry chef crafting delectable desserts to really bring your meal full circle. Photo: facebook.com/cozyscafeandpub

Sotto 118 E. Sixth St., Downtown “Every time I go to Sotto I’m shocked by how they manage to elevate the experience. Tonight I went for a prix doze dinner and had the chance to try all my favorites, branzino, cacio e pepe, goat cheese grilled bread. Add to that the stellar service in the cellar and I see why it takes months to get a reservation here. As always, GET DESSERT. The doughnuts are the draw, but you have to have the budino as well. So great!” -Leah S. Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Bellevue Bistro 313 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue Bellevue Bistro is a cozy breakfast and lunch spot in the heart of historic Bellevue. The space offers an eclectic and vintage vibe, from the pressed-tin ceilings to the striped awning out front. And while the eatery is on the smaller side, the menu features wholesome dishes with big flavors. There’s an assortment of breakfast bakes, like the goetta/cheddar jack/sautéed onions Bellevue option or the vegetarian-friendly Mediterranean, made with mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, spinach, basil, feta and mozzarella. You can also opt for one of the benedicts or hot browns or try the avocado toast or spicy breakfast tacos. For lunch, Bellevue Bistro serves up a variety of sandwiches, including paninis, wraps and even a cinnabread one topped with fried eggs, cheddar jack and American cheese, with pepper jelly and potatoes on the side. Photo: facebook.com/bellevuebistroky

Krishna Indian Carryout 313 Calhoun St., Clifton Krishna Indian Restaurant is the University of Cincinnati’s best-kept secret. The tiny restaurant offers both carryout and dine-in, with about a handful of booths to choose from. Dishing out plates such as saag paneer, a vegetarian, spinach-filled dish with onions, spices and a hint of cream, and chicken tikka masala: tandoori chicken in a creamy tomato sauce. Be careful: The food can get spicy, ranging on a 1-7 spice scale. Photo: Paige Deglow