Not much can keep the Queen City from creating and consuming copious amounts of beer, not even a worldwide pandemic it appears. Over the spring and early summer, three new breweries have opened their doors, spanning from Cincinnati's northern 'burbs to Over-the-Rhine, with a BIPOC-owned brewery opening soon in Walnut Hills.
Northern Row Brewery & Distillery
Located in OTR's historic Brewery District, Northern Row Brewery & Distillery officially welcomed the community into its space on Tuesday, June 2. While the taproom and patio is new to guests, Cincinnatians should be no stranger to their suds — the brewery has been popping up on taps around town over the past year. With 13 taps of their own beers including an oatmeal stout (The Banker), peach fruit beer (The Preacher) and five different IPAs (ex. The Cobbler), the brewery also offers a full bar and cocktail menu — soon to feature their own spirits as well. Chef EJ Monroe has curated an “elevated picnic” menu featuring beanies and weenies, roast beef and cheddar sliders and vegan stuffed peppers. 111 West McMicken Ave., Over-the-Rhine, northernrow.com.
MPH Brewery
Heading up to the suburbs, MPH Brewery opened its doors in downtown Montgomery on May 21. Cousins Jim Christmann and co-founder and president of Colorado-based Left Hand Brewing Eric Wallace returned to their Cincinnati roots to offer a taste of the wild West in Ohio. MPH Brewing serves over a dozen of their own craft beers, select wines and features seven of Left Hand’s brews as well. Order one of their five signature pizzas or some loaded tots to complete the experience. 7880 Remington Road, Montgomery, mphbrew.com.
Third Eye Brewing
Sharonville's Third Eye Brewing is the newest brewery to hit the Cincinnati beer scene, hosting its grand opening June 17. The creative design of the space goes hand in hand with their unique and playful brews, including Jelly Brain, a milkshake IPA with pineapple and coconut, and Beyond Sight, a brown ale with hazelnut. Chef Steven Vanderpool has designed a menu to match the creativity of the rest of the experience with “a bit of Southern and Cajun flare to spice things up,” says Collins, including a low country shrimp boil and Cajun garlic herb wings. The brewery features a spacious indoor taproom with a vibrant, psychedelic mural by David Jonathan Uy, and a large outdoor patio. 11276 Chester Road, Sharonville, thirdeyebrewingco.com.
Esoteric Brewing Co.
And opening soon in Walnut Hills, BIPOC-owned Esoteric Brewing Co. is in the process of renovating a century-old building on the corner of East McMillan Street and Gilbert Avenue. They plan to offer an elevated beer drinking experience, using locally sourced and -grown ingredients and creating “a sumptuous experience that changes the way you think about beer.” The brewery will be hiring taproom team members this July. Learn more or apply here. 918 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills, esotericbrewing.com.
See a full list of recently opened bars, restaurants and breweries here.
