The Cincinnati Police Department responded to a crash in Over-the-Rhine on Oct. 4, where a vehicle had careened into Alabama Fish Bar.
According to officers, an allegedly intoxicated male had crashed his black pickup truck into the door of the restaurant, located at the corner of Liberty and Race streets. Police did not identify the man to CityBeat, and he was not seen on location.
CityBeat arrived at the scene at 3 p.m., after the vehicle had been moved for safety. The truck had suffered heavy damage, with the front fender and driver-side wheel well completely smashed in.
Alabama Fish Bar looked mostly unharmed. Workers already were supporting the entrance's overhang with tall metal poles, and the front door was completely off its hinges. CityBeat did not observe other structural or window damage.
Two police vehicles protected the truck and reduced traffic lanes. Several people stood nearby taking photos of the scene.
A recent reopening
The crash comes several months after Alabama Fish Bar reopened to the public after a series of renovations.The three-decade-old eatery – located 1601 Race Street – closed in October of 2021 to undergo renovations after entering a new lease with 3CDC. The acquisition was part of 3CDC's $50 million Willkommen project, which includes building/rehabbing several buildings across Over-the-Rhine to create 163 residential units (with some affordable units) and nearly 20,000 square feet of commercial space.
Out of the deal, Alabama Fish Bar got an updated storefront, new flooring and paint and some new kitchen equipment.
Owner Anna Filli said at the time of the closure that planning has taken a little while but the renovations would be worth the wait.
“Things take time, and if you want something done right, you can’t rush into it,” Fillis said. “It’s been about three years in the making, but I’m happy for the change, and excited for the future.”
The restaurant reopened Jan. 19.
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