NORTHSIDE TACO DISTRICT

Whether it be West Side creamy whips, Thai restaurants in Oakley, or boutique dining in Over The Rhine, Cincinnati neighborhoods take pride in branding themselves with food. A recent interest in gourmet tacos led to an outpost of Mexican dining establishments appearing in Northside. Within the past year, three restaurants have opened within a one-block radius along the bustling Hamilton Avenue, the town's main street.

This area is now deemed the Northside Taco District.

First came Django Western Taco, a fun, upbeat restaurant with a Mojave flare, this spacious venue puts on its spur boots and welcomes guests with southwestern hospitality. With seating for large groups, a separate bar and dining area, plus the addition of live folk music, Django kicked things off to a great start. Their signature Jalepeno Margarita and bountiful fish tacos are still some of their best menu items.

Next was the much-anticipated Tacocracy, located inside the Northside International Airport. (You know the Taco District is gaining popularity when an airport moves in...) Converted from the former Jacob's nightclub, the front bar area has been renovated into an open kitchen with cheerfully colored walls and pop art. This was a drastic and much-welcomed change from the dark venue which previously catered to 80s nights and the goth crowd. Making its springtime debut as a foodstand, Tacocracy opened its brick-and-mortar store in mid-2012.  Not your traditional rice-and-beans, Tacocracy serves up fusion style tacos, such as Korean Beef, Duck, or Loaded Potato. They also have a taco and salsa of the moment; a must order for the adventurous foodie.

Newest to the scene is Barrio Tequileria, created by food truck founders Taco Azul. Taking over the former Painted Fish sushi restaurant on Spring Grove Avenue, this space transformed from Asian sensation to a firey fiesta. With a red and black Dia de los Muertos-themed interior, a vast outdoor patio, plus an indoor and outdoor bar, they're kicking things up a notch in the Taco District. Reading their name, it's no surprise that Barrio Tequileria carries an assortment of over 70 tequilas. They also have a vast selection of craft beer and uniquely flavored margaritas; think pomegranate rather than lime or strawberry. Tacos and burritos are offered up on the menu with Al Pastor, Carne Asada, and Pescado topping the tasty list.

Move over, Bakersfield OTR! The Northside Taco District is muy caliente!

21C COCKTAIL TERRACE

Excitement for Cincinnati's newest rooftop bar, Cocktail Terrace, has been stirring since 21C Hotel opened in late 2012. Complete with lush communal sofas, retractable awnings, and a stunning 180º view of Downtown, crowds filled this spectacular speakeasy on their first night of service.

Living up to its name, Cocktail Terrace features a variety of craft cocktails including their specialty Poptails: popcicles muddled with a shot of liquor. Highly recommended is the Avocado Margarita Poptail, with the Lavender Blueberry Lemon Poptail coming in at a close second. We also sampled some of the new seasonal mixed drinks: the El Camino is a must have for the tropical drink-lover. If thirsting for something light and refreshing, try the Rum Dinger.

Not sure what to order? Ask the staff. Our server, Bonnie, had great recommendations and not only remembered our orders but also learned our names! Prices are reasonable too: $6.00 for craft beers, $9.00 for wine, $11.00 for generous cocktails.

Surrounded by a gentle breeze and some of the most cheerful, attentive staff in town, Cocktail Terrace is Cincinnati's coolest place to chill out this summer.

Cocktail Terrace is open Tuesday - Saturday starting at 5:00PM.

PATRÓN MARGARITAS AT CHIPOTLE

Just in time for summer, everyone's favorite burrito restaurant, Chipotle, launched their new line of Patrón Margaritas. A huge improvement over their previous offering, the new beverage tastes just like something you would receive at a bar: a fresh, individually crafted drink that packs the punch of tequila.

Each handmade margarita includes Patrón silver tequila, triple sec, a blend of lime and lemon juices, and is sweetened with organic agave nectar. Just like the rest of Chipotle's menu, it's made with a few simple ingredients. The best part: it's only $6.99.

Patrón Margaritas are now available at any Chipotle that has a liquor license. We sipped our drinks at the Fountain Square location, which makes for a perfect treat paired with some chips, guacamole, and their relaxing patio.

VINTAGE COCKTAILS AT ELUSIVE COW

Every Wednesday evening in the quaint neighborhood of Bellevue, Kentucky, visitors flock to the new Elusive Cow restaurant to sample some of Greater Cincinnati's finest spirits. A secret from the lips of several generations, resident bartender Howard McEwen concocts his signature cocktails from the recipes of times past.

Patrons may recognize the name of beverages from their grandparents' stories or from an episode of Mad Men: The Sidecar, The Stinger, Manhattan, Sloe Gin Fizz, or Bloody Maria. In short, the cocktails are what folks should enjoy sipping on a night out, not flavored vodka mixers.



The Bee's Knees

Each week, McEwen whips up a new, old-fashioned cocktail for all to enjoy. Accompanied by the distinguished hardwood decor of The Elusive Cow with their menu of organic, locally sourced cuisine, Bellevue has become a must for a midweek mingle.



Bison burger with Gouda, caramelized onions, mushrooms, avocado, and 'fixins.

Spaghetti Squash with roasted red pepper sauce with a side of seasoned kale.

Cod Sandwich with 'fixins with a side of green beans and a Bloody Maria.

McEwen's creations have garnered him a nickname as the male "Molly Wellmann of the South." If you're a fan of Japp's spirits, The Elusive Cow should be high on your list for a visit.

KAZE OTR

One of several recent additions to the Gateway Quarter, the much-anticipated Kaze OTR blazed the way for new eateries north of 14th and Vine Street. Located in what the neighborhood calls the "Paint Building" (due to the large sign on the façade), this easy-to-spot eatery should top your list for a night out on the town.

With the bar in full swing serving cocktails, Japanese light bites, and signature sushi rolls, the full-service restaurant should be ready by late January. Excitement builds as well for the historic beer garden. Historic, you say? It looks relatively new. The green building located next to Kaze was once Wielert's, home to the largest beer garden in Cincinnati. It was also the favorite saloon of 1890's political leader Boss Cox. Now it is part of the restaurant's property, and is being renovated to again serve spirits to the masses.

A good night for some of Kaze's hot tea.

Back inside Kaze, the trendy bar area will make guests feel like they've been whisked away from OTR to a posh drinkery in Tokyo. Nine giant sake casks sit illuminated on shelves above the bar. Among the collection of spirits, be sure to spot the jars of Betta fish. Kept separate to prevent them from fighting, your bartender can give you a fact sheet about each fish's battle stats. Additionally, ample, intimate seating and tremendous statement lighting fixtures create an electric atmosphere perfect for both group outings or dates.

Momo the Betta

A sampling of the food and drink led me to discover a variety of new flavors. The Sake Sangria is a must-try cocktail, filled with a heaping scoop of diced fruit. Needing warmed up? Their menu of hot teas offers tastes from mild white tea to a potent tea some describe as "sipping liquid smoke." For sushi, the OTRoll is one of the best spicy tuna rolls I've enjoyed. For something different, try the Cobra Kai roll filled with kampachi and shiso. The "Wa" Castle Sliders put an Asian twist on an American classic: the mini-hamburger. These delicious fusion appetizers include turkey burgers, tare, shitake mushroom, sugar bacon, onion, and the crispiest housemade pickles.

Sake Sangria with kiwi

OTRoll and Cobra Kai roll

"Wa" Castle Sliders

Edamame Hummus with Lotus Root and Sweet Potato Chips

Crispy pork belly with frisée apples on a yeast bun

Rarely do I find the chance to brag about Over The Rhine bathrooms, but the facilities at Kaze are too stylish not to share. With a bright, tropical motif and individual water closets, the attention to detail throughout this bar lives up to its name. Defined as the Japanese word for "wind," Kaze will impressively blow you away.

21C MUSEUM HOTEL

One of the stunning new additions to our bustling Downtown is the 21C Museum Hotel, which I recently toured with Bridgett from 365 Cincinnati. Originating in Louisville, this innovative hospitality business arrived in Cincinnati to open its second location in the former Metropole building, positioned along the proposed streetcar route across from The Aronoff at 6th and Walnut Street. The ten floor, 156-room boutique hotel also serves as a contemporary art museum and cultural civic center.

Each room comes with cool accessories, like this cell phone handset, and an iPhone/iPod compatible clock radio.

View from the bedroom window.

Protruding anatomies on the bathroom tiles.

A nose by the toilet.

The Metropole building first opened in 1912 as an all-male hotel, then later was converted into subsidized housing during the 1970s. Over time, the building fell into disrepair. After the 21C acquisition, the hotel's original roof was fully restored, and the historic 1924 flooring in the bar area was preserved.

Deterioration of the Metropole Apartments before the transformation into 21C Hotel.
Image by Ohio Office of Redevelopment

Renovation begins to build 21C Hotel
Image by Ohio Office of Redevelopment

Image by Ohio Office of Redevelopment

Main stairwell: before & after
Left Image by Ohio Office of Redevelopment

New Metropole restaurant in 21C Hotel, with restored original floors from 1924.

Ceiling restorations with original 1924 crown moulding

The signature of 21C is the unique contemporary art scattered throughout the hotel. Both fun and elegant, the second floor gallery is free and open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Including portraits, sculptures, colorful penguin statues, a life-sized Madonna, and kitschy 3D installments, creativity flows out into the hallways, conference rooms, and guest suites alike. The art rotates regularly for fresh perspectives every visit, with the current exhibit on display through June.

A camel collection donated from one of the former Metropole Apartment tenants.

Sea turtles line the hallway

My favorite part of the building's tour was discovering my soon-to-be new pampering destination: The Spa at 21C. Open to the public, guests are welcomed with a variety of services from 80-minute Swedish Massages, facials, body wrap treatments, manicures, waxing, and more. A menu of services are also offered for male clientele, wedding parties, couples, and groups.

In the hallway to the spa, these animated blades of grass blow in in the direction of the wind at that exact moment.

Just beyond the spa is the mesmerizing rooftop bar, complete with a jacuzzi. A stunning panoramic view of the city makes for the perfect night out, complimented with a cocktail. This is on my must-do list come springtime!

Jacuzzi

Panoramic view from the rooftop bar.

If you're looking for a modern, high-tech place to hold a meeting, 21C has you covered. The hotel has over 8,000 square feet of office space equipped with advanced lighting and audiovisual gear. With meeting places for every size of group, the building can also accommodate a gathering in their banquet room of up to 120 people.

For the casual meeting, beanbag chairs with a skylight.

The series of portraits in this meeting room feature real men with doll wives.

The catering team makes 21C the only event space in Cincinnati to offer ala minute dinner to large groups. That means the guest decides what he wants to eat that night instead of making a selection weeks in advance, like at a wedding. With one server per table, an attentive and personable dining experience can be enjoyed at even the largest gathering.

Another highlight of 21C is their eatery, Metropole, named in honor of the historic building. All of the food served is organic and locally sourced, with many products coming from vendors at Findlay Market. The dining area features a gigantic communal table, as well as an open cooking area with a roaring fire in the kitchen.

 
With an avant-garde, tech-savvy atmosphere, 21C Museum Hotel will easily become the new hotspot for Cincinnati entrepreneurs and visiting young professionals.