Questions about the Cincy/Covington area

[Hooligan]

Hello all,

It's been awhile since I've been to a game and I was wondering if anyone could help. There used to be a boat near the blue bridge that I noticed wasn't there the last time I was in the area, are there any plans to bring it back? There used to be a couple of restaurants and a bar in it and was a good place to go before and after a game. Also, what areas are nice to stay in when coming to a game? Covington? Newport? Florence? Hamilton? What about downtown? What bars and restaurants are enjoyable?

I appreciate any help.

Thanks.

[George Anderson]

We stay at "Embassy Suites" in Covington.

They have like a three hour "Happy Hour" and serve a free and very, tasty buffet breakfast in the morning.

[paintmered]

The blue boat is Covington Landing, I think. It fell into disrepair and ended up sinking in the river. (yes, really)

Plans supposedly exist for a Covington Landing 2.0, but I don't know where to look for those.

[SunDeck]

Arnold's (http://www.arnoldsbarandgrill.com/). It's a little ways up from the river on East Eight St. but it's one of the best taverns in the city.

I like the Hofbrauhaus. Can't get a better beer than there.

And eat Skyline Chili.

If you are in Covington, I think you can get across the river pretty easily on a bus and if you're not deterred by a walk, it's fun to go across the suspension bridge.

[Reds Freak]

I would suggest these downtown bars before the game as they all have great happy hours:

Rock Bottom Brewery (Fountain Square)
Palomino (Fountain Square)
Game Day Cafe (on the other side of the Arena)

After the game I would try out:
Arnolds (as mentioned previously)
Cadillac Ranch (Fountain Square)
Twist (4th St.)
Lodge Bar, BlackFinn, Madonna's or Rockin' Robins (7th St.)

For restaurants I would suggest:
Nada (by the Aronoff)
Nicholsons (across from the Aronoff)
Via Vite (Fountain Square)

Maybe it's time to update that thread in the FAQ page...

[bucksfan]

I would not mind getting refreshed on the choices either. As some of you know, a small group of us comes down for one Saturday game a year. This year it's the Cleveland game May 17, and with the earlier start time it may be useful to have more post-game ideas.

Our normal agenda is that we stay at the Westin, get lunch somewhere downtown (last year it was Cadillac Ranch which was fun), hit the Inn Between pre-game, go to the game, then GameDay after the game. We enjoy GameDay but often find ourselves wanting some other alternative, especially nearing Fountain Square late at night. We left Game Day (admittedly at closing time!) and were surprised that we could not find any place to grab a late bite to eat. So some advice on that would be appreciated as well.

[SunDeck]

We left Game Day (admittedly at closing time!) and were surprised that we could not find any place to grab a late bite to eat. So some advice on that would be appreciated as well.

Anchor Grill.

[Johnny Footstool]

If you like steak, prime rib, and imported beer, Nicholson's is fantastic. Their prime rib is on par with the best I've ever had.

[paulrichjr]

Hello all,

It's been awhile since I've been to a game and I was wondering if anyone could help. There used to be a boat near the blue bridge that I noticed wasn't there the last time I was in the area, are there any plans to bring it back? There used to be a couple of restaurants and a bar in it and was a good place to go before and after a game. Also, what areas are nice to stay in when coming to a game? Covington? Newport? Florence? Hamilton? What about downtown? What bars and restaurants are enjoyable?

I appreciate any help.

Thanks.


If you want to save a little money AND stay in a great place choose the Florence Ky Hyatt Place. It usually costs around $80 (after AAA discount) and the room can sleep up to 6. Big couch...HDTV in room...Remodeled....Very very nice. Much nicer than the "name" hotels in downtown that cost $175 per night or something.

Eat at Montgomery Inn in Cincy...Everyone knows this..
Also agree on the Skyline Chili... I crave it...
And of course Grater's Ice Cream....for a snack.

[PuffyPig]

We always stay at the Vernon Manor. Besides being very reasonable in price, they'll get your tickets for you, and drive you to and from the games.

[bucksfan]

If you like steak, prime rib, and imported beer, Nicholson's is fantastic. Their prime rib is on par with the best I've ever had.

Yeah, we have had a beer or 2 there each of the last 2 yrs and enjoyed it. From an eating standpoint, our biggest problem was a post-2 AM place to grab that late night gyro or serving of wings near our hotel. We do OK in the daylight hours! ;)

[vaticanplum]

If you like steak, prime rib, and imported beer, Nicholson's is fantastic. Their prime rib is on par with the best I've ever had.

Don't forget the scotch. If there's one reason above all others to go to Nicholson's, it's the scotch.

[bucksfan]

Bumping his one a bit. We are rethinking our gameplan and may stay in Covington. Many years ago (in the Landing days) I stayed at Embassy Suites as George mentions. Thinking about that one again. Are there decent places to walk to post-game for tasty beverages and sports and the like? We are all 40-ish guys so no dance clubbing for us, just some fun places for eats and drinks and sports and people post-game. With the Anchor Grill I see we are all set for very late night food (thanks for the tip Sun Deck).

[George Anderson]

Bumping his one a bit. We are rethinking our gameplan and may stay in Covington. Many years ago (in the Landing days) I stayed at Embassy Suites as George mentions. Thinking about that one again. Are there decent places to walk to post-game for tasty beverages and sports and the like? We are all 40-ish guys so no dance clubbing for us, just some fun places for eats and drinks and sports and people post-game. With the Anchor Grill I see we are all set for very late night food (thanks for the tip Sun Deck).

There is a pub type place attached to Embassy Suites. It is a pretty nice place with good food an outdoor bar area. The best thing about Embassy Suites for us is while yes the rooms are more pricey, they are nicer than most other hotels and the two hours or so of free drinking more than covers the money we would have spent at a bar. Factor in the free Breakfast Buffet in the morning and its a good deal.

[Reds Freak]

Bumping his one a bit. We are rethinking our gameplan and may stay in Covington. Many years ago (in the Landing days) I stayed at Embassy Suites as George mentions. Thinking about that one again. Are there decent places to walk to post-game for tasty beverages and sports and the like? We are all 40-ish guys so no dance clubbing for us, just some fun places for eats and drinks and sports and people post-game. With the Anchor Grill I see we are all set for very late night food (thanks for the tip Sun Deck).

Got a couple more late night options that I found for you bucksfan. Shanghai Mama's is located on 6th St. downtown and is open until 3 a.m. on Friday's and Saturday's. It's a Chinese restaurant with a neat little atmosphere. Also try Balboa's. Just opened up on 7th and Vine and is a Philly cheesesteak joint. It's open until 4 am on Thursday through Sunday..

[Johnny Footstool]

Don't forget the scotch. If there's one reason above all others to go to Nicholson's, it's the scotch.

Scotch, I can do without. My tastes aren't that refined.

Hickory-smoked prime rib, however...