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Originally Posted by Caveat Emperor
Well, so far I've heard no announcement for retail, and I don't really see a ton of space open for it in the plans either -- unless they're planning on building more in the space they've allocated for parks (which they should -- the city has more than enough park space on the riverfront already).
Nicholsons, Walnut Street (which is fantastic, BTW), Righteous Room, Nada, and Scene are all part of the Aronoff area. I think that area's doing very very well. Once they get that slum knocked down at the Metropole, things will be even better. Bartini opened up across from Nada, Trattoria Roma moved right next door, and Mr. Sushi is still going strong as well. If I had cash, I'd be looking to buy/rent the old Masionette building for possible conversion into a French Quarter themed bar/eatery. That area is really on the move.
Fountain Square? Totally different story. You've got one mediocre chain restaraunt (Rock Bottom), two cheap chain eateries (Potbelly & Chipotle), a chain steakhouse (Boi Na Braza), a chain fish place (McCormick's), and Via Vite. Graeters is the only saving grace on the grounds. It's awful that they didn't try to make the area "more local" as a showplace for the city -- a Skyline Chili or a LaRosas instead of the Potbelly (or, if you want a sandwich place, why not try to get Izzys to relocate?), a Habenero instead of a Chipotle, one of Ruby's places instead of Rock Bottom, etc. I get that you can't force places to locate, but I refuse to believe that Chipotle, Rock Bottom and Potbelly represented the best Cincinnati could do. That's really just one step above a TGI Fridays and a Wendys.
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I guess its just a matter of opinion. I like the fountain square area. I like McCormicks, Mortons, Palamino, Rock Bottom, Via Vite, and Boi Na Braza. I also like what they have done more recently in getting people to the area. I don't know if I would call McCormick's a chain fish place. I would call Red Lobster a chain, but not McCormick's a chain. Heck if thats a chain then Ruth's Chris would be considered a chain. If I go out to eat I want good quality food at a reasonable price. I don't really care if its considered a "chain".
And to be honest I like the Fountain Square area better than the Aranoff area. I am not a big fan of either Nada or the Righteous Room. I do however like Ruby's Steakhouse. Its just a matter of opinion.
If the Banks gets going I would probably be more inclined to head down there instead of the Aranoff or Fountain Square area. Brew Haus and Sports Bars are more up my alley. The wife may have other opinions on that.