We stopped by Findlay Market, while visiting Cincinnati for a long weekend. The Findlay Market…read morewould be similar to the Strip District in Pittsburgh. There were several ethnic food vendors (Jamaican, Mexican, Columbian, Vietnamese, ect). There is also an open fish and meat market as well as other vendors and places of interest.

Great restaurants and shops in and near Findlay Market, Cincinnati!…read more We had a free day while visiting relatives, and any day is fun at Findlay Market in the mid-north of the OTR (Over The Rhine) area of Cincinnati! (Well, not Mondays when they are closed :-). Parking isnt free, but it's not too expensive, and we had no problem finding a space in the North Parking Lot between Findlay Street and the market. We came in through a covered outdoor walkway, with a few vendors and with clever sayings along the sides. Then a cute photo-op with a cartoon Reds statue. Then the market stretching left and right, full of fresh produce, meats and cheese, and ready-to-eat foods of all kinds. On our first walkthrough we just scanned left and right to see some of what's there. It was busy, but not uncomfortably crowded. Out the south door of the market onto Elder Street, there's several murals, and more shops and restaurants. We always stop in at Maverick Chocolate Co. for a few yummy samples from so many flavors. They used to make the chocolate here, and now it's made just across the river in KY, where you can still get tours and probably samples :-). We sampled around six varieties! And decided on four. But it was a hot day, so we decided to circle back later for our purchases. The staff was welcoming, and maybe they didn't really know that we would return, but they were still just as kind as can be :-). We walked west to Elm Street to the stop for the free Connector streetcar, just to take a little ride around town, partly to see some of the hundreds of murals around town! And we got off again, later, at the same stop. Right there at the west end of the Market building there's an outdoor bar and patio. I, myself, was ready for a little refreshment, and they poured me a delicious local bourbon cocktail, while others of us had local craft beers. We found shaded seating among probably 20 or more round red metal tables, with chairs that were really raucous when moved! The seats fill and empty in fits and spurts, and there"s a handful of backless stools at the bar, so if you wait a little, you'll find a place to sit. We dove back into the market for some freshly-made pierogis, and a to nearby bbq, too. And afterwards, we circled back to Maverick for delicious fresh-made artisanal chocolate :-). Yum, yum, and more yum! We saw so many places we want to return to! Findlay Market has everything! I'll post a very few of so many photos that we took of a full, fun day. It's a nice area to walk around, shop, eat, and drink. And it's a great spot to catch the Connector streetcar to get around OTR and downtown Cincinnati, to within a-few-minutes-walk of the porch-swings overlooking the Ohio River near the ballpark :-)

I found this authentic food truck at the Taste of Cincinnati, offering Native American cuisine. I…read moreloved the truck, which was decorated to reflect the theme. The owner was very friendly, knew her food well, and took her time explaining the food selections. On her recommendations, I tried the "Three Sisters:" bison steak, corn, and black beans over fry bread. Everything was fresh and well-made. I had never had fry bread before, and it was amazing -- crisp on the outside, very light inside (I guess I had expected something akin to warmed-up pita, but this was so much better than that). Very unique and delicious! And great to see this cuisine represented well in Cincinnati!!

SO GOOD PRICEY, but so good and I deserved it!…read moreLobster roll full of lobster goodness! I didn't add anything to it! Glad it's a food truck or I'd be in trouble!

Meh. Average food at a premium price. And small serving for…read morethe price charged. We had this truck recently when it was at a local brewery. I guess we were expecting it to be a little bigger and a little better for the price. It was ok but not worth what is being charged. We both got the warm with butter lobster roll. We each also got the lobster bisque when my husband went back out for more food because we were both still hungry after eating the roll. I also had the Root Beer. I think the root beer was the best part of the meal. It was really good. The lobster tasted good and only some of it was rubbery. I wouldn't seek them out again.

Another successful year at the Asian Food Fest Lots of vendors food and authenticity Only down…read morefall very long lines

I attended the Asian Food Fest for the first time, and OMG -- what a feast for eyes, and the taste…read morebuds! The weather was beautiful, the variety of food trucks and tables was overwhelming but in a good way, the crowd was interesting and diverse, and the offerings were both traditional and creatively fusion-oriented. I started my event grazing with the Taro Cream Baby Puff from Tous Les Jours -- it was unusual, crisp on the outside, cold and creamy on the inside, with a delicious taro pudding inside! For my refreshment I was surprised and gratified to find a mango lassi at Tikka X-press that was perfect -- cooling and tart at the same time. I then got a tender spicy lamb pita from an Indian food truck, but I don't remember the name, which is unfortunate, because it was tender and perfectly spiced. But my favorite was an amazing Vietnamese dish called Curry Laska Loklok Skewers from Tea N Bowl. I thought I was getting a skewer of different fish cakes -- instead I got a flavorful spicy soup the likes of which I've never tasted before, over vermicelli, then topped with that skewer of fish cakes. It was absolutely amazing!! I took a picture of the menu, as I want to try more of their selections next year. And then I finished with a Filipino Halo Halo from Christine's, which was a perfect refreshing way to end this gastronomic feast!! And on top of the food was the celebration of the culture. I loved the diversity of the crowd, as it seemed to have a large percentage of Asian customers. So it was a way for them to celebrate and enjoy the diversity of their own Asian culture, and they allowed those of us who're non-Asian to come along for the fulfilling ride!!

The Taste of Cincinnati is an event I always look forward to each year and I have to say that 2026…read morewas much better than 2025! This year there was a larger variety of cuisine types. Last year I felt like I was at a Texas Rodeo with only BBQ options. Highlighting our Cinci Food Trucks and Findlay Market restaurants is always one of my favorite parts. Most if not all restaurants in his year we're showcasing specialty items so it was great to see different options vs everyone having pulled pork bbq or cheeseburgers and so I had the opportunity to try so many things and places that I didn't even know about. Service was also very quick at almost every stop so no long lines, food was hot and the workers were all friendly. Being outside is always a treat and i was thankful it was warm, not HOT, partly cloudy and not sun blazing. This is a great family friendly event, if you haven't gone before, hit it up in 2027!!

Have been coming for 30 yrs. Love to find new places to check out and try new things. Tried to come…read moreyesterday but the rain got real. But today was gorgeous. We usually come when they start as the crowd and lines are fair less. Everything we tried was good and enjoyed the live music. My hubby is not a dancer but I would have like to dance a bit. Anyway great day here with gorgeous weather.

Taste of OTR...hmmm what to say? I'll be nice and say it was a hell of a good first try with this…read moreevent! Positives: - A ton of local restos showed up to show their support for the community and Tender Mercies. - Diverse Menu items - I think the cold beer was the only thing holding me together. Negatives: - The event lasted from 11am-11pm. Not a great run time for a venue as popular as Washington Park. Vendors were sold out of food some as early as 2:00. Probably should have seen that coming. - The lines were insane, and when I mean insane, I mean INSANE. I waited in line for around 30 minutes for one item. - It was HOT! Waiting in lines with hot sticky strangers standing next to you. Blarg. Gross. I know they can't control the weather but this just added extra stress. Our group ended up being fed up with the crowds and event after about an hour and dipped into a local bar to rehydrate. High five for your first go around. I hope to see this event learn, grow and prosper. We are so lucky to have so many amazing local bizzes in OTR. Cheers!

I'm in agreement with pretty much all the other reviewers. I gave it 3 stars in hopes that it will…read morereturn having learned from its mistakes. I met a friend down there at 12:20 and got a pork bun from Kaze. very tasty! We decided to do the walk around, and places were already erasing items from their menus as they were already sold out. This was probably 12:35. only 10.5 more hours to go! We walked around and wondered why certain restaurants were not participating. The food trucks were there with long lines at the Urban Food Truck. We just decided to head over to Senate and get some grub. My friend and I wondered if the Taste of OTR was just an elaborate ruse to get people down there and parked, then be disappointed by the festival, then go to the brick-and-mortar (actual) restaurants. It worked on us. I even stopped by Rhinegeist for a growler fill on my way out. So yeah, it got me and my wallet down there at least.

A great new place on the banks. Full service and one of the best margaritas I have ever had. The…read moreantihero tequila strawberry purée lemon juice elderflower jalapeño and basil. A flavor bomb indeed. You can order food at a food window. Had the cold chicken sandwich. So yummy. Support this new business and you won't be disappointed

Definitely check out The Park! Friendly staff, great drink prices. Very fun vibe. Had a great DJ…read moreplaying the entire time we were there. And, he played a wide variety of music. One of the owners, Will, introduced himself and made us feel very welcome. Not to mention he's in Alabama grad, which is a big plus for us! Roll Tide! Roll Park!!

Delicious cocktails. Service was attentive. Look the garage atmosphere. Really cool place to go and…read morejust have fun. Plus, the seating is really comfortable. Sit down on a couch, eat some pizza from downstairs, and relax.

Second visit to SSOM. This time during the winter market with a more compact list of vendors…read moreoffering unique holiday gifts. This will be the last SSOC until spring time, but what a great reason to checkout the local shops not just on main but in OTR in general. The event is intended on taking place rain or shine so the organizers were well prepared for percipitation with covered tents. This included a furnished and carpeted tent that offered warm festival beverages from Revel wine bar.