Where to Eat and Drink in Walnut Hills
The Cincinnati neighborhood of Walnut Hills is quickly becoming a popular destination for a wide variety of food and drink. As an example, The Aperture opened in early 2024 and is already receiving rave reviews for its Mediterranean small plates and attention to detail. Directly across the street, Ashak Chipalu will soon open the fourth location of his Bridges Nepali Cuisine. Other restauranteurs put down roots a few years ago as they saw opportunity in this evolving neighborhood. Today, it seems obvious that a culinary movement is underway, reminding many of that which took place during the last 20 years in the nearby Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Spearheaded by creative chefs, brewers, and food entrepreneurs, neglected and vacant buildings are being repurposed as restaurants, cafes, and bars with a new perspective on historic preservation.
Some of our favorite restaurants can be found in unexpected places in Walnut Hills. Among them are:
Fireside Pizza–Wood-fired pizza and artisan ingredients take the stage in this restored firehouse.
Gomez Salsa Cantina–Casual Mexican restaurant that opens in the rear to Five Points Alley and its community courtyard.
Just Q’in BBQ–An unassuming front entrance leads to authentic barbecue with homemade sides and sauces.
Grab a drink at these Walnut Hills watering holes:
Esoteric Brewing Co.–Located in the historic Paramount Building, this black-owned brewery offers a warm, community-focused atmosphere.
Comfort Station–Built in 1914 as a rest area and bath house, the building that houses Comfort Station has been transformed into a beautiful cocktail lounge and courtyard.
Caffe Vivace–Coffee shop by day and jazz club by night features the finest local jazz music five nights each week.
The neighborhood seems to be evolving right before our eyes as community leaders work together to maintain the balance between redevelopment and historic preservation. New and affordable housing is quickly coming available and small businesses are opening as several non-profit organizations continue to serve those in need. Good things are happening with the focus on maintaining a sense of community.
For a closer look at the rebirth of Walnut Hills, join Cincinnati Food Tours for the Walnut Hills Food and Drink Tour.