Brewery District Over-the-Rhine
Explore Cincinnati's historic Brewery District, from 19th-century underground beer caves to vibrant craft breweries and distilleries.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere
Brewery District Over-the-Rhine
Best Time
Lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Cincinnati's historic Brewery District, from 19th-century underground beer caves to vibrant craft breweries and distilleries.
"The building is remarkable! Underground cave tour is available, celebrating the history of spirit making in The Queen City."
🎯 Book Brewery Tours Ahead
Tours sell out quickly! Book your spot online in advance to avoid disappointment. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially on tours. Comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Underground Beer Cellars
Brewing Heritage Trail Tours
Explore the 19th-century underground caves that once stored Cincinnati's famous beer. A fascinating glimpse into the city's brewing past.
Northern Row Brewery & Distillery
Brewery District
Sample unique spirits and craft beers in a beautifully repurposed historic building. Known for its botanical gin and lively atmosphere.
Rhinegeist Brewery
Brewery District
A popular spot with a vibrant atmosphere, offering a wide selection of craft beers and rooftop views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Brewery Tour Early
Embrace the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Brewery Tours Ahead
Tours sell out quickly! Book your spot online in advance to avoid disappointment. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially on tours. Comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
🍻 Try a Gin Flight
Northern Row offers excellent gin flights, perfect for sampling their unique botanical creations. :beverage_box:
📱 Use Local Guides
Follow local accounts for the best brewery recommendations and hidden gems. :iphone:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Brewery Tours Ahead
Tours sell out quickly! Book your spot online in advance to avoid disappointment. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially on tours. Comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
🍻 Try a Gin Flight
Northern Row offers excellent gin flights, perfect for sampling their unique botanical creations. :beverage_box:
📱 Use Local Guides
Follow local accounts for the best brewery recommendations and hidden gems. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the rich history of the Brewery District, particularly the underground beer caves and the revitalized historic buildings. Northern Row Brewery is frequently praised for its exceptional food and spirits, while Rhinegeist offers a lively atmosphere and great rooftop views. Some guests have noted inconsistent service at times, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
"We had lunch and drinks prior to our Hidden Cavern Brewery Tour. We enjoyed loaded tots and portobello mushroom sliders. The food was exceptional and the service phenomenal."
Chandra Elliott
"We stopped in for a taste of their spirits and ended up with a gin flight.
The gins were good, botanical was my favorite. The tonic was perfect with each pour.
The building is remarkable! Underground cave tour is available, celebrating the history of spirit making in The Queen City.
The service was not the best. Sitting at the bar, we waited quite sometime before our order was taken, and the server wasn't knowledgeable or perhaps uninterested in making our experience memorable.
If you are looking for a great tour, stop in.
Enjoying life 1 sip, 1 bite and 1 small town at a time. Explore everything!"
Laura Myers
"My fiancé and I went on the OTR Beer Tunnel tour, and our tour guide Harrison did a fantastic job of sharing the history and cool sights near the area. Great storytelling, very friendly, and made the experience very memorable. Plus, at the end of the tour, you get a free beer with a wooden nickel (you'll learn what that's for in the tour 😉)"
Nicholas Bartoch
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Brewery District is easily accessible by car, ride-sharing services, and public transportation in Cincinnati. Parking can be limited, so consider using services like Uber or Lyft, or check for available parking garages in the area.
Yes, the Brewery District is very walkable, with many breweries and attractions located within close proximity to each other. It's a great area to explore on foot.
Walking is the best way to experience the Brewery District. For longer distances or if you're tired, ride-sharing services are readily available.
Yes, Cincinnati Metro bus routes serve the Over-the-Rhine area, making it accessible via public transit. Check the Cincinnati Metro website for specific routes and schedules.
Parking can be challenging in the Brewery District, with limited street parking and some paid lots. Arriving early or using ride-sharing is often recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry into the Brewery District itself is free. However, individual breweries may have cover charges or require tickets for specific events or tours.
The cost of brewery tours can vary. The Brewing Heritage Trail's OTR Beer Tunnel tour, for example, includes a free beer at the end and is a popular choice. It's best to check the specific tour operator's website for current pricing.
Yes, you can generally walk into most breweries without a reservation, but it's always a good idea to check their hours of operation. For popular tours, advance booking is essential.
Most breweries are open to all ages, but you must be 21 or older to consume alcohol. Some may have specific policies regarding children in certain areas.
Hours vary by establishment. Many breweries are open daily, with extended hours on weekends. It's recommended to check the individual brewery's website or social media for their most up-to-date hours.
🎫 🍻 Beer & Spirits
You'll find a wide variety of craft beers, from IPAs and lagers to stouts and sours. Many breweries also offer unique seasonal brews. Northern Row is known for its spirits as well. +1
Many breweries offer non-alcoholic options like craft sodas or mocktails. Some may also have non-alcoholic beer selections.
This is subjective, but Rhinegeist's 'Truth' IPA and Northern Row's 'Preacher' are often recommended. Exploring different breweries will reveal your personal favorites!
Yes, many breweries in the district offer food menus, ranging from snacks and appetizers to full meals. Northern Row is noted for its exceptional food.
Absolutely! Northern Row Brewery & Distillery offers a selection of spirits, including gin flights, for tasting.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic architecture, vibrant street art, and unique brewery interiors offer fantastic photo opportunities. Don't miss the underground cellars for a truly unique shot!
Generally, yes, but be respectful of other patrons and staff. Some breweries might have specific policies, so it's always good to ask if you're unsure.
Music Hall, Findlay Market, and the colorful buildings along the streets are all iconic photo spots within Over-the-Rhine.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can provide beautiful lighting for capturing the district's charm. Weekday mornings offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas due to privacy and safety concerns. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more family-friendly historical experience, consider booking the Brewing Heritage Trail's OTR Beer Tunnel tour. While the content is historical, the engaging storytelling by guides like Harrison can captivate older children, and the tour often concludes with a beer for adults, making it a balanced outing.
🍻 Beer Aficionados
Rhinegeist Brewery is a must-visit for its extensive tap list and lively atmosphere, often featuring seasonal brews that are worth exploring. Don't miss the chance to try their rooftop for a unique perspective. For those interested in the history, the OTR Beer Tunnel tour offers a deep dive into Cincinnati's brewing past, providing context to the modern craft beer scene.
🏛️ History Buffs
Beyond the tours, simply wandering through Over-the-Rhine allows you to appreciate the beautifully preserved historic architecture. Many breweries, like Northern Row, are housed in stunningly repurposed old buildings, offering a glimpse into the past while enjoying the present.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Cincinnati's Beer Caves
Many of these historic beer caves still exist today, hidden beneath the streets of Over-the-Rhine. Organizations like the Brewing Heritage Trail offer guided tours that allow visitors to explore these fascinating underground networks. Walking through these dimly lit tunnels offers a tangible connection to the city's past and the immense labor involved in brewing before modern refrigeration. It's a testament to the ingenuity and hard work of early Cincinnati brewers.
Today, the Brewery District is a vibrant hub that celebrates this history. While many of the original breweries are gone, new ones have emerged, often repurposing historic buildings and even incorporating elements of the old beer caves into their design. This revitalization ensures that Cincinnati's legacy as a beer city continues to thrive, offering a unique blend of historical exploration and modern craft beverage enjoyment.
Exploring Northern Row Brewery & Distillery
The distillery aspect of Northern Row is particularly noteworthy. They produce a range of spirits, with their gins being a frequent highlight. The botanical gin, in particular, is often singled out for its unique and well-balanced flavor profile. Sampling a gin flight is a popular choice for those looking to explore their spirit-making prowess, and the perfect tonic pairings enhance the tasting experience.
Beyond the drinks and food, Northern Row is appreciated for its lively ambiance and the thoughtful restoration of its space. It's a place where you can enjoy a craft beer, savor a well-made cocktail, and appreciate the blend of history and modern hospitality. The staff are generally noted as being nice, contributing to a positive overall experience.
Rhinegeist Brewery: A Queen City Favorite
One of the most appealing aspects of Rhinegeist is its lively atmosphere, often amplified by its spacious taproom and rooftop seating. The rooftop, in particular, provides a fantastic vantage point to enjoy a beer while taking in the sights of the city. It's a perfect spot for socializing and soaking up the Queen City vibe, especially during warmer months.
While primarily a brewery, Rhinegeist also contributes to the overall experience of exploring the Brewery District. Its presence adds to the neighborhood's reputation as a premier destination for craft beer enthusiasts. It's a place where you can easily spend an afternoon or evening, enjoying good beer and good company in a dynamic setting.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit