One of the best features of Cincinnati is its riverfront location. Being on the water means we have beautifully scenic views, waterfront walkways, and plenty of restaurants that are right on the river. There are dozens of these eateries from which to choose, some more well known and recognizable than others. If you’ve been looking for a lesser-known spot along the water to visit, check out these five riverfront restaurants in Cincinnati that tend to fly under the radar.
- Kreimer’s Bier Haus & River Bar
Facebook/Kreimer’s River Bar
Facebook/Kreimer’s Bier Haus
Kreimer’s is a unique dining destination situated along the Great Miami River in Cleves. The restaurants and riverfront bar recently reopened after a fire caused major damage not too long ago. This westside favorite serves up authentic German food, as well as other tasty menu items, and the view from the back patio is lovely. Learn more about Kreimer’s here.
Address: 6052 OH-128, Cleves, OH, 45002
- Fatboy’s Dream
Facebook/Fatboys Dream
Tripadvisor/Denise K
Fatboy’s Dream is a one-of-a-kind floating restaurant just east of Cincinnati along US-52. You can reach it by land or by water and this simple little eatery is a deliciously fun surprise. The food is great and includes all the favorites, and the experience and atmosphere are truly unique. See more of this riverfront restaurant here.
Address: 3202 US-52, Felicity, OH, 45120
- Weather Oar Knot “The Knot”
Facebook/Weather Oar Knot “The Knot”
Facebook/Weather Oar Knot “The Knot”
Weather Oar Knot, or “The Knot” for short, is another unique find near Cincinnati. Located along the water in Union, Kentucky, you can dine, enjoy live music, and even rent a boat here! This is the perfect place to head on a nice day for dining with a view and a laid-back atmosphere. Find out more about this NKY destination here.
Address: 4895 Beaver Road, Union, KY, 41091
- Strong’s Pizzeria
Facebook/Lawrenceburg Main Street
Facebook/Strong’s Brick Oven Pizzeria
Strong’s Pizzeria is located in Lawrenceburg, just across the Indiana border. While it may not be right on the water, the Ohio River is just a few steps away and there’s a lovely spot to walk or sit and take in the views. The pizza at Strong’s is worth the drive, as it’s some of the best in the area. Head here for a family-friendly meal and then walk around charming Lawrenceburg and the riverfront. See more of Lawrenceburg here.
Strong’s Address: 1 East High Street, Lawrenceburg, IN, 47025
- The Monkey Bar & Grille
Facebook/The Monkey Bar & Grille
Facebook/The Monkey Bar & Grille
If you live in or around Maineville, then you’ve likely heard of The Monkey Bar. But if you live in Cincinnati, you may be unfamiliar with this waterfront hot spot. Known mostly for its incredible outdoor patio, The Monkey Bar & Grille offers a fun-filled atmosphere, great views, live music, and a food truck every night. This is a dining destination in our area that’s definitely worth the drive! Find out more about Monkey Bar on its website here.
Address: 7837 Old 3C Highway, Maineville, OH, 45039
We all love the big, vibrant restaurants along the river downtown, but these five riverfront restaurants in the Cincinnati area definitely deserve a visit. They may just become your new favorite dining destination in the Queen City! Do you have a favorite of the many riverfront restaurants in Cincinnati? Any other hidden gems we should check out? Let us know in the comments!
Facebook/Kreimer’s River Bar
Facebook/Kreimer’s Bier Haus
Kreimer’s is a unique dining destination situated along the Great Miami River in Cleves. The restaurants and riverfront bar recently reopened after a fire caused major damage not too long ago. This westside favorite serves up authentic German food, as well as other tasty menu items, and the view from the back patio is lovely. Learn more about Kreimer’s here.
Address: 6052 OH-128, Cleves, OH, 45002
Facebook/Fatboys Dream
Tripadvisor/Denise K
Fatboy’s Dream is a one-of-a-kind floating restaurant just east of Cincinnati along US-52. You can reach it by land or by water and this simple little eatery is a deliciously fun surprise. The food is great and includes all the favorites, and the experience and atmosphere are truly unique. See more of this riverfront restaurant here.
Address: 3202 US-52, Felicity, OH, 45120
Facebook/Weather Oar Knot “The Knot”
Weather Oar Knot, or “The Knot” for short, is another unique find near Cincinnati. Located along the water in Union, Kentucky, you can dine, enjoy live music, and even rent a boat here! This is the perfect place to head on a nice day for dining with a view and a laid-back atmosphere. Find out more about this NKY destination here.
Address: 4895 Beaver Road, Union, KY, 41091
Facebook/Lawrenceburg Main Street
Facebook/Strong’s Brick Oven Pizzeria
Strong’s Pizzeria is located in Lawrenceburg, just across the Indiana border. While it may not be right on the water, the Ohio River is just a few steps away and there’s a lovely spot to walk or sit and take in the views. The pizza at Strong’s is worth the drive, as it’s some of the best in the area. Head here for a family-friendly meal and then walk around charming Lawrenceburg and the riverfront. See more of Lawrenceburg here.
Strong’s Address: 1 East High Street, Lawrenceburg, IN, 47025
Facebook/The Monkey Bar & Grille
If you live in or around Maineville, then you’ve likely heard of The Monkey Bar. But if you live in Cincinnati, you may be unfamiliar with this waterfront hot spot. Known mostly for its incredible outdoor patio, The Monkey Bar & Grille offers a fun-filled atmosphere, great views, live music, and a food truck every night. This is a dining destination in our area that’s definitely worth the drive! Find out more about Monkey Bar on its website here.
Address: 7837 Old 3C Highway, Maineville, OH, 45039
For more waterfront dining spots in Cincinnati, check out our previous article here.
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