With Cincinnati’s location right along the Ohio River, you’d expect to find a few restaurants that take advantage of the beautiful views. There are, in fact, several such restaurants and even more now with the addition of The Banks and the revitalization of areas like the East End. This list will likely grow over the next few years, but for now, here are 9 of the best restaurants in Cincinnati that are right on the river and guaranteed to leave you deliciously satisfied.
- Cabana on the River - 7445 Forbes Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45233
Facebook/Cabana on the River
Facebook/Cabana on the River This open-air restaurant has a tropical flair and fun atmosphere. It’ll be closing up for the season soon, but there’s still time to enjoy the river views, live music, and delicious food! Located along River Road on the west side of town, Cabana is a unique spot in Cincinnati for a relaxing meal.
- Montgomery Inn Boathouse - 925 Riverside Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Facebook/Montgomery Inn
Facebook/Montgomery Inn Cincinnati’s most recognizable barbecue restaurant has a location right on the river that can’t be beat. The views from The Boathouse are incredible and, of course, so is their menu. There are other spots around town to enjoy their legendary ribs, but if you’re going for the first time, you have to go to The Boathouse.
- Moerlein Lager House - 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Facebook/Moerlein Lager House
Facebook/Moerlein Lager House With the addition of The Banks downtown came several new dining spots that are right on the river. The Lager House has become the perfect spot for a special night out, dinner with a large group before a Reds game, or drinks with friends while enjoying the river views. It celebrates Cincinnati’s history with its food and drink menus and lively atmosphere.
- Pirate’s Cove Tropical Bar and Grill - 4609 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45226
Facebook/Pirate’s Cover Tropical Bar and Grill
Facebook/Pirate’s Cove Tropical Bar and Grill If you really want to feel like you’re on vacation without leaving Cincinnati, then head to Pirate’s Cove, east of downtown, right on the river. It’s adjacent to a marina, so you’ll see plenty of boats and the vibe is tropical and laid back. There’s even a spot where you can sit and sink your toes in the sand! The food and drinks are amazing, as well!
- Eighteen at the Radisson - 668 West Fifth Street, Covington, KY 41011
Facebook/Eighteen at the Radisson
Facebook/Eighteen at the Radisson Affectionately known as the Revolving Restaurant, Eighteen at the Radisson recently underwent a renovation and it has never been better. This unique revolving dining destination has arguably the best views of any other area restaurant, as it sits on the top floor of the Radisson Hotel in Covington. Sweeping views of downtown and the river, alongside a delicious meal and impeccable service, make your time at The Eighteen something you won’t soon forget.
- Taste of Belgium at the Banks - 16 W. Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Facebook/Taste of Belgium at the Banks
Facebook/Taste of Belgium at the Banks Taste of Belgium (and their perfect waffles) have been famous in Cincinnati for quite some time now. With the newest location open at The Banks, their food has never tasted better. The chic style and laid-back atmosphere of this Cincy classic are wonderfully showcased at this riverfront location. There are wonderful views of the park and the water from both the inside dining area and at their outdoor patio tables.
- Drew’s on the River - 4333 River Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45204
Yelp/Business Owner
TripAdvisor/Bob S EDITOR’S NOTE - Drew’s is currently closed due to flooding damage, but does plan on reopening in the future…. If you’re looking for a mellow place with river views, check out Drew’s. They have a great patio that overlooks the water and a delicious menu. The fried fish is tasty and the relaxed atmosphere pairs well with the waterfront location.
- BrewRiver Gastro Pub - 2062 Riverside Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Facebook/BrewRiver Gastro Pub
Facebook/BrewRiver GastroPub In the vibrant, historic East End, BrewRiver GastroPub is the perfect gathering place for an amazing casual meal and a couple of drinks. Technically, it’s across the street from the river, but you do get excellent water views from the patio, and the view of the food alone (like this mouthwatering burger) makes it worth a visit.
- Ludlow-Bromley Yacht Club - 860 Elm Street, Ludlow, KY 41016
Facebook/Ludlow Bromley Yacht Club
Facebook/Ludlow Bromley Yacht Club Quite possibly the most fun spot on the river is the Ludlow-Bromley Yacht Club. It’s anything but the stuffiness you may experience on an actual yacht. In fact, with the casual food, picturesque surroundings, and live music, you’ll feel nothing but relaxed at this riverfront gem.
Food just tastes better by the water, especially when the menus are already as good as they are at these riverfront restaurants. How many of these have you experienced? Share your thoughts with us in the comments! Any favorite waterfront spots that we missed?
Facebook/Cabana on the River
This open-air restaurant has a tropical flair and fun atmosphere. It’ll be closing up for the season soon, but there’s still time to enjoy the river views, live music, and delicious food! Located along River Road on the west side of town, Cabana is a unique spot in Cincinnati for a relaxing meal.
Facebook/Montgomery Inn
Cincinnati’s most recognizable barbecue restaurant has a location right on the river that can’t be beat. The views from The Boathouse are incredible and, of course, so is their menu. There are other spots around town to enjoy their legendary ribs, but if you’re going for the first time, you have to go to The Boathouse.
Facebook/Moerlein Lager House
With the addition of The Banks downtown came several new dining spots that are right on the river. The Lager House has become the perfect spot for a special night out, dinner with a large group before a Reds game, or drinks with friends while enjoying the river views. It celebrates Cincinnati’s history with its food and drink menus and lively atmosphere.
Facebook/Pirate’s Cover Tropical Bar and Grill
Facebook/Pirate’s Cove Tropical Bar and Grill
If you really want to feel like you’re on vacation without leaving Cincinnati, then head to Pirate’s Cove, east of downtown, right on the river. It’s adjacent to a marina, so you’ll see plenty of boats and the vibe is tropical and laid back. There’s even a spot where you can sit and sink your toes in the sand! The food and drinks are amazing, as well!
Facebook/Eighteen at the Radisson
Affectionately known as the Revolving Restaurant, Eighteen at the Radisson recently underwent a renovation and it has never been better. This unique revolving dining destination has arguably the best views of any other area restaurant, as it sits on the top floor of the Radisson Hotel in Covington. Sweeping views of downtown and the river, alongside a delicious meal and impeccable service, make your time at The Eighteen something you won’t soon forget.
Facebook/Taste of Belgium at the Banks
Taste of Belgium (and their perfect waffles) have been famous in Cincinnati for quite some time now. With the newest location open at The Banks, their food has never tasted better. The chic style and laid-back atmosphere of this Cincy classic are wonderfully showcased at this riverfront location. There are wonderful views of the park and the water from both the inside dining area and at their outdoor patio tables.
Yelp/Business Owner
TripAdvisor/Bob S
EDITOR’S NOTE - Drew’s is currently closed due to flooding damage, but does plan on reopening in the future…. If you’re looking for a mellow place with river views, check out Drew’s. They have a great patio that overlooks the water and a delicious menu. The fried fish is tasty and the relaxed atmosphere pairs well with the waterfront location.
Facebook/BrewRiver Gastro Pub
Facebook/BrewRiver GastroPub
In the vibrant, historic East End, BrewRiver GastroPub is the perfect gathering place for an amazing casual meal and a couple of drinks. Technically, it’s across the street from the river, but you do get excellent water views from the patio, and the view of the food alone (like this mouthwatering burger) makes it worth a visit.
Facebook/Ludlow Bromley Yacht Club
Quite possibly the most fun spot on the river is the Ludlow-Bromley Yacht Club. It’s anything but the stuffiness you may experience on an actual yacht. In fact, with the casual food, picturesque surroundings, and live music, you’ll feel nothing but relaxed at this riverfront gem.
And for more unique restaurants in Cincinnati, check out our recent article here.
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Address: 860 Elm Street, Ludlow, KY 41016Address: 668 West Fifth Street, Covington, KY 41011Address: 4333 River Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45204Address: 7445 Forbes Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45233Address: 16 W. Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202Address: 4609 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45226Address: 925 Riverside Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202Address: 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202Address: 2062 Riverside Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45202
