Cincinnati road trip for beer

A weekend road trip to Cincinnati is an outing that any craft beer lover would enjoy. It’s a city with so much beer history and so much beer present that you’ll not run out of things to do.

A short history

Cincinnati rose to prominence in beer during the 1800’s following the great influx of German immigrants. Many breweries popped up and grew until Prohibition shut everything down. In the 20th century following Prohibition, Cincinnati area brands like Hudepohl, Moerlein, Burger, and Wiedemann restarted and sold tons of American lagers. It remained a huge brewing city well into the 1970s when the great consolidation of the U.S. brewing industry began eliminating so many local brewery operations. By the dawn of the 1990s, local brewing in the city was at a pretty low ebb. The 1990s microbrewing era brought new breweries to the city but, with the exception of Boston Beer Company’s production facility, none were particularly successful long term.

Cincinnati’s small brewery renaissance began in earnest in 2004 when Greg Hardman purchased the rights to the beloved, historical Christian Moerlein brand and eventually built a new brewery around its name. In 2012, when his gorgeous modern Moerlein Lager House opened across the street from the Great American Ballpark, we knew things were headed in the right direction. Slowly, the city made the climb back to brewery prominence.

As in many cities across the country, Cincinnati’s craft beer era really accelerated in the decade of the 2010s. Maybe more than any other event, the 2013 opening of the incredibly impressive Rhinegeist Brewery in the Over-the-Rhine district connected Cincinnati’s brewing past with the present craft brewing era. It showed that the city was now again a beer town to be reckoned with.

The city truly embraces its brewery present and its past. Don’t overlook the brewing-oriented tours that are available. Some of them explore the extensive underground beer caves. Underground beer cave tours • Cincy Brew Bus

Explore the beer stops

It’s a good plan to leave WV early and arrive in Cincinnati by noon so you can grab lunch and a beer. Cincinnati breweries are spread out over quite a large area so advance planning is recommended if you want to be sure to make the most of your time there. While the Cincinnati metro has around 60 breweries, we’ve picked out a subset that will give you a great start on your Cincy beer education.

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Out in the Neighborhoods

STREETSIDE BREWERY

4003 Eastern Ave., Cincinnati

Opened in 2016 and definitely one of the best in the region. A most friendly place with indoor and outdoor seating. If you are driving into Cincinnati from the east, consider making this your first stop. One thing we noticed about this brewery: It has a broad symphony of beer and there was not one weak note. These guys got it going on. Typically keep at least 20 of their brews on tap. (3.94 on Untappd) Website

LISTERMANN BREWING

1621 Dana Ave, Cincinnati, OH

Established in 2008 and a favorite of many of our friends, this brewery is especially appreciated for its Triple Digit series of big beer and especially Chickow!. One of Ohio’s most creative breweries both in beer names and brews. If you love baby hippos, try the Team Fiona NEIPA. You will also find a wide variety of more standard brews.

Everything very well-made. (3.98 on Untappd) Website

BRINK BREWING

5905 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati

A popular College Hill hangout with indoor and outdoor seating areas. Brink makes some of the best beer in the city. Everything from English Mild to Milkshake IPA, these brewers handle with aplomb. You’ll find all the in-demand contemporary styles. Very strong in imperial stouts too. Founded in 2017. (3.89 on Untappd) Website

URBAN ARTIFACT BREWING

1660 Blue Rock St., Cincinnati

Cincinnati’s premier sour beer brewery. Very premium stuff in the Northside neighborhood since 2014. They don’t make the sweet, gimmicky beers. Super high quality. A tasty line of premium seltzers too. Knowledgeable bartenders. Lots of free street parking nearby. (3.9 on Untappd) Website

Downtown/Over-the-Rhine

If you are not staying in one of the downtown hotels, drive into downtown and park you car someplace convenient for the day. Walk, Uber, and streetcar your way around town.

MOERLEIN LAGER HOUSE

115 Joe Nuxhall Way
Cincinnati, OH 45202

Located right across the street from the Reds’ ballpark, this brewpub is definitely a good choice to pre- or post-game. Many of their own brews plus lots of guest beers. An attractive food menu makes this a solid lunch or dinner stop. Nice views from the taproom overlooking the Ohio River. (3.59 on Untappd) Website

TASTE OF BELGIUM

16 W. Freedom Way

This local Belgo-phile food and bar chain is just the place to stop if you want a good Belgian beer with some pretty authentic frites or mussels or waffles. Good breakfast menu too. Great location in The Banks District. Also has locations in Over-the-Rhine, Crestview Hills, Clifton, and Kenwood. Website

NICKOLSON’s TAVERN

625 Walnut St., Cincinnati

A classic Cincinnati pub specializing in beers from Scotland and the United Kingdom. Plenty of U.S. beer selections also. A classy place. Very good, full-service food menu. Full bar. Website

On to Over-the-Rhine: Catch the free Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar. Ride north to the Findlay Market stop.

FINDLAY MARKET

It’s worth taking a break from beer to visit this urban food marketplace—the kind only big cities have. The hustle and bustle, the smells, and the sights and sounds of the vendors is worth a visit even if you don’t buy anything. Ohio’s oldest public market and chock-full of fabulous fresh foods. Website

Next, ride the streetcar on to the Brewery District stop.

RHINEGEIST BREWERY

1910 Elm Street

Since its opening in 2013, this craft brewery, located inside a massive former brewery bottling/packaging plant, has drawn in craft beer fans like ants to a picnic. It helps that they make excellent beer too. This is the brewery that reestablished the Over-the-Rhine district as a brewing center. Whether you are looking for the latest hazy-juicies, fruited sours, or the more “Outer Reaches” of beer styles, Rhinegeist has something for you. Super selection, all very high quality. (3.74 on untappd) Website

Next, streetcar or Uber to:

TAFT’S ALE HOUSE

1429 Race Street

Located in an 1850’s vintage church, Taft’s Ale House is a more traditional brewpub setting with a full-service food menu. This makes it an attractive selection for lunch or dinner. Within two blocks of the streetcar stop also makes it convenient to combine with visits to Rhinegeist and Findlay Market. Since it’s start in 2015, Taft’s has been known for its very solid standard but well-made beer list. Beer favorites include Gavel Banger IPA, Nellie’s Key Lime Caribbean Ale, Maverick Chocolate Porter, and whatever hazy IPA is on tap. You can count on all your traditional brewpub favorites with crisp lagers and seasonals. Named for former U.S. President and Cincinnati native William Howard Taft. Taft’s has a generous menu of apps, salads, handhelds, and sides. (3.72 on Untappd) Website

Across the river in Kentucky

Sometime during your visit, plan to head across the Ohio River to Belleview/Newport, and you’ll be rewarded.

THE PARTY SOURCE

95 Riviera Drive, Bellevue, KY

Just across the river from Cincinnati, the Party Source is undoubtedly among the best beverage alcohol stores on the planet. Whether it’s beer, wine or spirits, they got it. Humongous 20,000 item selection. There is also a distillery off the parking lot in front of the store. BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE. The real nugget here is Braxton Brewing Labs, which is located in the rear of store. We can’t help but believe it could be the best brewery inside a liquor store in the entire country. Website

BRAXTON LABS

95 Riviera Dr., Bellevue, KY

They call Braxton Labs a place where innovation is ignited, conversation sparked, creativity championed, and community celebrated. Yes, we can tell you it’s all those things. We felt like kids in a candy shop. Sit down, take some time, and explore their dynamic approach to brewing. Find some ingredients you’ve never tried before among their 40 taps. It’s a project of Braxton Brewing in nearby Covington, KY, but the experimental beers set it apart. Taps rotate constantly, plus there are always some regular Braxton Brewing beers for the less adventurous. Website

HOFBRAU HAUS

200 E. 3rd St., Newport, KY

This was the first Hofbrau Haus in America and the place definitely has the authentic vibe of a Munich beer hall. Authentic German-style brews and Bavarian food too. After spending a day exploring contemporary beer styles in Cincy, a visit to Hofbrau can be a relaxing way to end your day. All their lager styles are clean and very well made. Musical entertainment is included most evenings. (3.72 on Untapd) Website

On your way home

Jungle Jims International Market – Eastgate

4450 Eastgate South Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio

When leaving Cincinnati and heading back toward West Virgina, don’t forget to build in time for a shopping spree at the mega-international supermarket, Jungle Jims. Covering over 200,000 square feet and offering over 180,000 mostly-food products from around the world, it’s easy to spend some serious money in this place. Don’t forget to bring a large cooler so you can take advantage of their meat and cheese/dairy departments. Very large beer and wine department with tasting bar.

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For More Information

For additional information and to find other Cincinnati breweries, check out The Cincinnati Brewing Heritage Trail website or this guide on 365Cincinnati.com