Is the cocktail tour suitable for first-time visitors to Cincinnati?

Yes, the tour provides a great introduction to Over the Rhine’s history, culture, and local flavors for newcomers.

Are alcoholic drinks included in the ticket price?

Yes, the ticket includes four cocktails and three snacks carefully selected to complement the beverages.

Is there a lot of walking involved?

The tour features approximately 1.5 miles of walking with some stairs, rated as easy to moderate.

Can I participate if I’m under 21?

No, all participants must be at least 21 years old due to alcohol laws.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

Vegetarian options are available upon request, but the tour cannot accommodate vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, or nut allergy diets.

Where does the tour start and end?

Meet at the northeast corner of Washington Park, at Race and 14th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202.

Over The Rhine Cocktail Tour by Riverside Food Tours | Food Tour

Cincinnati’s Over the Rhine (OTR) neighborhood offers a rare blend of rich history and vibrant nightlife, inviting visitors to trace the city’s layered past while savoring modern craft cocktails. Riverside Food Tours brings this dynamic district to life through their Over The Rhine Cocktail Tour, a focused, spirited walking experience that marries architecture, storytelling, and drink culture into a compelling 2.5-hour outing.

OTR stands as one of the largest historic urban districts in the U.S., known for its 19th-century brick Italianate architecture. Originally a German immigrant enclave known as 'Zinzinnati,' the area’s streets tell tales of early beer brewing traditions, Prohibition-era struggles, and underground tunnels that speak to clandestine activities of the past. Riverside Food Tours leverages this backdrop, guiding guests through four distinct venues where history runs deep beneath the surface.

Participants enjoy four expertly crafted cocktails paired with three thoughtfully chosen snacks, including specialty popcorn varieties and local riffs on classic bites. Highlights include visits to an apothecary-themed bar featuring the iconic Penicillin cocktail, hidden speakeasy lounges accessed by secret stairs, and lively venues celebrating OTR’s colorful murals. Along the walk, guides share chilling tales of haunted Music Hall and uncover secrets hidden just beneath the streets.

This tour caters to those curious about the intersection of culture, craft drinks, and urban discovery without diving into strenuous hiking or lengthy treks; walking distances total roughly 1.5 miles, suitable for most fitness levels. The guide’s local insights and bartender tips enrich the experience, making it ideal for visitors ready to engage their palate and curiosity alike.

Riverside Food Tours’ offering is a standout blend of food, history, and fun—a unique way to see OTR beyond the typical bar crawl. Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover Cincinnati’s roots or a traveler seeking layered storytelling paired with excellent cocktails, this tour delivers an authentic taste of the city’s past and present.

About Riverside Food Tours

Riverside Food Tours is a Cincinnati-based company that leads guided culinary and cultural tours across Over-the-Rhine, Findlay Market, downtown neighborhoods, and nearby Covington, Kentucky. The company curates immersive walking and streetcar tours showcasing local restaurants, bars, historic sites, murals, and neighborhood stories.

Tours vary in length and focus, including wine and cocktail experiences, brunch outings, themed seasonal events, and multi-stop 'sites and bites' city walks. Each experience pairs tastings with local history, covering landmarks such as Findlay Market and the Roebling Suspension Bridge, and highlights regional specialties like Cincinnati chili, goetta, Belgian waffles, and global street food. Guides provide narrative context about architecture, immigrant history, and cultural points of interest mentioned on tours, including stories about Music Hall and Over-the-Rhine's historic district. Riverside Food Tours operates public group tours and neighborhood-specific routes in both Ohio and northern Kentucky. The business emphasizes curated local partnerships with restaurants, markets, and beverage purveyors to create authentic tasting menus. Reservations are offered for scheduled tour times; private bookings are available when offered on specific tours. As a locally focused operator, Riverside Food Tours leverages on-the-ground knowledge of Cincinnati's culinary scene to introduce visitors and residents to established favorites and hidden gems. The company's tour descriptions clearly list estimated duration, neighborhood focus, and sample tastings to help guests choose the right experience. Staffed by local guides familiar with Cincinnati history and food culture, tours offer approachable pacing and curated stops suitable for visitors and locals seeking genuine neighborhood flavors and storytelling, and beverage pairings included.