All-Star Week in Cincinnati: Everything You Need to Know
Whether or not you’re actually attending the All-Star Game, there’s plenty else you can do to celebrate the affair in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Next Tuesday, Cincinnati will play host to the 86th Major League Baseball All-Star Game, held at Great American Ball Park.
This annual event is set to bring tens of thousands of baseball fans from all over the country for five days of events that culminate with Tuesday’s game.
Cincinnati is a baseball town. Home to the Reds, opening day is such a big deal to the almost 300,000 strong population that it is widely considered a citywide holiday, with many of the children skipping school for the day. So as expected, the city is already buzzing at the chance to host the All-Stars.
Buildup for the big day begins today with a multitude of events going on across the city and to make life easy, Yahoo Travel has pulled together a guide to help visitors and residents alike, navigate through the week’s festivities.
Where to stay
Downtown Cincinnati has just 11 hotels, and they are filling up fast with many eager fans making reservations months ago. However there are some great options, for all different budgets, within a short driving distance. (At press time these hotels still had availability).
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Courtesy: Hilton Cincinnati, Netherland Plaza
Hilton Cincinnati, Netherland Plaza: This is one of the only centrally located hotels still with availability. The historic property is considered one of the world’s finest examples of French Art Deco and is walking distance to the stadium. Prepare to pay a hefty price tag though, as rooms are going for $455 a night on average.
Best Western Plus, Whitewater Inn: A more affordable option just a short drive from the city center. Hotel amenities include a heated indoor pool, fitness center, barbecue area and Wi-Fi. They even allow pets for a fee. Rooms start at $130 a night.
Super 8 Motel in Fort Mitchell: For the budget conscious, the is just seven miles from the stadium on the south side of the river. For $83 a night, visitors get the famous eight-item breakfast bonanza, free Wi-Fi, outdoor pool, and pet friendly rooms.
For those not wanting to stay in a hotel, or maybe in a larger group, check out AirBnb, which has many listings still available.
Where the players hang out:
Ballplayers and celebrity fans alike will flock to the city this weekend to be a part of the many events taking place. Here are a few places you might make a lucky sighting, or even grab an autograph.
Igby’s: This hip cocktail bar is known for its craft beer, vintage cocktails and trendy atmosphere. A favorite of visiting and local celebrities, guests should check out the great happy hour from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday thru Saturday. (122 E Sixth Street)
Courtesy: Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse
Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse: This upscale, contemporary steakhouse is located in the heart of the downtown area, and is modeled after the 1940s deco steakhouses of New York. Award-winning steaks and nightly entertainments have made it a favorite of athletes, celebrities, and politicians. (700 Walnut Street)
Lachey’s Bar: This fun and lively sports bar is owned by former boybanders Nick and Drew Lachey and is set to be the focus of an upcoming A&E reality show. Artisanal beers, a hearty menu, and rambunctious atmosphere have made this place a popular haunt with the locals. (56 E Twelfth Street)
Taft’s Ale House: Located within the city’s oldest protestant church, this multi-level microbrewery, restaurant, and bar has become known for its gourmet steaks as much as its popular brews. (1429 Race Street)
Where to eat:
Two neighborhoods stand out as the culinary hubs of the city: Fountain Square, located at the heart of the urban sprawl, is a newly gentrified gathering place overflowing with entertainment and dining options. Over-The Rhine, a historic part of Cincinnati built largely by the immigrant population in the 1800s, is now undergoing a renaissance with an influx of young residents bringing with them new chefs, brewers, and makers.
Related: City Smackdown: Cincinnati vs. Covington and Northern Kentucky
Courtesy: Moerlein Lager House
Moerlein Lager House: This riverside restaurant and brewery offers a vast menu of hearty classics from meatloaf and short ribs to meat and cheese boards, flatbreads and rotisserie chicken. All washed down with their award winning craft beers. (115 Joe Nuxhall Way)
Boca: This fine dining French restaurant is helmed but chef David Falk and has been voted as one of the best restaurants in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure. A favorite with foodies, the menu features decadent pastas, steaks, and seafood. (114 E Sixth Street)
Courtesy: Nada
Nada: A trendy and modern cantina with a huge outdoor seating space that served upscale Mexican fare and fabulous cocktails. Casual and lively, this place is great for a fun and festive dinner, or energetic happy hour. (600 Walnut Street)
Related: WATCH: Cincinnati: Hollywood on the Ohio
Senate: This pub draws a crowd at all times of the day and night as people lust after their famous ‘tricked out’ hot dogs. With names like the Trailer Park or The Hello Kitty 2.0, these dogs have been named The Best in America by Food + Wine magazine. (1212 Vine Street)
Taste of Belgium: For something a little sweeter, check out Taste of Belgium for an authentic Belgian waffle made on a custom-made waffle iron. Add some fried chicken or bacon and a beer. Heaven. (1133 Vine Street)
Where to drink/catch the game:
As a city that LOVES its sport, where better to watch the game than in one of its many bustling sports bars? If you aren’t lucky enough to snag a ticket inside the stadium, check out one of these places for food, drinks, and game-watching festivities.
Holy Grail Tavern & Grille: Located directly across from the Ball Park, at Holy Grail Tavern you can get as close to the action without actually setting foot in the stadium. But with 31 TV’s you won’t miss a moment of the game. (161 Joe Nuxhall Way)
Courtesy: Tin Roof
Tin Roof: Sit back and relax at this largely, open air venue, where you can watch the game on TV, listen to live music and people watch all while enjoying a beer and some food at this popular hotspot. (160 Freedom Way, Suite 150)
Knockback Nat’s: This laid-back late-night and happy-hour favorite is a local go-to in the downtown area. It was even featured on the Travel Channel’s 101 Amazing Places to Chow Down. (10 W Seventh Street)
The Blind Pig: This speakeasy style venue boasts one of the best patios in the city with views of the riverfront, the city, and even the stadium. The bar and grill pays homage to the city’s history with its decor, displaying newspaper clippings and photographs from the prohibition era and even features a chandelier made from empty whiskey bottles. (24 W Third Street)
Rhinehaus: Calling itself “the original sports bar of Over-the-Rhine,” fans and hipsters alike can take in a game on one of more than 12 TVs in Rhinehaus, all while sipping one of the 16 rotating craft beers on tap. (119 E Twelfth Street)
Where to party after the game:
When the game is all over, the party really gets started and you can expect all of the All-Stars to hit the town for a night of celebrations. Here are some suggestions for places to party like a baller, or maybe even WITH a baller after the game.
21c Museum Hotel Cocktail Terrace: This private and exclusive hotel bar is accessed through a hidden alley entrance. Once inside, the spectacular rooftop hotspot offers stunning views of the city that can be enjoyed from comfy outdoor seating. A creative menu of wine, beer, snacks, and even the occasional “poptail” will keep guests sufficiently sated. (609 Walnut Street)
Kreuger’s Tavern: This German-influenced tavern is located in the heart of the Over-The-Rhine neighborhood and offers plenty of canned beers, house-made sausages, and burgers. Most important, the rooftop patio is one of the prime spots in “OTR” to enjoy the weather people-watch from above. (1211 Vine Street)
Rhinegeist: It only took Rhinegeist a few months after opening to become a local favorite among Cincy’s microbreweries, and this summer, it’s expanding the already huge Pre-Prohibition brewery space to include a 7,000 square foot roof deck. All-Star visitors could be the first to check it out. (1910 Elm Street)
Mt. Adams Pavilion: This former 1800’s-era house also takes advantage of the Mount Adams altitude to provide spectacular views of the Cincinnati skyline along with nightly live music, DJs, and a party atmosphere on its four patio decks. (949 Pavilion Street)
The Phleps Bar: With one of Cincinnati’s best panoramic views, this casual and relaxing atmosphere attracts high-profile visitors to its multiple-level escape from ordinary. (506 E Fourth Street)
The 86th MLB All-Star Game will air on Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET on Fox. For a full list of events and information about the game, click here.
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