Blue Ash is proof that you don't have to stay in the city of Cincinnati limits to have an awesome night. With great food options, a growing beer scene and plenty of friendly people, Blue Ash is quickly defining itself as a true destination in Cincy.
Test your limits at Blue Ash Chili
Yeah, you can throw down on all the Cincinnati classics you know and love at Blue Ash Chili, or you could take things to the next level with the “No Freakin’ Way Challenge”: 2.5 pounds of spaghetti, 2.5 pounds of chili, 2 pounds of cheese and 1 pound of jalapeno caps. Yeah, it’s a monster and it’s made this beloved restaurant a legend of Cincinnati style chili. Finish it in an hour and it’s free or fail and pay a $40 bill. You got what it takes?
Blue Ash Chili, 9565 Kenwood Rd, Blue Ash.
Brunch like a champion at Sleepy Bee Cafe
To us, the second branch of this beloved Cincy restaurant is the best brunch spot in Blue Ash. Sleepy Bee Cafe prides itself on a diverse menu anchored by natural, locally sourced ingredients. With amazing pancakes, divine omelettes and everything else in between, this place has comfort food that you can feel good about. Pro tip: odds are, the wait will be long (it’s totally worth it) so do what we do and download the Nowait app and get your name in line from the comfort of your own home.
Sleepy Bee Cafe, 9514 Kenwood Rd, Blue Ash.
Marvel at the sushi at Ando
If you’re an avid follower of Cincy Weekend, you probably already know that we’re in love with Ando. If not, it might surprise you to learn that one of the best sushi restaurants in Cincinnati sits in a Blue Ash strip mall. Chef Chiaki Ando is serving up simple, but satisfying, sushi that’s only made with the best ingredients they can find. If you’re a sushi fan, you owe it to yourself to find this hidden gem and see what the hype is about.
Ando, 5889 Pfeiffer Rd, Blue Ash.
Indulge at Senate
The Blue Ash branch of this popular gastropub is serving up delicious, genre-defying hot dogs just like the original OTR location. With a menu that’s constantly changing and hot-dog variants that come and go with the news headlines that inspire them, this is a meal that every Cincinnatian should have at least once. If you’re in the northern suburbs, stop by the Blue Ash location and enjoy Summit Park right outside.
Senate, 1100 Summit Place Dr, Blue Ash.
Get your Greek on at Milya Cafe
The triple crown at Milya Cafe has to be the gyro, fries and and greek salad. Separately, they’ll satisfy your cravings, guaranteed. But brought together, there’s some kind of magic that creates a meal that Zeus himself would probably approve of. Aside from that combo, this is also a great place for true, mouthwatering shawarma. Stop by for lunch sometime and discover your new favorite Mediterranean spot.
Milya Cafe, 11033 Reed Hartman Hwy, Blue Ash.
Check out one of the events at Summit Park
Simply put, there’s always something going on at Summit Park. From art classes to farmers markets to music festivals and everything in between, there’s a reason why this park feels like it anchors the city. Check out their Facebook page to see what’s happening next, and make sure you spend a hot summer night there.
Summit Park, 4335 Glendale Milford Rd, Blue Ash.
Have a beer and enjoy some live music at Fretboard Brewing
There really isn’t another brewery in Cincinnati quite like Fretboard. Created by musicians to be the perfect fusion of beer and music, the taproom lives up to the vision by offering live music often. On top of that, the diversity of brews is something that will have craft beer fans going for a flight (or two).
Fretboard Brewing, 5800 Creek Rd, Blue Ash.
Work off all the aforementioned calories at Climb Time
We know we’re really piling up the calories with this list, so why not burn some of them off by climbing up the walls? Climb Time is an indoor rock climbing facility that’s perfect for a day where you just wanna try something different. If you’re worried about the intimidation factor, don’t be. This place is welcoming and the staff is more than happy to show you the ropes (literally).
Climb Time, 10898 Kenwood Rd, Blue Ash.
Dine at Durum Grill
You can never have too many Mediterranean spots on your list, and Durum Grill should be one of them. Serving up pitas, gyros and a selection of protein platters with a Turkish flare, the is another great place to expand your culinary horizons.
Durum Grill, 4764 Cornell Rd, Blue Ash.
These are just some of many great things to do in Blue Ash. For a complete list of what's going on around Cincinnati, check out the "calendar" tab at the top of the page.
