Local Eateries/Highlights
Places to Eat & Things to Do in Cincinnati
Animal Behavior Society Meeting, July 14–18, 2026
Hilton Netherlands Plaza, Cincinnati
Getting Around
The conference venue, the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, is centrally located in downtown Cincinnati, with lots of food, drink, and entertainment options within easy walking distance, including the adjacent Fountain Square. Two other nearby areas offer a myriad of additional options. A half-mile to the south lies Smale Riverfront Park, the historic Roebling Bridge, and The Banks, an entertainment district along the banks of the Ohio River with views of the city and Newport, Kentucky across the way. This area also includes stadiums for the Cincinnati Reds (MLB baseball), the Cincinnati Bengals (NFL football), and the Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL hockey). A half-mile to the north is a neighborhood called Over-the-Rhine (OTR) home to Cincinnati Music Hall, Washington Park, Findlay Market, the Brewery District, and many of Cincinnati's best restaurants, coolest bars, and historic architecture. The free Cincinnati Connector Streetcar runs a continuous 3.6-mile loop connecting the riverfront, downtown, and OTR, making it an easy way to explore the city without a car. The Hilton sits near the middle of the route, so hopping on the streetcar can reduce walking between destinations, particularly during summer heat.
Places to Eat
Suggested Lunch Spots — Walking Distance from the Hilton
Fountain Square (~3 min walk): Chipotle, CityBird (local), Potbelly
Mi Cozumel — delicious Mexican fare
Izzy’s — home of famous Reubens & award-winning potato pancakes
Skyline Chili — Cincinnati’s signature Greek “chili”
Mazunte – outstanding Mexican street tacos
Jersey Mike’s —East Coast-style subs for a quick bite
Pata Roja – fast-paced taqueria, local favorite
Raya Lebanese – small Lebanese diner
Maplewood Kitchen and Bar — local place serving California cuisine
Bru Burger Bar — Gourmet burgers and a large craft beer selection
Milkman – Hamburgers and shakes with a retro theme
Avril-Bleh & Sons – Local butcher and sandwich shop
🍦 Before you leave Cincinnati, try Graeter’s French Pot ice cream — a local institution since 1870. The Fountain Square location is steps from the conference venue.
Evening — Downtown
Nicholson’s — Scottish pub
Nada — lively and stylish place for creative Mexican cuisine
Mid City – creative, sharable plates with vintage vibes, one of the 50 Best New Restaurants in the US according to Bon Appetit (recommended)
Court Street Kitchen – local favorite for pasta and seafood dishes
Metropole – upscale bistro, worth at least visiting for a cocktail to check out the décor and wander the nearby art galleries in the lobby and first floor of the adjacent 21C hotel
Abigail Street – delicious Mediterranean cuisine
Sotto — rustic Italian, vegetarian friendly
Arnold’s Bar and Grill — Cincinnati’s oldest tavern, est. 1861. Live music nightly, covered courtyard, locally sourced food, moderate prices (recommended)
Taste of Belgium — Belgian bistro, waffles, crepes, beer-braised classics, 50+ rotating taps. ~6 min walk, lunch or dinner
Via Vite — contemporary Italian, Fountain Square
Mita’s — Latin, great for shared plates
Salazar — seasonal menu, James Beard-nominated
Shire’s Rooftop – refined rooftop eatery
Vintage on Race — small plates, bourbon, relaxed
Evening — Over-the-Rhine (OTR)
Bakersfield — tacos, vegetarian friendly
The Eagle — Southern fried chicken
Teak OTR — sushi & Thai
Pepp & Dolores — Italian with house-made noodles
Alcove – Eatery by local brewery favorites Mad Tree, including great outside patio
Zundo Ramen and Donburi – delicious Japanese eatery just around the corner from Washington Park
Sacred Beast Diner – Stylish spot for elevated diner fare
Quan Hapa – Asian fusion cuisine with anime on TV screens, great cocktails
Nolia Kitchen – Southern-inflected cuisine, 3x James Beard nominated chef
Wildweed – Upscale New American restaurant, James Beard nominated chef
Colette – Classic French cuisine with a modern twist
Goodfella’s — NY-style pizza
Evening — Worth the Trip
Montgomery Inn Boathouse — Classic establishment for BBQ/ribs with great river views.
Bars, Breweries & Taprooms
The Banks / Riverfront
Yard House at the Banks — large tables, outdoor seating (recommended)
Cincinnati Lager House — large tables, outdoor seating (recommended)
Taste of Belgium at The Banks — 50+ rotating taps, patio seating, river views. Also great for food
Over the Rhine
Rhinegeist Brewery – taproom for local favorite microbrewery
Northern Row Brewery & Distillery – industrial setting for versatile local brewer and distiller
Mellotone Beer Project
Longfellow – Busy corner bar with excellent drinks and vibes, James Beard nominated
Lost & Found – Great cocktails, funky décor, often with DJs
Homemakers – Retro-themed bar with excellent menu of cocktails, mocktails, and low-proof options
Ghost Baby – Underground bar built into historical lagering tunnels, named after a wailing baby ghost that supposedly haunts OTR
Somerset – Eclectic bar complex with large patio and greenhouse bar
Bar Saeso – Wine and cocktail bar with patio and classy vibes
Alice – Nightclub with dancefloors, chill rooms, and patio
Sundry & Vice – Speakeasy in an old apothecary
MOTR Pub — live music, hearty comfort food
Pins Mechanical – drinks, duckpin bowling, pinball and arcade games in a multi-story venue
Uncle Leo’s – Dive bar vibes in a small hole-in-the-wall place
Hart & Cru – Wine bar with excellent curation, including natural wines
Upscale, pricier eats (walking distance)
Boca, The Davidson, Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse, McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks
Attractions
Explore Your Conference Venue:
The Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza occupies part of the historic Carew Tower complex, one of America's finest examples of Art Deco architecture. Take a moment to explore the hotel's public spaces, including the Hall of Mirrors and Carew Arcade, both located within the conference complex.
Walking Distance:
Contemporary Arts Center A short walk from the conference hotel and Fountain Square. Housed in a landmark building designed by architect Zaha Hadid, the CAC has rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, free admission.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Located along the Ohio River and approximately a 10-minute walk, the museum explores the history of slavery, the Underground Railroad, and the ongoing struggle for freedom and human rights.
Washington Park Also by streetcar, Stop 8 (14th & Elm). Located in the heart of OTR and directly across from historic Music Hall. Surrounded by restaurants and breweries.
Longer Walk:
Taft Museum of Art Located in a historic nineteenth-century mansion overlooking the Ohio River, approximately a 20–25 minute walk from the conference hotel. The museum features a distinguished collection of European and American art in an intimate setting.
Rideshare:
Cincinnati Art Museum Located in scenic Eden Park, approximately a 10-minute rideshare from the conference hotel. Features an outstanding collection of European, American, and Asian art, and can be easily combined with a visit to nearby Mt. Adams or Krohn Conservatory. Admission is free.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden One of the oldest and most highly regarded zoos in the United States, located approximately 15 minutes from the conference venue by rideshare. From tiny heavy-lifters to hippo heavyweights, the zoo offers something for everyone. Come for the ants; stay for Fiona, Tucker, and Bibi! For information about discounted admission for ABS conference attendees, please check back here during the conference.
Newport Aquarium Located just across the Ohio River in Newport, Kentucky, approximately a 30-minute walk or 10-minute rideshare from the conference hotel. Features thousands of aquatic animals from around the world. For $3 off admission, use code NAQCORP at checkout when buying tickets at https://www.newportaquarium.com/event-space/corporate-events/corporate-discounts/
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal Located approximately 10 minutes from the conference hotel by rideshare. Housed in Cincinnati's iconic Union Terminal, the museum complex includes the Cincinnati History Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science, and rotating special exhibitions. The building itself is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the United States.
Animal Behavioral Society $3 off Discount
What: $3 off museum admission when purchased online or at the box office with a conference badge
When: July 14 – 18, 2026
Where: Online or onsite at Cincinnati Museum Center
Promo Code: Use code “ABS2026”
Other Activities
Roebling Suspension Bridge Walk
Walk across the historic John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge into Newport, Kentucky. The prototype for New York City's Brooklyn Bridge, it offers excellent views of the Cincinnati skyline and makes a pleasant addition to a riverfront evening.
Findlay Market
Cincinnati's oldest public market, operating continuously since 1852. Accessible via the Connector Streetcar (Stops 10 or 12). A great destination for lunch, coffee, local foods, and an excellent starting point for exploring OTR.
Main Street Stroll — OTR
Connector Streetcar Stop 6 — 12th & Main. Stroll up Main Street to experience the neighborhood’s creative pulse. Local art studios, murals, and great spots to stop along the way. Japp’s on Main is celebrated for its pre-Prohibition style cocktails and beautiful architecture. Just off Main on E. 12th, Rosedale is a rustic-chic watering hole with a courtyard and bocce ball courts — good evening fun.
Pedal Wagon
Pedal-powered group tours through downtown and OTR — up to 15 people per wagon, or a 6-seater for smaller groups. Two-hour guided rides with stops at local bars and breweries. Can be tailored as non-alcoholic or all-ages. A great conference evening social option. Based at 1100 Sycamore St, OTR. Runs 7 days a week. pedalwagon.com
Ohio River Cruises — BB Riverboats
Cincinnati’s longest-running riverboat cruise operator, based in Newport, Kentucky, just across the river. Offers lunch cruises, sunset dinner cruises, and sightseeing cruises with views of the Cincinnati skyline, the Roebling Bridge, and the ballparks. Groups of 15 or more receive discounted rates. Also look out for SS Tiki Tours for a more casual bring-your-own-drinks party boat experience on the river (May–Oct). bbriverboats.com
A final note from Nate Morehouse and Mike Polak, your local co-hosts:
The Hotel Concierge maintains a list of nearby restaurants with relative price ranges. For a broader look at what Cincinnati has to offer, scan the QR code below:
Restaurants in the above list reflect our own experience and enthusiasm — we’ve been there, we’ve enjoyed them, and we think you will too. Please note that we have focused our recommendations on local spots nearby and have not included restaurants located within the Netherland Plaza itself. That said, Cincinnati has far more to offer than any list can capture. Explore the VisitCincy website, consult the hotel concierge, or simply ask us in person—we're happy to point you in the right direction!