Don Johnson Blog

Fizzy, often fruity, and just a little bit sweet, hard seltzer is quickly becoming a favorite drink among those who prefer a lighter flavor profile when indulging. Cincinnati seltzer lovers are in luck: The city is home to some of the most popular hard seltzer producers in the state, and many of its bars serve at least one brand. The following nine bars are some of the best places to enjoy a happy hour hard seltzer in and around Cincinnati. 

Sundry and Vice

18 W. 13th St., Over-the-Rhine, OH, 45202

Full of gleaming glass and sophisticated wood paneling, Sundry and Vice is a small old-fashioned bar with a classy, almost academic atmosphere. Its front window looks almost like a curio cabinet. Inside, patrons can sit atop the tall leather-covered bar stools and order drinks with captivating names like the Clover Club, the Jade Effect, and the Miracle Finnish. 

In addition to their cocktail menu, Sundry and Vice also serves a pair of highballs made with classic New York Seltzer. You can choose from either mezcal mixed with Root Beer seltzer or vodka mixed with Peach Soda seltzer.

March First Brewing

7885 E. Kemper Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45249 

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Named for the day Ohio was founded (March 1, 1803), the March First Brewery is extremely proud of their state and heritage. This company produces the locally beloved Astra Hard Seltzer line of products, which was named to celebrate Ohio's under-recognized contributions to the field of space exploration.  

You can visit the brewery and stop by the on-site bar to sample a few flavors of Astra seltzer drinks, including Bomb Pop, Red Cream Soda, and Crush. March First also serves plenty of food to accompany their drinks, including sandwiches, chips, and delicious fresh pizzas straight from the stone ovens of their pizza kitchen.

Fowling Warehouse

2940 Highland Ave. #230, Cincinnati, OH 45212 

Part bar and part bowling alley, Fowling Warehouse might just be the best place in Cincinnati for hard seltzer lovers. In spring 2021 they hosted Cincinnati's very first Seltzer Fest, a celebratory exhibition with nearly a hundred different types of hard seltzer from local and national brands on tap.  

Fowling Warehouse also offers a wide selection of hard seltzer from local partners year-round. One particularly fun menu offering is their Mystery Seltzer, an order which will get you one random can of hard seltzer from a selection of over 30 flavors. This can be a fun way to get your hard seltzer fix without limiting yourself to the same old standby flavors you always go for.

The Rooftop (Braxton Brewing Company) 

27 W. 7th St., Covington, KY 41011

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Prefer to sip your drinks in the cool, refreshing night air? The Rooftop is an open-air bar that has recently opened on top of the Braxton Brewing Company building. With 5,000 square feet of space and plenty of on-site amenities to enjoy (including lounge-style seating, umbrellas and canopies, a grassy lawn area, and more), this establishment offers a relaxed setting and an incredible view of Cincinnati's skyline.  

The Rooftop's extensive drink menu includes four flavors of VIVE hard seltzer, including Sunrise Punch and Southern Punch. The fruity profiles of these picks matches perfectly with the bar's breezy atmosphere. Be sure to visit when the weather is good for the best possible experience!

Woodburn Brewing 

2800 Woodburn Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45206 

Woodburn Brewing is a modern bar with a deep respect for its historical roots. The company chose to use phoenix iconography in its branding to celebrate the resurgence of Ohio's brewing culture in recent years. Now, they have become an integral part of this thriving sub-culture. The owners have gone the extra mile to create a diverse entertainment experience to complement their enticing array of drinks. The bar regularly hosts events like trivia nights, live performances, and even yoga classes on the premises. 

On top of their artisan beer, this bar also serves several flavors of Astra hard seltzer, including Pink Lemonade and Baja Blast. They also offer Blackberry Breeze hard seltzer from Ohio's own FigLeaf Brewing Company.

The Comfort Station 

793 E. McMillian St., Cincinnati, OH 45206

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Thanks to its offbeat location, The Comfort Station is one of the most distinctive bars in the Cincinnati area. The building was originally built as a public restroom and bathhouse back in the early 1910s and was recently converted into a commercial bar space by the same team that founded Sundry and Vice, another bar on this list. Patrons still enter the bar using the original Women's room door, an excellent touch that makes your visit feel unique from the moment you walk in.

This bright and intimate bar is all about fostering connections, and patrons are encouraged to bring outside food and stay a while if they want to. As for drinks, most are handcrafted cocktails that you won't find anywhere else. For instance, the bar's signature Mass Communicatin' hard seltzer cocktail blends the fruity flavors of strawberry and citrus with more complex notes of ginger and amaro.

Samuel Adams Cincinnati Taproom 

1727 Logan St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

The Samuel Adams Cincinnati Taproom is a relatively recent addition to the Samuel Adams Brewery, but it has already grown a considerable local following. With both indoor and outdoor spaces for mingling and a growing clientele, this is an up-and-coming social spot for the city's younger crowd.  

The bar's menu is largely focused on promoting their fresh-brewed Samuel Adams beer, but they also offer some Truly Hard Seltzer (one of the other brands owned by their parent company, the Boston Beer Company) and other drinks. Try a few different options as you relax in one of their leather-upholstered armchairs or admire the rustic barrel wall that pulls together their dark wood décor.

Anjou

2804 Woodburn Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45206

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Anjou is a very new bar that the owners decided to open after seeing so many of their favorite hangouts close during the 2020 pandemic. While it is still working to establish itself as a recreational venue, its bright, airy atmosphere gives it a unique appeal that should help it to stand out from the local competition. 

Anjou serves Braxton Brewing's VIVE Dragonfruit and Mango hard seltzers as part of their lineup of local beers and spirits. The light fruity taste of these drinks goes perfectly with the cheery surroundings, but make sure you don't visit too late – the bar's doors close by midnight at the latest.

Millions Café 

3210 Linwood Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45226 

If you prefer a casual atmosphere while you're out on the town, Millions Café is the place for you. This modest-looking dive bar serves an impressive selection of hard seltzers from both local and national brands, including Astra, Truly, and White Claw.  

You can sip your drink while listening to music from the live DJ, participating in the bar's weekly trivia night, or just chatting with your fellow patrons. This bar is known to be very laid-back, so it's a great hangout spot for people who don't usually spend much time in Cincinnati's nightlife scene.

Get Your Fizzy On 

Which Cincinnati bar will you be sipping hard seltzer at next Friday night? 

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Parts of Northeast Ohio are known as Amish Country, and the area is a wonderful place to enjoy the quiet atmosphere along with delicious food. Amish food is simple, filling, and tasty, with hearty meats featured prominently.

The following eight restaurants are worth a stop if you want to try home cooking around Amish Country in Northeast Ohio.

Amish Door Restaurant

1210 Winesburg St., Wilmot, OH 44689

The Amish Door Restaurant will celebrate its 45th year of being in business this year, and over time, the restaurant—as well as its surrounding area—has grown. You can now visit the nearby Hasseman House Bed & Breakfast, the Banquet Center, and The Inn at Amish Door. Dishes like the broasted chicken—the restaurant's special recipe of hand-breaded pressure-fried chicken—are popular, as is the creamed chicken served over biscuits and accompanied by mashed potatoes. Delicious soups like tomato basil, ham and bean, and stuffed pepper are great ways to warm up and start your meal.

Mary Yoder's Amish Kitchen, Bakery, and Gift Shop

14743 N. State St., Middlefield, OH 44062

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Opened in 1987, Mary Yoder's Amish Kitchen features good, old-fashioned Amish cooking for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For breakfast, try the buffet that's offered on Monday, Friday, Saturday, and holidays and get your fill of favorites like scrambled eggs, home fries, cornmeal mush, and fresh bakery items. Or order off the menu and try the Dutch Scrambler, which has two eggs, home fries, and your choice of bacon or sausage scrambled together. For lunch or dinner, order an Amish favorite, noodles over mashed potatoes, and add a trip to the salad bar. Or try the buffet, which lets you enjoy homestyle meats, authentic Amish mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and more. If you have your family or group dining together, family-style meals are available for everyone to share.

Mrs. Yoder's Kitchen

8101 OH-241, Mt. Hope, OH 44660

Located across from the Mt. Hope Livestock Auction, Mrs. Yoder's Kitchen does a brisk business from auction attendees as well as locals and tourists. The restaurant is best known for its fried chicken, which is marinated, hand-breaded, and pressure fried according to Mrs. Yoder's special recipe. Other popular items on the menu include pork chops, roast beef, lake perch, and local, seasonal homemade pies. Vegetables like steamed broccoli or cauliflower, seasoned green beans, and whole kernel corn are local and seasonal.

Hartville Kitchen, Restaurant & Bakery

1015 Edison St. NW, Hartville, OH 44632

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Hartville Kitchen has served up great home cooking for 55 years and has daily "meat and three" specials that are sure to fill you up. Order the tenderized seasoned beef cooked in the restaurant's beef gravy, or juicy whole turkey cubed and served with stuffing. The baked boneless chicken served in a creamy sauce is also a customer favorite, and the chicken is delivered fresh daily from Gerber's Amish Farm. Care is taken throughout the menu, from the real mashed potatoes to the salad dressings, which are made at the restaurant.

Dutch Kitchen

14278 E. Lincolnway (US 30), Dalton, OH 44618

Dutch Kitchen centers around an original 1858 farmhouse, beautifully restored and decorated. An addition was built in 1998 to house a larger event room, expanded bakery, and a gift shop. For breakfast, try the grilled or fried French toast made with homemade bread and served with warm syrup. The make-your-own omelet option is also a popular choice. Lunch and dinner options include various chicken and fish options like broasted chicken and grilled orange salmon. For more variety, try the Dutch Kitchen Sampler with broasted chicken, ham, your choice of roast beef or roast turkey, noodles or dressing, corn or green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, a side salad, and homemade bread.

Der Dutchman

4967 Walnut St., Walnut Creek OH 44687

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Genuine Amish kitchen cooking is what makes meals at Der Dutchman so tasty, whether you're stopping by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You'll find meat-and-potatoes meals along with made-for-scratch pastries and pies you can take home and enjoy later. Start your day with a hearty breakfast buffet with options including pancakes, scrambled eggs, potatoes, and fried cornmeal mush. You can also order off the menu with dishes such as Amish Scramble with scrambled eggs with home fries, mushrooms, bacon, onions, or cheese sauce or sausage gravy. For lunch or dinner, the Sampler Plate echoes a traditional Amish potluck and lets you try the restaurant's most popular items, including your choice of two meats, real mashed potatoes and gravy, dressing, green beans or creamed corn, tossed salad, and homemade dinner rolls.

Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant

4819 E Main St, Berlin, OH 44610

Boyd & Wurthmann had its beginnings as a grocery store in 1938. In the 1950s, Boyd & Wurthmann separated the market from a new restaurant specializing in Amish-style home cooking. The original green countertop is still used every day in this cozy restaurant. It remains small, so you might have to wait a bit for a table, but the food is worth the time. Check out the soup of the day, which might be ham and bean, white chicken chili, or broccoli. Entrees include smothered meatloaf, ham loaf, and chicken, and on most days, you'll have about 15 to 20 different pies to choose from, depending on what fruits are in season.

Simple Goodness

Which Amish Country restaurants are you most excited to try? 

Ohio is filled with amazing destinations where you can explore history of all types, including some excellent museums and fascinating historical sites that highlight Black history. With places like the Cleveland African American Museum in Northeast Ohio, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, and the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center near Columbus, there are so many informative, inspiring places to visit during Black History Month in February. Today, we're going to take a closer look at 9 of the best places to explore all around Ohio for Black History Month this year.

John Mercer Langston Historic Home

207 E. College St., Oberlin, OH 44074

John Mercer Langston was a fascinating figure in African American history and a trailblazer who achieved many firsts as a Black man. He was the first known Black elected official in the country and the first Black congressman elected from Virginia. John Mercer Langston spent more than a decade living in Oberlin during the mid-1800s, and his historic residence has been preserved to the present day. You can still visit the home today, and it has been included on the National Register of Historic Places.

The African American Museum of Cleveland

1765 Crawford Rd., Cleveland, OH 44106

One of the earliest independent museums on African American history and culture, the Cleveland African American Museum was founded by Icabod Flewellen in 1953. It moved to its current location in Cleveland's Hough neighborhood in 1984 and has continued its mission ever since. That mission is to raise cultural awareness, provide education about Black history, organize community events, and exhibit artifacts that tell stories about the African American experience. The museum is currently open on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays, with fundraising underway to reopen full-time in the future.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

50 E. Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202

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Located in downtown Cincinnati since it first opened in 2004, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is an award-winning museum and educational center that tells the story of the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad was a network that helped escaped slaves reach free territories, and quite a few of the destinations on our list played a role in the Underground Railroad. Along with helping share the Underground Railroad story, this museum also works to pay tribute to all who worked to abolish human enslavement and secure freedom for all people. There are also some great virtual programs available for Black History Month and all year long if you can't make it to the museum in person.

John Parker House

300 N. Front St., Ripley, OH 45167

One of two destinations on our list located in Ripley, a small town southeast of Cincinnati along the Ohio River, the John Parker House is both a museum and the current home of the John P. Parker Historical Society. As a young man, John Parker escaped from slavery and dedicated his life to helping other slaves reach freedom. He was an inventor and was also very active with the Underground Railroad. The museum is open from Friday through Sunday during select times of the year, so be sure to check the schedule before visiting.

John Rankin House

6152 Rankin Hill Rd., Ripley, OH 45167

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Also located in Ripley is the John Rankin House, one of the most active stops along the Underground Railroad in Ohio. The home of Reverend John Rankin was built in 1825 and was home to Rankin, his wife Jean, and their 13 children. The home, which overlooks the Ohio River, was recently restored and includes many unique artifacts from Rev. John Rankin's life as an abolitionist. You can stop by for a guided tour to learn all about this fascinating figure, his family, his work as an abolitionist, and his role in helping escaped slaves reach freedom.

Paul Laurence Dunbar House

219 N. Paul Laurence Dunbar St., Dayton, OH 45402

2022 marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of celebrated African American author and poet laureate Paul Laurence Dunbar, who spent many years living in Ohio. The Paul Laurence Dunbar House is now a museum and cultural center, where you can learn all about the prolific writer who produced 20 books, including novels, poetry, and short stories during his short lifetime. He purchased this home for his mother in 1904 and lived there with her while he produced some of his final literary works. The home is also the location of the Dunbar Literary Circle, which meets on the second Sunday of every month.

National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center

1350 Brush Row Rd., Wilberforce, OH 45384

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Dedicated to helping visitors learn more about African American contributions to history and culture in America, the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center is an excellent place to visit during Black History Month. Exhibits scheduled to run through 2022 include Rhythm of Revolution, Queens of the Heartland, Behind the Mask: Black Power in Comics, African Americans Fighting for a Double Victory, and more. There are also many permanent exhibits, including more than 8,000 artifacts.

John Gee Black Historical Center

48 Pine St., Gallipolis, OH 45631

Housed in the John Gee African Methodist Chapel, which held church services for nearly 200 years from its founding until its final service in 1997, the John Gee Black Historical Center is a cultural and educational center. The center works to preserve the culture, tradition, crafts, art, and music of Black Americans in southeast Ohio. In addition to the many exhibits on display, the John Gee Black Historical Center often hosts lectures where you can learn more about Black history and culture.

King Arts Complex

835 Mt. Vernon Ave., Columbus, OH 43203

Art, music, and culture play such a vibrant, vital role in telling the story of Black history. The King Arts Complex includes galleries that showcase painting, sculpture, photography, graphic design, and decorative arts. Many events are happening at the King Arts Center all year long, including the Heritage Music Festival, First Tuesday Tea, and a wide variety of youth arts education programs. The King Arts Complex is a place where you can learn about the many contributions that African Americans have made to the culture of Ohio and of the entire country.

Remembering the Past Makes for a Brighter Future

Whether you visit during Black History Month or at any other time of the year, all of these museums tell important stories that deserve to be heard. Which places will you explore to get in touch with history in Ohio this year?

Mead, a delectable beverage made from fermented honey and water, was dubbed "nectar of the gods" by the ancient Greeks. Fortunately, you can partake in this heavenly drink right here in Ohio. Head to these wonderful meaderies conveniently located near Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati. 

Western Reserve Meadery

2135 Columbus Rd., Suite C, Cleveland, OH 44113

At Western Reserve Meadery, they believe the concepts of fine materials and authentic craft apply to the drinking environment as well as the product. Sample their delicious meads in the elegantly casual ambiance created by historic brick and handmade hardwood furnishings. Be sure to try the new releases such as Bee Baller, which gets its zip from Carolina Reaper peppers, and full-bodied Blueberry Blossom Fig. Western Reserve Meadery is open 5 - 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon - 9 p.m. Saturday.

Brothers Drake Meadery

26 E. 5th Ave., Columbus, OH 43201

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Yes, there really are brothers named Drake. Eric and Woody turned their long-standing hobby into the Brothers Drake Meadery, located in the fashionable Short North Arts District of Columbus. In addition to traditional mead, you'll often find experimental flavors such as Blue Lemonade and PB&J. Stop in on Wednesday for live music on Jazz Night. Hours are 5 - 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 4 - 11 p.m. Friday, 2 - 11 p.m. Saturday, and 2 - 8 p.m. Sunday.

Dysfunctional Delights Meadery

916 Columbus Ave., Lebanon, OH 45036

Don't let the name fool you. Family-owned and operated Dysfunctional Delights Meadery is a harmonious labor of love. Brad and Jamey Ryles left the 9-to-5 world to pursue Brad's vision of bringing mead to the Cincinnati area. With games for the kids and drinks for the grown-ups, the Ryles family wants to make your family feel welcome. Customers love the fruit-flavored meads such as cranberry, raspberry, and strawberry rhubarb. Hours are 4 - 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 4 - 10 p.m. Friday, and 2 - 10 p.m. Saturday.

BottleHouse Brewery & Mead Hall

13368 Madison Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107

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The open floor plan, stone arches, and picnic table-style seating at BottleHouse Brewery & Mead Hall create the warm and welcoming atmosphere of an old-school community gathering spot. There are couches for couples or smaller groups, and a number of plants provide a welcome touch of greenery. Food is also special at BottleHouse, where Eugene Kitchen is serving up Michael Shoen's legendary Tinman Burgers. Mead hall hours are 5 p.m. - midnight Tuesday through Thursday, 5 p.m. - 2 a.m. Friday, 2 p.m. - 2 a.m. Friday, and 2 - 10 p.m. Sunday.

Blackbird Meadery

738 W. National Rd., Vandalia, OH 45377

So you want mead but your friend or significant other prefers beer? Cover all the bases at Blackbird Meadery. Opened in 2020, Blackbird Meadery shares space with Hairless Hare Brewery, which offers a wide selection of craft beer to meet any taste. Whatever you're drinking, it will pair well with the pizzas, chicken wings, and bar snacks on the food menu. Check out the Chef's Menu for special dishes such as pulled pork mac 'n' cheese or beef vino marinara bowl. Hours are 4 - 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 2 - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Crafted Artisan Meadery

1189 State Route 43, Mogadore, OH 44260

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At Crafted Artisan Meadery, brewing is truly regarded as an art form. Their goal is to bring traditional mead into the 21st century with some modern updates, making it accessible to everyone. When founder Kent Waldeck moved back to his home state of Ohio from North Carolina, he decided to turn his fascination with brewing into what is still a home-based business. Crafted's stated values include an "anti-ego ethos" that promotes an attitude of humility and humor. The taproom is open Friday from 5 - 9 p.m. and Saturday from noon - 10 p.m. Bottle sales are also available weekdays from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Dutch Creek Winery

12157 State Route 690, Athens, OH 45701

Owners Paul and Cindy Freedman literally use the fruits of their 105-acre farm in creating the mead at Dutch Creek Winery. The couple keeps bees that produce the honey and grow apples, peaches, and pears that flavor the mead, cider, and fruit wines. After friends encouraged Paul and Cindy to sell their products commercially at retail outlets across the state, they decided to open a family-friendly tasting room with additional outdoor seating in the beautiful rural setting. Dutch Creek Winery is open on Friday from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. and Saturday from noon - 8 p.m.

Four Fires Meadery

1683 Lance Point Rd., Unit 108, Maumee, OH 43537

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You've probably heard of garage bands, so why not a garage meadery? That was the humble origin of Four Fires Meadery, as a group of friends gathered to experiment and support each other in their shared interest. Inspired by the original native tribes of Northwest Ohio and their Council of Three Fires, the friends modified the name to signify the fellowship of their group. Food trucks are on hand Friday and Saturday for some good eats. Taproom hours are 4 - 10 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 2 - 10 p.m. Saturday.

Woodland Cellars

212 N. Main St., Hubbard, OH 44425

When you visit Woodland Cellars, chances are good that owners Nate and Dani Wilson will be the first ones to greet you. Their hands-on approach applies to everything from making mead based on a 700-year-old recipe to operating the tasting room. Mead serves as inspiration for menu items such as the Eye of Odin burger, prepared with a mead reduction and a mead mustard sauce. Woodland Cellars has become known for their Sunday brunches, which feature make-your-own breakfast pizza, omelette, breakfast sandwich, or waffle, along with bottomless mimosas. Hours are 4 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, 4 - 10 p.m. Thursday, 4 - 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sunday.

Like Bees to Honey

In addition to food and beverage, honey has an amazing number of applications, ranging from hair conditioner to treatment for mosquito bites. Do you have a favorite use for honey?