Tired of being locked up? I know I am.
Fortunately, the leaves have started to bud and the temperatures are rising. And even though spring technically started over a month ago, I think it’s safe to say that it’s finally, in fact, here.
With the return of warmer weather comes the return of quality days on the porch. I don’t know about you, but I can’t think of many things I appreciate more than a cool breeze on my skin and a cold beer in my hand.
Luckily, Cincinnati has plenty of breweries that feature great outdoor seating areas. Here are some of the best in town, as voted on by the Cincinnati Craft Beer Club on Facebook.
West Fifty
If you love spacious outdoor spaces, perhaps no place in Cincinnati has more space than the Fifty West campus in Mariemont, which takes up about half of the East Side municipality.
OK, that’s a bit of a stretch. It’s closer to a quarter. But Fifty West is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts. You can sip a beer on the bank of the Little Miami River or hit the brewery’s beach volleyball courts and pretend you’re sitting on the beach.
And there is also plenty of beer to drink. Between the Fifty West Production Works and the Fifty West Burger Bar, there are nearly four dozen draft beers on tap. Grab a burger, grab a beer, take a seat and let go of your worries.
Fifty West, 7605 Wooster Pike, Mariemont. fiftywestbrew.com.
Little Miami Brewery
Located just uphill from Fifty West, Little Miami has carved out a great outdoor space in the heart of Old Milford.
I recently visited Little Miami for the first time, and the first thing that struck me about its outdoor seating area is the ambiance. It’s laid back, man. The lawn is dotted with Adirondack chairs. The patio has a large large built-in fireplace. It feels like relaxing at a campsite by the river.
And then there’s the upper balcony, which offers guests a bird’s eye view of the scenic riverfront. It’s awesome, and definitely worth a visit.
Little Miami Brewery, 208 Mill St., Milford. littlemiamibrewing.com.
Fibonacci
You won’t find another brewery in Cincinnati like Fibonacci.
Fib, as it is affectionately known by regulars and employees, has an outdoor seating area that reminds me of the kind of place my family had a get together when I was a kid. There are lots of trees, lots of shade, and lots of patio furniture and picnic tables.
But here’s what makes it unique: Fibonacci has its own urban farm with goats and chickens. And right next to it is Fib’s two-room Airbnb.
Not unique to Cincinnati: the beer is good.
Fibonacci, 1445 Compton Road, Mount Healthy. fibbrew.com.
probe
Like I said, good beer isn’t unique to Cincinnati, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better selection than Sonder Brewing’s in Mason.
You also won’t find many places with more spacious outdoor space. Sonder has a large lot for guests of all ages. If you have kids or don’t mind drinking with them, this is probably the place to go.
Sonder Brewing, 8584 Duke Blvd., Mason. sonderbrewing.com.
narrow path
Nestled in downtown Loveland, Narrow Path is a must-visit spot for anyone who likes to drink outdoors.
What I love about Narrow Path is how close it is to so many great restaurants and other craft beer spots. For example, my favorite bottle and pint store, Cappy’s, is just a hop, hop, and hop away. This makes Narrow Path a great place for an impromptu visit.
Make no mistake, though: Narrow Path is a destination brewery. They make great beer (I’m a big fan of their coconut porter), and they deserve to be the centerpiece of your evening or weekend plans.
Narrow Path Brewing, 106 Karl Brown Way, Loveland. narrowpathbrewing.com.
Matt Koesters is a freelance journalist and business writer. Email him at [email protected] to tell him about that new beer you just tried and love, to complain about beer stuff that makes you irrationally angry, or to share news on the beer you think the city needs to know. Look for another edition of Cincinnati’s top craft brewery patio spots soon!
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