Hyde Park has always maintained a small town ethos, with its focal point the picturesque Hyde Park Square – a vintage downtown, containing a traffic island park surrounded by boutique storefronts.
Hyde Park still offers some of what has always made it famous and some hidden charms of which outsiders may not be aware.
Here's a weekend itinerary to help you make the most of your visit.
Some may quibble that the Revue is Madisonville, but borders are porous – and besides, the barbecue is too good here not to be co-opted by Hyde Parkers. No one wants to cook at the end of the workweek, though some would like to luxuriate at home before launching their evening. Order some carryout from Barbecue Revue, which features their signature sauce, a concoction distinct from the great BBQ traditions of Kansas City or North Carolina. Slather over whole or quarter chicken and the tender, pitch-perfect ribs. Sides of macaroni, green beans and baked beans are mandatory. BBQ Revue is a singular experience, not unlike The Cincinnati Dinner Train, which starts and ends its journey at BBQ Revue’s location on Madison road.
On your way home, pick up some libations at Dutch’s. Drive or walk up and receive one-on-one sidewalk service at the dock. Dutch’s, which has undergone an up-scaling over the years, has a beer and wine list unparalleled in the area and complemented by prodigious expertise. I was recently recommended the local Mt. Carmel Nutbrown Ale and thoroughly enjoyed it. A detailed rundown of the offerings is available at Dutch’s website – dutchswine.com, which sounds like an outlet for anti-Netherlands sentiment. The website may bill Dutch’s as a “Wine Merchant + Beer Dock,” but many of us will always call it a pony keg. Dutch’s is a gem not to be missed.
Arthur's Cafe
The friendly neighbor bar is an endangered species, but Arthur’s is hanging tough, attracting a cross-generational crowd that includes a healthy stable of regulars. It wall of caricatures pays homage to frequent visitors and local celebs. There’s a collegial atmosphere here which says “bar” more than “nightspot.” Arthurs offers good burgers and good booze. Burger Madness, which runs Sundays through Tuesdays, features all burgers for $7.00 with unlimited toppings. Arthur’s is a good for a launch pad or place where everyone might some day know your name.
The Echo
Another Hyde Park institution that hasn’t lost its authenticity over time, The Echo offers the charms of a classic diner unadulterated by modern flair. The Echo rivals the big-menu New York diners, but with more reasonable prices and that ineffable Midwestern appeal. A good place to get a full-bodied, All American breakfast to jumpstart your day and let you fill your guilt quota.
Carl's Deli
Another vintage Hyde Park classic, Carl’s deli boasts great sandwiches that brown baggers clamor for. Try virtually anything on the blackboard, but suggested complements include an oatmeal cookie and Orangina. On field trip days, a packed lunch from Karl’s is sufficient for bragging rights.
Coffee Emporium
After, let’s say, an early morning stroll through Ault Park, caffeinate at Coffee Emporium. The converted private residence is cozy and features outdoor patio seating and an upstairs tea room. There’s a comforting aroma that permeates, reflecting the great selection of beans for purchase. Smoothies and other enticements and coffee paraphernalia are available. Just across Erie avenue from the serpentine, Gaudi-esque “Alien House,” Coffee Emporium is a nice antidote to a certain coffee vendor – slash - record label.
The virtues of Graeter's Ice Cream are well chronicled, even beyond the reaches of the Greater Cincinnati area. The uniquely crafted confection, made in the “French pot” style, has its place in the pantheon of Cincinnati Things. The Hyde Park location, situated primely on Hyde Park Square, has kept its ties to the community and resistance to being sullied by a sleek update. The flavor of the month, which varies to suit the season keeps the faithful coming in even during winter months. Pumpkin Pie is currently on tap.
Like the neighborhood bar – or virtually anything with the word neighborhood in front of it, the neighborhood grocer is also a modern rarity. Sunshine on Erie is an especially refreshing treasure of the neighborhood, offering home grocery delivery. One can’t help but feel the pangs of nostalgia with a staff that knows its customers and offers monthly tabs for regulars. Fresh meats and produce with service befitting the name have helped Sunshine to keep its footing where other neighborhood grocers have fallen by the wayside. Pick up some goetta for Sunday brunch.
Hap’s is one of the few places in town that offers a full plate of European sports coverage in an atmosphere that can legitimately claim to transport patrons to the Emerald Isle. But the renowned Irish pub is home to more than soccer and rugby enthusiasts. The annual St. Patrick’s Day blowout may be its revenue bonanza, but Hap’s draws in young and old year round with its Old World appeal and a Guinness that simply tastes better here. Also visit the adjoining Eire on Erie gift shop.
Hyde Park Thai spot scores high for quality, value
And finally: Busken Bakery
Open virtually 24 hours a day, Busken gives night owls a chance to fill up a box of donuts at their whim, while weekend warriors can get a stiff, black coffee to rise with the sun. The allure of the cupcakes, pastries and other treats are rendered irresistible by the aromas that seem to be blow from the bakery into the storefront.
What other people are saying...
daveyb from Hyde Park - October 28, 2009 at 2:40 PM
This hits the main highlights of traditional HP life, except for the sushi surge of recent years. It is too easy to pass through other neighborhood...
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