THE RACCOON DIARIES MAY 28 > CINCINNATI'S WEEKLY FOODIE NEWSLETTER
Each week, savor handpicked food gems from five buzzing cities, served with a side of cheeky humor and vibrant stories that make your taste buds dance.
Jamie the Racoon
5/28/20268 min read
WHAZZZUPPPP Foodies!!!
It's Jamie the Raccoon, fresh out of an Over-the-Rhine alley with both paws absolutely full of Queen City food intel! Cincinnati is on FIRE right now James Beard nominees, stunning new openings, a legendary market rebranding, and some of the best weekly deals in Ohio all in one city. Reds are playing, summer is here, and the food scene is popping. Stretchy pants on, bib tied deals first!
DEALS AND STEALS — BEST GRABS IN CINCINNATI
Pins Mechanical Co. OTR — Happy Hour Until 7 p.m., Monday Through Friday
The beloved Over-the-Rhine entertainment bar at 1124 Main St. runs happy hour Monday through Friday until 7 p.m. with $2 off speciality cocktails, draft beer, and wine. The cocktail lineup includes the Hulk Hogan (blueberry vodka, lemonade, and a Bomb Pop), and the rooftop bar features duckpin bowling, pinball machines, foosball, bocce, and shuffleboard. A social gathering place that rewards you for showing up early. Hours: Monday through Thursday 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday 4 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Also, a Mason location at 5272 District Park Drive for the east side crowd. pinsbar.com/locations/cincinnati.
Cobblestone OTR — Happy Hour Monday Through Friday, 3 to 7 p.m.
One of the most generous happy hours in OTR. Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m.: $1 off house cocktails, $3 domestic cans, $2 Bud Light drafts, $3 well drinks, and $5.50 for Tito's Vodka. 1132 Race St. in Over-the-Rhine. No-frills, all welcome, four hours of deals every weekday.
The Melting Pot Cincinnati — Half-Price Fondue Happy Hour, Weekdays 5 to 7 p.m.
Half off cheese and chocolate fondues Monday through Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. in the bar area only, plus $9 handcrafted cocktails, beer and wine specials. They also do a First Friday special with all-night drink deals on the first Friday of every month — that's June 6 this week. Check meltingpot.com/cincinnati-oh for details.
Great American Ball Park — New Fan Zone Food Hub ALL Season
The Cincinnati Reds just unveiled a new Food Hub grab-and-go marketplace in the Fan Zone for the 2026 season. The open-market layout inside the ballpark features Skyline Chilli, LaRosa's Pizza, Wings & Rings, Porkopolis, and Rosie's Ice Cream alongside signature burgers, hot dogs, snacks, and drinks. Two additional soft-serve ice cream stands have also been added. If you're heading to a Reds game, the food situation inside the park is better than it has ever been. mlb.com/reds for game schedule.
Cincinnati FoodieCards 2026 — $15 for $500+ in Dining Value
This is one of the most underrated deals in the city. The Cincinnati FoodieCards are currently available at 50% off — just $15 (normally $30). Each card includes a $10 off voucher at participating restaurants, giving you more than $500 in total dining value. Available through everythingcincy.com while supplies last.
Cincinnati Lager House — Game Day Deals on The Banks
Formerly Moerlein Lager House, now rebranded as Cincinnati Lager House at 115 Joe Nuxhall Way on The Banks, this riverfront brewpub offers gameday specials all season long. Head there before or after any Reds game for fresh-brewed craft lager right next to Great American Ball Park. 513-421-2337.
Findlay Market — Ohio's Oldest Public Market, Six Days a Week
Findlay Market at 1801 Race St. in Over-the-Rhine is open Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Monday). Over 50 full-time merchants selling meat, fish, poultry, produce, flowers, cheese, deli, ethnic foods, and more. The weekend Farmers Market in the Farm Shed runs year-round on Saturdays and Sundays. Most vendors accept SNAP Plus, EBT, and Produce Perks. This is the heart of Cincinnati's local food scene and has been since 1855. findlaymarket.org. 513-665-4839.
Farmers Markets Running Right Now Across Greater Cincinnati
The city has one of the densest farmers' market networks in Ohio. Here's what's running this week:
Findlay Market Farmers Market — Saturdays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., year-round. 1801 Race St., OTR. Northside Farmers Market — Wednesdays 4 to 7 p.m. through October. Hoffner Park. SNAP accepted. East Walnut Hills Farmers Market — Fridays 3 to 6 p.m. through October 23. 1523 Madison Road. Open this week. Anderson Farmers Market — Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon. 8101 Beechmont Ave., Saint Timothy's Episcopal Church. Sayler Park Farmers Market — Tuesdays 4 to 7 p.m. June through September. Opened June 2. Nelson Sayler Memorial Park. Union Township Civic Center Farmers Market — Fridays 4 to 7 p.m. June 5 through October. 4350 Aicholtz Road. Opens THIS FRIDAY. OTR Craft and Farmers Market — Thursdays 3 to 7 p.m. starting June 11 through July 23. Washington Park, OTR. Madeira Farmers Market — Thursdays 4 to 7 p.m., Dawson Road at Miami Ave., through October 29. Accepts SNAP/EBT, Produce Perks, and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Coupons. Fort Thomas Farmers Market — Tuesdays 3 to 7 p.m. through September. Mess Hall at Tower Park. Already open.
EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES
OTR Pride Visibility Kick-Off at Findlay Market — June 5, 6, and 7
Findlay Market kicks off Cincinnati Pride with its OTR Pride Visibility event running June 5 through June 7. The market is a hub of activity all weekend long with vendors, performers, and community organizations. Free to attend. 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine. Check findlaymarket.org for the full weekend schedule.
Juneteenth Jubilee at Findlay Market — June 21
Mark your calendars now. Findlay Market's Juneteenth Jubilee is on June 21, a community celebration featuring food, culture, vendors, and music. The preceding Juneteenth Panel and Group Discussion is on June 19. Both events are free at 1801 Race St., OTR.
Panegyri Greek Festival — June 26, 27, and 28
The annual Cincinnati Greek Festival returns June 26 through 28 at Holy Trinity – St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 7000 Winton Road, Cincinnati. Authentic Greek food, music, dancing, and culture all weekend. Free to attend. This is one of the best food festivals in the city every single year.
Cincinnati Concours d'Elegance — June 14 at Ault Park
Classic cars and great outdoor vibes at Ault Park, 3600 Observatory Ave. June 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Food vendors on site. Benefits charity. Check the event page for ticket info.
James Beard Awards — June 15 in Chicago
Three Greater Cincinnati chefs are finalists. Sarah Dworak of Sudova and Jeffery Harris of Nolia Kitchen are both finalists for Best Chef: Great Lakes. David Willocks of Baker's Table in Newport is a finalist for Best Chef: Southeast. The ceremony is June 15 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Cincinnati has as many finalists as Chicago this year — that is not a small thing. Raise a glass at Sudova, Nolia, or Baker's Table on June 15 and send them some Queen City love. And keep an eye out — Vinnie Cimino from Cleveland's Cordelia is also in that Great Lakes category, so Ohio is dominating.
NEW OPENINGS — FRESH
SPOTS AND WHAT'S COMING
Dean's Mediterranean Table — Now Open in Northside
This is one of the best food stories in Cincinnati this year. Dean's Mediterranean Imports, the beloved Findlay Market store that has been a Cincinnati institution since Dean Zaidan emigrated from Lebanon and opened it in 1986, has finally expanded into a full restaurant. His daughter Kate Zaidan, who took over the store in 2014, has opened Dean's Mediterranean Table at 4024 Hamilton Ave. in Northside after five years of construction. The menu features Lebanese dishes built from Zaidan family recipes — falafel, baba ghanouj, chicken shawarma, hand pies, platters, and more. Also on the menu: Turkish and Yemeni coffee, both made in a traditional cezve. Kate told reporters, "I grew up in the store. I have memories of sleeping in the back of big bags of lentils." Reservations available at mediterranean-imports.com. 513-541-0064.
MADRES Modern Mexican — Now Open
MADRES Modern Mexican opened on May 2, offering vibrant Mexican cuisine, bold cocktails, and a polished atmosphere in the Cincinnati area. The concept is elevated, social, and already generating buzz. Check @madresmodern on social media for location and hours.
Skyline Chili at Fountain Square — Open or Opening Imminently
Skyline Chilli has officially announced a new location in the former March First space at The Eateries at Fifth Third Centre on Fountain Square — right between Potbelly and City Bird. This is not your average Skyline. It features a beer-and-wine bar, a private party room, a large dining room, and carryout and delivery. CEO Dick Williams said, "Fountain Square is the heartbeat of Cincinnati, and Skyline has always been about bringing people together." Spring 2026 targeted opening. Check skylinechili.com or Fountain Square's social media for the current status.
Knuckles Deli — Open on Riverside Drive
A new Chicago-inspired deli bringing Italian beef, stacked sandwiches, and classic deli comfort food to Cincinnati on Riverside Drive. Focused on lunch runs, casual dinners, and bold flavors. Check @knucklesdeli on social media for current hours.
CAVA — First Ohio Location Now Open in Oakley
CAVA, the Mediterranean fast-casual chain, opened its first Ohio location at 3356 Madison Road in Oakley Station on March 13, 2026. 3,200-square-foot location with a bright dining room, digital order pickup, and delivery. Bold Mediterranean grain bowls, pitas, and salads built to order. cava.com.
Cincinnati Lager House — New Name, Same Great Riverfront Brewery
In March 2026, the beloved Moerlein Lager House at 115 Joe Nuxhall Way on The Banks officially rebranded as Cincinnati Lager House. Managing Member Greg Hardman said at the announcement: "This evolution allows us to celebrate not just one chapter of Cincinnati's brewing history, but the entire story — from the early 1800s when Cincinnati became known as the Beer Capital of the World, to today's vibrant craft brewing community." Same award-winning beers, same incredible Ohio River views, fresh identity. 513-421-2337.
ON JAMIE'S RADAR — COMING SOON
Rhinegeist Expansion and Summer Events
Rhinegeist Brewery in OTR continues to be one of Cincinnati's great food and drink destinations and runs events throughout the summer, including community mixers and speciality tap nights. Check @rhinegeist on Instagram (follow them — they post constantly about what's on tap) for upcoming June events. Their rooftop is one of the best outdoor drinking spots in the city once the weather cooperates.
Juneteenth Jubilee at Findlay Market — June 21
Already mentioned in Events, but worth a second flag. This is a big community celebration with food at its center. Mark June 21 on your calendar. Free. Findlay Market, OTR.
Night Market at Findlay Market — July 18
Coming up next month — Findlay Market's annual Night Market is July 18. One of the most atmospheric food events in Cincinnati every year. Get it on your calendar early.
OTR Craft and Farmers Market — Every Thursday, June 11 to July 23
Starting Thursday, June 11, at Washington Park in OTR, 3 to 7 p.m. every Thursday through late July. A perfect after-work market with local food, craft vendors, and the full OTR neighborhood vibe around you. Free to attend.
June 15 — James Beard Awards
Sarah Dworak. Jeffery Harris. David Willocks. Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky on the national stage. Raise a glass that night wherever you are.
That's a wrap from Jamie the Raccoon!
That is a wrap from Jamie the Raccoon in Cincinnati! The Queen City is absolutely cooking right now, a Findlay Market legend expanding into a proper restaurant, three James Beard finalists heading to Chicago, a historic brewery with a powerful new identity, and great deals every single day of the week. Support your locals, shop the farmers' markets, tip your servers, and go do something delicious this week.
Got a tip? A deal? A new opening? A chef making moves? Send it in, and Jamie will dig it up.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this newsletter is for general informational purposes only. The racoon diaries makes no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of any information published herein. Pricing, hours, deals, and event details are subject to change without notice. The racoon diaries is an independent publication and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any business, brand, or venue mentioned herein. Readers should independently verify all information before acting upon it. All content is the property of The racoon diaries and may not be reproduced without written permission. © The racoon diaries 2026. All rights reserved.
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