Located on the east side of Cincinnati, Pleasant Ridge is a small neighborhood with a lot to love. Listed as “one of the best neighborhoods in Cincinnati to live in” by Niche.com due to low crime rates, excellent public schools, and affordable housing, the area has a lot to offer in the form of cafes, restaurants, bars, shops, and more.
Situated just 15 minutes from downtown, 10 minutes from the trendy neighborhoods of Hyde Park and Mt. Lookout, and just 5 minutes from Oakley, Pleasant Ridge is a short drive away from many of the best bars, breweries, festivals, and events that regularly take place around the Queen City.
The neighborhood itself is fairly walkable and no matter where you find yourself in the area, odds are you’re only a short walk from several restaurants, shops, and other attractions.
If you’re interested in moving to or visiting Pleasant Ridge and you’re curious about what there is to do, here is a list of the 10 best things to do around the neighborhood.
10. Apricot Coffee House
Update: Unfortunately Apricot Coffee House has closed permanently.
9. Queen City Comic & Card Company
Number 9 on our list is Queen City Comic & Card Company, a comic book and collectible shop that originally opened in 1987. This is one of the most unique places to stop by in Pleasant Ridge simply because of the impressive size of their collection of comics, graphic novels, trading cards, toys, and movie posters.
The store is constantly obtaining new inventory and even purchases quality collections from collectors and traders. Even if you’re not interested in comics or trading cards, this is a neat store to pop in and look around.
Website: Queen City Comics
Location: 6101 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45213
8. Share Cheesebar
Coming in at number 8 is Share Cheesebar, a cheese shop located in the heart of Pleasant Ridge. The shop specializes in artisanal cheese and charcuterie along with locally baked fresh bread and a variety of gourmet items that complement a cheese board perfectly.
The shop also offers a nice selection of wines and craft beers to go with the cheese. When you visit, you have the option of enjoying a board of cheese and a drink right inside the shop or you can have it packed up to go so you can snack on it at your own home.
Website: Share Cheesebar
Location: 6105 Ridge Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45213
7. Everybody’s Records
Next up on our list is Everybody’s Records, a local independent record store that has been around since 1978. The store specializes in buying, selling and trading used records and cassette tapes. This is a truly unique place to visit in the neighborhood and one that epitomizes the unique character of Pleasant Ridge.
With a massive collection of records including genres like rap, rock, sould, jazz, reggae, blues, hardcore, country, gospel and more, the story offers something for everyone to check out.
Website: Everybody’s Records
Location: 6106 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45213
6. Casa Figueroa
Coming in at number 6 is Casa Figueroa, a latin-inspired restaurant specializing in tacos, quesadillas, nachos, and other latin-themed dishes. Along with the authentic cuisine, the restaurant has an impressive cocktail menu that nicely complements the food.
Visit Casa Fig for the Mexican folk artwork, wall-sized murals and decor, and stay for the food and drinks.
Website: Casa Fig
Location: 6112 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45213
5. Pleasant Ridge Chili
Next up on our list is Pleasant Ridge Chili, the most popular local place to grab a 3-way chili, a cheese coney, a salad, or a burger. Notorious for being open until 4AM every night of the week (except Sundays), this is the most common spot for locals to visit after a long night out.
The restaurant was even featured on the Travel Channel once, since it’s such a well-known chili place in the Queen City. Stop by for the quality food and stay for the excellent service and friendly small-town vibe.
Website: Pleasant Ridge Chili
Location: 6032 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45213
4. Revolution Rotisserie & Bar
Coming in at number 4 on our list is Revolution, a local gastropub located in the heart of Pleasant Ridge known for their rotisserie chicken, meatloaf, pulled pork, grilled salmon, and impressive selection of burgers.
Along with the dishes, Revolution offers an excellent wine list, a rotating selection of seasonal beers, and several craft cocktails. This is one restaurant in Pleasant Ridge that you simply can’t afford to miss.
Website: Revolution
Location: 6063 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45213
3. The Overlook Lodge
Next up on our list is The Overlook Lodge, a hip bar that is based on the one in the mysterious hotel of Stephen King’s novel The Shining.
With a wide variety of unique cocktails, beers, and wines, this is arguably the most popular place to grab a drink in the evenings around Pleasant Ridge. Along with the drinks, the bar offers a small menu of burgers, chips, and salads.
Website: The Overlook Lodge
Location: 6083 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45213
2. The Gas Light Cafe
The runner-up on our list of best things to do in Pleasant Ridge is visit The Gas Light Cafe. This laid back restaurant/bar is one of the most popular places to grab a drink and watch a sports game in the neighborhood.
The restaurant is perhaps most widely known as one of the best places in all of Cincinnati to grab a burger and it has made the top-rated burger lists throughout the Queen City on several occasions. This is one spot that you can’t afford to miss in the neighborhood.
Website: The Gas Light Cafe
Location: 6104 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45213
1. Nine Giant
The number one best thing to do in Pleasant Ridge is visit Nine Giant, a craft brewery located in the heart of the neighborhood.
Open on Tuesday through Sunday, the brewery offers a wide selection of beers, mimosas and cocktails along with a variety of cheeseburgers, nachos, wings, and other delicious dishes.
Website: Nine Giant
Location: 6095 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45213
