Try 9 of the Best Restaurants near TQL Stadium 🍔🍴⚽

There are many activities that people enjoy doing to relax and spend time with their friends and loved ones. Some people prefer to spend time outdoors, participating in recreational activities such as: fishing, hunting, camping, or hiking. Others may prefer attending concerts, spending an evening at the movie theater, or relaxing at the symphony. Some people are sports fans and prefer spending an evening at the ballpark or traveling to another city to support their favorite football team. 

If you are a soccer fan in Cincinnati, you are probably familiar with TQL Stadium, which is home to Cincinnati’s professional soccer team. Not only does the stadium give visitors the opportunity to watch professional soccer, but it also hosts music concerts as well. Whether you are a long time resident of Cincinnati, or visiting the city from abroad, be sure to stop by to see this beautiful stadium!

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Before we talk about some of the best restaurants near TQL Stadium, we need to take a minute to discuss GiftYa’s new GiftYa Select card that is now available! GiftYa is a gift card company that provides gift cards to thousands of merchants all across the country, including both local and national brands. With this new GiftYa select option, the recipient can purchase a gift card from any of the merchants available in their expansive catalog. Want to know how it works? Simply browse to the GiftYa catalog website and choose the GiftYa Select option. When you purchase the gift card, you can choose the amount of money that you want to give the recipient of the card. 

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Now that you know all about the great advantages of GiftYa, let’s talk about some of the best restaurants near TQL Stadium!

1. Pepp & Dolores

Come downtown for some great Italian food!

📍 1501 Vine Street | Over the Rhine | peppanddolores.com 

Hungry for Italian food? Look no further than Pepp and Dolores in the Over the Rhine area of Cincinnati! This is a a causal Italian restaurant inspired by “inspired by the spirit and sense of hospitality experienced at Sunday supper in the home [their| grandparents.” The food at the restaurant pays tribute to family and the food that brings people together. From their homemade pastas to their family recipes, the delicious food at Pepp and Dolores Restaurant will make you feel right at home!

Some of the appetizers available on their menu include Salumi and Cheese, marinated cucumbers, and Carpaccio Piemontese. Pasta options include: Limone, Lobster, Amatriciana, Pomodoro, and Gricia. Interested in the side options? Choose from great options such as: meatballs, grilled shrimp, braised pork, veal cutlets, charred broccolini, and eggplant involtini  If you are a fan of Italian food, this is a great place to get dinner with the family before a soccer game!

“It really does live up to the hype. My favorite was the lemon pasta, but everything I had was delicious. Top tier service and a beautiful atmosphere here.” - Yelp Review 

2. The Eagle OTR 

Comfort food that will take you back to the South!

📍 1342 Vine Street | Over the Rhine | theeagleotr.com 

Fly high with some delicious American-style food from The Eagle! This restaurant’s specialty is their house-brined and dredged fried chicken and southern sides. Not only is their fried chicken delicious, but it is also high quality. The restaurant uses free range, all-natural birds. Their chicken, combined with southern side dishes and sandwiches, will make you feel like you are back at grandma’s kitchen!. 

Some chicken options available on their menu  include: whole chicken, half chicken quarter chicken, and drumsticks. Are you interested in a sandwich instead? Choose from a variety of options including: fried chicken, grilled cheese, Carolina braised pork, fried chicken BLT, and herb grilled chicken. Available sides include collards, fries, coleslaw spoonbread, homemade biscuits, and much more. 

Do you have an upcoming birthday party, work party, or graduation? The Eagle offers event and catering service as well. They are available to accommodate events with as as many as 25 guests. Full restaurant buyouts may be possible for larger gatherings if needed. The restaurant also offers catering if you are interested in hosting your event elsewhere. 

“Fried chicken is delicious. Pour some of that hot honey [on it] and it is a chef’s kiss. Even the chicken breast was very juicy! I am not a big Mac and cheese fan, but you can’t say no to the Mac and cheese here. Service was wonderful.” - Yelp Review 

3. Losanti

Hungry for some protein? Stop in at Losanti for a steak!

📍 1401 Race Street | Over The Rhine | losantiotr.com 

Passing through the area on your way to an evening soccer match? Stop for dinner at Losanti's and see why it is one of the best restaurants near TQL Stadium. This is a great place for all the steak-lovers out there!

Come and enjoy the experience of an Italian steakhouse. Whether you are interested in stopping by for dinner or planning a wedding celebration, Losanti is the place for you! Their hand-crafted pasta and in-house butchered and perfectly-charred steaks, show their dedication to serving high quality food! 

If this sounds appetizing, stop in and choose from one of their many excellent menu options. Need to whet your appetite? Get started with some appetizers, which includes fresh oysters, prime steak tartare, mussels, French onion soup, and many others. After you are finished with the appetizers, order one of their mouth-watering entrees such as: prime filet mignon, prime ribeye, prime NY strip, Steak and Frites, Amish chicken marsala, grilled swordfish, Faroe Island salmon, Frenched pork parmesan, or the Losanti burger. 

“Went to Losanti for my birthday party following several recommendations. Wonderful service and even better food. We will have to return to try additional menu items.” - Yelp Review 

4. Abigail Street 

Stop in and try some excellent Mediterranean food!

📍 1214 Vine Street | Over The Rhine | abigailstreet.com 

Whether you are from the Middle East, or whether you are just someone who enjoys their food, you have found the right place! Abigail Street is one of the best restaurants near TQL Stadium. The restaurant is “known for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern inspired shared plates with a rustic twist.” If you are on your way to a game or just passing through the area, stop by for some great food!

Interested in what is on the menu? Choose from one of the many menu options, which includes: lamb spaghetti, roasted beets and lebna, bouillabaisse, Merguez stuffed dates, sweet potato gnocchi, charcoal grilled short rib, ricotta and local honey, or gambas al ajillo. 

If you want to be sure that there is an open table, you can plan ahead and make a reservation before your visit. Reservations are specifically designed for six or fewer guests. If you are planning on a group larger than seven people, be sure to call in advance!

“I went while visiting Cincinnati. Such a wonderful experience! The staff was super friendly and the food was excellent! Definitely will be going back on my next visit.” - Yelp Review  

5. Milkman

Stop in at Milkman’s and grab a burger or hot dog for lunch!

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📍 1106 Race Street | Over The Rhine | milkmanbar.com 

Want to know what Milkman’s restaurant is all about? This restaurant serves traditional American food options including hot dogs, burgers, and shakes. It is one of the best restaurants near TQL Stadium and it is a great place to get some food before or after the game! 

Some options available on their menu include: smashed burger options such as: Milkman, cowboy, PBR, spicy and deluxe. If you are not interested in a burger, they have plenty of other options as well. Try one of their fried chicken options, which include: classic crispy chicken, buffalo crispy chicken and buffalo crispy chicken. When you are finished with your meal, be sure to try one of their excellent dessert options including: shakes, soft serve ice cream, fudge brownie, and more. 

“Delicious OTR diner concept. We got lunch here on a rainy Saturday and were pleasantly surprised by the quality and quantity of the food. Highly suggest the shakes, club, milkman burger.” - Yelp Review 

6. Wildweed

Interested in noodles or seafood? Try Wildweed restaurant in OTR!

📍 1301 Walnut Street | Over The Rhine | wildweed-restaurant.com 

Wildweed restaurant started as a pasta pop-up restaurant in 2018, but has since grown into 225 pop-ups and two permanent locations. Stop in for lunch or dinner and see what this great restaurant has to offer you. 

Some available options on their menu include: beef tartare, oysters, beet salad, spinach, ‘Ranger’ chicken tortelli, lasagna, potato gnocchi, seared albacore tuna, smoked ribeye steak, and more. Interested in sending someone a Milkman's gift card? Choose the amount that you wish to give the recipient, and simply text or email the card to them.

“Simply amazing.The food (we did the chef’s table) is a whole adventure in your mouth and the vibe and attention to every small detail in experience is unparalleled anywhere else in the city.” - Yelp Review  

7. Soul Secrets

It’s not a secret! This restaurant is a great place to get some traditional southern food.

📍 1034 Vine Street | Over The Rhine | soulsecretscincy.com 

Looking for some good southern and soul food, try Soul Secrets in the OTR area. This restaurant uses recipes that have been passed down through the family from previous generations 

This restaurant offers a wide range of menu options such as: roasted chicken quarters, hot chicken sandwich, fried catfish, salmon croquettes, fish sandwich, vegan pot pie, and many other delicious choices. This is also a great place to host your next event. Check out all the information you need, which includes event menu options and pricing.

“I specifically ordered the 2-piece catfish meal with mac and cheese/sweet potatoes and everything was hot and fresh. Everyone was friendly and the establishment was clean.” - Yelp Review  

8. Kanji OTR 

Kanji is a great place to get some sushi or Korean food!

📍 1739 Elm Street | Over The Rhine | kanjiotr.com 

Kanji OTR specializes in “half-priced sushi or authentic Korean fare.” If this sounds interesting, stop by Kanji OTR and fill that growling tummy! If you are planning on bringing a group greater than five guests, it is recommended that you call in advance to make sure there is space available. 

You can choose from one of their many menu options, which includes: dolsot bibimbap, choonchun chicken, seafood bupbap, bulgogi, galbi (Korean BBQ), spicy seafood, ramyun, and much more. 

“The food was delish! I have never had Korean cuisine so this was a pleasure. We tried the wings, choonchun chicken, and Joe Burrow roll. My favorite were the wings, which were so crispy and the sauce was delicious.” - Yelp Review  

9. Razzo 

Stop in at Razzo’s and try some mouth-watering cuisine!

📍 1201 Broadway | Over The Rhine | razzo.pizza 

Whether you need to take a break from work and eat lunch, or whether you want to take the whole family out for a delicious dinner, stop by Ruzzo’s restaurant and get some of their excellent Italian food!

Some pasta options that are available on their menu include: spaghetti and meatballs, bolognese, and Carbonara. Interested in ordering a pizza, choose from options including: Pepperoni, Margherita, Diavola, and The Greens. 

“Razzo is such a delicious surprise; I wish I got pictures. The pasta was top tier. We got the Cacio and the Bolognese. We had several tasty starters: brocolini, the brussel sprouts, meatball, and focaccia. Highly recommend all of them. Razzp is right up there with some of the best Italian in Cincy.” - Yelp Review  

Well folks, that’s the end of our guide to some of the best restaurants near TQL Stadium!

Interested in visiting some other great restaurants while you are in Cincinnati? Check out the GiftYa catalog for gift cards to countless local restaurants and national franchises!