OAKLEY

What’s old is new again in more ways than one when it comes to Oakley. This booming Cincinnati neighborhood had a heyday in the mid-19th Century, too, as a popular wagon trail stop on the Madison Turnpike – what is now Madison Road. Representing a healthy mix of older and newer businesses, the 21st Century iteration of Oakley has what must be the same take-off-your-hat-and-stay-awhile vibe as before.  

Some turn-of-the-century staples remain. Take Aglamesis Bros., for example. This charming Edwardian era ice cream shop was established in 1908, five years before Oakley was annexed to Cincinnati. Stepping inside Aglamesis today is like being transported back in time, what with its welcoming old-timey font on the front window under a pink-and-white awning, marble countertops, wrought iron chairs, and decadent candy counter selection. The menu has an old-fashioned vibe, too – choose from a wide variety of options, including egg creams, phosphate sodas, decadent sundaes and more.

Just next door is King Arthur’s Court, which, while it draws its name inspo from an even longer-gone past, has the coolest toys of today – for kids of every age. Established in 1980, King Arthur’s Court has moved just once from another location in Oakley to its current corner storefront. Inside is a smorgasbord of toys – from huge stuffed animals to vibrant story books to shelves full of dinosaur miniatures to an entire wing devoted to Legos to classic dress-up costumes to board games, and, many, many more. 

Want to put on a show for your family? Kids can use costume items and take over the stage. Want to practice archery skills? There’s a bullseye and toy bow and arrow in the basement – er, sorry, in the Dungeon. The Dungeon also has a kid’s dream-come-true play area, complete with treehouses and a zipline. Big kids can get a jolt of nostalgia scoping out the toys that made their childhoods vibrant, too. There’s a larger-than-life knight in shining armor and a resplendent throne fit for a king – King Arthur, to be exact.

Oh, and speaking of royalty, the Artie’s Kid Castle in the back of the store is nothing short of majestic. Artie is the store’s dragon, and if you tell the staff when your kid’s birthday is, Artie will leave treasure in the castle just for them. In short, King Arthur’s Court is a one-of-a-kind toy store that goes above and beyond delivering toys and delivers an unforgettable experience that lingers long after guests leave.

Oakley is home to a plethora of restaurants for every mood. Stop by the Oakley Skyline for lunch, or hit the drive through for takeout. Grab one of several delicious specialty burgers at the Oakley Pub and Grill. Have brunch at the original Sleepy Bee location. The Oakley Kitchen is an eclectic and fun food hall featuring several different Cincinnati restaurants. The Wheel is a self-described neighborhood carryout where you can pick up a pizza, pasta or bread and take it home to enjoy.

Genki Ramen and Izakaya offers delicious ramen and Japanese options. Red Feather Kitchen is great for a more upscale dining experience. The Bagelry will fuel you up after a morning run through town. Treat yourself to something sweet at Ruby’s Chocolates or a dozen somethings sweet at Holtman’s Donut Shop. Dewey’s Pizza has a welcoming location in Oakley. Grab a delicious smoothie at Rooted Juicery + Kitchen. Baba India offers a lunch buffet and a variety of vegetarian selections.

Retail shops abound in Oakley. Peruse the selection of furniture and antiques at Astute Furnishings. Pick up some Cincinnati-branded attire at Rivertown Inkery. Pop into Threads Boutique for something unique. Admire the cutest kids clothes you ever did see at The Spotted Goose. Pop into Deeper Roots for a caffeinated pick-me-up or swing by Redtree Art Gallery and Coffee Shop.

There are plenty of entertainment options in Oakley, too. You can catch the latest blockbuster on the big screen at Cinemark, where the reclining cushioned seats make it the most comfortable movie theater option around. Take in the noise and grab a Cincinnati-brewed beer at MadTree, which is always packed and full of fun. You can get pizza from Catch-a-Fire at MadTree, too, if you don’t feel like leaving. Animations, the Oak, and the Flying Pig Irish Pub are all excellent neighborhood watering holes. If you visit in the evening, you can catch live music inside the wonderfully preserved 20th Century Theater. The Geier Esplanade across the street is great for enjoying a scoop of the afore-mentioned Aglamesis or walking your dog through. 

Home to over 8,000 residents and counting, Oakley also has a variety of service-oriented shops and businesses for its denizens, from law offices to home furnishings, appliances and decor stores to salons and barber shops (like Tip Top Barber Shop, Oasis Face Bar Oakley and Bishops Haircuts) to lifestyle options like Fleet Feet and Body Alive.

All of this and more – Oakley continues to live up to its reputation as a Cincinnati destination.

IN 2023, THESE  BUSINESS DISTRICTS ARE COMING TO THE FOREFRONT