WEST END

The historic West End neighborhood is having quite the moment these days. Bordering Over-the-Rhine and spanning just over two miles, the West End is an example of Cincinnati’s past, present, and future converging in one region, with all the commerce and progress that confluence entails.

The West End’s population currently sits at just over 6,800. Once upon a time, that number was much larger. The construction of I-75 in the 1950s and 1960s took out huge swaths of the residential portions of the West End. This development erased important history and communities, notably that of the Kenyon-Barr section and many Black residents. This history and loss is being recognized and honored more in recent days.

The construction on Central Parkway of TQL Stadium, home of the Major League FC Cincinnati soccer team, was a signifier of the push to reimagine and reinvent the West End. Historically home to a variety of businesses, including slaughterhouses and breweries, the West End saw its original heyday in the first half of the 19th Century, when Cincinnati was still a renowned hog market. Today, the West End retains an eclectic albeit smaller mix of urban residential properties, boutique businesses, and growing opportunity.

Some businesses, like Ollie’s Trolley, have stood the test of time, keeping devotees and finding new fans as the years go by. Formerly part of a chain of Ollie’s Trolleys across the nation, today, there are just three locations left, one being our very own red trolley on Central Avenue in the West End. The chain was founded by former Kentucky governor John Y. Brown, who also owned for a period of time another famous chain: Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Situated inside a quaint red-and-yellow trolley, this take-out restaurant is famous for its delectably-spiced burgers and variety of soul food. Walk up to Ollie’s and you’re greeted by bright red steps and railing and signage proclaiming Ollie’s to have the World’s Greatest Hamburger in delightfully Old-World font. The menu is attached to the side of the trolley, with a befitting quote: “Just like eating at home.”

An array of miniature kids’ play cars are sprinkled outside – several lined up like a train on top of the huge black smokers behind the trolley, and some filled with vibrant plants. In fact, greenery and plants can be found across Ollie’s footprint, and it makes for a relaxing, garden-like feel in the midst of concrete and steel.

The West End’s culinary scene is a mix of established local favorites and newer additions, catering to a diverse palate. While it may not boast the same density of trendy spots as some other Cincinnati neighborhoods, it offers authentic and beloved options. Beyond general eateries, the presence of Findlay Market on its eastern edge (though often associated with Over-the-Rhine, it’s very accessible to the West End) provides an incredible array of food vendors, fresh produce, and international flavors, significantly contributing to the area’s dining landscape.

The West End’s vibe is one of resilience and a renewed sense of community, interwoven with visible reminders of its past. Landmarks like Union Terminal, a magnificent Art Deco train station now home to the Cincinnati Museum Center, stand as testaments to the area’s historical importance as a transit hub. The Betts House, Ohio’s oldest brick house (built in 1804), further anchors the neighborhood’s deep roots.

While large-scale demolitions for urban development significantly altered its landscape, the West End’s strong community spirit persists, evident in ongoing revitalization efforts and the pride in its heritage.