EAST END

Tucked adjacent to Columbia-Tusculum, the East End might be one of Cincinnati’s smallest neighborhoods, but its history is dense and vivid, and so is its future. This picturesque community boasts a rich array of historic architecture and bustling businesses, welcoming visitors to get acquainted and stay awhile.

Located to the east of downtown Cincinnati, the East End’s population was just under 1,500 according to the 2020 Census. Spanning nearly seven miles, the neighborhood follows the curve of the Ohio River, which has impacted its history over the years. Saint Rose of Lima Church, one of the East End’s many historic gems, has withstood many floods over the years, including the great 1937 flood. High water marks on the church as a testament to its survival.

Originally part of the early 19th-century Fulton Township, the land that would become known as the East End boasted fertile riverbanks that drew pioneer settlers and shipbuilders. By mid-century, the East End had rail connections—the Little Miami Railroad opened its Torrence Road Station in 1907, and the Pendleton rail yards followed suit, helping bolster the area’s industrial character. The East End was annexed into Cincinnati in 1908.

One of the East End’s main dividing roads is Eastern Avenue. It’s here you’ll find Daylily, a gem of a deli-cafe deeply reminiscent of a New York bodega (no cats though.) Founded by Jose Salazar, a renowned and beloved James Beard Award-nominated Cincinnati chef. Daylily boasts a cheerful, sunny vibe and delicious food and drinks. Barstool seating lines the huge front windows, which look out over Eastern and the Carnegie Center of Columbia-Tusculum directly across the street. The back half of Daylily features cafe seating, with plenty of space for laptops and friends. You can choose from a variety of breakfast or lunch, hot or cold, and coffee or tea options.

Try one of their signature options, like the Honey Bear, a latte served hot or cold, made with honey and cinnamon. If you’re hankering for refreshing sparkle, sip on an Egg Cream Coffee Soda: chilled espresso, chocolate, milk, and seltzer. You can also grab a ready-made beverage from the fridge, if you’re looking for something else to whet your whistle. Daylily’s serves Deeper Roots coffee, another Cincinnati native brand.

There are also shelves upon shelves of carefully selected general grocery items. Pick up pasta for dinner, popcorn, toilet paper – you name the household essential, and Daylily almost definitely has it. There’s also a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and other perishable items – onions, potatoes, squash, etc. – available for purchase. The store also features a nice selection of wine, and of course, bags of Deeper Roots coffee beans.

Eastern Avenue isn’t the only location for delicious food in the East End. If you venture closer to the river side, over on Kellogg Avenue, you’ll find a host of other restaurants, bars, and cafes. Perhaps one of the most famous is Eli’s BBQ. A completely unassuming spot with no more signage than the outline of a pig hanging above its door, Eli’s has some of the best pulled pork this side of the Ohio River. Enjoy your sandwich inside and admire the eclectic collection of records, or chow down outside at one of the picnic tables under the wooden pavilion structure and admire the view.

Just two doors down you’ll find Fulton Yards Coffeehouse and Spirits. Named for the East End’s originating Fulton Township, this cozy coffee shop offers a heaping serving of warmth and community. Grab an East End Espresso or sip a seasonal organic tea. If you’re looking for something stronger, try a cocktail like the Eastern Liberties (a nod to the name of an historic iteration of the East End) or a glass of wine or beer. Pastries, snacks, and merch are available, too.

The Hi-Mark is a friendly neighborhood bar serving brews, smashburgers, Lang Thang Chili, brunch on Mondays, and more. Stop into the Swampwater Grill if you’re itching for some delicious Cajun fare, or swing into the Hitching Post for the self-proclaimed ‘World’s Best Fried Chicken’.

If you’re looking for recreation after all that good eating and drinking, need to let your dogs run free, or are training for an Ironman (or even if you’re not) you’ll want to check out the nearby Otto Armleder Park and Lunken Airport. The former is one of Cincinnati’s newest parks, encompassing 347 acres. There’s a huge dog park where your four-legged friends can run to their hearts’ content.

The latter is an important regional flight option in Greater Cincinnati, and an important historical airfield. Charles Lindbergh, before starting his famed non-stop flight across the Atlantic, fueled up at Lunken. Lunken is also the birthplace of American Airlines. The airport and field are owned by the city of Cincinnati. Fittingly, several flight schools are located in the Lunken area. The Lunken Farmer’s Market is open seasonally on the weekends and boasts locally grown produce and other offerings.

With its scenic architecture and views, deeply ingrained history, and growing business offerings, the East End is not to be missed.