HARRISON

Incorporated in 1850, Harrison, Ohio officially became a city 131 years later, in 1981. Nestled just northeast of Cincinnati, Harrison offers an appealing blend of small-town charm with big-city proximity. With more than 13,000 residents, Harrison has the unprecedented distinction, in an era when older, more established communities experience population attrition, to see year-over-year population growth at 7% annually for the last three years. That’s a glowing testament to the potential you can find in Harrison.

As with any good neighborhood visit, you can tell a lot about a place by its food. And if Market Street Grille is any indication of Harrison’s vibes, you’ll want to get out there ASAP to experience it yourself. Located in an historic building in Harrison’s downtown district, Market Street Grille has a cozy, warm atmosphere that feels welcoming from the minute you walk in. They specialize in comforting, from-scratch meals that taste just like your favorite home cooking – but better, because you don’t have to do the dishes.

If you’re coming in for lunch, you can give the cheesy bacon burger with a fried egg a go, or the Mediterranean flatbread. Don’t overlook the extensive sandwich options, like the classic BLT and the meatloaf sandwich. If you’re joining Market Street Grille for dinner, start your meal with the hummus, or maybe the crab cakes. Heck, why not both? Choose from an extensive variety of main dishes, from steak diane to pork loin, jambalaya to to Thai chicken pasta to vegetable napoleon. There’s a cuisine for every dietary need – and every adventurous palate. Oh, and don’t forget dessert. There’s a rustic apple tart made to order that is truly special, as well as a variety of pies – like the dreamy peanut butter mousse.

As one might expect, in a town with a lot of history, there’s quite the story behind Market Street Grille’s home, too. Built sometime between 1848 and 1856, the first floor of the building, where the restaurant currently resides, was originally a hardware store and coal shop. The restaurant features many reclaimed and salvaged artifacts that have been repurposed for use in a modern restaurant, including a back bar in the main dining room that was once located in the Lyons Den in Price Hill; a bookshelf made from an original side door; and several framed artifacts from the original building, including a blueprint from 1893. Fittingly, even the name itself hearkens back to eras long-gone; the original main street in Harrison was once called Market Street.

And finally, beneath the Market Street Grille, down in the sub-basement, you can find old tunnels that connect some of the buildings in Harrison and end at the Whitewater River. It’s also possible the sub-basement housed a brewery. The tunnels themselves were used to bring in supplies from the river. The tunnels may also have been part of the Underground Railroad during the Civil War.

Downtown Harrison’s concentration of businesses and restaurants is called The District. This part of the neighborhood is also a DORA – a designated outdoor refreshment area where adults can imbibe while exploring the main thoroughfare. Restaurants that participate in the DORA include Market Street Grille, 1860 Taproom & Bottleshop, Heist + Co., The Coffee Peddlar, Harrison Moose Lodge 2633, Tuco’s Cantina, and On the Rocks Harrison.

The District has plenty of other businesses, too. Pick up some apparel for the fashionista in your life at Ahead of the Curve. Stop into Fretboard Brewing and enjoy one of their own signature brews or grab some BBQ to fuel the rest of your adventure. Art of the Vine lets you explore your creativity through instructor or self-guided sessions, painting on a variety of objects including anything from magnets to glasses. Paint Rinse and Repeat also hosts artistic endeavors, with a multitude of art-making events every month. Harrison Antiques has one-of-a-kind vintage finds your eclectic friend will swoon over.

The Coffee Peddlar has provided caffeine and connection for the community since 2010. Harrison Home Bakery offers sumptuous baked goods. Ironhouse Studios provides cutting-edge video and content marketing work. The Little Fern Shop is a home decor store that also sells plenty of Harrison pride gear. Test your wits under pressure at the Sweet Escape Room. Swing into Huismann’s Egg and Poultry for all your butchery needs. Take in a show at the Blue Note Harrison.

Other restaurants in Harrison include traditional cuisine spots, like El Mariachi of Harrison Mexican Restaurant & Cantina and the Big Greek Cafe. Or you can go American with Chandler’s Burger Bistro. Monk’s Kitchen features a wide array of options, serving everything from Angilo’s pizza to antipasto salad to breakfast any time. The sandwiches are a Monk’s specialty – try the Ham Damnation or Ham Salvation, depending on your mood. Nick’s is another family-friendly restaurant go-to. The Triple Cats Bar & Grille is a local favorite watering hole, as is The Decanter, located next to Harrison Bowl.

Harrison is also home to industrial and commerce companies, as well as plenty of residential housing. These features, coupled with the revitalization of The District in downtown Harrison, make this neighborhood one to watch.