ST. BERNARD

Originally founded in 1793, St. Bernard is a charming enclave just inside Cincinnati with a deep sense of community and history. With a population of just over 4,000, St. Bernard’s small businesses, historic housing units, and convenient proximity to Cincinnati proper make it a strong contender for your next new-neighborhood visit.

Bordered on one side by the Mill Creek, St. Bernard was originally part of Mill Creek Township. This location meant it was connected by the Miami and Erie Canal to national commerce routes, starting in 1827. Ivory Soap, the renowned Procter and Gamble brand, was originally manufactured in St. Bernard. A large swath of the village is occupied by railroads and manufacturing outfits, including J.M. Smucker.

Spanning just under two miles, St. Bernard takes pride in its namesake canine. Statues of St. Bernard dogs are spread across the community, including in front of its city hall. St. Bernard is adjacent to several Cincinnati neighborhoods, including Clifton, North Avondale, Bond Hill, and Winton Hills. Its main business district is centered on Vine Street, where you can find a healthy mix of restaurants, stores, and more.

On the “more” note, we have Dot’s Fine Shoe Repair. A Black-owned business, Dot’s has been operating in St. Bernard since 2012. This shoe repair shop occupies an unassuming storefront at the corner of Vine Street and McLelland Street.

Shoe repair might sound a bit like an old-fashioned notion, and in a way, it is: there are just a handful of shoe repair stores left in the tri-state area. But bringing something back to life will always be in style. Customers can stop into Dot’s to have shoes resoled, reheeled, and generally repaired. In addition to shoe repair, Dot’s also offers repairs and restoration for an assortment of goods, including purses, luggage, coats, and other leather goods. The shop itself is cozy and full of racks of shoes and other goods for sale. A mix of cheerful artwork in varying styles lines the walls. In a world full of single-use products and articles of clothing, it’s nice to find a shop that specializes in restoring and extending the life of quality goods.

Once you’ve got your like-new shoes back on, it’s time to take a trot around the rest of St. Bernard. While St. Bernard is primarily residential, it boasts a selection of beloved local eateries. First up is Five Stars Mediterranean, a casual, comfortable restaurant specializing in Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine. Try the fried kibbeh, a spiced ground meat and bulgur dish, or the classic tabbouleh salad. Need food for a large event? Five Stars Mediterranean offers catering, too.

Want a quick lunch? Local favorite Scherpie’s Produce & Deli serves up hearty sandwiches and has plenty of produce available for your grocery needs. Need some caffeine? Independent coffee shop I Am Coffee (aptly named) has lattes and drip coffee to the rescue.

If you’re looking to grab a stronger kind of drink, St. Bernard’s offers a few different watering holes where you can whet your whistle. Let’s start off with St. Bernard Pub. A staple in the community, this pub offers classic American fare in a relaxed setting, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

Or you could swing by Wiedemann’s Brewery & Taproom. Here you can enjoy an on-site brewed beer in the taproom or in the courtyard. If you get hungry while you’re there, you’re in luck – Wiedemann’s offers a robust bar menu, including burgers, salads, goetta tots, and more. If the beer doesn’t win you over, the friendly, neighborly vibes certainly will.

Looking for recreational activities to enjoy? Like many other Cincinnati regional neighborhoods, St. Bernard’s has a number of parks and green spaces to check out. Try Ludlow Park, which offers a playing field, a popular playground, and quiet vibes. Or you could rent out Ross Park for a family get-together or birthday party. The community also has a pool, and a dance and fitness center for residents to enjoy.

St. Bernard is a great example of what happens when a community holds on to its historical integrity while steadily moving its residents and businesses into the promise of the future.