Great for cocktails. I went for a friend's birthday and had a blast. Indoor-outdoor, good view of the old brewery, and in range of some other fun bars if you want to grab some food here, a first drink, and then hop over to some other spots later in the night.
This is one of the more expensive restaurants in the pearl brewery. Another of Andrew Weissman's restaurants (he also has Sandbar which is seafood, and the Luxury, which is inventive sandwiches served in an old boxcar). I would recommend, as an appetizer, getting tasters of all the sides that are up on the bar. Ask the waiter about it.
Cool light fixtures made of old glass bottles.
Look for the old school red convertible outside a low-slung building--an old gas station--with a neon sign "Monterey." Hang out in the beer garden patio, try some of their craft brews, and try the smoked sausage corndog or the brisket burger, or something a bit more experimental! This place is funky and awesome. I've had an awesome time there. King William gem.
This place is awesome. Ropes visitors into loving Cincinnati, I think. The building is a combo art museum, rooftop bar, hip restaurant, boutique hotel. Every day they move these giant yellow penguins all around the floors. You never know where you'll find it. This goes for the whole experience--surprises around the corner. Art in high corners on the walls, body-part art tiles in the showers, interactive light projections on the way to the museum bathroom. Worth a visit just to the museum, if not a stay!
Instead of the museum districts in the big Texas cities, head for the hill country to get your art fix! Next up, Marfa.
You've got to try the tequila (or vodka, or gin, or whiskey). They get super creative with their unusual infusions: think habanero & garlic vodka or a "dessert drink" with jalapeno-infused tequila, honey and pineapple juice that's topped off with some champagne.
They organize the Dinner menu by "Oceanic," "Heat," "Chilled," "Grilled," "Crispy," and "Hearty." Get a bunch of things to share for the table. Everything I've had there is great (especially the sweet corn fritters and the ground lamb kebabs). The menu changes with the season. I've only been for dinner, but sneaking a glance at their brunch menu, I have to say that it looks pretty good, too (and is organized with "libations," "sweet tooth," "early risers," "late risers," and "compliments"). Mid-priced, small portions. GREAT cocktails (the creative types).
Note--In November and December the Blowing Rock is open every day but only from 9-5, and from January to March it is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and open 9-5 the rest of the week.
To be safe, check the weather and call ahead!
There's a great overlook on the edge of the hill where you can get a spectacular view of the city/river/Kentucky below you...or you can hang out at the gazebo by the lake...or go to the art museum, or the botanical garden. Basically, you can pass a whole day there happily.
I found this to be a cute little gazebo with a nice view of the lake. Apparently it's haunted by an angry ghost name Imogene? Who knew. I'd say it has something for everyone. While I was sitting there, a ballet dancer was dancing around for a photographer.
BTW--it's right on the road, and you can park right by it. A plus for convenience, minus for noise/cars.