El Barril. This is literally our favorite Mexican restaurant! The atmosphere….several dining options available from outside on the covered patio with heat lamps for chilly nights…..in the bar area with so many large screens to watch all of your favorite sports with a fully stocked bar including wine, cocktails, beer and margaritas in tons of flavors….and one more dining area in addition! 

El Barril has the best cozy neighborhood feel….hopping and casual! Gather with family and friends, they easily accommodate small and large groups, along with it being kid friendly when needed!

Let’s get to the food….PLENTIFUL is an understatement! 

Fajitas, tacos, nachos, and other Mexican eats….burgers…salads….and so much more….round out the menu!!! 

How about the specials…..SO MANY!

Located in the historic Cincinnati neighborhood of Mount Adams, and in New Richmond…..El Barril serves Mexican-inspired bar food,  traditional dishes and vegetarian options. 

El Barril also does catering for large groups, and private rooms for events. Unlock the true taste of Mexico at El Barril. Come enjoy with family, with friends, or solo! All are welcome!

EL BARRIL DAILY SPECIALS 

• Margarita Monday: $6 margaritas

• Taco Tuesday: $2.50 any taco

• BOGO Wednesday: Buy one entree, get a second half off

• Burrito Bowl Thursday: $10 

• Pitcher Friday: $20 margarita / $10 domestic pitcher 

• Super Tower Saturday:  $35 marg towers (100 ounces!) 

• Sunday Funday: $2.50 kids meal (one per adult) $5 off beer buckets (import and domestic) 

• Cinco de mayo specials: All day Happy Hour!!! Free chips and Salsa (with beverages/food), $15 Birria Quesadillas! 

Indianapolis is one of my favorite getaway cities… After four years of being away it was time to get back!

We jumped in the car and drove a fast 1.5 hours to Indy. We had so much to do in just a few days, so the first stop was the Alexander, A Dolce Hotel, to drop off luggage. The hotel has a $3 million collection of curated and commissioned art from local to international artists.

The hotel is located on the 99th plat of the city, which inspired the bar name, Plat 99. The bar was designed by Jorge Pardo, a Cuban-American artist and sculptor.

It is absolutely my favorite hotel. 

Off to see the city! 

First stop at Newfields… The Indianapolis Museum of Art, which has grown to become an internationally renowned museum. They’ve definitely turned their  attention toward increasing emphasis on combining art with nature.

The galleries are surrounded by gardens, water features, over a hundred acres of woodland filled with surprise and beauty. The campus itself is ideal for performances, afternoon walks, kite-flying, cloud-gazing, memory-making, new-idea-having. There’s a mansion to stage unforgettable events, restaurants for relaxing, bars for microbrews and friendships. And…Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE sculpture! THE LUME at Newfields returns this May with a new featured artist, showcasing artwork across immersive floor-to-ceiling digital gallery spaces.

Time for wine! Solely Wine is a natural and low-intervention wine bar that opened in September 2024. it quickly has become a destination spot where the Monon Trail crosses 16th Street. It is women-owned. Great vibe for sure! 

I need to pay homage to the fabulous restaurants we dined in…

Magdalena, located in the Fountain Square neighborhood, is a cocktail bar and restaurant that has a bit of New Orleans flair.

Magdalena is a new concept from Nick Detrich, co-founder of several of New Orleans’ finest cocktail destinations (Jewel of the South, Manolito, Cane & Table), and recognized by the James Beard Foundation, and the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. Detrich is joined in this project by Baylee Pruitt, formerly of Giant (Chicago) and Jaguar Sun (Miami). It was FABULOUS!

Bluebeard was a repeat for us….cool vibe with excellent food and drink! Named after Indianapolis native, Kurt Vonnegut’s book, Bluebeard. In 2012 it became a James Beard Award semi-finalist for Best New Restaurant in America. Superior Octopus. Killer dirty martini. 

Commission Row stands out among steak restaurants in Downtown Indy by offering guests the highest quality steaks, raw bar, and seafood. Artfully curated, the menu is created as a culinary crossroad intended to delight the palate with each and every dish. The cuisine showcases seasonal ingredients along with an expertly paired wine and spirits menu. PERFECT for pre-Pacer games! 

Mel’s Speakeasy…..After enjoying dinner at Commission Row, unwind with an after-dinner drink at the adjoining Mel’s Speakeasy. Mel’s offers a wide selection of wine, cocktails, and spirits in a cozy, intimate setting.

The Waygu Meatballs. A MUST…And… the dirty Martini, served with a sidecar. Trust me! 

OK, we did attend a Pacers basketball game! It was Pacers vs  Bucks, and I will forever remember the incredible shot by Haliburton of the Pacers to win the game. So fun! 

Two nights and two days… Packed with Entertainment and amazing food. 

Here are a few suggestions for the upcoming months….

• Indianapolis Cultural Trail is now 10-miles long, connecting to various downtown neighborhoods and providing the best way to explore Indy from the back of a bike seat.

• The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is celebrating its centennial with exciting new exhibits, includingMickey Mouse Clubhouse (curated in partnership with Disney before its Midwest tour), the Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design exhibition (featuring 60 original costumes), and a brand-new 110-foot Ferris wheel.

• Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Upgrades: The legendary IMS reopens April 2 following an $89 million renovation, introducing cutting-edge tech and immersive sensory experiences—allowing kids (and adults!) to experience the Indy 500 any day of the week.

• America’s Newest River City: A major waterway revitalization effort has transformed downtown Indy, including the opening of its first-ever livery, Frank’s Paddlesports Livery. Offering canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding,  this new waterway activation gives visitors a fresh way to explore the city. Over 4,000 people explored Indy via Frank’s last year, its first year in business.

Visit Indy…fabulous and fun!

For nearly 30 years, Nicola’s has been a beloved cornerstone of Cincinnati’s fine dining scene, known for its impeccable Italian cuisine, warm hospitality, and timeless charm. As we look ahead to the future, we’re excited to announce that Nicola’s will be moving to 127 W 4th Street in 2026.

This transition marks a new chapter for Nicola’s while preserving the legacy that has made it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Guests can expect the same dedication to quality, handcrafted pastas, and exceptional wine selection that have defined our reputation. Though we say goodbye to our current space, we will carry forward the spirit of innovation and excellence that has defined both Pigall’s and Nicola’s.

Stay tuned for more details as we prepare for this exciting move. In the meantime, we invite you to dine with us and create lasting memories at Nicola’s as we celebrate!

Follow us on social media @nicolasotr for updates!

This show will display an eclectic group of local and regional artists with disabilities. ’REBOOT: The Spring Show’, This show will be on display at Art Beyond Boundaries Gallery, 1410 Main Street, in the Over-the-Rhine arts district of the Cincinnati area. The opening reception will be Saturday, April 19, 2025, 5 pm to 7 pm, Wine & Hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Art Beyond Boundaries provides a professional, mainstream fine arts exhibition venue for artists with disabilities, located at 1410 Main Street in the historic Over-the-Rhine arts district. With your support, we can continue providing a gallery, workshops, programs, and services for our artists and people with disabilities. For more information, “friend” or “follow” the gallery on Facebook, Instagram, and/or contact the gallery.

Experience the unforgettable flavors of Italy at Cristian Pietoso’s esteemed restaurants: Via Vite, Forno Osteria and Bar, and Nicola’s. Each location offers a unique twist on classic Italian cuisine, uniting passion, quality, and tradition with modern innovation. Whether planning an intimate gathering, a festive celebration, or a family meal, our restaurants provide the perfect setting for every occasion.

Nicola’s and Via Vite invite you to host exclusive private events in sophisticated settings. At Nicola’s, enjoy a refined atmosphere ideal for business gatherings, birthday celebrations, and intimate dinners. Via Vite offers a chic venue for private parties, where every detail reflects authentic Italian artistry and style.

Looking ahead, our much-anticipated Easter Brunch Menu & Buffet returns across all our restaurants. This annual favorite features an exquisite selection of Italian dishes and classics all prepared with care. Celebrate the season with a festive brunch that promises delightful tastes, warm hospitality, and memorable moments for the whole family.

Visit our websites to book your table and create unforgettable experiences at Cristian Pietoso’s Italian Restaurants. Every restaurant promises a distinctive experience, inviting you to enjoy authentic Italian ambiance, artfully prepared meals, and warm service that makes every visit special.

Like many iconic stories in Kentucky, this one began with a horse race. It was John Coppin’s wager on a longshot— a horse named Knowledge— that sparked the creation of the state’s first modern skyscraper and high-end department store. With those big winnings came big ambitions, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Today, Hotel Covington stands as a tribute to high stakes, high fashion, and even higher dreams. You can feel the legacy in every detail: uniquely appointed guestrooms, stylish bars and restaurants, intimate lounges, and a serene outdoor courtyard. The hotel marries vintage charm with contemporary refinement, ringing with character, comfort, and style.

With the recent expansion of North by Hotel Covington, we’ve elevated the experience. North inhabits a historic building (the former Covington YMCA), preserving its architectural integrity while infusing the interiors with a fresh, modern twist. This new addition boasts luxurious hotel suites, a stunning event space called The Lightwell, and the chic Knowledge Bar & Social Room.

The Knowledge Bar & Social Room offers a cocktail lounge experience that’s impossible to forget. Romantic lighting, elegant furnishings, and a striking central bar set the stage for an exceptional craft cocktail experience that’s unlike any other.

Both Hotel Covington and North by Hotel Covington have been thoughtfully designed to blend community spirit with couture sophistication. Rich colors, exquisite art, and spacious floor plans ensure privacy and relaxation while offering a truly distinctive boutique experience.

Although Coppin’s restaurant no longer operates as a high-end department store, it continues the legacy of impeccable service. Our talented bartenders, expert chefs, and friendly staff are always on hand to provide a tailored experience.

Coppin’s serves breakfast and dinner daily, lunch on weekdays, and a fabulous weekend brunch complete with mimosas—an experience you and your loved ones won’t soon forget.