CINCINNATI — Taste of Cincinnati — one of the country’s oldest and most delicious Memorial Day traditions — returns to downtown Cincinnati this weekend.
This year’s event along Fifth Street features a record 77 restaurants, food trucks and other vendors. They’ll serve up more than 300 menu items in total. Dishes range from holiday favorites like BBQ ribs and corn on the cob to international flavors such as chicken tikka masala and baklava.
The top entrée in this year’s Taste of Cincinnati contest was the braised short rib and creamy truffle gnocchi by Alfio’s Buon Cibo in Hyde Park.
Food prices range from $4 to $8 a sample.
While known for its food, Taste of Cincinnati is now considered one of the region’s bigger music festivals as well.
From Saturday through Monday, more than 39 musical acts will perform on four stages set up between Walnut and Sentinel streets.
The fun begins at 11 a.m. on all three days. Food service and entertainment will wrap up by 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and 8 p.m. on Monday.
The breakdown of food and entertainment options is below. There are also details about parking and getting around downtown.
“Taste of Cincinnati is a great weekend where you can party on Fifth Street, have a great time with your friends,” said Brendon Cull, president of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. “But while you’re doing that, you can also help grow Cincinnati’s economy and cultural vibrancy of the city.”
What You Need To Know
- Taste of Cincinnati features 77 food businesses and 39 musical acts
- New options include a bigger event footprint, more seating options and the ability to pay cash for beer
- The event runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday
Today, the Chamber puts on a version of Taste that attracts thousands of people from across the region to downtown Cincinnati. But it had a much humbler origin when it started in 1979.
Organizers created the Taste of Cincinnati to bring attention — and money — to the Queen City’s food scene, according to the Chamber.
It was a one-day festival in Piatt Park, then known as Garfield Park, that first year. About 5,000 people attended.
However, it didn’t take long for it to catch on. It grew to two days in 1981. By 1988, the event had become so large organizers expanded the schedule to its current three-day format and moved it to Central Parkway.
In 2007, the event was moved to Fifth Street to spotlight the $42-million renovation of Fountain Square and bring more energy to the surrounding downtown areas.
Beyond being the nation’s longest-running culinary arts festival, it’s grown into one of the largest over the past five decades.
Today, the event attracts hundreds of thousands of people over the course of the weekend. Past estimates ranged near half a million attendees.
Despite its growth, the mission of the Taste of Cincinnati remains the same as the day it started 54 years ago, Cull said. It’s about supporting some of the small businesses that “enliven our neighborhoods and… grow our economy every day.”
“Folks know (Taste of Cincinnati) to be a great party. But the reason that we’re in it is to support our food entrepreneurs,” he added. “The restaurant owners, the bar owners, the folks who are creating and crafting things every day that add so much to the cultural vibrancy of our economy and of this city that we all love.”
Taste of Cincinnati has always featured popular brick-and-mortar restaurants and catering companies who travel the regional food festival scene. But in recent years, the Chamber has looked to expand the event by highlighting other food businesses, such as food trucks.
More recently, organizers have looked to support up-and-coming businesses as they look to grow their audience. The “Taste of Findlay Market” area features 18 different vendors. They’re a mix of established storefronts, weekend pop-up vendors and businesses making their way through the Findlay Kitchen food incubator.
One business taking part is Miley Pooh Sweets, a bakery started a few years ago by Bri’Ana Heard. Her bakery is known for its 40 different pounds and what she calls “cake babies.” Flavors at the Taste of Cincinnati this year include blueberry lemon, peach cobbler and her signature pineapple upside down cake.
Heard got her start at the Taste of Cincinnati last year and called it an incredible experience. She learned a lot, she said, but she also got to expand her audience to tens of thousands of people who may never venture to Findlay Market.
“The Taste gives people the opportunity to experience some of the best of what Cincinnati,” she said. “It’s just a super exciting experience to come downtown with friends and family and pig out.”
“The best part is, you don’t feel bad about because you’re supporting local businesses,” Heard said with a laugh.
Most Taste of Cincinnati veterans probably know the general Fifth Street Layout. But the Cincinnati Chamber has made a few upgrades this year to enhance the guest experience. The event footprint, for instance, expanded to include areas “left and right” of Fifth Street, according to the Chamber’s Chelsea York. Some activated side streets include Broadway, Sycamore Street and Sentinel Street.
It’s a way to bring in more entertainment, York said, but it’ll also help spread people out a bit.
Taste of Cincinnati is also going to accept credit and debit cards at beer booths this year. In the past, guests would have to pay with cash. They’ve also made soda, water and non-alcoholic drinks available at all beverage stations, York said.
They’ve also brought in a few pieces of public art and even a temporary soccer pitch to add a little more fun to the event area.
York joked that one of her first conversations after starting at the Chamber focused on seating at the Taste of Cincinnati.
“We’ve done just that,” she said with a laugh. “We want there to be plenty of places for people to sit down and enjoy their food.”
Restaurants
Alfio’s Buon Cibo
- Spinach and cheese empanada: $5
- BBQ brisket empanada: $5
- Braised short rib over creamy truffle and spinach gnocchi: $8
- Chocolate-cherry bourbon cake: $6
- Short rib: $5
- Spinach: $5
- Chicken Salsa Verde: $5
- Oreo Nutella: $4
- Chimi guacamole and chips: $5
The Cheesecakery
- Cheesecake cupcakes in six flavors: $5
Chicago Gyros
- Gyro: $8
- Falafel pita: $8
- Gyro dog: $6
- Hot dog: $4
- Baklava: $3
Chinos Street Food
- Rice and chicken: $8
- Crab Rangoon: $7
- Chinos loaded fries: $8
- Vietnamese street tacos: $5
Christine's Casual Dining
- Halo-Halo: $8
- Pork and beef egg rolls: $6
- Mango shake: $6
- Fried bananas: $6
Deme Kitchen
- Thai lettuce wrap: $6
- Hong Kong soy sauce king noodle: $8
- Hong Kong wonton soup: $6
- Chinese donut: $6
Desi Plaza/Desi Bites
- Chicken tikka masala: $8
- Paneer tikka masala: $8
- Vegetable samosa: $6
- Mango lassi: $4
Eddie’s Southern Style BBQ and Catering
- Roasted corn on the cob: $4
- Pulled pork sandwich: $8
- BBQ ribs: $8
- Beef brisket sandwich: $8
- Chicken tenders and fries: $7
El Vaquero
- Nachos (beef or chicken): $8
- Street taco (steak, chicken or pork): $4
- Quesadilla (beef, chicken or cheese): $6
- Queso dip: $4
Fortune Noodle House
- Five-spice stir-fried chicken: $8
- Fried garlic pork ribs: $8
- Pineapple sweet and sour chicken: $8
- Dan dan noodles: $8
- Chicken and shiitake mushroom pot stickers: $8
Gee’s Caribbean Style
- Jerk chicken pasta: $7
- Chicken taco: $8
- Jerk chicken with steamed cabbage and greens: $8
- Oxtail with rice and peas: $8
- Vegetable plate (rice and peas, steamed cabbage and greens): $5
Izzy’s
- Famous Reuben: $8
- Corned beef and Swiss: $8
- Turkey Reuben entrée: $8
- Potato pancake: $5
- Key lime pie: $5
Just Q’in BBQ
- Brisket mac and cheese: $7
- Pastrami mac and cheese: $7
- Brisket: $8
- Pastrami: $8
Kabobske
- Gyro wraps: $8
- Wine sausage wrap: $7
- Walking gyros: $7
- Bourbon chicken shawarma kabob: $7
- Buffalo hummus and pita chips: $6
Keystone Bar and Grill
- BBQ mac and cheese: $7
- Original mac and cheese: $6
Larosa’s Pizza
- Slice of extra cheese pizza: $4
- Slice of double pepperoni: $4
- Pepperoni rondos: $3
- Cheesecake scoop: $2
Latin House
- Cuban sandwich: $5
- Beef empanada: $5
- Shredded flank steak in red sauce: $8
Lori’s Road House
- Lori’s Road House (LRH) cheeseburger: $8
- Walking taco: $6
- Grilled cheese with bacon and tomato: $5
Maya Indian Restaurant
- Chicken tikka masala: $8
- Saag paneer: $8
- Chicken curry: $8
- Aloo choley: $8
Mazunte
- Chicken, pork or veggie taco: $5
- Chicken, pork or veggie tostada: $7
- Chicken or pork tamales: $7
- Chips and guacamole: $6
Mecklenburg Gardens
- Soft pretzel: $5
- Currywurst: $6
- Bavarian meatballs: $6
- Sausage sampler: $6
- Sausage on a bun: $7
McK’s
- Pork taco: $5
- Chicken taco: $5
- Pork belly: $8
- Rib tips: $8
- Ooey Gooey butter cookie: $3
The Melting Pot
- Teriyaki marinated sirloin and Cajun chicken: $8
- Teriyaki marinated sirloin: $8
- Cajun chicken: $8
- Strawberries and pound cake with milk chocolate: $6
- Strawberries with milk chocolate: $6
Oakbrook Bakery
- Fruit cream puff: $8
- Traditional cream puff: $7
- Black Forest cake: $5
- Apple strudel: $4
- Assorted pastries: $4
Oliver’s Desserts
- Oreo cheesecake brownie: $4
- Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispie treat: $5
- Chocolate chip cookie pie: $6
- Cookie Monster cake jar: $7
- Trio of macarons: $8
Pompilio’s Restaurant
- Risotto balls: $7
- Mozzarella caprese salad: $5
- Spinach cheese ravioli with artichoke sauce: $8
- Honey, bourbon and chocolate cannoli: $6
Sawasdee Thai Cuisine
- Chicken satay: $8
- Crispy fried chicken skin: $7
- Pad Thai: $8
Shanghai on Elm
- Veggie spring rolls: $3
- Fried potstickers: $3
- Chicken lo mein: $7
- Veggie fried rice: $6
- Red bean mochi: $3
Stone Bowl Korean
- Crunchy long dumplings: $6
- Sweet potato noodle (japche): $6
- Combo: $8
Sweets and Meats
- Pork rib tips: $8
- Beef birria mac and cheese: $8
- Pulled pork mac and cheese: $8
- Baked mac and cheese: $5
- Bourbon bread pudding: $7
Thai Express
- Crab cheese: $5
- Chicken wings: $5
- Papaya salad with sticky rice: $8
- Green curry with chicken or vegetable: $8
Tickle Pickle
- Pearl Jam (jalapeño jam slider): $7
- Slaytar (bacon cheeseburger with tartar sauce slider): $7
- Buns n Roses (house-made vegan black bean slider): $7
- Britney Spears (spicy fried pickle spears): $7
- Buffalo soldiers (bacon cheese fries with buffalo ranch dressing): $7
Tweedles Mini Donuts
- Half-dozen mini donuts: $4
- Dozen mini donuts: $8
Findlay Market Vendors
Olive Tree
- Falafel platter: $5
- Hummus: $4
- Pistachio baklava: $3
The Arepa Place
- Cheese arepa: $6
- Empanada: $4
- Plantain chips and salsa: $6
Mashroots
- Plantain cups: $6
- Yuca mini mofongo bowl: $5
Miley Pooh Sweets
- Cake babies: $3
- Flight: $8
Southern Grace
- Mac and cheese: $4
- Grippo wings: $4
Chico’s Cheesecakes
- Cheesecake brownie: $5
- Cheesecake cups: $5
Honey Child
- Pineapple strawberry pop: $4
- Dark chocolate raspberry pop: $4
- Blueberries and cream: $4
- Raspberry lemonade: $4
Flavors of the Isle
- Jerk chicken: $6
- Rice and peas $5
Magnificent Morsels Catering
- Shrimp and grits: $7
- Fruit brownie parfait: $4
As the World Churns
- Strawberry Sorbet: $5
- Samoa ice cream: $5
- Birthday cake ice cream: $5
- Coffee chip ice cream: $5
- Blackberry cobbler ice cream: $5
- Cookies and cream ice cream: $5
Wendigo Tea Company
- Iced nitro Bigfoot black tea: $5
- Siren ginger-hibiscus herbal iced tea: $4
Rangitoto – Real Fruit Ice Cream
- New Zealand-style strawberry ice cream: $5
- Toppings: Toasted coconut, chocolate syrup sprinkles
Lotus Street Food
- Asian fried jerky and hot jam: $6
- Thai iced coffee: $6
Dats Ole School Cookin
- Spicy catfish nuggets: $5
- Cajun fries: $5
- Cajun slaw: $5
Makers Bakers
- Banana pudding regular: $5
- Bourbon caramel: $6
Banasun Smoothie Bar
- Acai Bowl: $6
One More Bite
- Buffalo chicken egg roll: $5
- Beer mettwurst: $8
Chacabanas
- Cuban sandwich sliders: $5
- Tres leches cake: $5
Food Trucks
A Lil Taste of Soul
- Salmon croquette balls: $7
- Chicken mac and cheese: $7
- Shrimp and grits: $8
- Salmon and grits: $8
- Banana pudding with pound cake: $5
- Italian beef: $8
- Ma’s Meatballs: $6
- Chicago dog: $6
- Stroll: $5
Buffalo's Best
- Chicken wings: $8
- Italian sausage peppers and onions: $8
- Homemade pizza rolls: $5
Dine-In Hawaiian
- Fried musubi: $5
- Crab bake dip: $8
- Thai-battered fried ice cream: $7
El Chevito
- Pupusa: $5
- Fruit cup: $5
- Chicken tacos: $6
- Kid's meal: $5
Hometown Swirls
- Peanut Butter Blitz: $6
- Oreo Brownie Explosion: $6
- Peaches N’ Ice Cream: $5
- Soft serve ice cream cone or cup with one topping: $4
House Cafe & Catering
- Lobster Salad BLT: $8
- Thai Peanut Satay Chicken Wings: $7
- Dark Chocolate Espresso Brownie: $6
- Potato wedges with Queso Blanco and crumbled bacon: $5
- Persian jeweled rice with Dates, apricots, cranberries, golden raisins, almonds, pistachio and Moroccan spice blend: $4
Indigenous Chef
- 3 Sisters fry bread: $8
- Lobster empanada: $6
- Bison empanada: $5
- Succotash empanada: $5
- Beignets: $8
Just Jerks Ena’s Jamaican Grill
- Jerk chicken over slaw: $5
- Jerk chicken island taco: $5
- Jerk chicken nachos: $5
- Sweet fried plantains: $3
Little Trolley Donuts LLC
- The Taste: $8
- The Funnel: $8
- The Tiger: $2
- The Boston Cream: $8
- Strawberry shortcake: $8
Mama Afrique Nigerian Cuisine
- Joll of rice: $5
- Protein (Grilled jerk chicken, fried fish or oxtail): $4
- Meatpie: $3
- Puff Puff: $2
- Suya: $4
Mamabear's Mac
- New England lobster mac and cheese: $8
- Loaded baked potato grilled cheese: $7
- Vermont grilled cheese: $6
- Vermont cheddar mac and cheese: $5
- Chicken bacon ranch mac and cheese: $6
Maw Maw's Creole Kitchen
- Island Madness taco: $4
- Seafood etouffee (shrimp and crawfish): $8
- Zulu fries (shrimp and crawfish): $8
- Caramel beignets: $4
Off The Hook
- Cod nibbler: $7
- Perch nibbler: $7
- Shrimp fritter: $2
- Garlic parmigiana fries: $8
Quite Frankly
- Pumba: $8
- Melted pig: $5
- Kraut course: $7
- Granny brie: $6
SEA Cuisine Foodtruck
- Cha Cha fries: $8
- Bahn mi sandwich (steak, roast pork or grilled chicken): $8
- Asian tacos with an egg roll: $6
- Key lime pie: $5
- Shrimp tempura: $6
Streetpops
- Dragonfruit guava streetpop: $5
- Pineapple passionfruit streetpop: $5
- Thai basil lime streetpop: $5
- Strawberries and cream streetpop: $5
- Coffee and donuts streetpop: $5
Sugarsnap! Sweet Treats
- Assortment of cupcakes: $4
- Assortment of 1/4-pound cookies: $4
- Salted caramel brownies: $4
- “Make it a Sundae” – Take a cupcake, cookie, or brownie and add ice cream and sundae toppings: $6
- Frozen cheesecake on a stick: $6
The Mexican Village
- Chicken or steak tacos: $4
- Chicken or steak burrito: $8
- Chicken or steak quesadilla: $8
- Chicken or steak nachos: $8
- Mexican elote: $5
Twisted Greek
- Greek “pimento” cheese dip with pita chips: $4
- Twisted tots with hot honey and feta: $4
- Greek wrap supreme: $5
- Baklava: $3
Wicked Hickory
- Smoked chicken nachos: $8
- Island coleslaw: $3
- Pulled pork sandwich with slaw: $8
- Brisket taco: $7
- Smoked lamb taco: $8
Musical lineup
Saturday, May 27
- Dan Van Vechten
- Kryst Kruer
- Final Order
- Linus Tate
- Danny Frazier Band
- Maria Keck Ralph and the Rhythm Hounds
- Soul Quest
- Jason Owens Band
- Mark Joshua
- Kenny Welch Band
- Buzz Bin
- Eleven Arrows
Sunday, May 28
- Missy Werner Band
- Daniel in Stereo
- P. Ann Everson-Price and the AlI-Star Band
- Ricky Nye Inc
- Jeremy Short
- AprinasRevolutionaryLove
- Tracy Walker Band
- Leroy Ellington's Sacred Hearts
- Soul Shadow
- Elizabeth Walters
- The Varner/Netherton Revival
- The Whammies
- Catalyst
Monday, May 29
- Big Whiskey
- Pete Wagner Band
- Jim Kelly
- The Ingrid Rachel Project
- Jack Burton Overdrive
- Michelle Robinson Band
- Big Gill and His Funky All-Stars
- Tracy Walker
- The SunBurners
- Soul Shadow
- Buffalo Wabs and the Price Hill Hustle
- 3 Day Rule
- Matt Cowherd
- Moonbeau
Street closures and parking
The following streets close at 6 p.m. Friday and will reopen at 5 a.m. Tuesday:
- Fifth Street between Main and Sentinel streets
- Sycamore Street between Fourth and Sixth streets
- Broadway between Fourth and Sixth (no access to Interstate 71 or Interstate 471)
- Sentinel from Eggleston Avenue to Fifth
- Westbound Columbia Parkway must exit at either Third or Sixth streets for downtown access
There’s no parking on any of the closed streets during the event period. But the Cincinnati Police Department will maintain access to parking garages and hotels in those areas.
For those looking to park, there are a number of parking garages and lots along Third, Fourth and Sixth Streets and at The Banks.
Organizers advised to consider parking in the northern part of the Central Business District or Over-the-Rhine and taking The Connector streetcar toward the event zone. It has 18 stations around its 3.6-mile loop. It’s free to ride.
Other recommended travel options include the Cincinnati Red Bike, Metro bus service or Uber and Lyft.