The Mom Time Out – Spots to Gather with Friends Around Town (Central and East)

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Unfortunately, taking time for ourselves usually falls to the bottom of our priority list.  It’s not how it should be, but since women are incredibly selfless beings with superior powers to multitask like no one’s business, we tend to put our loved ones’ needs above ours.  That’s just how it goes.  But, when we do put aside time, there’s nothing like getting your gal pals together.  Unless you’d rather take time to be by yourself, which is also needed.  Either way, sometimes you get to that point when you’re ready for a break but can’t decide what to do. 

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I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite things to do and things I’d like to do, either solo or with my group of friends.  So get it on the calendar.  Schedule time for you and your friends.  We all need it! 

Spa Day

Escape Nails is always accommodating to groups.  They’re friendly and do a great job.  Bring some champagne, sit back, and relax.

Empire Nails in Hyde Park Plaza is a newer nail salon with great massage chairs for pedicures.  Color selection is great, service is nice, and there’s room for a group of gals.

Spavia offers a variety of pampering services.  There’s a small locker room and they give you slippers and a robe to give you the full effect.  There’s a nice quiet waiting room with warm head wraps, hot tea, and water.

Mitchell’s Salon and Day Spa has over 100 salon and spa services from which to choose.  Make it an event and schedule a spa party with an event planner.  Whether you’re a small or large group, Mitchell’s will accommodate everyone’s needs.

Woodhouse Spa and Salon has been voted best spa by Cincinnati Magazine for the past two years.  Pamper yourself with one of their signature services for an absolutely luxurious experience.

Meet for Brunch

Jean Robert’s French Crust Café is a taste of Paris right here at home.  The food and coffee are delicious.

Sleepy Bee has two locations, one in Oakley and one in Blue Ash.  Service is great, the menu is fresh and local with a twist on the usual breakfast fare.

Red Feather is more upscale with a quieter yet bright ambiance.  The menu boasts a variety of omelets, eggs, benedicts, and other breakfast treats.

Forno Osteria serves an Italian brunch with a menu that screams comfort food.  The quiche, frittata, and crocca signore are all so good.  And the in house Bloody Mary is a must.

Taste of Belgium is famous for their chicken and waffles.  Their waffles are scrumptious, but so are their savory or sweet crepes.  They now have several locations from which to choose.

Pacific Kitchen in Montgomery offers Chinese dim sum every Saturday and Sunday.  If you haven’t tried dim sum, do it.  Now.  Dumplings, steamed buns, egg tartlets, and pineapple buns….delish!

Get Cultural

Cheers to Art is a fun way to get together and do something different.  Bring a group of friends, paint a masterpiece, or not, and enjoy each other’s company while sipping on wine.

Queen City Clay hosts a Ladies Night once a month with appetizers and wine.  Otherwise, they are always BYOB and you’re welcome to bring a group of friends any time the studio is open, but you may want to call ahead just to ensure there is space.

Findlay Market is Cincinnati’s favorite farmer’s market open year round.  Why not gather together, shop a little, and then grab lunch at one of the great food spots there.

Cincinnati Food Tours offers several tours for foodies around the OTR neighborhood.  Walk around while tasting a variety of foods and desserts from local Findlay Market and OTR restaurants.

Grab Some Dinner

Forno Osteria is absolutely delicious northern Italian style food.  Dishes are big enough to share, there is a variety of foods, and the drinks are good.

Zula Bistro in OTR has a fun atmosphere for groups.  They offer small plates to share, some main courses, and buckets of mussels served in a variety of ways.

The Rookwood has a rustic feel as it still embodies the original Rookwood Pottery built in the 1890’s.  The menu is American eclectic with sandwiches, small plates, and main dishes.

Teller’s is casual but upscale bar food.  Another great place for groups to grab a bite and stay for drinks.

3501 Seoul is fun for those who want to venture out and try something new.  Fairly new to Hyde Park, this Korean restaurant serves authentic food, is customer friendly, and has space for groups.  Eat here and then go across the street to Dutch’s for a night cap.

Meet for Drinks

Unwind is a cozy wine bar perfect for groups.  They have a few light bites and dessert options.  Wine flights are great and the atmosphere is perfect. There are tables with fire pits outside for chillier nights.

Dutch’s is one of my favorites.  It has really good food and great charcuterie.  The wine selection is pretty decent and the beer selection is even better.  The staff is helpful and friendly and the ambiance is cozy.

Oakley Wine Bar is another great option for wine.  You may purchase a bottle in the retail store where all bottles are $20 or less and enjoy it downstairs in the rustic bar area.

Madtree Brewery is fun for those who love beer and pizza.  Great beer with plenty of seating for groups.  Catch-a-Fire pizza is located inside and offers wood fired pizza as well as other appetizers.

The holidays are here and a perfect time to take a break, get out, relax, share some convo and wine over good food, and just laugh it out.  Where are your favorites spots to gather with friends?

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Lilly Younger
I relocated to Cincinnati in 2010 from Chicago to be with the love of my life. For a good long while I had trouble calling Cincinnati home, but 5 years, a husband, and 2 kids later, I am happy to be a Cincinnatian! I am a proud, tired, loving, tired, creative, tired, and doting stay at home mom to 2 spunky girls, 15 months apart. Prior to having kids, I was an early childhood teacher. It's tough being a teacher mom because I have found there is a difference between teaching and parenting, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I love finding and creating exciting, engaging, and fun activities to do with my girls and hope I can share some of what we do with other families.

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