Maneuvering the hilly streets of Cincinnati’s Mount Adams is a challenge but the views of downtown Cincinnati from here are spectacular.  Tucked away on Hatch Street is the Blind Lemon, a comfortable, cozy bar which I frequented the year of 2000.  I was first introduced to this magnificent speakeasy by a friend who resided around the corner and called this his second home.  I recall the first time I entered the narrow corridor which opened into a beautiful courtyard with a fireplace in the center.  It was a chilly, fall night and the smell of smoke and the warmth of the fire was an atmosphere of pure bliss.  On a crisp night, we would order hot buttered rums or coffee to minimize the chill and for the warm summer nights, the Blind Lemon Pain Killer or a Lemontini would kill the heat.

It became customary to pass through the tunnel-like entrance and grab a seat in the courtyard.  We rarely entered the bar, unless to meet a friend, and stayed for a couple of hours before venturing off to our next locale.  I enjoyed the nights when we would take a seat in the dark, dimly lit bar where we would explore the unique collection of items from paintings, prints, and pocket watches.  I never grew tired of searching the display of famous people who have passed through the doors.

The Blind Lemon eventually became one of my favorite hangouts as well.  Over time, I learned that the bar had been named for a famous 1920’s Texas blues player, “Blind” Lemon Jefferson.  I was even more surprised when I learned that he was known for “Black Snake Moan”, one of my favorite songs remade by Samuel L. Jackson.  It was Jefferson’s custom to offer live music each night and a tradition that Cincinnati’s Blind Lemon has made its own.

This unique establishment has been entertaining its guests for over 50 years.  A trip to the Blind Lemon is not only a place to gather, but a representation of the history of Cincinnati as well as a hidden tribute to the “Father of the Texas Blues”, Blind Lemon.

Have you stopped by the Blind Lemon for a drink or to check out the atmosphere?   I would be interested in hearing about your visit to Mount Adams if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about one of my favorite places to visit and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Blind Lemon Cafe
938 Hatch Street
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone;  513 241 3885

• Hours:  Open Monday through Thursday from 5PM to 1AM. Friday from 5PM to 2AM, Saturday from 3PM to 2AM and Sunday from 3PM to 1AM
• Tips for Your Visit:  Fall is the perfect time to visit for the outdoor fire.  The specialties of the house include the Hot Buttered Rum and the Blind Lemon Painkiller.

Where to Stay:

Renaissance Cincinnati Hotel
36 E. 4th Street
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone:  513 333 0000

Where to Eat:

Mt. Adams Bar & Grill
938 Hatch Street
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone:  513 621 3666

During my recent visit, I started out with the jalapeno ravioli, which was spicy and delicious.  Depending on my mood, I will either order the grilled Yellowfin Tuna Steak or the grilled Mahi Mahi which are both served over wild rice with peppers and onions.

Teak Thai Cuisine
1051 St. Gregory Street
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone:  513 665 9800

NOTE: This restaurant is now closed.

What to Eat: 

• Skyline Chili:  My go-to meal at Skyline is the 4-way chili with onion served with oyster crackers and hot sauce.  I always pick up two York peppermint patties after cashing out.  Cincinnati chili is a beef based sauce served over spaghetti noodles and cheese.  Additional toppings include onions and beans.
• LaRosa’s Pizza:  A local chain pizzeria, this Sicilian style pie is made with a sweet crust and sauce.  My favorite menu item is the Caprese pesto Flatbread Pizza.
• Graeter’s Ice Cream:  It’s the French Pot process that makes Graeter’s Ice Cream so decadent and rich.  Towards the end of the process, they pour chocolate into the mix creating large chunks of yummy goodness.
• Montgomery Inn BBQ:  Visiting the original Montgomery Inn BBQ at the boathouse is a culinary and scenic experience.  Their ribs are served with a sweet and tangy sauce that has since made them the “Ribs King” and a favorite among locals.  Load up on their amazing BBQ flavored Saratoga chips,
• Glier’s Goetta:  While it looks like a slab of corn beef hash, this breakfast staple is made of sausage and oats, cooked until crispy.  Most breakfast restaurants carry it as a side, especially the local cafes and diners.
• BonBonerie:  One of the most decadent pastry shops in Cincinnati, their rich confections are absolutely amazing.

Books to Read: 

• Eligible:  A Modern Retelling of Pride & Prejudice, by Curtis Sittenfeld
• Running, by J.T. Cooper
• Dead Witch Walking, by Kim Harrison
• Beloved, by Toni Morrison
• Double Dutch, by Sharon M. Draper
• Romiette and Julio, by Sharon M. Draper

Photo Guide for Mt. Adams:

• The view from the Mt. Adams Steps
• Eden Park Twin Lakes Overview
• Rookwood Pottery, the location for the famous pottery once made here
• Eden Park’s fountain and gazebo
• The Monastery at St. Paul place
• The Blind Lemon’s firepit
• The view from Mt. Adam’s Park
• Celestial Restaurant in Mount Adams – The restaurant is now closed, but you may still be able to use the parking lot.

The Courtyard during Winter

The Fireplace inside of the Blind Lemon

The Other Side of the Fire Place, by the Bar, Blind Lemon

Inside the Blind Lemon

The Antiques of the Blind Lemon

A Mt. Adams Mural

A Map of Mt. Adams

 The Streets of Mount Adams