CINCINNATI -- The Western & Southern/WEBN Fireworks, a Cincinnati tradition for more than 40 years, is the biggest fireworks show in the Midwest, and the Rozzis pull out all the stops for their hometown.
Once you've chosen your spot to watch, you'll need to figure out something to eat. Sure, you could grab a slice of pizza or other "fair food" on site, but within a short walk, there are plenty of places to grab a bite -- and, in some cases, see the fireworks too.
Here are the top nine places to eat before the show:
115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown.
This is a great place to get a meal and a local beer prior to the fireworks, whether you eat inside, outside in the beer garden or even at the bar. Grab some pork belly beer cheese poutine, BBQ nachos, a Moer-Burger or Beer Baron sausage, along with an FC Cincinnati Blood Orange IPA or Strawberry Pig. Even better? They're open till 11 p.m., so you can get food after, too!
2601 W. Eighth St., East Price Hill.
For the sixth year running, Incline Public House will hold a party with a view of Riverfest from its expansive patio. For $85, including tax and gratuity, eat garden-style food prepared by chef Chris Bushelman and enjoy one of the best views of the fireworks.
343 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue, Kentucky
In Bellevue, grab a pizza from Fessler's and wander to the riverfront on your own schedule. Fessler's pizza, salad, stromboli and hoagies are perfectly portable, easily please kids, adults, vegetarians and meat eaters alike and won't break the budget. Try the BBQ Chicken & Bacon pizza with a side of ranch dressing or a stromboli filled with your favorite toppings, and be sure to try their popular garlic bread with cheese.
403 Oregon St., Mount Adams.
In Mount Adams, City View Tavern is a classic burger joint with a great view of the Ohio River. As in previous years, the tavern is taking reservations to eat and drink starting at 6 p.m. until the last firework goes off on Sunday. Call 513-241-8439 for details and to reserve your spot.
161 E. Freedom Way, #180, Downtown.
BurgerFi, a fast-casual burger eatery at the Banks, is a great option for grabbing a quick bite to go on your way to Riverfest. BurgerFi's beef is grass-fed, and there are chicken and vegetarian options as well as a lettuce-wrapped option for low-carbers. Toppings range from the traditional (think lettuce, onion and tomato) to breakfast burgers with an egg or a burger topped with candied bacon jam and truffle aioli. Don't forget the giant onion rings and Parmesan-herb fries!
BurgerFi, on the Banks, is a great place to grab a quick bite to go on your way to Riverfest
35 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue, Kentucky
Buckhead Mountain Grill is teaming up with Braxton Brewery for a party at Buckhead's prime riverfront location. Depending on seating location (inside, outside or windowless), reservations range from $100 per person and include an appetizer, a dinner buffet and desserts, as well as parking and live entertainment. Drinks will be cash only. For reservations, call 859-491-7333 or email dmulberry@buckheadmanagement.com.
1 Levee Way, #2129, Newport, Kentucky
Newport on the Leveehas a variety of options for food with a view. Three-course dinners are available at Mitchell's for $69.99 per person. You can also dine from the community seating buffet ($79), then join the rest of the Levee outside for Riverfest festivities. For reservations, including riverside patio or riverwalk seating, contact Juli Byrum at 859-409-9958 or mailto:juli.byrum@ldry.com.
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101 Riverboat Row, Newport, Kentucky
There's really no better view than right on the river, and BB Riverboats will maximize your fun with a cruise that begins at 4 p.m. Sept. 2 and finishes when the fireworks are just smoke on the water. Start with hors-d'oeuvres upon boarding, then enjoy a dinner buffet with strip loin and horseradish, stuffed salmon and grilled chicken breast, and finish with a slice of cheesecake while you watch the fireworks. Tickets are $150 per person.
1 Levee Way, Newport, Kentucky
If you can't get on a riverboat cruise to see the fireworks, this might be your next-best bet. Boom on the Bridge is set to start on the Purple People Bridge at 6 p.m. Sept. 2. Tickets to the event give you a birdseye view of the WEBN fireworks from the bridge, along with beer, wine, soft drinks, water, unlimited grill-out food, live music and free parking. Admission gets you two alcoholic beverage drink tickets per person. Tickets are $100 per person; $50 for children ages 3-12; children under 3 are free.
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