A melting pot of creativity in America’s Rust Belt

Cincinnati, Ohio, is maybe not the most obvious pick for a global travel guide. In their search for The Best, travel guides today miss the everyday places enjoyed by neighborhood baristas; Filter seeks out these destinations and, in this case, discovers in the industrial American Midwest ‘a big melting pot of creativity.’

*Gabrielle Larkin is the manager for* *The 86 Coffee Bar* *and assists with management at* *Rohs Street Cafe* *as well. Photos courtesy of Gabrielle Larkin*

Filter: What do you like to do for fun around Cincinnati?

Cincinnati is full of culture and life! I love spending my time exploring the music, arts, outdoors and food.

For me, I also love to skate! I skate on quads and blades and I love finding fun parts of the city to explore on wheels.

If a good friend came to visit my first thought would be to make sure they get to taste some of the incredible food that Cincinnati has to offer! Sugar and Spice in OTR [Over-the-Rhine] is a super cute small business diner with classic breakfast favorites. Though this location is new to them, they have been around since 1941 and you get to leave with one of their iconic rubber ducks.

Checking out the riverfront is always a good time with Smale Park, all of the bridges, more delicious local food and even a beautiful carousel you can ride with the city as the backdrop!

Cincinnati has many music venues like Andrew J Brady Center, Bogarts, Riverbend, and more so there are always great concerts and live music rolling through. We also have many art museums and art-centered events so I am always able to immerse myself in a gallery, performance or interactive event.

I would also be sure to take them to the Contemporary Arts Center, one of the first contemporary art institutions in the United States. It is 7 floors of magic- paintings, drawings, sculptures, video and more! It's also free entry which is super nice.

Filter: Where’s your favorite skating in the city?

Cincinnati has a massive skate scene, but no skatepark. So currently I am part of the team with Cincinnati Skatepark Project that is working to get a network of skateparks built in the area. But, we do have some interesting street spots and DIYs (like Newport 471 and The Courts) to explore as you roll through the incredible historical architecture that Cincinnati has to offer.

Filter: What touristy things in Cincinnati are worth the hype?

Cincinnati has so many incredible places to check out when you're here! The Cincinnati Zoo has often been ranked the top zoo in the nation and it is also the second oldest. My favorite exhibit there is the Bonobo monkeys, but the kangaroo exhibit where they openly roam as you walk through is also super neat!

Cincinnati Museum Center is a phenomenal piece of history and architecture and definitely worth checking out. Lastly, one of my favorite places in the city, Findlay Market, is a beautiful indoor-outdoor hybrid market filled with local farmers, makers, and more!

Filter: Where are your favorite quiet corners there?

Friendship Park is a beautiful walk with a view of the river and sculpture along the way.

If you're the reading type, Household Books is an amazing secondhand bookstore that also has pop-up live music and more!

Cincinnati has TONS of green space! So, if someone was ever wanting to escape the city I would suggest they explore any of our parks. Some of my favorite places to hike are Mt. Airy Forest, Bellevue Hill Park (which has an incredible view of the city), and the Parker Woods Nature Preserve.

Filter: What's another coffee shop around there that you really admire?

I really love Proud Hound Coffee! Their space is beautiful, the food and coffee is delicious and innovative and their branding is also super cute!

Filter: What makes Cincinnati feel like home to you?

Cincinnati feels like home to me because it's just a big melting pot of creativity. There's something for every type of person and every interest here! I love that I can always find something new and exciting to try here even though I've lived here my entire life.

I also play roller derby for Cincinnati Rollergirls! If you're in town during our season you should definitely come check out one of our "bouts" (that's what derby world calls a game).

Filter: How did you end up in the Cincinnati coffee scene?

I've been in Cincinnati all my life—born and raised! Coffee was kind of a family affair that I fell into and now myself, both of my parents and even my sibling are all involved in the shop!

Filter: Can you share about your role at Rohs St Cafe and The 86 Coffee Bar?

I serve as the manager for The 86 Coffee Bar and assist with managerial duties at Rohs Street Cafe as well. When I'm not on bar working a barista shift, you may find me booking our monthly rotating art gallery, scheduling small business pop ups, working on our social media accounts, and more!

Filter: If you could move to any place in the world just for the coffee scene, where would it be?

Quite honestly, I would want to stay right here in Cincinnati! Cincinnati has a booming coffee scene and the community is as creative as ever. I think we truly have something unique in Cincinnati coffee that I hope everyone has the chance to experience some time!

–

Rohs Street Cafe and The 86 Coffee Bar are sister institutions in central Cincinnati, Ohio.

Food & Beverage

Outdoors