Flying Pig--Cincinnati Restaurants?

I decided this week to register for the Flying Pig marathon. Several people in my running group are also running it, and I'm in charge of dinner reservations. We're going to have a group of 24 people. Any suggestions for a good, casual Italian restaurant that can accommodate a large group, and isn't too far from downtown? Also looking for a good place for Sunday night that has steak as an option, but not super pricey, like The Precinct. I was hoping to make it to the Montgomery Inn, but I don't think the rest of my group is on board. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks!!

Scotti's if it is still there. It wasn't large, but it accommodated two tables of 10 when I ran the race in 2004. It is in Cincinnati not on the Kentucky side.

It sounds perfect! I just called and they can only accommodate a party of 10 Thanks for the suggestion!

Prima Vista can accomodate large groups. It's five minutes from downtown. Scotti's will fill up quickly. Sotto is brand new Itakian restaurant downtown with great reviews. I'd call today though. If you can forgo a steak, lots of new restaurants have opened on Vine and Main Sts in Over the Rhine. Most are pretty small though. Montgomery Inn can easily accomodate any size crowd. Another good option (or two) is Trio or Embers in the Kenwood area. I cannot recommend an inexpensive steak place. I'd you come to Cincinmati for steak and don't choose Ruby's, The Precinct, or Embers, I'd say go a different route. there is also a Morton's, Ruth's Cris, and Binions (in the casino)' but I won't recommend a chain when there are better local options and they are no less expensive. The best pizza is at A Tavola on Main St. So many wonderful restaurant choices... So little time!

Happy to see you again. How's the municipality, these days?

Thanks Natalie! I was hoping you'd see my post! My husband was living in Cincinnati when I met him, so I have fond memories of both Montgomery Inn (both the original and the boathouse) and The Precinct. I'm bummed that neither one of those are going to be an option for my group. I'll definitely check out your other suggestions! Appreciate it!!

Are you running this year?

ounce wrote:Happy to see you again. How's the municipality, these days?

Amberley Village is doing great! We passed a police levy, paid off a golf course, allowed residents to raise chickens, and developed a comprehensive deer management plan. Among many other things. Almost time to start thinking about re-election.

Jenny O wrote:Thanks Natalie! I was hoping you'd see my post! My husband was living in Cincinnati when I met him, so I have fond memories of both Montgomery Inn (both the original and the boathouse) and The Precinct. I'm bummed that neither one of those are going to be an option for my group. I'll definitely check out your other suggestions! Appreciate it!!

Are you running this year?

Jenny, I'm not running the Pig. The most running I've been doing lately is with my Girls on the Run team. Trying to get it back though! Let me know if you need any restaurant suggestions.

Natalie63 wrote:

ounce wrote:Happy to see you again. How's the municipality, these days?

Amberley Village is doing great! We passed a police levy, paid off a golf course, allowed residents to raise chickens, and developed a comprehensive deer management plan. Among many other things. Almost time to start thinking about re-election.

I guess y'all don't need a possum management plan up there, yet?

Are the deer forming into gangs and such?

Natalie63 wrote:Amberley Village is doing great! We passed a police levy, paid off a golf course, allowed residents to raise chickens, and developed a comprehensive deer management plan. Among many other things. Almost time to start thinking about re-election.

Not sure if I ever mentioned it Natalie...but when my wife & I first moved to Cincy...we almost bought a house in Amberley. The house was on Section Road. But the basement had some basement issues (water infiltration & possible foundation structural issues)...so we decided to pass on it.

- Nick

pigoo wrote:

Natalie63 wrote:Amberley Village is doing great! We passed a police levy, paid off a golf course, allowed residents to raise chickens, and developed a comprehensive deer management plan. Among many other things. Almost time to start thinking about re-election.

Not sure if I ever mentioned it Natalie...but when my wife & I first moved to Cincy...we almost bought a house in Amberley. The house was on Section Road. But the basement had some basement issues (water infiltration & possible foundation structural issues)...so we decided to pass on it.

- Nick

You never did, but I don't think I ever mentioned that I lived in Amberley. Until I ran for council.

Natalie--hoping you see this again! Unfortunately, I think one of the pricier steakhouses is going to be out of budget for some of the group. I'd LOVE to go back to The Precinct, but don't think it's going to happen. A few other places that were suggested are: Palomino, Crave, Jimmy G's, Moerlein Lager House and MItchell's FIsh Market. I wanted to see if you had an opinion on any of them. I don't want to go somewhere touristy and cheesy, although I may get outvoted Any input you have would be much appreciated! Thanks!!

Jenny O wrote:Natalie--hoping you see this again! Unfortunately, I think one of the pricier steakhouses is going to be out of budget for some of the group. I'd LOVE to go back to The Precinct, but don't think it's going to happen. A few other places that were suggested are: Palomino, Crave, Jimmy G's, Moerlein Lager House and MItchell's FIsh Market. I wanted to see if you had an opinion on any of them. I don't want to go somewhere touristy and cheesy, although I may get outvoted Any input you have would be much appreciated! Thanks!!

Jenny, those are all good options. I'd add to that Via Vite which is right on Fountain Square, reasonably priced, and sort of trendy. I like it. Jimmy G's is on my "to do" list. Supposed to be excellent and the chef, Jimmy Gibson, is phenomenal. However, I believe it is pricey. Moerlein's is fun and new. It's at The Banks, as is Crave, so you should probably check out that area. Crave looks interesting and I've heard it's reasonably priced. Mitchell's is actually at Newport on the Levy. It's good. McCormick & Schmick is a chain, but it's also good and is right on Fountain Square. I don't think you can go wrong with any of those choices. Palomino and Via Vite are Italian, if you are looking for that.