At this point, there are approximately three months to go before the milestone debut of Cincinnati’s reinvented convention center, which, in turn, will have a positive impact on its surrounding downtown neighborhood. Everyone’s excited and, according to one source, “the city is just bursting with fresh energy and bold new offerings in preparation – offerings that will actually redefine the future of meetings – while setting the stage for a new era of events for the Midwest destination!” So, time for you, meeting and event planners, to be brought up to date about what’s happening in Cincy and what it means to you!
For starters, accompanying the $800 million transformation of the city’s Convention Center district, one that includes a new Marriott Headquarters Hotel and the ever-popular Elm Street neighborhood, there are now new and even award-winning dining options for your consideration. One of them is the new Salazar restaurant, which is about to open next month (November 2025). What’s special here is that it brought farm-inspired, New American cuisine to the heart of the downtown convention district. In fact, it’s right across the street from the convention center. Most impressively, it is led by a renowned chef and James Beard finalist, José Salazar, and features 200 seats for dining patrons—think business lunches or, perhaps, post-meeting dinners.
Another is Flight Club. This is best described as a British-style pub and darts hall. Very handsome-looking too! What’s special for groups here is that it offers private or semi-private areas accommodating up to 270 guests, all the while providing a whole lot of fun in a unique way for your meeting attendees. They can unwind here easily or network with each other after a busy day at the nearby convention center. The venue showcases craft cocktails and offers a menu of brunch, small plates, and shareable favorites like sliders, tacos, and flatbreads, all within an upscale entertainment-style setting.
Then, don’t forget pre-existing, group-friendly favorites like Five Iron Golf, which also offers a fun way to unwind after a day of conferences. It provides multisport simulator games, pool tables, shuffleboard, foosball, and more, in a full-service sports bar setting.
Not to be overlooked are other Cincy favorites like Montgomery Inn for BBQ, Findlay Market’s diverse offerings, and Moerlein Lager House for local craft brews and classic dishes served with skyline views in charming 19th-century beer gardens. Also, add Wildweed to the list of things to see and do. It was recently named as one of Bon Appétit’s “2025’s 20 Best New Restaurants in America” and is also featured on The New York Times “Best 50 Restaurants in America” list. What’s special here is that the restaurant is led by James Beard Award finalist Chef David Jackman and also offers private dining options for groups.
So, when thinking about a group event in Cincinnati, especially now that it is getting ready to sport a new convention center, its surrounding neighborhood should seal the deal. After all, planners, you’ve got a lot of mouths to feed, and a lot of foodies to please, too. For more information: www.visitcincy.com.
