Locals and visitors alike find something special in the Queen city. It may be the beauty of the lush river valley or hiking through the area's parks. Die-hard NFL fans will say it is the Bengals. Whatever draws you to southwestern Ohio, rest assured there are plenty of places to get your seafood fix.
For a casual contemporary setting, consider the Bonefish Grill on the east side of Cincinnati near Rookwood Pavilion. Seafood options include Chilean sea bass with a warm mango salsa or Snake River rainbow trout in a lemon butter sauce. For diners who crave meat, the menu also features chicken Marsala and filet mignon. There are daily specials, and a wine list completes the menu.
Bonefish Grill
2737 Madison Road
Cincinnati, OH 45209
(513) 321-5222
bonefishgrill.com
Located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati near the river and stadiums, you will find McCormick and Schmick's. With locations in major cities across the United States, McCormick and Schmick's is known for fresh seasonal seafood in an upscale environment. Upscale does not mean expensive, though. Several lunch options are under $10, including the smoked salmon lavosh and the Sam Adams cod sandwich.
For dinner, start the meal with a wide selection of oysters on the half-shell or clam chowder. Although the dinner menu is subject to change seasonally and depending on what is fresh, it is a good bet that you'll find walleye salmon from Canada and ahi tuna on the menu. Also available are lobster tails, which can be ordered alone or added to your entree.
McCormick & Schmick's
21 East 5th St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
(513) 721-9339
mccormickandschmicks.com
If you found the Washington Platform Saloon & Restaurant in the phone book, you might think the publisher had put this place in the seafood section by mistake. However, when you learn that this restaurant hosts an annual Oyster Festival from the end of March into April and a Crab Carnival in November, both with special menus, you'll know it is serious about seafood.
As you might expect from a restaurant with an oyster festival, the regular menu features numerous oyster appetizers, including oysters on the half-shell. For entrees, you can have an oyster po' boy or fried oyster dinner. But do not worry if oysters are not your thing. They also offer grilled salmon with lobster butter and blue crab pasta penne with a Creole-spiced blue cheese cream sauce along with other entrees. Reservations are suggested for parties of five or more.
Washington Platform Saloon & Restaurant
1000 Elm St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
(513) 421-0110
washingtonplatform.com
