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Even though this site is primarily devoted to family-friendly activities, I wanted to include some other recommendations just for adults. Whether you and your husband (or significant other) need a night out in Mason, Ohio or Cincinnati or you just want to have a well deserved "Girls' Night Out", I hope this will help with the planning.
You can also
find some great local discounts on the Greater Cincinnati
Independent Restaurants site.
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Need a night out but don't have a babysitter? Then visit Skidaddles in Mason!
MasonMetu FYI
Get your girlfriends together for a fashion show!
Sunday, Oct. 9, 2011
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Go Bananas Comedy Club - www.gobananascomedy.com. 8410 Market Place LN
Cincinnati, OH 45242, (513-984-9288).
Funny Bone Comedy Club & Restaurant - www.funnyboneonthelevee.com. One Levee Way, Suite 3124, Newport, KY 41071 (859-957-2000).
Shadowbox Cabaret - www.shadowboxcabaret.com.
One Levee Way, Ste. 4101, Newport, KY 41071
(859-957-7625).
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Dinner & A Movie - This one is a no-brainer, but I had to include it since it's one of my favorite things to do. A lot of times, Chris and I will go to a later matinee show (3:30-4:00ish) to get the better movie rate and after the movie, we'll go out to dinner. We're usually home by 8:00 to 9:00. The bonus is that you're not too exhausted from a late night out; but the drawback is that your kids may still be up and you'll have to put them to bed.
Tip: If you want to go to the movies that may not be huge headliners but are really great (more artsy) then check out the Esquire Theatre in Clifton (320 Ludlow Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220, 513-281-8750, www.esquiretheatre.com). After, eat at Tink's Restaurant (delicious) or get an ice cream at Greater's. You can also check out the Mariemont Theatre (6906 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, Ohio, 45227, 513-272-2002, www.mariemonttheatre.com.) Both theatres offer specials so check out their websites, but they each have $5.50 admissions on "BargainTuesdays".
- Final Friday Art Galleries & Shops - on the last Friday of the month from 6-10pm, head down to Main St (between 5th & Liberty) to do some window shopping and see some great art. Pendleton Art Center is also open and the artists are usually there to greet you and you can see all their wonderful art pieces in their studios. 1310 Pendleton St. 513-260-8434.
- Happy Hour - There's lots of great happy hours around town but there are some really nice ones downtown. Think about getting a babysitter on the earlier side, meet for happy hour and then do an early dinner, see a play or catch a movie
- The Cricket Lounge - They have an awesome happy hour daily from 4-7pm. The Cricket is located in the Cincinnatian Hotel (one of the oldest hotels in downtown Cincinnati). See my blog for more information on this great happy hour.
- Palomino's - Also offering a daily happy hour (3-7pm) in their bar area with yummy appetizers and drink specials (my kids even like their pizza - bonus). See below for more info on Palomino's.
- Bravo - The Deerfield Towne Center location now has Happy Hour M-F from 3-7pm. 1/2 price appetizers and drink specials. Click on Bravo link for more details.
- Music & Concerts - There are FREE music and concerts throughout Greater Cincinnati. A lot of these happen over the summer, but there are still some going on the rest of the year. Of course, you can always pay for a concert too.
- Sporting Event - Most husbands would be thrilled if they got to see a game or go to some sporting event so check out the Sports tab for more info on all the local, college and professional teams that are in the area. I actually need to take my own advice - I'd love to see a Cyclones game again.
- Wine Tasting & Dessert - There are some great places to go for wine tastings - it's fun without being too hard on the budget. Have dinner at home (always good to eat before drinking alcohol), head to the tasting, and then be decadent and get dessert somewhere fun!
Tip: You can also check out one of our local wineries where you can grill your own dinner (sides & dessert provided) and get a bottle of wine to go with it. This is fun for date night or with a group of friends. Check out Vinoklet Winery (11069 Colerain Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45252,513-385-9309, www.vinokletwines.com) or Valley Vineyards (2276 E. US 22 & 3 (Montgomery Road), Morrow, OH 45152, 513-899-2485, www.valleyvineyards.com).
Whole Foods Market - Uncorked! Every Friday they have a food and wine tasting from 6:00-8:00 pm and it's only $5 - wow! You'll also get a Whole Foods Market wine glass that you can bring for your next tasting and then you get a $1 off your punch card. Deerfield Towne Center, Mason, Ohio.
Grape-Vine Friday
First Friday of the month - 5-8 p.m.
Travel from store to store in the eclectic Gateway Quarter, centered at 12th and Vine streets in Over-the-Rhine. Held the first Friday of every month.For more information visit www.otrgateway.com or call 513-744-9344.
Wine Tasting Monday's - 5-8pm every Monday Troy's Cafe & Catering - 4877 Smith Road, West Chester, Ohio.
Enjoy three glasses of wine with food pairings for only $12. (513) 860-3206.
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Girls' Night Out
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Final Friday Gallerly Walk - Get some friends together and head down to Main St. from 6-10 p.m. On the final friday of each month, approximately 20 galleries present their works of art and have special events and exhibits. There are also local shops and restaurants to enjoy. Go to www.cincinnatiarts.com/finalfri or call 513-621-4700. - Cooking Class - check out the The Leaning Kitchen in West Chester and you can enjoy a fun night out with your friends while enjoying some tasty morsels. They have many cooking classes throughout the year. Registration is required for classes so either call 513-847-4474 or go to www.thelearningkitchen.com.
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Jag's Steak and Seafood - http://jags.com/events/. 5980 West Chester Rd., West Chester, Ohio (513-860-5353). This is a fun place to go with friends and they have some enticing things to get you in the door. Every Thursday, they have Ladies Night in the lounge (5pm-12am) with half price appetizers, drink specials and live entertainment (time to get your groove on). On Friday, for $5.00, you can go to West Chester's biggest office party and have some awesome appetizers in the lounge from 5-7pm. There's live entertainment as well. If you're not up for the "party" scene, make reservations in their dining rooms for dinner.
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Know Theatre - www.knowtheatre.com. 1120 Jackson Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513-300-5669). My Mom told me about this and I'm so glad she did. If you want to see some fantastic live theatre in a more intimate setting, then this is the place for you. It's located in a old building and on the first floor they have a cool bar area with plenty of seating. The theater is on the second floor and their isn't a bad seat in the house. You're close to the action and you can really see the expressions on the actors' faces. In the Fall, I went with some of my girlfriends to "I Love You Because" and it was outstanding! So, please check out this gem of a find. Bonus - tickets are only $12.00! Before the show, head to Jean Robert's Lavomatic Cafe (513-621-1999) on Vine St. You can park in a secured parking lot right across the street from the theater and it's a very short walk to Lavomatic.
 Moms' Night Out - Visti Whole Foods in Deerfield Township on the last Thursday of every month for Mom’s Night Out. Mom's
Night Out is an opportunity for local mothers to get together without
the kids to socialize, relax, and be pampered. We know it’s hard being
a mom - you deserve a break! Registration is required. To sign up for a class, contact Paula Mangold at 513-459-6131 or paula.mangold@wholefoods.com.
 - Paint by the Glass - Schedule a fun night out with your gal pals and enjoy creating your own masterpiece to take home. Paint by the Glass sums it up best, "Think you can't paint? A local professional artist will show you step by step how to paint your very own abstract work of art on a pre-sketched canvas, you just add your own style and creativity. Each artist (that's you) will have created your very own unique masterpiece to take home. Frame it, hang it and love it because it's yours! We will provide everything you need, just bring your creativity and some friends. Hors d' oeuvres are also included and it's always Happy Hour at Paint by the Glass! The wine bar is now open so, bottoms and brushes up"!
- Wine Tasting & Dessert - Great for date night and for girlfriend time. See details above in Date Night.
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Restaurant Recommendations
MasonMetu Tip: Check out Restaurant.com. You can buy gift certificates to local restaurants at a reduced rate - they are good for one year from date of purchase. For $10, you can get a $25 gift certificate, for $3, a $10 gift certificate. Sometimes they even slash the prices more so check back often.
You can also
find some great local discounts on the
Greater Cincinnati
Independent Restaurants site.
There are so many wonderful restaurants in this area (too many to list) so I'll focus on some of my favorites and my Mom's too.
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Bonefish Grill - www.bonefishgrill.com. 7710 Voice of America Centre Drive, West Chester, Ohio 45069 (513-755-2303). We've always had delicious food here. It's great because even though I love seafood, I don't cook it very often (ok, let's be honest, hardly ever) so I really enjoy eating here. The service is great and the food even better. See my review on Associated Content.
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Cafe Bella - www.cafebellamason.com. 5984 Snider Rd., Mason, Ohio 45040. (513) 770-4141). I had a CBC networking dinner here and it was fantastic. The server we had was great - he was very helpful and attentive without going overboard. He even offered to do separate checks for nine women and was happy to do it. The food was outstanding - very fresh and flavorful ("inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle). There was good fresh baked bread with olive oil for dipping and we all really enjoyed our meals. We even met, Bella, the owner who was so gracious. So, please consider Cafe Bella for your next dinner out - I think you will find it will be worth your while. They also offer a family-friendly kids menu, take out services, a special "Winesday" and nightly happy hour. - HUGO - www.hugo-restaurant.com/ - 3235-A Madison Road, Oakley, Ohio 45209. (513) 329-4846. If you get a chance to have a "Parents' Night Out" and you want to enjoy some delicious southern inspired cuisine, then head to HUGO in Oakley and you will not be disappointed. Chef Sean Daly is outstanding and his menu is mouth-watering good. If you want to read more about our first dining experience see my article on Associated Content.
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Palomino's - http://www.r-u-i.com/plo/index.php?cook=1&locations=Cincinnati. Fountain Place, 505 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202, (513) 381-1300. This is a great place if you want to head downtown. They have an awesome happy hour everyday in their bar (3-7pm) - there are 1/2 price appetizers, discounted drink specials, and $5 pizzas. We've always had great service from their friendly servers and the food is delicious plus if you get a seat by the window, you have a great view of Fountain Square. - Pitrelli’s Italian Café - 312 Reading Road, Mason, OH 45040
(513) 770-0122. MasonMetu viewer and Mom, Megan L., recommends this quaint small Italian restaurant in the heart of Mason. They are known for
their signature basil and garlic marinara sauce.
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The Polo Grille - www.tavernrestaurantgroup.com. 5035 Deerfield Blvd, Mason, OH 45040 (513) 701-7656. This place has a great ambiance and on Wednesday's they have live jazz from 7pm-10pm. My friends and I love getting the "Polotini" (it's a sampler of their martini's in these adorable little martini glasses). On Saturday's, they usually have some live music and they now offer a late night bar menu. You can also take the family here for Sunday brunch (kids are 10 & under are free). The food is great too! - Currently offering $35 after 4pm promotion on Saturdays - "3 courses, 2 people, 1 price".....sounds good to me!
- Slim's Restaurant - http://slimsrestaurant.com/. 4046 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio (513-681-6500). I wish we lived closer to Northside because you can't find a more unique restaurant in Cincinnati. You definitely need reservations for Slim's since their open from "5:30-till the foods gone". On Friday and Saturday, they offer a Prix-Fixe menu for $45.00 plus tax (extra for dessert and beverages). The food is outstanding and the last time I was there we were allowed to bring in our own wine & beer selections - they provided the glasses.
- Wildflower Cafe & Coffee House - www.wildflowercafeandcoffeehouse.com - 207 E. Main St., Mason, Ohio. (513) 492-7514. I love this cafe. It's a perfect place for a lunch with friends. You may want to make reservations since the restaurant is located in a house so it doesn't have huge dining areas. You're going to be disappointed if you get there and they are all booked because the food is outstanding and the service is fantastic. I love how they have all the menu items written colorfully on large chalk boards. When something sells out for the day, they just come in and erase the chalkboard. I've sampled their organic shrimp po' boy sandwich (yummy), & their quiche du jour (delicious) as well as their chicken salad sandwich with a cup of chili (tasty). The chef uses lots of organic and local ingredients for his dishes so the prices are a little bit higher than what you normally might pay for lunch but I don't mind paying a bit more for lunch if it is soooooooooooo good! Plus they use lots of fresh foods from Marvins Organic Gardens and you have to support a restaurant that supports local businesses.
- York Street Cafe - www.yorkstonline.com. 738 York St. Cafe, Newport, KY, 859-261-9675. This is a bit of a drive from Mason but if you're going to Newport on the Levee, then you may want to check out this place. It is adorable - think of an intimate dining area with small tables with mismatched chairs and fun kitschy decor throughout the room. The food is tasty and reasonably priced. The building used to house an old pharmacy in the front of the building and a bank in the rear so there's a lot of history. There's a lounge on the second floor of the building and you could time it to hear some live music before or after you eat.
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