Quick List: Restaurants Near Fountain Square

A great night out downtown includes dinner at an awesome restaurant downtown then ice skating on Fountain Square. Here is a list of my favorite restaurants that you would be able to walk to from the square:

• Right by the Square
• Akash India: Though a bit more expensive than most Indian, they have a broader menu and a lunch buffet for only $10 ($$)
• http://www.akashindia.net/
• Chipotle: Not a fan of chains, but it is right on the square... ($)
• Graeter's: Cincinnati classic, great end to any evening ($)
• Potbelly: Good and inexpensive sandwiches, and directly on the square ($)
• http://www.potbelly.com/Food/OurMenu.aspx?subPage=Sandwiches
• Food Trucks: If there are any there, I recommend trying them out. My favorites are Taco Azul, Cafe de Wheels, and Pizza Bomba ($)

• Not Too Far Away
• Fusian: make your own sushi with lots of options as well as premade rolls ($)
• http://www.fusian.com/menu_choose.php
• 600 Vine st. (1 block away)
• Tot Dogs: super cheap, fresh, and delicious.Only open on weekdays for lunch ($)
• http://www.totdogscincinnati.com/
• 634 Vine st. (1.5 blocks)
• Hello Honey: Unique ice cream flavors home made to perfection ($)
• http://www.urbanspoon.com/u/menu/1691188
• 633 Vine st. (1.5 blocks)
• Mr. Sushi: Some of the best sushi in Cincinnati, though a bit higher priced ($$)
• http://mrsushicincinnati.com/menu/
• 580 Walnut st. (2 blocks away)
• It's Just Crepes: If you haven't tried this yet, you're missing out! A large menu consisting of sweet and savory crepes. My favorite is the Pesto Turkey. ($)
• http://www.itsjustcrepes.com/main.html
• 151 W. 4th st. (3 blocks)
• Shanghai Mama's: Hearty bowls of noodles and other dishes in a 1920's Shanghai-themed atmosphere ($$)
• http://www.shanghaimamas.com/
• 216 E. 6th Street (3.5 blocks)
• Gilpin's Steamed Sandwiches: A huge menu consisting of unique steam-cooked sandwiches. The steamed cheeseburger is worth a try ($)
• http://www.gilpinssteamedsandwiches.com/
• 37 E. 7th st. (3.5 blocks)
• Burnell's: One of my favorite restaurants in the city. Delicious and inexpensive for lunch, serene and romantic for dinner. There is a 50% off deal at Cincinnati Alt Perks: http://cincinnati.altperks.com/product/5712804/8-dollar-voucher-to-burnells, to help with the bill. 
• 915 Vine st. (4 blocks)
• Scotti's: This 100 yr old restaurant features melting candles, Lady and the Tramp-esque accordion music, and recipes passed down through the generations. I highly recommend this restaurant for a romantic date or a small group dinner before a dance. ($$)
• http://scottiscincinnati.com/menu/
• 919 Vine st. (4 blocks)
• Taqueria Mercado: A good, solid Mexican restaurant with authentic recipes. 
• http://www.tmercadocincy.com/
• 100 E. 8th (4 blocks)

$- under $10 for one

$$- $10-15

A Couple Tips:

Parking: For the restaurants like Fusian and Tot Dogs, parking in the Fountain Square garage works well. It is relatively easy to find street parking for all but It's Just Crepes and Taqueria Mercado on weekend nights. If going during the daytime, especially on a weekday, street parking is very difficult to find in the Central Business District.

Safety: The area tends to get more sketchy the farther north you walk. Just make sure you're aware of your surroundings and walk in a group, preferably more than two.