Uptown is full of small businesses and nonprofits that are vital parts of the community. Coronavirus closures have impacted many of these organizations, and they need support now more than ever.
While this is not an all-encompassing list of the many small businesses in the Uptown neighborhoods, it’s a great place to start identifying a few organizations to continue to support in the coming weeks. Many businesses offer online shopping, gifts cards to use later, or carry-out/delivery services, and many nonprofits need donations to support increases in need.
For a full list of Uptown restaurants offering carry-out and delivery services, visit YourUptown.com. This list will continue to be updated as things change.
AVONDALE
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is an important institution for many local families and a huge economic driver for the region. While families may not be able to visit the Zoo for now, the nonprofit is continuing to provide fun and educational resources on its website and social media pages.
People can support the Zoo by purchasing or renewing season passes, adopting an animal, shopping the Zoo’s online store (including cloth face masks!), donating online, or purchasing a Zoo-themed t-shirt from Cincy Shirts or Fiona Blend coffee at Coffee Emporium.
Hirsch Recreation Center
Hirsch Recreation Center is distributing shelf-stable meals and activity packs for children 18 and younger in Avondale. The items are available for pick up Monday through Friday from 2:30–4:30 p.m. at 3630 Reading Road. The Cincinnati Recreation Commission, in partnership with the Hunger Alliance, is implementing the same program at all recreation centers throughout the city (except OTR, Oakley and LeBlond), including other Uptown neighborhoods.
Anyone interested in supporting the snack pack and activity pack programs can donate through the Cincinnati Recreation Foundation.
CLIFTON
Clifton Market
Clifton Market is still open to ensure that residents have access to healthy food in their neighborhood. Customers can even shop online, and the store offers special hours for seniors and those with underlying conditions from 8–10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Purchasing groceries at a locally owned market is a great way to support a small business in the community.
Sitwell’s Act II Coffee House & Clifton Cares
Sitwell’s Coffee House on Ludlow Avenue is offering carry-out from its updated menu, including daily specials. It’s one of eleven restaurants participating in the Clifton Cares effort established by the Clifton Business Association to support local restaurants and healthcare workers. When healthcare workers order from any of the restaurants, Clifton Cares covers their tab through charitable donations.
Other restaurants participating include Dusmesh, The Whole Bowl, Habanero’s, Biagio’s Bistro, Proud Rooster, Marrakech, Gaslight Bar & Grill, Los Potrillos, Grill of India and Baladi Restaurant and Bakery.
CORRYVILLE
Mio’s
Mio’s, by the University of Cincinnati, is a locally owned franchise that’s working to support healthcare workers at Uptown hospitals. The restaurant has been donating pizzas to nearby hospitals for weeks, in part funded by charitable donations. To-date, Mio’s has donated hundreds of pizzas to ER and ICU staff. They’re also offering carry-out and delivery to continue feeding their regular customers.
Island Frydays
Island Frydays, a Caribbean-themed restaurant and catering business, is providing carry-out and delivery services for its full menu. Owned by former UC football player Leo Morgan, the restaurant has been part of the Corryville community for more than 10 years.
CUF
Duttenhoffer’s Books
Duttenhoffer’s Books, an independently owned bookstore near the University of Cincinnati, offers a variety of new and used books from fiction to poetry and children’s books. As people spend more time at home and look for additional activities, purchasing books from a local seller is a great option. Customers can shop for books at Duttenhoffer’s online or follow the business on Facebook for updates.
Keystone Bar & Grill
Keystone Bar & Grill is open for carry-out and delivery at all three of its locations, including one near the University of Cincinnati. The restaurant also offers larger boxed lunch orders for employers looking to purchase large quantities for essential employees.
Keystone also reopened its previously shuttered Hyde Park location to keep more of its team members on staff throughout the state-wide closures.
MOUNT AUBURN
Graeter’s
Graeter’s is offering its famous ice cream for carry-out and delivery from its store on Reading Road in Mount Auburn. The Cincinnati-favorite offers other shopping opportunities as well, including buying merchandise, candy and toppings from its online shop, purchasing gift cards to use later, and shipping ice cream to others throughout the country.
HighStreet
HighStreet, a design studio and lifestyle store, is getting creative since closing its store in March. While customers can’t go browse in-person, they can still view the store’s inventory online. On Facebook, HighStreet is also selling “Happy Bags,” a surprise sampling of hand-selected items at different price points.