Cincinnati beer brats are Bavarian-style bratwurst simmered in beer and grilled, served at the city's old-line German rooms with sauerkraut, mustard and rye bread.
Cincinnati's German heritage came in two waves: post-1830 from Baden, Wurttemberg and Bavaria, and post-1848 political refugees. By 1900, German speakers were the city's largest language group. Beer brats, mettwurst and sauerkraut became staples in OTR taverns and the western German neighborhoods. The Moerlein Lager House on Joe Nuxhall Way carries the German brewing line at the riverfront today.
2 editor picks for Beer brats and German fare in Cincinnati, ranked by editorial score. All Cincinnati signature dishes · Beer brats and German fare across every city.
Rhinegeist Brewery ★ 4.7
over-the-rhine · 1910 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Rhinegeist on Elm Street in Cincinnati's OTR is the largest craft brewery in Ohio, brewing IPAs, lagers and ciders in an 1895 Moerlein bottling hall.
MadTree Brewing ★ 4.5
oakley · 3301 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45209
MadTree Brewing on Madison Road in Cincinnati's Oakley is the 36,000 square foot taproom and kitchen from the 2013 founders, with 30-plus taps.