On this Friday Night Field Trip it was…guess…? Yep, raining! Does it rain for every FNFT? Sure seems like it. It never slows us down, but it sure makes it hard to sample the many great patios and porches of killer Cincy FNFT spots. We were also rerouted for this FNFT because John’s work travel had us leaving later than usual, which meant that 2 of our planned destinations were too crowded to attempt. This is a key lesson for FNFT – don’t be discouraged, be dauntless and game! Enjoy your field trip whatever you do, whatever the weather, parking or obstacle, be creative and keep on keepin’ on.

Our original plan for Madisonville was to stop in at the delicious taqueria, Mezunte for a drink & an app, then hit Red Feather Kitchen for dinner, and wrap it up at the Overlook Bar at the Summit Hotel. Still worth trying on another day. If I was adding in another “next time stop,” I would also add in a visit to Bad Tom Smith Brewery & Spirits in the restored 1920’s historic bank building on Madison, those folks have done some serious homework on picking their brand, Tom was indeed a bad man.

My friend Wikipedia told me that Madisonville was established in 1809, first named after the then-newly elected President (#4!) James Madison and re-christened “Madisonville” in 1826, in order to avoid postal confusion. Prior to its naming, “first resident” creds go to Joseph Ward, a Revolutionary War veteran and his family who revised their original, slightly more southern plan for a homestead spot by the river for this one, due to flooding. They built their log home here in 1797 along a well-traveled Native American trail. Later, booming with streetcars and commerce, Madisonville was annexed by the City of Cincinnati in 1911.

Northeast of downtown Cincinnati, Madisonville is sandwiched in between the Oakley and Madeira neighborhoods and is enjoying a resurgence in housing and business development.

First stop Mezunte… wait, scratch that, Red Feather Kitchen… wait, scratch that, OAKLEY FISH HOUSE!

As we rolled off of Red Bank onto Madison, the first stop, Mezunte, it was all too obvious, we were too late, it was packed. To the gills. And because it was raining, there was no outdoor overflow. Moving on! We had called ahead to Red Feather Kitchen but by the time we got there, every seat was occupied, and many recently so. So as we sat against the wall for awhile, hoping a bar seat would open up, I checked my FNFT “to-Do” list and found Oakley Fish House just up the road – called ahead and found it had room for 2! Being flexible…Moving on!

At Oakley square, we confusedly circled the block in the dark, hoping to find parking, and eventually slid into a parallel spot way down the street. Dodging puddles, we walked to OFH and were grateful to get inside and get a table (although the bar would have been great too!)

Oakley Fish House is right on Oakley Square in the former Habits location. Opened during the pandemic by the owner of the former Mt. Adams Fish House, I am always grateful to see these neighborhood investments survive and thrive – especially through hard times. OFH’s website mentions that it offers a contemporary twist to the iconic dishes served for many years at its Mt. Adams patriarch – noting that Oakley Fish House delivers the same superior service and memorable food infused with new flair.  I never visited the Mt. Adams Fish House but do concur OFH’s food was superb and the service spot-on.

Ok, is it weird that I take pictures of the bathroom? Come on, this one is cute! Check out that awesome on-theme mermaid wallpaper! The decor of Oakley Fish House is great – upholstery in leathers that are greens and blues, yacht-worthy brass bar decor with porthole-round backlit bar mirrors and seaworthy woodwork. Totally nautical in a good, subtle classic way, without fish nets, anchors or eyepatches. It’s not huge but it was welcoming and even though you are practically within elbows distance of your shared-banquette-dining neighbors, if you look straight ahead at your wonderful date, you can let the rest of the nearby dates disappear (but maybe sneak a peek at their entree to see if you want it).

For drinks, I first chose a spicy margarita that came with a tiny bottle of tabasco – awesome. John went with a martini and we had a pinot with dinner – because we seem to only want red wine – even with white fish! John had the lobster special that overfloweth with crab and shrimp and I had the miso sea bass that was just heavenly – who doesn’t appreciate that pan-seared crust with the umami of miso on a moist flaky chunk of gorgeous sea bass? I donated the tiny octopus that came on top to John, I had just seen My Octopus Teacher. We loved our visit to Oakley Fish House – its another place with a great patio that we hope to revisit in nice weather.

Leaving OFH, we had friends at MadTree Brewing across the way watching the live music (shout out to Butch and Sandy!) but we were getting tired, so headed straight to our last stop…

Last Stop: Drinks & Dessert at the Overlook Bar, Summit Hotel

The Overlook Restaurant and bar live on the 4th floor of The Summit Hotel in Madisonville. The hotel has a rotating, curated local art showcase in a 5800 square foot gallery off of the lobby, and a sweet charitable connection to United Pet Fund. It’s main restaurant and attached bar host fun events (mixology nights, etc.) and share a huge patio with a view. Not to be confused with the funtastic Overlook Lodge in Pleasant Ridge that we visited on FNFT previously, this Overlook speaks to the view. Their patio looks over the sights and lights of Madison and Red Bank Roads, however we were relegated to indoors due to the weather. Nevertheless, the music was lively and the staff was friendly. This Overlook, at the end of the day, is a hotel bar – a little overly well-lit for my liking, it was nearly empty and closing soon (too early for true bar-status IMHO). We cozied into our corner table, facing the deck and the band, and appreciated the cool locally hand-wrought table and happy music vibe.

The Swimmer cocktail was ridiculously right up my alley (Gin, St. Germaine, lime), I love it when menus mind-meld with my brain! This one was just a tad on the sweet side. John went with a chilled domestic beer and capitulated to my choice of what turned out to be a crazy-good chai creme brulee for dessert (which he liked!). After that, we called it quits and straggled home to cozy in by the fire.

Thanks Madisonville & Oakley!

Until next Friday, Cheers!

Places mentioned in this FNFT:

Oakley Fish House: 3036 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, oakleyfishhouse.com
Overlook Bar: 4th floor, Summit Hotel, 5345 Medpace Way, thesummithotel.com/dining/overlook-kitchen-bar
Special extra Mentions: Mezunte, Red Feather Kitchen, MadTree Brewing, Bad Tom Smith