A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
As much as we love all of the new restaurants, shops, sporting venues, and other rising destinations around Cincinnati, we also have a place in our hearts for those that are long gone. Growing up in Cincinnati, you likely frequented these spots to shop, dine, watch sports, be entertained, and simply live your life in Cincinnati. Just as we order things from Amazon today, we used to stop into Swallen’s or Gold Circle, and just as we covet a reservation to Boca today, the Maisonette used to be the place to eat in Cincinnati. So take a walk down memory lane with us and revisit these 12 long gone places that every Cincinnatian surely misses.
Anyone else remember back to school shopping at Swallen's? This chain began in Cincinnati, but all stores were closed by the end of 1995. It was a one-stop-shop where you could buy a washing machine, a baseball bat, and a new wardrobe - all in one visit!
Great American Ballpark is undoubtedly a beautiful stadium that our city loves. But there is still something extra special about Riverfront Stadium. Maybe it's because it was the setting of the best baseball we've ever seen from our Reds, or maybe because it felt like our hearts were being ripped out of our chests when they very publicly demolished it in 2002. It may not have been much to look at, but it held so many memories for Cincinnatians.
Gold Circle was another one of those one-stop-shop places and was also a great spot to score a deal. Just a glance at the logo and wood-paneled walls takes you right back to the 80s.
The Maisonette was once the one restaurant in Cincinnati that everyone knew of and everyone wanted to try. It was untouchable to many and the type of place you would dream of dining at if you ever won the lottery. The Maisonette was highly regarded as one of the best restaurants in the country and the city was crushed when it closed its doors. Thankfully, a wonderful restaurant (Boca) has taken over the historic location, but we'll always remember the grandeur and magic of The Maisonette.
Service Merchandise was such a fun place to shop as a kid. Not only did they have a little bit of everything, but if you did purchase something, then you got to watch it come out from the warehouse on a conveyor belt! Oh, the excitement of shopping in the 90s.
Roy Rogers was a popular restaurant that slowly disappeared over the years. The photo above shows a former location on Roney Avenue in Mt. Carmel. If you have a craving for their roast beef sandwiches or fried chicken, then you should head to Milford to check out Roney's! It's owned by the same family and has just as much charm as this long gone favorite.
The day Forest Fair Mall opened was a big deal in the the life of a Cincinnati kid. Playing in "Time Out" was the ultimate way to spend a Saturday and even grocery shopping at the gigantic (at the time) Bigg's was a big deal.
Getting this little yellow card and key in the mail during your birthday month was enough to excite any Cincinnatian. Johnny's Toys was famous for their birthday castle, but also had such a charming toy store feel to it. You can relive the magic today at Tech Castle in Covington, which has continued the tradition with the actual castle in its store!
Two years ago, Wednesdays in Cincinnati changed forever when Party in the Park did not return to Yeatman's Cove. This festival was a popular gathering spot for those getting off work or perhaps coming out of a Reds day game. Of course, there are still many events to frequent downtown, but we'll always have those fond memories of Party in the Park.
10. Bill Knapp's
Photo Courtesy of Kevin Lackman
This family-style restaurant had three locations in Cincinnati - North, East, and West. They were known for their homestyle food and country ambiance, as well as their unforgettable chocolate cake.
11. Network Video
Photo Courtesy of Kevin Lackman
Do you remember the last time you stepped into a video store? Was it Network Video? This little video store held many childhood memories for Cincinnatians who would head in, hoping to find that their favorite movie available to rent.
12. Children's Palace
Photo Courtesy of Kevin Lackman
What better name for a toy store than Children's Palace? The castle look of the exterior beckoned young shoppers and their parents in to check out the newest toys. It was THE place to shop for Cabbage Patch Dolls and other sought after toys.
Hopefully, we will still be able to reminisce about these places around Cincinnati, as well as many new ones. Do you have fond memories of these popular Cincinnati destinations? What other places that are long gone do you desperately miss? Let us know in the comments!
And for more nostalgia, check out these memories from Cincinnati in the 80s in our previous article here.
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