Full disclosure: I stole this title. My son and daughter-in-law live in Chicago and spend nearly every summer weekend on what they call their “Walkey, Eatey, Drinkey” excursions wandering the city, finding great food and drinks along the way.
We had a serious case of FOMO down here in Mason. But then the trail connected straight from our neighborhood, and suddenly we had our answer. We flipped the name to “Ridey, Drinkey, Eatey” just to let Chicago know it doesn’t have it all. Ha!
I do have to be honest, though…due to our busy schedules, we rarely stop on the trail. It is one of our favorite places to be. Our usual rides are a 20-mile round trip out to the Monkey Bar, or a 25-mile push a bit past downtown Morrow. But on a casual ride, we stop for a drink, we eat, and we ride home (a little slower.)
But for everyone who wants to know what’s out there along the way whether you’re a stopper or a straight-shot rider, here’s every worthy lock-your-bike-and-walk-in stop on the Little Miami from Mason all the way down to Milford.
The Ride Begins in Mason
Mason — BC’s Brewing Company
4064 US-42, Mason on the way to the trail
This is the first place we pass on the way to the trail and the last place we pass on the way home. BC’s Brewing Company is a craft brewery with strong roots in the Cincinnati community, minutes off the bike trail, with a history and knowledge of beautiful ales and lagers.
Trailside Favorites Near Kings Mills & Maineville
Kings Mills — Cartridge Brewing
1411 Grandin Road, Maineville | Right off the trail at the Grandin Road tunnel
Cartridge Brewing is literally right off the trail, just west of the new tunnel under Grandin Road. It’s a 10,000-square-foot taproom and restaurant built inside the restored historic Peters Cartridge Factory, right alongside the bike trail and the Little Miami River.
Twenty beers brewed on-site, plus a full food menu ranging from ribs and fish to burgers, pizza, and soups. Bike racks are stationed out front, and Cartridge welcomes guests straight from the trail to stop in and enjoy a pint. This is the kind of place you stop for “one beer” and leave two hours later with no regrets.
Maineville/Foster — Monkey Bar & Grille
7837 Old 3C Highway, Maineville | Steps from the trail
This is our personal 20-mile turnaround and it never disappoints for interesting crowds. The attraction is a gracious patio overlooking the Little Miami River. More of a bar than a brewery, it offers a wide range of bourbon, wine, and cocktails and an array of food trucks, live entertainment, and special events make it far more than just a trail stop. Lock up out front, grab a table on the patio, and watch the river go by. On a Saturday afternoon, this place has serious energy.
Worth the Extra Miles: Morrow Stops
Fresh To Morrow Cafe & Market
On the bike trail, downtown Morrow
Our other go-to turnaround is just past downtown Morrow about 25 miles from home and this cafe is a perfect reason to stop a few extra minutes. A small farm-to-table cafe right on the bike trail with indoor and outdoor seating, serving fresh food, smoothies, coffee, and wellness products with live music on weekends. If your legs are asking for something green and nourishing instead of fried and delicious, this is your stop.
Sugar Run Grill
Downtown Morrow, near the trail
Sugar Run Grill is a casual dining option in Morrow for riders making the Waynesville-to-Mason stretch. Classic bar food, cold drinks, and the kind of no-frills vibe that’s exactly right after a long ride. Morrow’s downtown sits tight against the trail, so you won’t be walking far.
Miranda’s Ice Cream Shop
On the bike trail, downtown Morrow
On the Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail in Downtown Morrow, this ice parlor serves premium ice cream, soft serve, refreshments, and food.
Depot Brewing Company
On the bike trail, downtown Morrow
Right on the trail in the historical Morrow Train Station, known as the “Depot”, this brewery specializes in small-batch brews, guests can also enjoy craft cocktails, wine and a selection of non-alcoholic beers.
Loveland: A Trail Town Made for Cyclists
Narrow Path Brewing Co.
106 Karl Brown Way, Loveland | On the trail
Narrow Path Brewing could not be closer to the trail in downtown Loveland. This is the classic trail-town brewery experience — roll up, lock up, order a pint, grab a seat on the patio, and feel extremely good about your life choices. Loveland’s downtown wraps right around the trail here, so you’re one lock-and-walk away from a proper craft beer.
Mile 42 Coffee
On the trail where Broadway crosses, in the EADS Building
Mile 42 Coffee sits right on the trail in Loveland where Broadway crosses fresh, friendly, and a great place to mix with the locals. Named for the trail mile marker, this spot was built for people like you. Pre-ride espresso, mid-ride cold brew, post-ride whatever-you-need. Lock up and walk right in.
Paxton’s Grill
West Loveland Ave., right on the trail
Paxton’s Grill sits right on the trail and offers great family dining with an outdoor patio. Burgers, sandwiches, cold drinks with a bike-friendly staff who have seen plenty of helmeted customers. One of Loveland’s most reliable trail-side lunch stops.
Midway Between Loveland and Milford
Miamiville Trailyard
On the trail at the Glendale Milford Road crossing, Miamiville
The Miamiville Trailyard is a unique open-air restaurant right on the Little Miami Scenic Trail, with an emphasis on great outdoor space and a warm, casual atmosphere for trail enthusiasts — and yes, trail watchers too. The menu covers appetizers, salads, gourmet burgers, wings, chicken entrees, and vegetarian options, and four-legged friends are welcome in the outdoor Yard on the Trail. Perfectly positioned between Loveland and Milford, this is your mid-stretch reward stop.
Finish Strong in Milford
Little Miami Brewing Company
208 Mill Street, Milford | Right on the river and trail
Little Miami Brewing Company sits in Downtown Old Milford right on the edge of the Little Miami River and the bike trail. The building features a covered open-air patio where guests can relax around a fire pit, plus a rooftop patio with panoramic views overlooking the scenic river. It offers a rotating selection of craft beer alongside crowd-pleasing hand-tossed pizza. Riders roll in every day to smiles, high-fives, and that look of pure accomplishment as cyclists cross into town. Lock up, climb to the rooftop, and toast yourself. You earned it.
One Trail, Endless Stops
Eat and drink your way across one of the best trail corridors in Ohio without ever touching your car keys.
Restaurants, cafes and shops back up to the trail the whole way, inviting cyclists to park, dine, shop and sightsee with outdoor patios facing the trail at nearly every stop.
Sorry, Chicago. We’ve got this one.
Find more to discover in Greater Cincinnati with your neighborhood guide, Jill Fritz.
