Cellars and Saloons Sunday Brunch Tour in Cincinnati

Exploring Cincinnati’s Brewing Heritage with the Cellars and Saloons Sunday Brunch Tour

If you’re looking to enjoy a relaxed Sunday in Cincinnati that combines good food, craft beers, and a taste of local history, the Cellars and Saloons Sunday Brunch Tour might just be your kind of experience. This tour offers a mix of flavorful brunch, historic sights, and behind-the-scenes brewery stories — all packed into roughly four hours. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just someone who loves exploring a city’s past, this tour has something for you.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this tour are the knowledgeable guides who keep the stories engaging and the chance to visit underground lagering cellars that haven’t been open to visitors in years. That said, the tour is quite popular — often booked 60 days ahead — and the group sizes are kept intimate, which adds to the personal touch. One possible consideration? The schedule is tight, with a fair amount of moving around, so if you’re not a fan of quick stops or walking, keep that in mind.

This tour is especially suited for those interested in Cincinnati’s brewing scene, history buffs, and anyone who enjoys a good brunch with some local flavor. It’s also perfect if you want a well-rounded experience that includes food, drinks, and storytelling without feeling rushed.

Key Points

• Includes a hearty brunch with a flight of beers at the Moerlein Lager House
• Visit historic brewing sites and underground cellars rarely open to the public
• Enjoy a pint at a pre-Prohibition saloon at the Lackman Bar
• Transport is convenient with streetcars between stops, making exploration easy
• Group sizes are small (max 15), ensuring a personalized experience
• History and craft beer blend seamlessly, appealing to a wide range of interests

A Closer Look at the Cincinnati Cellars and Saloons Tour

If you’re thinking about booking this experience, it’s helpful to know what you’re signing up for, exactly what’s included, and what to expect along the way. Let’s break down the itinerary and what makes each part special.

Starting Point: The Moerlein Lager House

The tour kicks off at the Moerlein Lager House, which is more than just a great place to start—it’s a Cincinnati institution. Here, you’ll be treated to a flight of beers that showcase their brewing range, paired with a delicious brunch entrée. The location itself is a standout — a lively, modern brewpub with views that overlook the Cincinnati skyline. The short tour of the brewpub helps set the scene, giving you a glimpse into the brewing process and the history of the company.

One of the things we loved about this start is how the guide uses the space and its history to get you excited about Cincinnati’s beer scene. Plus, with an hour and a half here, it’s enough time to enjoy your food and drinks without rushing.

Pro Tip: The food and beer at Moerlein are highly praised, so come hungry and ready for some local flavors, especially since this is where the tour begins to set a relaxed, friendly tone.

Moving to Over-the-Rhine and its Historic Saloons

After brunch, the tour takes you via streetcar into Cincinnati’s vibrant Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. This is where the history of brewing in Cincinnati really comes alive, with stops at various historic brewing spots and hidden relics. The neighborhood itself is a hub of architecture and stories that reveal the city’s beer legacy, from large brewing plants to small, often overlooked saloons.

What’s especially exciting here is the opportunity to see some of the relics of Cincinnati’s brewing past, often tucked away in plain sight. The guide’s storytelling is engaging, making history feel alive and relevant. According to previous reviews, the guide’s knowledge impressed many, with one traveler noting that he was “exceptional with his knowledge of Cincinnati’s history and engaging the entire crowd.”

Underground Lagering Cellars at the Park Brewery

The highlight of this part of the tour is visiting the historic underground lagering cellars of the Park Brewery. Open for the first time to visitors in many years, these cellars are a rare glimpse into traditional brewing processes. Walking through these cool, dark tunnels gives you a real feel for what brewing was like before modern technology took over.

The fact that these cellars are only accessible through this tour makes this stop stand out. It’s not often you get a chance to explore such a significant piece of Cincinnati brewing history firsthand.

Authentic Experience: The underground visit is a unique perk, providing tangible context to the stories shared, and it’s a favorite among past participants who appreciate the behind-the-scenes access.

Final Stop at the Lackman Bar

The tour winds down at the Lackman Bar, located at a pre-Prohibition saloon site. Here, you can unwind with a pint of local beer, which is included in the tour price. This spot combines history, local culture, and good drinks, offering a relaxing way to cap off the experience. It’s a chance to reflect on the day’s stories and enjoy a laid-back atmosphere.

From the bar, a short streetcar ride returns you to the original meeting point at Moerlein Lager House. The whole process is smooth, making it easy to relax after a busy afternoon of exploring.

What’s Included and How It Works

The $79 ticket covers a lot, making it quite a reasonable value considering the food, drinks, and access to historic sites. Here’s what you get:

• A flight of beers and a hearty brunch at Moerlein Lager House
• Visit to multiple historic brewing sites and relics in Over-the-Rhine
• Access to underground lagering cellars of the Park Brewery
• A pint at the Lackman Bar at a historic pre-Prohibition site
• All transportation via streetcar between stops

The tour duration is about four hours, starting at 11 a.m., which should give you a relaxed but comprehensive look into Cincinnati’s brewing past. It’s designed for groups of 15 or fewer, ensuring the guide can keep things engaging and personalized.

Group Size and Atmosphere

Small groups are a big plus in this experience. With only up to 15 travelers, you’re more likely to get personal attention and ask questions. This also creates a friendly atmosphere where everyone can share stories and curiosity.

Accessibility and Practicalities

The tour is generally suitable for most travelers, with no specific restrictions mentioned. It’s near public transportation, which helps if you’re coming from other parts of Cincinnati. Service animals are welcome, and confirmation is immediate upon booking, making planning straightforward.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Based on reviews and the itinerary, this tour seems like a solid choice for beer lovers, history buffs, and those who enjoy a relaxed, social experience. The combination of food, craft beer, and historic exploration offers good value, especially considering the access to sites not often open to the public.

The tour’s biggest strength is the knowledgeable guide and the unique underground cellar visit. Travelers have noted the guide’s excellent storytelling, which makes the history come alive. The inclusion of a hearty brunch and local beers ensures you won’t leave hungry or thirsty.

However, keep in mind that the pace is quick — you’ll be moving between stops via streetcar, which means some walking and waiting involved. If you prefer a more leisurely day or have mobility concerns, you might want to plan accordingly.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour is ideal for adults who enjoy craft beer and local history. It’s not specifically designed for families or children, but adults traveling with friends, couples, or solo explorers will find it engaging. It’s perfect if you want to combine sightseeing with tasting and storytelling in a small-group setting.

It’s especially good for those interested in Cincinnati’s brewing past, or anyone who appreciates hidden historical sites and underground tunnels. If you’re a foodie or a craft beer fan, you’ll likely find this tour both fun and educational.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
While the tour is generally accessible, the underground cellar visit involves walking through tunnels, so it might not be ideal for everyone with mobility concerns.

Can I participate if I don’t drink alcohol?
Yes, you can still enjoy the historical sites and the brunch. Just let the organizers know in advance, and they can accommodate your preferences.

How long is each stop?
The brunch at Moerlein lasts about an hour and a half, the walking tour of Over-the-Rhine takes around two hours, and the final stop at Lackman is about 30 minutes.

Are the streetcars included?
Yes, transportation between sites is via streetcar, which is included in the price and adds to the ease of exploring without walking long distances.

What’s the cost of the tour?
It’s $79 per person, which covers all food, drinks, and transportation. Considering the access to historic sites and the underground cellar, it’s a pretty good deal.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 60 days ahead, especially since the tour is popular.

Is there a minimum group size?
The tour requires a minimum number of travelers to run, but this isn’t specified. If canceled, a full refund or rescheduling is offered.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for walking and standing. Since part of the tour involves underground cellars, bring layers just in case the temperature varies.

Final Thoughts

For anyone curious about Cincinnati’s brewing roots or wanting a fun, informative way to spend a Sunday, this Cellars and Saloons Tour packs a good punch. It balances storytelling, tasting, and exploration in a way that feels relaxed yet comprehensive. The access to historic sites, especially the underground cellars, adds a layer of exclusivity that makes it stand out.

While it’s not the cheapest activity, the inclusion of a hearty brunch, beers, and exclusive cellar visits makes it a worthwhile choice for a well-rounded day out. It’s best suited for those who enjoy learning about local history through food and drink, and who appreciate guided stories told by knowledgeable hosts.

If you’re after a combination of history, culture, and good cheer in Cincinnati, this tour should definitely be on your list.

Happy adventuring, and I hope you find as much enjoyment in Cincinnati’s brewing past as I imagine you will with this tour. Cheers!