It’s just a grocery store. Honestly, that’s what most people think when they hear about a new Kroger opening up. But if you’ve ever actually stood on the second-floor balcony of Kroger on the Rhine with a local draft beer in your hand, watching the streetcar glide past on Central Parkway, you know it’s something else entirely. It’s kinda weird, right? A supermarket being a "hangout spot."
Located at 100 E Court St, this isn't your typical suburban sprawl of fluorescent lights and endless aisles of cereal. It’s an "urban format" experiment that basically tried to prove people would actually live, shop, and—strangely enough—party in downtown Cincinnati again.
What is Kroger on the Rhine, Anyway?
Most people call it the OTR Kroger, even though it’s technically sits on the southern edge of the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Opened in September 2019, it was a huge gamble. Before this, downtown Cincinnati was a bit of a "food desert" for actual residents. You could find plenty of $15 cocktails and artisan tacos, but good luck finding a gallon of 2% milk without driving ten minutes out of the basin.
The store is a 52,000-square-foot, two-level beast that anchors an 18-story apartment tower. It’s dense. It’s vertical. It’s very... European? Or at least as European as a Midwestern grocery chain gets.
The Eatery: Not Your Sad Grocery Cafe
If you walk up the stairs or take the elevator to the second floor, you hit the On The Rhine Eatery. This is the part that usually surprises out-of-towners. It’s a full-blown food hall. We’re talking local heavy hitters:
- Eli’s BBQ: If you haven’t had their pulled pork with the jalapeño cheddar grits, you haven’t lived.
- DOPE! Asian Street Fare: Ramen and bao buns that actually hold their own against standalone restaurants.
- Queen City Whip: Burgers that remind you why the classics still work.
There’s also Kitchen 1883, which is Kroger’s own restaurant brand. It’s decent American bistro food, but the real draw is the bar. Yes, a bar in a grocery store. You can get Kentucky bourbon or a local Rhinegeist brew and just... sit there.
Why Everyone Was Worried (and Still Is)
You can’t talk about Kroger on the Rhine without talking about gentrification. It’s a heavy word. For decades, OTR was a neighborhood defined by struggle, disinvestment, and a very strong, predominantly Black community. Then came the massive wave of redevelopment—over $1.7 billion led by groups like 3CDC.
When this Kroger opened, it replaced a much smaller, older store that many long-time residents relied on. There was a legitimate fear: is this new, shiny store for us, or is it for the people moving into the $2,000-a-month apartments upstairs?
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To be fair, Kroger tried to bridge that gap. They kept the prices largely the same as their suburban stores, which is a big deal in an urban center where "convenience" usually means a 40% markup. But the vibe is undeniably different. It feels like a "lifestyle" destination.
The Weird Specifics You’ll Notice
If you’re planning a trip or just curious about why people obsess over this location, there are a few quirks.
The Starbucks Walk-Up Window:
This is probably the most "big city" feature of the whole building. You don't even have to go inside. You just walk up to the window on the sidewalk, grab your latte, and keep moving. It’s perfect for the commuters heading toward the Great American Tower or P&G headquarters.
The "Grab-and-Go" Focus:
The first floor is heavily weighted toward people who don't want to cook. There’s a massive selection of pre-packaged meals, a Murray’s Cheese shop (which is dangerous for your wallet), and a bakery. If you want a 50-pound bag of dog food, you might struggle, but if you want a charcuterie board for a picnic at Washington Park, you’re in heaven.
The View:
The outdoor patio on the second floor is legit. It overlooks the Gateway Quarter and the skyline. In the summer, it’s one of the best "free" views in the city. You don't have to buy a meal; you can just go up there with a sparkling water and people-watch.
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Real Talk: Is It Actually Better?
Honestly, it depends on what you need. If you’re doing a "big" grocery shop for a family of five, this place will probably frustrate you. The aisles are tighter, and the selection is curated. You won't find fifteen different brands of mustard here.
But for the urban dweller? It’s a lifesaver. It’s the difference between having a neighborhood and just having a collection of buildings. It’s a "third place"—that spot between home and work where you actually see your neighbors.
A Quick Reality Check for 2026
Lately, there’s been some chatter about Kroger closing "underperforming" stores nationwide. While sixty stores are slated for closure across the country this year, the "Kroger on the Rhine" seems safe for now. It’s too much of a flagship for them to abandon. It’s practically a billboard for their corporate headquarters, which is only a block away.
How to Use the OTR Kroger Like a Local
If you’re visiting Cincinnati or you just moved downtown, don't just treat this like a chore. Here is the move:
- Park in the garage (the entrance is on Central Parkway). It’s way easier than hunting for a spot on Court Street.
- Head straight to the second floor. Grab a sandwich from Eli’s or some dumplings from DOPE!
- Sit on the balcony. Even if it’s chilly, the heaters usually do a decent job.
- Do your "small" shopping on the way out. Pick up the stuff you actually need for dinner tonight.
- Use the app. The reception inside the concrete structure can be spotty, so have your digital coupons loaded before you walk in.
Actionable Insight:
If you are looking for a place to work remotely for a few hours that isn't a crowded coffee shop, the second-floor seating area at Kroger on the Rhine is a sleeper hit. It has free Wi-Fi, plenty of outlets, and—most importantly—easy access to snacks. Just avoid the lunch rush between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM when the office crowds descend.
Check the local events calendar too; they sometimes host live music or "Yappy Hours" for dog owners on the patio. It’s a weirdly social way to buy groceries, but in a city that’s constantly reinventing itself, it somehow fits perfectly.