Over-the-Rhine eateries hope to win casino customers without partnership deals

CINCINNATI - Ask local foodies, and they’ll tell you many of the city’s trendiest restaurants are in historic Over-the-Rhine, just a short walk away from Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati.

But those are not the casino’s official restaurant partners, a designation that encourages Caesars Total Rewards members to dine there and get discounts or free meals.

Over-the-Rhine restaurant owners told WCPO Digital they don’t feel snubbed, although they hope the casino’s guests find their way over to the neighborhood’s many eateries.

“I’m not a huge believer in discounts,” said Tsvika Silberberg, the chef-owner of Zula Restaurant & Wine Bar, a 172-seat restaurant on Race Street. “If you are discounting, it questions the credibility of your pricing structure and almost cheapens the perception of your restaurant.”

The casino announced its restaurant partners Feb. 25. Nicola’s Ristorante Italiano, which is closed until March 14 to expand its kitchen, is the only one located in Over-the-Rhine. The others are: Boca, Jean-Robert’s Table, Mahogany’s at the Banks, Metropole, Moerlein Lager House, Montgomery Inn Boathouse, Nada, Sotto and Via Vite.

Most of those places are larger and more established than the average restaurant in the Gateway Quarter in Over-the-Rhine, said David Le, co-owner of Quan Hapa, the Asian gastro pub on Vine Street.

Quan Hapa only has about 40 seats, Le said, and its owners would rather fill those spots with people paying full price.

The restaurant has been open for about eight weeks, Le said, and business has been pretty good.

Still, Over-the-Rhine restaurateurs say they’d love to see Horseshoe patrons at their tables in the weeks and months ahead.

“I’m sure there will be some more common crossover as we become more known downtown and their guests learn we’re not that far away,” said Jon Zipperstein, co-owner of Kaze OTR, a sushi and restaurant bar on Vine Street.

The restaurant had its soft opening in December. It seats 100 in its dining room, another 70 in the bar and has outdoor space for nearly 90 more.

“I think ultimately, if things work out the way the city hopes and the way the casino hopes, the business will be there for everyone downtown,” Zipperstein said. “If it doesn’t, then that’s too bad.”