Visit Butler County Ohio

April 4, 2019

Disclaimer: The lovely people of Butler County hosted our trip and paid for our stay and most of our food. My opinions and my list of all my favorite spots from our visit are entirely my own. 

Traveling through the state of Ohio? Do not skip over Butler County, Ohio. The quaint and booming downtown area of Hamilton has so many wonderful breweries and restaurants. The surrounding smaller cities have some of the best tacos, doughnuts, and beers I have ever had in my entire life. Butler county is good for a girls weekend or even a family trip. Visit Butler County Ohio today!

Butler County Ohio | Sarcastic Cooking

Two weekends ago my friend Ashleigh and I went to visit Butler County, Ohio. We both left the kids and husbands behind for a little girls’ weekend. However, we both ending up hauling our minivans 5 hours to Ohio, so the “mom-life” wasn’t totally forgotten. 

The first day we unpacked and got refreshed at the new Courtyard Hotel in Hamilton. Upon surveying the cute little downtown, you notice all the beautiful murals outside the buildings. The second thing you notice from the hotel is that the Municipal Brew Works is right across the street! Two beer-loving Moms’ dream come true.

Municipal Brew Works | Sarcastic Cooking

The brewery is in an old municipal building. It used to house the police department, detectives, shooting range, and the old firehouse. The exterior of the building screams Ghostbusters. You definitely get a ghost hunter sorta vibe when you’re in there. The owner and head brewer, Jim, gave us a tour and the little nooks and crannies of the history in that building are all so fascinating. We would have loved to have been there a warmer weekend to enjoy all the outdoor seating. 

In addition to lots of outdoor seating and festivals, the city has a program called DORA. It allows you to purchase a cup from a DORA participating location and enjoy it while strolling through the designated area of the Liberty Center. As a mom, this is the best of both worlds. Not only can you enjoy family time and let your kids be kids and run around a little bit, but you can also enjoy your adult beverage without feeling rushed.

Municipal Brew Works Flight | Sarcastic Cooking

We sampled all the beers. I really loved their Scout IPA and Mango Habanero Scout. Both are solid IPAs with all the bitterness and juicy flavor you would expect. That mango habanero beer, though. I have had some habanero beers that make me want to die, but not this one. It is so warming and well balanced. Grab it while you can!

The next day we ate all the doughnuts and drank all the beers. Not bad, right?

Butler County Donut Trail | Sarcastic Cooking

Then we headed to Jungle Jim’s International Market. Their beer and wine section could house my Trader Joe’s inside it—that’s how big it is. We were allotted an hour to spend here and we for sure spent waaaaay longer. The olive and pickle bar area was so cool. The cheese! Oh the cheese! There is an entire deli area specifically dedicated to charcuterie. 

They allow you to shop while you drink, which is the most genius business model ever!

We both definitely left with more than we planned on buying. Along the way, we got to talk with the beer slinger about local beers and discovered so many new treasures.

Jungle Jim's International Market | Sarcastic Cooking

Up next was one of my personal favorite spots on the trip: Swine City Brewing

Gimme all the beers! The owner, Dan, was super friendly and so knowledgeable about beer. We could have spent the entire day there drinking, talking, and snacking on Grippos Bar-B-Q Cheese Nibs. I walked away with a crowler of Good Enough For Me, which is an oatmeal raisin cookie tasting ale. Girls Got Reasons, their gose, was pretty awesome along with the Peach Bellini cocktail they have on tap.

Swine City Brewing | Sarcastic Cooking

Later that night, we headed to Rivertown Brewery. Ashleigh really loved the Hi beer which is infused with hemp. I was a big fan of their Grapefruit DIPA and the dark sour ale called Cryptocurrantcy. 

BBQ Sampler at Rivertown Brewery | Sarcastic Cooking

Rivertown Beer Flight | Sarcastic Cooking

The burnt ends and cornbread with slightly spicy pickles were a very good start to our meal. We did a sort of sampler platter of the smoked BBQ meats. I loooved “The Lasso” slow-smoked sausage rope and grits so, so much. I could have gotten seconds, but I was maxed out.

I hit up High Street Cafe on the way out of town for a quick breakfast and coffee. It was the perfect little mom and pop joint. The different Benedicts and the breakfast burrito were delightful. I could eat an entire plate of their breakfast potatoes too! I then took a quick detour on my way out at the Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park. If it wasn’t too cold and rainy, I could have spent all day there.

Everything in Butler County was easy to get to and nothing was too far away. I know this was a girls beer and food trip, but I was already thinking about the fun and family friendly things we could do if and when I came back with the whole family.

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  • Kayle (The Cooking Actress)
    April 4, 2019 at 10:03 pm

    HOW have I not been to Butler County yet??! I seriously need to head down there!

    • Stefanie
      April 6, 2019 at 9:26 pm

      the hotel across the street from the brewery and all the doughnuts is reason enough!