Bartini to open in downtown Cincinnati's Backstage Entertainment District

The abrupt closing of the Oceanaire Seafood Room at the southeast corner of 6th and Walnut streets has been the only bad news for the Backstage Entertainment District in downtown Cincinnati in recent years.  New residences, nightlife, dining and infrastructure improvements have otherwise been the narrative for this burgeoning district.

But as quickly as Oceanaire opened and closed - the result of a national bankruptcy filing that closed many of the chain's restaurants - it has been nearly as quick to fill the prominent space in the heart of the entertainment district surrounding the Aronoff Center.  Since Oceanaire's departure less than a year ago, the Backstage Entertainment District has added Righteous Room, an upscale neighborhood bar, and Mr. Sushi, a sushi bar.

The newest addition is Bartini, rumored to be owned by the same group that brought nearby Cadillac Ranch to downtown that will soon be opening in the recently renovated 580 Building.

Bartini will offer another specialty martini establishment in downtown Cincinnati, joining Mynt Martini which opened on Fountain Square at the end of December, and Havana Martini Club which is located a block and a half southwest along 5th Street at the base of Carew Tower.

The leasing agents for the Bartini space declined to comment on specific details with regard to an opening date or lease terms, but the space is rumored to be filled by Summer 2010.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Scott Beseler
Stay connected by following Randy on Twitter @UrbanCincy
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