Ludlow Ave, Clifton

Ludlow Avenue does have a lot to offer in the way of shopping and eating. It also has a lot of traffic and parking issues. Ludlow is one of those unique streets in Cincinnati, that is really much longer than just the section called Ludlow. Ludlow basically begins behind Burnet Woods (a large, wooded park in Clifton) as it turns from Jefferson into Ludlow. There are some Greek houses and other apartments mainly geared towards college students, as well as some businesses, in this section of Ludlow. Parking tends to be a little easier (though still not great) and there is less traffic on this section of Ludlow. As you get closer to the intersection of Ludlow and Clifton Avenue, that's when parking becomes more difficult and traffic becomes heavier...you're entering the heart of the Ludlow business district.

At the corner of Ludlow and Clifton is the Skyline Chili that is often touted as the best Skyline in Cincinnati. It is usually very busy, especially late at night, as Skyline is popular with the drinking crowd. Because this Skyline is located by the University of Cincinnati and is in a lively area, it has hours much later than your typical Skyline (open until 3 AM Monday-Thursdays and 4 AM on Fridays and Saturdays). There is a parking lot around the corner, where you can park for a visit to Skyline.

Once you've hit the intersection of Ludlow and Clifton, you're in the heart of the business district and the busiest part of Ludlow. Traffic can get extremely congested here and parking can, at times, be impossible. Of course, if there weren't so many great places to go on this stretch of Ludlow, traffic wouldn't be as heavy as it is nor would parking be as difficult. It can be especially bad at night and on the weekends (especially weekend nights.) That being said, if you are fortunate enough to live nearby where you can walk, it as an excellent, walkable area and then parking and traffic aren't a bother.

There are so many great (and cheap) places to eat along Ludlow, you'll be hard pressed to decide where to go. If you decide you want Indian food, then you'll have another decision, as I think there are at least four Indian restaurants along this stretch of Ludlow. There are also a number of other ethnic cuisines. Some of the restaurants have tiny little parking lots, so you might get lucky and find a space in one; however, make sure that you are parked in the correct lot as you don't want to get towed. One of my favorite places on Ludlow is Habanero Latin American Fare, it was a place I discovered way before there was a Chipotle on every block. They have a great variety of options on their menu and offer more than just your typical burrito. Also, my favorite Indian restaurant, Ambar, is also on Ludlow. It was the first Indian restaurant I ate at and will always hold a special place because of that...not to mention that their food is SO delicious! Besides the restaurants, there are a variety of unique little boutiques and other shops, as well as other businesses, such as a florist, bank, theater, drugstore and more.

Once you head out of the business district the residential section begins with some large, old apartment buildings, which lead into the large, old homes that define the look of the Clifton Gaslight District (so called, because of the old gaslight street lights lining the streets). You will find many old, Victorian and Tudor style homes in this area. Also once out of the business district, the street widens and traffic is less heavy; parking on the street is also easier (where it is allowed). Many of the homes here are set far back from the street with their large yards, manicured shrubbery, and old trees, some of which line the streets, as well. This section of Ludlow is quieter, as befitting its residential nature. It is also very walkable (if you don't mind going up or down hill, depending on which way you walk) with sidewalks lining either side of the street. There are also many bus stops along Ludlow, making it great for public transportation. As Ludlow heads down the hill and out of the Clifton area, it becomes South Ludlow Avenue and eventually turns into Hamilton Avenue. So, the road continues on, even if the name doesn't.

Overall, Ludlow is a great street to live on (in the quiet residential section) or near. With its walkable business district and general neighborhood, it makes it convenient for locals to shop or dine. However, if you have to drive to Ludlow, it is a bit more of a hassle as traffic can be a nightmare and parking even worse. There has been more than one occasion where I've circled the block countless times looking for parking, only to give up and decide to try another day.

Ludlow is the heart of the "Gaslight district." If you're looking to settle down, you'll find a section of beautiful homes, some grand and some simple. There are also some older apartment buildings.

If you're looking to shop it's got a business district with small boutiques selling clothing, toys and other interesting merchandise. For good eats and drinks there are cafes, bars, several Indian restaurants, a Burrito place and a wine shop. Sitwell's Coffee Shop has every wall filled with eclectic decor, including the sign that declares "Friends don't let friends go to Starbucks."

Since IGA closed, they've needed a grocery store on Ludlow, but there's still Mediterranean Foods, a small grocer that also sells a selection of prepared foods you can eat in or take with you.

For entertainment, the Esquire Theater is an art cinema where you can catch trendy and foreign films, and even "Rocky Horror Picture Show."

Ludlow Ave. is minutes away from several hospitals and also the University of Cincinnati. There's an entrance to Cincinnati State University on the Ludlow side.

I may be biased because I've lived on this street for many years, but Ludlow Ave. is probably my favorite street in all of Cincinnati. Ludlow is essentially Clifton's 'downtown.' You can't walk down Ludlow without seeing someone or something odd, yet it's still kid- and family-friendly. Any afternoon I spend on Ludlow is always an adventure. I'll give you one particular example: I was once on Ludlow with my friend and ended up walking some stranger's pet raccoon around the block so he could go into the grocery store to buy some soy sauce.

But I promise Ludlow's not always that weird. The street just offers so much, which is why you'll find such a random assortment of people walking around... I'll give you an idea of what you'll find: a Graeter's, a Skyline, a couple cafés, a hardware store, a yoga studio, a grocery store, a wine shop, a movie theater, a public library, some guys playing harmonica on the street, a number of restaurants, a couple bars...and the list goes on. There's really always fun to be had on Ludlow. The Esquire Theater plays a lot of independent and foreign movies, most of which are really excellent films, and the small businesses, such as Toko Baru, a nifty little gift shop, and that new Hookah shop they just put in, are frequented by local residents and nearby college students. The best part about Ludlow is how walkable it is. You could spend an entire day just exploring and having fun before heading home, and I really believe there's something for everyone. So sure, I may be a little biased, but who wouldn't be? I think I live on one of the greatest streets in all of Cincinnati!