Downtown Cincinnati has changed and evolved so much over the years, but one thing has remained the same. You’ve always been able to find delicious food and a cold drink from a local establishment in many parts of the hub of our city. Of course, when the population of Cincinnati was mainly downtown, most eateries were also on these busy streets, along the canal, and near main attractions such as Music Hall and Washington Park.

Today, some of the best restaurants can once again be found downtown, and one modern favorite dining destination has actually been a popular spot for over 150 years. Washington Platform Saloon & Restaurant has had many lives, and this historic restaurant continues to be a favorite here in Cincinnati.

Washington Platform Saloon & Restaurant is located at the corner of Elm and Court downtown, a building which has been a fixture in this spot for over 150 years.
GoogleMaps
Google/Patrick Flowers
The restaurant has experienced many lives since it originally opened in the 19th century. It first functioned as a wine and beer saloon, popular with German immigrants especially, but of course, things changed when Prohibition took hold in the early 1900s. Its downtown location allowed for other uses such as a produce store, and it actually wasn't until its rebirth in 1986 when it became Washington Platform Saloon & Restaurant.
This historic location is still filled with all of the character of its past and when you walk in the doors, you'll immediately feel at home.
Facebook/Washington Platform Saloon & Restaurant
Facebook/Washington Platform Saloon & Restaurant
It's the warm welcome and atmosphere that draw people in and keep them coming back. The restaurant fills a void in the food world by serving incredible and unique food, but in a casual environment. Perhaps this is why it has survived and thrived as long as it has.

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Washington Platform has a large menu that is filled with several delicious options. The seafood choices are definitely a favorite and a must-try on your first visit.
Facebook/Washington Platform Saloon & Restaurant
Facebook/Washington Platform Saloon & Restaurant
There aren't many restaurants in Cincinnati where you can enjoy oyster shooters and fried oysters, and both are outstanding here. They also offer a variety of other seafood options, as well as amazing burgers, sandwiches, and other entrees.
Washington Platform is more than just a delicious place to eat, as they often host live music, events such as their famous Oyster Festival, and even tours that take you back in time to the restaurant's origins.
Facebook/Washington Platform Saloon & Restaurant
Facebook/Washington Platform Saloon & Restaurant
The picture above perfectly depicts the restaurant and staff as they are today, but in a classic black and white style that represents its interesting past. This historic restaurant is a favorite destination in Cincinnati and hopefully, it will please locals and visitors for another 150 years to come.

Washington Platform has been a popular gathering spot in Cincinnati for generations, and this classic saloon and restaurant isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Have you enjoyed the fried oysters and live music at this corner eatery? Share your experiences with us in the comments!

Washington Platform Saloon & Restaurant is located at 1000 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202. For more information, visit its website here and follow along with them on Facebook here.

The restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m, Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. They are closed on Mondays.

And if you’d like to learn about the old-fashioned candy store that sits right next to Washington Platform on Court Street, check out our previous article here.

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