Industry Vets Sign Lease for 3CDC Restaurant Space on Vine Street

New Concept Will Take Advantage of One of the Best Indoor/Outdoor Spaces in OTR

CINCINNATI (May 18, 2023) – Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC) has signed a lease with the owners of The Pony and Liberty’s Bar & Bottle in Over-the-Rhine (OTR), Garth Lieb and Tom Stephen, for the non-profit developer’s 2,000-square-foot space located at 1220 Vine Street.

Both Lieb and Stephen have lived and worked in OTR for over 15 years, learning the ins and outs of the Downtown Cincinnati restaurant industry during that time. Having opened their first restaurant, Liberty’s, nearly a decade ago, the experienced restaurateurs are eager to bring another top-quality dining option to the city.

The new restaurant will be a different concept for the Main Street-based group. The redesigned space will continue to focus on Cincinnati’s love of all things oyster, in addition to eclectic small plates and shared dishes.

“We would like the menu to feature a playful collection of seafood preparations while also making use of great local produce in a variety of vegetarian dishes,” the owners said of the still-evolving menu.

The menu will be paired with an extensive old-world wine list made up of extensive sparkling and rosé selections. Their classic and original seasonal cocktails and spritzes are sure to be a hit on the restaurant’s reimagined, expansive patio.

Lieb and Stephen are currently in the process of making minor updates throughout the space. The restaurant’s 2,000-square-foot interior will be complemented by a 2,000-square-foot patio, complete with an outdoor bar and plenty of seating. The name and branding for the new concept are still being determined by the duo.

“Garth and Tom and have already made their mark in OTR, so we’re looking forward to partnering with them on a new concept that will complement the other amazing dining options along Vine Street,” said Lindzie Gunnels, Commercial Leasing Manager with 3CDC. “We believe their vision for the space will take full advantage of both the indoor and outdoor space at the location, which will result in a unique spot in the middle of one of the best dining districts in the City.”

The space is located on the street level of 3CDC’s Duveneck Flats mixed-use development, which also houses Abigail Street, Fuel and Sloane Boutique. It is also situated just across the street from 1215 Wine Bar & Coffee Lab and Bakersfield.

# # #