MidPoint Visitor's Guide to Cincinnati

Band members, music lovers, and groupies will descend upon Cincinnati this weekend for the 7th annual Midpoint Music Festival. And, while many will spend nearly all of their time hopping from club to club, they still have to eat, shop, and drink....especially drink. Here are BuyCincy's recommendations of uniquely Cincinnati places for Midpoint visitors to check out.

Food:

Dewey's - Located in the Newport on the Levee complex near the Southgate House stage in Newport, Kentucky, Dewey's has incredibly good pizza, and some pretty darn good beers on tap. Try the Edgar Allen Poe, with Olive Oil, Garlic, Mushrooms, Goat Cheese, Kalamata Olives and Tomatoes or the Green Lantern with Garlic, Mushrooms, Goat Cheese, Pesto, and Artichokes. www.deweyspizza.com

Courtyard Cafe - Burgers, sandwiches, soups, and beer are the staples at this Main St. standby. And, as the name suggests, the restaurant has a great outdoor space in the back for hanging out before the festivities or between acts. Located in Over-the-Rhine, Courtyard is near the intersection of Main and 12th St.

Lucy Blue Pizza - For pizza around the Over-the-Rhine clubs, its hard to beat Lucy Blue. The late night pizza window, on the corner of Walnut and 12th St., is right in the middle of a club cluster, and therefore usually hopping during Midpoint. www.lucybluepizza.com

Backstage Deli - For quick, late night eats in downtown Cincinnati, Backstage Deli on Vine near 7th St. has you covered. Pizza, wings, and other greasy things await your take out order.

Shanghai Mama's - The gem of downtown late night dining IS Shanghai Mama's. Open until 3am, Shanghai is a beacon for festival attendees who last to the end of the night. Huge bowls of noodles and soups are incredibly satisfying after a night bouncing around. Alcohol served until 2am. www.shanghaimamas.com

Nada - If you really want to treat yourself, check out one of our favorite restaurants, nada on 6th and Walnut. The priciest of the choices we have here at $15-$25 per entree, but worth every penny. eatdrinknada.com

La Mexicana - Guaranteed authentic Mexican. Located a skip from Southgate House. Head away from the river 5 blocks down Monmouth. Super friendly and quick service. 642 Monmouth Newport, Ky

Drinks:

Of course, the Midpoint venues will have you set most of the day when it comes to adult beverages, but having a few pre- and post-Midpoint watering holes is never a bad idea.

Madonna's - A favorite of the downtown weekend workers, this no-frills bar has much more charm than the big name bars that surround it. If you run into Scotty the bartender, tell him we said hi. Located on 7th St., between Vine and Walnut.

Keystone Bar and Grill - If you are staying across the river in Covington, Kentucky, a stop at the Keystone is in order. The neighborhood-styled pub has decent grub and all the Bell's Two-Hearted Ale you can take. On Greenup between 3rd and 4th. www.keystonebar.com

Twist - If martinis and people-watching is your gig, you might be spending quite a bit of time at Twist on 4th St. downtown. Between Race and Elm, bring your wallet.

Shops:

The Gateway Quarter in Over-the-Rhine is a must stop for getting your shopping on.

Park and Vine (Vine St. and Central Parkway) is a green general store that sells everything from recycled bike chain bowls to organic cotton tees to vegan sandwiches. MiCA 12/v (Vine St. and 12th) is a great place to scope out functional art such as vases, jewelry, and wall art. Metronation (Vine between 12th and 13th) carries men's and women's clothing, home accessories, and really, really cool watches. And, OUTSIDE, (12th, between Vine and Walnut) true to its name sells urban-focused outdoor furniture and accessories.

Note: Many of these Gateway Quarter shops are BuyCincy advertisers. Possible conflict? Nah, just goes to show how cool they are.