Mecklenburg's Garden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Mecklenburg Gardens
|
|
Restaurant from the southwest
|
|
 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 302 East University Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1865 |
| Architect | Louis Mecklenburg |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001436 |
| Added to NRHP | November 7, 1976 |
Mecklenburg's Garden is a very old and famous restaurant in Cincinnati, Ohio. It's located in the Corryville neighborhood. This special building, built around 1865, became a restaurant by 1870. It's known for its Italianate architecture style.
Contents
A Look Back in Time
When it first opened as a restaurant, it was run by John Neeb. He sold it in 1886 to one of his workers, Louis Mecklenburg. Louis changed the name to "Mecklenburg's Garden." He also turned it into a German-style beer garden.
German Roots and Growth
At that time, many German immigrants were moving to Cincinnati. About 25% of the city's people were born in Germany! Places like beer gardens were very popular. They helped people celebrate their culture.
Mecklenburg's Garden became very successful over the years. It grew bigger to welcome more visitors. Many people loved to eat in the outdoor garden area. This area had walls and was shaded by awnings. It also had special frames called trellises covered with grapevines.
Through the Years
During the 1900s, the Garden saw many changes. When Prohibition started, selling alcohol became illegal. But the restaurant found ways to keep going. It operated secretly as a "speakeasy" while also serving food. People knew if they could buy alcohol by looking at a small ship model on a counter.
In the 1970s, the building was carefully repaired and restored. This helped keep the old structure strong.
What You'll Find Inside
The restaurant building is made of brick and sits on a stone foundation. Inside, there are several small dining rooms. There's also a main pub area for guests. The historic outdoor garden is still a popular spot for eating.
A Lasting Legacy
Mecklenburg's Garden closed a few times in the late 1900s. But it reopened in 1996 and has been open ever since. Because of its important place in local history, Mecklenburg's Garden was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. This means it's a special place worth protecting.
