OUR STORY
standing high above the city on the 10th floor of the city club apartments at 309 vine street, and resurrected from the history that has stood here before our time, the view at shires’ garden is inspired by the first amusement resort in this part of the country, shires’ garden.
william shires, an english aristocrat, purchased the plot of land between 3rd and 4th streets, from race to vine, in 1825 from judge jacob burnet, who supposedly had some debts to settle. Opening the gates to shires’ garden in 1842, he had completely transformed the block of property into a destination for amusement and recreation. Shires planted magical gardens with fruit trees and flowers from around the world, and constructed a square-framed theatre where the first matinée show was produced. vendors with refreshment offerings lined the walkways through the gardens, and a grand restaurant and hotel was housed in the old burnet mansion. It was just six years later when the amusement resort was sadly burned to the ground in “a most picturesque fire,” on a snowy evening, in january 1848.
the view at shires’ garden, much like william shires’ land of amusement, features exquisite food and drink offerings in a relaxed setting, where friends and acquaintances can come together for a unique experience, and views that are unmatched in the queen city.
our reinvented concept boasts a large rounded bar in the main dining space, comfortable lounge seating, a private event space dubbed parlor A, and our panoramic 2000 sq. ft. patio for al fresco dining and drinks, with comfortable fire-lit seating arrangements and views of the riverfront and stadiums.
we look forward to serving all our guests with a magical experience, accompanied by spectacular views of the stadiums and riverfront, the incredible ambiance of the space, unique entertainment and events, and inspiring food and drink offerings!
the view at shires’ garden features approachable yet unique food and drink offerings in a relaxed setting, much like the original shires’ gardens destination. The modernized version of this endeavor is presented by our exceptional front and back of house teams, whose creativity and motivation to exceed your expectations will have you falling in love with this fresh experience.
our menu selections from james shields are elevated, yet approachable, with a focus on new-american regional cuisine crafted with locally sourced grilled and smoked meats, local produce, and unique flavors. our current bar offerings are inspired with flavors of the season, as well as the 1890’s head bartender of the burnet house hotel, mr. christopher lawlor, who wrote and published the 16th ever written bartending and recipe guide, The mixicologist, in 1895, in the years following shires’ garden. we additionally offer an extensive selection of spirits and wine.
over the past decade, juan imeroni of ignite entertainment has redeveloped, renovated, and designed thirteen restaurant, bar, and coffee shop destinations in the cincinnati-metro area. each of imeroni’s venues under the ignite entertainment parent company are unique in concept and atmosphere, paving the way for this latest endeavor, the view at shires’ garden. imeroni’s ignite entertainment venues include: O’Malley’s in the Alley, Gypsy’s Mainstrasse, The Blind Pig, Lola’s Coffee + Bar Downtown, The Birdcage LGBTQ+ Bar and Lounge, Ché, Butcher and Barrel, The View at Shires’ Garden, Kon-Tiki on the Levee, Pampas Argentine Gastropub, The Doghaus, Ché O’Bryonville, Shires’ Cafe, and In Between Tavern.
