By Abby Knox, Managing Editor  

As family weekend is approaching, if you are anything like me you are finalizing your itinerary in order to make the most of the short time with your loved ones.  

I am here to give you a plethora of food and drink spots that must be tried during the course of this fun-filled family weekend. I might just give you too many options that your parents have no choice but to come back and see you again before the school year ends… who knows you might even get more free food out of it.  

Food: Speaking of food, over the course of my time at Xavier I feel I have found some gems.  

1. Agave and Rye: Located in Rookwood Shopping Center, this restaurant is coincidentally right next to Courtyard by Marriott hotel. So, in case too many margaritas are consumed during your taco venture, your journey home will not be far. This funky taco chain has become a staple in my family weekend plans. Unique tacos range from hot sauce-riddled chicken with a spoonful of mac n’ cheese to top it off encased in a taco shell or butter and garlic lobster and truffle oil again wrapped in a warm tortilla. This restaurant makes tacos like no one has ever seen before. Not to mention their extensive alcoholic beverage lineup for those who are 21+ of course! At Agave and Rye, no margarita will be consumed without their iconic skull cups. Before you ask, no, this cup is not complimentary.  

2. The Echo: If you are looking to continue eating top notch food in the Cincinnati area or looking to nurse that hangover from your previous tequila filled night at Agave and Rye, The Echo in Hyde Park is your next stop. This is a cozy diner with the most perfect comfort food. Looking to walk out of a restaurant with full tummies and not wanting to spend an arm and a leg to get there, The Echo is the place for you. With its diner feel and barstool seating arrangements, along with tables and booths, this is a place where you will be well taken care of. Also, if you are anything like me, a Coke girl through and through, this wonderful establishment sells Coke products and luckly for me Coke Zero is included too! So, trust, I always leave with a Coke Zero to-go.  

Coffee: As caffeine is as necessary for a college student as oxygen, over my three years here I have quite the extensive list of coffee shops in the area. If there’s one thing that makes Cincinnati stand out in a way that other major cities do not, it is the coffee culture here. With a coffee shop on most street corners, caffeine is consumed at high rates, and unique flavors are often experimented with.  

1. Birdie’s: Less than two miles away from campus, Birdie’s is often filled with a good mix of locals along with Xavier students looking to get their daily caffeine fix or maybe finish some assignments. Regardless, this place is definitely a good spot to try, especially considering they have a list of around five specials that change each month.  

2. Red Tree: A bit further from campus but only 2.6 miles away, you will encounter Red Tree. What makes this coffee shop unique is its continuously changing local art on the walls. If you have the time I would definitely recommend stopping by and enjoying the art along with other locally made trinkets that are for sale in this coffee shop. I simply cannot mention Red Tree in Oakley without mentioning the Bagelry which is right next door. This bagel shop has what I would call the best bagels in town, and you can even build your own bagel sandwich! This coffee shop and bagel shop duo is the definition of two birds, one stone. Caffeine is consumed and stomachs are full.  

So, if that itinerary still isn’t complete, I hope you are able to pencil in one or two of these great spots during this upcoming weekend!