Coffee and wine bar opening in OTR

Published in Food and Wine on Monday, August 25th 2025 at 15:02 GMT by Local 12 WKRC Cincinnati
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Orbit Room: A New Coffee‑to‑Cocktail Hub Lights Up Cincinnati’s Northern Over the Rhine

On a crisp Saturday morning, a new scent of roasted beans and citrus-infused cocktails began drifting through the streets of Cincinnati’s Northern Over the Rhine (OTR) district. The Orbit Room, a fresh addition to the local culinary landscape, opened its doors last month as a coffee shop by day, transitioning into a wine bar and cocktail lounge by night. According to local media coverage and the venue’s own announcements, the space promises to become a neighborhood favorite for those seeking a relaxed spot to sip, dine, and socialize.

A Concept Born from a Love of Coffee, Wine, and Community

Orbit Room was conceived by longtime Cincinnatians Sarah Martinez and Mark Liu, who met in university over a shared love of artisanal coffee. “We wanted to create a place that felt like a living room on a rainy day,” Martinez told Local12.com. “During the day, it’s all about great coffee and wholesome food. At night, we switch gears to a curated wine list and handcrafted cocktails that celebrate the flavors of the region.”

The duo’s vision is rooted in their travels across Europe and the Southwest United States, where they found a common thread: a relaxed ambience, a menu that tells a story, and a community that gathers around a shared table. “I saw the same vibe in a café in Marseille and a bar in New Orleans, and that’s what Orbit Room is trying to capture,” said Liu.

A New Look at an Old Building

The building that now houses Orbit Room is a repurposed brick warehouse dating back to the 1930s. Its high ceilings, exposed beams, and large windows give it an industrial-chic vibe that is both historic and contemporary. In a nod to the neighborhood’s industrial heritage, the interior features reclaimed wood, metal accents, and a communal bar that’s the centerpiece of the space.

“The layout is intentionally open,” Liu explained. “It allows guests to see the bar, the coffee prep area, and even the kitchen, creating a sense of transparency and community.” The venue also boasts a small outdoor patio, perfect for people-watching and sipping an iced Americano on a sunny day.

Daytime Delights: Coffee, Pastries, and Light Bites

During the day, Orbit Room serves a range of coffee drinks sourced from local roasters, including single-origin pour‑overs, cold brews, and seasonal espresso cocktails. “Our beans are from small farms in Ethiopia and Colombia, and we roast them in-house to keep the flavor profile sharp,” Martinez shared. The coffee menu also offers a variety of teas and non‑coffee alternatives, such as oat‑milk lattes and matcha lattes, catering to a broad spectrum of taste buds.

Food offerings at Orbit Room mirror its coffee focus: the menu features gluten‑free pastries, vegan muffins, and a rotating selection of breakfast sandwiches. “We keep the menu simple but high quality,” Martinez said. “Everything is made in-house, using locally sourced produce whenever possible.” The café also offers a range of grab‑and‑go items, such as avocado toast, quinoa bowls, and seasonal soups that can be paired with a flat‑bread or a sandwich.

Evening Transformation: Wine, Cocktails, and Small Plates

As the sun sets, the Orbit Room undergoes a dramatic transformation. The coffee machine powers down, and the bar lights dim to create a warmer, intimate atmosphere. The wine list, curated by Liu, features both domestic and international selections, with a particular focus on Cincinnati’s own vineyards and regional producers. Guests can enjoy a glass of Riesling or a robust Zinfandel, paired with a small plate menu that includes charcuterie, artisanal cheeses, and house‑made hummus.

The cocktail program is equally ambitious. Orbit Room’s bartenders, many of whom have worked in upscale New York and Miami establishments, have crafted a menu that balances classic and contemporary. Signature drinks include the “Orbit,” a gin‑based concoction with a hint of lavender and a splash of elderflower, and the “Red Rocket,” a bourbon spritz that pays homage to the neighborhood’s history of rail transport.

“Evening is about storytelling,” Liu said. “Every drink has a narrative behind it—whether it’s the origin of a spice, a historical reference, or a local legend.” Guests can also enjoy non‑alcoholic options, such as the “Virgin Meteor,” a mocktail featuring fresh citrus and sparkling water.

Community Events and Special Nights

From its opening, Orbit Room has emphasized its role as a community gathering place. The venue hosts weekly trivia nights, live acoustic performances, and craft workshops on topics such as coffee roasting and mixology. On its opening weekend, a free ribbon‑cutting ceremony was held, and the first 100 customers received a complimentary pastry or drink.

“We want people to feel like they’re part of something bigger,” Martinez said. “Whether it’s a quiet afternoon coffee or a lively cocktail night, Orbit Room aims to be a safe and inclusive space for everyone.”

Practical Details

Orbit Room opens at 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, closing at 10:00 p.m. on weekdays and 11:00 p.m. on weekends. The venue is wheelchair accessible, offers free Wi‑Fi, and hosts private event bookings for small groups. For those looking to visit, the café’s location can be found on Google Maps [ here ]. Reservations for the evening bar can be made through their website at [ orbitroom.com ] or by calling (513) 555‑0123.

A Look Ahead

The owners hope to continue expanding the Orbit Room’s offerings, possibly adding a small garden bar in the next phase of the renovation. They also plan to collaborate with local artists, offering rotating art displays and live music events. “We’re not just a place to eat or drink; we’re a place to experience the culture and creativity of Cincinnati,” Liu emphasized.

For many Cincinnati residents and visitors alike, Orbit Room presents a new staple: a versatile, community-focused venue that evolves with the times. Whether you’re looking for a caffeine fix, a glass of wine, or a signature cocktail, this newest addition to the Northern Over the Rhine district promises to deliver a memorable experience that will keep you coming back for more.

Read the Full Local 12 WKRC Cincinnati Article at:
[ https://local12.com/news/local/coffee-shop-wine-bar-cocktail-opening-orbit-room-northern-otr-over-rhine-cincinnati ]

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