The Hyde Park Square DORA
As of July 2023, Hyde Park Square is officially established a “Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area”, otherwise known as DORA.
What is the Hyde Park Square DORA?
DORA is a specific area in which one can grab a drink from a local restaurant and walk around the area. Participants in DORA must be at least 21 years of age and are generally exempt from the “Open Container Law” if the drink has been purchased from, and is contained within, a DORA vendor and cup.
The goal of this DORA is to further enhance the Hyde Park neighborhood as a destination neighborhood for individuals and families to live and play. Encouraging patrons to all our businesses in Hyde Park Square strengthens the community as a whole.
Key DORA Highlights
- Grab a drink & stroll: Enjoy a beverage outdoors while browsing shops, meeting friends, and exploring the Square.
- Open Container exemption: Drinks contained in designated DORA cups from licensed vendors are permitted outdoors.
- Strengthens local business: Drives foot traffic to dining, retail, and service establishments across the district.
DORA Hours
The DORA will operate from 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM every day.
Where is the DORA?
The map below shows the outdoor area in which designated DORA cups are permitted as well as locations where cups can be purchased. This area includes the sidewalks and park area around Kilgour Fountain and partially some of the surrounding side streets where businesses are located.
Designated DORA cups are permitted on the sidewalks along Erie Avenue, the central green space surrounding the historic Kilgour Fountain, and immediate connecting blocks along Michigan Avenue and Edwards Road where participating storefronts operate.
Official DORA Cup Requirement
The designated DORA cups are sold by eligible brick-and-mortar establishments and may also be sold by other approved outdoor vendors, such as for special events. In accordance with state law, patrons may only leave establishments with alcoholic beverages in the designated DORA cups. Further, no outside alcoholic drinks are permitted.
Participating Establishments
Currently, the following establishments sell alcoholic beverages in the designated DORA cups:
Official DORA VendorAl-Posto
Italian & Craft Cocktails
Modern Italian restaurant and elegant wine bar with patio dining.
Official DORA VendorAlfio's Buon Cibo
Italian-Argentine Fusion
Upscale Italian-Argentine fusion restaurant featuring house-made empanadas and custom ravioli.
Arthur's
Classic Pub & Local Drafts
A neighborhood staple serving award-winning burgers, local drafts, and pub classics.
Official DORA VendorAwakenings
Coffee, Wine Bar & Gallery
Independent coffee shop and cozy wine bar serving house-roasted espresso and artisanal snacks.
Parkside
Neighborhood Bar & Kitchen
Parkside Hyde Park Square offers premier food and drink options in the Hyde Park Square area of Cincinnati.
Additional DORA Rules
Please follow these guidelines to help keep Hyde Park Square a safe, family-friendly, and enjoyable environment for all visitors and local businesses.
Movement Between Establishments
Patrons are legally allowed to depart the establishment or site where the beverage was purchased and move freely around outside within the DORA boundary and with that beverage. They may not, however, bring that beverage into any other participating or non-participating establishment with a liquor license.
Storefront Signage Demarcation
Storefront signage in participating establishments (selling DORA cups) will demarcate where a DORA drink can be purchased. Other signage will also demarcate retail establishments (without liquor licenses) where DORA drinks are welcome while you shop.
Merchant Opt-Out Option
All property owners and establishments have the option of opting-out of participating in the DORA, although they are not required to display a sign in their storefront. Please respect the policy of each individual merchant.
No Outside Alcohol Allowed
In accordance with state law, only beverages purchased in designated DORA cups from licensed vendors are permitted outdoors. Cans, bottles, growlers, or drinks brought from outside the designated vendors are strictly prohibited.
What is Permitted (DO)
- •Purchase an alcoholic drink in an official DORA cup from a participating business.
- •Stroll outdoors along sidewalks, benches, and Kilgour Fountain between 9:00 AM and 11:00 PM.
- •Enter participating retail businesses displaying the “DORA Drinks Welcome” decal.
- •Dispose of empty DORA cups properly in public trash and recycling receptacles.
What is Prohibited (DON'T)
- •Do NOT carry drinks into another establishment with a liquor license.
- •Do NOT bring outside alcoholic beverages, cans, or bottles into the DORA boundary.
- •Do NOT take DORA beverages outside the designated district boundary lines.
- •Do NOT reuse DORA cups for non-DORA drinks or underage consumption.