Celestial Restaurant [Reserve], Cincinnati

The Celestial Steakhouse is undoubtedly one of Cincinnati's most revered restaurants. Its barrage of honors includes continuous AAA Four Diamond awards since 1998 and Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence since 1991.

This sterling reputation has been steeled by a strong adherence to tradition. In the dining room, veteran servers cover white linen tablecloths with plates of classic steakhouse cuisine: caesar salad, pan-seared scallops, New-York strip. The steak accompaniments also follow convention, giving diners choices such as garlic potatoes and grilled asparagus instead of deconstructed versions of potatoes and asparagus.

Down the hall, in the Incline Lounge, things are bit more relaxed. Bartenders stir specialty martinis as jazz and blues musicians fill the room with energetic sound. But no matter where you spend the evening, you'll be treated to a view—just outside the windows are the Ohio River and the Cincinnati skyline, its buildings' lights twinkling almost as brightly as the mammoth crystal chandelier hanging in the center of the restaurant.