I lived there until I was 24 and lived downtown my final six years. Go back often and I'm really familiar with "the scene". It's actually a much cooler place than it was when I lived there. The downtown scene is great.
First - I can't recommend Knockback Nat's enough. Best fucking wings you've ever had. Large and fall right off the bone. Awesome rub. The heat of the sauces don't fuck around either. Extra hot is a full sinus clearing. Montgomery Inn ribs are a good recommendation. They're fantastic.
For beer, my favorite place is probably Taft Ale House. It's an old church converted into a brewery so it's beautiful. The tanks are where the pipe organ used to be. Urban Artifact also gets a lot of praise but I've never been (will make sure to stop by while I'm there during Christmas).
If you like live music, MOTR has free music every night and the dudes can be pretty legit. Nationally touring acts - smaller of course - but still people touring across the country. Stanley's Pub can also be a great spot depending on the night. Some real next level jazz cats play there.
Almost any restaurant in OTR is good. The bad ones don't last. It's very competitive in that neighborhood.
EDIT: Good job spelling Cincinnati correctly. People always put the double-n in the wrong spot.