This fall, a new brewpub plans to open in a renovated church in Over-the-Rhine that was most recently home to Taft’s Ale House.
Mellotone Beer Project is a concept by Dennis Kramer-Wine, the former director of culture and founding director of distribution at Rhinegeist Brewery, and Alexandra Nowell, a career brewer and founding brewmaster at Los Angeles brewery Three Weavers. Kramer-Wine and Nowell recently signed a lease for the building at 1429 Race St. and plan to launch Mellotone in mid-October — just in time for BLINK.
Mellotone, which was named after a Duke Ellington album, will offer an elevated yet approachable menu with dishes made from seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Its scratch kitchen will focus on modern American cuisine that will pair well with fresh, uncomplicated beers, said Kramer-Wine and Nowell. The team partnered with Brendan Martin, formerly of Boca Restaurant Group, who will lead the restaurant operations as director of food and hospitality.
The idea for Mellotone began after Nowell moved to Cincinnati in 2022 to be closer to family. She and Kramer-Wine had been friends for almost a decade and shared a similar vision for a brewery in Cincinnati.
“Both personally and professionally, we were a great match — very complementary of one another,” Nowell said in a press release. “When we realized that the Race Street space was an option for Mellotone, we knew it was meant to be.”
“We decided over two years ago to go down this path together, carefully considering many locations to build our vision of Mellotone,” Kramer-Wine added. “When we learned that 1429 Race Street was available, we were on a call with 3CDC the very next day, and we’re thrilled with the partnership, location and amazing space that we found.”
There will be three complementary but distinct spaces throughout Mellotone. The restaurant will be located on the main floor, which offers a “golden hour-like” glow and views of the brewery spaces. The lower level will be home to a neighborhood bar called Undertone, featuring a mid-century modern design and a small stage for live music. And the mezzanine level will be converted into an indoor beer garden with communal seating, greenery, pool tables and darts. Kramer-Wine and Nowell are working with general contractor Dominic Sansalone and INDIO Design on updating the space.
When Mellotone opens, they will also be taking part in BLINK, featuring “Arcade of Light,” an interactive installation by Cincinnati artists Kemper Sauce Studios. A grand opening is being planned for November.
Mellotone, coming soon to 1429 Race St., Over-the-Rhine. More info: mellotonebeer.com.
