Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Keller
Hi Brittany, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
After nearly a decade of serving and bartending in local establishments, my partner Rob and I knew we wanted to create something of our own—something that would leave a lasting impact on the community. As we searched for the perfect location, we came across The Hilltop in Mt. Adams and immediately knew it was the right space. While we kept the name, we transformed almost everything else—the drinks, the food, and the space—into something that truly reflects our vision.
What makes this journey even more special is that both of our grandparents owned bars, so in many ways, this feels like we’re carrying on their legacy. It’s an honor to follow in their footsteps, creating a space where people can gather, connect, and feel at home—just like they did generations before us.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
To say the road was rocky at the start would be an understatement. There were moments in those first few months when we weren’t sure we were going to make it. While there were people on The Hill—what the locals call Mt. Adams—they weren’t necessarily coming in. Gaining the trust of the community took longer than we expected, largely due to the previous reputation and concept of the space.
We also learned some tough lessons in the early days. Proper due diligence became a hard reality as we faced unexpected and costly equipment failures. On top of that, neither Rob nor I had ever cooked professionally before, so we had to build a menu from scratch and quite literally learn to cook on the fly. It was an intense crash course in resilience, but through hard work, adaptability, and a deep commitment to creating something special, we pushed through. Looking back, those struggles shaped us and made our success that much more meaningful.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Hilltop. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The Hilltop is a true neighborhood bar, where we pride ourselves on offering a little something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a $3 beer, a handcrafted cocktail, a refreshing mocktail, or top-shelf liquor, we’ve got you covered.
What really sets us apart is our commitment to serving late-night food—we run our full menu until just 30 minutes before closing, as late as 1:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. We know how tough it can be to find great food late at night, and we’ve made it a priority to be that go-to spot.
Beyond that, what makes The Hilltop special is how hands-on we are. Every time we’re open, you’ll find one of us either behind the bar or in the kitchen. We’re not just owners—we’re part of the experience, making sure every guest feels welcome and well taken care of.
For your readers looking for a great deal, we offer $1 wings every Wednesday, trivia on Thursdays, and always have rotating beer specials starting at just $3. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, we can’t wait to welcome you in and show you what The Hilltop is all about!
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Though I wouldn’t necessarily describe myself as a risk-taker, anytime you go into business for yourself, you’re taking a huge leap—both financially and personally. For Rob and me, the stakes were even higher because we’re not just business partners; we’re life partners. Blending those two worlds adds an extra layer of complexity, but also a deeper level of commitment to making it work.
One of the biggest risks we took was diving into an industry where neither of us had professional cooking experience. We had to learn on the fly, build a menu from scratch, and prove ourselves to a community that took time to embrace us. There were definitely moments of doubt, but we believed in our vision and refused to give up.
I think when it comes to risk, the most important question to ask yourself is: Is the juice worth the squeeze? Without some level of risk, there’s no real reward. For us, taking this chance was absolutely worth it, and we’re grateful every day that we pushed through the challenges to create something we truly love.
Contact Info:
- Email: www.thehilltopcincy@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehilltop.cincy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1SaTS2pGaS/
Image Credits
Drew Sohrenssen
