“hockey on horseback” dates back to 600 BC and has been played by all walks of life around the world. Perhaps no other city boasts a better example of polo as an “everyman’s” sport than Cincinnati.
Our polo legend dates back to 1914 when the Wilkens family opened their home and land for the sport to continue to thrive here. Understanding the thrill of the game, Herb Wilkens, Sr. stepped up and developed his land to provide players, including his two sons, a polo complex. Wilkens’ land, the land we stand on today, became known as Wilshire Farms.
Herb’s wife, Marilyn, dedicated her time and energy to making the players feel at home earning the title: "The Mother of the Cincinnati Polo Club". She prepared delicious buffets and provided accommodations for the out-of-town teams, making sure that everyone was taken care of and had a place to stay. The Cincinnati Polo Club became known throughout the circuit as the most hospitable club of them all.
As the only locally-owned restaurant built on the site of the old Cincinnati Polo Club, it is our goal to celebrate the long history of world class hospitality set forth by the Wilkens family. It was, after all, their care for others and not the haughty reputation of the sport that made their club stand apart.
As you dine and drink with us today, feel free to explore the artifacts around the restaurant, or simply relax and enjoy the spirit of hospitality we strive to carry on. And if you listen carefully and happen to hear the faint thunder of polo ponies or the thwack of a mallet striking the ball...... you’ve probably had too many Polo-tinis!
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