Top Rated

Mama's on Main

2023 CityBeat's Best New Restaurant, Mama's on Main is a charming Italian wine bar in Covington's Mainstrasse Village owned by Emily Wolff and Paul Weckman, featuring house-made pastas, chicken parmesan, arancini, tiramisu, and espresso martinis which can be enjoyed on the rooftop. Cozy, vintage Italian décor with eclectic touches including stained glass and pinups, offering intimate dining rooms, heated rooftop seating, and a full bar with wine selection, creating a romantic yet lively atmosphere perfect for date nights or celebrations.

Behle Street by Sheli

Neighborhood gastropub serving elevated American comfort food with a focus on steaks, pork, and hearty entrees in a cozy, intimate setting. The heated, tented patio makes it a great spot year-round, and the menu also includes inventive seasonal dishes and select seafood options. Perfect for casual nights out, date nights, or gathering with friends.

Blinkers Tavern

Cozy steakhouse celebrating horse racing history with two outdoor patios, winning "Best Steak" in Northern Kentucky for 13 consecutive years. Open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, serving steaks, seafood, burgers, and pasta with a talented culinary team dedicated to creating visually stunning dishes and unforgettable experiences.

Bluegrass

Jim and Joni Lederer opened this west-side Highland Park spot in 2004, and they still run it together, Jim in the kitchen and Joni on the floor. Jim grew up in town and brings a fine-dining background to a casual room. The menu pairs Cajun and Creole classics like crawfish étouffée and New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp with hickory-smoked ribs, brisket and pulled pork from a Texas-style pit. The Tuesday smoked chicken and ribs special regularly sells out. The wine and craft beer lists are all American. A warm wood-and-gold dining room, a friendly bar and a big front patio fill quickly.

Camporosso

Pizza Today's 2024 Pizzeria of the Year, serving wood-fired artisan pizzas, handcrafted pastas, fresh salads, and house-made meatballs with an extensive wine selection. Italian-inspired menu features antipasti including charcuterie boards, Italian chili, and meatball subs alongside their celebrated wood-fired pizzas and elevated dining experience.

Carmelo's Restaurant

Carmelo's honors the legacy of Sicilian immigrant Carmelo Caserta, who believed food unites community, through warm hospitality and Italian-inspired dishes served in a welcoming atmosphere where everyone is treated like family. Co-owned by culinary veterans Billy Grise (The Rookwood, Hotel Covington) and Mitch Arens (trained in New Orleans' Cajun and Creole traditions), the restaurant blends Italian heritage with Southern flavors and family recipes.

Cork-N-Crust

Cork N Crust Bellevue serves handmade gourmet pizzas with unique sauce and cheese blends, house-smoked wings, charcuterie boards, and specialty salads with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options in a trendy, comfortable atmosphere. Featuring a unique wine selection with 16 wines on tap, wine flights, crafted cocktails, and international beers, plus front sidewalk and back patio seating.

El Coyote

Family-owned Tex-Mex and steakhouse serving Anderson Township since 1982. Famous for blackened pork chops—center-cut, bone-in, and lightly seasoned with a signature house blend. The menu spans Southwest favorites and hand-cut steaks, all prepared fresh daily. Margaritas are a local favorite. The cozy atmosphere features an indoor fireplace and year-round heated patio. A neighborhood institution where regulars gather for quality steaks and Tex-Mex classics.

Epping's on Eastside

Set in a renovated 1800s bottling works at the corner of downtown Lexington's Warehouse Block, where the original owner's name and an 1863 date are still set into the terrazzo at the door. Executive chef and owner Cole Arimes builds a rotating small-plates menu around house-cured meats, house-baked bread, and Kentucky farms named on the page, then runs pan-Asian technique through much of it: ginger ponzu, gochujang, tamarind. The room is industrial modern softened with sheer curtains and warm wood. Weekend brunch, a certified sommelier's wine and spirits program, Wednesday live music, and two private event rooms.

Gio's Italian Kitchen

Family owned and operated since August 2014 by the Hoxha family, who arrived from Albania in 2003 chasing the American dream. Brothers and chefs Klodjan and Renato run the kitchen, sister Eri handles the front, and the parents work there daily. They also own a restaurant of the same name in Myrtle Beach. Pizza came off the menu years ago so the kitchen could focus on fine dining. What's left is a seafood-forward Italian menu built on scratch marinara, veal and chicken classics, scallops and lobster. The family kept pizza alive at Gios Pizzeria Napoletana in Market Common.

Grandview Tavern & Grille

Northern Kentucky's premier casual upscale tavern established in 2007, known for signature Salmon Salad, Chicken Piccata, fresh wings, and "the Best Burger around" featuring creative options like their standout peanut butter raspberry chipotle jelly burger. Features live music Wednesday-Sunday, outdoor patio dining, fireside seating, extensive bourbon selection, half-price wine Mondays, and private event space, all built on Chef Jack Rolf's commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Greyhound Tavern

Fort Mitchell landmark since 1921, originally the Dixie Tea Room, renowned for world-famous onion rings, southern-style fried chicken, steaks, seafood, Hot Browns, and Sunday brunch buffet featuring goetta and fried chicken. Best of NKY 2022 & 2023 overall restaurant winner and Northern Kentucky's most award-winning restaurant, featuring charming historic Tavern Room and Hunt Room with knotty pine walls, oak floors, and a proud tradition of handcrafted southern comfort food.

Incline Public House

Gastropub perched atop Price Hill offering Cincinnati's most spectacular panoramic views of downtown skyline, Ohio River, and Northern Kentucky. Named for historic Price Hill Incline that operated 1874-1943, restaurant sits on exact site of original Price Hill House. Dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows maximizing vista, while 1,400-square-foot heated seasonal deck seats 60 guests. Scratch kitchen utilizes in-house smoker and brick oven producing elevated pub fare including braised short rib grilled cheese, lamb burger sliders, wood-fired pizzas with creative toppings, gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads, fried pickles, and grippos mac-n-cheese. Extensive bourbon selection features 30+ top-shelf bottles including Blanton's, E.H. Taylor, Weller, Stagg, and Old Fitzgerald. Sunday brunch served 10am-2pm. Historic photographs throughout restaurant document incline's legacy. Featured on Cooking Channel's 'Burgers, Brew and Que.'

J. Miller Steak Company

Family-owned and operated steakhouse in historic two-story brick building on scenic Route 56, featuring wood-fired grills and affordable menu options for the whole family. Open-concept seating with exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and vintage-inspired lighting creates comfortable yet special atmosphere. Live local musicians on Friday nights. Wood-fired steaks including ribeye, filet, and salmon served in intimate dining room with purple upholstered chairs. Established 2020.

Jag's Steak & Seafood

Opened in 2003 as West Chester’s first fine-dining restaurant, Jag’s Steak & Seafood was built on a partnership between founder John Allgaier and Chef Michelle Brown, who later became chef proprietor and majority owner. The menu blends classic steakhouse traditions with contemporary touches, complemented by a deep wine cellar and a polished raw bar. Beyond the dining room, live music in the piano bar has helped establish Jag’s as a full evening destination, pairing refined food with entertainment and an enduring local reputation.

Legend's Cocktail Lounge

A downtown Broadway storefront that Miami County locals will tell you serves the best steak around, wrapped wall to wall in a music-legends theme: pop-art icons, gold cherubs and columns, a motorcycle parked indoors, and a stage built into the dining room for live bands. The cocktail list runs on the same conceit, every drink a riff on a music or pop-culture figure, and regulars name their bartender in reviews. Past the steaks the kitchen turns out breaded tenderloins, loaded burgers, a house barbecue sauce on half the menu, and a torched crème brûlée cheesecake.

Libby's Southern Comfort

Named for owner Brad Wainscott's daughter and family black lab, Libby's Southern Comfort brings award-winning Southern cuisine to Covington's Duveneck Square in a restored industrial space that's home to the original Cheerwine Bourbon Slush. With goetta hush puppies made from Glier's Goetta, special-recipe fried chicken with hot honey, fresh oysters shucked to order, and fried green tomatoes piled with pimento cheese and bourbon onion jam, this family-founded casual eatery pairs comfort food at its best with a vintage bourbon collection and rotating specialty slushes on a year-round dog-friendly patio where "come as you are" isn't just a vibe—it's a promise, with all bread from Sixteen Bricks and oatmeal cream pies that beat Little Debbie every time.

MRBL

Northern Kentucky's premiere dining destination combining exceptional steakhouse classics with authentic sushi and innovative seafood creations in an aesthetic masterpiece setting overlooking the Ohio River to downtown Cincinnati. Features prime dry-aged beef from Chicago alongside an authentic sushi menu and weekly fresh seafood specials, delivering a truly unique fine dining experience that seamlessly blends steakhouse traditions with Japanese culinary artistry.

Maury's Tiny Cove

Established in 1949, this longtime Cincinnati steakhouse feels like a step back into a mid-century speakeasy, complete with low lighting, classic booths, and old-school charm. The menu remains rooted in tradition, featuring char-grilled steaks, seafood, and legacy dishes that have defined the restaurant for decades. With its iconic dancing bull sign still welcoming guests and a legacy tied to classic cocktails, Rat Pack lore, and even film history, it remains a place where nostalgia and a good night out go hand in hand.

Noche

From the team behind Alfio's Buon Cibo (OpenTable's Top 100 in America), Noche blends Italian tradition with Argentine passion in a moody, magnetic space built for late-night energy and shared plates. Chef Alfio Gulisano's fire-kissed menu features house-made pastas, wood-fired creations like empanadas and arancini, and standout dishes like short rib gnocchi, with craft cocktails and an adventurous wine list designed to keep you lingering long after dinner.

Otto's

A beloved neighborhood bistro, Otto’s has been serving seasonal, locally influenced New American and Southern-inspired dishes in the heart of Covington’s MainStrasse since 2003. Known for its refined yet intimate atmosphere, the restaurant is especially celebrated for its fried green tomatoes and popular Sunday brunch, while offering lunch, dinner, brunch, and drinks. Gluten-free menu available.

Pompilios

Historic Italian restaurant and bar established in 1933 in a building dating to 1902, serving generations with Mrs. Pompilio's homemade ravioli recipe, Italian sausage, lasagna, cannelloni, and traditional pastas in Newport's legendary corner location. Featured in Rain Man (1988) with Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise, boasting regulation bocce courts with 64-team league, live music several nights weekly, Kentucky bourbon collection on the original back bar, and over a century of stories including mobsters, celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe, and families bringing second and third generations to this Italian restaurant with Kentucky flavor and unparalleled hospitality.

Prairie Grass Café

Opened in 2004 by chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris, longtime colleagues at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago. Stegner is a two-time James Beard Award winner, and the pair chose a stretch of Skokie Boulevard over downtown, building a relaxed, upscale neighborhood room around seasonal American cooking. The menu shifts with the harvest, drawing on local farms and Chicago’s Green City Market. The bunless 10-ounce sirloin burger, once named Chicago’s best, is the signature, alongside Finn’s Ranch deviled eggs. A thoughtful cocktail menu, a deep wine list and a private dining room round out the experience.

Prime Cincinnati

An upscale steakhouse and seafood restaurant built around meticulous execution, attentive service, and a deep respect for premium ingredients. Led by Chef Shawn Heine, the menu highlights prime steaks, fresh seafood, and thoughtful preparations designed to balance refinement with approachability. A robust wine program plays a central role in the experience, complemented by a polished lounge featuring handcrafted cocktails, a cigar patio, and rotating midweek specials. The overall atmosphere feels confident and composed, making it a natural choice for celebratory dinners, business meals, or an elevated evening out downtown.

Purple Poulet

Named Best Fried Chicken in Kentucky by Southern Living, this Southern Bourbon Bistro features over 550 bourbons, ryes, and whiskeys with farm-fresh ingredients and classic southern cooking inspired by Charleston and New Orleans with Kentucky infusion. Five dining rooms including main floor and four upstairs spaces, plus a hidden speakeasy-style "Gangster" party room behind a secret door paying homage to Newport's "Sin City" history, delivering unparalleled southern culture, hospitality, and flavors of the Bluegrass State and Deep South.

Ripple Wine Bar & Restaurant

Thoughtfully designed wine bar and restaurant with locations in Covington, Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio, offering the largest selection of wine by the glass in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati with a rotating collection from across the globe. Features seasonal favorites, timeless classics, and boutique hard-to-finds served alongside wine-friendly snacks and petite entrees that change with the seasons, all delivered by friendly, knowledgeable staff passionate about wine and perfect pairings.

Sabaidee Lao & Thai Cuisine

A family-run kitchen in Walton serving the food of Laos alongside Thai standards. Kim Pasith opened it, and her son Eric manages it. The Thai side covers curries, pad thai, pho and stir-fries on a 1-to-3 spice scale, with lunch portions weekdays until 3pm. The Lao Specialties are dinner-only and worth planning around: nam khao crispy rice salad with fermented pork sausage, khao piak chicken noodle soup with rice-and-tapioca noodles, larb, and khao poon red curry vermicelli. House-made sai oua sausage leads the appetizers. Portions run big, and carryout is packed with unusual care.

Sanctuary Social

A vibrant vibe. Sanctuary Social is a warm, inviting gathering place designed for friends, families, and neighbors to connect over shareable plates, craft cocktails, curated wines, and thoughtful pairings that encourage conversation. Beyond the dining experience, Sanctuary Social hosts exclusive club events, chef-inspired dinners, and community gatherings that make each visit feel both personal and memorable.

Smoke Justis

Urban sports bar in Covington's historic Citizens Telephone Building at the foot of the Roebling Bridge, named after baseball legend Walter "Smoke" Justis who holds the minor league record for four no-hitters in 1908 and pitched opening day for Covington's Blue Sox in 1913. Unique blend of casual dining and bourbon lounge featuring smoky BBQ and smoked meats (a perfect homage to their namesake), craft bourbon selection, and craft beer in a warm, inviting setting where visitors and locals gather to cheer their favorite teams, enjoy America's native spirit, and celebrate the legacy of this locally owned tavern's urban legend.

Sweet Basil Thai & Sushi

Locally owned since 2006, Sweet Basil has been Northern Kentucky's quiet answer to authentic Thai and fresh sushi for nearly two decades — tucked into a Crescent Springs strip while the chains around it cycle in and out. Family-run, independently owned, one location. The kitchen does Thai classics and sushi under the same roof, with a heat scale that actually means something. Carry-out is efficient. Dine-in gives you the full picture.

Thai Pavilion

Opened in October 2023 by three women united by their love of Thai food and culture—Anya Hoffman, Wun Woon, and head chef Premmy—Thai Pavilion brings authentic Thai cuisine to Covington's Scott Street. The restaurant serves traditional dishes like pad thai, red curry, pad kee mao (drunken noodles), khao soi, and massaman curry, with customizable spice levels that can satisfy everyone from mild preferences to "thermonuclear" authentic Thai heat. Named after the Thai cultural concept of pavilions as community gathering places, the restaurant has quickly become a downtown lunch favorite for neighboring office workers and a destination for Northern Kentucky foodies seeking genuine Thai flavors.

The Chicken House

Serving legendary fried chicken for over 80 years in a building from the early 1830s, The Chicken House is a Southern Indiana institution where fresh, never-frozen chicken is delivered daily. This family-friendly local favorite—once beloved by golf legend Fuzzy Zoeller—has earned Best Chicken honors in both Clark and Floyd Counties, serving generous portions of comfort food classics alongside a lakeside playground.

The Rathskeller

Indianapolis' oldest restaurant, serving continuously since 1894 from the cellar of the Athenaeum, the German Renaissance Revival landmark built as Das Deutsche Haus and designed by the firm of Bernard Vonnegut, grandfather of Kurt. The dining room is beamed and paneled, hung with steins and painted German proverbs, with a brick corridor of mounted game and state coats of arms leading to the Kellerbar. The kitchen still cooks the old menu: rouladen, schnitzel, sauerbraten, oxtail soup, house sauerkraut, alongside steaks and seafood. Twelve imported drafts, fifty-plus imported bottles, and live music most nights in the biergarten.

Tousey House Tavern

Tousey House Tavern serves elevated Southern cuisine with Kentucky favorites like family-style fried chicken, slow-roasted prime rib, and the legendary Kentucky Hot Brown in a beautifully restored 1822 Federalist home. Located in historic Burlington and part of the bourbon-focused B-Line experience, this intimate restaurant combines white-tablecloth service with Southern hospitality, generous portions, and weekend bourbon specials in a charming setting that's been welcoming guests for over 200 years.

Trecento Trattoria

Rooted in the owners' family ties to Bologna, Italy's culinary capital, this downtown trattoria pairs handmade pastas and wood-fired pizza with warm, unfussy hospitality. Set in the historic 300 Main Street building looking out at Great American Ball Park, it houses what's billed as downtown Cincinnati's first wood-fired pizza oven, tucked behind the bar so guests get a front-row view of each 13-inch pie charring to order. The kitchen leans on serious sourcing, from Eckerlin's beef, pork and veal meatballs to a Bologna Chamber of Commerce-approved Bolognese. Craft cocktails and a curated wine list round out a room that reads casual at lunch and polished by dinner.

Walt's Hitching Post

Walt's Hitching Post has served legendary smokehouse ribs with secret sauce, salted rye bread, and prime steaks since 1942 in a historic Fort Wright building that started as a 1900s hunting lodge. Now owned by longtime diners who've preserved the original log cabin wall and horse racing theme, this 80+ year institution offers filet mignon, ribeye, and classics like chicken livers alongside live music, valet parking, and that famous tomato garlic dressing in a rustic-chic atmosphere where generations of Kentuckians have celebrated special occasions.

Wayfarer Tavern

Neighborhood pizza joint and third-place gathering spot in downtown Dayton serving unique wood-fired pizzas (unique thin-crust, square-cut), shareable appetizers, and craft cocktails. The welcoming atmosphere features creative menu items like mortadella schiacciata and garlic confit dip alongside exceptional drinks and attentive service.

Wunderbar!

Behind a bright red door on the north side of Covington's historic MainStrasse Village, Wunderbar brings authentic German-fusion gastropub dining to Northern Kentucky with legendary face-sized house-made pretzels, customizable sausage plates, and over 40 German and craft beers. This cozy neighborhood dive bar features constantly changing seasonal menus based on fresh ingredients, live music Tuesday through Sunday, and a dog-friendly patio perfect for raising a stein in MainStrasse's cobblestone charm.

3 Ladies Thai Cuisine

Specializing in authentic Thai and unique Laotian dishes rarely found in the area, 3 Ladies Thai Cuisine takes a no-shortcuts approach to fresh, made-to-order cooking. Standouts include their signature crab rangoons with homemade strawberry sauce, shrimp pho in house-made broth, and traditional Laotian specialties like larb and papaya salad. Generous portions and customizable spice levels—from mild to legitimately fiery—have earned them a loyal following willing to wait a bit longer for food that's cooked fresh when ordered, not sitting under heat lamps.

859 Taproom

A Florence-based taproom and sports bar anchored by one of the largest draft beer selections in Kentucky, 859 Taproom pairs a deep tap list with a full menu that punches above its weight. The kitchen sources beef locally from Whobrey's Farm in Sparta, Kentucky, while the bar pours more than 60 beers on tap alongside an extensive bourbon lineup. Jeff and Mandy took over in September 2021. Jeff spent more than 20 years as an executive chef. Mandy trained restaurant teams as a corporate trainer for Bonefish Grill. The two met years earlier — long before 859 Taproom — when Jeff was cooking in New York City and Mandy was working at AOL, eventually building both a family and a shared path into the restaurant business. The space is built for gathering: 19 TVs, a spacious interior, and outdoor seating that handles everything from casual dinners to game-day crowds.

Bard's Burgers & Chili

Blind Squirrel

Blind Squirrel is a bustling sports bar, restaurant, music venue, & destination whose original nest was built in 2017 in Louisville, KY. The local hot spot has now expanded to its second locale in Florence, KY. Our menu boasts an array of shareable appetizers, gourmet burgers, pizzas, soups, salads, & other unique fare including seasonal favorites that are enjoyed inside or out under the breezy palm trees. Our expansive bar offers 36 beers on tap, 100+ bourbons, & every other boozy beverage in between. And, dozens of TVs + a big screen ensure you'll never miss your favorite sports!

Bourbon House Pizza - Florence

Bourbon House Pizzeria brings authentic Chicago-style deep dish pizza to Northern Kentucky, with owner Mary Brandstetter recreating the flavors and aesthetic of her hometown pizzerias using fresh, daily-made dough and sauce. Voted Best Pizzeria in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, they also serve wine, bourbon, hoagies, calzones, appetizers, and more, all crafted with the same commitment to quality and authenticity. Two locations: Florence and Newport.

Buckhead Mountain Grill

Buckhead Mountain Grill serves classic comfort food, juicy burgers, and fresh steaks in a comfortable mountain lodge atmosphere with Southern-inspired hospitality. Voted Northern Kentucky Magazine's "Best View From a Restaurant," this spot delivers scratch-made food, cold beer, and a taste of the Rockies.

Catch & Cut

Modern fusion seafood and grill house on the Bellevue waterfront, formerly Enson Harbor and now under new management led by Chef Danny with over 20 years of culinary experience. The menu blends steakhouse comfort with Asian-fusion creativity — customizable seafood boils with sauce and spice level options, hand-cut New York strips, handmade dumplings, ramen, and pho. Lunch focuses on boils, pastas, and blackened chicken salads. Situated in the former Joe's Crab Shack space overlooking the Ohio River with outdoor patio seating and Cincinnati skyline views. Full bar with craft cocktails, wine, and beer plus a dedicated happy hour menu.

Cedar

This upscale comfort food restaurant in a beautifully renovated MainStrasse Village building serves "one-hour vacations" through scratch-made breakfast, brunch, and lunch. With no freezer or microwave in the kitchen, Cedar sources local ingredients for dishes like the Fat Zachary (chicken, chorizo, and egg in a corn gordita) and the Crabby Ben (jumbo lump crab on Sixteen Bricks sourdough with hollandaise). The Faeth family modeled their attention to detail after Jeff Ruby's, creating an escape where diners can unplug over craft cocktails and elevated comfort food.

City View Tavern

One of Cincinnati's oldest continually operating bars, built 1875. Fourth owner Deb Henning and husband Silas purchased in 1985, restored to original look. Famous for three things: Bloody Marys voted #1 in every poll, fresh handmade burgers (never frozen), and the spectacular panoramic view of downtown, Ohio River, and Kentucky from the back deck. No tequila served—Charles Manson was banned after threatening to jump from the patio. George Clooney was a regular during his NKU days. Silas' bean-free Texas chili. Bread from Giminetti, meat from Ebert's in Newport.

Coppin's Restaurant & Bar

Located inside Hotel Covington, Coppin's is a signature gathering spot featuring craft cocktails, a rotating seasonal menu of modern American cuisine, and a vast open dining space and lounge. Committed to culinary innovation and sustainability, they source the finest local and global ingredients while supporting local artisans to create distinctive, unforgettable dining experiences. Bar stays open later than food is served.

Fessler's Legendary Pizza & Hoagies

Family-owned pizzeria serving Bellevue since 1963, famous for signature hoagies with garlic butter-topped buns, thin-crust pizzas, and strombolis. The casual dine-in spot offers extensive vegetarian and vegan options including plant-based pepperoni and gluten-free crusts.

Frida 602

Frida 602 is a tequila and mezcal bar in Covington's historic Mainstrasse Village serving vibrant Latin street cuisine, fresh corn tortilla tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and bowls with flavors like al pastor, barbacoa, and mezcal-glazed chicken. An extensive agave spirits selection, signature Frida margaritas, and creative dishes like smoked cauliflower tacos and churros round out a menu built for sharing. Named for Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, the restaurant reflects the passion of co-owner Emily Wolff, who along with husband Paul Weckman opened Otto's in MainStrasse at age 22 in 2003 and never left the neighborhood, eventually adding Larry's Dive Bar, The Standard, Mama's on Main, and Frida 602 to create a walkable ecosystem of distinctly different spots that somehow all feel like the same community. The Kahlo influence is everywhere inside Frida, from the bold pink walls and eclectic art to a bathroom wallpapered with a Frida Vogue cover that might be the most Instagram-worthy in Northern Kentucky.

Ft. Mitchell Public House

Upscale pub fare with a Cajun flair served in a charming century-old building featuring a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful outdoor patio under an oak tree. Menu ranges from fresh salads and gourmet burgers to outstanding specialty entrees, with a welcoming staff that makes new guests feel at home and regulars feel like family.

Galactic Fried Chicken

Top 3 Best of Cincinnati five years running. Shane Coffey and Kathy McDonald ran the Galactic food truck around Fountain Square and Washington Park for two years before landing it for good on Sixth Avenue, opening the brick and mortar on March 5, 2020, eight days ahead of the shutdown. They never closed. Coffey held executive chef posts in Aspen, New York City, and a private resort in Turks and Caicos before coming home to the area, and the married co-owners both still work the kitchen and the floor. The gluten free rice flour and potato starch breading began as a happy accident picked up while traveling the South and now covers nearly the whole menu, holding its crisp on southern style chicken that runs flavorful over fiery. Smoky ancho chipotle deviled eggs, jackfruit nuggets for the vegetarians, house chipotle honey mustard sold by the pint, and a Beer Can Collection Line of Hamm's, PBR, Little Kings and Old Style. Carbonite Han Solo on the wall, a chicken riding a rocket on the sign, and Coffey's motto, positive will prevail, on everything else.

Galvin's on Main

Family-owned and operated in historic downtown Georgetown since 2008, this rambling sports bar and grill moved into its current building in 2016, nearly double the size of the original, pairing exposed brick, wood beams, and bourbon-barrel accents with a lively, TV-lined room. The 100-plus-item menu runs from cheesesteaks, strombolis, and burgers to a standout order of fresh jalapeño canoe poppers and locally loved wings. Forty rotating Kentucky craft taps, seasonal cocktails, and a full bar anchor the drink list. Weekly trivia, monthly Pint Nights, and summer live music round out a genuine small-town gathering spot with deep community roots.

Hebron Grille

"Distinctively Southern, Soulfully Unique" restaurant and sports bar led by Executive Chef Daren Harris, known for signature Alabama White Sauce, étouffée catfish, dry rubbed BBQ shrimp over jalapeño cheddar grits, burgers, overstuffed potatoes, and Nashville wings. Popular local gathering spot featuring live music on Thursday and Saturday nights with artists from Nashville and The Voice, where "everybody knows your name" in a welcoming Cheers-style atmosphere. Live music every Saturday 6:30-9:30.

Herb & Thelma's Tavern

Herb & Thelma’s Tavern has been pouring cold beer and flipping iconic burgers in Covington since 1939. With fresh, locally sourced patties made daily and a tavern atmosphere passed down through generations, it’s a place that feels untouched by trends. This is old-school in all the right ways—simple food, honest prices, and a loyal local crowd. A must-visit for anyone who wants to experience Northern Kentucky the way it used to be.

Hoosier Icehouse​

Bar and grill in former Studebaker dealership blending hometown comfort with lively atmosphere in historic downtown Lawrenceburg. Cozy indoor dining with large bar area featuring community tables, plus expansive turf patio with outdoor bar hosting live music on weekends. 18 draft beers on tap, wide selection of seltzers, and signature cocktails. Menu includes handcrafted burgers, smoked wings, cajun pasta, cordon bleu sandwich, Brussels sprouts, and Icehouse tots. Dog-friendly outdoor seating with astroturf. Opened July 2022.

Knockback Nats

A downtown bar with a cult following for its chicken wings and an easygoing, no-frills atmosphere that regularly comes up in “best in town” conversations. The space centers around a long bar with shuffleboard, complimentary popcorn, and a small patio, giving it a distinctly urban feel more reminiscent of Manhattan than a typical Midwestern tavern. It’s a 21-and-over spot built for game days, casual afternoons, and nights where the wings and the crowd are the main attraction.

Log Cabin Inn

Historic neighborhood tavern serving classic American comfort food, draft beer, and generous sandwiches in a cozy log cabin atmosphere.

Lucky Duck Pub

Family-owned since 2012, Lucky Duck is a neighborhood sports bar that puts more effort into its food than most places in its category. The wings are a staple — regulars swear by the BBQ honey mustard combo — and the pork tater skins and Mushroom Swiss Burger pull their weight. House-made Saratoga Chips are a nice touch. The fish sandwich has quietly built a following. Trivia nights, karaoke, and Singo (music bingo) keep things lively throughout the week. TVs cover the sports, staff are friendly, and the vibe is casual without feeling like an afterthought. Non-smoking.

Mac's Pizza Pub

Opened in 2016 as Mac's first Kentucky location, Mac's Pizza in MainStrasse Village is a go-to spot for families and friends, offering spacious indoor seating, two large patios, and private event space seven days a week. Known for its handcrafted pizzas made with homemade dough, slow-simmered marinara, and premium ingredients, Mac's also features a full menu of entrees and desserts alongside 26 beers on tap and more than 100 bottled and canned options.

Noce's Pizzeria

Syracuse comes to Northern Kentucky at this New York-style pizzeria. Owner Jay Noce, an upstate New York transplant, spent years working on thin-crust pizza before opening shop in 2008, and he's still the one at the ovens. Fresh dough baked on stone comes out foldable, lightly charred, and clean enough to eat behind the wheel without a napkin. Beyond the pies, Noce's serves homemade pasta, garlic knots, generous calzones, and weeknight specials like baked ziti and eggplant parm that come with knots and a salad. There's no dine-in, just a counter, a bench, and a focus on carryout and delivery. Old-school, scratch-made, no shortcuts.

Pawleys Tap House & Grill

The only self-pour taproom on the Grand Strand, where forty taps line the wall and you pour your own. Owners Erin Carachilo and George Eddis met working in Philadelphia restaurants before settling on this stretch of coast, and both influences show on the menu: fried flounder platters, shrimp and grits, and fried green tomatoes sit alongside cheesesteak egg rolls and flatbreads. The house signature is a mac and cheese flight served three ways, topped with chicken and bacon, chopped brisket, and blackened shrimp. A vaulted, string-lit room under a mile from the ocean, with an onsite room for private events.

Poseidon's Pizza

Poseidon's Pizza is one of Florence's most popular. Give them a try, and you'll soon understand why. It's not just pizza. You can also find pasta, sandwiches, and other side dishes. Try something new and expand your culinary horizons. Note this is excellent pizza for you to pick up or have delivered. Poseidon's doesn't have any dine-in options.

Press on Monmouth

This fresh and modern bistro, café, and market from the team behind Jefferson Social and Incline Public House specializes in pressed paninis, fresh salads, gourmet soups, and breakfast favorites like chicken and waffles with hot honey. Pair your meal with La Terza coffee, craft beer, or selections from their mimosa and Bloody Mary bar. Walk-up counter service keeps things casual at this Newport spot near the Aquarium and Levee.

Strong's Brick Oven Pizzeria

Strongs Brick Oven Pizzeria crafts authentic Old World-style pizza made from scratch daily and baked in Italian brick ovens for unmatched flavor. Founded in Newport in 2012, this local favorite has expanded across Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati with award-winning pies like the Pizza Alla Vodka, plus fresh appetizers and salads all made in-house.

Tacos Los Compadres

Tacos Los Compadres is a vibrant Mexican restaurant in Crittenden, KY, serving authentic flavors that transport you to the heart of Mexico. Founded with a passion for sharing delicious food with the community, our menu features a mouthwatering selection of tacos, burritos, and other Mexican favorites. In addition to our dine-in experience, we also offer a food truck for on-the-go tasty meals, catering services for special events, and exclusive holiday specials to add some fiesta to your celebrations.

Taglio Bar & Pizzeria - Columbia Tusculum

Detroit-style and New York-style pizzeria by brothers Jared and Nicolas Wayne with partner Jake Goodwin. Original Taglio location opened 2016 serving square Detroit-style pies with caramelized cheese edges alongside traditional New York slices. Fresh ingredients with curated wines, craft beers, and cocktails. Full menu including appetizers, salads, and gelato available for dine-in, delivery, and pickup. FC Cincinnati Pub Partner with sports viewing. Private dining room seats 16 with two TVs.

Thai Tea House

Thai Tea House brings a dual personality to Florence—daytime cafe serving bubble teas, slushies, and specialty coffees with over a decade of experience, transforming into a Thai street food spot by evening. Owner Scarlett Stander's taro slushie has earned fan-favorite status, while traditional Thai beverages made with sweetened condensed milk offer a sweeter, bolder take than their American counterparts. Add boba for bursts of flavor that balance the richness, then stick around for dinner when Thai small bites and entrees take over the menu.

The Exchange Pub + Kitchen

Gastropub housed in a historic 1875 Italianate building owned by Ian Hall, featuring rotating seasonal menus with locally sourced ingredients and scratch cooking. The open kitchen showcases chef-driven dishes alongside 12 rotating craft beer taps, house-made cocktails using premium spirits and fresh syrups, and boutique wines. Multiple dining spaces include a 120-seat dining room, outdoor cafe, heated patio, and private event rooms.

The Grape Vines Wine Bar & Bistro

Women-owned and veteran-owned wine bar on 6.5 acres featuring international wines, top-shelf tequila, Kentucky bourbon, and a newly opened bistro serving elevated comfort food. Located in a restored historic veterinary clinic (operational for 57 years), the charming venue offers wine flights, charcuterie boards with artisanal meats and cheeses, and bistro specials like NY Strip steak dinners. Features live music on weekends, happy hour specials, themed events like Singo Bingo and board game nights, plus beautiful outdoor patios perfect for unwinding.

The Standard

A converted 1930s filling station and garage turned vibrant neighborhood restaurant in Covington's MainStrasse Village. The kitchen centers on house-smoked meats — brisket, pulled pork, lamb shoulder, turkey — built into creative sandwiches, rice bowls, and shareable plates with global accents. The KY Hot Brown and Goetta Chopped Cheese nod to regional roots, while the smoked lamb pita and cauliflower shawarma stretch the menu wider. Weekend brunch draws crowds for huevos rancheros and brisket benedict. The original garage canopies frame a spacious outdoor patio. A well-curated cocktail program rounds out the experience.

Verona Vineyards Winery & Bistro

Family-owned estate winery on a serene 36-acre horse farm featuring award-winning estate wines, handcrafted beers, and Kentucky bourbon alongside farm-inspired bistro cuisine. The restored 1842 George Vest House (National Register of Historic Places) overlooks rolling vineyards and horse pastures with live music in the outdoor pavilion and vintage barn tasting room. Chef Hipp E's Cocina Loca serves a changing menu of signature salads, flatbreads, chicken cordon bleu, pork tenderloin, ribs, brisket, and the best prime rib in town, plus Sunday brunch with mimosa flights and Bloody Marys.