Covington's New Opal Rooftop Restaurant & Bar to Open in October

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Photo: Provided by Opal Rooftop Restaurant & Bar

Opal Rooftop Restaurant & Bar

There’s soon going to be a new place to take in the views of Greater Cincinnati while enjoying a delicious meal and fine wine.

Covington’s Opal Rooftop Restaurant & Bar is the newest concept from husband-wife duo Bill and Morgan Whitlow, who also own Rich’s Proper Food & Drink and Hangry Omar's Slider Shack. It’s located on the seventh floor of the Republic Bank building at 535 Madison Ave. and will offer guests a luxurious, yet accessible experience.

At the center of that experience will be the restaurant’s Grillworks wood-fired grill, the only one of its kind in a two-hour radius. The Whitlows said it will really drive Opal’s open-fire grill and wine-forward menu.

“With the grill being Opal’s centerpiece, there’s a world of options we can create with it,” Eric Polhamus, Opal’s executive chef, said in a press release.

Bill and Morgan said all their restaurants are focused on hospitality and community, and they want the dining experience and menu at Opal to reflect that. Polhamus adds the menu will feature dishes made from fresh, local fare and products, and the craft cocktail menu and wine selection have been curated to complement the dishes.

“We want Opal to be the place where people come to celebrate small and large moments in life – wedding receptions, graduation celebrations, engagements, birthdays or just a night out away from home. We want this to be a very elevated, high-touch experience but one that’s not completely out of reach for those who are seeking that once-in-a-while high-end dining experience,” Morgan told CityBeat.

“When people come to Opal, they’re stepping foot into a one-of-a-kind experience, and we believe that’s what really will set us apart,” Bill said, adding the 360-degree views of downtown Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky also elevates the experience.

Opal’s atmosphere of hospitality and community is reflected in the Whitlows' own love for the Cov.

“Morgan and I love the Cov. This is the third restaurant installment in our portfolio, all of which are located in Covington. It’s a supportive community that we feel lucky to call home,” Bill told CityBeat. “The Republic Bank building specifically offered so much potential for the concept. We want people to be able to take in Covington and the Cincinnati skyline from the rooftop and there are some really cool spaces throughout the building that leave potential future growth.”

As for Opal’s design, there will be both indoor and outdoor seating, and the Whitlows wanted to add opulence without taking away from the community-driven experience.

“An opal is a gemstone that shows many small points of shifting color against a pale or dark background and we believe that’s reflected in our business. Every angle in the space is a different experience that still feels cohesive, just like the gemstone,” Morgan said.

The Whitlows curated the space themselves, even hand-making some of the light fixtures. Morgan said guests will notice the very intentional details throughout the space that will change as they move through the restaurant.

“Think fun pops of color set to a dark backdrop, intricate light fixtures, reflective materials to highlight the grill and several very different but cohesive nooks throughout the space for our guests to enjoy on every occasion,” she said.

Opal is opening soon and will officially begin accepting reservations on Tuesday, Oct. 3.

“We really poured our hearts and souls into this place and can’t wait to welcome guests to experience all Opal has to offer,” said Morgan.

Opal Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, 535 Madison Ave., Seventh Floor, Covington. More info: facebook.com/OpalRooftop.