Every year, CityBeat hosts its Best of Cincinnati® competition, wherein our readers vote for their favorite things across the city — from hiking trails and free attractions to bars and, of course, restaurants, including the best neighborhood restaurants. Whether Northern Kentucky should be considered “Cincinnati” is hotly debated, but what isn’t debated about our neighbor just across the river is how many delicious dishes and bourbons you’ll find at its restaurants. From places with classic red sauce Italian meals and German fare to farm-to-table dishes and gin flights, here are the best neighborhood restaurants in Northern Kentucky, according to our readers.
Best Northern Kentucky Neighborhood Restaurant No. 10: Bouquet
519 Main St., Covington
Must-Try: The tasting menu: Pick a dish from each of the first-, second- and third-course menus, as well as a dessert, for just $70. To drink, try one of the Old Fashioneds.
Best Northern Kentucky Neighborhood Restaurant No. 9: Juniper’s
409 W. Sixth St., Covington
Must-Try: Juniper’s has a rotating selection of tapas; of those currently on the menu, we recommend the whipped feta and hot honey dip, which comes with pita chips; the smoked meatballs (pork, Wagyu beef, chipotle glaze and jicama slaw) and the blueberry crumble, featuring brown butter oatmeal crumble and vanilla ice cream. And you can’t go to Juniper’s without trying the gin. Try the Local Spotlight gin flight (Five Stories Botanical, Five Stories Hopped, Five Stories London Dry and Cincinnati Gin) for a small taste of a few.
Best Northern Kentucky Neighborhood Restaurant No. 8: Cork N Crust
710 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue
Must-Try: The Bellevue: Red sauce, pepperoni, capicola, Nueske Bacon and an Italian blend of mozzarella and provolone. (Not pictured.)
Best Northern Kentucky Neighborhood Restaurant No. 7: Otto’s
521 Main St., Covington
Must-Try: Diners love the braised short ribs — beef short ribs served with mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted carrots and jus. The green tomato small plate (thick-sliced green tomato, panko-crusted and fried and served with horseradish ranch), also comes highly recommended.
Best Northern Kentucky Neighborhood Restaurant No. 6: Galactic Fried Chicken
624 Sixth Ave., Dayton, Ky.
Must-Try: If you’re a meat-eater, go for the four-piece tender meal. It’s served with slaw, pickles and Galactic Sauce, plus the batter is gluten-free. For vegetarians, you can try the eight-piece jackfruit bites, which make the perfect substitute for chicken.
Best Northern Kentucky Neighborhood Restaurant No. 5: Blinkers Tavern
318 Greenup St., Covington
Must-Try: Get the NY Strip steak — dusted with Blinkers’ special seasoning, charbroiled and topped with onion straws, plus served with your choice of side and either soup or a side salad.
Best Northern Kentucky Neighborhood Restaurant No. 4: Tuba Baking Co.
517 Sixth Ave., Dayton, Ky.
Must-Try: Try the Swabinatian, a vegetarian dish featuring Cincinnati chili lentils, a shredded cheese blend and raw onion.
Best Northern Kentucky Neighborhood Restaurant No. 3: Greyhound Tavern
2500 Dixie Highway, Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky
Must-Try: Hot Brown: Your choice of country ham or oven-roasted turkey breast served on toast points and topped with bechamel sauce, cheddar, bacon and tomato.
Best Northern Kentucky Neighborhood Restaurant No. 2: KungFood Chu’s AmerAsia
521 Madison Ave., Covington
Must-Try: If you like spicy food, opt for the Szechuan — julienned vegetables wok-fried in a red, sweetened, soy and vinegar-based sauce with your choice of protein and a side of rice.
Best Northern Kentucky Neighborhood Restaurant No. 1: Pompilios
600 Washington Ave., Newport
Must-Try: Build-Your-Own Pasta: Choose from 11 pastas, including spaghetti, fettuccine, penne and a gluten-free variety, and 10 sauces, like bolognese, meatball marinara, pesto cream and more, to customize your dinner. You can also add a house salad or a cup of soup to your meal for a little extra.
