This Streetscapes we head to what has become a bustling hub in Covington. Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard runs along many businesses, churches, homes and government offices. Whether you’re passing through or renewing your license, here are three businesses that offer a break and a bite to eat.
Olla
Arguably one of the more popular places in the area, Olla is best known for its authentic street food. That’s highlighted by Olla’s famous Birria tacos – slow cooked beef, chopped onions and cilantro, served with a house-made beef consommé for dipping. Although the Birria tacos are its most famous, Olla offers 10 taco options in all, from traditional chicken options to unique offerings of beef tongue or vegan.
Other entree options include familiar favorites of quesadillas and burritos, both customizable by proteins. Other options not found at traditional Mexican joints include Birria Ramen, Guti Nachos and Guti Fries. Guti Nachos and Fries are topped with cilantro, onion, mozzarella and cotija cheeses, housemade spicy mayo and guacamole. These are great shareable dishes to complement any meal.
For refreshments, Olla offers cocktails and beers. It may be tempting to order a traditional margarita, but their Cantarito is a great option for tequila lovers who want something unusual. With tequila, orange juice, grapefruit soda and margarita mix, it’s a great, fresh-tasting alternative for a margarita crave.
A bright colorful interior awaits guests who dine in and a spacious patio adorned with string lights is packed on warmer days. Olla is also open for brunch on the weekends, merging Mexican and American cuisines for savory breakfast options.
Gutierrez Deli
Gutierrez Deli is Olla’s godfather. The family that owns and operates Olla first started serving the Covington community out of Gutierrez Deli nearly a decade before it opened Olla, and many of the delicious dishes that are found at Olla originated at Gutierrez.
Quesadilla, burritos and tacos are available and a great option for grab and go. The grocery store-deli also offers fresh produce and authentic Mexican pantry staples, including items one can’t find in most chain groceries – snacks to sweets to essentials like rice and tortillas for an authentic at-home taco Tuesday.
Gutierrez offers daily deals, among them Birria Mondays and Chicharron Tuesdays. The interior is small, so Gutierrez offers outdoor seating in warmer months for those wanting to stay and eat.
Wunderbar!
And now for something completely different, Wunderbar offers traditional German cuisine. The ambiance is of a traditional hometown bar – laid back, eclectic and casual. The interior is on the smaller end, but there’s also outdoor seating that feels more like a friend’s backyard than a bar. The back patio looks like an antique store with metal beer signs hung across the back of the building.
As the name suggests, Wunderbar’s food selection is wonderful and more extensive than one would expect and makes it stand out among bars that typically offer wings and light American bites. The menu rotates to highlight the best seasonal options but is rooted in classic German dishes.
Pretzel and beer cheese along with pierogies are a great way to start out before delving into one of their many homemade sausages. Besides German offerings, there also are burgers and sandwiches, along with plenty of sides (including, of course, braised cabbage). The sandwiches and burgers are so massive they’re served with a knife through the middle to keep the sandwich together.
Nothing pairs better with German cuisine than German beer, and Wunderbar has more than 40 to choose from. Along with ample liquor options, there’s a drink for all palettes.
With live music on the weekends there really is no better spot in the area.
What To Know If You Go
Olla
Location: 302 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Covington
Hours: Monday, closed; Tuesday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.-8:45 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-8:45 p.m.
Website: ollacov.com
Phone: 859-261-6552
Gutierrez Deli
Location: 1131 Lee St., Covington
Hours: Sunday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Phone: 859-431-3354
Wunderbar!
Location: 1132 Lee St., Covington
Hours: Monday, closed; Tuesday-Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m.
Phone: 859-360-3911