Whether you’re brunching in Bellevue, sipping a slushie in Covington, or hanging out with your pup at Alexandria Brewing Co., Northern Kentucky is redefining what a night (or morning) out looks like.
Rooftops
Looking to elevate your night out? Northern Kentucky’s rooftop bars have you covered – literally. Naturally, the region’s rooftops tend to be in cities with views of the Ohio River and the Cincinnati skyline.
High Note Rooftop Bar: This rooftop, atop Homewood Suites, is Newport’s newest, with cocktails, live vinyl DJs, weekend bands and riverfront/Cincinnati skyline views.
201 W Fourth St., Newport; highnoteky.com.
Lisse Steakhuis: This rooftop complements the restaurant’s atmosphere with a lounge vibe. The rooftop wraps around the majority of the upper level, complete with fire pits and sweeping Cincinnati overlooks.
530 Main St., Covington; lisse.restaurant.
Braxton Brewing Co.: This laid-back summer go-to offers 20 taps, cocktails, slushies, panoramic skyline views, igloos in the cooler months and family-friendly early hours.
27 West Seventh St., Covington; braxtonbrewing.com.
Second Story Bar: This bohemian-themed cocktail lounge features an artsy rooftop patio and offers creative cocktails. The atmosphere is one of the more unusual styles in NKY, with a massive decorative tree in the middle of the bar.
100 W. Sixth St., No. 2, Covington; secondstory.bar.
Rise of the mocktail
More diners are choosing sober-curious lifestyles, and bars are catching on. Many people, especially millennials and Gen Z, are reducing or eliminating alcohol not out of necessity, but by choice. They’re rethinking their relationship with alcohol and seeking alternatives.
Blind Squirrel: The restaurant offers a mocktail list with spins on classic cocktails like a “Nojito.”
8537 U.S. 42, Suite 6, Florence; blindsquirrelflorence.com.
The Post: Guests can enjoy a variety of beverages, including alcoholic and nonalcoholic options, at this family-friendly establishment.
1136 S. Fort Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas; thepostft.com.
Juniper’s Gin Bar: Offers a “gin and nonic” mocktail alongside its 125-plus gin menu. The bar also offers a slew of other spirit-free cocktails.
409 W. Sixth St., Suite 100, Covington; junipersginbar.net/drinks.
Ripple Wine Bar: This wine bar and restaurant features a rotating collection of wines from around the globe. It also offers mocktails and alcohol-free beer, rosé and THC seltzers.
4 W. Pike St., Covington; ripplewinebar.com/covington-wine.
Hotel Covington’s Knowledge Bar & Social Room: Offers nonalcoholic cocktails with presentation flair. All cocktails are crafted by the Knowledge Bar team using housemade and seasonal ingredients.
620 Madison Ave., Covington; hotelcovington.com.
Brunch culture boom
Brunch strikes the perfect balance between a night out and a casual meal. People want relaxed social time, and brunch offers just that. Here’s how NKY restaurants are making morning the main event.
Otto’s: A neighborhood bistro and brunch spot with upscale twists on Southern classics.
521 Main St., Covington; ottosonmain.com.
Yuca: This scratch kitchen by Cedar (in Covington) offers a twist on Mexican, Caribbean and Latin American cuisine.
700 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue; yucabycedar.com.
Bellevue Bistro: A casual favorite with kitschy charm and hearty plates.
313 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue; bellevuebistro.com.
Boomtown Biscuits and Whiskey: This restaurant specializes in comfort food, including chicken and waffles, as well as classic local dishes like goetta.
9039 U.S. 42, Union; facebook.com/boomtownbiscuitbar.
Pet-friendly patios
Diners are choosing establishments where their dogs can tag along, especially in the summer. Here are some pup-friendly patios worth barking about in NKY.
Braxton Brewing Co.: Leashed dogs welcome inside, with water bowls and treats often provided. Although pets are not allowed on the Covington rooftop, there’s plenty of space for them both in the brewery and on the patio.
27 W. Seventh St., Covington, and 8901 U.S. 42 Highway, Union; braxtonbrewing.com.
Covington Yard: An indoor-outdoor space with big screens, lawn games and plenty of room for your furry friends to walk around on a leash.
401 Greenup St., Covington; covingtonyard.com.
Fabled Brew Works: Dog-friendly outdoor patio; family-and pup-friendly with rotating food trucks.
331 Kenton Lands Road, Suite 300, Erlanger; fabledbrewworks.beer.
Alexandria Brewing Co.: Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio; the establishment is family-friendly, featuring arcade games inside.
7926 Alexandria Pike, No. 1; alexandriabrewingcompany.com.
