Over the last few months, I’ve been on a quest to find new places in NKY to shop, eat and drink, and I’ve been sharing my favorites with LINK readers each week.
In return, LINK readers have been telling us their favorite places that I haven’t been to yet. So, I decided to try out all the suggestions that I could (there were many and I’m just one girl, but keep the suggestions coming!), and I’m here to amplify what readers shared with me.
Smoke Justis: 302 Court St. in Covington
This was suggested after I went looking for some of the best patios for a summer drink. I love nothing more than to sit outside with a fancy cocktail and people watch in the summer, and Smoke Justice is one of the best spots for doing just that.
I think they’re often overshadowed by the many options within walking distance, but Smoke Justis deserves its own recognition. They offer outdoor seating on their sidewalk, just like their neighbors at Keystone.
I’ve always really enjoyed sitting on the sidewalk in the summer with a nice cocktail, and they have a very impressive cocktail list. I was very surprised that what I thought was a going to be just another sports bar was actually a lot closer to a cocktail lounge. I have always been a huge Aperol Spritz fan, so when I saw that they had one on their menu that also had strawberry vodka in it, I knew I was going to like this place. The Spritzin’, as they call it, was so refreshing and cooling that for a second I forgot I was in Kentucky and not on an Italian vacation.
If you’re a fan of the Espresso Martini trend, then the Pick Me Up is a must. With an espresso vodka, bourbon cream and Biscotti liqueur, this will add a bit more sweetness than your typical espresso martini.
If cocktails aren’t you’re thing, Smoke Justis has a generous beer and wine selection.
Now this place was brought to my attention after I wrote an article focusing on patios and drinks, but I’d be remised if I didn’t shout out at least one of their food options. Best known for their meats, I knew even as a nonmeat lover that I had to try something. I opted for one of their Fry Boxes and let me tell you, it was a dream come true. Their fries alone are a gift to this world and truly some of the best I’ve ever had, but then you add chicken, buffalo sauce and ranch and it makes for one of the most filling and delicious snacks you can have.
The Standard: 434 Main St. in Covington
The Standard was another reader suggestion on the quest for the best outdoor patio. I have driven past The Standard multiple times, and each time I do I think, “I should go there one time,” but just never seemed to get around to it. Everything you have heard about this place it true, so if you’re like me and just needed an extra push to go, consider this your push.
I went for brunch because, after all, I am a millennial. Having been a garage before it was converted to a restaurant, the outdoor seating here is abundant. And if there’s one thing better than sitting outside with a cocktail drinking and people watching, it’s doing all that over brunch.
If goetta is an option on the menu I won’t even look at other options that don’t have goetta. As someone who rarely eats meat, goetta is one of the reasons I could never go full vegetarian, so I ordered the goetta egg and cheese; the perfect brunch sandwich. Brunch isn’t complete without at least three beverages; water, coffee and a mimosa, so naturally I had to order all three.
This was such a fun spot for a Saturday brunch — the atmosphere is laidback yet vibrant. As much as I loved the brunch, my next trip here will be for dinner and drinks.
Left Bank Coffeehouse: 701 Greenup St. in Covington
As a coffee connoisseur, it’s a travesty that I hadn’t been here until now. This was probably the most suggested place of all, and for good reason.
I knew after the first comment about this place that I would love it. They serve Deeper Roots coffee, which already earns them some brownie points, but their variety and the craft of their coffee is amazing.
If the weather is above 50 degrees, you can pretty much guarantee that there is an iced coffee in my hand. I almost always go for vanilla because some classics are just too good to stray away from, but I saw an Iced “Oh Honey” latte and I can’t stop thinking about when I can make another trip to go there and order this again. It was the perfect amount of sweet that complimented the coffee so well.
The atmosphere here is so welcoming, and like any good coffee shop you can really tell that it isn’t so much about the coffee they serve as it is about the community they serve. (But don’t get me wrong the coffee is top notch too.) This place is easy to miss, as it’s nestled in with houses along Greenup Street, but once you discover it you’ll be calculating when you can go back again.
Urban Chick Boutique: 634 Monmouth St. in Newport
My first article on this journey to find new places in NKY was about local boutiques. As shopping is truly one of my best skills in life, I was very excited when suggestions of new places to shop came in.
The thing I love most about boutiques is that they have such a distinct style and personality and you can tell from the moment you walk in what that vibe is.
Urban Chick has a great mix of casual wear, from athleisure to dresses and jumpsuits — they have the perfect outfits for every day. I wasn’t expecting a huge selection of formal wear, but found a white dress with feathers at the bottom, and even better, it was on clearance for $20.
I had been looking for a dress like that for months but could never find one below $100, so when I saw that they had a feather dress and it was clearance, it was an automatic must have.
Another weakness of mine is accessories and knickknacks, and boutiques are always the best place to find unique ones. They also sell wine, liquor and beer, which I was absolutely not expecting, but I loved the concept.
Having a drink while shopping feels dangerous for my credit card, but just added a bit more fun and elegance to the entire experience. They often have tastings along with shopping events, so grab a group and check out their next shopping and sips event.
The Roost: 3616 Decoursey Ave. in Covington
I was shocked that I hadn’t heard of this place sooner because it’s a mix of all my greatest loves: coffee and shopping (and apparently cocktails soon).
As is the case with all good coffee shops, this place is cute, eclectic and a tiny bit tacky — and I mean that as the highest compliment. Coffee shops with mismatched chairs, tables and décor are always among the best.
The atmosphere is welcoming, their coffee is delicious and their service amazing. I have always been a vanilla coffee kind of person, but when I saw a Blue Moo Latte, I had to ask what that entailed because that’s just too fun to pass up. Luckily, it has vanilla in it, along with peppermint tea. It comes out the prettiest shade of blue.
The Roost sells their own merchandise, as well as local goods, from soap to silverware to honey. I am so glad that readers brought this place to my attention — I’ll certainly be visiting again, but next time I’m hoping to try their cocktails.
These places were all highly suggested by LINK readers, so I knew they were a must see. Email me at mchehman@gmail.com to tell me about other must-see restaurants, coffee shops, bars and shops that myself and readers should check out next!
