This week I went to two different cities, but I stayed on the same street.
Buttermilk Pike offers a variety of businesses and cuisines, and very different atmospheres. But each of these places offer something unique with a focus on fostering a community in the NKY area.
Oriental Wok: 317 Buttermilk Pike, Fort Mitchell
There are few people that haven’t been to Oriental Wok. But if you are among the small few that haven’t experienced the best food in the area, make a trip here ASAP. It’s a true NKY staple, and for good reason.
Oriental Wok is one of the more upscale options in the area; they even have their own customized limo out front. The revolving doors, large ornate decorations and beautiful dining room may seem intimidating at first, but as soon as you’re greeted you’ll feel very welcomed. The Wong family remembers nearly all of their customers and ensures that everything from the atmosphere to the food is top notch.
At least once a month my dad asks if I want Chinese food and we never even discuss where we are going or what we are ordering because it’s always Oriental Wok.
I know that every time I go my Pad Thai is going to be delicious and probably last me two, if not three meals. The portions here are very generous which makes it even more worth the price. Everything on their appetizers menu is a must order, from the pot stickers that are as large as my head, to the best crab Rangoon I’ve ever had, to the lettuce wraps which make me feel like a healthy little gal.
I believe most restaurants can be judged by their appetizers alone — if you can’t make a full meal out of them, then the restaurant isn’t worth it. Luckily their appetizers are top tier, so you know that their entrees are as well. I almost always order the Pad Thai because why would I mess with perfection? But my favorite item on their entire menu is their Wonton soup. Whenever I am sick this is all I want. It’s savory and comforting and just everything you need in a meal.
This year I celebrated my birthday Oriental Wok and although my face turned red from them singing to me, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I adore this place and cannot say enough good things about it. Before summer ends, take a trip here and sit on their patio and you’ll see why I love it so much.
Kremer’s Market: 755 Buttermilk Pike, Crescent Springs
Kremer’s is one of my all-time favorite places. This little place is the perfect spot for grab-and-go meals.
They have freshly made sandwiches, paninis, pasta salads, sides and all of the fresh produce you could imagine.
Including their famous bathtub peaches.
They also serve local baked goods from Servatii’s and BonBonerie. This is truly one of the best spots for a quick, cheap and delicious meal. With this being a market, they have pantry staples as well, so if you’re needing basics there’s no need to run to a big busy grocery store. Kremer’s has is, and it will be a much quicker and more seamless experience.
On top of their sandwich and panini menus, they also have a daily lunch and dinner menu if you’re looking for something heartier. Their atmosphere is cute as can be, and their bathtub peaches are not only make for the best picture, but also are so fresh and the perfect summer snack.
For a small store, they offer plenty in both their deli and pantry sections. I could eat each of their paninis every day and never get tired of them, but the ones I order on repeat are the Tomato Basil, Smoked Florentine and Southwest Avocado. Each is only about $6 and made fresh and then grilled for a warm toasty sandwich.
Kremer’s also has plenty in the way of cold sandwiches and sides, but their pressed paninis are what to order if you’ve never been.
They also offer party trays and catering options. My family did this the morning of my sister’s wedding and it was the perfect option to make sure everyone was full without feeling bloated before an all-day event where you’re constantly moving and being photographed.
Milk & Beans: 574 Buttermilk Pike, Fort Mitchell
I thought I had been to every coffee shop in NKY, and then I found Milk & Beans.
What’s most unique about it is that they are a hybrid coffee shop and play space for kids. Now, I don’t have kids, so I wasn’t sure what this atmosphere would be like for me. I was worried that this may be a parent and kids only place, but I was relieved to see that it was a regular coffee shop that offered an additional element but wasn’t exclusive to parents.
For starters, they serve Carabello coffee, which I believe is the top-notch coffee brewers in the area. Their space is huge, they have a large seating area for adults to get some work done or just get some quiet time while their kids play in a huge playroom.
When I went in they weren’t super busy. There were some kids playing in the play area, but there were parts of the coffee shop further away if you wanted a quieter atmosphere. The idea is really cool to me, even as someone who doesn’t need the play place area. To see a business fill a need in the community — a place where parents can comfortably watch their kids while having time to themselves or to catch up with other parents — is a great concept.
Trying to get your kids to sit still in a regular coffee shop can be hard, especially without anything to entertain them. Here they can play and interact with other kids their age, all within your eyesight. You do have to pay for the playroom access, but it seems like an investment well worth it if you and your kids need a change of pace for the day.
You can also rent out the space for parties for a more customizable experience. Baby showers and birthday parties are perfect here. It is a really cute space and really well designed for accommodating parents and kids to each have their own independent spaces.
And if you’re not looking for a place to sit while your kids play, it’s still worth stopping in to get a coffee and pastry.
Lupita’s Bakery: 2351 Buttermilk Crossing, Crescent Springs
Another place for authentic and quality cuisine is Lupita’s Bakery, which specializes in Mexican baked goods.
This was my first time here and I didn’t know what to expect, but when I walked in and smelled the fresh warm breads baking, I knew I’d like whatever I ordered. I just started picking and pointing at things that looked good, having no idea what I’d ordered until I tried them.
The prices here are extremely reasonable and it’s worth getting multiples to try out as much as possible. Their pan dulce, which is a sweet bread, is a must order. When it’s fresh it’s so light and airy and unbelievably good.
They also have a Mexican grocery attached. Instead of having to drive to specialty grocery stores, this one carries all authentic Mexican cuisine, so you can create your own Mexican inspired meals at home.
The staff here are all very friendly and welcoming, and the baked goods I had all were great to pair with a coffee in the morning. The next time you want to stop at Dunkin and get donuts for a group, stop here instead for some sweet treats that they’ll be sure to love.
If there’s a city, street or business you want me to visit next, email me at mchehman@gmail.com and I’ll visit them on the next segment of Streetscapes.