Butler’s Pantry has long been a culinary staple of the Covington RiverCenter, with its grab-and-go market and sit-down café serving hungry patrons for years.
Now the café portion is being rebranded to Y’all Café, a restaurant that embraces southern values and midwest charm.
“As the name implies, we see Y’all Café as a place where everyone – you all, if you will – can start the day or unwind in a relaxed yet refined environment,” said Bill Butler, Y’all Café owner.
Y’all Café is looking to capture the same demographic of customer that was so valuable Butler’s Pantry, the breakfast and lunch crowd who work in the RiverCenter, or within walking distance.
“We’re in a good position where someone can have breakfast meetings,” said General Manager Brian Firth. “If you’re in the building for an office meeting or you’re seeing your lawyer. It’s a good place where you can have a lunch meeting.”
Y’all Café hopes to draw more customers in the spring when the B-Line bourbon tours are getting good foot traffic.
“In Northern Kentucky, we’re getting into the south but still have that Cincinnati/midwest feel,” Firth said. “We’re tying into Cincinnati, we’re tying into the Kentucky roots, especially with bourbon.”
Some of the signature breakfast dishes on the Y’all Café menu include items like the Y’all Super Quiche featuring shallot, bacon and Gruyére cheese; Mama’s Suga Toast with maple syrup, whipped cream, berry compote and chocolate drizzle; and the Goetta Omelet with white cheddar.
For lunch, options include the Flattop burger, featuring double smashed patties,
American cheese, lettuce, onion, dijonnaise and Izzy’s famous pickles on a Martin potato bun. The River Side Hot Brown boasts smoked turkey, hickory smoked bacon, tomato, and house-made cheese sauce on sourdough.
For those looking for something lighter, they can enjoy the Thai chicken lettuce wraps that come with the choice of marinated chicken or vegetables, cabbage, carrot, pepper slaw and peanut sauce, making for a good gluten-free or vegetarian option.
“Be it the business lunch crowd escaping from the chaos of their day to Bengals fans looking for the perfect place to grab a bite to eat before tailgating or the perfect family brunch spot after church, Y’all Café offers a little something for everyone,” Firth said.
Y’all Café also features a full drink menu. This includes beer from local breweries like Rhinegeist, Braxton Brewing Co. and Madtree. Other available drinks are wine, Bloody Marys, mimosas and signature cocktails such as the South Bank Sling, featuring bourbon, triple sec, a splash of cranberry soda and lime.
Hand-made coffee drinks, sodas and a Kale Ale beverage are available for those customers looking for non-alcoholic drink options.
Y’all Café will be open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Easy access, free two-hour parking will be an option for customers across the street from the RiverCenter.
Butler’s Pantry is still located directly across from Y’all Café, offering grab-and-go, coffee and tea, smoothies and juices, dips, cheese, deli items, produce, wine, beer and more.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 24. at Y’all Café to celebrate its official opening.
“We’re excited to offer a new dining option in the region that highlights local products
and ingredients,” Butler said. “We’ve also introduced a new catering menu to help supplement dining options for the business community located here in Northern Kentucky.”
