For this Streetscapes, we revisit a rather long and winding road — Taylor Mill Road. Taylor Mill Road leads to just about every nook and cranny in the area, so this time we’re visiting places that Streetscapes had yet to explore. Join us for a dive bar burger, Tex-Mex tacos and a healthy “hub.”
Villa Fiesta
Villa Fiesta is the epitome of a hometown dive bar, in the best way. While there may not be much else to visit around it, those who visit won’t be disappointed.
This cash-only establishment is one of very few places where a $20 bill will cover both a drink and meal (and at happy hour, two of each!). The bar menu is simple: burgers, BLTs and fries, along with other home-cooked favorites. However, the burgers are highly regarded as the best in the area, so it would be wrong to order anything else for a first-time visit.
Villa Fiesta has the bar basics of beer and liquor — plenty of options for guests to enjoy while watching a game with friends. It hosts a variety of events, including karaoke, live music and pool nights. This hometown hangout welcomes weary and hungry travelers into a humble home.
El Cerro Grande
For picturesque cocktails and mouth-watering Mexican food, El Cerro Grande is the place to visit. The drinks are just as pretty as they are refreshing. The restaurant specialize in margaritas and sangria, the perfect complements to even its spiciest dishes. Margaritas come in five flavors and four sizes, with an option for every thirst level.
For those who aren’t tequila fans, the sangria is the perfect choice for a refreshing drink. While a margarita is commonplace in most Mexican restaurants, sangria isn’t often found in a casual eatery. El Cerro Grande also has cocktails, beer and wine.
The menu covers the gamut of Mexican dishes, including authentic tacos, nachos, fajitas and quesadillas that can’t be missed. But the specialties menu is where this place differs from most Mexican restaurants. The molcajete — a dish consisting of grilled chicken, steak, chorizo, shrimp, cooked onions, sliced cactus and shredded cheese, all served in an authentic stone grinding bowl (molcajete) — will satisfy the hungriest carnivores. Huevos tejanos, eggs with steak and fries, and huevos con chorizo, eggs with chorizo, prove that eggs aren’t just for breakfast.
The interior is simple and modern, with ample seating for groups of all sizes.
The Hub Nutrition
At the tail end of Taylor Mill road sits The Hub Nutrition. Healthier options aren’t always the most convenient, but The Hub serves quick, convenient, healthy options high in protein.
Its largest offerings are the protein shakes. Sweet tooth cravings will be cured with flavor options like cake batter, cookie dough and turtle cheesecake. Those looking for a refreshing option have ample fruit flavors to choose from, as well as an entire menu of smoothies and fruit teas.
In addition to an already lengthy drink menu, The Hub Nutrition also has protein coffee. The protein-packed options don’t stop there. For food, there are protein crepes, waffles and smoothie bowls. The menu often features specials that vary with the season and current events.
Whether you’re looking for a midday pick-me-up or a shake to start the day, The Hub has tasty options for anytime of day. It has a small space adorned in green for guests to hang out, including a small section for kids, complete with games, books and TVs.
Have a street, city or business you want to see covered next? Email Maria Hehman at mchehman@gmail.com and it could be featured on the next installment of LINK Streetscapes.
What to Know If You Go
Villa Fiesta
Location: 5966 Taylor Mill Road, Covington
Hours: Sunday-Saturday, 11-1 a.m.
Phone: 859-356-9126
El Cerro Grande
Location: 6477 Taylor Mill Road, Independence
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, noon-9 p.m.
Website: elcerrograndeky.com
Phone: 859-356-1381
The Hub Nutrition
Location: 11982 Joseph E Schmiade Road, Independence
Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Website: the-hub-nutrition-spot.business.site
Phone: 859-359-0117