This Streetscapes we head to West Pike Street in Covington for some sweet treats and casual eats. We’ll sample gelato at Golden Gelato, fried wings from the Red Bird Deli and omelets from Pike Street.
Golden Gelato
Sunny days should always start with a coffee and end with a sweet treat. Golden Gelato has Northern Kentucky covered on both fronts. Golden Gelato has nailed everything one wants from a dessert destination. Their small-batch gelato is thick, rich and creamy, with choices for all diets, including vegan and dairy-free gelatos and sorbets. Flavors rotate daily as well as with the season, but there are a few staples guests can always find, including a Biscoff and vegan dark chocolate sorbet.
Along with creamy dessert choices, Golden Gelato also serves Cincinnati-based Deeper Roots Coffee. This can be added to any gelato to create an affogato. Replace your post-night out espresso martini with an affogato and thank me later.
The ambiance is similar to a coffee shop’s, with ample seating both inside and outside that encourages guests to sit and chat while enjoying their treats.
The Red Bird Deli
The Red Bird Deli is a new spot for food that features burgers, sandwiches, salads and, most famously, wings. It joined the Covington food scene earlier this year. The Red Bird may catch a few passerbyers thanks to its bright red sign, or the smell of smoked meats may lure in a hungry guest or two.
The casual eatery’s simple interior has the basics: tables and chairs for seating, a chalkboard menu and a few pieces of artwork. The interior isn’t neither divey nor diner; it gives off a vibe of eating in a good friend’s kitchen, warm and inviting. The food matches that level of love as well.
Red Bird’s meats are its main attraction – wings, ribs, steak and chicken sandwiches and burgers to name a few. Meatless eaters can choose from salads, veggie and fried sides as well as “The Best Grilled Cheese Of Your Life,” a grilled cheese with tomato, onion and their special sauce. Add fries, fried Brussels sprouts or cheesy potatoes for a tasty meal.
It’s a great grab and go option for those needing a quick lunch or an easy weeknight dinner.
Pike Street
Pike Street is the third member of the Cedar and Yuka brunch family. Cedar, just down the road on Covginton’s Main Street, and Yuka on Fairfield Avenue in Bellevue, have flawlessly been serving Northern Kentucky “one hour vacations” for breakfast and brunch. It’s no surprise when Pike Street joined the fleet that they have been giving guests another place to relax for a midmorning meal.
Yuka and Cedar have nearly identical menus, but Pike Street’s small menu differs and matches its diner atmosphere. The ambiance is more laid back, with home cooked flavors to match. There’s barstool seating for those who want a quick bite or who’d like to watch their meals being made, and there’s ample seating for those wanting to throw on their comfiest clothes and indulge in their pancakes.
Pike Street’s biscuit bowl – biscuits, gravy, sunny egg and green onion – or their Pike Street hash – hash browns, house pork sausage, sauteed onions and bell peppers, remoulade, sunny egg and green onion – are options for a savory start to the day. Waffles, pancakes and French toast soothe the sweet tooth. Lunch features sandwiches and salads.
Pike Street serves breakfast cocktail favorites as well as coffee. Yuka and Cedar seem to have better ambiance for a boozy breakfast, more lively and bustling, while Pike Street seems to give off a casual coffee breakfast vibe. But, hey, who am I to judge?
What To Know If You Go
Golden Gelato
Location: 130 W. Pike St., Covington
Hours: Monday closed; Tuesday-Thursday, noon-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, noon-10 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.
Website: goldengelatocov.com
Phone: 859-360-3709
The Red Bird Deli
Location: 329 W. Pike St., Covington
Hours: Sunday-Monday, closed; Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Phone: 859-360-0416
Pike Street
Location: 9 W. Pike St., Covington
Hours: Monday, closed; Tuesday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; Friday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Phone: 859-279-3858