Northern Kentucky’s dining landscape had a lot of changes in 2024.
We reported on the closure of 11 this year. In 2024, NKY lost several classic diners plus an axe-throwing bar, a Covington brunch spot and more.
Read on for a look at all this year’s dining closures in NKY.
Lou Lou’s Cafe, located in Alexandria’s historic Spare-Time Grill building, announced its permanent closure due to the owners needing to help a family member with health issues. The business closed on Feb. 18. The Spare-Time Grill opened in 1958 and is considered a landmark within the Alexandria community. Spare-Time Gril re-opened under new ownership in the summer.
Covington and Erlanger Frisch’s
The Erlanger and Covington Frisch’s permanently closed in April. These closures were two of three Frisch’s closures in Greater Cincinnati that week; since then, over 20 Frisch’s Big Boy locations have permanently closed. Founded in 1939, Frisch’s is considered a Cincinnati area staple.
Flying Axes, an axe-throwing bar in Covington, closed in June after six years in business. The bar, owned by Dave Durand, is located in the historic Covington firehouse building and was first opened in 2018. The bar announced its impending closure on its Instagram page, citing that “sometimes the bullseye just doesn’t stick.” West Sixth Brewing is set to open a location in this space.
York Street Cafe in Newport announced its closure in July after nearly 30 years of operation. In the announcement, the owners thanked their customers for their support and said they would miss them. In November, McCollum’s on York opened in the former York Street Cafe location.
Mokka and the Sunset Bar & Grill
Mokka and the Sunset Bar & Grill, a popular restaurant in Newport, closed in July after over 20 years in business. Mokka was known for its casual breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night cocktails, with a menu featuring burgers, sandwiches, salads, and other entrees.
Taste of Belgium’s Crestview Hills
Taste of Belgium’s location in Crestview Hills closed in September. The bistro, which opened in 2020, was the only one in Northern Kentucky. The closure coincided with the closure of the Mason, Ohio location.
Los Potros Mexican restaurant in Dayton permanently closed in late October.
16 Lots Brewing Company has permanently closed its flagship brewery in Mason, Ohio, and its Southern Outpost location inside Newport on the Levee. The brewery faced rumors of impending closure earlier in January, but was able to stay open by garnering public support, cutting staff and menu items.
Honey Uninhibited, a southern-style comfort food restaurant owned by former Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap, announced its permanent closure in December. The restaurant, which served southern favorites, opened in June 2023. Dunlap expressed his pride in the restaurant’s accomplishments and thanked his team and loyal guests for their support.
Rich’s Proper was one of two popular restaurants in Covington that closed on Dec. 15. Co-owners Bill and Morgan Whitlow announced the decision on Rich’s Proper’s Facebook page, citing the businesses as no longer sustainable.
Hangry Omar’s, along with Rich’s Proper, was one of two Covington restaurants co-owners Bill and Morgan Whitlow closed on Dec. 15. In an announcement on Facebook, the Whitlows thanked their employees for their service and expressed their gratitude to their customers for their support.