A Cuban-inspired street food concept in Covington is changing locations. El Jefe’s Cubanos and More announced on social media last week that, after two years, it was transitioning from its location in Covington Yard, an outdoor food court and entertainment venue, to nearby bar The Well. Its last day at Covington Yard was Friday, Jan. 23. “We […]
Category: Restaurants
Posted inCulture
NKY chef named 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist
A Northern Kentucky chef been named a semifinalist in the 2026 James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards. The Restaurant and Chef Awards are one of five recognition programs from the James Beard Foundation and one of the most prestigious culinary honors, celebrating excellence in everything from fine dining to casual eateries and emerging talents […]
Posted inCulture
NKY on Tap: Fantasy and folklore at Fabled Brew Works
Joe Schutzman is a Newport firefighter who loves Northern Kentucky’s culture, sense of place – and beer. Come back each month for a new column on the latest brewery opening, Joe’s seasonal favorites, and more. Find Joe’s previous columns and more on NKY dining here. I opened the door and was immediately enamored. A group of folks […]
Posted inCulture
NKY chili parlors roll out deals for Cincinnati Chili Week
Correction: This article was updated to reflect that Gold Star has yet to unveil its deals for Cincinnati Chili Week 2026. As Cincinnati Chili Week approaches, chili parlors in Northern Kentucky are providing special deals and discounts in honor of the annual event. Cincinnati Chili Week runs from Feb. 23 to March 1. Download the Cincinnati […]
Posted inBusiness
Beards & Bellies to exit The Well in Covington
Southern-style BBQ concept Beards & Bellies will leave The Well, located at 8 W. 7th St in Covington, at the end of January. Beards & Bellies founder Mitch Arens said in a press release that the BBQ concept’s lease is set to expire Jan. 31. Instead of shutting down, Arens decided to pause operations in […]
Posted inCulture
These are the 25 best restaurants in the region right now, according to Yelp
LINK’s sister publication CityBeat knows a thing or two about picking the best restaurants in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky (nominations for the 2026 Best of Cincinnati are live here), but Yelpers have some hot takes of their own. Whether you’re a local or coming to the region for a visit, the platform offers an easy […]
Posted inBusiness
Yuca in Bellevue to close
A post on Yuca’s Facebook page Friday announced the Latin-inspired eatery will close once their lease ends at the end of the month. While weekends have always brought in good business, the post said, traffic during the week hasn’t picked up enough to justify staying open. “This has led us to the hard decision that […]
Posted inBusiness
Carmelo’s voted #2 best new restaurant in the U.S.
The results are in: USA Today readers voted Carmelo’s in Covington the second best new restaurant in the U.S. The publication’s reader’s choice poll dubbed Carmelo’s second only to Koast in Wialea, Hawaii. Check out the entire list here. “Located in an 1850s office building in downtown Covington, Carmelo’s is an intimate and stylish dining […]
Posted inCulture
In Search of the Best: Authentic Mexican and Venezuelan street food at La Torta Loca
Beth McDaniel’s In Search of the Best column explores her adventures in food around Northern Kentucky as she looks for the best … everything! Find Beth’s previous columns plus more NKY dining news here. Since I began doing this column, one restaurant recommendation has come up more than any other: La Torta Loca. People who love […]
Posted inCulture
NKY on Tap: Herb and Thelma’s – a beer and burger institution
Joe Schutzman is a Newport firefighter who loves Northern Kentucky’s culture, sense of place – and beer. Find Joe’s previous columns and more on NKY dining here. It’s no mystery why Herb and Thelma’s is a Northern Kentucky institution. A family-run small business, it’s a beautiful amalgamation of unassuming dive and community cornerstone, operating since 1939. […]
