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In this Streetscapes, we check out some new places in Ludlow. From fast-casual burgers to a sip-and-stay tapas bar, there’s a spot here for everyone. All locally-owned and operated establishments, these businesses are community-centric with amazing offerings. Join us as we revisit Elm Street in Ludlow.
1975 Burgers Shakes Fries
The nostalgia of high school football runs deep in smaller communities in NKY. The heart and soul of neighborhoods coming together is usually rooted in commonalities, and food and hometown pride are at the heart of this establishment.
1975 is named after the year Ludlow High School’s Panthers won the state football championship, paying homage to the players’ achievements.
If the history of the restaurant doesn’t transport diners back to their high school days, the food and ambiance certainly will. You may feel like you’re on the set of “Grease” when you walk in. With families in one corner and couples on first dates in another, the only thing missing are the poodle skirts.
In true diner fashion, the food is cheap and good. You can get a burger, shake and fries for under $15. A burger alone at most places these days will cost you that. Located across from Ludlow High School and next to a park, this is a perfect stop for all ages. Head into 1975 and grab a Big Burr and a chocolate shake for a little blast from the past.
Conserva
For guests looking for an intimate setting, or those longing for a Spanish vacation, Conserva will give the perfect taste of true Spanish tapas and drinks.
One of the newest and most anticipated places on Elm, Conserva’s small space will be the place to be this summer. Adorned in mosaic tiles and eclectic artwork, the interior aloneis inviting, but add in top-of-the-line tapas and wine, and guests won’t ever want to leave. Proprietors Challis and Lauren Hodge are happy to walk patrons through the menu, going over portion sizes of each plate as well as most popular dishes.
They serve pintxos and tapas, which both come in small portions, perfect for sampling or sharing. Although the menu lists the food in Spanish, English translations are given underneath each item. One of the most popular dishes is crema de queso de oveja con higos secos – sheep’s milk cream cheese, dried fig and balsamic reduction on a baguette slice.
In addition to pintxos and tapas, Conserva also offers preserved seafood, which is served on a board with accouterments, Spanish olive oil chips and crostini. The eatery features a variety of Spanish wines, with glass and bottle choices, as well as cocktails. For a truly Spanish experience, pair your tapas with a glass of Sangria.
Before or after visiting Conserva, why not check out Taste on Elm right next door. From the same owners as Conserva, it offers many of the same concepts as Conserva but is worth its own visit.
Taste on Elm
Taste on Elm is a market and café focused on wine, bourbon and charcuterie necessities. The owners source products from other local businesses and curate a specialty selection to cover all your food needs.
The café serves sandwiches, charcuterie and soup. Like its sister eatery Conserva next door, Taste on Elm has ample outdoor seating to create a relaxing summer evening.
Second Sight Spirits
If booze alone seems too boring for an evening out with friends, Second Sight Spirits will liven up any evening. Inspired by their work in Las Vegas shows, owners Rick Couch and Carus Waggoner seek to excite, engage and entertain customers with the craft of distilling.
Second Sight Spirits boasts a dedicated following as a stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour. Its interior feels mysterious and features circus elements throughout, while still keeping distilling at the forefront.
Guests sit on bourbon barrels instead of chairs as they’re regaled with the history of Second Sights and entertained with circus stories, all while enjoying hand-crafted beverages. You can book tour reservations online, rent the lounge for special occasions or visit during regular weekend hours.
What to Know If You Go
1975 Burgers Shakes Fries
Location: 478 Elm St.
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 110 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday and Monday, closed
Phone: 859-909-1975
Website: https://1975burgers.com/
Conserva
Location: 225 Elm St.
Hours: Wednesday and Thursday, 5-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5-10 p.m.; Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, closed
Phone: 859-261-0680
Website: https://www.conservatapasbar.com/
Taste on Elm
Location: 227 Elm St.
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday and Monday, closed
Phone: 859-916-8488
Website: https://www.tasteonelm.com/
Second Sight Spirits
Location: 301 Elm St.
Hours: Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Monday through Thursday, closed
Phone: 859-488-7866
Website: https://www.secondsightspirits.com/about
Have a street, city or business you want to see featured? Email Maria Hehman at [email protected] and it could be featured in the next installment of LINK Streetscapes.