This Streetscapes we check out some eateries in Erlanger along winding Stevenson Road – a tiny taqueria, a mom-and-pop coffee shop and a favorite brunch spot. Join us as we visit El Ocho Loco, the Coffee Bean and the Hive.
El Ocho Loco, Mexican Restaurant
El Ocho Loco is a perfect example for not judging a book by its cover. This restaurant is tucked next to a Mexican convenience store in a small-scale strip. Unless you’re looking for it, one can easily miss it from busy Stevenson Road. Once one finds it, though, a tiny taqueria with patio seating and some of the best authentic Mexican food in the area awaits.
Guests can order from their menu favorites of burritos, quesadillas and street tacos. Each comes with ample options of veggies or proteins, including some unique ones not found at area restaurants, like lengua, i.e., beef tongue.
Specials offer a variety of other authentic dishes: chimichangas, enchiladas and fajitas. All of the dishes come in generous portions and cost about the same as fast casual choices. Guests on the go can order online and pick up just as easily as from fast casual alternatives and get a meal they’ll actually love. (No skimping on portions of your burrito bowl … cough, cough, Chipotle.)
Ocho Loco’s flavor and ambiance make it a must visit. Visit in person to get a true cantina experience, whether you dine inside or on their perfect patio with a margarita or Modelo in hand.
The Coffee Bean
Only a few doors down from Ocho Loco, the Coffee Bean boasts a sizable space for either groups to catch up or independents looking for a quiet work space. Inside, the Coffee Bean’s bright interior is accented with pops of blue and white featuring statement chandeliers that illuminate the space. There’s abundant seating, couches that face a TV and fireplace to relax with a signature latte – or opt for bistro seating and enjoy one of many candy choices.
The Coffee Bean carries espresso-based drinks along with brewed choices, teas and refreshers. There’s a drink for every age and palate on the menu. The coffee flavor selection is one of the largest Streetscapes has seen. Pumpkin, marshmallow and lavender, just to name a few. The best part: This unique selection is available year-round.
The Coffee Bean also doubles as a candy and sweets shop. It sells flavored coffee syrups used in the drinks, along with chocolates, gummies and even small gifts like tumblers. With plenty of parking and just about the cutest environment a coffee shop has to offer, there’s always a reason to visit the Coffee Bean.
The Hive
The Hive has become a staple in the Erlanger community, but it has garnered interest from across the region thanks to its wide variety of breakfast and lunch staples. The Hive uses its unique space by splitting the former house into two parts, restaurant and cafe. The main level is home to the restaurant, serving brunch favorites, while upstairs is dedicated to a cafe and coffee bar.
Those dining in can choose among savory omelets, sandwiches or bowls to start the day. The BeeKeeper’s Breakfast Bowl with Glier’s goetta, potatoes, scrambled eggs and cheddar cheese is one of the most popular items. The Hive features an entire biscuit menu, from simple biscuits to classic biscuits and gravy to a biscuit “flight” with a sampling of jellies. The flight makes for the ideal breakfast appetizer.
On the sweet side, the Hive has pancakes and waffles in countless flavors. The star of the show is bourbon spiked French toast. If a little Bourbon for breakfast is wrong, we don’t want to be right (this is Kentucky, after all).
For lunch, choices include soups, salads, sandwiches and sides. Guests can order coffee drinks from the cafe menu or opt for a boozy brunch with a mimosa or bloody mary.
The cafe offers a quiet workspace or a more casual catch-up spot to indulge in coffee creations. The menu covers barista basics, and there are always seasonal drinks for added fun. To ensure a seamless working experience, Wi-Fi and AC outlets will power your devices while croissants and cappuccinos fuel you.
What To Know If You Go
El Ocho Loco
Location: 621 Stevenson Road, Erlanger
Hours: Sunday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Website: elochoky.com
Phone: 859-815-8348
The Coffee Bean
Location: 655 Stevenson Road, Erlanger
Hours: Sunday-Monday, closed; Tuesday, 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Wednesday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Phone: 859-640- 1936
The Hive
Location: 480 Erlanger Road, Erlanger
Hours: Sunday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
Website: thehiveerlanger.com
Phone: 859-495-5655
