Fairfield Avenue in Bellevue boasts countless restaurants, bars and shops for all occasions. Whether it’s a late night ice cream fix or a quick and casual meal, Fairfield has you covered. The spots we visit this week all offer riverfront views to watch a summer sunset.
Enson Harbor
Since its revival, Enson Harbor has been a go-to spot for guests wanting quality dim sum and drinks. The massive menu focuses on classic Chinese dishes highlighted by dim sum – small dishes wrapped in dough as well as dumplings. These dishes can be ordered steamed or pan fried with a variety of fillings.
Choices include gua bao (pork belly served in bao buns), a great starter for those new to dim sum. They’re served almost like a hard taco, but the bao buns are dense, fluffy and chewy. On the fried side are crab rangoon, scallion pancake, and salt and pepper calamari, to name just a few.
Those wanting a full entree beyond their dim sum can choose from stir fried bowls, boiled seafood or combo specials. Stir fry bowls offer traditional Chinese favorites, like orange chicken and jumbo shrimp. Seafood choices include clams, mussels, crawfish, shrimp, scallops, crabs and lobster.
For refreshments, Enson Harbor has a full-service bar, beer, wine, and house-made cocktails – perfect for sipping on the outdoor patio. Green tea, milk teas and smoothies are options all ages can enjoy. These refreshing beverages can also be customized with toppings or boba for an authentic addition to any meal. The laid-back indoor ambiance is great for a casual evening or guests with kids, but nothing beats the back patio’s views on a summer evening.
MRBL
MRBL is one of the most visually inspiring spots in Northern Kentucky. First, there are the stunning cityscape views outside, but MRBLs interior is just as appealing. The entrance welcomes guests with a watercolor wall. Leather dining chairs and green-tile bathrooms add to elevated – literally, since it’s on the fourth floor – ambiance. MRBL exudes modern elegance in each design choice.
To match MRBL’s physical elegance, its menu is also top of the line, primarily serving steak, seafood and sushi. For guests that really want to take advantage of the fine dining experience, MRBL has nine options for steak.
Those wanting lighter bites should opt for the sushi menu, including a surf and turf roll with shrimp tempura, avocado, garlic cream cheese, seared sirloin, eel sauce and fried onions. Asian green beans or crispy Brussels sprouts are great additions to any meal.
Many of the craft cocktails are playfully named and pay homage to the area. The Gincinnati (Cincinnati gin, St. Germain, plum syrup, sage simple and elderflower tonic) is a refreshing, crisp drink, perfect for sipping while admiring the illuminated nighttime views.
New Riff Distilling
New Riff is perfectly situated between Newport on the Levee and Bellevue’s Fairfield Avenue business district. This distillery offers a variety of tours to celebrate special occasions or to expand your distilling knowledge.
The massive facility serves both as a working distillery, where award-winning spirits are crafted, but also as an event space that offers an overlook to the river. Tours are the best way to get a full experience and can be booked online. This is great for larger groups or to bring out-of-town guests to get a full Kentucky experience.
In addition to tours, New Riff also has an onsite tasting room that doubles as a bar. There, visitors can enjoy cocktail creations featuring New Riff’s award-winning whiskeys – bourbons, ryes and limited-edition “riffs” – and gins. Though I’m not a bourbon fanatic, the guide did an excellent job of explaining the process and beverages. Bartenders also work with you to find a drink that’s best suited to your tastes.
Whether you book a tour or pop in for a drink at the Aquifer, this place is sure to treat guests to true Kentucky hospitality.
What to Know If You Go
Enson Harbor
Location: 25 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday, 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Website: ensonharbor.com
Phone: 859-360-6800
MRBL
Location: 119 Fairfield Ave., Suite 427, Bellevue
Hours: Monday-Tuesday, closed; Wednesday-Saturday, 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 4:30-9 p.m.
Website: mrblsteak.com
Phone: 859-431-6725
New Riff Distilling
Location: 24 Distillery Way, Newport
Hours: Monday, closed; Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Website: newriffdistilling.com
Phone: 859-261-7433