This Streetscapes takes a look at some local businesses on Oakbrook Road in Florence. Just a few minutes away from a slew of chain outlets along Burlington Pike and U.S. 42, these places prove it’s worth taking a turn off the beaten path to a small strip of local businesses.
Bourbon House Pizza
Deep dish pizza lovers need not travel to Chicago for a slice of their favorite pie. They can just head to Oakbrook Road in Florence. Bourbon House Pizza has options for all: Customers can order both deep dish and traditional crusts – or one of three additional choices: vegan, cauliflower and gluten free. For a taste of the true Chicago-style dish, the Chi Town Favorite, with sausage, mushrooms and onions, is the perfect choice.
Bourbon House Pizza regulars also know about the ranch dressing. It’s so well-liked that the menu has a pizza for ranch lovers that contains “no pizza sauce, just ranch dressing, chicken, onion and bacon.” Those that truly love it can even purchase a Mason jar of the dressing to take home.
Bourbon House’s appetizers make up the largest section on the menu. There are wings and meatballs for carnivores, breaded mushrooms and jalapeno poppers for vegetarians, and every type of fry you can imagine for the table. Pasta, hoagies, salads and calzones ensure that even the pickiest eater will find something on the menu for them.
There’s a full bar, too, including (of course) bourbon to pair with any pizza.
Oakbrook Bakery
What’s really the point of living if one can’t indulge in delicious delights like a doughnut? There are few better places to satisfy that sweet tooth than Oakbrook Bakery, best known for stellar doughnuts. From traditional glazed to creative creations, it’s got it. Some of the fun flavors have included cookies and cream, maple bacon and raspberry filled. Yum!
Besides doughnuts, Oakbrook also creates cookies, cakes, croissants and pretzels. For a nostalgic treat, the cinnamon sugar pretzels will transport you back to middle school days of walking the mall with a warm pretzel in hand. Except Ms. Auntie Ann doesn’t hold a candle to these pretzels.
Oakbrook Bakery has become so well loved that it’s known to sell out. The best way to secure these scrumptious treats is visiting early or calling ahead. Or heck, grab a dozen. You can share with co-workers or just have a secret stash at home.
The Town’s End
The Town’s End is a perfect example of not judging a book by its cover. From the outside, it may look like a small strip mall storefront, but inside you’ll find a vibrant, friendly hometown bar with some seriously good food. The decor gives a rustic take on a classic Americana bar, with the bar prominently displaying an impressive bourbon and liquor lineup.
Although it’s on the smaller side, Town’s End uses its space well and without feeling crowded. There’s also an outdoor space with picnic tables and bistro seating to soak up the warm weather. For food, choose from a variety of bar classics, salads, sandwiches, burgers and plenty of appetizers to snack on. Check it out during a Bengals game to really get the full hometown bar experience.
What to Know If You Go
Bourbon House Pizza
Location: 7500 Oakbrook Road, Florence
Hours: Monday, closed; Tuesday-Wednesday, 3-9 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, noon-9 p.m.
Website: bourbonhousepizza.com
Phone: 859-282-7999
Oakbrook Bakery
Location: 7500 Oakbrook Road, Florence
Hours: Monday-Tuesday, closed; Wednesday-Friday, 6 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 6 a.m.-1 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m.-1 p.m.
Website: Facebook.com/Oakbrookbakery
Phone: 859-282-0695
The Town’s End
Location: 7500 Oakbrook Road, Florence
Hours: Monday, closed; Tuesday-Thursday, 3 p.m.-midnight; Friday-Saturday, 3 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m.-midnight
Phone: (859) 918-1065