This Streetscapes takes a look at the Burlington area. We visit a new hometown bar, sample some Chinese staples and take a detour to end with regionally famous ice cream. Join us!Â
Old Guy’s TavernÂ
Old Guy’s Tavern exudes hometown charm. As with any good dive bar, its main focus is on a relaxing atmosphere for hanging out or watching a game with a cold beer. Although it’s in the name, it isn’t a spot for just old guys. Old Guy’s offers draft, bottled and canned beer choices – plus a full selection of liquor.Â
Of course, no gameday is complete without some snacks. For food there are fried appetizers, pizza, wings and burgers – the bar classics that always taste good. The appetizers are great for sharing and pairing with a beer. Pickle chips, jalapeño poppers and potato skins all make for great halftime fuel. Those wanting a fuller meal may be better suited ordering the OGT or mushroom burger.Â
Old Guy’s interior has plenty of seating that doesn’t feel crowded in a smaller space and plenty of TVs so you’ll never miss a touchdown. It also has a spacious outdoor patio to enjoy the fall weather.Â
House of Tang
For classic Chinese dishes that are both delicious and reasonably priced, House of Tang is the place to visit. Its gigantic menu not only covers traditional Chinese items, but it also has a few American dishes to ensure that even the pickiest eaters can find something tasty.Â
Fried rice and pad thai are popular choices; guests can choose their proteins from chicken, beef, pork, shrimp or keep it simple with vegetables. For something unique, bourbon chicken is a great mix of Chinese flavors and Kentucky cuisine. Guests can never go wrong with kung po chicken or beef with broccoli.Â
Although Tang’s indoor space is small, guests can dine in or carry out; either way they’ll be treated to a delicious and fresh meal.Â
Dreamy Whip
Originally a food truck, Dreamy Whip quickly became a hit and opened a permanent location in Burlington in 2020. The name of this place is spot on: Its ice cream is so rich and decadent that creamy wasn’t a good enough adjective. Dreamy is spot on.Â
Upon walking up, you’re greeted by a cow having an ice cream cone. If that’s not the best advertising I’ve ever seen, show me what is. There are rotating weekly flavors, often inspired by the season, of soft serve (find out ahead through Dreamy Whip’s social media pages). End of summer flavors have included pineapple and watermelon Dole whip for refreshing treats on hot days. If you prefer classic flavors, you can always rely on chocolate, vanilla or swirl.Â
Although the soft serve is delicious enough to be their only offering, Dreamy Whip offers all the traditional ice cream parlor treats. Milkshakes, malts, floats, sundaes and fusions, their version of that other place’s treats named after winter storms.Â
If ice cream treats aren’t enough, Dreamy Whip also has a full coffee bar. For a taste of both, the frosted coffee, a blend of coffee and ice cream, is the best way to beat the heat while getting an added caffeine kick.Â
Dreamy Whip still operates the mobile ice cream trucks that inspired the brick and mortar location. They can be rented for parties or events. There are two options – a Sprinter van and food truck size – to handle any occasion. Whether it’s a backyard birthday party or a company picnic, guests of all ages will be delighted when they see Dreamy Whip roll up.Â
Old Guy’s Tavern
Location: 5987 Carlton Drive, Burlington
Hours: Monday-Wednesday, 2-11 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-midnight; Sunday, 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.Â
Website: oldguystavern.com
Phone: 859-534-5039
House of Tang
Location: 2534 Burlington Pike, Burlington
Hours: Monday, 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Tuesday, closed; Thursday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 4-10 p.m.Â
Website: houseoftangburlington.com
Phone: 859-689-7886
Dreamy Whip
Location: 3020 Washington Street, BurlingtonÂ
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday 4-10 p.m.; Saturday, noon-10 p.m.; Sunday, noon-9 p.m.
Website: dreamywhip.com
Phone: 859-534-0318