This week, we head back to Greenup Street in Covington. This stretch of Covington has gone through an abundance of change in the past few years (RIP Keystone and Lil’s Bagels), but, when one door closes, another delicious one opens. Join us for three restaurants from a true sports bar to upscale rustic dining.
By Golly’s
It’s tough to follow a well loved establishment like Keystone, but it’s always exciting to discover a spot that can become a new favorite. By Golly’s has two other locations, both in Cincinnati. They are casual sports bars best known for their burgers and wings.
Fans of traditional flavors are best served by the By Golly bacon burger with cheddar cheese, shredded iceberg lettuce, tomato, red onion and topped with By Golly’s signature sauce. The argument of pineapple on pizza has spread to pineapple on burgers. Those wanting to start a heated conversation can opt for a Lila Luau Burger. With swiss cheese, bacon seared pineapple and teriyaki BBQ sauce, the combination will silence any pineapple haters.
Nostalgia may cause patrons to crave Keystone’s marquee dish. By Golly’s chicken quesadilla, and fried mac and cheese bites will cure any hunger pangs. Salads, sandwiches, wraps and pizza round out the offerings.
The atmosphere is electric during football season, and on weekends By Golly’s serves brunch. (No one should tailgate on an empty stomach.) Its breakfast menu is smaller than the lunch and dinner menus, but the bases are covered: a breakfast burrito for savory fans and Belgian waffles for a sweet start.
What’s a sports bar without refreshments? There’s a full bar with beer, wine and cocktails, plus mimosa flights for brunch and beer buckets for late night. By Golly, they’ve got it all.
Blinkers Tavern
Blinkers has been such an established name on Greenup for years, it would be impossible to exclude them. The horse racing-themed restaurant is best known for its steaks, making this the perfect spot for a date night or special occasion. Their semi-upscale dining will give you quality food at a reasonable price.
Blinkers’ steaks have been named the best in NKY for 12 years, so it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about steaks. Besides them, entrees include salmon, pork chops and pastas. The linguine pasta primavera with a wine butter sauce and seasonal vegetables is perfect for vegetarians.
There’s an ample wine and bourbon menu along with signature cocktails to pair with the steaks.
Like its new neighbors, Blinkers also serves weekend brunch. Hot honey chicken biscuits and goetta eggs Benedict are just two reasons this weekend brunch is a must.
Governor’s House
Governor’s House Wine Bar and Italian Kitchen is in a historic 1800s mansion. Its beautiful decor marries modern style while honoring the original architecture. The gorgeous rustic interior creates a cozy ambiance for chilly days, while the alluring outdoor patio is adorned in string lights, lanterns on each table and fire heaters throughout.
There’s an extensive wine menu, along with all the foods one would want to pair with it. From charcuterie boards to pasta, your experience here will be nothing short of a dinner in Rome.
The menu rotates with the season – as it’s pumpkin season, there’s a pumpkin ravioli that makes a great sharable starter. Filet mignon, chicken parmesan and branzini all make for exceptional and filling entree choices.
Those with specific diets need not worry; there’s always a vegan item on the menu that best exemplifies the palate of the season. Governors House is a great spot for date night or girls night, and with a rotating menu there’s always a new reason to visit.
What To Know If You Go
By Gollys
Location: 313 Greenup St., Covington
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday 11-1 a.m.; Saturday 10-1 a.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Website: bygollys.com
Phone: 859-261-0569
Blinkers Tavern
Location: 318 Greenup St., Covington
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday, 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Website: blinkerstavern.com
Phone: 859-360-0840
Governor’s House Wine Bar and Italian Kitchen
Location: 314 Greenup St., Covington
Hours: Monday, closed; Tuesday-Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 4-11 p.m.; Sunday, 4-9 p.m.
Website: governorshouse.wine.com
Phone: 859-291-9463