This Streetscapes, we head to Newport for brews and food on York Street. We’ll start with a local brewery, a revamped iconic restaurant and end with some comfort carryout.
Wooden Cask Brewery
Breweries are becoming as commonplace as bourbon bars in Kentucky. Wooden Cask has grown over the years, but its original York Street location started it all.
The microbrewery primarily serves its own small batch beers. Girl Next Door, a traditional blonde ale, and Kentucky Farmhand are among the most popular. Seasonal items – like Chocolate Caliente, a winter stout aged on cocoa nibs and chili peppers in whiskey barrels from another Newport staple, New Riff – rotate through the year.
Along with beers, Wooden Cask serves wines from its winery, Orchard Street, as well as housing a vast bourbon selection. To pair with the libations, there’s an inhouse BBQ joint to keep bellies full. Beards and Bellies Barbecue serves ample options for all ages. BBQ nachos, chili mac, smoked brisket sliders, ribs and wings – it has just about everything.
There may be a TV or two playing in the background, but you’ll notice TVs aren’t the focal point. Without the distraction of excited fans, Wooden Cask makes for the ideal spot to converse with friends over a flight of beers.
Since its start five years ago, Wooden Cask has opened a second Newport location, Wooden Cask at the Levee, at 1 Levee Way. Guests looking for added fun can book tickets to the Newport Gangster Tour. Wooden Cask is one of the stops at which they can learn more about the rich history of the city.
McCollum’s On York
York Street Cafe’s building didn’t stay vacant for long. The beloved restaurant closed last summer, but a new restaurant already has been warmly welcomed by fans of the former space. McCollum’s on York is the brainchild of Richard McCollum, a former York Street Cafe head chef.
The new regime replaced the quirky decor to elevate the space, making it a great spot for a date night or special occasion. The decor changes to match the season, too.
Like the decor, the menu changes with the season. Start with a seasonal cocktail and pair with a charcuterie board. It’s a great starter to sample the chef’s selection of meats, cheeses, breads, honeycomb, dried fruits and olives.
McCollum’s is best known for steaks of all sizes and cuts. Other entree options include chicken, bone-in pork chops, braised beef short ribs and fresh catch fish. Vegetarians needn’t fear: There are options for all palates and preferences. Peppernota tagliatelle is a vegetarian dish of peppers braised in red wine with tagliatelle pasta. Or opt for a veggie burger or one of many soup, salad or side offerings, like their black and blue salad, three cheese mac and cheese or Brussels sprouts.
Guests visiting this winter will be treated to a cozy ambiance that lets the historic building shine. When the weather warms up, the restaurant plans to revamp the patio and turn the second floor into a lounge with live, acoustic music.
Amol India Carryout
When the weather is cold and dreary, there are few things as comforting as eating carryout on the couch. Amol India is the solution for cold days when you need a cozy meal. A longtime staple of the area, Amol is known as having some of the best Indian food in NKY.
The menu is divided by core proteins – lamb, chicken, shrimp and fish – and another section for vegetarian choices. All entrees come with basmati rice. Before delving into the lamb korma or chicken curry, though, try one of Amol’s many appetizers. Samosas, crisp pastries that come with a variety of savory fillings, are a must-try.
Speaking of musts, it would be criminal to come here and not order a bread. It’s a great way to soak up any last drops of your tikka masala. For crispy bread, order a bhatura; for fluffy bread opt naan. Both come in a multitude of flavors, but newbies to Indian food should stick to plain or garlic naan to experience the best bread on the menu.
For refreshments, try one of the lassi drinks, yogurt-based beverages that double as a dessert. Although carryout is in Amol’s name, it does offer a small seating area inside for those that want a sit-down experience.
What to Know If You Go
Wooden Cask
Location: 629 York St., Newport
Hours: Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Monday, closed; Tuesday-Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday, 3 p.m.-midnight; Saturday, 11 a.m.-midnight.
Website: woodencask.com
Phone: 859-261-2172
McCollum’s on York
Location: 738 York St., Newport
Hours: Sunday-Monday, closed; Tuesday-Thursday, 5-9 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 5-10 p.m.
Website: mccollumsonyork.com
Phone: 859-261-0681
Amol India Carryout
Location: 527 York St., Newport
Hours: Sunday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Website: amolindiacarryout.com
Phone: 859-261-2317