A steak from Walt's Hitching Post in Fort Wright. Photo provided | Walt's Hitching Post

This story originally appeared in the Feb. 7, 2025 edition of the LINK Reader. To get stories like this first, subscribe here.

This week we head to Fort Wright to visit a longtime date-night and special occasion staple, along with two eateries for quick and casual meals. Join us as we sample Chinese at Hot Wok, Mexican at Mi Tierra and steak at Walt’s Hitching Post.

Hot Wok 

The small strip mall up the hill is home to two ethnic eateries for cheap and casual meals. Hot Wok serves Chinese favorites in a small setting with ample options. Its interior features Chinese decor with a sky blue ceiling that adds a touch of sunshine on cold days. 

The menu covers the basics: egg rolls, dumplings, crab rangoon, fried rice and lo mein, to name just a few. For entrees, there’s everything from classic orange chicken to bourbon chicken as well as bang bang Shrimp and crunchy sweet shrimp. Regardless of what flavors you prefer, Hot Wok has the options to suit all. 

Along with ample meat choices, Hot Wok also has a lengthy vegetarian menu. The restaurant offers online ordering for those who prefer eating take-out on the couch at home, along with indoor dining. 

Mi Tierra 

Nothing cures the winter blues quite like a jumbo margarita and endless chips and salsa. Mi Tierra Mexican Restaurant is the perfect tucked-away oasis to liven up a dreary day. 

Starting with anything other than a margarita just feels wrong, but in case margaritas aren’t your thing, opt for a Modelo beer or one of the many wine choices. For entrees there are carnitas, burritos, quesadillas, fajitas and enchiladas for those looking for Tex-Mex dishes. Guests wanting more authentic Mexican choices should opt for street tacos or molcajete, a combination of steak, chicken, shrimp and Mexican sausage with cactus, green onions, jalapenos, grilled Mexican cheese served in a traditional stone bowl. 

The generous portions are plenty to keep guests full, but save some room for dessert. With choices of churros, fried ice cream, flan or sopapillas (deep fried tortillas with honey, butter and cinnamon).  

The large interior supports couples to large parties, so no matter the occasion there’s always space at Mi Tierra. 

Walt’s Hitching Post

For a fine dining experience, drive a few minutes down the road to Walt’s Hitching Post on Madison Pike. Walt’s is renowned for its steak, bourbon and rich history. Walt’s food is famous, but it also draws in famous faces. With the uptick in movies filmed in the area and local sports teams finally finding some success, Walt’s is one of the places celebrities like to dine when in town.

The food of course is the main draw. The steaks are synonymous with fine dining, the mention of Walt’s salted rye bread makes mouths water and the cocktails are always refreshing. Walt’s was originally best known for ribs and fried chicken liver. They’re still staples of the menu, but the steak selection is among the best in the area.  

Other than food, the old money décor and ambiance is a huge draw. Walt’s stuck with tradition, and, although it’s gone through renovations over the years, it held onto its roots and quiet luxury look. Walt’s has a theme of Kentucky horse racing throughout the restaurant, and many of the rooms even pay homage to local horse racing celebrities and clubs. 

What To Know If You Go

Hot Wok 

Location: 3420 Valley Plaza Parkway, Fort Wright 

Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Tuesday, closed; Friday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Website: chanshotwokwright.com

Phone: 849-341-7700

Mi Tierra 

Location: 3420 Valley Plaza Parkway, Fort Wright

Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Website: mitierrafortwright.com

Phone: 859-331-1234

Walt’s Hitching Post

Location: 3300 Madison Pike, Fort Wright

Hours: Sunday-Saturday 5-9 p.m.

Website: waltshitchingpost.com

Phone: 859-360-2222