This story originally appeared in the June 16 edition of the weekly LINK Reader. To get these stories first, subscribe at linknky.com/subscribe.
Hungry? Thirsty? Come with Streetscapes to Houston and Bankers in Florence to enjoy a trio of delicious hangout options offering biscuits, bourbon, tacos, beer and the beloved, summer-perfect drink ranch water.
Maple Street Biscuit Co.
Breakfast and brunch lovers need look no further: Maple Street Biscuit Co., one of the newer restaurants in Florence, has Southern brunch down to a science. This mostly Southern-based chain opened its doors on Houston Road only a few months ago and has guests eagerly planning their next visit.
As its name makes clear, Maple Street Biscuit Co. serves biscuits in every way guests could imagine. From classics like biscuits and gravy to biscuit breakfast sandwiches, guests will have no shortage of options of the buttery, flaky bread. About half of the menu is composed of biscuit creations, but for patrons looking for a bit more variety, there are waffles, omelets and breakfast potatoes. Every item on the small menu packs immense flavor, and everyone will leave with full bellies.
Guests order at the front when they enter, and their food is brought out to them as it’s ready. Maple Street Biscuit Co. has a large interior as well as a smaller outdoor patio. Orange juice and mimosas are always flowing, along with other refreshing beverage options. For guests who need a caffeine kick in the morning, a coffee menu features interesting flavors, including a signature maple vanilla latte that is a sweet start to the day.
859 Taproom and Grill
Right off of Houston, on Bankers Street, hides the largest beer wall in Northern Kentucky. 859 Taproom and Grill is one of the best places in the area for beer, bourbon and bar food.
This family-owned and -operated establishment creates a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere for all ages. Its menu is primarily composed of traditional American foods as well as a smaller taco menu. The biggest category, both in variety and size, is the Wagyu burger menu. With a dozen choices, guests will have a hard time sticking to just one. Although the taco menu has half the options, they are consistent customer favorites. hrimp and fish tacos are even battered in the eatery’s 859 Lager and pair perfectly with the house brew.
Having the largest beer wall in all of NKY is an impressive feat for a beer-centric area. The place highlights local breweries, such as Alexandria Brewing Co. and Braxton Brewery, as well as offering patrons beers they might never have sampled before. There are still staples such as Bud and Miller for those who insist on the classics, but when there are that many other options, why not branch out and try something new?
The patio is open year-round but best enjoyed in the warmer months. Nothing beats an afternoon beer in the summer. With 17 TVs, there’s endless entertainment regardless of where guests sit.
859 Taproom recently added Saturday and Sunday brunch to its already lengthy offerings. It truly has something for every occasion.
Luna’s Bar and Grill
Right next door to 859 sits Luna’s Bar and Grill. Although Luna’s and 859 offer similar items, like tacos and burgers, their taste and specialties are vastly different. Luna’s primary drink offerings are derived from tequila. It has an entire cocktail menu dedicated to tequila drinks, from a classic margarita to Meximosa, its version of a mimosa. Guests have 13 options to choose from.
Ranch water has quickly become the drink of choice this summer, thanks to social media, but Luna’s was serving it long before influencers made it famous. Ranch water is made of Topo Chico sparkling water, blanco tequila and fresh lime juice. A light, refreshing drink, it’s obvious why it has become the summer beverage. Those who aren’t tequila drinkers, fear not: Luna’s also serves beer and wine.
While the bar-and-grill has an ample burger menu, the tacos steal the show and just feel like the right pairing with tequila. But who am I to tell you what to order?
Have a street, city or business you want to see covered next? Email Maria Hehman at [email protected] and it could be featured on the next installment of LINK Streetscapes.
What to Know If You Go
Maple Street Biscuit Co.
Location: 6785 Houston Road, Florence
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Website: locations.maplestreetbiscuits.com/en-us/ky/florence/florence/
Phone: 859-869-9700
859 Taproom and Grill
Location: 8720 Bankers St., Florence
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, noon-9 p.m.; Monday, closed
Website: the859taproom.com
Phone: 859-534-2802
Luna’s Bar and Grill
Location: 8660 Bankers St., Florence
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Website: lunasbarandgrillky.com
Phone: 859-817-0104