This story originally appeared in the Nov. 24, 2023 edition of the LINK Reader. To get stories like this first, subscribe to our weekly print newspaper here.
In the past year, NKY has seen beloved eateries close. But as the saying goes, when one door closes, another opens. Madison Avenue is no stranger to new businesses. For this Streetscapes, we delve into three newer additions to the Cov, including two that opened this year. Join us as we head back to Covington for Southern comfort staples, sushi and sake, and grilled goodness.
Honey Uninhibited
For Southern comfort and good vibes, there are few places that match Honey Uninhibited. This bar and restaurant opened inside the Towers of Rivercenter earlier this year. Its mostly known for boozy brunches, but it is open for lunch and dinner, as well.
It has an original location in Miami, owned by former Bengals player Carlos Dunlap, who wanted to bring Southern staples to the Cincinnati area.
For those visiting before a Whodey Sundey, brunch options will give them the fuel they need to make it through tailgating and the game. Starters, called stingers on their menu, include Southern-inspired jalapeno honey cornbread and fried green tomatoes. For those wanting a traditional savory brunch, try the omelets or the eggs Benedict, including an oxtail benny with a grit cake, poached egg and stewed oxtail topped with hollandaise sauce.
For sweet options, the red velvet pancakes are a standout. Those wanting something a little sweet and savory should try the sweet chick with fried chicken, French toast and fresh berries, served with spicy honey and maple syrup.
Dinner options include lobster mac and cheese, hot honey Brussels sprouts, and fish and grits. So, no matter what time guests visit, there’s a Southern dish waiting. There are vegan and vegetarian items, as well as items that can be made vegan, so no one misses out on the delicious dishes. There’s a full-service bar featuring mimosas in every flavor imaginable. Because, what’s brunch without a mimosa?
Maki Mono
Although Maki Mono is the longest-reigning business in this segment of Streetscapes, it’s fairly new in comparison to the other staples on Madison Avenue. Maki Mono opened on Madison in 2022. It’s a Japanese-infused restaurant and bar specializing in sushi and sake.
For sushi, it has over 50 choices — from fried favorites like the crab rangoon roll to a classic California roll, there is plenty to sample. For those wanting something a little out of the box, the taco roll with spicy tuna, avocado, Doritos, lettuce, tortilla chips, cilantro, taco sauce and spicy mayo is a fun and flavorful option.
Outside of sushi, guests can order ramen, dumplings, a variety of tempuras and fried rice, just to name a few. To best pair with the many offerings of sushi, there’s an impressive selection of sake, rice wine, with over 35 options.
Maki Mono offers both carryout and dining options. It has both a sushi bar as well as a regular bar, so whether guests come for sake or sushi, there’s a seat ready.
Opal Rooftop
One of the most anticipated additions to the Greater Cincinnati area in 2023 has been Opal.
Opal takes elevated dining very literally; the restaurant is on the seventh floor of the Republic Bank building. Other than being elevated in air, the dining experience is a mix of fine dining and casual. Guests are treated to river views, craft cocktails and a curated menu focused on grilled entrees.
What makes its dishes unique is the use of an open-fire grill, the only one within a two-hour radius of the Greater Cincinnati area. Opal refers to it as the “centerpiece of our kitchen.” Because of this, it has a smaller menu in comparison to large chains; but with as tasty as each dish is, guests will have a hard time ordering just one item.
Starters are all sharable items, mostly consisting of vegetables and breads. The cauliflower is a great light dish to snack on before delving into a big entree. It’s grilled on the wood-fire grill, served with citrus supreme, fennel pollen, salsa brava, feta and marcona almonds. Another tasty light bite to start is the grilled toast, topped with cherry goat cheese, honey, Biquinho peppers and microgreens.
For entrees, guests can choose from five proteins. Duck, steak, fish, chicken or burgers are all grilled and dressed with complementary flavors and sides.
For drinks, there are classic and craft cocktails. The Opalescent — a vodka-based beverage with egg white, apricot liquor, strawberry honey and lemon juice — is both luxurious and delicious.
Opal has a main dining room as well as a lounge and bar. Guests have eagerly awaited Opal’s arrival and have been flocking to its rooftop since the opening, Opal highly recommends reservations. However, for the last-minute planners and spur-of-the-moment patrons, it does have first-come, first-served options at the lounge and bar. As the cooler months are on the horizon, be sure to check out thee cityscape views while they’re available.
What To Know If You Go
Honey Uninhibited
Location: 50 E Rivercenter Blvd., Suite 50, Covington
Hours: Sunday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Website: honeyuninhibited.com
Phone: 859-261-1222
Maki Mono
Location: 715 Madison Ave., Covington
Hours: Monday, 4-10 p.m.; Tuesday, closed; Wednesday and Thursday, noon-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m.-midnight; Sunday, 1-9 p.m.
Website: makimoncov.com
Phone: 859-415-0127
Opal Rooftop
Location: 535 Madison Ave., Floor 7, Covington
Hours: Monday, closed; Tuesday-Thursday, 4-11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4-midnight; Sunday, 4-9 p.m.
Website: opalrooftop.com
Phone: 859-261-0629