This story originally appeared in the Dec. 2 edition of the weekly LINK Reader. To see this story and others sooner, subscribe to the weekly newspaper here.
Earlier this year I visited Main Street in Covington, focusing on the latter half. Since then, I’ve had a flood of suggestions and these three spots are always among those. For this streetscapes, come with me to a morning on Main Street for all things breakfast and coffee.
Cedar: 701 Main St.
The concept at Cedar is simple: They want to serve “one-hour vacations to our guests,” and as all vacations should begin, I started with a mimosa. Although they have boozy coffee, bloody Marys and just about any cocktail you can think of, there really is something about a mimosa with brunch that just feels right.
Cedar isn’t a simple breakfast diner. They serve unique, flavorful and filling meals I wouldn’t even begin to know how to cook at home.
I opted for the Hangover, a house-made breakfast bowl of potatoes, chorizo, avocado, sunny eggs, crema, cilantro, jalapeño, and house pico, which paired perfectly with my mimosa. I was expecting a meal this hearty to be greasy, but the addition of pico and avocado not only added flavor, it added a lightness to the meal that I’ve never had in a breakfast bowl before.
For those seeking comfort in their morning meal, Cedar offers a biscuit bowl, featuring buttermilk biscuits made in-house, chorizo lamb sausage gravy, fried egg, and green onion. For a Southern classic, reach for their chicken and waffles. This dish offers a fried chicken thigh and a candied bacon waffle, served with Nashville hot honey syrup and two slices of candied bacon.
With a gorgeous interior and kind staff, it’s clear why Cedar fills up quickly. Guests can grab drinks at the bar while they wait, and pass the time on their patio tables during warmer weather.
Bean Haus: 640 Main St.
As long as it isn’t snowing out, I will be ordering an iced coffee. While waiting at Cedar, leaving Bean Haus with the largest coffees I have ever seen. Someone had a coffee that was literally served in a soup bowl, and I almost changed my order but wasn’t sure if I could handle all that caffeine.
I ordered an iced pumpkin spice latte, a controversial classic. The pumpkin was the perfect mix of sweet to complement bold coffee. I mentioned I will always order an iced coffee unless it’s snowing, and the same goes for sitting outside. We sat on the patio and people-watched on a busy Sunday morning, where we saw soup bowl-sized coffee, pastries and sandwiches being brought outside to other patrons braving the cold.
As much as I love my iced coffee, I made a trip back inside to have one of these giant coffees and maybe a pastry or two.
Mama’s on Main: 621 Main St.
Everyone has been talking about Mama’s. Like most of NKY, I have been desperately trying to get a reservation here for their authentic Italian cuisine. A friend of mine suggested I visit them on weekends for Mama’s mornings, when they serve coffee and pastries.
I have attempted to come here twice, and the first time they were completely sold out, but I met the most fabulous man in pajamas who suggested I come even earlier next time. He said there would probably be a line out the door before they open. You’ll never find me in a line for a club or bar, but I will wait hours for a coffee and croissant.
The second visit there was a line, but to me that was good news. It meant there were warm pastries and coffee waiting for me inside.
I stocked up on some pastries that are well worth an Instagram post. I will eventually make it for their famous pesto and marinated olives, but until then at least I have their fresh-baked pastries to give me a little Italian experience.
Mama’s on Main serves pastry and espresso Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until pastries sell out.
For those interested in their evening service, inspired by classic New York Italian eateries, Mama’s is open Tuesday through Thursday, 5 to 9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday, 5 to 10 p.m.
And for anyone who can’t get through the door of this popular restaurant, they regularly tease appetites on Instagram, found at @Mamas_Mornings and @Mamas621Cov.
Have a street, city or business you want me to check out next? Email me at mchehman@gmail.com and it could be featured on the next installment of LINK streetscapes.
