This story originally appeared in the Dec. 23 edition of the weekly LINK Reader. To see these stories first, subscribe here.
As exciting as the holidays are, few things compare to the stress of an airport during this time of year.
I recently stopped at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) for a flight to Las Vegas. Located in Hebron, CVG flies and welcomes millions of travelers every year. An October report from CVG shows nearly 5.6 million passengers have moved through the international airport this year alone – and that number spikes during November and December.
During my trip, I found spots that helped me ease the tension of travel. For this edition of Streetscapes, come fly with me at CVG.
Bruegger’s Bagels: Located at the Food Court
For those mourning the loss of Lil’s Bagels closing in Covington and craving a bagel, Bruegger’s Bagels is the perfect stop. Par for the course in a fast-moving airport, these folks were quick, friendly and efficient. By opening at 5 a.m., a line of 30 people quickly formed. Within 10 minutes, everyone had ordered, paid and was sent on their merry way.
Located in the main hub of restaurants at CVG, Bruegger’s mostly offers breakfast staples. With more than a dozen bagel and cream cheese flavors, hungry travelers can truly customize an order.
At 5 a.m., I stuck with a classic everything bagel with plain cream cheese, and my traveling partner had a bold start to her day with an onion bagel paired with a bacon scallion cream cheese.
Bagel-seekers shouldn’t let a line stop them from having a taste of Bruegger’s. Those behind the counter move like lightning and have orders ready before guests finish paying.
Hop and Cask: Located in Concourse B
Travelers with an evening departure or those in need of liquid courage to soothe preflight nerves should stop at Hop and Cask. They boast a large drink menu of beer, bourbon, and cocktails, and offer the same menu as most in-flight services.
Open from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Hop and Cask serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is only served till 10:30 a.m., but alcohol service is offered earlier in the day and few travelers would scoff at a beer with the most important meal of the day. Airports are populated all hours of the day and night, so any hour could be happy hour.
Beyond meal-worthy entrees, Hop and Cask offers flatbreads and Bavarian pretzels to tide hungry guests over until they reach their destination.
Christian Moerlein Malt House Taproom: Located at Concourse A
Famous for their beer, Christian Moerlein Malt House Taproom also offers bar essentials like burgers, sandwiches and salads. Travelers facing flight delays and weary from overpriced convenience store snacks may find comfort in the boards the Taproom offers. Like Hop and Cash, the Taproom also features giant pretzels from local bakery Servatii’s, served with house-made beer cheese and spicy mustard.
Those familiar with Moerlein restaurants may be acquainted with their short rib grilled cheese. Labeled a staple item on the menu, this classic sandwich with a twist features slow braised short rib, Moerlein sweet onion relish, Butterkase cheese, and toasted parmesan sourdough.
Having a place to relax and recharge until the next flight can help passengers forget about all the stress of navigating an airport. With threatening winter storms and high volumes of passengers during the end of the year, a little research can pay off when travel plans are changed – making a mundane stop on the way to the destination an enjoyable part of the journey.
Have a street, city or business you want me to check out next?
Email me [email protected] and it could be featured on the next segment of LINK Streetscapes.