This story originally appeared in the Feb. 24 edition of the weekly LINK Reader. To see these stories first, subscribe here.
This week, Streetscapes visits Fort Mitchell and Crescent Springs to visit three restaurants that offer live music, spacious patios, great food and atmosphere.
Grandview Tavern
Upon entry, a bench with a statue of Jim Beam welcomes guests.
Grandview offers dishes ranging from pizza to filet mignon. Their black and bleu salad has earned its fame in Northern Kentucky, with blackened flat-iron steak, mixed greens, tomato, green apple, bleu cheese crumbles, onion straws all tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette.
For those hungry for more than a salad, Grandview’s bowls are a hearty and healthy option come lunchtime.
For visitors looking for a happy hour, they offer a generous cocktail and wine menu, as well as numerous draft beer options. And if you prefer to drink your dessert, Grandview serves a snickerdoodle cocktail, made with vanilla and cinnamon vodkas, Frangelico, Kahlua and cream. It’s a sweet and strong drink to end the evening.
In addition to its food and relaxed atmosphere, Grandview Tavern offers live music alongside regular specials as the menu changes throughout the week.
Behle Street by Sheli
Behle Street combines Cajun tradition with home-cooked comfort food. Their Creole-inspired pastas are among their most-requested dishes, and they serve more than nine different options.
The capellini Behle Street is among them. It’s an angel hair pasta tossed with olive oil, basil plum tomatoes, garlic and oregano for a light, flavorful dish. Those searching for more than pasta can find meatloaf and shepherd’s pie on Behle’s menu as well.
The interior of Behle Street is cozy, with additional seating created on the patio.
During cold months, diners are warmed by heaters above and festive blankets on each seat. The restaurant is located nearby train tracks, so servers will offer beer to guests for $1.99 if ordered while a train passes the dining room.
With live music every night and some of the best food in NKY, this quaint restaurant may have guests contemplating a trip to New Orleans.
Pee Wee’s Place
Nearby Behle Street is Pee Wee’s Place, the epitome of a hometown bar. Their slogan, “great fun, great food, great friends,” succinctly describes the Pee Wee’s experience.
They serve American classics like burgers, wings, and fried sides ranging from tater tots to fried pickles. Guests can pair their meals with a beer bucket as well. During warm weather, visitors can sit on the patio and porch for a peek at Pee Wee’s volleyball league.
When the weather is too cold to sit outside, they offer plenty of indoor seating. During March Madness, Pee Wee’s fills with excited Kentucky fans, standing shoulder-to-shoulder. Even during those peak hours, there always seems to be at least one table available for the newcomer.
While Pee Wee’s is best known for its bar offerings, it’s not common knowledge that they are also open for breakfast. During the morning hours, they serve staples like eggs, bacon, biscuits and gravy, hashbrowns and cups of coffee – transforming from a neighborhood bar into a hometown staple for any season, any time of day.