A few weeks ago, Hotel Covington and Meet NKY were kind enough to invite me up for a day. Dave and I had the best time exploring Covington and having a night away at Hotel Covington. I’m not sure if I had really ever spent time in Covington previously, and I’m not sure why not! It was the perfect getaway from Lexington with lots of great restaurants and a cute downtown to explore.
Where to Stay in Covington: Hotel Covington
Hotel Covington is a newer hotel that was originally a department store. It has a cool boutique vibe. The lobby is beautiful facing a giant bar and bourbon barrel display. Design elements include original pieces that were for sale at the department store, down to hats still in hat boxes. The rooms have a unique feel with artwork, fur throws and cool tile floors. I even noticed artwork by local artists and the snacks in the mini bar were local too. We had a corner room with a big comfy king size bed and slept like a baby!
What to do in Covington
Stroll through Mainstrasse Village
There are many German influences on northern Kentucky. The area around Main St is referred to as Mainstrasse Village, which is actually on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s filled with local restaurants, bars, coffee shops and boutiques. We strolled up and down before having brunch. I could have definitely filled an afternoon shopping and stopping at coffee shops/bakeries/bars. There’s even a food tour you can take.
Second Sight Distillery
Second Sight is certainly not your typical distillery experience. If you are looking for the traditional Kentucky distillery out in the country on a lot of land with rooted history, I would skip this one. But if you’re interested in the story of local entrepreneurs building a still from scratch, you should check it out! Second Sight is run by Rick Couch and Carus Waggoner, who have an interesting past of Las Vegas show set building that somehow ended them up building a still out of bartered parts and Craigslist finds. The tour is more of a presentation where you learn their story with a tasting. Second Sight makes whiskey, vodka, rum and moonshine. There is a also a bar and coffeeshop attached.
The B-Line
The B-Line is Northern Kentucky’s bourbon trail. There are distilleries, bars and restaurants to visit and a passport you can fill out.
Shopping
Shopping is always my preferred activity 😉 so I had to include a stop at Grainwell boutique! They make their own wood cut ornaments, coasters etc. that make great gifts, but also have a curated selection of gifts and accessories. I picked up a few things for myself! You should also check out Handzy boutique.
Newport Aquarium
Flying Axes
Where to Eat in Covington
Otto’s
This was probably my favorite meal we had in Covington! It’s a cute little southern style restaurant on Main St. We went for brunch and 100% recommend the fried green tomato BLT with a fried egg and eggs Benedict made with grit cakes. Otto’s is open for lunch, brunch and dinner.
Wunderbar
Funky, neighborhood spot with housemade sausages and other German nibbles, plus craft beers and a patio.
Baker’s Table
Baker’s was recommended to us by Meet NKY and it was such a great experience. It’s a farm to table restaurant in Newport that serves a two or three course menu. The food was very well done, and service was outstanding. Just a note, the menu is limited, so maybe not the best choice for picky eaters.
Lil’s Bagels
OMG were these bagels amazing! Lil’s has very unique flavors of bagels and cream cheese. Also a great cream cheese to bagel ratio (not stingy with the cream cheese!) I will definitely be stopping the next time I’m in Cincy/NKY. Just a note, the location is kind of hidden, you have to walk through the parking lot and it’s a small building.
Libby’s Southern Comfort
Great southern food, fried chicken, pimento cheese, deviled eggs, the works! Must try the goetta hush puppies.
Spoon: Kitchen & Market
We stopped here for a quick brunch when we got in town. They have a lot of lighter options and quick service, so it was perfect for grabbing something before heading to our distillery tour. There is also a market with grab and go items and local food and goods.
Cedar
Down-home restaurant serving brunch staples, burgers and salads, plus coffee and craft cocktails.
Bean Haus
German coffeeshop that also serves pastries. Loved the golden chai!
Mama’s Mornings
Coffee and exquisite looking pastries on Main St.
Frida 602
Whimsical, Frida Kahlo-inspired restaurant with creative Mexican fare and mezcal cocktails.
Bouquet
Comfy bistro offering seasonal American fare and an extensive wine list.
The Standard
A converted auto garage serving a casual menu and cocktails with cool outdoor dining.
Smoke Justis
Multilevel sports bar offering smoked meats, craft beers, numerous whiskeys, games and live music.
Eishaus
Coffee, pastries, casual menu and ice cream. They specialize in “spaghetti eis” kind of like dip n dots, but looks like spaghetti!
Haven Cafe
Coffee and beautiful looking pastries.
Kung Food Amerasia
Taiwanese dishes and a wide selection of craft beers in a kitschy spot with kung fu posters.
Point Perk Coffee
Coffee and pastries that provides employment opportunity for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Press on Monmouth
Airy, modern coffee shop in Newport with inventive breakfast and lunch offerings, espresso and draft beer.
The Purple Poulet
A southern bourbon bistro in Newport, Southern Living Magazine named their fried chicken the best in KY!
Coppin’s Restaurant & Bar
Locally sourced New American fare and cocktails in a rustic-chic gastropub at Hotel Covington.
Where to Get Drinks in Covington
Braxton Brewing
Craft beer native to NKY, Braxton has multi-levels including a cool rooftop bar.
Coppin’s
The bar at Hotel Covington has an extensive bourbon and spirits list plus great craft cocktails.
Covington Yard
A “container park” with a full bar, lots of outdoor space (dog friendly!), and food options from local vendors. Plus live music!
Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar
Craft cocktails and an extensive selection of whiskey in an upbeat setting.
Ripple Wine Bar
A massive wine selection and small plates.
Prohibition Bourbon Bar
The look and feel of a speakeasy with the largest collection of bourbon and rye whiskeys found anywhere in the world. The bourbon bar is only open Friday and Saturday and you should make reservations. Located in Newport!
Disclosure – our hotel stay and some activities were comped. As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Lex Eats!
