Local Restaurants
Come South And Try Kentucky’s Alternatives to Restaurants in Cincinnati
It’s something of an understatement to say that we really love food at Willis Graves Bed & Breakfast. From the restaurants in Cincinnati to local options right here in Burlington, foodies will find a lot on offer.
I wanted to take a minute to introduce you to some of our local dining options. You can find something different from the restaurants in Cincinnati when you take a walk around the corner for a bite in Burlington. I know you’ll find something that you’ll absolutely love.
Family-Owned Local Restaurants in Northern Kentucky
You don’t even need to take the short drive to the restaurants in Cincinnati to find great dining options. Some of my favorite restaurants are right around the corner.
I love supporting independently owned family restaurants. You get to try unique local flavors. There are always friendly folks to meet, and I find that the dining experience is overall more authentic and more enjoyable.
You’ll find lots of chain restaurants in Cincinnati and even some here in Burlington. Maybe there are even some that you don’t have in your hometown. These are always open for discussion, but they’re not what I want to bring into focus today.
My Favorite Spots Within Walking Distance
We’re going to start from the closest to Willis Graves Bed & Breakfast, through to farthest. Keep in mind that they are all within walking distance, and Burlington is a small and safe place with a community-focused atmosphere. Take your pick of what sounds best to you, or even try them all while you stay with us.
The Tousey House Tavern is literally right around the corner. It’s a quick 5-minute stroll from your luxurious accommodation at Willis Graves. This is an American Restaurant with a Southern flair. Of course, being in Kentucky, they have great Bourbon. Greg is the friendly bartender who has served great mixed drinks, wines, and beer for as long as I can remember. The menu is very special with everything from Shrimp and Grits to mouthwatering Filet Mignon steaks. Just like Willis Graves Bed & Breakfast, Tousey House is in an old brick home and is as charming as you can imagine. The heritage and history of Northern Kentucky are on full display, with all the warm hospitality that you would expect.
The next stop is Washington Square Café. This lovely restaurant is in the oldest home in town. Here’s a bit of trivia – it was built by James Graves, the brother of Willis Graves who originally built our B&B. If you’re into burgers you’re going to love it here. Their big juicy handcrafted burgers go perfectly with fried pickles. The staff is lovely, and the owner is always fun and welcoming. You’ll find plenty of American classics from sandwiches to salads featuring local produce.
Still in town and just a few paces down the road is ZoZo’s. This is one of my favorites in the area and it brings a unique fusion twist that you won’t find even at the best restaurants in Cincinnati. ZoZo’s has an eclectic menu with strong Asian and Mexican influences. Choose from Dim Sum appetizers to Pho Noodle Soups or try their perfectly seasoned Tacos. There’s a bit of this and that which makes for a truly dynamic dining experience, and the crowd is local and very friendly. Meet new people and learn more about the area and you’ll want to come back again and again.
ZoZo’s is just a stone’s throw from the newly opened Dreamy Whip Ice Cream Shop, which is always popular on hot summer nights. It’s open April through to November and I recommend checking it out for an after-dinner soft-serve treat.
Take a Short Drive to These Restaurants
We’ve also got some great choices within 5 miles of our B&B. Take a short drive and you will be at a couple of my favorite spots.
Bourbon House Pizza is a local attraction and folks come from around Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky to dine here. It has the small-town feel that you won’t find at restaurants in Cincinnati, but the food is on another level.
Try a Deep Dish or Thin Crust Pizza made how you like it, or Italian dishes like Chicken Parmigiana, Meatballs, or a fresh salad. Their service is some of the friendliest that I’ve ever experienced and if you aren’t into the big-city feel of restaurants in Cincinnati, this is the spot for you. Primetime on busy nights comes with a bit of a wait but trust me, it’s worth it.
Another spot I’ve recently been to is Hebron Grille. I don’t know what took me so long! It’s about 5-miles from us and once you walk in, you’ll love the atmosphere. It’s always bustling, and the food will tell you why. They have some of the best Wings and BBQ around and all your favorite comfort dishes. Steaks and Salads are a must-try.
Finally, we can talk about one of the up-and-coming food spots in the MidWest. Covington is just across the river from Cincinnati and it’s just a 30-minute drive from our B&B. It’s starting to gain recognition as a top food city in the region, giving the restaurants in Cincinnati some serious competition. Whatever you love to eat, they have it. From Cajun to Asian, Mexican, Dutch, and American, there are plenty of bars, restaurants, and cafés. If you’re into Jazz or any type of music at all, you’ll love the thriving live entertainment scene here.
These are some of my picks for the best dining spots in Northern Kentucky. You don’t have to drive into the big city to eat well here.I recommend always checking out Trip Advisor to research new spots, or simply talk to me or one of my team while you’re staying with us. We are beyond passionate about food and are always ready to help with suggestions.
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